JP2011072701A - Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus, ultrasonic diagnosis system and ultrasonic diagnosis program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus which can continuously provide a highly precise ultrasonic image, even if it has worked for a long time to deteriorate the function of an organic piezoelectric element; an ultrasonic diagnosis system therefor; and an ultrasonic diagnosis program therefor. <P>SOLUTION: The ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus utilizes the relationship in correspondence between the working record and the deterioration in function of an organic piezoelectric element to change an amplification rate, at which a received electric signal converted by the organic piezoelectric element is amplified by an amplifier in accordance with the working record. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that transmits an ultrasonic signal from an ultrasonic probe to a subject and generates an ultrasonic image inside the subject based on the received reflected ultrasonic signal, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic system and an ultrasonic diagnostic program for remotely controlling the system.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a medical imaging device that non-invasively obtains a tomographic image of soft tissue in a living body from a body surface by an ultrasonic pulse reflection method. Compared to other medical imaging equipment, this ultrasound diagnostic device has many features such as small size, low cost, high safety without exposure to X-rays, and blood flow imaging using the Doppler effect. It is widely used in the circulatory system (coronary artery of the heart), digestive system (gastrointestinal), internal medicine system (liver, pancreas, spleen), urological system (kidney, bladder), and obstetrics and gynecology.

  In such a medical ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric element is generally used in order to transmit and receive high-sensitivity and high-resolution ultrasonic waves. Furthermore, widening of the piezoelectric element is useful for reducing the resolution and high definition of an image, reducing speckle noise, reducing artifacts, and the like, and a piezoelectric element having such characteristics has been desired.

  Tissue harmonic imaging (THI) diagnosis using harmonic signals is becoming a standard diagnostic modality because it provides a clear diagnostic image that cannot be obtained by conventional B-mode diagnosis. In harmonic imaging, the side lobe level is small compared to the fundamental wave, the S / N is good, the contrast resolution is improved, and the frequency is increased, the beam width is narrowed and the lateral resolution is improved. Because the sound pressure is small at short distances and there is little fluctuation in sound pressure, multiple reflections do not occur, attenuation beyond the focal point is the same as the fundamental wave, and the ultrasonic wave of higher harmonics is deeper than the ultrasonic wave of the fundamental wave It has many advantages of being able to take large.

  However, since the use center frequency fo is set in advance in the ultrasonic probe in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described above, the diagnostic depth of the living body is determined by the frequency, and the diagnostic depth is free. There is a problem of being limited and limited. Therefore, an ultrasonic probe with a low frequency of 1 to 5 MHz has a deep portion, an ultrasonic probe with a frequency of 6 to 10 MHz has a medium depth, and an ultrasonic probe with a high frequency of 11 to 25 MHz has a high depth. It has become a standard method to use ultrasonic probes properly, such as diagnosing a part close to the surface of a living body. Such proper use of the ultrasound probe hinders the improvement of the diagnostic speed of the user in the field of ultrasonic diagnosis, and improvement has been desired.

  Therefore, as a new approach, a method has been proposed in which a ceramic piezoelectric element such as PZT is used for transmission at a low frequency and a broadband organic piezoelectric element such as PVDF is used for reception at a high frequency (non-patent document). References 1, 2). Due to the broadband nature of organic piezoelectric elements, it is no longer necessary to use different ultrasonic probes.

The Journal of the Acoustic Society of America-May 1998 Volume 103, Issue 5, p. 3041 “Study of compound structured ultrasonic transducer of PZT / PVDF” Moor Joon Kim et. al. "Study on PZT / PVDF multilayered ultrasonic composite piezoelectric element" (Nanjing University Report of Nanjing University Institute of Acoustics, China: Mathematics Semi-Annual 1999, pages 636-638)

  The organic piezoelectric element has a problem that its function deteriorates due to long-term operation and the image quality of the ultrasonic image deteriorates.

  The present invention utilizes the correspondence between the operation history of the organic piezoelectric element and the deterioration of the function, changes the amplification factor when the received electrical signal converted by the organic piezoelectric element is amplified by the amplifier according to the operation history information, An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic system capable of continuously obtaining a high-definition ultrasonic image.

  The above object is achieved by the invention described below.

1. A plurality of first functions having both a function of converting an electrical signal into an ultrasonic signal and transmitting it into the subject and a function of receiving a reflected ultrasound signal generated by reflection within the subject and converting it into a received electrical signal An ultrasonic probe comprising one piezoelectric element and a plurality of second piezoelectric elements;
A transmission unit for driving at least the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the second piezoelectric elements;
A receiving unit comprising amplification means for amplifying the received electrical signal converted by at least the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the second piezoelectric elements at a predetermined amplification rate;
An image processing unit for generating an ultrasonic image in the subject from the received electrical signal;
A holding unit that holds operation history information related to at least the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the plurality of second piezoelectric elements;
A storage unit that stores a correspondence relationship between at least the amplification factors of the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the plurality of second piezoelectric elements and the operation history; and controls at least the reception unit, the holding unit, and the storage unit A control unit,
The control unit acquires the amplification factor of at least one of the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the plurality of second piezoelectric elements from the storage unit according to an operation history held by the holding unit, and sets the acquired amplification factor. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the amplification factor of the receiving unit is changed.

  2. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 1 above, wherein the operation history information includes at least a history of cumulative usage time and cumulative usage count.

3. The ultrasonic probe has temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature inside the ultrasonic probe,
3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 2, wherein the operation history information includes information on the temperature inside the ultrasonic probe measured by the temperature measuring unit.

4). The correspondence relationship is
A first conversion that is a ratio between the magnitude of a predetermined ultrasonic signal transmitted to the plurality of first piezoelectric elements and the magnitude of a received electrical signal that is received and converted by the second piezoelectric element. Coefficient,
A second conversion that is a ratio between the magnitude of a predetermined ultrasonic signal transmitted to the plurality of second piezoelectric elements by the control unit and the magnitude of a received electrical signal that is received and converted by the first piezoelectric element. Coefficient,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is dependent on.

  5. 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 4, wherein the first conversion coefficient is different from the second conversion coefficient.

