JP2008188178A - Ultrasonic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus providing high-resolution tomographic image information of a target position in the focal depth direction without sacrificing a real-time property. <P>SOLUTION: This ultrasonic imaging apparatus changes the focal depth position (indicated by a lozenge symbol) of a B mode image 117 in the alignment direction of a probe array 10 along the position of an M mode line 109 set on the B mode image 117 so as to improve the resolution of the M mode image while securing the real-time property of acquiring image information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging apparatus that electronically focuses transmission / reception ultrasonic waves at a focal depth position and performs electronic scanning in the arrangement direction of a probe array.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus has a probe array composed of piezoelectric elements arranged in an array in a probe portion. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus acquires tomographic image information by performing electronic scanning in the arrangement direction of the probe array. In this electronic scanning, when an ultrasonic wave is irradiated into a subject to which the probe array is in close contact, electronic focusing is performed to improve the resolution of tomographic image information.

  In electronic focus, a plurality of adjacent piezoelectric elements are driven with a slight time difference, and at the focal depth position that exists at a certain distance in the direction of ultrasonic irradiation, the ultrasonic waves overlap in phase and form a focal point. (For example, refer nonpatent literature 1, p93-95.). In this case, high-resolution tomographic image information is acquired in the vicinity of the focal depth position inside the subject.

On the other hand, when the electronic focus is used, the area other than the vicinity of the focal depth position inside the subject becomes tomographic image information with low resolution. As a means for overcoming this, there is a multistage electronic focus that forms a single piece of tomographic image information by combining a plurality of pieces of tomographic image information having different focal depth positions. In the multistage electronic focus, the image of the tomographic image information has high resolution over a wide area.
Edited by the Japan Electronic Machinery Manufacturers Association, "Revised Medical Ultrasound Equipment Handbook" Corona Publishing, January 20, 1997,

  However, according to the background art described above, the resolution of the acquired tomographic image information and the real time property are in an alternative relationship, and it is difficult to achieve both. That is, in the electronic focus, the real-time property of the tomographic image information is high, but the resolution is high only at the focal depth position. In multi-stage electronic focus, it is necessary to send and receive multiple times to form one piece of tomographic image information. Although real-time performance is low, resolution is high at multiple focal depth positions, and overall image quality is improved. To do.

  In particular, with the enhancement of functionality of ultrasonic imaging apparatuses, there are ultrasonic imaging apparatuses that perform M-mode display along an M-mode line that faces an arbitrary direction of an imaging cross section. The M mode is for observing a time change of the B mode image existing on the M mode line, and requires a high real time property, and a high resolution B mode image exists along the M mode line. It is preferable. According to the above background art, it is difficult to achieve both high real-time performance and high resolution in this M mode display.

  Further, there is a case where a puncture needle inserted into a subject is monitored using an ultrasonic imaging apparatus. The puncture needle is inserted in a substantially oblique direction along the puncture guideline (guide line) displayed in the B-mode image from the guide attachment of the probe unit into the subject. In this insertion, it is preferable to image the position of the puncture needle in the subject along the puncture guideline with high real-time properties and to image the tip of the puncture needle with high resolution. According to the background art described above, it is difficult to achieve both a high real-time property and a high resolution for the B-mode image along the puncture guideline.

  For these reasons, it is important how to realize an ultrasonic imaging apparatus that obtains high-resolution tomographic image information at a target position in the focal depth direction without sacrificing real-time characteristics.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the background art, and is capable of acquiring high-resolution tomographic image information at a target position in the focal depth direction without sacrificing real-time performance. An object of the present invention is to provide a sound wave imaging device.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a probe array in which piezoelectric elements are arranged, and ultrasonic waves using the probe array. When performing transmission / reception, setting a focal depth position in an irradiation direction of ultrasonic waves generated by the piezoelectric elements orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the arrangement, electronically focusing the ultrasonic waves of transmission / reception at the focal depth position, and A transmission / reception unit that performs electronic scanning in the arrangement direction; and a focal position control unit that changes the focal depth position for each scanning position of the electronic scanning.

  In the invention according to the first aspect, the depth of focus position when performing electronic scanning is changed in the arrangement direction.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the focal depth position information for each scanning position is set in the focal position control unit. Position setting means is provided.

