JP2015097619A - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, and program for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide ultrasonic diagnostic equipment capable of easily specifying a defective channel and a defective place in an ultrasonic probe and a signal transmission/reception path.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers for transmitting/receiving an ultrasonic wave to/from a subject. A data processing system acquires target information by the data processing based on a received signal output from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The data processing system is configured so as to acquire the information related to a propagation wave by the data processing based on the signal output from a designated ultrasonic transducer, by the propagation wave of the vibration that propagates in the ultrasonic probe being received by the ultrasonic transducer designated for receiving the propagation wave.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a program for the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

  Conventionally, in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a defective channel in an ultrasonic probe (probe) is inspected. The defective channel can be detected and identified by performing an electric signal transmission / reception test for each ultrasonic transducer in the ultrasonic probe. More specifically, an electrical defective channel can be detected by supplying a test signal to a connector terminal connected to each ultrasonic transducer and measuring the amplitude of the supplied test signal.

JP 2009-39246 A

  However, although the conventional inspection method can detect a defective channel, it is difficult to determine whether a defect exists on the ultrasonic probe side or a signal transmission / reception path. In addition, in order to detect a defective channel, it is necessary to perform a test by sequentially supplying test signals to all channels. For this reason, there exists a problem that test time becomes long.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a program for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can easily identify a defective channel and a defective portion in an ultrasonic probe and a signal transmission / reception path.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe and a data processing system. The ultrasonic probe has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves toward the subject. The data processing system acquires target information by data processing based on reception signals output from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The data processing system outputs the propagation wave of the vibration propagating in the ultrasonic probe from the designated ultrasonic transducer when received by the ultrasonic transducer designated for receiving the propagation wave. The information on the propagating wave can be acquired by data processing based on the processed signal.
The program for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to function as a propagation wave signal acquisition unit and a propagation wave information acquisition unit. The propagation wave signal acquisition unit receives the propagation wave propagating through the ultrasound probe included in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus by the designated ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound probe. Get the signal output from. The propagation wave information acquisition unit acquires information on the propagation wave by data processing based on the signal.
In addition, the program for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to apply a transmission signal to an ultrasonic transducer of an ultrasonic probe designated to generate a propagation wave, while the propagation wave It is made to function as a control system which receives the above-mentioned propagation wave using the ultrasonic transducer specified for receiving.

1 is a configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The partial perspective view which shows the detailed structure of the ultrasonic probe shown in FIG. 1, and the propagation wave which propagates an ultrasonic probe. The figure explaining the method of the frequency analysis in the propagation wave information acquisition part shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the still image of several time-sequential frames which shows the time change of the amplitude of the propagation wave produced | generated in the propagation wave information acquisition part shown in FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the wave front of the propagation wave in case a defect exists in one of the ultrasonic transducer | vibrators with which the ultrasonic probe shown in FIG. 2 is equipped. The flowchart which shows the flow at the time of performing the test | inspection of the presence or absence of a defect by generating a propagation wave in the ultrasonic diagnosing device shown in FIG.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a program for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is configured by connecting an ultrasonic probe 3 to an apparatus body 2. The ultrasonic probe 3 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves toward the subject. At the time of scanning, each ultrasonic transducer converts a transmission signal applied as an electric signal into an ultrasonic signal and transmits it to the inside of the subject, while receiving an ultrasonic reflected wave reflected inside the subject, As a received signal.

  On the other hand, the apparatus main body 2 is provided with a control system 4, a data processing system 5, a display device 6 and an input device 7. The control system 4 includes a transmission unit 8, a reception unit 9, a transmission / reception control unit 10, and a system control unit 11. The data processing system 5 includes a signal processing unit 12, a propagation wave signal acquisition unit 13, a propagation wave information acquisition unit 14, and an abnormality detection unit 15.

  The signal line 16 is connected to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers provided in the ultrasonic probe 3, and the other end of the signal line 16 is connected to the apparatus main body 2 via the connector 17. A signal line 16 inside the apparatus main body 2 connected to the ultrasonic probe 3 via the connector 17 is connected to the control system 4 inside the apparatus main body 2. Specifically, the signal line 16 branches inside the apparatus main body 2, one end is connected to the transmission unit 8, and the other end is connected to the reception unit 9.

  The control system 4 is a system that controls the ultrasonic probe 3 by transmitting and receiving electrical signals to and from a plurality of ultrasonic transducers provided in the ultrasonic probe 3.

