JP2017051455A - Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an intracavitary ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which improves usability in ultrasonic diagnosis.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic probe 20 has a grip part 21, an insertion part 30, a sensor and an electronic circuit. The grip part is gripped by an operator in diagnosis. The insertion part extends from the grip part to be inserted into the body of a subject in diagnosis, having a vibration element for sending and receiving ultrasonic waves at its tip part. The sensor senses at least a part of a peripheral environment of the insertion part. The electronic circuit is used in at least either driving of the vibration element or processing of an echo signal generated at the vibration element and its consumption power varies according to at least the part of the peripheral environment of the insertion part sensed by the sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  In ultrasonic diagnosis, a user of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus uses different ultrasonic probes depending on the purpose of diagnosis. The ultrasonic probe includes a body surface probe that transmits ultrasonic waves from the outside of the subject and an in-vivo probe that transmits ultrasonic waves from the inside of the subject. An example of the in-vivo probe is a TEE (transesophageal echocardiography) probe 1 as shown in FIGS. 13 (A) and 13 (B). The TEE probe 1 is an ultrasonic probe for observing a heart or the like from within a subject by inserting the tip 2 from the esophagus of the subject by having a thin tubular tip portion 2 in which a vibration element is arranged. . The distal end portion 2 is designed to be small in size so as to pass through the esophagus. For example, the 2D array type TEE probe 1 in which a plurality of vibration elements are arranged in the azimuth direction (lateral direction) and the elevation direction can simultaneously observe, for example, orthogonal cross sections of the heart by electrical control. Yes, its diagnostic effectiveness is recognized.

JP 2006-198239 A

  By the way, if the conventional ultrasonic probe is handled inappropriately, the vicinity of the vibration element may already be at a high temperature at the timing of diagnosis. Inappropriate handling here includes, for example, leaving an ultrasonic probe in a state of transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves without contacting the subject (leaving in the air). If diagnosis is performed while the vibration element is near a high temperature, the subject may be burned. Alternatively, if the diagnosis is not performed until the temperature in the vicinity of the vibration element falls to an appropriate temperature, the diagnosis time will be long.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve usability in ultrasonic diagnosis.

  The ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment includes a gripping part, an insertion part, a sensor, and an electronic circuit.

  The grip part is gripped by an operator at the time of diagnosis.

  The insertion portion extends from the grasping portion, is inserted into the subject at the time of diagnosis, and has a vibration element at the distal end portion that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves.

  The sensor senses the surrounding environment of at least a part of the insertion part.

  The electronic circuit is used for at least one of driving of the vibration element and processing of an echo signal generated by the vibration element, and is consumed according to a surrounding environment of at least a part of the insertion portion sensed by the sensor. The power changes.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a control unit and a display control unit.

  The control unit causes the ultrasonic probe to execute transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves.

  The display control unit causes the display unit to display an ultrasonic image generated based on an output from the ultrasonic probe.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement in the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concern on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the sensor applied to the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 4th Embodiment, and the subsequent amplifier circuit. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining operations of the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the modification of the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the external appearance of the insertion part and holding part of an ultrasonic probe which concern on 6th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the external appearance of a general TEE probe.

  Hereinafter, an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the TEE probe is described as an example of the ultrasonic probe, but is not limited thereto, and any type of ultrasonic probe having an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject can be applied. Examples of applicable ultrasonic probes include a transvaginal probe and a transrectal probe.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic views showing the configurations of the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe 20 extends from the gripping portion 21 in the direction opposite to the gripping portion 21 gripped by the operator at the time of diagnosis, the insertion portion 30 extending from the gripping portion 21, and the insertion portion 30. The connector part 40 is provided. The grip portion 21 has a function of bending a thin tube portion of the insertion portion 30 in a desired direction and a function of swinging the distal end portion 31 of the insertion portion 30 by operating a handle (not shown). The insertion unit 30 has a vibration element that is inserted into a subject at the time of diagnosis and that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves at the distal end portion 31. The connector section 40 has a first control circuit 41 and is connected to the apparatus main body 50 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus main body 50 includes, for example, a second control circuit 51 that causes the ultrasonic probe 20 to perform transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, and a signal processing circuit 52 that generates an image based on echo signals output from the ultrasonic probe 20. Has in the housing. A display unit 58 is placed on the housing.

  Here, the distal end portion 31 of the ultrasonic probe 20 includes a vibration element array 32, a sensor 33, and an electronic circuit chip 34 as shown in FIG. The vibration element array 32 and the electronic circuit chip 34 are part of a laminated structure in which a backing material, an electronic circuit chip, a bump, an electric signal redistribution layer, a bump, a vibration element array, and an acoustic matching layer are sequentially laminated as described above. As implemented. The sensor 33 is mounted on a second surface having a backing material opposite to the first surface having the acoustic matching layer and the vibration element array 32, for example. However, the sensor 33 is not limited to the second surface, for example, a third surface (a left side surface toward the tip portion 31) or a fourth surface between the first surface (front side surface) and the second surface (back side surface). It may be mounted on a surface (surface opposite to the third surface). Note that the definition of the third surface and the fourth surface may be interchanged. In addition, the sensor 33 may be disposed at a position where the sensor 33 is inserted into the subject at the time of diagnosis.

  The vibration element array 32 includes a plurality of vibration elements 32-1, 32-2,..., 32-n as acoustic / electric reversible conversion elements such as piezoelectric ceramics. The plural vibration elements 32-1, 32-2,. In the following description, it is assumed that one vibrator constitutes one channel. The plurality of vibration elements 32-1, 32-2,..., 32-n are responsive to drive signals supplied from the plurality of pulsars 352b-1, 352b-2,. Generate ultrasound. Each of the plurality of vibrating elements 32-1, 32-2,..., 32-n generates an echo signal in response to reception of an ultrasonic echo reflected by the biological tissue of the subject. The ultrasonic probe 20 may be a one-dimensional array probe in which a plurality of vibration elements 32-1, 32-2,..., 32-n are arranged one-dimensionally, or a plurality of vibration elements 32- A two-dimensional array probe in which 1, 32-2,..., 32-n are two-dimensionally arranged may be used.