  In the invention of the second aspect, the operator changes the focal depth position for each scanning position by the focal position setting means.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the invention of the third aspect is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the arrangement direction and the irradiation are based on the ultrasonic wave acquired by the electronic scanning. An image processing unit that forms tomographic image information of an imaging section including a direction and a display unit that displays the tomographic image information are provided.

  In the invention of the third aspect, tomographic image information is displayed on the display unit.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the second and third aspects, wherein the focal position setting means displays an image of tomographic image information displayed on the display unit. Are provided with a focal position line indicating a focal depth position for each scanning position.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, the operator easily recognizes the relationship between the tomographic image information and the focal depth position by the focal position line.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the focal position setting means stores information on the focal depth position. An input unit for inputting is provided.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the input unit includes a line position changing unit that changes the position of the focal position line. It is characterized by.

  In the sixth aspect of the invention, the position of the focal position line, that is, the focal depth position is changed as part of the normal input operation.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the display unit displays the M-mode display of the tomographic image information. When performing, the image of the tomographic image information includes an M mode line indicating a position where the M mode display is performed.

  In the seventh aspect of the invention, an M mode line indicates a place where tomographic image information is displayed in M mode.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the invention of the eighth aspect is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the fourth and seventh aspects, wherein the focal position setting means sets the M mode line as the focal position line. It is characterized by that.

  In the invention of the eighth aspect, the focal depth position is set by the M mode line.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the display unit punctures the image of the tomographic image information. A puncture guideline indicating the insertion position is provided.

  In the ninth aspect of the invention, the insertion position of the puncture needle is indicated by the puncture guideline.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the invention of the tenth aspect is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the fourth and ninth aspects, wherein the focal position setting means uses the puncture guideline as the focal position line. It is characterized by.

  In the tenth aspect of the invention, the focal depth position is set according to the puncture guideline.

  According to the present invention, since the focal depth position of the electronic focus is changed in the arrangement direction of the probe array, the tomographic image information at the focal depth position along the M mode line or the puncture guideline is converted into the normal focus. It can be obtained with exactly the same real-time property as tomographic image information with a fixed depth position, and a high-resolution M-mode image or a high-resolution puncture guideline vicinity region image can be displayed to improve diagnostic ability.

The best mode for carrying out an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited thereby.
(Embodiment 1)

  First, the overall configuration of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 includes a probe unit 101, a transmission / reception unit 102, a B-mode processing unit 103, a cine memory unit 104, an image display control unit 105, a display unit 106, an input unit 107, and a control unit 108. Including. The image display control unit 105, the display unit 106, the input unit 107, and the control unit 108 form a focal position setting unit.

  The probe unit 101 irradiates ultrasonic waves to a portion for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves, that is, a subject, and receives ultrasonic echoes (echo) reflected from the inside of the subject as time-series sound rays. . The probe unit 101 is also a part for electronic scanning while sequentially switching the irradiation direction of ultrasonic waves. As described later, the probe unit 101 includes a probe array in which piezoelectric elements are arranged in an array, and an analog multiplexer that selects the piezoelectric elements and performs electronic scanning.

  The transmission / reception unit 102 is connected to the probe unit 101 by a coaxial cable, and receives a pulser that generates a high-voltage electric signal for driving the piezoelectric element of the probe unit 101 and a receiver. An amplifier that performs first-stage amplification of the reflected ultrasonic echo is included. The transmission / reception unit 102 includes a plurality of pulsers and amplifiers that are driven almost simultaneously to perform electronic focusing.

  The B-mode processing unit 103 is a part that performs processing for generating a B-mode image in real time from the reflected ultrasonic echo signal amplified by the transmission / reception unit 102. The specific processing contents include delay addition processing of the received reflected ultrasonic echo signal, A / D (analog / digital) conversion processing, digital information after the conversion to the image display control unit 105 or B-mode image information. For example, a process of writing in a cine memory unit 104 to be described later. When the M mode is selected, image information specified by an M mode line described later is extracted from the B mode image information and transmitted to the image display control unit 105.

  The cine memory unit 104 is an image memory, and stores the B mode image information generated by the B mode processing unit 103.

The image display control unit 105 displays the display frame rate (frame) of the B mode image information generated by the B mode processing unit 103.
rate), a portion for performing M-mode display and image display shape and position control.

  The display unit 106 includes a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like, and displays a B-mode image and an M-mode.