  The transmission unit 8 has a function of applying an electrical signal as a transmission signal to each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers provided in the ultrasonic probe 3 via the signal line 16. In particular, the transmission unit 8 imparts a predetermined delay time to each transmission signal applied to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, thereby directing ultrasonic waves having directivity by the ultrasonic signals transmitted from the ultrasonic transducers. It has a function of forming a transmission beam. The process of forming an ultrasonic transmission beam by adding a delay time to a transmission signal is also referred to as transmission beam forming.

  The reception unit 9 receives reception signals output from a plurality of ultrasonic transducers provided in the ultrasonic probe 3 with a predetermined delay time, and performs phasing addition processing, reception detection processing, A / D (analog It has a function of generating ultrasonic reception data by executing necessary signal processing such as to digital conversion processing. The process of forming an ultrasonic reception beam having directivity by giving a delay time to the reception signal is also referred to as reception beam forming. In addition, part of the signal processing may be executed in the ultrasonic probe 3.

  In some cases, the ultrasonic probe 3 and the apparatus main body 2 are connected to be communicable by radio. In that case, the transmission unit 8 and the reception unit 9 are usually built in the ultrasonic probe 3. Even in this case, the signal line 16 branches inside the ultrasonic probe 3, one end is connected to the transmission unit 8, and the other end is connected to the reception unit 9.

  The transmission / reception control unit 10 has a function of outputting control signals to the transmission unit 8 and the reception unit 9 and controlling them. In particular, the transmission / reception control unit 10 transmits the ultrasonic wave from an arbitrary ultrasonic transducer so that the propagation wave of vibration generated in the ultrasonic probe 3 can be received by a desired ultrasonic transducer. A function for controlling the unit 9 is provided. When a propagation wave propagating through the ultrasonic probe 3 is received and analyzed, the abnormality can be detected when an abnormality exists in the transmission / reception path of the signal formed by the ultrasonic probe 3 and the signal line 16.

  FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing a detailed structure of the ultrasonic probe 3 shown in FIG. 1 and a propagation wave propagating through the ultrasonic probe 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 3 arranges a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 on a backing material 20 and protects the surfaces of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 with matching layers 22 </ b> A and 22 </ b> B and an acoustic lens 23. Consists of. FIG. 2 shows the ultrasonic probe 3 in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 are arranged in one dimension (1D: one dimension), but the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 are two-dimensional (2D: one dimension). It may be a 2D probe arranged in two dimensions.

  In the ultrasonic probe 3 having the structure shown in FIG. 2, when a transmission signal is applied to one arbitrarily selected ultrasonic transducer 21 to vibrate, the vibration causes the backing material 20 and the matching layers 22A and 22B to be vibrated. Propagate. As a result, a vibration propagation wave P is generated in the direction in which the ultrasonic transducers 21 are arranged.

  Therefore, the propagation wave P of vibration can be received using an appropriate single or plural ultrasonic transducers 21. From the viewpoint of grasping the state of the propagation wave P, all the ultrasonic transducers provided in the plural ultrasonic transducers 21 or the ultrasonic probes 3 within a predetermined range from the ultrasonic transducer 21 to which the transmission signal is applied. 21 is preferably used for receiving the propagation wave P.

  Note that the propagation wave P of vibration generated by applying a transmission signal to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 may be received by all the ultrasonic transducers 21 or selected ultrasonic transducers 21. As a practical example, when a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 are connected to a common transmission channel as a subarray, transmission is performed to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 connected to a designated single transmission channel. A signal may be applied.

  Therefore, the transmission / reception control unit 10 applies a transmission signal from the transmission unit 8 to the single or plural ultrasonic transducers 21 designated to generate the vibration propagation wave P in the ultrasonic probe 3 while propagating. It is configured to control the transmission unit 8 and the reception unit 9 so that the reception unit 9 receives the reception signal output from the single or plural ultrasonic transducers 21 designated for receiving the wave P. Is done.

  During normal scanning, reception beamforming is executed by controlling the delay time in the receiving unit 9, but when the propagation wave P is received, reception beamforming is not executed. That is, the reception unit 9 is controlled by the transmission / reception control unit 10 so that reception beamforming is not performed.

  The system control unit 11 has a function of controlling the transmission / reception control unit 10 in accordance with the instruction information input from the input device 7. In particular, the scanning condition and the reception condition of the propagation wave P can be set in the system control unit 11 by operating the input device 7. In this case, the system control unit 11 is configured to control the transmission / reception control unit 10 according to the set condition.