6). The correspondence relationship is
The control unit causes the plurality of first piezoelectric elements to transmit predetermined ultrasonic signals, causes the second piezoelectric elements to receive, and receives and calculates at different timings, and at least one first conversion coefficient calculated ,
The control unit causes the plurality of second piezoelectric elements to transmit a predetermined ultrasonic signal, causes the first piezoelectric element to receive, and receives and calculates at different timings; and at least one second conversion coefficient,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 4 or 5 above, characterized in that it depends on

7). The control unit has an external storage device for storing the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient;
The correspondence relationship is calculated based on the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient stored in the past in the external storage device, the current first conversion coefficient, and the second conversion coefficient. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 4 above, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus depends on temporal changes of each of the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient.

  8). The second piezoelectric element is composed of an organic piezoelectric element made of an organic piezoelectric material, and the organic piezoelectric material is a polymer of vinylidene fluoride or a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene. 8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of 1 to 7, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided.

9. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of 1 to 8,
A remote device comprising: an operation input unit; and a control unit that generates an operation signal according to an operation of the operation input unit and controls the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a communication line When,
An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

10. On the computer,
A plurality of first functions having both a function of converting an electrical signal into an ultrasonic signal and transmitting it into the subject and a function of receiving a reflected ultrasound signal generated by reflection within the subject and converting it into a received electrical signal A process of receiving the received electrical signal from an ultrasonic probe comprising one piezoelectric element and a plurality of second piezoelectric elements;
A process of causing the transmitting unit to drive at least the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the second piezoelectric elements;
A process of amplifying received electric signals converted by at least the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the second piezoelectric elements in a receiving unit including amplification means for amplifying at a predetermined amplification rate;
A process of receiving the operation history from a holding unit that stores operation history information related to at least the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the plurality of second piezoelectric elements;
At least the gain of the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the plurality of second piezoelectric elements and the storage unit storing the correspondence relationship of the operation history, and the amplification factor corresponding to the received operation history from the storage unit Processing to get,
According to the operation history held by the holding unit, the gain of at least one of the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the plurality of second piezoelectric elements is acquired from the storage unit, and the amplification of the receiving unit is obtained to the acquired gain Processing to change the rate,
A process of generating an ultrasound image in the subject from the received electrical signal amplified with the changed amplification factor;
The program for ultrasonic diagnosis characterized by performing this.

  It is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic system capable of continuously obtaining a high-definition ultrasonic image even if the function deteriorates due to long-term operation of the organic piezoelectric element.

1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasound probe 2 in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus S. FIG. It is a figure showing the processing flow of an amplification factor correction process. It is a table which shows the example of the data of operation history information. It is a table which shows the example of the amplification factor corresponding to operation history information. It is a flowchart showing the process flow of a correspondence redefinition process. 3 is a schematic diagram of a piezoelectric unit 22, a transmission unit 12, and a reception unit 13. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a piezoelectric unit 22, a transmission unit 12, and a reception unit 13. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the processing flow of an exchange time judgment process. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating paths of the respective ultrasonic signals in the configuration of the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of the time waveform of the ultrasonic signals. It is. It is a flowchart explaining the processing flow of the amplification factor correction process 2. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system SY.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S transmits ultrasonic waves (hereinafter also referred to as a first ultrasonic signal) to a subject H such as a living body (not shown), and the subject H The ultrasonic probe 2 that receives the reflected ultrasonic signal (hereinafter also referred to as the second ultrasonic signal) reflected by the ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to the ultrasonic probe 2 via the cable 3 and is connected to the ultrasonic probe. By transmitting a transmission signal of an electric signal to the probe 2 via the cable 3, the ultrasonic probe 2 transmits the first ultrasonic signal to the subject H and receives it by the ultrasonic probe 2. Based on the received signal (received electric signal) of the electric signal generated by the ultrasonic probe 2 in accordance with the second ultrasonic signal from the inside of the subject H, an ultrasonic image of the internal state in the subject H is obtained. And an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 for imaging.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 includes an operation input unit 11, a transmission unit 12, a reception unit 13, a signal processing unit 14, an image processing unit 15, a display unit 16, A control unit 17 and a storage unit 18 are provided.

  The operation input unit 11 inputs data such as a command for instructing start of diagnosis and personal information of the subject H, for example, and is an operation panel or a keyboard provided with a plurality of input switches.

  The transmission unit 12 is a circuit that supplies a transmission signal of an electrical signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 via the cable 3 under the control of the control unit 17 and generates a first ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic probe 2. is there. The transmission unit 12 includes, for example, a high voltage pulse generator that generates a high voltage pulse. As will be described later, the ultrasonic probe 2 includes a piezoelectric portion 22 having a first piezoelectric portion 221 and a second piezoelectric portion 223. One of the first piezoelectric part 221 and the second piezoelectric part 223 is configured to generate a first ultrasonic signal.

  The receiving unit 13 is a circuit that receives a received electrical signal from the ultrasound probe 2 via the cable 3 under the control of the control unit 17, and outputs the received signal to the signal processing unit 14.

  The receiving unit 13 is configured so that one of the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the second piezoelectric unit 223 can receive the second ultrasonic signal. When the first piezoelectric unit 221 transmits the first ultrasonic signal, the receiving unit 13 causes the second piezoelectric unit 223 to receive the second ultrasonic signal. When the second piezoelectric unit 223 transmits the first ultrasonic signal, the receiving unit 13 causes the first piezoelectric unit 221 to receive the second ultrasonic signal.

  The receiving unit 13 includes an amplifier (not shown) which is an amplifying unit that electrically amplifies the received electrical signal that is received and converted by the first piezoelectric unit 221 or the second piezoelectric unit 223. . The amplification factor in the amplifier is configured to be changeable.

  The receiving unit 13 may be provided with an analog-digital converter or the like that converts the received electrical signal amplified by the amplifier from an analog signal to a digital signal. Processing up to obtaining an ultrasound image may be performed with the received electrical signal as an analog signal, or processing up to obtaining an ultrasound image by converting the received electrical signal into a digital signal may be performed.

  The signal processing unit 14 is a circuit that processes a predetermined signal under the control of the control unit 17, performs predetermined processing on the received electrical signal, and outputs the processed signal to the image processing unit 15.

  Under the control of the control unit 17, the image processing unit 15 generates an ultrasonic image of the internal state in the subject H using, for example, a harmonic imaging technique based on the received electrical signal signal-processed by the signal processing unit 14. Circuit.

  The display unit 16 is a device that displays an image of the internal state in the subject H generated by the image processing unit 15 under the control of the control unit 17. The display unit 16 is, for example, a display device such as a CRT display, LCD, EL display, or plasma display, or a printing device such as a printer.