  The input unit 107 includes a keyboard or a track ball, and an operation input signal is input by an operator. For example, there is an operation input means for selecting display in the B mode, display in the M mode, line position changing means for setting and inputting a position on the B mode image of the M mode line or puncture guideline described later, and the information Is a part for giving the control part 108.

  The control unit 108 controls the operation of each unit of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus described above based on the operation input signal, the line position information, and the program (program) and data (data) stored in advance. Part.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing details of the probe unit 101, the B-mode processing unit 103, and the like. The probe unit 101 includes a probe array 10 and an analog multiplexer 11, and the B-mode processing unit 103 includes a reception beamformer 21, a transmission beamformer 22, and a focal position control unit 20. Including. The probe array 10 is a one-dimensional array of piezoelectric elements.

  The analog multiplexer 11 is a high withstand voltage analog electronic switch (switch) having input / output terminals connected to the piezoelectric elements of the probe array 10 in a one-to-one relationship and input / output terminals connected to the transmission / reception unit 102 in a one-to-one relationship. Have. For example, in the case of the probe array 10 having 256 channels of piezoelectric elements and the transmitter / receiver 102 having 64 channels of transmission / reception circuits, the analog multiplexer 11 is connected to the probe array. There are 256 channel connection terminals on the side, and 64 channel connection terminals on the side connected to the transmission / reception circuit.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the operation of the analog multiplexer 11 and the operation of ultrasonic pulses transmitted / received by the probe array 10. FIG. 3 shows an example of the transmitter / receiver 102 having the probe array 10 and a 5-channel transmitter / receiver circuit. The analog multiplexer 11 selects adjacent five-channel piezoelectric elements that perform transmission / reception from the probe array 10 arranged in an array. Note that the selection information of the piezoelectric element that performs transmission / reception, that is, the position information of the sound ray that transmits / receives the ultrasonic wave is input from the control unit 108 to the analog multiplexer 11.

  In the example of FIG. 3, image information that forms one sound ray in the B-mode image is transmitted and received by the selected five piezoelectric elements. In this transmission / reception, a large delay time is added to the transmission start pulse or the received reflected ultrasonic echo in the channel located at the center. Due to this delay operation, the transmitted ultrasonic waves overlap in the same phase at the focal depth position at a predetermined depth in the sound ray direction where the ultrasonic waves are irradiated from the surface of the probe array, and are focused. The depth of focus position is expressed using a coordinate axis having the origin on the surface position on the probe array 10 where the ultrasonic wave is irradiated and having a positive value in the ultrasonic wave irradiation direction. Therefore, the value of the depth of focus position and the depth of focus, which is the distance from the surface of the probe array 10 to the focus, have the same value, and are treated as equivalent in the following.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows how the focal point is formed at the locus of the ultrasonic pulse and the focal depth position using the solid line of the sound ray 1 and the broken lines of the sound rays 2 and 3. The received ultrasonic echo is delayed and added between the selected piezoelectric elements. The reflected ultrasonic echo in the irradiation direction with the delay added forms B-mode image information on one sound ray that is focused at the focal depth position in the same manner as the transmission. FIG. 3 shows a scanning position when electronic scanning of sound rays 1, 2, 3,... Constituting the B-mode image is performed.

  The analog multiplexer 11 performs electronic scanning by moving the position of the selected piezoelectric element, for example, one by one in the arrangement direction in which the piezoelectric elements are arranged. By this electronic scanning, the sound ray moves by the size of one piezoelectric element in the arrangement direction. In FIG. 3, sound ray positions that move in the arrangement direction by electronic scanning are shown by broken lines. FIG. 3 schematically shows a case where the depth of focus position does not change due to electronic scanning.

  The B mode processing unit 103 includes a reception beam former 21, a transmission beam former 22, and a focal position control unit 20. The transmission beam former 22 generates a trigger signal that drives the pulser of the transmission / reception unit 102. In this trigger signal, the ultrasonic wave emitted from the probe is focused on the focal depth position of the sound ray. The reception beamformer 21 delays and adds the reflected ultrasonic echo received by the piezoelectric element so as to focus on the focal depth position of the sound ray, and forms a reception echo on the sound ray.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the operation of electronic focusing based on the operation of the reception beamformer 21. Note that the electronic focus performed by the transmission beam former 22 at the time of transmission of ultrasonic waves is the same as the operation of the reception beam former 21. FIG. 4 shows the delay addition of the reflected ultrasonic echo reflected from the focal position when there are five transmission / reception circuits in the transmission / reception unit 102 as in the example shown in FIG. The receive beamformer 21 includes a delay circuit 31 and an adder circuit 32. The five piezoelectric elements have different distances from the focal point, and the reception times of the reflected ultrasonic echoes from the focal position are different as shown in FIG. Here, the delay circuit 31 performs different delays for each piezoelectric element, so that the output of the reflected ultrasonic echo of the delay circuit 31 is temporally in phase. The reflected ultrasonic echoes having the same phase are added by the addition circuit 32 and transmitted to the image display control unit 105 as image information on the sound ray.