  For this purpose, the system control unit 11 also has a function of causing the display device 6 to display a scan condition and a reception condition setting screen for the propagation wave P. Practically, a reception mode of the propagation wave P is prepared in addition to the normal scan mode, and the control conditions of the ultrasonic probe 3 including the ultrasonic transducer 21, the reception unit 9, the transmission unit 8, and the transmission / reception control unit 10 are set. Selection can be made by operating the input device 7.

  For this reason, the control system 4 applies a transmission signal to the ultrasonic transducer 21 designated for generating the propagation wave P, while using the ultrasonic transducer 21 designated for reception of the propagation wave P. It functions as a system for receiving the propagation wave P.

  The data processing system 5 is a system for acquiring target information by data processing based on reception signals output from a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 provided in the ultrasonic probe 3. Specifically, if the subject is being scanned, the data processing system 5 performs ultrasonic wave image data, ultrasonic Doppler image data, etc. by data processing based on reception signals output from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21. Are generated.

  The signal processing unit 12 has a function of executing data processing for generating ultrasound image data based on the received signal. Therefore, the signal processing unit 12 has a function of acquiring a reception signal for generating ultrasonic image data from the reception unit 9 and a function of outputting the ultrasonic image data to the display device 6 in addition to a function of executing data processing. Have.

  Further, the data processing system 5 receives the vibration propagation wave P propagating through the ultrasonic probe 3 by the ultrasonic transducer 21 designated for reception of the propagation wave P, so that the designated ultrasonic wave is received. Information related to the propagation wave P can be acquired by data processing based on a signal output from the sound wave vibrator 21. As described above, the information on the propagation wave P can be used to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the signal transmission / reception path formed by the ultrasonic probe 3 and the signal line 16.

  The propagation wave signal acquisition unit 13 has a function of acquiring a signal output from the ultrasonic transducer 21 designated for receiving the propagation wave P. The propagation wave information acquisition unit 14 has a function of acquiring information related to the propagation wave P by data processing based on the signal acquired by the propagation wave signal acquisition unit 13.

  By the way, when a transmission signal is applied to the ultrasonic transducer 21 designated for generating the propagation wave P, the propagation wave P is generated and the ultrasonic wave is also transmitted. Accordingly, the ultrasonic transducer 21 designated for receiving the propagation wave P receives both the propagation wave P and the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave.

  Therefore, the propagation wave information acquisition unit 14 removes a signal corresponding to the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave from the reception signal output from the ultrasonic transducer 21 designated for receiving the propagation wave P, thereby changing the propagation wave P to the propagation wave P. A corresponding signal is extracted, and data processing based on the signal corresponding to the propagation wave P can be executed. Extraction of a signal corresponding to the propagation wave P can be performed by frequency analysis of the received signal.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a frequency analysis method in the propagation wave information acquisition unit 14 shown in FIG.

  3A and 3B, each horizontal axis indicates the frequency f, and each vertical axis indicates the relative signal strength S of the signal. 3A shows the frequency characteristics of the transmission signal applied to the ultrasonic transducer 21 designated to generate the propagation wave P. FIG. 3B shows the frequency characteristic for receiving the propagation wave P. The frequency characteristic of the reception signal output from the designated ultrasonic transducer 21 is shown.

  When a pulse voltage as shown in FIG. 3A is applied as a transmission signal to the ultrasonic transducer 21, it is considered that a reception signal having frequency characteristics as shown in FIG. 3B is acquired. That is, the frequency characteristic of the signal corresponding to the ultrasonic wave reflected by the boundary surface of the object such as the acoustic lens 23 can be regarded as being equivalent to the frequency characteristic of the transmission signal. That is, the frequency band of the signal corresponding to the ultrasonic reflected wave is considered to be the fundamental wave band equivalent to the transmission signal or a nearby frequency band.

  On the other hand, the frequency band of the signal corresponding to the propagation wave P is considered to be lower than the frequency band of the ultrasonic reflected wave. Therefore, a signal corresponding to the propagation wave P existing in the frequency band on the low frequency side can be extracted by a filtering process using LPF (low pass filter). In this case, the cutoff frequency of the LPF can be determined theoretically or empirically.