  The sensor 33 senses the surrounding environment of at least a part of the insertion unit 30 and outputs a signal indicating the sensing result. Examples of the surrounding environment include light, sound, heat, or smell around at least a part of the insertion portion 30. A signal output from the sensor 33 is transmitted to the first control circuit 41. At this time, the signal output from the sensor 33 may be either a digital signal or an analog signal. In the case of an analog signal, for example, it may be transmitted to the first control circuit 41 after being converted into a digital signal by an A / D conversion circuit (not shown) in the electronic circuit 34a. Alternatively, the analog signal may be converted into a digital signal by an A / D conversion circuit in the first control circuit 41. As the sensor 33, for example, an optical sensor that senses the brightness of at least a part of the insertion portion 30 such as a photo diode can be used. The optical sensor is not limited to a photo diode, and any optical sensor such as a photo transistor or a CdS cell can be used. In addition, the sensor 33 is not limited to an optical sensor, and a sensor (eg, a sound sensor, a thermal sensor, an odor sensor, etc.) according to the surrounding environment (eg, sound, heat, odor, etc.) to be detected is appropriately used. It can be used.

  The electronic circuit chip 34 is an integrated circuit chip on which an electronic circuit 34a is formed. The electronic circuit 34 a is used for at least one of driving of the vibration elements 32-1,..., 32-n and processing of echo signals generated by the vibration elements 32-1,. The power consumption changes according to the surrounding environment. In this example, the electronic circuit 34a is used for both driving of the vibration elements 32-1,..., 32-n and processing of echo signals generated by the vibration elements 32-1,. Specifically, the electronic circuit 34a includes a transmitting unit 35 that drives the vibrating elements 32-1, ..., 32-n, and a receiving unit that processes echo signals generated by the vibrating elements 32-1, ..., 32-n. 36 is used as a circuit for realizing each function. The electronic circuit 34a drives the vibration elements 32-1,..., 32-n (hereinafter also referred to as drive processing) and processes echo signals generated by the vibration elements 32-1,. , Also called echo signal processing), it can be applied to both 2D array type and 1D array type. Similarly, the electronic circuit 34a is applicable to both 2D array type and 1D array type when used for echo signal processing among drive processing and echo signal processing. Further, the electronic circuit 34a can be applied to the 1D array type in which the number of signal lines of the transmission cable is smaller than that of the 2D array type when used for the driving process among the driving process and the echo signal process. Furthermore, the electronic circuit 34a may be a circuit that increases the power consumption when the brightness detected by the sensor 33 decreases, as an example of the power consumption changing according to the surrounding environment. The electronic circuit 34a may be a circuit that increases power consumption when sound, heat, or smell in the subject is detected by the sensor 33, as another example in which power consumption changes according to the surrounding environment.

  The transmission unit 35 includes a rate pulse generator 351 and a plurality of transmission circuits 352-1, 352-2, ..., 352-n corresponding to the number of channels, respectively. The rate pulse generator 351 repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. The rate pulse generator 351 repeatedly generates rate pulses at a rate frequency of 5 kHz, for example. The generated rate pulses are distributed to the number of channels and sent to transmission circuits 352-1, 352-2, ..., 352-n connected to the respective channels.

  A plurality of transmission circuits 352-1, 352-2,..., 352-n are transmission delay circuits 352a-1, 352a-2,..., 352a-n and pulsers 352b-1, 352b-2,. Respectively. Hereinafter, one transmission circuit 352-1 will be described. The transmission delay circuit 352a-1 provides each rate pulse with a delay time necessary for converging the ultrasonic wave into a beam for each channel and determining the transmission directivity. The pulser 352b-1 applies a voltage pulse (drive signal) to the vibration element 32-1 of the ultrasonic probe 20 at a timing based on the rate pulse. Thereby, an ultrasonic beam is transmitted to the subject.

  The receiving unit 36 includes a preamplifier circuit 361, a reception delay circuit 362, an adder 363, and the like. The echo signal reflected by the biological tissue of the subject is taken in for each channel as an echo signal via the ultrasonic probe 20. The preamplifier circuit 361 amplifies an echo signal from the subject captured via the ultrasonic probe 20 for each channel. The reception delay circuit 362 gives a delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity to the echo signal. The adder 363 adds a plurality of echo signals given delay times. By this addition, the reception unit 36 generates a reception signal in which the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized.

  The transmission directivity and the reception directivity determine the overall directivity of ultrasonic transmission / reception (the so-called “ultrasonic scanning line” is determined by this directivity). The receiving unit 36 outputs a reception signal for each depth in each scanning line in the scanned region to the signal processing circuit 52. The receiving unit 36 may have a parallel reception function for simultaneously receiving echo signals generated on a plurality of scanning lines by one ultrasonic transmission. Further, the receiving unit 36 may arrange a part of the adder 363 in the apparatus main body 50 and perform final beam forming on the apparatus side.

  The first control circuit 41 is provided in the connector unit 40 and controls the transmission unit 35 and the reception unit 36 based on the signal received from the sensor 33 and the control signal received from the second control circuit 51. Specifically, based on the control signal received from the second control circuit 51, the first control circuit 41 drives the vibration elements 32-1, ..., 32-n by the transmission unit 35, and the vibration element 32-1. ,..., 32-n are controlled by the receiving unit 36 for the echo signals generated in 32-n. The first control circuit 41 controls the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34 a including the transmission unit 35 and the reception unit 36 based on the signal received from the sensor 33. Note that the first control circuit 41 is not limited to the connector part 40, and may be provided in the grip part 21, or may be provided at an intermediate position between the connector part 40 and the grip part 21. Alternatively, the first control circuit 41 may be omitted from the ultrasonic probe 20 and included in the second control circuit 51.

  Here, the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a includes (1) a bias current flowing inside the electronic circuit 34a, (2) a voltage applied to the vibration elements 32-1, ..., 32-n, and (3) the vibration element 32. -1,..., 32-n changes when at least one of the periods in which the voltage is applied changes. For this reason, the power consumption and heat generation of the electronic circuit 34a can be suppressed by at least one of the above-described decreases (1) and (2) and the prolonged period (3). Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order.

  (1) Power consumption and heat generation of the electronic circuit 34a can be suppressed by a decrease in bias current. Supplementally, a preamplifier circuit 361 is incorporated in the electronic circuit 34a as an amplifier. The amplifier is composed of a transistor, and it is necessary to always pass a current through the transistor. This constantly flowing current is called a bias current. When this bias current is increased, noise performance and distortion performance are improved. On the other hand, the current out of the power determined by the voltage and current increases, so that the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a increases and the electronic circuit 34a becomes high temperature. For this reason, the electronic circuit of the receiving unit 36 is designed so that the bias current of the electronic circuit 34 a can be switched by the control signal output from the first control circuit 41 in accordance with the signal from the sensor 33. Thereby, when the ultrasonic probe 20 is not used, the bias current of the electronic circuit 34a can be reduced, and the power consumption and heat generation of the electronic circuit 34a can be suppressed. In addition, when the ultrasonic probe 20 is not used, there is no problem even if noise performance or distortion performance deteriorates.