  The storage unit 18 stores various programs and the like.

  The control unit 17 includes, for example, a microprocessor, a storage element, and peripheral circuits thereof. The operation input unit 11, the transmission unit 12, the reception unit 13, the signal processing unit 14, the image processing unit 15, and the display unit 16 are provided. , And the storage unit 18 and the like according to the function, respectively, to perform overall control of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasound probe 2 includes an acoustic braking member 21, a piezoelectric unit 22, an acoustic matching layer 23, an acoustic lens 24, and thermistors 25 and 26. .

  The acoustic braking member 21 is a flat plate member made of a material that absorbs ultrasonic waves, and absorbs ultrasonic waves radiated from the piezoelectric portion 22 toward the acoustic braking member 21.

  The piezoelectric unit 22 includes a piezoelectric material, and converts signals between an electric signal and an ultrasonic signal by using a piezoelectric phenomenon. The piezoelectric unit 22 converts the transmission electric signal input from the transmission unit 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 via the cable 3 to the first ultrasonic signal and transmits the first ultrasonic signal, and receives the received second ultrasonic signal. It converts into a received electrical signal and outputs it to the receiving unit 13 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body 1 via the cable 3. When the ultrasonic probe 2 is brought into contact with the subject H, the first ultrasonic signal generated by the piezoelectric unit 22 is transmitted into the subject H, and the second ultrasonic signal from within the subject H is transmitted. Received by the piezoelectric unit 22.

  For example, in this embodiment, the piezoelectric unit 22 includes a piezoelectric material, and can convert signals between an electric signal and an ultrasonic signal by using a piezoelectric phenomenon. The piezoelectric portions 221 and 223 are provided, and the first and second piezoelectric portions 221 and 223 are stacked on each other.

  In the present embodiment, the first and second piezoelectric portions 221 and 223 are stacked on each other via the intermediate layer 222. The intermediate layer 222 is formed by laminating the first piezoelectric part 221 and the second piezoelectric part 223 and matching the acoustic impedance between the first piezoelectric part 221 and the second piezoelectric part 223.

  As described above, the piezoelectric portion includes two layers of the first and second piezoelectric portions 221 and 223.

  The first piezoelectric unit 221 and the second piezoelectric unit 223 can transmit the first ultrasonic signal together and can receive the second ultrasonic signal together. When the first piezoelectric unit 221 is used for the purpose of transmitting the first ultrasonic signal, the second piezoelectric unit 223 is used for the purpose of receiving the second ultrasonic signal. On the other hand, when the second piezoelectric unit 223 is used for the purpose of transmitting the first ultrasonic signal, the first piezoelectric unit 221 is used for the purpose of receiving the second ultrasonic signal.

In the present embodiment, for example, the first piezoelectric portion 221 of the piezoelectric portion 22 is composed of an inorganic piezoelectric element made of an inorganic piezoelectric material, and the inorganic piezoelectric element is configured to include a pair of electrodes on both sides. ing. The thickness of the inorganic piezoelectric element is appropriately set depending on, for example, the frequency of ultrasonic waves to be transmitted and the type of inorganic piezoelectric material. Examples of the inorganic piezoelectric material include PZT, quartz, lithium niobate (LiNbO ₃ ), potassium niobate tantalate (K (Ta, Nb) O ₃ ), barium titanate (BaTiO ₃ ), lithium tantalate (LiTaO ₃ ). And strontium titanate (SrTiO ₃ ). In the present embodiment, an inorganic piezoelectric element that can increase the transmission power in this way is used for the first piezoelectric portion 221.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the second piezoelectric portion 223 of the piezoelectric portion 22 is composed of an organic piezoelectric element made of an organic piezoelectric material, and the organic piezoelectric element is configured to include a pair of electrodes on both sides. ing. The thickness of the organic piezoelectric element is appropriately set depending on, for example, the frequency of the ultrasonic wave to be received and the type of the organic piezoelectric material. For example, when receiving an ultrasonic wave having a center frequency of 8 MHz, this organic piezoelectric element is used. The thickness of the element is about 50 μm.

  As the organic piezoelectric material, for example, a polymer of vinylidene fluoride or a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene can be used. In the case of a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene, since the electromechanical coupling constant (piezoelectric effect) in the thickness direction varies depending on the copolymerization ratio, for example, the former copolymerization ratio is preferably 60 to 99 mol%. The optimum value varies depending on the method of using an organic binder used when the inorganic piezoelectric element and the organic piezoelectric element are stacked. The most preferable range of the former copolymerization ratio is 85 to 99 mol%. Polymers containing vinylidene fluoride at 85-99 mol% and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether, perfluoroalkoxyethylene, perfluorohexaethylene, etc. at 1-15 mol% are composed of inorganic piezoelectric elements for transmission and organic piezoelectric elements for reception. In combination with the element, the fundamental frequency wave in transmission can be suppressed, and the sensitivity of harmonic reception can be increased.

  A copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene is relatively excellent in workability such as thinning and large area, can be produced in any shape and form, has low elastic modulus, low dielectric constant, etc. Therefore, when used as a piezoelectric element that receives an ultrasonic signal, it has a feature that enables highly sensitive detection. Further, these organic piezoelectric materials are suitable as piezoelectric materials in harmonic imaging technology that requires high-frequency characteristics and broadband characteristics.

  The thermistors 25 and 26 are temperature measuring means for measuring the temperatures of the first piezoelectric part 221 and the second piezoelectric part 223, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, the first piezoelectric unit 221 of the piezoelectric unit 22 receives an electrical signal from the transmission unit 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body 1 via the cable 3 and converts the electrical signal to the first ultrasonic signal. The converted first ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the subject H via the intermediate layer 222, the second piezoelectric unit 223, the acoustic matching layer 23, and the acoustic lens. The second piezoelectric unit 223 of the piezoelectric unit 22 receives the second ultrasonic signal from the subject H via the acoustic lens 24 and the acoustic matching layer 23, and converts the second ultrasonic signal into a received electrical signal. The received electrical signal is output to the receiving unit 13 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body 1 via the cable 3.