  Furthermore, as another problem regarding the signal corresponding to the propagation wave P, there is a problem that the propagation wave P is attenuated by the backing material 20 constituting the ultrasonic probe 3. The attenuation rate of the propagation wave P caused by the backing material 20 varies depending on the characteristics of the backing material 20. Therefore, the attenuation rate of the propagation wave P is different for each backing material 20. For this reason, when the attenuation rate of the propagation wave P is so large that it cannot be ignored, the propagation wave P is not received with sufficient intensity in the ultrasonic transducer 21 at a position away from the ultrasonic transducer 21 that transmits the propagation wave P. There is a fear.

  Therefore, the system control unit 11 receives a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 for transmitting the propagation wave P and each ultrasonic wave for transmitting the propagation wave P so that the propagation wave P is received with sufficient intensity. A function of setting the range of the ultrasonic transducer 21 used for receiving the propagation wave P corresponding to the acoustic transducer 21 is provided. That is, the distance from the ultrasonic transducer 21 that transmits the propagation wave P to the ultrasonic transducer 21 that is used to receive the propagation wave P can be limited to an appropriate range. Note that a plurality of ranges of the ultrasonic transducer 21 used for receiving the propagation wave P may overlap each other.

  In this case, the propagation wave P is transmitted simultaneously or sequentially from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 for transmitting the propagation wave P. Then, the propagation wave P is received a plurality of times by the single or plural ultrasonic transducers 21 included in different ranges. Further, if the entire ultrasonic transducer 21 is divided into more segments to increase the number of times the propagation wave P is received, the intensity of the propagation wave P received by each ultrasonic transducer 21 can be increased. In other words, the propagation wave P having sufficient intensity can be received by the ultrasonic transducer 21 in a wider range.

  However, an excessive increase in the number of transmissions and receptions of the propagation wave P leads to an increase in time required for reception of the propagation wave P. Therefore, the number of segments of the ultrasonic transducer 21 used for receiving the propagation wave P can be optimized based on the intensity of the propagation wave P actually received.

  As a specific example, the propagation wave P is generated from the initially set single or plural ultrasonic transducers 21 and the propagation wave P is received by the ultrasonic transducers 21 in the corresponding single or plural initial ranges. In the case where there is a receiving ultrasonic transducer 21 in which the intensity of the received propagation wave P is reduced until it falls outside the range determined by the threshold due to attenuation, the ultrasonic transducer that newly generates the propagation wave P 21 and a method of adding a range of the ultrasonic transducer 21 for receiving the corresponding propagation wave P. In the case of this method, since the intensity of the received propagation wave P does not fall outside the range determined by the threshold due to attenuation, the ultrasonic vibrator 21 for generating the propagation wave P and the ultrasonic vibration for receiving the propagation wave P are received. The distance to the child 21 can be obtained.

  Therefore, the distance between the ultrasonic transducer 21 for generating the propagation wave P and the ultrasonic transducer 21 for receiving the propagation wave P can be optimized. That is, the propagation waves P are generated from the ultrasound transducers 21 having shorter intervals so that the propagation waves P having the necessary intensity can be received by all the reception ultrasound transducers 21, and a smaller number of propagation waves P are generated. The propagation wave P can be received using the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 divided into segments.

  As described above, the ultrasonic transducer 21 for generating the propagation wave P and the ultrasonic transducer 21 for receiving the propagation wave P are determined according to the intensity of the signal corresponding to the actually measured propagation wave P. In this case, the propagation wave information acquisition unit 14 performs threshold processing on the intensity of the signal corresponding to the propagation wave P to identify the ultrasonic transducer 21 corresponding to the insufficient signal intensity, and the identified ultrasonic wave The system control unit 11 may be configured to determine the ultrasonic transducer 21 for generating the propagation wave P and the ultrasonic transducer 21 for receiving the propagation wave P based on the identification information of the transducer 21. it can.

  Thus, in the control system 4, the plurality of propagation waves are received by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 designated for receiving the plurality of propagation waves P with the required intensity. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 for generating P and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 designated for receiving a plurality of propagation waves P are divided into a plurality of segments corresponding to the plurality of propagation waves P. Can be divided into Further, the control system 4 generates another propagation wave P among the plurality of propagation waves P based on the intensity of at least one propagation wave P among the plurality of propagation waves P generated from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21. It is possible to designate the ultrasonic transducer 21 for causing the ultrasonic transducer 21 to perform.