  (2) Power consumption and heat generation of the electronic circuit 34a can be suppressed by a decrease in the voltage applied to the vibration elements 32-1, ..., 32-n. Supplementally, the electronic circuit 34a incorporates a transmission unit 35 that performs a transmission operation in which a high-pressure pulse is applied to each of the vibration elements 32-1, ..., 32-n to output an ultrasonic wave. A current flows from the transmitting unit 35 to the vibrating elements 32-1,..., 32-n during the time when the high-voltage pulse is applied. When the voltage of the high voltage pulse is increased, the image quality performance of the ultrasonic image is improved. On the other hand, the power consumption determined by the current and the voltage value flowing through the vibration elements 32-1,. become. For this reason, the electronic circuit of the transmission part 35 is designed so that the voltage applied to the vibration elements 32-1,..., 32-n can be switched by the control signal output from the first control circuit 41. As a result, when the ultrasonic probe 20 is not used, the voltage applied to the vibrating elements 32-1,..., 32-n can be reduced, and the power consumption and heat generation of the electronic circuit 34a can be suppressed. When the ultrasonic probe 20 is not used, there is no problem even if the image quality performance is deteriorated.

  (3) The power consumption and heat generation of the electronic circuit 34a can be suppressed by prolonging the period in which the voltage is applied to the vibration elements 32-1, ..., 32-n. Supplementally, as a factor for determining the power consumption related to the transmission operation, in addition to the current flowing at the moment of transmission and the voltage to be applied, there is a repetition period (hereinafter referred to as pulse repetition period). When this pulse repetition period is set to the minimum determined by the display depth, the ultrasonic image accurately represents the motion of the diagnosis target (for example, the heart), while the power consumption when time averaged increases, and the electronic circuit 34a becomes hot. become. For this reason, the electronic circuit of the transmission unit 35 is designed so that the cycle of the voltage applied to the vibration elements 32-1,..., 32-n can be switched by the control signal output from the first control circuit 41. deep. As a result, when the ultrasonic probe 20 is not used, the period of the voltage applied to the vibrating elements 32-1,..., 32-n can be lengthened, and the power consumption and heat generation of the electronic circuit 34a can be suppressed. . When the ultrasonic probe 20 is not used, there is no problem even if the image frame update cycle is delayed.

  Instead of suppressing the power consumption as described above, when the ultrasonic probe 20 is not used, the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a may be eliminated by stopping the supply of the bias current or the applied voltage. The case where power consumption is eliminated is an extreme form when power consumption is suppressed, and will be described including the case where power consumption is suppressed.

  On the other hand, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an apparatus main body 50, a display unit 58, and an input unit 59 that is connected to the apparatus main body 50 and receives various instructions / commands / information from the operator into the apparatus main body 50. Furthermore, a biological signal measurement unit (not shown) represented by an electrocardiograph, a heart sound meter, a pulse wave meter, and a respiration sensor and a network may be connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via the interface unit 57.

  The apparatus main body 50 includes a second control circuit 51, a signal processing circuit 52, an image memory 53, an image composition unit 54, a display control unit 55, a storage unit 56, and an interface unit 57.

  The second control circuit 51 includes, for example, a CPU, and reads out the transmission delay pattern, the reception delay pattern, and the control program stored in the storage unit 56 in accordance with the operation of the input unit 59 by the operator, and according to these, the apparatus main body 50 and the ultrasonic probe 20 are controlled. As an operation of the input unit 59, for example, an operation for inputting an instruction such as selection between the B mode and the Doppler mode, a frame rate, a scanned depth, and transmission start / end can be applied. However, the second control circuit 51 is not limited to the CPU, and may be configured by a circuit such as a PLD (programmable logic device) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

  The signal processing circuit 52 includes a B-mode processing unit, a Doppler processing unit, and an image generation unit that are not shown. The signal processing circuit 52 generates image data based on the received signal output from the receiving unit 36. Hereinafter, generation of image data will be described in detail. Image data is ultrasound image data generated based on B-mode data or Doppler data.

  The B-mode processing unit has an envelope detector, a logarithmic converter, etc., not shown. The envelope detector performs envelope detection on the reception signal output from the receiving unit 36. The envelope detector outputs the envelope-detected signal to a logarithmic converter. The logarithmic converter relatively emphasizes a weak signal by logarithmically converting the envelope-detected signal. The B-mode processing unit generates a signal value (B-mode data) for each depth in each scanning line and each ultrasonic wave transmission / reception based on the signal emphasized by the logarithmic converter.

  The B-mode processing unit is a three-dimensional B composed of a plurality of signal values arranged in association with the lateral direction, the elevation direction, and the depth direction (hereinafter referred to as a range direction) in the scanned region. Mode data may be generated. The range direction is the depth direction on the scanning line. The three-dimensional B-mode data may be data in which a plurality of pixel values or a plurality of luminance values are arranged in association with the lateral direction, the elevation direction, and the range direction along the scanning line. . The three-dimensional B-mode data may be data related to a region of interest (hereinafter referred to as ROI) set in advance in the scanned region. The B mode processing unit may generate volume data instead of the three-dimensional B mode data. Hereinafter, data generated by the B-mode processing unit is collectively referred to as B-mode data.

  The Doppler processing unit includes a mixer, a low-pass filter (hereinafter referred to as LPF), a speed / dispersion / Power arithmetic device, etc., not shown. The mixer multiplies the reception signal output from the reception unit 36 by a reference signal having the same frequency f0 as the transmission frequency. By this multiplication, a signal having a component of Doppler shift frequency fd and a signal having a frequency component of (2f0 + fd) are obtained. The LPF removes a signal having a high frequency component (2f0 + fd) from signals having two types of frequency components from the mixer. The Doppler processing unit generates a Doppler signal having a component of the Doppler shift frequency fd by removing the signal of the high frequency component (2f0 + fd).

  The Doppler processing unit may use a quadrature detection method in order to generate a Doppler signal. At this time, the received signal (RF signal) is quadrature detected and converted to an IQ signal. The Doppler processing unit generates a Doppler signal having a component of the Doppler shift frequency fd by performing a complex Fourier transform on the IQ signal. The Doppler signal is, for example, an echo component caused by blood flow, tissue, or contrast agent.

  The velocity / dispersion / Power computing device includes an MTI (Moving Target Indicator) filter, an autocorrelation computing unit, etc., not shown. The MTI filter removes Doppler components (clutter components) caused by respiratory movement or pulsatile movement of the organ from the generated Doppler signal. The autocorrelation calculator calculates an autocorrelation value for the Doppler signal from which only blood flow information is extracted by the MTI filter. The autocorrelation calculator calculates an average blood flow velocity value, a variance value, a Doppler signal reflection intensity, and the like based on the calculated autocorrelation value. The velocity / dispersion / Power computing device generates color Doppler data based on an average velocity value of blood flow based on a plurality of Doppler signals, a dispersion value, a reflection intensity of the Doppler signal, and the like. Hereinafter, Doppler signals and color Doppler data are collectively referred to as Doppler data.