  The second ultrasonic signal includes not only the frequency (fundamental fundamental frequency) component of the transmitted first ultrasonic signal but also a harmonic frequency component that is an integral multiple of the fundamental frequency. For example, second harmonic components such as twice, three times, and four times the fundamental frequency, third harmonic components, and fourth harmonic components are also included.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the first piezoelectric portion 221 is an inorganic piezoelectric element, and the transmission power can be increased with a relatively simple structure. Therefore, an ultrasonic wave having such a piezoelectric portion 22 is provided. The probe 2 is suitable for a harmonic imaging technique that requires transmitting the first ultrasonic signal of the fundamental wave with a relatively large power in order to obtain a reflected wave of a higher harmonic, and a higher-definition ultrasonic image. Can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the second piezoelectric portion 223 is an organic piezoelectric element, and the frequency band can be widened with a relatively simple structure. The ultrasonic probe 2 is suitable for a harmonic imaging technique that needs to receive a second harmonic ultrasonic signal, and can provide a higher-definition ultrasonic image.

  In the present embodiment, the first and second piezoelectric parts 221 and 223 in the piezoelectric part 22 are formed by stacking the second piezoelectric part 223 on the first piezoelectric part 221 and are opposite to the first piezoelectric part 221 in the second piezoelectric part 223. The side surface is an ultrasonic signal transmission / reception surface. An intermediate layer 222 is laminated between the first piezoelectric part 221 and the second piezoelectric part 223. Thus, the small piezoelectric probe 2 can be configured by stacking and integrating the second piezoelectric portion 223 on the first piezoelectric portion 221.

  In such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S, the user operates using the operation input unit 11. For example, the user operates to transmit the first ultrasonic signal from the operation input unit 11 to the ultrasonic probe 2. The transmitted first ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the subject, reflected at a measurement location and a portion reaching the measurement location, forms a second ultrasonic signal, and returns to the ultrasonic probe 2. The second ultrasonic signal is received by the piezoelectric unit 22 and converted into a received electrical signal. An ultrasonic image is generated by the image processing unit 15 and displayed on the display unit 16. In such an ultrasonic image generation process, the control unit 17 stores the operation history information as data in a nonvolatile RAM provided in the storage unit 18. The storage unit 18 functions as a holding unit that holds operation history information. The operation history information is information such as the accumulated use time during operation, the accumulated use count, the temperature of the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the second piezoelectric unit 223 piezoelectric unit 22 during operation, and the like.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S that generates such an ultrasonic image, the first piezoelectric part 221 in the piezoelectric part 22 is composed of an inorganic piezoelectric element made of an inorganic piezoelectric material, and the second piezoelectric part 223 is an organic substance. It is composed of an organic piezoelectric element made of a piezoelectric material. Since the inorganic piezoelectric element and the organic piezoelectric element deteriorate in performance as the accumulated use time, the accumulated use number, etc. increase, the second ultrasonic signal that is reflected back from the subject is received. The magnitude of the conversion coefficient to be converted into an electric signal is also reduced. When the received electrical signal decreases in this way, it becomes difficult for the image processing unit 15 to obtain a high-definition ultrasonic image. Therefore, in the present embodiment, processing for correcting the amplification factor when the received electrical signal is amplified in the receiving unit 13 is performed in accordance with the operation history information such as the accumulated usage time and the accumulated number of times of use. A high-definition ultrasonic image is generated by compensating for the performance deterioration of the first piezoelectric part 221 and the second piezoelectric part 223 as the piezoelectric part. Such a process is referred to as an amplification factor correction process. Hereinafter, the amplification factor correction process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the amplification factor correction processing. FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of operation history information data. FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of the amplification factor corresponding to the operation history information.

  A processing flow of the amplification factor correction process will be described with reference to FIG. The first piezoelectric unit 221 composed of an inorganic piezoelectric element is used as the transmitting piezoelectric unit that transmits the first ultrasonic signal, and the organic piezoelectric element is used as the receiving piezoelectric unit that receives the second ultrasonic signal. The configured second piezoelectric part 223 is used.

  The processing flow of the amplification factor correction processing is mainly developed by the CPU 171 provided in the control unit 17 and reads out the amplification factor correction processing program stored in the storage unit 18 in a work area formed in a RAM (not shown). Then, the operation of each unit is centrally controlled by executing processing according to the program. That is, the control unit 17, the storage unit 18, and the RAM (not shown) provided with the CPU 171 function as a computer.

  For example, a program is set so that the amplification factor correction process is automatically performed when the user starts up the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S.

  First, in step 1, the user starts up the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S. Then, the CPU 171 calls the amplification factor correction processing program from the storage unit 18 and develops it in a work area formed in a RAM (not shown).

  Next, in step S <b> 2, the CPU 171 acquires the operation history information held in the storage unit 18. As described above, the operation history information is information such as the cumulative use time during operation, the cumulative number of uses, the temperature of the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the second piezoelectric unit 223 piezoelectric unit 22 during operation, and the like. As shown in FIG. 5, the data of the operation history information is held such that the accumulated use time is K hours, the accumulated use count is L times, the use temperature is M degrees, and the like. The cumulative usage time and the cumulative usage count are the cumulative time since the first use of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S, the cumulative usage count, or the cumulative time and cumulative usage count that have elapsed since the amplification correction processing was last performed. To tell. The operating temperature refers to, for example, an average temperature since the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus S is used for the first time, or an average temperature since the amplification factor correction process was performed last time, but is not limited thereto. For example, since the temperature has a large influence on the inorganic piezoelectric element and the organic piezoelectric element as the use temperature increases, a weighted index may be used when the use temperature is high.

  In step S3, amplification factor data is acquired from the operation history information data. As described above, as shown in FIG. 6, the amplification factor corresponds to the cumulative usage time during operation, the cumulative number of usages, and the temperature of the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the second piezoelectric unit 223 piezoelectric unit 22 during operation. The gain data is stored in the form of

  For example, when reflecting the operating history information of the usage time in the amplification factor of the receiving unit 13, when selecting one item among the cumulative usage time, the cumulative usage count, and the operating temperature, the corresponding amplification factor is acquired. As shown in FIG. 6A, the amplification factor is changed to A1, A2 to An (n is an integer) every time the usage time elapses, for example, 100 hours.

  In addition, when the operation history information of the number of times of use is reflected in the amplification factor of the receiving unit 13, as shown in FIG. 6B, the amplification factor is set to B1, B2 to Bn every time the number of times of use e.g. Change.

  Further, since the temperature affects the material characteristics of the inorganic piezoelectric element and the organic piezoelectric element, it is desirable to change the amplification factor of the receiving unit 13 corresponding to the accumulated use time and the accumulated use frequency using the temperature as a parameter. FIG. 6C shows the amplification factor of the receiving unit 13 corresponding to the accumulated use time when the use average temperature is a parameter.

  Regarding the amplification factor after the change, the amplification factor is such that the second piezoelectric unit 223, which is the receiving piezoelectric unit, restores the initial value of the conversion coefficient for converting the second ultrasonic signal to the reception electrical signal. It is important not to increase The image quality of the ultrasonic image in the image processing unit 15 depends on the SN of the received electrical signal input to the image processing unit. SN is expressed as a ratio of the magnitude of the signal of the received electrical signal to the noise. The SN of the received electrical signal itself is improved by amplifying the amplitude of the received electrical signal. On the other hand, there is a source of noise other than the received electrical signal, and the noise from the source may become large when the amplification factor of the amplifier is improved. Therefore, it can be said that there is an amplification factor that most improves the SN value in an amplification factor that does not restore the magnitude of the signal to the initial value.

  Next, in step S4, the CPU 171 causes the first piezoelectric unit 221 to transmit the first ultrasonic signal. The transmitted first ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the subject, reflected at a measurement location and a portion reaching the measurement location, forms a second ultrasonic signal, and returns to the ultrasonic probe 2.

  Next, in step S <b> 5, the CPU 171 receives the second ultrasonic signal by the second piezoelectric unit 223 and converts it into a received electrical signal.

  Next, in step S6, the received electrical signal is amplified by an amplifier in the receiving unit 13. At this time, as described above, the amplification factor acquired in step S3 is adopted as the amplification factor of the amplifier, and the amplifier is amplified. As the amplifier, for example, a known variable gain type using an operational amplifier can be adopted. A known digital amplifier may be used.

  Next, in step S7, an ultrasonic image is generated by the image processing unit 15 and displayed on the display unit 16 in step S8, and the flow ends.

  As described above, by performing the amplification factor correction process, a high-definition ultrasonic image can be obtained by compensating for the performance deterioration of the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the second piezoelectric unit 223 as the receiving piezoelectric unit caused by the operation history. It can be generated continuously.

  In the above description, an inorganic piezoelectric element is used for the first piezoelectric unit 221 that transmits the first ultrasonic signal, and an organic piezoelectric element is used for the second piezoelectric unit 223 that receives the second ultrasonic signal. As a premise, an organic piezoelectric element may be employed for the first piezoelectric unit 221 that transmits the first ultrasonic signal, and an inorganic piezoelectric element may be employed for the second piezoelectric unit 223 that receives the second ultrasonic signal.

  When an organic piezoelectric element is used for the first piezoelectric unit 221 that transmits the first ultrasonic signal, the degradation time is faster than when the organic piezoelectric element is used for a receiving piezoelectric unit. Accordingly, in the correspondence relationship between the accumulated usage time and the amplification factor of the amplifier of the receiving unit 13, it is necessary to increase the amplification factor.

  Next, a second embodiment in which the amplification factor of the piezoelectric unit 22 can be changed more effectively so as to improve the image quality of the ultrasonic image will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the amplification factor of the amplifier of the receiving unit 13 is determined by a correspondence relationship according to only the operation history information. That is, it is assumed that the amplification factor of the amplifier of the receiving unit 13 that can improve the image quality of the ultrasonic image is determined by the operation history information. If this idea is further advanced, the SN value of the received electrical signal itself can be improved if the current reduction level of the amplification factor can be accurately known.

  Thus, in the second embodiment, the CPU 171 receives the electrical signal that is transmitted by the receiving piezoelectric unit and converted by the receiving piezoelectric unit, and the magnitude of a predetermined electrical signal that drives the transmitting piezoelectric unit. A conversion coefficient (first conversion coefficient), which is a ratio to the size of, is calculated, the conversion coefficient is grasped, and the amplification factor is determined. Based on the obtained amplification factor, the data of the correspondence relationship between the operation history information and the amplification factor is rewritten and redefined. The process of redefining the correspondence between the operation history information and the amplification factor in this way is referred to as a correspondence redefinition process.

  In addition, when the transmitting piezoelectric unit and the receiving piezoelectric unit are used interchangeably, similarly, the magnitude of a predetermined electric signal for driving the transmitting piezoelectric unit and the transmitted ultrasonic signal for receiving are used. A conversion coefficient (second conversion coefficient) that is a ratio to the magnitude of the received electrical signal received and converted by the piezoelectric unit is calculated, and the correspondence between the operation history information and the amplification factor is calculated based on the obtained amplification factor. Redefine.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the correspondence redefinition processing.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the piezoelectric unit 22, the transmission unit 12, and the reception unit 13.

  First, in step 11, the user starts up the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S. Then, the CPU 171 calls the amplification factor correction processing program from the storage unit 18 and develops it in a work area formed in a RAM (not shown).

  Next, in step S <b> 12, the CPU 171 transmits the ultrasonic signal 71 to the first piezoelectric unit 221. The ultrasonic signal 71 is desirably a signal having the same level as the magnitude of the second ultrasonic signal reflected and returned from the subject at the time of ultrasonic diagnosis.

  Next, in step S13, the CPU 171 causes the second piezoelectric unit 223 to receive the ultrasonic signal 71 and obtain a received electrical signal.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the transmission unit 12 can select either one of the amplifiers 121 and 122 connected to the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the second piezoelectric unit 223, and the switch S1 is controlled by the CPU 171. It has.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the receiving unit 13 inputs the received electrical signals from the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the second piezoelectric unit 223 to the amplifiers 131 and 132, respectively, and outputs either one of the outputs of the amplifiers. A switch S2 that is controlled by the CPU 171 is provided so that selection can be made.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the switch S1 provided in the transmission unit 12 is connected to the first piezoelectric unit 221 side, and the switch S2 provided in the reception unit 13 is connected to the second piezoelectric unit 223 side.

  Next, in step S14, the CPU 171 receives a received electrical signal obtained by causing the second piezoelectric unit 223 to receive and convert the magnitude of a predetermined electrical signal for driving the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the transmitted ultrasonic signal 71. A first conversion coefficient, which is a ratio to the size of, is obtained.

  In step S15, the correspondence relationship is changed. The correspondence relationship is stored in the storage unit 18 or the like for each of the cumulative usage time during operation, the cumulative number of usages, and the temperature of the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the second piezoelectric unit 223 during the operation. Changing the correspondence relationship means changing the data. For example, the case where the result of executing the correspondence redefinition process is reflected in FIG. When the accumulated usage time in which the correspondence redefinition processing is performed is 300 hours, the amplification factor is changed to A3. On the other hand, it is assumed that the amplification factor to be changed is AA3 as a result of the correspondence redefinition process.

  The CPU 171 compares A3 and AA3. If A3 and AA3 are almost the same value, after executing the correspondence redefinition process, the amplification factor is changed to A3, the subsequent cumulative usage time is reset, and the cumulative usage time starts to be accumulated again. There is no need to change the relationship.

  However, if A3 and AA3 are different, after performing the correspondence redefinition process, the amplification factor is changed to A3, the cumulative usage time after that is reset, and the cumulative usage time starts to be accumulated again. To change.

  For example, A3 was 1.1 times, but if AA3 was 1.2 times, it was found that it was necessary to change the amplification factor more than expected. Since it is considered that the change needs to be increased, the values of A1 to An are changed so as to change more greatly than the initial correspondence according to the accumulated use time. For example, processing such as changing the value of AA3 / A3 to a value obtained by multiplying each value is performed.

  The correspondence redefinition process was performed by acquiring the first conversion coefficient. However, when the transmission piezoelectric unit and the reception piezoelectric unit are switched, the correspondence is acquired by the second conversion coefficient. To implement. The first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient are values calculated by switching the transmission piezoelectric unit and the reception piezoelectric unit. The transmission / reception functions of the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the second piezoelectric unit 223 are different. Accordingly, the correspondence relationship when the ultrasonic signal 71 is transmitted to the first piezoelectric unit 221 and received by the second piezoelectric unit 223, and the ultrasonic signal 71 is transmitted to the second piezoelectric unit 223 and the first piezoelectric unit 221 is transmitted. It is desirable to set a numerical value that is different from the correspondence relationship when the data is received.

  Also, the numerical value in the correspondence relationship may be changed in consideration of the interval information for executing the correspondence relationship redefinition process. The first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient are an indication of the function of the piezoelectric element, and the function also depends on the passage of time. Accordingly, even when the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient having the same value are acquired, the speed of change of the values of the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient with respect to time may be different.

  Therefore, depending on the temporal change of each of the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient based on the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient stored in the past and the current first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient. Thus, it is desirable to set each numerical value in the correspondence relationship.

  Specifically, each time the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient are calculated, for example, they are stored in an external storage device. Then, when executing the correspondence redefinition process, the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient stored in the external storage device are called closest to the time, and the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient are called. It is desirable to perform a process in which each numerical value in the correspondence relationship is increased as the temporal change of the conversion coefficient is larger, and each numerical value in the correspondence relationship is decreased as the temporal change is smaller.

  As described above, in the process of redefining the correspondence relationship between the operation history information and the amplification factor, the correspondence relationship between the operation history information and the amplification factor is made more realistic by executing the correspondence redefinition process. Therefore, by changing the amplification factor according to the correspondence after redefinition, the SN value of the received electrical signal can be improved, and a high-definition ultrasonic image can be continuously obtained.

  Next, a third embodiment that can appropriately detect the replacement time of the piezoelectric unit 22 will be described.

  In the second embodiment, the correspondence is changed by calculating the first conversion coefficient. When the calculated first conversion coefficient is very deteriorated, it is necessary to replace the piezoelectric portion 22.

  Therefore, the process of calculating the first conversion coefficient is employed as a determination means for determining whether or not the piezoelectric unit 22 should be replaced. Here, it should be noted that the first conversion coefficient is obtained by converting the magnitude of a predetermined electric signal for driving the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the transmitted ultrasonic signal to the second piezoelectric unit 223 for conversion. Since it is a ratio with the magnitude of the electric signal, the deterioration degree of the functions of both the first piezoelectric part 221 and the second piezoelectric part 223 is evaluated. Therefore, it is difficult to separate the functions of the first piezoelectric part 221 and the second piezoelectric part 223.

  For example, when the first conversion coefficient is greatly reduced, there is a case where both the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the second piezoelectric unit 223 are evenly deteriorated in function. In some cases, the functional degradation of one of the two piezoelectric parts 223 is small but the other is large.

  It can be said that the former should not replace the piezoelectric part 22, but the latter should replace the piezoelectric part 22. However, it is difficult to judge this difference.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, the second conversion coefficient is acquired together with the first conversion coefficient, and the replacement time of the piezoelectric unit 22 is determined.

  By acquiring both the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient, the transmitting piezoelectric part and the receiving piezoelectric part are switched, so that both piezoelectric elements perform transmission and reception, and the functions of both piezoelectric elements are Information that matches the degree of deterioration can be obtained. Accordingly, it is possible to more accurately determine the replacement time of the piezoelectric portion 22. Such processing is referred to as exchange time determination processing.

  Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the piezoelectric unit 22, the transmission unit 12, and the reception unit 13. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the process flow of the replacement time determination process.

  The steps from S11 to S14 for obtaining the first conversion coefficient by starting up the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are the same.

  Next, the second conversion coefficient is acquired after step S15. In step S21, the CPU 171 causes the second piezoelectric unit 223 to transmit an ultrasonic signal in the same manner as in step S12. The ultrasonic signal is preferably a signal having the same level as the magnitude of the second ultrasonic signal that is reflected back from the subject during ultrasonic diagnosis.

  Next, in step S22, the first piezoelectric unit 221 receives an ultrasonic signal.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the switch S1 provided in the transmission unit 12 is connected to the second piezoelectric unit 223 side, and the switch S2 provided in the reception unit 13 is connected to the first piezoelectric unit 221 side.

  Next, in step S23, the CPU 171 is the ratio between the magnitude of the ultrasonic signal transmitted to the second piezoelectric unit 223 and the magnitude of the received electrical signal received and converted by the first piezoelectric unit 221. 2 Calculate the conversion coefficient.

  Next, in step S24, it is determined whether or not the piezoelectric portion 22 is to be replaced. The replacement decision is made as follows. For example, when the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient are very large, it is determined that the replacement time has come. For example, this is a case where the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient exceed a threshold (for example, 1.5). If both the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient are below the threshold value, it is determined that the replacement time has not come. If one of the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient is above the threshold and the other is below the threshold, the exchange time has come when the difference between the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient is large to decide. For example, when the difference between the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient is 0.4 (for example, the first conversion coefficient is 1.3 and the second conversion coefficient is 1.7), the replacement time has arrived. Judge that When the difference between the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient is large in this way, the balance between the functions of the transmitting piezoelectric portion and the receiving piezoelectric portion is lost, and it is determined that the deterioration of the element is progressing. Because it can.

  As described above, by acquiring the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient, it is possible to accurately determine whether to replace the piezoelectric portion 22.

  Next, a fourth embodiment in which the amplification factor of the piezoelectric unit 22 can be changed more effectively so as to improve the image quality of the ultrasonic image will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating paths of the respective ultrasonic signals in the configuration of the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of the time waveform of the ultrasonic signals. It is.

  In the first and second embodiments, when obtaining the amplification factor, the first conversion coefficient is obtained based on the electrical signal input to the transmitting piezoelectric unit and the received electrical signal output from the receiving piezoelectric unit. did. That is, the electrical signal input to the transmitting piezoelectric unit and the received electrical signal output from the receiving piezoelectric unit are treated as a black box, and the functions of the transmitting and receiving piezoelectric units are degraded. evaluated. However, in addition to the transmitting piezoelectric portion and the receiving piezoelectric portion, members that may deteriorate include the intermediate layer 222, the acoustic matching layer 23, the acoustic lens 24, and the like. In particular, the acoustic lens 24 and the acoustic matching layer 23 pass the second ultrasonic signal reflected from the subject. Therefore, it is desired to evaluate the degradation and reflect it in the amplification factor of the amplifier of the receiving unit 13.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the degree of deterioration of the intermediate layer 222, the acoustic matching layer 23, the acoustic lens 24, and the like is evaluated and reflected in the correspondence.

  For example, in the correspondence relationship between the operation history information in which the ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the ultrasonic signal is received by the second piezoelectric unit 223 and the amplification factor of the amplifier of the receiving unit 13, the subject The second ultrasonic signal from is passed through the acoustic matching layer 23 and the acoustic lens 24 and is received by the second piezoelectric unit 223. Therefore, the deterioration degree of the acoustic matching layer 23 and the acoustic lens 24 is evaluated.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the first piezoelectric unit 221 passes through the intermediate layer 222 and enters the second piezoelectric unit 223, and the intermediate layer 222. , Passes through the second piezoelectric portion 223, the acoustic matching layer 23, and the acoustic lens 24, reflects at the air side interface of the acoustic lens 24, passes through the acoustic lens 24 and the acoustic matching layer 23, and enters the second piezoelectric portion 223. There are two paths for the ultrasonic signal 32 to perform.

  Since the ultrasonic signal 32 passes through the acoustic matching layer 23 and the acoustic lens 24 with respect to the ultrasonic signal 31, the acoustic matching layer is obtained from the amplitude information of the ultrasonic signal 31 and the ultrasonic signal 32. 23, the propagation efficiency when the ultrasonic signal 32 of the acoustic lens 24 propagates can be obtained. If the magnitude of the propagation efficiency changing with time is obtained, the correspondence between the operation history information and the amplification factor of the amplifier of the receiving unit 13 can be obtained more practically.

  In the following, a flow that evaluates the deterioration of the acoustic lens 24 and the acoustic matching layer 23 and reflects it in the amplification factor of the amplifier of the receiver 13 will be described. Such a flow is referred to as amplification factor correction processing 2.

  The process flow of the amplification factor correction process 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Steps S11 to S12 are the same for starting up the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and causing the first piezoelectric unit 221 to transmit a predetermined ultrasonic signal.

  Next, in step S31, the second piezoelectric unit 223 is caused to receive the ultrasonic signal 31 and the ultrasonic signal 32 at different timings. FIG. 9B is a graph in which the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the amplitude value (relative value) of the ultrasonic signal. Based on the time when the first piezoelectric unit 221 transmits an ultrasonic signal having a predetermined waveform, the waveform 91 of the ultrasonic signal 31 directly reaching the second piezoelectric unit 223 and the air side interface of the acoustic lens 24 are reflected. 2 shows a waveform 92 of the ultrasonic signal 32 that passes through the acoustic lens 24 and the acoustic matching layer 23 and enters the second piezoelectric portion 223.

  The waveform 92 is smaller than the waveform 91. Compared with the waveform 91, the waveform 92 reciprocates between the acoustic matching layer 23 and the acoustic lens 24, and includes a reflectance of the air side interface of the acoustic lens 24. Since the reflectance of the air side interface of the acoustic lens 24 is a known value in advance, the ratio of the amplitude value of the waveform 92 to the amplitude value of the waveform 92 is the influence of the acoustic matching layer 23 and the acoustic lens 24 to generate the ultrasonic signal 32. It can be said that the amount is attenuated and can be easily calculated.

  In this way, the second piezoelectric unit 223 receives the waveform 91 and the waveform 92 having different timings.

  Next, in step S <b> 32, the CPU 171 obtains a first conversion coefficient and stores it in the storage unit 18.

  Next, in step S33, the CPU 171 acquires and compares the first conversion coefficient obtained in the past and stored in the storage unit 18. That is, by comparing the current and past first conversion coefficients, it is possible to calculate a value in which the ultrasonic signal 32 is attenuated due to the influence of the acoustic matching layer 23 and the acoustic lens 24.

  Next, in step S34, the correspondence relationship between the operation history information and the amplification factor is redefined based on the obtained amplification factor. For example, the amount of attenuation of the ultrasonic signal 32 due to the influence of the acoustic matching layer 23 and the acoustic lens 24 is compensated. More specifically, if it is attenuated by 10%, the correspondence data shown in FIG. 6 is increased by 10% and stored.

  As described above, in the process of redefining the correspondence between the operation history information and the amplification factor, the amplification factor correction process 2 is performed, so that the correspondence between the operation history information and the amplification factor is more realistic. Therefore, by changing the amplification factor according to the correspondence after redefinition, the SN value of the received electrical signal can be improved, and a high-definition ultrasonic image can be continuously obtained.

  Next, an ultrasonic diagnostic system SY for operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S as described above remotely from an external remote apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic system SY.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic system SY includes the above-described ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S and a remote device R that remotely operates the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S. The remote device R includes an operation input unit 41 for inputting an instruction to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus S, a display unit 42 for displaying an ultrasonic image, a communication unit 43 having a communication function with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body 1, and The remote control part 44 which controls these operation input parts 41, the display part 42, and the communication part 43 is provided.