  Even if the propagation wave P is attenuated by the control of the ultrasonic transducer 21 by the control system 4 as described above, more ultrasonic waves can be provided in the ultrasound probe 3 with the propagation wave P having sufficient intensity in a shorter time. It can be received by the vibrator 21. And the propagation wave information acquisition part 14 can acquire the information regarding the propagation wave P with high sensitivity by the data processing based on the signal corresponding to the propagation wave P having sufficient intensity.

  As the information on the propagation wave P acquired by the propagation wave information acquisition unit 14, any information is used as long as it is useful for grasping a failure state such as a failure channel and a failure location in the ultrasonic probe 3 and the signal transmission / reception path. Can be determined. In order to grasp the defective channel and the defective portion, it is particularly effective to visualize the arrival time of the propagation wave P and the state of propagation of the propagation wave P.

  Therefore, as a specific example of information regarding the propagation wave P, numerical data or image data representing the amplitude or arrival time of the propagation wave P can be given. As a more specific example of numerical data, the time change of the amplitude of the propagation wave P received by the ultrasonic transducer 21 corresponding to each channel and the propagation wave P to the ultrasonic transducer 21 corresponding to each channel. The arrival time is listed. Numerical data can be expressed not only numerically but also as a graph. For example, the time change of the amplitude of the propagation wave P at a certain position and the position change of the arrival time of the propagation wave P can be graphed. On the other hand, as a specific example of the propagation wave P image data, 2D map image data representing the amplitude or arrival time of the propagation wave P as a pixel value can be cited.

  Accordingly, the propagation wave information acquisition unit 14 represents the numerical data representing the amplitude of the propagation wave P, the propagation wave image data representing the amplitude of the propagation wave P, the numerical data representing the arrival time of the propagation wave P, and the arrival time of the propagation wave P. At least one of the propagation wave image data can be generated as information on the propagation wave P. Information relating to the propagation wave P such as the generated numerical data and propagation wave image data can be displayed on the display device 6. As a result, the user can easily confirm whether or not there is an abnormality in the ultrasonic probe 3 and the signal transmission / reception path by viewing the information on the propagation wave P. In particular, it is possible to identify the ultrasonic transducer 21 or signal channel in which an abnormality exists.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a time-series still image of a plurality of frames showing a temporal change in the amplitude of the propagation wave P generated by the propagation wave information acquisition unit 14 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the vertical axis direction indicates the time phase direction. FIG. 4 shows an image of the amplitude of the propagation wave P received by dividing the 2D array probe into a plurality of segments and using a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 belonging to a certain segment. As shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to generate and display a propagation wave image indicating the amplitude of the propagation wave P at the 2D position in gray scale.

  Then, by displaying a plurality of frames of propagating wave images corresponding to different time phases in time series, it is possible to grasp how the propagating wave P propagates in the 2D array direction of the ultrasonic transducers 21. Become. Of course, a plurality of frames of propagation wave images can be displayed as moving images by sequentially switching and displaying the plurality of frames of propagation wave images.

  Further, by sequentially switching the segments, it is possible to visually recognize how the propagation wave P propagates in the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 21 over the entire 2D array probe. That is, by setting a plurality of segments, it is possible to avoid a decrease in visibility due to attenuation of the propagation wave P.

  A defect in the ultrasonic transducer 21 or the signal channel can be automatically detected by quantitative evaluation without visual inspection. Therefore, the abnormality detecting unit 15 of the data processing system 5 compares the information on the propagation wave P with the reference data and acquires information including a comparison result with respect to the reference data, and the defect based on the information on the propagation wave P. The function of generating the notification information of the detected defect is provided when a defect is detected. In this case, the presence / absence of the defect can be determined based on the comparison result with respect to the reference data.

  As reference data to be compared with information related to the propagation wave P, a threshold value determined according to the characteristics of the ultrasonic probe 3 or information related to the propagation wave P acquired in the past can be used.

  More specifically, a threshold value is set for the arrival time and amplitude of the propagation wave P that can be assumed according to the characteristics of the ultrasonic probe 3, and the arrival time and amplitude of the actually measured propagation wave P are determined by the threshold value. Defects can be automatically detected by determining whether they are out of range. That is, it is possible to automatically detect a defect in the ultrasonic transducer 21 or the signal channel by threshold processing for information regarding the propagation wave P such as numerical data representing the amplitude or arrival time of the propagation wave P or propagation wave image data.

  Alternatively, information related to the propagation wave P such as numerical data representing the amplitude or arrival time of the propagation wave P or propagation wave image data may be acquired at any time point before shipment or use of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. it can. Information on the propagation wave P acquired in advance can be stored as information in a normal state with no defects, and can be used as reference data when necessary, such as immediately before scanning.