  The Doppler data and the B mode data are collectively referred to as raw data. Note that the raw data may be B-mode data based on harmonic components of transmission ultrasonic waves and elasticity data related to living tissue in the subject. The B-mode processing unit and the Doppler processing unit output the generated raw data to the image generation unit. Note that the B-mode processing unit and the Doppler processing unit can output the generated raw data to the image memory 53.

  The image generation unit has a digital scan converter (hereinafter referred to as DSC) not shown. The image generation unit performs coordinate conversion processing (resampling) on the DSC. The coordinate conversion processing is, for example, conversion of a scanning line signal sequence of ultrasonic scanning composed of raw data into a scanning line signal sequence of a general video format represented by a television or the like. The image generation unit performs interpolation processing on the DSC following the coordinate conversion processing. Interpolation processing is processing for interpolating data between scan line signal sequences using raw data in adjacent scan line signal sequences. The image generation unit generates ultrasonic image data by executing coordinate conversion processing and interpolation processing on the raw data.

  The signal processing circuit 52 performs projection processing of line-of-sight data to display a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional monitor in the display unit 58 by rendering the three-dimensional B-mode data or volume data. Also good. That is, the signal processing circuit 52 generates an image on a two-dimensional plane by projecting a three-dimensional object onto a projection plane. In the rendering process, any projection method may be used.

  The image memory 53 is a memory that stores ultrasonic images corresponding to a plurality of frames immediately before freezing, for example. It is also possible to display an ultrasonic moving image by continuously displaying images (cine display) stored in the cine memory.

  The image synthesizing unit 54 synthesizes character information and scales of various parameters with the ultrasonic image generated by the signal processing circuit 52 to generate an ultrasonic image for display.

  The display control unit 55 causes the display unit 58 to display the ultrasonic image generated by the image synthesis unit 54.

  The storage unit 56 includes a plurality of reception delay patterns and a plurality of transmission delay patterns having different focus depths, a control program of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a diagnostic protocol, various data groups such as transmission / reception conditions, and a signal processing circuit 52. The generated raw data and the ultrasonic image are stored.

  The interface unit 57 is an interface related to the input unit 59, a network, an external storage device (not shown), and a biological signal measurement unit. Data such as ultrasonic images and analysis results obtained by the apparatus main body 50 can be transferred to another apparatus via the interface unit 57 and the network. The interface unit 57 can also download a medical image related to the subject acquired by another medical image diagnostic apparatus (not shown) via the network.

  The display unit 58 displays an ultrasound image such as a B-mode image and a Doppler image based on the output of the display control unit 55. Note that the display unit 58 may perform adjustments such as brightness, contrast, dynamic range, and γ correction, and color map assignment for the displayed image.

  The input unit 59 is connected to the interface unit 57 and takes various instructions, commands, information, selections, and settings from the operator into the apparatus main body 50. The input unit 59 includes input devices such as a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, and a keyboard (not shown). The input device detects the coordinates of the cursor displayed on the display screen, and outputs the detected coordinates to the second control circuit 51. The input device may be a touch command screen provided to cover the display screen. In this case, the input unit 59 detects the coordinates instructed by touch on the principle of coordinate reading such as electromagnetic induction type, electromagnetic distortion type, and pressure sensitive type, and outputs the detected coordinates to the second control circuit 51. Further, when the operator operates the end button or the freeze button of the input unit 59, the transmission / reception of the ultrasonic wave in the ultrasonic probe 20 is ended by the control from the second control circuit 51, and the apparatus main body 50 is temporarily suspended. It becomes a state.

  Next, operations of the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the connector section 40 is connected to the apparatus main body 50 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic probe 20 is in a state in which ultrasonic waves can be transmitted and received by the vibration elements 32-1,.

  In this state, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the second control circuit 51 is activated in response to the operation of the input unit 59 by the operator. The second control circuit 51 sends a control signal that causes the ultrasonic probe 20 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to the first control circuit 41 of the ultrasonic probe 20.

  The first control circuit 41 controls the transmission unit 35 and the reception unit 36 based on this control signal. The transmission unit 35 drives the vibration elements 32-1,..., 32-n under the control of the first control circuit 41 (ST1). The receiving unit 36 processes echo signals generated by the vibrating elements 32-1,..., 32-n, and sends the received signal obtained by the processing to the signal processing circuit 52 of the apparatus main body 50.

  The signal processing circuit 52 generates ultrasonic image data based on the reception signal output from the reception unit 36. The image synthesizing unit 54 generates a display ultrasonic image by synthesizing character information and scales of various parameters with the ultrasonic image data. The display control unit 55 causes the display unit 58 to display the generated ultrasonic image.

  On the other hand, the sensor 33 of the ultrasonic probe 20 senses the surrounding environment of at least a part of the insertion unit 30 (ST2). In the specific example of step ST2, the sensor 33 senses the brightness as the surrounding environment and outputs a signal indicating the sensing result.

  The electronic circuit 34a changes its power consumption according to the surrounding environment detected in step ST2 (ST3: ST3-1 to ST3-3). In the specific example of step ST3, the signal output from the sensor 33 is transmitted to the first control circuit 41.

  Based on the signal from the sensor 33, the first control circuit 41 determines whether or not the brightness of at least a part of the periphery of the insertion unit 30 has decreased (ST3-1). When the determination result in step ST3-1 indicates NO, the ultrasonic probe 20 is not used for diagnosis, and the insertion unit 30 is left in the air. For this reason, the 1st control circuit 41 reduces the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a (ST3-2), and suppresses the heat_generation | fever of the electronic circuit 34a. That is, ultrasonic diagnosis has not started, and it is not necessary to supply power that can achieve high image quality performance. After step ST3-2 ends, the ultrasound probe 20 returns to step ST2 and continues processing.

  When the determination result in step ST3-1 indicates a decrease in brightness, the ultrasonic probe 20 is being used for diagnosis, and the insertion unit 30 is inserted into the subject (eg, esophagus). For this reason, the first control circuit 41 controls the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a to a necessary and sufficient power (ST3-3). That is, during ultrasonic diagnosis, it is necessary to supply the electronic circuit 34a with sufficient power necessary to obtain high image quality performance. In step ST3-3, immediately after detecting the decrease in brightness, the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a is controlled to increase, and after reaching the necessary and sufficient power for ultrasonic diagnosis, the necessary and sufficient power is achieved. Is controlled to maintain.