  In addition to the above functions, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body 1 includes a communication unit 46 having a communication function with the remote device R, and is configured to be able to communicate with the communication unit 43 and the communication line 45.

  In such an ultrasonic diagnostic system SY, various processes described above can be performed in accordance with instructions from a remote device.

  For example, the functions of the operation input unit 11 and the display unit 16 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 are assigned to the operation input unit 41 and the display unit 42 of the remote device R, respectively. Then, an operation signal to the operation input unit 41 is transmitted to the control unit 17 through the communication units 43 and 46 under the control of the remote control unit 44. Then, the control unit 17 is caused to perform various processes as described above. With the operation as described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic system SY can perform various processes, improve the SN value of the received electrical signal, and continuously obtain a high-definition ultrasonic image.

  As described above, by performing the amplification factor correction process, a high-definition ultrasonic image can be obtained by compensating for the performance deterioration of the first piezoelectric unit 221 and the second piezoelectric unit 223 as the receiving piezoelectric unit caused by the operation history. Can be generated.

  Also, in the process of redefining the correspondence between the operation history information and the amplification factor, the correspondence relationship between the operation history information and the amplification factor can be made more realistic by executing the correspondence redefinition process. By changing the amplification factor according to the correspondence after redefinition, the SN value of the received electrical signal can be improved, and a high-definition ultrasonic image can be continuously obtained.

  In addition, by obtaining the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient, it is possible to accurately determine whether to replace the piezoelectric portion 22.

  In addition, in the process of redefining the correspondence between the operation history information and the amplification factor, the correspondence between the operation history information and the amplification factor can be made more realistic by performing the amplification factor correction process 2. By changing the amplification factor according to the correspondence after redefinition, the SN value of the received electrical signal can be improved, and a high-definition ultrasonic image can be continuously obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 2 Ultrasonic probe 3 Cable 11, 41 Operation input part 12 Transmission part 13 Reception part 14 Signal processing part 15 Image processing part 16, 42 Display part 17 Control part 18 Storage part 21 Acoustic braking member 22 Piezoelectric unit 23 Acoustic matching layer 24 Acoustic lens 43, 46 Communication unit 44 Remote control unit 221 First piezoelectric unit 222 Intermediate layer 223 Second piezoelectric unit R Remote device S Ultrasonic diagnostic device SY Ultrasonic diagnostic system

Claims (10)

A plurality of first functions having both a function of converting an electrical signal into an ultrasonic signal and transmitting it into the subject and a function of receiving a reflected ultrasound signal generated by reflection within the subject and converting it into a received electrical signal An ultrasonic probe comprising one piezoelectric element and a plurality of second piezoelectric elements;
A transmission unit for driving at least the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the second piezoelectric elements;
A receiving unit comprising amplification means for amplifying the received electrical signal converted by at least the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the second piezoelectric elements at a predetermined amplification rate;
An image processing unit for generating an ultrasonic image in the subject from the received electrical signal;
A holding unit that holds operation history information related to at least the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the plurality of second piezoelectric elements;
A storage unit that stores a correspondence relationship between at least the amplification factors of the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the plurality of second piezoelectric elements and the operation history; and controls at least the reception unit, the holding unit, and the storage unit A control unit,
The control unit acquires the amplification factor of at least one of the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the plurality of second piezoelectric elements from the storage unit according to an operation history held by the holding unit, and sets the acquired amplification factor. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the amplification factor of the receiving unit is changed.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation history information includes at least a history of cumulative usage time and cumulative usage count. The ultrasonic probe has temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature inside the ultrasonic probe,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation history information includes information on a temperature inside the ultrasonic probe measured by the temperature measuring unit. The correspondence relationship is
A first conversion that is a ratio between the magnitude of a predetermined ultrasonic signal transmitted to the plurality of first piezoelectric elements and the magnitude of a received electrical signal that is received and converted by the second piezoelectric element. Coefficient,
A second conversion that is a ratio between the magnitude of a predetermined ultrasonic signal transmitted to the plurality of second piezoelectric elements by the control unit and the magnitude of a received electrical signal that is received and converted by the first piezoelectric element. Coefficient,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is dependent on.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first conversion coefficient is different from the second conversion coefficient. The correspondence relationship is
The control unit causes the plurality of first piezoelectric elements to transmit predetermined ultrasonic signals, causes the second piezoelectric elements to receive, and receives and calculates at different timings, and at least one first conversion coefficient calculated ,
The control unit causes the plurality of second piezoelectric elements to transmit a predetermined ultrasonic signal, causes the first piezoelectric element to receive, and receives and calculates at different timings; and at least one second conversion coefficient,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus depends on The control unit has an external storage device for storing the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient;
The correspondence relationship is calculated based on the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient stored in the past in the external storage device, the current first conversion coefficient, and the second conversion coefficient. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus depends on temporal changes of each of the one conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient.   The second piezoelectric element is composed of an organic piezoelectric element made of an organic piezoelectric material, and the organic piezoelectric material is a polymer of vinylidene fluoride or a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A remote device comprising: an operation input unit; and a control unit that generates an operation signal according to an operation of the operation input unit and controls the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a communication line When,
An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising: On the computer,
A plurality of first functions having both a function of converting an electrical signal into an ultrasonic signal and transmitting it into the subject and a function of receiving a reflected ultrasound signal generated by reflection within the subject and converting it into a received electrical signal A process of receiving the received electrical signal from an ultrasonic probe comprising one piezoelectric element and a plurality of second piezoelectric elements;
A process of causing the transmitting unit to drive at least the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the second piezoelectric elements;
A process of amplifying received electric signals converted by at least the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the second piezoelectric elements in a receiving unit including amplification means for amplifying at a predetermined amplification rate;
A process of receiving the operation history from a holding unit that stores operation history information related to at least the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the plurality of second piezoelectric elements;
At least the gain of the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the plurality of second piezoelectric elements and the storage unit storing the correspondence relationship of the operation history, and the amplification factor corresponding to the received operation history from the storage unit Processing to get,
According to the operation history held by the holding unit, the gain of at least one of the plurality of first piezoelectric elements or the plurality of second piezoelectric elements is acquired from the storage unit, and the amplification of the receiving unit is obtained to the acquired gain Processing to change the rate,
A process of generating an ultrasound image in the subject from the received electrical signal amplified with the changed amplification factor;
The program for ultrasonic diagnosis characterized by performing this.

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