  When the information regarding the past propagation wave P is used as the reference data, a difference value between the information regarding the propagation wave P to be detected as a defect and the reference data can be obtained. Then, threshold processing for the difference value can be performed. That is, it can be determined whether or not the difference value from the normal data is within a range defined by the threshold value. When it is determined that the difference value is outside the range determined by the threshold value, it can be recognized that there is a defect in the ultrasonic transducer 21 or the signal channel. This enables automatic detection of defects that may exist in the ultrasonic transducer 21 or the signal channel.

  As described above, an arbitrary standard is set as reference data in the information related to the propagation wave P, and a defect that may exist in the ultrasonic transducer 21 or the signal channel can be automatically detected by threshold processing with reference to the reference data. When a defect is detected, notification information for the detected defect can be generated, and the generated notification information for the defect can be output to the display device 6.

  Further, based on the information on the propagation wave P, the defect is on the ultrasonic probe 3 side including the ultrasonic transducer 21 or in the signal channel between the control system 4 in the apparatus main body 2 and the ultrasonic probe 3. This makes it possible to determine whether it has been difficult in the past.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the wavefront of the propagation wave P when one of the ultrasonic transducers 21 provided in the ultrasonic probe 3 shown in FIG. 2 has a defect.

  When an impact is applied to the ultrasonic transducer 21 due to factors such as dropping of the ultrasonic probe 3, the ultrasonic transducer 21 may be broken or chipped. When such a defect exists in the ultrasonic transducer 21X, as shown in FIG. 5, a propagation wave P having a wavefront discontinuous around the ultrasonic transducer 21X in which the defect exists is received. That is, the influence of the ultrasonic transducer 21X having a defect occurs on the propagation wave P that has passed through the ultrasonic transducer 21X having a defect.

  On the other hand, when there is no defect in the ultrasonic transducer 21 and there is a defect in the signal channel, such as the disconnection of the signal line 16 that connects the control system 4 and the ultrasonic probe 3, the defect exists. Only the receiving channel that is to be affected will have a bad effect. That is, the propagation wave P that has passed through the ultrasonic transducer 21 connected to the reception channel where the defect exists does not have the influence of the reception channel where the defect exists. In other words, the propagation wave P received by the ultrasonic transducer 21 adjacent to the ultrasonic transducer 21 connected to the reception channel where the defect exists is not affected by the defect existing in the reception channel.

  Accordingly, when the image of the propagation wave P is visually observed, it becomes obvious at a glance whether the defect is on the ultrasonic probe 3 side or in the signal channel between the control system 4 and the ultrasonic probe 3. In addition, if the abnormality detection unit 15 performs data analysis such as singular point detection or discontinuous point detection on the numerical data representing the amplitude or arrival time of the propagation wave P or the propagation wave image data, automatic detection of defects is performed. In addition, it is possible to automatically determine whether the detected defect is on the ultrasonic probe 3 side or on the signal channel between the control system 4 and the ultrasonic probe 3.

  Specifically, when a singular point is detected by data analysis processing on information regarding the propagation wave P such as numerical data and propagation wave image data, the singular point between the control system 4 and the ultrasonic probe 3 is detected. It can be determined that there is a defect in the corresponding signal channel. On the other hand, when a discontinuous point is detected by the data analysis process on the information regarding the propagation wave P, it can be determined that there is a defect in the ultrasonic transducer 21X corresponding to the discontinuous point.

  In the abnormality detection unit 15, the detected defect is on the ultrasonic transducer 21 side designated for receiving the propagation wave P or connected to the ultrasonic transducer 21 designated for receiving the propagation wave P. The failure notification information can be generated as information including whether the signal line 16 is on the side. As described above, the failure notification information generated by the abnormality detection unit 15 and the information indicating whether or not a failure is detected can be stored as test result information.

  Among the constituent elements of the apparatus main body 2 described above, the constituent elements that process digital information can be constructed by causing a computer to read a program for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. However, a circuit may be used to configure any component of the apparatus main body 2.

  Specifically, the computer is read as a data processing system 5 including a propagation wave signal acquisition unit 13, a propagation wave information acquisition unit 14, and an anomaly detection unit 15 by causing the computer to read the data processing program of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Can function. In addition, by causing the computer to read the control program of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the computer can function as a part of the control system 4 including the transmission / reception control unit 10 and the system control unit 11.

  A program including a data processing program and a control program of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be recorded on an information recording medium and distributed as a program product. Therefore, by installing a program necessary for an existing ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the existing ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be functioned as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation and action of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  First, the ultrasonic probe 3 to be inspected for defects is connected to the apparatus main body 2 through the connector 17 in advance.

  In step S <b> 1, a propagation wave P is generated from the ultrasonic transducer 21 designated from among the multiple ultrasonic transducers 21 provided in the ultrasonic probe 3.

  Specifically, the reception mode of the propagation wave P is selected by the operation of the input device 7 through the setting screen displayed by the system control unit 11 on the display device 6 as a user interface. Subsequently, a control condition necessary for receiving the propagation wave P in the system control unit 11 is set by operating the input device 7 through the setting screen. As a specific example, conditions such as the ultrasonic transducer 21 that generates the propagation wave P and the ultrasonic transducer 21 that receives the propagation wave P are set in the system control unit 11.

  Then, the system control unit 11 controls the transmission / reception control unit 10 according to the set data collection condition. Further, the transmission / reception control unit 10 controls the transmission unit 8 and the reception unit 9 according to the control signal output from the system control unit 11. As a result, a pulse voltage is applied as a transmission signal from the transmission unit 8 to the designated ultrasonic transducer 21, and a propagation wave P of vibration directed from the designated ultrasonic transducer 21 toward the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducer 21. Occurs. In addition, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer 21 to which the transmission signal is applied.

  Therefore, in step S2, the ultrasonic transducer 21 designated for receiving the propagation wave P receives the combination of the propagation wave P and the reflected ultrasonic wave. The received multiplexed signal is output to the receiving unit 9 as an electrical signal. The receiving unit 9 performs necessary signal processing such as A / D conversion processing. The reception signal digitized by the signal processing is given from the reception unit 9 to the propagation wave signal acquisition unit 13. As a result, an electrical signal corresponding to the propagation wave P and the reflected ultrasonic wave is acquired by the propagation wave signal acquisition unit 13.

  Next, in step S3, the propagation wave information acquisition unit 14 acquires an electrical signal corresponding to the propagation wave P and the reflected ultrasonic wave from the propagation wave signal acquisition unit 13, and acquires information on the propagation wave P by data analysis. .

  For this purpose, first, an electrical signal corresponding to the propagation wave P is extracted from the electrical signal corresponding to the propagation wave P and the reflected ultrasonic wave by the LPF. And the information regarding the propagation wave P is produced | generated by the data processing based on the electrical signal corresponding to the extracted propagation wave P. FIG.

  As a specific example, a 2D numerical data map or 2D propagation wave image data representing the amplitude or arrival time of the propagation wave P can be generated. Furthermore, when data representing the amplitude of the propagation wave P is generated, time-series data as illustrated in FIG. 4 can be used. Data representing the generated propagation wave P can be displayed on the display device 6. For this reason, the user can confirm the presence or absence of a defect.

  Furthermore, the presence / absence of a defect can be automatically determined. In this case, in step S4, the abnormality detection unit 15 compares numerical data, propagation wave image data, and the like with reference data, and executes threshold processing for the difference value and the like. Based on the result of the threshold processing, the presence / absence of a defect can be automatically determined. Further, when a defect is detected, it is determined whether there is a singular point or a discontinuous point in the amplitude or arrival time of the propagation wave P, thereby determining whether the defect is on the ultrasonic transducer 21 side or not. It can be determined whether the signal line 16 is connected to the sound wave vibrator 21.

  If the abnormality detection unit 15 determines that a defect has been detected, the abnormality detection unit 15 generates defect notification information in step S5. The generated defect notification information is output to the display device 6. Thereby, the user can confirm the presence or absence of a defect more easily. In addition, when it is determined whether the defect is on the ultrasonic transducer 21 side or on the signal line 16 side connected to the ultrasonic transducer 21, the location where the defect is generated can be easily determined based on the defect notification information. Can be specified.

  On the other hand, when the abnormality detection unit 15 determines that no defect has been detected, the inspection for the presence or absence of the defect is completed. Even when a defect is detected, the inspection for the presence or absence of a defect is completed by outputting the defect notification information. It should be noted that failure notification information and whether or not a failure has been detected can be stored as test result information. Thereby, it becomes possible to grasp the degree of deterioration of the ultrasonic transducer 21 or the signal line 16 by referring to the history of test results.

  That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 as described above detects a propagation wave P propagating from a specific ultrasonic transducer 21 in the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 21 and digitizes or visualizes the detected propagation wave P. Thus, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a defect in the ultrasonic transducer 21 or the signal channel.

  For this reason, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, it is possible to easily confirm the presence or absence of an electrical failure and a mechanical failure in the ultrasonic transducer 21 or the signal channel. Furthermore, when a defect is detected, it is possible to easily determine whether the defect is on the ultrasonic transducer 21 side or on the signal line 16 side connected to the ultrasonic transducer 21. That is, it is possible to investigate whether the failure is an electrical failure such as a disconnection or a mechanical failure such as a crack. In addition, since it becomes unnecessary to transmit and receive a test signal for each ultrasonic transducer 21, the inspection time can be shortened compared to the conventional case.

  Although specific embodiments have been described above, the described embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the scope of the invention. The novel methods and apparatus described herein can be implemented in a variety of other ways. Various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made in the method and apparatus described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents include such various forms and modifications as are encompassed by the scope and spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 Apparatus main body 3 Ultrasonic probe 4 Control system 5 Data processing system 6 Display apparatus 7 Input apparatus 8 Transmission part 9 Reception part 10 Transmission / reception control part 11 System control part 12 Signal processing part 13 Propagation wave signal acquisition part 14 Propagation wave information acquisition unit 15 Anomaly detection unit 16 Signal line 17 Connector 20 Backing material 21, 21X Ultrasonic transducer 22A, 22B Matching layer 23 Acoustic lens P Propagation wave

Claims (14)

An ultrasonic probe having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves toward the subject;
A data processing system for acquiring target information by data processing based on reception signals output from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers;
With
The data processing system outputs the propagation wave of the vibration propagating in the ultrasonic probe from the designated ultrasonic transducer when received by the ultrasonic transducer designated for receiving the propagation wave. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to be able to acquire information on the propagating wave by data processing based on a processed signal.   The data processing system extracts a signal corresponding to the propagation wave by removing a signal corresponding to the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave from the signal output from the designated ultrasonic transducer, and corresponds to the propagation wave The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, configured to execute data processing based on a signal to be transmitted.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the data processing system is configured to extract a signal corresponding to the propagation wave by frequency analysis.   The ultrasound according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the data processing system is configured to acquire numerical data or image data representing an amplitude or arrival time of the propagation wave as information on the propagation wave. Diagnostic device.   The ultrasound according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data processing system is configured to compare information on the propagation wave with reference data and acquire information including a comparison result with respect to the reference data. Diagnostic device.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the data processing system is configured to use information about a propagation wave acquired in the past as the reference data.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the data processing system is configured to use a threshold value determined according to characteristics of the ultrasonic probe as the reference data.   8. The data processing system according to claim 1, wherein the data processing system is configured to determine presence / absence of a defect based on information on the propagation wave, and to generate notification information of the detected defect when the defect is detected. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of any one of Claims.   The data processing system is configured such that the detected defect is on the ultrasonic transducer side designated for receiving the propagation wave or a signal connected to the ultrasonic transducer designated for receiving the propagation wave The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the defect notification information is generated as information including whether the line is on the line side.   A control system for applying a transmission signal to an ultrasonic transducer designated for generating the propagation wave and receiving the propagation wave using the ultrasonic transducer designated for receiving the propagation wave; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   The control system is configured to generate a plurality of propagation waves so that the plurality of propagation waves are received at a required intensity by a plurality of ultrasonic transducers designated for receiving the plurality of propagation waves. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers designated for receiving the plurality of propagation waves are divided into a plurality of segments corresponding to the plurality of propagation waves. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10.   The control system is configured to designate an ultrasonic transducer for generating another propagation wave of the plurality of propagation waves based on an intensity of at least one of the plurality of propagation waves. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11. Computer
Acquires a signal output from the designated ultrasonic transducer by receiving a propagating wave propagating through the ultrasonic probe provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by the designated ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe. A propagation wave information acquisition unit that acquires information on the propagation wave by data processing based on the signal,
A program for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that functions as a computer program.   A computer applies a transmission signal to an ultrasonic transducer of an ultrasonic probe designated for generating a propagation wave, while using the ultrasonic transducer designated for receiving the propagation wave to transmit the propagation wave. A program for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that functions as a control system for reception.

Images