  After step ST3-3, the first control circuit 41 determines whether or not the ultrasound diagnosis is finished (ST4). If the determination result in step ST4 indicates no, the ultrasonic probe 20 returns to step ST2 and continues the process. If the determination result in step ST3-3 indicates the end of the ultrasound diagnosis, the ultrasound probe 20 ends the process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, as shown in steps ST2 to ST3, the sensor 33 senses the surrounding environment of at least a part of the insertion portion 30 inserted into the subject at the time of diagnosis, and this sensing is performed. Depending on the surrounding environment, the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a changes. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect whether or not it is in use for diagnosis, and it is possible to quickly return from the use stop state. Therefore, usability in ultrasonic diagnosis can be improved.

  Supplementally, since it is possible to detect whether or not the insertion unit 30 has been inserted into the subject by sensing the surrounding environment of at least a part of the insertion unit 30, it is possible to accurately detect whether or not the insertion unit 30 is being used for diagnosis. Can do. In addition, since the power consumption changes when a change from the use stop state to the use state is detected according to the sensed surrounding environment, it is possible to quickly return from the use stop state.

  In addition to this, when the sensor 33 senses the brightness of at least a part of the insertion unit 30, whether or not the insertion unit 30 has been inserted into the subject as compared to the case of sensing the surrounding environment other than the brightness. Can be detected easily and reliably.

  Further, the electronic circuit 34a has a configuration in which power consumption increases when the brightness detected by the sensor 33 is reduced. When the insertion unit 30 is inserted into the subject and the surrounding area is dark, the electronic circuit 34a has a high power consumption. An operation for obtaining image quality performance can be executed.

  In other words, the electronic circuit 34a is configured such that when the brightness detected by the sensor 33 increases, the power consumption decreases. When the insertion unit 30 is outside the subject and the periphery is bright, the power consumption decreases. Heat generation can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to suppress unnecessary heat generation when the ultrasonic probe 20 is outside the subject. For example, when the ultrasonic probe 20 is a TEE probe, the TEE probe has a strict heat generation regulation, and the operation of the apparatus must be forcibly stopped when the human body contact portion exceeds a certain temperature. However, it is necessary to avoid stopping the operation of the apparatus during the ultrasonic diagnosis as much as possible. According to this embodiment, in order to suppress useless heat generation when not in use, the temperature at the start of use can be lowered. That is, in this embodiment, the temperature at the start of use is lowered, the difference between the temperature at the start of use and the temperature at which heat generation is restricted (temperature increase allowed during use) is increased, and the operation of the apparatus is stopped. Therefore, useless heat generation when the subject is outside the subject is suppressed.

  Further, when the insertion portion 30 has at least one of the sensor 33 and the electronic circuit 34a in the distal end portion 31, the width and height of the distal end portion 31 are larger than the diameter of the transmission cable. Compared to, it can be easily mounted.

  Further, when the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a is changed by changing at least one of the following (1) to (3), the power consumption is changed by the control of (1) to (3). The heat generation and image quality performance can be controlled according to the power consumption.

(1) A bias current flowing inside the electronic circuit 34a.
(2) Voltage applied to the vibration elements 32-1, ..., 32-n.
(3) A period in which a voltage is applied to the vibration elements 32-1, ..., 32-n.

  Further, when the ultrasonic probe 20 includes the first control circuit 41 that controls the electronic circuit 34a, the sensor 33 in the ultrasonic probe 20 is independent of the main body 50 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a can be controlled according to the output.

  Here, when the first control circuit 41 is provided in the connector portion 40 that is connected to the housing having the signal processing circuit 52 that generates an image based on the received signal obtained by the processing of the electronic circuit 34a, Since the portion 40 is relatively large, it can be easily mounted. Note that the first control circuit 41 is not limited to the connector unit 40, and may be provided in the grip unit 21, for example. Similarly, when the first control circuit 41 is provided in the grip portion 21, since the grip portion 21 is a relatively large portion in the ultrasonic probe 20, it can be easily mounted.

  In addition, when the insertion portion 30 includes the vibration elements 32-1,..., 32-n on the first surface of the distal end portion 31, and the sensor 33 on the second surface opposite to the first surface, the vibration element 32 is provided. The sensor 33 can be easily mounted without hindering transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves by −1,..., 32-n.

  Moreover, when the insertion part 30 has the some vibration element 32-1, ..., 32-n arranged in two dimensions, the 2D array type ultrasonic probe 20 which can obtain the effect mentioned above is provided. Can do. If the insertion unit 30 includes a plurality of vibration elements 32-1,..., 32-n arranged in a one-dimensional manner, the insertion unit 30 may include the electronic circuit 34a and the sensor 33 as long as the configuration is further provided. The 1D array type ultrasonic probe 20 capable of obtaining the above-described effects can be provided.

  On the other hand, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the second control circuit 51 causes the ultrasonic probe 20 capable of obtaining the above-described effects to execute transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, and the display control unit 55 outputs from the ultrasonic probe 20. The ultrasonic image generated based on the above is displayed on the display unit 58. Therefore, in addition to the above-described effects, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus changes the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a according to the surrounding environment of at least a part of the insertion portion 30 inserted into the subject at the time of diagnosis. An ultrasonic image having image quality performance corresponding to the image quality can be displayed.

  For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays an ultrasonic image corresponding to the reduced power consumption when the ultrasonic diagnosis is not being performed, and displays an ultrasonic image corresponding to the increased power consumption only during the ultrasonic diagnosis. be able to.

<Second Embodiment>
4 and 5 are schematic views showing the configurations of the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. The same parts as those in FIGS. Are mainly described here. In the following embodiments, the same description is omitted.

  The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and the electronic circuit 34 a includes a signal processing circuit (image generation unit) 52 that generates an image based on the reception signal obtained by the processing of the reception unit 36. It is configured to be controlled by a second control circuit 51a provided in the housing having the same.

  Specifically, in the second embodiment, the first control circuit 41 is omitted from the ultrasonic probe 20, and the first control circuit 41 is replaced with the second control circuit 51 instead of the second control circuit 51 in the apparatus main body 50. 51 is provided with a new second control circuit 51 a included in 51.

  Accordingly, the signal output from the sensor 33 is transmitted to the second control circuit 51a. At this time, the signal output from the sensor 33 may be either a digital signal or an analog signal. In the case of an analog signal, for example, it may be converted to a digital signal by an A / D conversion circuit (not shown) in the electronic circuit 34a and then transmitted to the second control circuit 51a. Alternatively, the analog signal may be converted into a digital signal by an A / D conversion circuit (not shown) of the apparatus main body 50 and then transmitted to the second control circuit 51a.