の式（１）で与えられる。なお、ｄ：圧電素子の配列方向の距離、ｖ：被検体内音速、Ｆ：焦点と探触子アレイ１０の距離（焦点深度）、ｍ：送受信を行う選択された圧電素子の数である。 Here, the delay time τ _i of the reflected ultrasonic echo received by the i-th piezoelectric element is

Is given by equation (1). Here, d: distance in the arrangement direction of the piezoelectric elements, v: sound velocity within the subject, F: distance between the focal point and the probe array 10 (depth of focus), m: the number of selected piezoelectric elements that perform transmission / reception.

  On the other hand, the transmission beamformer 22 also forms a trigger signal having a delay time exactly the same as the delay time of the reception beamformer 21 given by the equation (1), and an ultrasonic echo having the same phase at the focal position in the subject. Is generated by the pulsar.

  The reception beamformer 21 and the transmission beamformer 22 can be configured using either an analog circuit or a digital circuit. For example, when an analog circuit is used, it is configured using a delay line and an analog switch connected to an output tap corresponding to the delay time of the delay line (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1, p106-109). The delay time can be switched substantially in real time by a switch selection signal of the analog switch.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the focal position control unit 20, based on the position information of the M mode line from the control unit 108 described later, the focal depth position for each acoustic ray and the piezoelectric element of each acoustic ray based on this focal depth position. Calculate the delay time. Then, when scanning is started, based on the scanning signal from the control unit 108, that is, the switching signal for switching the analog multiplexer 11, the calculated delay times of the transmission beamformer 22 and the reception beamformer 21 are used. Change the delay time for each line.

  Subsequently, the operation of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100.

  First, the operator turns on the M mode from the input unit 107 (step S501). FIG. 6 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit 106 when the M mode is turned on. A B mode image 117 is displayed on the right side of the display unit 106, and an M mode image 118 is displayed on the left side of the display unit 106.

  The M mode line 109 that is a focus position line is a linear line that can be moved and set to an arbitrary position on the B mode image 117 by an operation of the trackball or the like of the input unit 107. The M mode image 118 displayed on the left side of the display unit 106 displays a state in which the B mode image 117 on the M mode line 109 changes with time.

  Thereafter, returning to FIG. 5, the operator sets the M mode line 109 on the B mode image 117 to a target position (step S502). Here, the position information of the M mode line 109 which is a focal position line existing on the B mode image 117 is transmitted to the focal position control unit 20 via the control unit 108.

  Thereafter, the focal position control unit 20 calculates a focal depth position for each sound ray (step S503). The focal position control unit 20 calculates the distance in the irradiation direction from the side where the probe array 10 of the B mode image 117 exists to the position where the M mode line 109 exists, and sets it as the focal depth position. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the position of the M mode line 109 on the B mode image 117 when the B mode image 117 is regarded as an aggregate of sound rays. In FIG. 7, for example, the focal depth position of the sound ray k is a distance l to the point where the sound ray of the sound ray k intersects with the M mode line 109 that is the focus position line.

Thereafter, the focal position control unit 20 obtains a delay time for each sound ray based on the focal depth position for each sound ray (step S504). The focal position control unit 20 substitutes the focal depth position for each sound ray into the above-described equation (1), and calculates the delay time for each piezoelectric element of each acoustic ray. For example, in the case of the sound ray k, the depth of focus position is the distance l from the surface of the probe array 10, and F in Formula (1): the distance between the focus and the probe array 10 (depth of focus position). By substituting l, the delay time τ _i of each piezoelectric element constituting the sound ray k is calculated.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a delay time file 60 calculated for each sound ray formed in the focal position control unit 20. The vertical axis uses the sound ray number as an index, and the horizontal axis uses the transmitter / receiver number as an index. In this example, the number of transmitters / receivers is five, that is, a case where five piezoelectric elements are simultaneously driven to perform electronic focusing. Five delay times corresponding to five transceivers are entered at the positions of the sound ray numbers. This delay time is different for each sound ray number.