  Here, the second control circuit 51a has a function of controlling the apparatus main body 50 and the ultrasonic probe 20 described above. Here, the function of controlling the ultrasonic probe 20 includes the function of controlling the transmitter 35 and the receiver 36 in the electronic circuit 34 a based on the signal received from the sensor 33. Specifically, the second control circuit 51a drives the vibration elements 32-1,..., 32-n by the transmission unit 35 and is generated by the vibration elements 32-1,. The processing of the echo signal received by the receiving unit 36 is controlled. The second control circuit 51 a controls power consumption of the electronic circuit 34 a including the transmission unit 35 and the reception unit 36 based on the signal received from the sensor 33.

  Next, operations of the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 3 described above.

  When the connector section 40 is connected to the apparatus main body 50 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic probe 20 is in a state in which ultrasonic waves can be transmitted and received by the vibration elements 32-1,.

  In this state, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the second control circuit 51a is activated according to the operation of the input unit 59 by the operator. The second control circuit 51 a sends a control signal that causes the ultrasonic probe 20 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to the electronic circuit 34 a of the ultrasonic probe 20. That is, the second control circuit 51a controls the transmission unit 35 and the reception unit 36 in the electronic circuit 34a by this control signal.

  The transmission unit 35 drives the vibration elements 32-1, ..., 32-n under the control of the second control circuit 51a (ST1). The receiving unit 36 processes echo signals generated by the vibrating elements 32-1,..., 32-n, and sends the received signal obtained by the processing to the signal processing circuit 52 of the apparatus main body 50.

  The signal processing circuit 52 generates ultrasonic image data based on the reception signal output from the reception unit 36. The image synthesizing unit 54 generates a display ultrasonic image by synthesizing character information and scales of various parameters with the ultrasonic image data. The display control unit 55 causes the display unit 58 to display the generated ultrasonic image.

  On the other hand, the sensor 33 of the ultrasonic probe 20 senses the surrounding environment of at least a part of the insertion unit 30 (ST2). In the specific example of step ST2, the sensor 33 senses the brightness as the surrounding environment and outputs a signal indicating the sensing result.

  The electronic circuit 34a changes its power consumption according to the surrounding environment detected in step ST2 (ST3: ST3-1 to ST3-3). In the specific example of step ST3, the signal output from the sensor 33 is transmitted to the second control circuit 51a.

  Based on the signal from the sensor 33, the second control circuit 51a determines whether or not the brightness around at least a part of the insertion unit 30 has decreased (ST3-1). If the determination result of step ST3-1 indicates NO, the insertion unit 30 is left in the air, so the second control circuit 51a reduces the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a (ST3-2), and the electronic circuit 34a Suppresses fever. After step ST3-2 ends, the second control circuit 51a returns to step ST2 and continues processing.

  When the determination result in step ST3-1 indicates a decrease in brightness, since the insertion unit 30 is inserted in the subject (eg, esophagus), the second control circuit 51a uses the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a. Is controlled to a necessary and sufficient power (ST3-3). In step ST3-3, immediately after detecting the decrease in brightness, the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a is controlled to increase, and after reaching the necessary and sufficient power for ultrasonic diagnosis, the necessary and sufficient power is achieved. Is controlled to maintain.

  After step ST3-3 is completed, the second control circuit 51a determines whether or not the ultrasound diagnosis is ended (ST4), and if not, returns to step ST2 and continues the process.

  When the determination result in step ST4 indicates the end of the ultrasound diagnosis, the second control circuit 51a ends the process.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the electronic circuit 34 a is provided in a housing having the signal processing circuit (image generation unit) 52 that generates an image based on the reception signal obtained by the processing of the reception unit 36. The second control circuit 51a is controlled. As described above, even if the first control circuit 41 described above is omitted and the second control circuit 51a in the apparatus main body 50 is modified to control the electronic circuit 34a, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Can be obtained.

  Further, since the second control circuit 51a in the apparatus main body 50 controls the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a, more effective heat generation control can be realized. Supplementally, since the first control circuit 41 described above needs to be installed in a small space in the connector section 40, it cannot be a complicated circuit requiring a large space. On the other hand, since the second control circuit 51a can be installed in a large space in the apparatus main body 50, the circuit for controlling the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a can be made more complicated than the first control circuit 41. Thus, more effective heat generation control can be realized.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment.

  The third embodiment is a specific example of each of the first and second embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the vibration element array 32 and the electronic circuit chip 34 are provided at the distal end portion 31 of the insertion portion 30. Are mounted as part of a laminated structure. This laminated structure is configured by laminating a backing material 22, an electronic circuit chip 34, bumps 23, an electric signal rewiring layer 24, bumps 25, a vibration element array 32, and an acoustic matching layer 26 in this order. Specifically, the electronic circuit chip 34 is disposed on one surface of the backing material 22. The electronic circuit 34 a in the electronic circuit chip 34 is electrically connected to the vibration elements 32-1,..., 32-n in the vibration element array 32 through the bumps 23, the electric signal rewiring layer 24 and the bumps 25. Yes. In the vibration element array 32, the acoustic matching layer 26 is disposed on the surface opposite to the bump 25. The electronic circuit 34 a in the electronic circuit chip 34 is electrically connected to the sensor 33 disposed on the other surface of the backing material 22 via the wiring 27. Further, the electronic circuit 34 a in the electronic circuit chip 34 is electrically connected to an internal circuit of the apparatus main body 50 via a transmission cable and a connector unit 40 (not shown). Note that the sensor 33 may be electrically connected to the internal circuit of the connector unit 40 via a transmission cable (not shown) without passing through the electronic circuit 34a.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 6 (B), the insertion portion 30 has the acoustic matching layer 26 and the vibration element array 32 (vibration elements 32-1,..., 32-n) on the first surface sf1 of the distal end portion 31. The sensor 33 is provided on the second surface sf2 opposite to the first surface sf1. However, the sensor 33 is not limited to the second surface sf2, and may be mounted on the third surface sf3 or the fourth surface sf4 between the first surface sf1 and the second surface sf2, for example.

  According to the above configuration, in addition to the operational effects of the first and second embodiments, (a) the effect that the sensor 33 can be easily mounted, and (b) the impedance of the wiring connected to the sensor 33 The effect which can reduce influence can be acquired.

  The effect (a) will be described. The second surface sf2 is optimal as a position where the sensor 33 is disposed because the sensor 33 can easily sense the surrounding environment and the sensor 33 can be easily mounted. For example, the second surface sf2 is in a position where the periphery becomes dark when the distal end portion 31 is inserted into the subject. For this reason, the sensor 33 disposed on the second surface sf2 can easily detect a decrease in brightness when the distal end portion 31 is inserted into the subject. In addition, the second surface sf2 has a structure with a degree of freedom of processing. For example, the second surface sf2 is a surface made of the backing material 22 or a structure made of aluminum that serves both as heat dissipation and support, and thus can be easily processed. For this reason, the sensor 33 can be easily mounted on the second surface sf2 because the sensor 33 can be stored in the easily machined part. Thus, the second surface sf2 is optimal as a position where the sensor 33 is disposed.

  On the other hand, the first surface sf1 opposite to the second surface sf2 has the acoustic matching layer 26 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and therefore cannot place the sensor 33, and thus is unsuitable as a position to place the sensor 33.

  The effect (b) will be described. Since the wiring 27 between the sensor 33 and the electronic circuit 34a is very short, the influence of impedance can be ignored. In addition, the signal output from the sensor 33 is amplified in the electronic circuit 34a, and then transmitted to the apparatus main body 50 side via the transmission cable. Although the wiring length of the transmission cable is long, if the signal is amplified in the electronic circuit 34a, the influence of the impedance accompanying the wiring length of the transmission cable can be reduced.

  On the other hand, when the signal output from the sensor 33 is directly transmitted to the internal circuit of the apparatus main body 50 via the transmission cable, the signal output from the sensor 33 is weak, so that the impedance associated with the wiring length of the transmission cable. Susceptible to. For example, in the case of the TEE probe, the wiring length of the transmission cable is as long as about 4 m. With such a length, the impedance of the wiring cannot be ignored, and an error in information finally obtained by the signal processing circuit 52 becomes large.

<Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a sensor applied to the ultrasonic probe according to the fourth embodiment and an amplifier circuit at the subsequent stage.

  The fourth embodiment is a specific example of each of the first to third embodiments, and is connected to the power source 37 for applying a voltage to the sensor 33 using a photo diode and the sensor 33, and is output from the sensor 33. The electronic circuit 34a includes an amplifier circuit 38 that amplifies the received signal. In this example, a resistor 38r and an operational amplifier 38a are used as the amplifier circuit 38. The insertion portion 30 has a sensor 33 and an electronic circuit 34 a at the distal end portion 31.

  Here, the photo diode exhibits a voltage-current characteristic similar to that of a normal diode in a dark state (a state inserted in the subject), while a reverse current increases in a bright state (a state left in the air). Has characteristics. For this reason, the photodiode, for example, outputs a current that changes according to the brightness around the sensor 33 to the amplifier circuit 38 by connecting the cathode to the power source 37 and connecting the anode to the amplifier circuit 38.

  The amplifying circuit 38 converts the current output from the photodiode into a voltage and simultaneously amplifies the voltage to an appropriate value, and outputs the obtained amplified signal to the transmission cable. In this case, as the amplifier circuit 38, for example, the anode of the photodiode, one end of the resistor 38r and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 38a are connected, and the other end of the resistor 38r and the output terminal of the operational amplifier 38a are connected. Good. As a result, the drive capability of the operational amplifier 38a makes it possible to transmit the amplified signal to the apparatus main body 50 while suppressing the influence of the wiring length even if the transmission cable has a long wiring length like the TEE probe.

  According to the configuration as described above, in addition to the effects of the first to third embodiments, even when the wiring length of the transmission cable in the ultrasonic probe 20 is long, the influence of the wiring length is suppressed and the amplified signal is transmitted. Can be transmitted.

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the same embodiment.

  The fifth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. From the viewpoint of improving the reliability when the sensor 33 in the insertion unit 30 senses the surrounding environment, the insertion unit 30 includes a plurality of sensors 33. It is the composition which has. This is because, for example, when the insertion unit 30 is left on the bed or the like, the detection surface of the sensor 33 is blocked by the bed, and the sensor 33 senses the surrounding environment (eg, decreased brightness), and the consumption of the electronic circuit 34a. It is intended to eliminate the possibility of increasing power. In this example, as the plurality of sensors 33, three sensors 33-1,. For example, the first sensor 33-1 is disposed on the third surface sf3 of the distal end portion 31, and the second sensor 33-2 is disposed on the second surface sf2 of the distal end portion 31, and the third sensor 33-3. Is disposed on the fourth surface sf4 of the tip portion 31. However, the number of the plurality of sensors 33-1,... Is not limited to 3, and any number can be used. Moreover, as long as the position which arrange | positions the several sensors 33-1, ... is in the insertion part 30, arbitrary positions are applicable.

  Each of the plurality of sensors 33-1 to 33-3 senses the surrounding environment of at least a part of the insertion unit 30 and outputs a signal indicating the sensing result, as described above. Signals output from the sensors 33-1 to 33-3 are transmitted to the first control circuit 41, respectively.

  In the above-described function, the first control circuit 41 reduces the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a to a necessary and sufficient power when the brightness of all the sensors 33-1 to 33-3 is reduced instead of the single sensor 33. It has a configuration having a control function.

  Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Next, operations of the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the connector section 40 is connected to the apparatus main body 50 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic probe 20 is in a state in which ultrasonic waves can be transmitted and received by the vibration elements 32-1,.

  In this state, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the second control circuit 51 is activated in response to the operation of the input unit 59 by the operator. The second control circuit 51 sends a control signal that causes the ultrasonic probe 20 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to the first control circuit 41 of the ultrasonic probe 20.

  The first control circuit 41 controls the transmission unit 35 and the reception unit 36 based on this control signal. The transmission unit 35 drives the vibration elements 32-1,..., 32-n under the control of the first control circuit 41 (ST1). The receiving unit 36 processes echo signals generated by the vibrating elements 32-1,..., 32-n, and sends the received signal obtained by the processing to the signal processing circuit 52 of the apparatus main body 50.

  The signal processing circuit 52 generates ultrasonic image data based on the reception signal output from the reception unit 36. The image synthesizing unit 54 generates a display ultrasonic image by synthesizing character information and scales of various parameters with the ultrasonic image data. The display control unit 55 causes the display unit 58 to display the generated ultrasonic image.

  On the other hand, the sensors 33-1 to 33-3 of the ultrasonic probe 20 sense at least a part of the surrounding environment of the insertion unit 30 (ST2a). In the example of step ST2a, the sensors 33-1, ..., 33-3 sense the brightness as the surrounding environment and output a signal indicating the sensing result.

  The electronic circuit 34a changes in power consumption according to the surrounding environment sensed in step ST2a (ST3a: ST3a-1, steps ST3-2 to ST3-3). In a specific example of step ST3a, signals output from the sensors 33-1 to 33-3 are transmitted to the first control circuit 41.