Thereafter, the control unit 108 performs scanning (step S505). In this scan, the control unit 108 transmits a selection signal of the analog multiplexer 11 as sound ray number information to the probe unit 101 to perform electronic scanning. At the same time, the control unit 108 also transmits this selection signal to the focal position control unit 20. The focal position control unit 20 uses the delay time file 60 to select the delay time τ _i of the sound ray number indicated by the selection signal from the delay time file 60, and this delay time is selected from the transmission beam former 22 and the reception beam. Set to former 21.

  Thereafter, the control unit 108 displays the B mode image 117 on the M mode line 109 in the M mode as the M mode image 118 (step S506). Here, each sound ray constituting the B-mode image 117 has the position of the M-mode line 109 as the focal depth position. Therefore, the position of the B mode image 117 along the M mode line 109 becomes the focal position of the electronic focus, and becomes a high resolution B mode image. As a result, the M mode image 118 obtained by extracting the B mode image 117 along the M mode line 109 also has a high resolution.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the sound ray and the depth of focus position when the B-mode image is schematically shown as a collection of sound rays. FIG. 9A shows a normal B-mode image in which the focal depth position is constant in the arrangement direction of the probe array 10, and FIG. 9B shows the focal depth position in the arrangement direction of the probe array 10. 2 shows a B-mode image according to the first embodiment in which changes. Here, ◇ on the sound ray indicates the depth of focus position of the sound ray.

  In FIG. 9A, the focal depth position is constant, and the position of the M mode line 109 and the focal depth position approximate only the position near the center of the B mode image 117. In other regions, the B-mode image 117 on the M-mode line 109 has a degraded resolution compared to the focal depth position. In FIG. 9B according to the first embodiment, the focal depth position changes in the arrangement direction of the probe array 10, and the position of the M mode line 109 always matches the focal depth position. Therefore, the position with the highest resolution on one sound ray is always displayed as an M-mode image.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, along the position of the M mode line 109 set on the B mode image 117, the focal depth position of the B mode image 117 is determined in the arrangement direction of the probe array 10. Therefore, it is possible to improve the resolution of the M-mode image 118 while ensuring the real-time property of acquiring image information.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the linear scanning probe is used has been exemplified. However, when the sector scanning probe is used, the focal depth position can be varied in the arrangement direction in exactly the same manner. can do.

  In the first embodiment, the focal depth position is linearly changed along the M mode line 109 which is the focal position line toward the arrangement direction of the probe array 10. Can be curved, and the focal depth position can be increased or decreased in the direction of arrangement of the probe array 10 to change it in a curved manner.

In the first embodiment, the delay times of the transmission beamformer 22 and the reception beamformer 21 are similarly changed. However, only the focal depth position of the reception beamformer 21 is continuously changed in the irradiation direction. It is also possible to focus at all positions on the sound ray.
(Embodiment 2)

  By the way, in the first embodiment, the case where the M mode line is used as the focal position line of the B mode image has been shown. However, when the puncture needle is inserted into the subject, the puncture guideline set on the B mode image Can also function as a focal position line. Therefore, the second embodiment shows a case where the puncture guideline is a focal position line.

  Here, the hardware configuration of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is exactly the same as that shown in FIGS. A probe unit 201 according to the second embodiment is obtained by attaching a puncture guide attachment 50 and a puncture needle 51 to the probe unit 101.

  FIG. 10 is an external view showing the external appearance of the probe unit 201. The puncture needle 51 is a needle inserted into the subject, and has a separate inner needle in the needle tube, and collects a sample from the affected area in the subject. The puncture guide attachment 50 is attached to the grip portion of the probe unit 101, and has a role of a guide for reliably inserting the puncture needle 51 into a target position in the subject. Note that, by fixing the puncture guide attachment 50 to the grasping portion, the insertion position of the puncture needle 51 on the B-mode image acquired by the probe unit 101 is generally determined.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a puncture guideline 80 indicating the insertion position of the puncture needle 51 displayed on the B-mode image 207 of the display unit 106. The insertion position of the puncture needle 51 is determined by fixing the puncture guide attachment 50 to the grip portion. At this time, the puncture guideline 80 is displayed on the B-mode image 207 by inputting the name of the puncture guide attachment 50 from the input unit 107.

  The puncture guideline 80 has a slight width in consideration of the error of the puncture position caused by the bending of the puncture needle 51 in the subject. In the second embodiment, as an example, the central puncture guideline 81 located at the center of the puncture guideline 80 is set as the focal position line.

  The focal position control unit 20 calculates the distance from the piezoelectric element surface on the acoustic ray to the central puncture guideline 81 for each acoustic ray number, just as in the case of the M mode line 109 shown in FIG. And Then, the focal position control unit 20 uses the information on the focal depth position for each sound ray number and Expression (1) to generate a delay time file including the delay time information for each sound ray number as shown in FIG. .

  Thereafter, the control unit 108 performs scanning, and acquires the B-mode image 207 having the electronic focus depth position at the position of the central puncture guideline 81 of the B-mode image 207. Since the B-mode image 207 has a focus depth position of electronic focus at the position of the central puncture guideline 81, the position near the central puncture guideline 81 is a particularly high-resolution image while ensuring high real-time performance. This is advantageous when observing the position of the puncture needle 51 that is instantaneously inserted in the region of the puncture guideline 80.

  Further, the distal end portion and the inner needle of the puncture needle 51 are particularly thin, and in order to accurately grasp the insertion position, it is preferable that the image near the insertion position has a high resolution.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the focal depth position of the B-mode image 207 is determined in the arrangement direction of the probe array 10 along the position of the central puncture guideline 81 set on the B-mode image 207. Therefore, it is possible to improve the image resolution of the insertion region of the puncture needle 51 and accurately observe the insertion position of the puncture needle 51, particularly the distal end portion and the inner needle.

  In the second embodiment, the central puncture guideline 81 is the focal position line, but other lines included in the puncture guideline 80 or any line in the region surrounded by these lines is the focal position line. You can also.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of an ultrasonic imaging device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing details of a probe array and a B-mode processing unit according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of the analog multiplexer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of the reception beamformer according to the first exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a B-mode image and an M-mode image according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the method of calculating the focal depth position for every sound ray concerning Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the content of the delay time file concerning Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram comparing the position of the M mode line and the focal depth position according to the first embodiment with those in a normal B mode image. 6 is an external view showing an external appearance of a probe unit according to a second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing puncture guidelines for a display unit according to a second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3 Sound ray 10 Probe array 11 Analog multiplexer 20 Focus position controller 21 Receive beamformer 22 Transmit beamformer 31 Delay circuit 32 Adder circuit 50 Puncture guide attachment 51 Puncture needle 60 Delay time file 80 Puncture guideline 81 Center Puncture guideline 100 Ultrasound imaging device 101, 201 Probe unit 102 Transmission / reception unit 103 B mode processing unit 104 Cine memory unit 105 Image display control unit 106 Display unit 107 Input unit 108 Control unit 109 M mode line 117 B mode image 118 M mode Image 207 B mode image

Claims (10)

A probe array in which piezoelectric elements are arranged; and
When performing transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves using the probe array, a focal depth position is set in the irradiation direction of ultrasonic waves generated by the piezoelectric elements orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the arrangement, and the focal depth position is set. A transmission / reception unit that electronically focuses the transmission / reception ultrasonic waves and performs electronic scanning in the arrangement direction;
A focal position control unit that changes the focal depth position for each scanning position of the electronic scanning;
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising:   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a focal position setting unit configured to set information on a focal depth position for each scanning position in the focal position control unit.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus displays an image processing unit that forms tomographic image information of an imaging section including the arrangement direction and the irradiation direction, and a display that displays the tomographic image information based on ultrasonic waves acquired by the electronic scanning The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit.   4. The ultrasonic imaging according to claim 2, wherein the focal position setting unit includes a focal position line indicating a focal depth position for each scanning position in an image of tomographic image information displayed on the display unit. 5. apparatus.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focal position setting unit includes an input unit that inputs information on the focal depth position.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the input unit includes a line position changing unit that changes a position of the focal position line.   The said display part is provided with the M mode line which shows the position which performs the said M mode display on the image of the said tomographic image information, when performing the M mode display of the said tomographic image information. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus as described in any one.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the focal position setting unit sets the M mode line as the focal position line.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display unit includes a puncture guideline indicating a puncture position of a puncture needle in the image of the tomographic image information. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the focal position setting unit uses the puncture guideline as the focal position line.

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