  The first control circuit 41 determines whether or not the brightness of at least a part of the periphery of the insertion unit 30 has decreased in the signals from all the sensors 33-1 to 33-3 (ST3a-1). . If the determination result in step ST3a-1 indicates NO, the ultrasonic probe 20 is not used for diagnosis, and the insertion unit 30 is left in the air. For this reason, the 1st control circuit 41 reduces the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a (ST3-2), and suppresses the heat_generation | fever of the electronic circuit 34a. After step ST3-2 ends, the ultrasonic probe 20 returns to step ST2a and continues the process.

  When the determination result in step ST3a-1 indicates a decrease in brightness, the ultrasonic probe 20 is being used for diagnosis, and the insertion unit 30 is inserted into the subject (eg, esophagus). For this reason, the first control circuit 41 controls the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a to a necessary and sufficient power (ST3-3).

  After step ST3-3, the first control circuit 41 determines whether or not the ultrasound diagnosis is finished (ST4). When the determination result of step ST4 indicates NO, the ultrasound probe 20 returns to step ST2a and continues the process. When the determination result in step ST4 indicates the end of the ultrasound diagnosis, the ultrasound probe 20 ends the process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the insertion unit 30 includes a plurality of sensors 33, and in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the reliability when sensing the surrounding environment of at least a part of the insertion unit 30 is achieved. Can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the power consumption of the electronic circuit 34a is changed (increased) when all the sensors 33-1,..., 33-3 sense a decrease in brightness has been described. Not. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in step ST3b (ST3b-1, ST3-2, ST3-3) in FIG. 11 or the like, when a predetermined number of sensors less than the total number of sensors detect a decrease in brightness, The power consumption can be modified to change (increase). Here, the predetermined number is an arbitrary number within a range from (m−1) to 1 when the total number of sensors is m. In addition to the effect of the present embodiment, this modified example has the effect of the present embodiment as long as a predetermined number of sensors 33-2 and 33-3 are normal even when one or more sensors 33-1 fail. Thus, the reliability can be further improved.

  In addition, the present embodiment and the modifications thereof have been described by taking the case of application to the first embodiment as an example, but the present embodiment is not limited to this, and can be applied to the second to fourth embodiments. .

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of an insertion portion and a gripping portion of an ultrasonic probe according to the sixth embodiment.

  The sixth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and has a configuration in which a sensor 33 is provided in a portion other than the distal end portion 31 in the insertion portion 30. In this example, the sensor 33 is provided at a predetermined position in the insertion portion 30 between the distal end portion 31 and the grip portion 21. Here, as the predetermined position where the sensor 33 is provided, any position can be applied as long as it is a position where the surrounding environment changes when it is inserted into the subject (for example, a position where the surrounding brightness decreases). .

  Even with the configuration as described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, although the present embodiment has been described by taking the case where it is applied to the first embodiment as an example, the present embodiment is not limited to this and can also be applied to the second to fifth embodiments. When the sixth embodiment is applied to the fifth embodiment, a configuration in which all of the plurality of sensors 33-1 to 33-3 are provided in a portion other than the distal end portion 31 in the insertion portion 30. Also good. Alternatively, one or more of the sensors 33-1,..., 33-3 are provided in the tip portion 31 and the remaining sensors. It is good also as a provided structure. Further, as described above, any number of the plurality of sensors 33-1 can be used. In any case, the present embodiment can also be applied to the second to fifth embodiments.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, the sensor 33 senses the surrounding environment of at least a part of the insertion portion 30 inserted into the subject at the time of diagnosis, and an electronic circuit is selected according to the sensed surrounding environment. The power consumption of 34a changes. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect whether or not it is in use for diagnosis, and it is possible to quickly return from the use stop state.

  In addition, although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof in the same manner as included in the scope and gist of the invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Ultrasonic probe, 21 ... Gripping part, 22 ... Backing material, 23, 25 ... Bump, 24 ... Electric signal rewiring layer, 26 ... Acoustic matching layer, 30 ... Insertion part, 31 ... Tip part, 32 ... Vibration element Array, 32-1 to 32-n ... Vibration element, 33, 33-1 to 33-3 ... Sensor, 34 ... Electronic circuit chip, 34a ... Electronic circuit, 35 ... Transmitter, 351 ... Rate pulse generator, 352- 1-352-n ... transmission circuit, 352 a-1-352 a-n ... transmission delay circuit, 352 b-1-352 b-n ... pulsar, 36 ... reception unit, 361 ... preamplifier circuit, 362 ... reception delay circuit, 363 ... addition 37 ... power source 38 ... amplifier circuit 38a ... op amp 38r ... resistor 40 ... connector part 41 ... first control circuit 50 ... device main body 51,51a ... second control circuit 52 ... signal processing circuit 53 ... Image memory, 54 ... Image composition unit, 55 ... Display control unit, 56 ... Storage unit, 57 ... Interface unit, 58 ... Display unit, 59 ... Input unit, sf1 ... First surface, sf2 ... Second surface, sf3 ... 3rd surface, sf4 ... 4th surface.

Claims (14)

A gripping part gripped by an operator at the time of diagnosis;
An insertion portion that extends from the gripping portion, is inserted into the subject at the time of diagnosis, and has a vibration element that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves at the distal end portion;
A sensor for sensing a surrounding environment of at least a part of the insertion portion;
An electronic circuit that is used for at least one of driving of the vibration element and processing of an echo signal generated by the vibration element, and that changes power consumption according to the surrounding environment sensed by the sensor;
Ultrasonic probe equipped with.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the sensor senses brightness in at least a part of the insertion portion.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein power consumption of the electronic circuit increases when brightness sensed by the sensor decreases.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion has at least one of the sensor and the electronic circuit at the distal end portion.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the insertion unit includes a plurality of the sensors.   2. The power consumption according to claim 1, wherein the power consumption is changed by changing at least one of a bias current flowing inside the electronic circuit, a voltage applied to the vibration element, and a period of applying a voltage to the vibration element. Ultrasonic probe.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, further comprising a first control circuit that controls the electronic circuit.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, wherein the first control circuit is provided in the grip portion. A connector responsible for connection with a housing having an image generation unit for generating an image based on the received signal obtained by the processing;
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, wherein the first control circuit is provided in the connector.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit is controlled by a second control circuit provided in a housing having an image generation unit that generates an image based on a reception signal obtained by the processing.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, wherein the insertion portion has the vibration element on a first surface of the distal end portion and the sensor on a second surface opposite to the first surface. The insertion portion has the sensor and the electronic circuit at the tip portion,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein the electronic circuit includes an amplification circuit that is connected to the sensor and amplifies a signal output from the sensor.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion includes a plurality of the vibration elements arranged in a two-dimensional manner. A second control circuit that causes the ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 13 to perform transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves;
A display control unit for displaying an ultrasonic image generated based on an output from the ultrasonic probe on a display unit;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: