JP2019037577A - Acoustic wave probe and acoustic wave image apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an apparatus that even when reduction in voltage is caused during measurement in an acoustic wave probe including a battery in the probe, enables a state of the acoustic wave probe to be determined from an acoustic wave apparatus body.SOLUTION: An acoustic wave probe comprising an acoustic wave detection element for receiving an acoustic wave and outputting a reception signal, a signal collection unit 140 for converting the signal output from the acoustic wave detection element to a digital signal, and a communication unit 302 for performing radio transfer on a signal based on the digital signal output from the signal collection unit to the outside includes: a first power reception unit connected to a first power supply for supplying power to the signal collection unit; and a second power supply for supplying power to the communication unit. When the residual power amount of the power supply becomes lower than a predetermined threshold, power control means limits power supply to the signal collection unit and the second power supply supplies power to the communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an acoustic wave probe and an acoustic wave imaging apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a handheld acoustic wave probe that can wirelessly communicate with an acoustic wave device main body.

  In recent years, as an imaging technique using light, a photoacoustic apparatus that images the inside of a subject using a photoacoustic effect has been researched and developed. The photoacoustic apparatus can perform reconstruction using an ultrasonic wave (photoacoustic wave) generated by a photoacoustic effect from a light absorber that has absorbed the energy of light irradiated on the subject, and can form an absorption coefficient distribution image. And it is an apparatus which produces | generates the structure image and functional image in a subject from an absorption coefficient distribution image.

  In the photoacoustic apparatus, as in the case of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a device that has the shape of a handheld probe and can easily access an observation site has been researched and developed.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic probe charging apparatus having a power feeding unit that can charge a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes including a secondary battery of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Patent Document 1 discloses that a different secondary battery is used depending on the type of ultrasonic probe capable of wireless communication, and charging is performed based on a different charging profile depending on the type of ultrasonic probe.

JP 2010-187833 A

  The inventor examined the technique described in Patent Document 1, and although Patent Document 1 is useful in that charging according to the characteristics of a plurality of ultrasonic probes is possible, there are problems to be solved as follows. There was found. That is, in Patent Document 1, there is only one power source (battery) provided in each ultrasonic probe, and no attention is paid to concerns regarding power consumption of one power source. More specifically, when power in the probe is consumed, there is a possibility that communication with the apparatus main body becomes impossible. Also, in the case of a photoacoustic probe that needs to irradiate a subject with high-power light, the probe consumes power in a short time and reaches the discharge capacity (battery capacity) during the measurement. May stop working. In such a case, there is a concern that the state of the photoacoustic probe cannot be grasped from the apparatus main body.

  An acoustic wave probe provided by the present invention includes an acoustic wave detection element that receives an acoustic wave and outputs a reception signal, a signal collection unit that converts a signal output from the acoustic wave detection element into a digital signal, And a communication unit that wirelessly transfers a signal based on the digital signal output from the signal collection unit to the outside. The acoustic wave probe includes: a first power source connected to a first power source that supplies power to the signal collection unit; And a second power receiving unit connected to a second power source for supplying power to the communication unit.

  Another acoustic wave probe provided by the present invention includes: a light source that generates light; and an acoustic wave detection element that receives an acoustic wave generated from a subject by being irradiated with the light and outputs a reception signal And an acoustic wave comprising: a signal collection unit that converts a signal output from the acoustic wave detection element into a digital signal; and a communication unit that wirelessly transmits a signal based on the digital signal output from the signal collection unit to the outside. A probe, a first power receiving unit connected to a first power source for supplying power to the light source; a second power receiving unit connected to a second power source for supplying power to the communication unit; It is characterized by having.

  Another acoustic wave probe provided by the present invention includes an acoustic wave detection element that receives an acoustic wave and outputs a received signal, and a signal collection that converts the signal output from the acoustic wave detection element into a digital signal. A communication unit that wirelessly transfers a signal based on the digital signal output from the signal collection unit to the outside, and a power control unit that controls power supplied from a power source to the signal collection unit and the communication unit. An acoustic wave probe provided, wherein the power control means limits the supply of power to the signal collecting unit when the remaining amount of the power source falls below a predetermined threshold.

  Another acoustic wave probe provided by the present invention includes: a light source that generates light; and an acoustic wave detection element that receives an acoustic wave generated from a subject by being irradiated with the light and outputs a reception signal A signal collection unit that converts a signal output by the acoustic wave detection element into a digital signal, a communication unit that wirelessly transmits a signal based on the digital signal output from the signal collection unit, the light source, and the light source An acoustic wave probe comprising: a power control unit configured to control power supplied from a power source to the communication unit, wherein the power control unit is configured to supply the light source when a remaining amount of the power source falls below a predetermined threshold. It is characterized by restricting the supply of electric power.

  The present invention includes an acoustic wave device, and the acoustic wave device of the present invention creates image data based on the acoustic wave probe of the present invention and a signal based on the acoustic wave received by the acoustic wave probe. And a display unit that displays an image based on the image data.

  The acoustic wave probe according to the present invention includes the first power receiving unit connected to the first power source and the second power receiving unit connected to the second power source, so that the signal collecting unit or the light source can be used. Even when the first power supply for supplying power is discharged and the voltage drops, the second power supply can supply power to the communication unit. As a result, the state of the acoustic wave probe can be transmitted to the acoustic wave device main body via the wireless interface. As a result, the user can grasp the state of the acoustic wave probe from information such as the display unit of the acoustic wave device main body. Thereby, for example, the battery as the first power source can be replaced or charged, and the measurement can be resumed quickly.

The block diagram of the photoacoustic apparatus which is an example of the acoustic wave apparatus of this invention Schematic diagram of a photoacoustic probe which is an example of the acoustic wave probe of the present invention The block diagram which shows an example of the computer which comprises the acoustic wave apparatus of this invention, and a periphery structure Timing chart for explaining the operation of the probe of the present invention Timing chart for explaining the operation of the photoacoustic apparatus as an example of the present invention The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the power supply part 500 of 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the power supply part 500 of 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the power supply part 500 of 3rd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the power supply part 500 of 4th Embodiment. Block schematic diagram of photoacoustic apparatus of fifth embodiment The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the power supply part 500 of 5th Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the other power supply part 500 of 5th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described below should be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following description.

  The present invention is applicable to an acoustic wave device that detects an acoustic wave propagating from a subject, creates image data inside the subject from signal data based on the detected acoustic signal, and displays the image. Related to technology. An acoustic wave probe according to the present invention includes an acoustic wave detection element that receives an acoustic wave and outputs a reception signal, and a signal collection unit that converts a signal output from the acoustic wave detection element into a digital signal. And a communication unit that wirelessly transfers a signal based on the digital signal output from the signal collection unit to the outside. And it has the 1st power receiving part connected to the 1st power supply which supplies electric power to a signal collection part, and the 2nd power receiving part connected to the 2nd power supply which supplies electric power to the above-mentioned communication part This is an acoustic wave probe.

  The acoustic wave probe of the present invention applied to a photoacoustic probe using a photoacoustic effect receives a light source that generates light and an acoustic wave that is generated from a subject by being irradiated with the light. An acoustic wave detecting element for outputting a signal. Further, an acoustic wave probe comprising: a signal collection unit that converts a signal output from the acoustic wave detection element into a digital signal; and a communication unit that wirelessly transmits a signal based on the digital signal output from the signal collection unit to the outside. It is. And it has the 1st power receiving part connected to the 1st power supply which supplies electric power to the light source, and the 2nd power receiving part connected to the 2nd power supply which supplies electric power to the communication part An acoustic wave probe characterized by

  Here, the first power receiving unit and the second power receiving unit mean parts corresponding to connection portion terminals of a storage unit in which the first power source and the second power source are stored, respectively. Specifically, it can be regarded as a battery box, a battery holder, or the like that receives a battery as a power source. The present invention also includes an acoustic wave imaging device. The acoustic wave imaging apparatus of the present invention includes an acoustic wave probe of the present invention, an arithmetic processing unit that creates image data based on a signal based on the acoustic wave received by the acoustic wave probe, and an image based on the image data. And a display unit for displaying.

  The acoustic wave probe according to the present invention includes a first power receiving unit connected to the first power source and a second power receiving unit connected to the second power source. Thus, even when the first power source that supplies power to the signal processing unit signal collection unit or the light source is discharged and the voltage drops, the second power source can supply power to the communication unit. And it becomes possible to transmit the condition of an acoustic wave probe to an acoustic wave apparatus main body via a wireless interface. As a result, the user can grasp the state of the acoustic wave probe from information such as the display unit of the acoustic wave device main body. Thereby, for example, the battery as the first power source can be replaced or charged, and the measurement can be resumed quickly. In another aspect of the present invention, when the remaining amount of the power source falls below a predetermined threshold value, priority is given to the power supply to the control unit and the communication unit, and the power from the power source to other part blocks is reduced. Power control means for limiting supply is provided. Thus, when the remaining capacity of the battery (remaining battery capacity) becomes a desired value or less, the control unit and the communication unit are stopped by stopping the supply of power to the part block different from the control unit and the communication unit. Can continue to supply power. And it becomes possible to transmit the condition of an acoustic wave probe to an acoustic wave apparatus main body via a wireless interface.

  The following description will be focused on a photoacoustic probe and a photoacoustic apparatus (photoacoustic imaging apparatus) that use the photoacoustic effect, but the present invention is not limited to the form that uses the photoacoustic effect.

  A photoacoustic apparatus, which is an example of an acoustic wave imaging apparatus of the present invention, receives acoustic waves generated in a subject by irradiating the subject with light (electromagnetic waves), and uses the characteristic information of the subject as image data. Includes a photoacoustic imaging device to acquire.

  Here, the characteristic information is information on characteristic values corresponding to each of a plurality of positions in the subject, generated using a signal derived from the received photoacoustic wave.

  In the present specification, photoacoustic image data is a concept including all image data derived from photoacoustic waves generated by light irradiation, that is, data based on photoacoustic signals. For example, the photoacoustic image data includes at least one subject such as a sound pressure generated by the photoacoustic wave (initial sound pressure), an absorption energy density, an absorption coefficient, and a concentration of a substance constituting the subject (such as oxygen saturation). It can be regarded as image data representing the spatial distribution of information. Note that photoacoustic image data indicating spectral information such as the concentration of a substance constituting the subject is obtained based on photoacoustic waves generated by light irradiation with a plurality of different wavelengths. The photoacoustic image data indicating the spectral information may be oxygen saturation, a value obtained by weighting the oxygen saturation with an intensity such as an absorption coefficient, a total hemoglobin concentration, an oxyhemoglobin concentration, or a deoxyhemoglobin concentration. Further, the photoacoustic image data indicating the spectral information may be a glucose concentration, a collagen concentration, a melanin concentration, or a volume fraction of fat or water.

  A two-dimensional or three-dimensional characteristic information distribution is obtained based on the characteristic information of each position in the subject. The distribution data can be generated as image data. The characteristic information may be obtained not as numerical data but as distribution information of each position in the subject. That is, distribution information such as initial sound pressure distribution, energy absorption density distribution, absorption coefficient distribution, and oxygen saturation distribution.

  The acoustic wave referred to in this specification is typically an ultrasonic wave, and includes an elastic wave called a sound wave and an acoustic wave. An electric signal converted from an acoustic wave by a transducer or the like is also called an acoustic signal. However, the description of the ultrasonic wave or the acoustic wave in the present specification does not limit the wavelength of the elastic wave. An acoustic wave generated by the photoacoustic effect is called a photoacoustic wave or an optical ultrasonic wave. An electrical signal derived from a photoacoustic wave is also called a photoacoustic signal. The distribution data is also called photoacoustic image data or reconstructed image data.

  In the following embodiment, a subject information acquisition device is a photoacoustic device that irradiates a subject with pulsed light, receives a photoacoustic wave from the subject, and generates a blood vessel image (structure image) in the subject. explain. In the following embodiments, a photoacoustic apparatus in which a photoacoustic apparatus main body and a handheld photoacoustic probe exchange information by radio communication using radio waves will be described.

<First Embodiment>
(Device configuration)
Hereinafter, the photoacoustic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The embodiment described here is an example of an embodiment for carrying out the present invention, and it is essential to provide all the blocks described here when configuring the acoustic wave probe or the acoustic wave device according to the present invention. Not that. The photoacoustic apparatus 1 includes a photoacoustic apparatus main body 10 and a photoacoustic probe 180. The photoacoustic apparatus main body 10 includes a computer 150, a display unit 160, an input unit 170, and a wireless interface 177. The computer 150 includes a calculation unit (calculation processing unit) 151, a storage unit 152, and a control unit 153. The photoacoustic probe 180 includes a light source unit 200, a driver 201, a receiving unit 120, a signal collecting unit 140, a probe control unit 301, a wireless interface 302, and a power supply unit 500.

  Here, with reference also to FIG. 2, the acoustic wave probe (photoacoustic probe) of this embodiment is demonstrated first.

(Acoustic wave probe 180)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the photoacoustic probe 180 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the photoacoustic probe 180 includes a light source unit 200, a driver 201, a reception unit 120, a signal collection unit 140, a probe control unit 301, a wireless interface (communication unit) 302, a power supply unit 500, and a housing 181. It is comprised including. In FIG. 2, the driver 201, the signal collection unit 140, the probe control unit 301, the wireless interface 302, and the power source 500 are omitted for easy understanding. The housing 181 is a housing that surrounds the light source unit 200, the driver 201, the reception unit 120, the signal collection unit 140, the probe control unit 301, the wireless interface 302, and the power supply 500. A user can use the photoacoustic probe 180 as a handheld probe by gripping the housing 181. Note that the XYZ axes in the figure indicate coordinate axes when the probe is left stationary, and do not limit the orientation when the probe is used.

  In the photoacoustic probe 180 illustrated in FIG. 2, the light source unit 200 has a configuration in which four semiconductor lasers are mounted on both sides of the receiving unit 120. However, in order to obtain a photoacoustic signal with a good S / N ratio, a larger amount of light is required, for example, a total of 64 semiconductor lasers must be mounted. Therefore, the electric power accompanying light emission of the light source unit becomes large.

(Power supply unit 500)
The power supply unit 500 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is the most characteristic block in the present invention. The power supply unit 500 is mounted inside the housing 181 of the probe 180 and supplies power to the driver 201, the reception unit 120, the signal collection unit 140, the wireless interface (communication unit) 302, and the probe control unit 301 connected to the light source unit 200. To do. Referring to FIG. 6, the power supply according to the present embodiment includes a first power supply 501 and a second power supply 502. The first power supply 501 is connected to an output line (power supply line) 500a via a first power receiving unit (not shown). The second power source 502 is connected to an output line (power line) 500b through a second power receiving unit (not shown). Then, the first power source 501 supplies power to the driver 201, the signal collection unit 140, and the reception unit 120 (when it is a CMUT). The output line 500 b of the second power source 502 supplies power to the probe control unit 301 and the wireless interface (communication unit) 302. In particular, in order to obtain a photoacoustic signal, a large amount of power is required for light emission of the light source. Therefore, the first power source 501 of the power source unit 500 is a nickel hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, or the like having a high energy density. Secondary batteries are preferred. In order to prevent measurement during the charging time, the first power source 501 may have a configuration of a battery pack in which batteries that can be easily replaced are collected in a container.

  Here, the first power receiving unit and the second power receiving unit may be, for example, a contact of a battery pack, may be configured by an electrode of a battery box that is in contact with an electrode of the battery, or a battery You may be comprised with the connector connected to. The first power receiving unit and the second power receiving unit can be regarded as connection portion terminals of a storage unit in which the first power source and the second power source are stored, respectively. Further, when battery replacement is not necessary, the first power receiving unit and the second power receiving unit can be regarded as indicating portions where the battery is directly soldered to a printed circuit board or the like.

  A characteristic feature of the first embodiment is that the power supply unit 500 is configured by using the first power supply 501 and the second power supply 502, and is a block that requires relatively large power to perform photoacoustic measurement. The power is supplied from the first power source 501 of the power source unit 500. On the other hand, power is supplied from the second power source 502 to the block having the functions of controlling the inside of the photoacoustic probe 180 and communicating with the photoacoustic apparatus body 10. The second power source 502 can supply power even when the first power source 501 is discharged.

  With the above configuration, even when a large amount of power is consumed to perform photoacoustic measurement and the first power source 501 is discharged, the second power source 502 controls the inside of the photoacoustic probe 180. The function of performing communication with the photoacoustic apparatus main body 10 can be made effective. Here, an example in which the power source unit is configured using two power sources has been described, but the power source unit may be configured using three or more power sources.

(Light source unit 200)
The light source unit 200 (see also FIG. 1) generates light for irradiating the subject 100. The light source unit 200 is preferably a light source capable of outputting a plurality of wavelengths when generating pulsed light and acquiring a substance concentration such as oxygen saturation. The light source unit 200 is preferably mounted in the housing of the photoacoustic probe 180. In that case, it is preferable to use a semiconductor light emitting element such as a semiconductor laser or a light emitting diode as shown in FIG. . The output of a plurality of wavelengths can be realized by switching light emission using a plurality of types of semiconductor lasers or light emitting diodes that generate light of different wavelengths.

  The pulse width of the light emitted from the light source unit 200 is, for example, 10 ns or more and 1 μs or less. Further, the wavelength of light is preferably 400 nm or more and 1600 nm or less, but the wavelength may be determined according to the light absorption characteristics of the light absorber to be imaged. When a blood vessel is imaged with high resolution, a wavelength (400 nm or more and 800 nm or less) having a large absorption in the blood vessel may be used. When imaging a deep part of a living body, light having a wavelength (700 nm or more and 1100 nm or less) with less absorption in a background tissue (water, fat, etc.) of the living body may be used.

  On the other hand, even when a total of 64 semiconductor lasers are mounted as described above, the amount of light is insufficient to obtain a photoacoustic signal having a good S / N. That is, the photoacoustic signal obtained by one irradiation does not reach a desired S / N ratio. Therefore, light is emitted in the first cycle (light emission cycle), the photoacoustic signals are added and averaged, the S / N ratio is improved, and the second cycle (the cycle of the imaging frame rate) is based on the added and averaged photoacoustic signals. ) To calculate photoacoustic image data.

  As an example of the wavelength of the light source unit 200 used in the present embodiment, a wavelength of 797 nm is preferable. That is, it is a wavelength that reaches the deep part of the subject, and is suitable for detecting a blood vessel structure because the absorption coefficients of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin are substantially equal. If a 756 nm light source is used as the second wavelength, the oxygen saturation can be determined using the difference in absorption coefficient between oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, by arranging the light emitting end portions (housing front ends) of a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements as the light source unit 200, it is possible to irradiate the subject over a wide range.

(Driver 201)
The driver 201 (see FIG. 1) drives the light source unit 200 in accordance with an instruction from the probe control unit 301, for example, in a first cycle (light emission cycle) to emit light. That is, the driver 201 receives power from the power supply unit 500 and supplies power to the light source unit 200. When a plurality of light emitting diodes or semiconductor lasers are used as the light source unit 200, a large light output is required to obtain a photoacoustic signal from the subject. Therefore, it is necessary to pass a large current through the driver 201. Therefore, the wiring of the driver 201 and the light source 200 is wired so as not to have an inductance component as much as possible. If necessary, the voltage of the output line 500a of the first power supply of the power supply unit 500 may be boosted by a DC / DC converter (not shown) to supply power to the driver 201. With such a high voltage, the driver 201 can suitably drive the light emitting diodes or semiconductor lasers connected in series.

(Receiver 120)
The receiving unit 120 (see also FIG. 1) includes a transducer that receives a photoacoustic wave generated with light emission of a first period (light emission period) and outputs an electrical signal, and a support that supports the transducer. Composed. The transducer referred to here is an acoustic wave receiving element that receives an acoustic wave. As a member constituting the transducer, for example, a piezoelectric material, a transducer using a Fabry-Perot interferometer, or the like can be used. In addition, a capacitive type micro-machined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) is also useful. Examples of the piezoelectric material include a piezoelectric ceramic material such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate) and a polymer piezoelectric film material such as PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). When the CMUT is used, a power supply for a circuit that converts the capacitance change of the CMUT into a voltage change is necessary. In this case, similarly to the signal collection unit 140, power may be supplied to the reception unit 120 from the output line 500a of the first power supply of the power supply unit 500.

  The electric signal obtained by the transducer every first period (light emission period) is a time-resolved signal. Therefore, the amplitude of the electric signal represents a value based on the sound pressure received by the transducer at each time (for example, a value proportional to the sound pressure).

  In addition, as a transducer, what can detect the frequency component (typically 100 KHz to 10 MHz) which comprises a photoacoustic wave is preferable. It is also preferable to arrange a plurality of transducers side by side on the support to form a plane or curved surface called a 1D array, 1.5D array, 1.75D array, or 2D array. In order to improve acoustic accuracy by detecting acoustic waves from various angles, a transducer arrangement that surrounds the subject 100 from the entire circumference is preferable. In addition, when the subject 100 is large enough not to surround the entire periphery, the transducer may be arranged on a hemispherical support.

  In the space between the receiving unit 120 and the subject 100, a medium for propagating photoacoustic waves may be disposed. As a result, the acoustic impedance at the interface between the subject 100 and the transducer is matched. Examples of the medium include water, oil, and ultrasonic gel.

  The photoacoustic probe 180 may include a holding member that holds the subject 100 and stabilizes the shape. As the holding member, a material having both high light transmittance and acoustic wave transmittance is preferable. For example, polymethylpentene, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic, or the like can be used.

  When the apparatus according to the present embodiment generates an ultrasonic image by transmitting and receiving an acoustic wave in addition to the photoacoustic image, the transducer may function as a transmission unit that transmits the acoustic wave. The transducer as the reception means and the transducer as the transmission means may be a single (common) transducer or may have different configurations.

(Signal collection unit 140)
The signal collecting unit 140 digitally converts the analog signal output from the amplifier and an amplifier that amplifies an electrical signal that is an analog signal output from the receiving unit 120 that is generated with light emission in each first period (light emission period). And an A / D converter for converting the signal. The amplifier may be configured to vary the amplification degree. The signal collection unit 140 may be configured with an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) chip or the like. The signal collection unit 140 is supplied with power from the output line 500 a of the first power supply of the power supply unit 500.

  Here, the operation of the signal collecting unit 140 will be described. Analog signals output from a plurality of transducers arranged in an array of the receiving unit 120 are amplified by a plurality of amplifiers corresponding to each of the transducers, and converted into digital signals by a plurality of A / D converters corresponding to each. The A / D conversion rate is at least twice the bandwidth of the input signal. As described above, if the frequency component constituting the photoacoustic wave is 100 KHz to 10 MHz, the A / D conversion rate is 20 MHz or higher, preferably 40 MHz. The signal collecting unit 140 synchronizes the timing of light irradiation and the timing of signal collection processing by using the light emission control signal. That is, A / D conversion is started at the A / D conversion rate described above with reference to the light emission time for each first period (light emission period), and an analog signal is converted into a digital signal. As a result, a digital data string for each time interval (A / D conversion interval) corresponding to one A / D conversion rate from the light emission time can be acquired for each of the plurality of transducers for each first cycle (light emission cycle).

  The signal collection unit 140 is also referred to as a data acquisition system (DAS). In this specification, an electric signal is a concept including both an analog signal and a digital signal.

(Probe control unit 301)
The probe control unit 301 controls the light emission timing, A / D conversion rate, timing, and the like of the light source unit 200 and acquires photoacoustic data for each light emission of the light source unit 200. Then, the photoacoustic data is transmitted to the computer 150 through the wireless interface 302 and the wireless interface 177.

  The probe control unit 301 is supplied with power from the output line 500 b of the second power source of the power source unit 500. Therefore, even if the secondary battery, which is the first power source, is in a discharged state, if the voltage of the second power source of the power source unit 500 is normal, power is supplied to the probe control unit 301 and the wireless interface 302. The Therefore, the information acquired by the probe control unit 301 can be sent to the computer 150 of the photoacoustic apparatus main body via the wireless interface 177 and the wireless interface 302. For example, the computer 150 can notify the user by displaying on the display unit 160 that the first power source is discharged.

(Wireless interface 177, 302)
The wireless interface 177 and the wireless interface 302 are wireless interfaces that perform bidirectional communication. A wireless interface that performs data communication conforming to a wireless LAN standard such as Wi-Fi is preferable. At least the photoacoustic data acquired in the first cycle (light emission cycle) may have a communication speed that can be transmitted to the photoacoustic apparatus main body within the first cycle (light emission cycle). In addition, setting data and the like can be sent from the photoacoustic apparatus main body to the photoacoustic probe 180 via the wireless interface 177 and the wireless interface 302.

  The wireless interface 302 is supplied with power from the output line 500 b of the second power supply of the power supply unit 500.

  Next, the blocks constituting the ultrasonic apparatus main body 10 will be described.

(Computer 150)
The computer 150 (FIG. 1) includes a calculation unit 151, a storage unit 152, and a control unit 153. As the data based on the photoacoustic signal, the photoacoustic data output from the wireless interface 177 is synthesized in accordance with the second period (hereinafter also referred to as an imaging frame rate period) for each first period (light emission period). Store in the storage unit 152. Here, synthesis is not limited to simple addition, but includes weighted addition, addition average, moving average, and the like. In the following, an explanation will be given mainly using the addition average, but a synthesis method other than the addition average may be applied. The computer 150 performs processing such as image reconstruction on the data based on the photoacoustic signal stored in the storage unit 152, so that light is transmitted within a period defined by the second period (imaging frame rate period). Generate acoustic image data.

  And the display part 160 displays an image based on the photoacoustic image data of a 2nd period (period of an imaging frame rate). In the case of a frame rate at which the display unit 160 cannot display the photoacoustic image data of the second period (the period of the imaging frame rate), the following correspondence can be considered. That is, the photoacoustic image data generated in the second period (the period of the imaging frame rate) may be converted to a frame rate suitable for display on the display unit 160 by a frame rate converter (not shown).

  The computer 150 may perform image processing for display and graphic processing for GUI on the obtained photoacoustic image data as necessary. As will be described later, information on the power supply unit 500 of the photoacoustic probe 180 may be displayed on graphics for GUI. Such a display allows the user to know the information of the power supply unit 500 in detail. For example, the measurement is performed before measurement, such as charging the secondary battery as the first power supply or replacing the battery pack. It is possible to prevent the secondary battery from being discharged and the measurement from being interrupted.

  The unit responsible for the calculation function as the calculation unit 151 can be configured by a processor such as a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an arithmetic circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) chip. These units may be composed of a single processor or arithmetic circuit, or may be composed of a plurality of processors or arithmetic circuits.

  The computer 150 adds and averages data at the same time based on the light emission time in the digital data sequence output from the wireless interface 177 for each first period (light emission period). Then, the digital signal subjected to the addition averaging is stored in the storage unit 152 as the photoacoustic data after the addition averaging every second period (period of the imaging frame rate).

  The calculation unit 151 then generates photoacoustic image data (structure image) by image reconstruction based on the addition-averaged photoacoustic data stored in the storage unit 152 for each second period (period of imaging frame rate). And functional images) and other various arithmetic processes. The calculation unit 151 may receive input of various parameters such as measurement conditions, subject sound velocity, and configuration of the holding unit from the input unit 170 and use them for calculation.

  The reconstruction algorithm used when the calculation unit 151 converts the electrical signal into three-dimensional volume data includes arbitrary algorithms such as a back projection method in the time domain, a back projection method in the Fourier domain, and a model base method (repetitive calculation method). Can be used. As a back projection method in the time domain, there is a universal back-projection (UBP), a filtered back-projection (FBP), or a phasing addition (Delay-and-Sum).

  When the light source unit 200 is configured to be able to switch and emit light of two wavelengths, the calculation unit 151 obtains the first initial sound pressure distribution from the photoacoustic signal derived from the light of the first wavelength by image reconstruction processing. The second initial sound pressure distribution may be generated from the photoacoustic signal derived from the light of the second wavelength. Further, by correcting the first initial sound pressure distribution with the light amount distribution of the light of the first wavelength, the first absorption coefficient distribution is obtained, and the second initial sound pressure distribution is replaced with the light amount distribution of the light of the second wavelength. The second absorption coefficient distribution is obtained by correcting. Furthermore, an oxygen saturation distribution can be obtained from the first and second absorption coefficient distributions. In addition, since it is only necessary to finally obtain the oxygen saturation distribution, the contents and order of the calculations are not limited to this.

  The storage unit 152 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a non-temporary storage medium such as a ROM (Read only memory), a magnetic disk, and a flash memory. Note that the storage medium storing the program is a non-temporary storage medium. The storage unit 152 includes a plurality of storage media. The storage unit 152 includes photoacoustic data obtained by averaging in the second period (period of the imaging frame rate), photoacoustic image data generated by the arithmetic unit 151, and reconstructed image data based on the photoacoustic image data. Various data can be saved.

  The control unit 153 includes an arithmetic element such as a CPU. The control unit 153 controls the operation of each component of the photoacoustic apparatus. The control unit 153 may control each component of the photoacoustic apparatus in response to instruction signals from various operations such as measurement start from the input unit 170. The control unit 153 reads the program code stored in the storage unit 152 and controls the operation of each component of the photoacoustic apparatus. The control unit 153 includes a wireless interface 177, a wireless interface, and a setting value (first cycle (light emission cycle), number of repetitions, light amount of light source, A / D conversion rate, etc.) from the user and the photoacoustic apparatus body. The information is sent to the probe control unit 301 via 302.

  The computer 150 may be a specially designed workstation. The computer 150 may also be a computer in which a general-purpose PC or workstation is operated according to instructions of a program stored in the storage unit 152. Each configuration of the computer 150 may be configured by different hardware. Further, at least a part of the configuration of the computer 150 may be configured by the same hardware.

  FIG. 3 shows a specific configuration example of the computer 150 according to the present embodiment. A computer 150 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 154, a GPU 155, a RAM 156, a ROM 157, and an external storage device 158. In addition, a liquid crystal display 161 as a display unit 160, a mouse 171 and a keyboard 172 as input units 170 are connected to the computer 150.

  Further, the computer 150 and the receiving unit 120 may be provided in a configuration housed in a common housing. Alternatively, a part of signal processing may be performed by a computer housed in a housing, and the rest of the signal processing may be performed by a computer provided outside the housing. In this case, the computers provided inside and outside the housing can be collectively referred to as the computer according to the present embodiment. That is, the hardware constituting the computer may not be housed in a single housing. As the computer 150, an information processing apparatus provided in a cloud computing service or the like installed in a remote place may be used.

  As described above, the computer 150 can acquire the state of the photoacoustic probe 180 via the communication interface 177 and the communication interface 302. For example, the following information is given as information on the state of the photoacoustic probe 180. That is, information relating to measurement of the voltage of the first power source of the power source unit 500, the remaining battery level, the voltage of the second power source, the remaining battery level, the temperature in the probe, the number of times of light emission capable of estimating the light source life, . From the acquired information, the computer 150 displays, for example, a battery pack replacement instruction, a request for charging, an instruction to cool the photoacoustic probe 180, and the like on the display unit 160 as a GUI image. It is advisable to check and display these information before measurement. However, when the first power supply of the power supply unit 500 is discharged during measurement, a GUI image or the like indicating that the first power supply is discharged may be displayed so as to overlap the measurement screen.

  In the present invention, even when the first power source is discharged, the function of performing control inside the photoacoustic probe 180 and communication with the photoacoustic apparatus body 10 can be effectively maintained by the second power source. . And the photoacoustic apparatus main body 10 can acquire the state of the photoacoustic probe 180, and can display the state of the photoacoustic probe 180 on the display unit 160, for example. As a result, since the user can check the state of the photoacoustic probe 180, it is possible to optimally cope with replacement or charging of the battery pack.

(Display unit 160)
The display unit 160 (see FIG. 1) can be configured by a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence). This is an apparatus for displaying an image based on subject information obtained by the computer 150, a numerical value at a specific position, and the like. The display unit 160 displays the reconstructed image data having the frame rate (imaging frame rate) of the second period described above or the reconstructed image data whose frame rate has been converted by a frame rate converter (not shown). The frame rate of the display unit 160 is generally 50 Hz, 60 Hz, 72 Hz, or 120 Hz, for example. Further, by adjusting the frame rate (imaging frame rate) of the second period to the frame rate of the display unit 160, a configuration that does not require a frame rate converter (not shown) is possible.

  As described above, the display unit 160 may display an image or a GUI for operating the apparatus. Image processing (such as adjustment of luminance values) may be performed on the display unit 160 or the computer 150.

(Input unit 170)
The input unit 170 (see FIG. 1) is configured so that the user can input information, and has a function of receiving an instruction from the user. The user can use this to perform operations such as instructions for starting and ending measurement, and instructions for saving created images. As the input unit 170, an operation console that can be operated by the user and configured with a mouse, a keyboard, a dedicated knob, and the like can be employed. The display unit 160 may be configured with a touch panel, and the display unit 160 may be used as the input unit 170. The input unit 170 receives input from the user such as instructions and numerical values, and transmits them to the computer 150.

  In addition, each structure of a photoacoustic apparatus may be comprised as a respectively different apparatus, and may be comprised as one apparatus united. Moreover, you may comprise as one apparatus with which at least one part structure of the photoacoustic apparatus was united.

  The computer 150 also performs drive control of the configuration included in the photoacoustic apparatus by the control unit 153. The display unit 160 may display a GUI or the like in addition to the image generated by the computer 150. Moreover, you may display the charge condition of the power supply part 500 of the photoacoustic probe 180. FIG.

(Subject 100)
The subject 100 does not constitute a photoacoustic apparatus, but will be described below. The photoacoustic apparatus according to the present embodiment can be used for the purpose of diagnosing malignant tumors, vascular diseases, etc. of humans and animals, and monitoring the progress of chemical treatment. Therefore, the subject 100 is assumed to be a living body, specifically, a target region for diagnosis such as breasts of human bodies or animals, each organ, blood vessel network, head, neck, abdomen, extremities including fingers and toes. The For example, if the human body is a measurement target, oxyhemoglobin or deoxyhemoglobin, a blood vessel containing many of them, or a new blood vessel formed in the vicinity of a tumor may be used as a light absorber. Further, a plaque of the carotid artery wall or the like may be a target of the light absorber. In addition, a dye such as methylene blue (MB) or indocyanine green (ICG), gold fine particles, or a substance introduced from the outside, which is accumulated or chemically modified, may be used as the light absorber. Moreover, it is good also considering the light absorber attached | subjected to the puncture needle and the puncture needle as an observation object. The subject may be an inanimate object such as a phantom or a test object.

  Next, the photoacoustic image acquisition operation and the operation of the power supply unit will be described.

(Description of photoacoustic image acquisition operation)
FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the photoacoustic image acquisition operation of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis is a time axis. The control unit 153 sends an instruction from the user and a setting value from the photoacoustic apparatus main body to the probe control unit 301 via the wireless interface 177 and the wireless interface 302. The probe control unit 301 performs the following control based on the set value. The probe control unit 301 uses a microcomputer and can be realized relatively easily when controlled by firmware. Further, the probe control unit 301 may be configured by an FPGA or dedicated hardware instead of the microcomputer. In FIG. 4, the period of T1 shows a first period (light emission period: tw1). T1 is a light emission control signal, the light source unit 200 of the photoacoustic probe 180 emits light at the rising edge of T1, and the receiving unit 120 outputs a photoacoustic signal accompanying light emission. Subsequently, the A / D converter in the signal collecting unit 140 converts the photoacoustic signal accompanying the light emission into a digital signal as shown below for each A / D clock (A / D conversion rate: twa). FIG. 4Ta shows an A / D clock. The A / D converter converts the photoacoustic signal Ts, which is an analog signal, into a digital signal at the rising edge of the A / D clock. As shown in FIG. 4Td, the A / D converter outputs photoacoustic data (D1, D2, D3,...) Converted into digital signals based on the light emission control signal (light emission of the light source). . Then, the probe control unit 301 outputs photoacoustic data (D1, D2, D3,...) To the computer 150 via the wireless interface 177 and the wireless interface 302. The light source emits light by the light emission control signal of the next period, and the A / D converter uses the photoacoustic data (D1 ′, D2 ′, D3) converted into digital signals based on the light emission control signal (light emission of the light source). ', ...) is output. Then, the probe control unit 301 outputs photoacoustic data (D1 ′, D2 ′, D3 ′,...) To the computer 150 via the wireless interface 177 and the wireless interface 302.

Note that the length of the first period (light emission period): tw1 is preferably set in consideration of the maximum permissible exposure (MPE: Maximum Permissible Exposure) for the skin. This is because the MPE value decreases as the length of the first period tw1 decreases. For example, when the measurement wavelength is 750 nm, the pulse width of the pulsed light is 1 μsec, and the first period tw1 is 0.1 msec, the MPE value for the skin is about 14 J / m ² . On the other hand, when the peak power of the pulsed light emitted from the light emitting unit 113 is 2 kW and the irradiation area from the light emitting unit 113 is 150 mm ² , the light emitted from the light source unit 200 to the subject 100 such as a human body. The energy will be about 13.3 J / m ² . In this case, the light energy irradiated from the light emission part 113 becomes below MPE value. Thus, if the first period tw1 is 0.1 msec or more, it can be guaranteed that it is equal to or less than the MPE value. Thus, it sets in the range which does not exceed MPE value from the 1st period tw1, the peak power of pulsed light, and an irradiation area.

  As described above, when the semiconductor light emitting element is used as the light source, the photoacoustic wave generated inside the subject is very weak. Therefore, in order to improve the S / N of the photoacoustic signal, the photoacoustic apparatus adds and averages digital signals at the same time from the light emission control signal. In order to improve the S / N of the photoacoustic signal, as described later, it is necessary to increase the number of average additions. However, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, the number of average additions is two in FIG. That is, a description will be given with reference to a timing diagram for averaging the photoacoustic signals accompanying the two light emission and improving the S / N ratio. Specifically, in FIG. 4Td, the photoacoustic data (D1 and D1 ', D2 and D2', D3 and D3 ',...) With the same number are added and averaged. The S / N ratio of the photoacoustic data can be improved by averaging. The photoacoustic data shown in FIG. 4Td is sent to the computer 150 of the photoacoustic apparatus main body 10 via the wireless interface 302 and the wireless interface 177. Then, the computer 150 performs this addition averaging process. Then, the computer 150 performs the following processing, and generates reconstructed image data from the photoacoustic data subjected to the addition averaging processing. Further, the addition control processing and the generation of reconstructed image data may be performed by the probe control unit 301 of the photoacoustic probe 180.

  Next, the operation of the photoacoustic apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the photoacoustic apparatus 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis is a time axis.

  As shown in FIGS. 5T1 to T3, the light source unit 200 irradiates the subject twice with the first cycle: tw1, and generates a photoacoustic signal generated from the subject with each light irradiation ( (1) to (2)). The number of times of light emission is set to two times for easy understanding of the timing chart of FIG. 5, but is not limited to this number of times. The computer 150 averages the obtained photoacoustic data, and obtains the averaged photoacoustic data A1 for each cycle of the imaging frame rate: tw2. A simple average, a moving average, a weighted average, or the like may be performed instead of the addition average. As an example of specific numerical values, when the time of the first cycle tw1 is 0.1 msec and the imaging frame rate is 60 Hz, the cycle of the imaging frame rate: tw2 is 16.7 msec, which is within the cycle of the imaging frame rate. The average number of additions should be 167.

  Reconstructed image data R1 is performed by performing processing for reconstruction based on the photoacoustic data A1 obtained by averaging during the time interval defined by the second period (period of imaging frame rate) tw2. Is obtained. Then, the reconstructed image data is sequentially calculated by the calculation unit at a cycle of the imaging frame rate tw2, and the display unit 160 sequentially displays the reconstructed image data. Then, the user can observe the display device unit 160 and perform diagnosis or the like.

(Description of operation of power supply unit 500)
As described above, the power supply unit 500 has a first power supply and a second power supply.

  FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the power supply unit 500 of the first embodiment. The first power source 501 of the power source unit 500 is a secondary battery, and it is further preferable that the first power source 501 is mounted in the shape of a battery pack so that replacement is easy. The second power supply 502 of the power supply unit 500 consumes less power than the first power supply. Therefore, the second power source 502 is not necessarily a secondary battery. Any power source may be used as long as it has a discharge capacity capable of supplying power to the probe control unit 301 and the wireless interface 302 serving as loads for a sufficiently long time. Here, the sufficiently long time may be a discharge capacity capable of supplying power for a time longer than the time when the first power source 501 is discharged, preferably twice as long. With such a discharge capacity, even when the battery of the first power source 501 is discharged, the operation of the probe control unit 301 and the wireless interface 302 can be maintained with the battery of the second power source 502. Of course, the second power source 502 may also be formed of a secondary battery. In that case, the battery of the first power source 501 and the battery of the second power source 502 may be combined and mounted as one battery pack. In this way, since both batteries can be charged simultaneously by charging the battery pack, the battery of the second power source 502 is never forgotten to be charged. As a result, even if the battery of the first power source 501 is discharged, the battery of the second power source 502 can sufficiently supply power to the probe control unit 301 and the wireless interface 302 even when the battery of the first power source 501 is discharged.

  Next, another embodiment of the power supply unit 500 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6B, reference numeral 504 denotes a charging circuit. The first power source 501 and the second power source 502 are secondary batteries such as a nickel hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, and a lithium polymer battery with high energy density. Further, at least the battery of the first power source 501 is preferably mounted in the shape of a battery pack so that the battery can be easily replaced.

  In FIG. 6B, when the battery of the first power source 501 is remaining and power can be supplied, the secondary battery of the second power source 502 can be charged by the charging circuit 504. With such a configuration, as long as the battery of the first power source 501 supplies power, the second power source is charged. Therefore, even after the battery of the first power source 501 is discharged, the probe control unit 301. And the power of the wireless interface 302 can be supplied. In the configuration shown in FIG. 6B, it is possible to realize the configuration in which the electrode of the secondary battery of the second power source is mounted on the printed board by soldering or the like. The first power source may be of a mounting form that can be replaced by the user, and the second power source may be of a mounting form that is not replaceable by the user.

  In the first embodiment, the power supply unit 500 has two power supplies. Thus, even when a large amount of power is consumed by the light source unit 200 to perform measurement and the first power source 501 is discharged, the second power source 502 controls or acoustically controls the acoustic wave probe 180. The function of performing communication with the wave device main body 10 can be maintained. Then, the acoustic wave device main body 10 can acquire the state of the acoustic wave probe 180 by the wireless interface 302 and the wireless interface 177. The state of the acoustic wave probe 180 can be displayed on the display unit 160. As a result, even when the first power source 501 has been discharged, the user can check the state of the acoustic wave probe 180, so that an optimal response such as replacement or charging of the battery pack can be performed.

  Here, power-on of the power supply line that supplies power to the communication unit can be made at least earlier than power-on of the power supply line that supplies power to the signal collecting unit. The power supply line that supplies power to the communication unit can be controlled to be turned off later than at least the power supply line that supplies power to the signal collection unit. It is also possible to provide a power sequencer that enables this. In the case of a photoacoustic wave probe, the power supply line that supplies power to the communication unit can be turned on at least earlier than the power supply line that supplies power to the light source. The power supply line that supplies power to the communication unit can be controlled at a later time than at least the power supply line that supplies power to the light source. It is also possible to provide a power sequencer that enables this.

<Second Embodiment>
The main difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is only that the configuration of the power supply unit 500 is different. Therefore, the description of the second embodiment will be made only for the configuration and operation of the power supply unit 500. FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the power supply unit 500 of the second embodiment. In FIG. 7, the description of the above-described symbols is omitted. In FIG. 7A, reference numeral 505 denotes a switch for outputting the first power source 501 and the second power source 502 from the switching output line 500b. The switch 505 is connected to the cathodes of the diode 505a and the diode 505b and further connected to the output line 500b. In FIG. 7A, the first power source 501 and the second power source 502 are preferably secondary batteries. The voltage of the first power supply 501 is higher than the voltage of the second power supply 502. With such a voltage, when the voltage of the first power source 501 is higher than a desired value, the first power source is connected to the output line 500b. When the voltage of the first power source 501 is smaller than a desired value, the second power source 502 is connected to the output line 500b. Here, the desired voltage can be said to be the voltage of the second power source 502.

  By mounting such a switch 505 between the first power source 501 and the second power source 502 and outputting the output to the output line 500b, the first power source 501 is completely switched until the voltage of the first power source 501 decreases. Block power can be supplied. That is, the first power source 501 also supplies power to the probe control unit 301 and the wireless interface 302. When the voltage of the first power supply 501 decreases, the diode 505a of the switch 505 is turned off and the diode 505b is turned on, so that the second power supply is connected to the output line 500b. That is, only when the first power source 501 is discharged, the power of the probe control unit 301 and the wireless interface 302 is also supplied by the second power source 502. As a result, even if the first power source is discharged, the function of performing control inside the photoacoustic probe 180 and communication with the photoacoustic apparatus body 10 can be maintained by the second power source.

  Next, a different form of the switch 505 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7B, reference numeral 505 denotes a switch for outputting the first power source 501 and the second power source 502 to the switching output line 500b. The switch 505 includes a reference voltage source 505c, a comparator 505d, an inverter 505f, and MOS field effect transistors (MOSFETs) 505e and 505g. In FIG. 7B, the first power source 501 and the second power source 502 are preferably secondary batteries. When the voltage of the first power supply is higher than the voltage of the reference voltage source 505c, the comparator 505d compares the voltage at the input terminal and outputs an L level signal. The drain and source of the MOSFET 505e are in a low resistance state (ON). Since the input of the inverter 505f is at the L level, the inverter 505f outputs an H level signal. Therefore, a high resistance state (OFF) is established between the drain and source of the MOSFET 505g. As a result, the output of the first power supply is connected to the output line 500b. On the other hand, when the voltage of the first power source 501 is lower than the voltage of the reference voltage source 505c, the drain and source of the MOSFET 505e are in a high resistance state (OFF), and the drain and source of the MOSFET 505g are in a low resistance state (ON )). As a result, the output of the second power source is connected to the output line 500b.

Such a switch 505 is mounted between the first power source 501 and the second power source 502 so as to output to the output line 500b. As a result, when the voltage of the first power source 501 is higher than the voltage (predetermined voltage) of the reference voltage source 505c (exceeds the predetermined voltage), the switch 505 selects the first power source and supplies the first to the output line 500b. Power supply 501 is output. As a result, the first power supply 501 supplies power for all blocks. When the voltage of the first power source 501 becomes lower than the voltage of the reference voltage source 505c (below a predetermined voltage), the switch 505 selects the second power source and outputs the second power source 502 to the output line 500b. . That is, only when the first power source 501 is discharged, the power of the probe control unit 301 and the wireless interface 302 is also supplied by the second power source 502. As a result, even if the first power source is discharged, the function of performing control inside the photoacoustic probe 180 and communication with the photoacoustic apparatus body 10 can be maintained by the second power source. As described above, the output line 500b is connected to the first power source 501 when the output of the switch 505 is higher than the desired value of the voltage of the first power source 501, and the voltage of the first power source is desired. If it is lower than the value, it is connected to the second power source. As a result, the second power supply 502 also supplies power to the probe control unit 301 and the wireless interface 302 only when the first power supply 501 falls below a desired voltage.
In the second embodiment, the power supply unit 500 has two power supplies, and a switch 505 that switches according to a comparison result between the voltage of the first power supply 501 and a desired value is provided. In such a configuration, even when a large amount of power is consumed to perform the measurement and the first power source 501 is discharged, the second power source 502 controls the photoacoustic probe 180 and the photoacoustic sound. The function of performing communication with the apparatus main body 10 can be maintained. And the photoacoustic apparatus main body 10 can acquire the state of the photoacoustic probe 180, and can display the state of the photoacoustic probe 180 on the display unit 160, for example. As a result, since the user can check the state of the photoacoustic probe 180, it is possible to optimally cope with replacement or charging of the battery pack. Further, as compared with the first embodiment, the second power source 502 supplies power only when the voltage of the first power source 501 becomes a desired value or less. Therefore, even when the first power source 501 is discharged more reliably, the second power source 502 has a function of controlling the inside of the photoacoustic probe 180 and communicating with the photoacoustic apparatus body 10. It can also be understood that it can be maintained.

<Third Embodiment>
The main difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is only that the configuration of the power supply unit 500 is different. Therefore, the description of the third embodiment will be made only for the configuration and operation of the power supply unit 500. FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the power supply unit 500 of the third embodiment. In FIG. 8, the circuit excluding the charging circuit 504 is the same as the circuit described in FIG. 7A of the second embodiment, and performs the same operation. In the third embodiment, the circuit of FIG. 7A of the second embodiment further includes a charging circuit 504 that charges the second power source 502 with the first power source 501. With the configuration of FIG. 8, the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above can be obtained. In normal use, the second power source 502 does not supply power, and is used only when the first power source 501 is charged and the first power source is discharged. Therefore, the second power source 502 can be realized by a capacitor such as a small capacity secondary battery (rechargeable battery) or a super capacitor. Furthermore, since the second power source 502 does not need to be removed from the photoacoustic probe 180 and charged, for example, the second power source 502 may be mounted on the printed circuit board by soldering.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the first to third embodiments, a configuration in which two power sources (a first power source 501 and a second power source 502) are included in the power source unit 500 has been described. Even when the first power source 501 is discharged, the second power source 502 can maintain the function of controlling the inside of the photoacoustic probe 180 and communicating with the photoacoustic apparatus body 10. Explained that it has. In the fourth embodiment, a single power supply (first power supply) is used as the power supply unit 500 having the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments. The fourth embodiment will be described only for the configuration and operation of the power supply unit 500. FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the power supply unit 500 of the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 9A, reference numeral 506 denotes a remaining capacity detection unit that detects the remaining battery level of the first power source 501. For example, the remaining battery level may be estimated from the voltage of the first power source 501, or the charge amount may be calculated from the integrated value of the current output from the first power source 501 to estimate the remaining battery level. Good. Reference numeral 507 denotes a switch, which is turned off when the remaining capacity detection unit 506 has a remaining amount of the first power source smaller than a desired value. When the photoacoustic probe 180 is used and the remaining battery level of the first power source 501 is low, the remaining capacity detection unit 506 controls the switch 507 to stop the power supply of the output line 500a. That is, the power of the light source unit 200 that consumes a large amount of power is stopped. The remaining capacity detection unit 506 and the switch 507 correspond to power control means for limiting the power to the light source when the remaining amount of the power source falls below the first threshold. Even after the power supply of the output line 500a is stopped, the first power source is connected to the output line 500b, so that the control inside the photoacoustic probe 180 and the communication with the photoacoustic apparatus body 10 are performed. Can be maintained.

  Thus, also in the fourth embodiment, as in the above-described embodiment, even when the remaining amount of the battery of the first power source 501 is reduced (for example, when measurement becomes impossible), The function of controlling the inside of the probe 180 and communicating with the photoacoustic apparatus main body 10 can be maintained. The photoacoustic apparatus body 10 can acquire the state of the photoacoustic probe 180 via the wireless interface 302 and the wireless interface 177, and can display the state of the photoacoustic probe 180 on the display unit 160. As a result, even if the first power source 501 has been discharged, the user can check the state of the photoacoustic probe 180, so that an optimal response such as replacement or charging of the battery pack can be performed.

  FIG. 9B shows a specific configuration of the remaining capacity detection unit 506 and the switch according to the fourth embodiment. The remaining capacity detector 506 compares the voltage of the first power supply with the reference voltage 506a, and when the voltage of the first power supply becomes lower than the reference voltage 506a, the comparator 506b outputs an H level signal. The switch is realized by the MOSFET 507a, and when the gate voltage becomes H level, the drain-source state is in a high resistance state (OFF). With such a circuit, the configuration of the fourth embodiment can be realized. According to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments can be obtained. Furthermore, since the power supply unit 500 has a single power supply, the circuit can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In the first to fourth embodiments, the configuration is as follows. In other words, there are two output lines for supplying power, including an output line 500 a for supplying power to the light source unit 200 and the signal collecting unit 140, an output line 500 b for supplying illumination for the probe control unit 301 and the wireless interface 302. Was. In the fifth embodiment, in addition to measurement (photoacoustic measurement) for obtaining a photoacoustic signal, ultrasonic waves that are functions of a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are transmitted and ultrasonic waves reflected in the subject 100 are received. This is an embodiment of an apparatus capable of performing ultrasonic measurement for imaging. In the photoacoustic measurement, it is necessary to supply power to the signal collection unit 140 that receives the power of the light source unit 200 associated with light irradiation and the photoacoustic wave generated in the subject 100. On the other hand, in the ultrasonic measurement, the light source unit 200 that requires large electric power does not need to be irradiated with light.

  The fifth embodiment is a configuration suitable for such an apparatus capable of performing both photoacoustic measurement and ultrasonic measurement. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the photoacoustic apparatus 1 that can also perform such ultrasonic measurement. The apparatus in FIG. 10 has a configuration similar to that of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and thus the description of the blocks described in FIG. 1 is omitted. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 121 denotes a transmission / reception unit that receives and transmits ultrasonic waves. A transducer using a piezoelectric material can be realized with the same configuration as that of the receiving unit 120 described above, and an ultrasonic wave can be transmitted by applying a transmission voltage to the transducer. Reference numeral 141 denotes a signal collection unit / transmission driver, which includes an ultrasonic transmission unit, an ultrasonic reception unit, and a changeover switch. This configuration is used in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Unlike FIG. 1, the output line 500 a is connected only to the driver 201 and supplies power to the light source unit 201. The output line 500c is connected to the signal collection unit / transmission driver 141, and supplies power necessary for transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves.

  The features of the fifth embodiment are as follows. That is, power is supplied from the output line 500a and the output line 500c of the power supply unit 500 to the block for performing photoacoustic measurement that requires large power. On the other hand, the block that performs ultrasonic measurement, which consumes less power than the photoacoustic measurement, supplies power from the output line 500 c of the power supply unit 500. On the other hand, power is supplied from the output line 500 b of the power supply unit 500 to the block having the functions of controlling the inside of the photoacoustic probe 180 and communicating with the photoacoustic apparatus body 10. As a result, when the remaining battery level of the power supply unit decreases, first, the power supply to the block that requires a large amount of power to perform photoacoustic measurement is stopped. Further, when the remaining battery level of the power supply unit decreases, the power supply of the block that requires power to perform ultrasonic measurement is stopped. With the above configuration, the ultrasonic measurement can be performed even when the remaining battery level of the first power supply unit 500 decreases and the photoacoustic measurement cannot be performed. Further, even when the remaining amount of the battery of the power source 500 is reduced, power can be supplied to the probe control unit 301 and the wireless interface 302, so control inside the photoacoustic probe 180 and communication with the photoacoustic apparatus body 10 can be performed. The function to perform can be enabled. As a result, the user can check the internal state of the photoacoustic probe 180, and can perform an optimum response such as replacement or charging of the battery pack.

  The difference between this embodiment and the first to fourth embodiments described above is that ultrasonic measurement is possible even if the remaining battery level is reduced to a level at which photoacoustic measurement cannot be performed. In the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first to fourth embodiments described above, there is an effect that ultrasonic measurement is possible even if the remaining amount of the battery is reduced to a level at which photoacoustic measurement cannot be performed.

  FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the power supply unit 500 of the fifth embodiment.

  In FIG. 11, reference numeral 506 denotes a remaining capacity detection unit that detects the remaining battery level of the first power source 501. The fourth embodiment determines the remaining amount of two types of desired batteries as described later, and controls the switch. Reference numeral 507 denotes a switch, which is turned off when the remaining capacity detection unit 506 has a remaining battery level of the first power source smaller than a first desired value. Then, power supply to the block connected to the output line 500a is stopped. Reference numeral 508 denotes a switch, which is turned off when the remaining capacity detection unit 506 has a remaining battery level of the first power source lower than a second desired value. Then, power supply to the block connected to the output line 500c is stopped. Here, the first desired value of the remaining amount of the battery of the first power source is set to a value larger than the second desired value. Therefore, when the remaining amount of the battery of the first power source falls below the first desired value, the power supply to the light source 200 connected to the output line 500a is stopped. In this case, photoacoustic measurement cannot be performed, but ultrasonic measurement is possible. Further, when the remaining battery level of the first power source falls below the second desired value, power is supplied to the light source 200 connected to the output line 500a, and power is supplied to the signal collecting unit / transmission driver 141 connected to the output line 500b. Stop supplying. In this case, ultrasonic measurement cannot be performed. However, as described above, the function of controlling the inside of the photoacoustic probe 180 and communicating with the photoacoustic apparatus main body 10 can be maintained. FIG. 12 shows a configuration of another power supply unit 500 of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 12A shows a configuration having a plurality of power supplies, as in the first embodiment. In FIG. 12A, reference numeral 503 denotes a third power source that supplies power to the output line 500c. With such a configuration, the discharge capacity of each power supply is set so that the operation time of the block to which the output line 500b supplies power is sufficiently longer than the operation time of the block to which the output line 500a and the output line 500c supply power. (Battery capacity) is determined. Further, the discharge capacity (battery capacity) of each power source is determined so that the operation time of the block to which the output line 500c supplies power is sufficiently longer than the operation time of the block to which the output line 500a supplies power. Thus, the discharge capacity (battery capacity) of each power source 501, 502, 503 is determined. As a result, even if photoacoustic measurement is impossible, ultrasonic measurement is possible. The function to communicate with can be maintained.

  FIG. 12B shows another configuration of the power supply unit 500 according to the fifth embodiment. The configuration of FIG. 12B is a combination of the configurations of the first to fourth embodiments. Even in this configuration, the operation time of the block to which the output line 500b supplies power can be made sufficiently longer than the operation time of the block to which the output line 500a and the output line 500c supply power. In addition, the operation time of the block in which the output line 500c supplies power can be made sufficiently longer than the operation time of the block in which the output line 500a supplies power. As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, ultrasonic measurement can be performed even if the remaining amount of the battery of the power supply unit 500 decreases and photoacoustic measurement cannot be performed. Furthermore, even when the remaining amount of the battery of the power source 500 is reduced, the function of controlling the inside of the photoacoustic probe 180 and communicating with the photoacoustic apparatus main body 10 is effective. As a result, the user can check the internal state of the photoacoustic probe 180, and can perform an optimum response such as replacement or charging of the battery pack.

(Other)
A charging connector (not shown) can be provided on the housing 181 of the photoacoustic probe 180 so that the secondary battery of the power supply unit 500 can be charged when inserted into a dedicated probe holder (not shown). When the user removes the photoacoustic probe 180 from the probe holder after charging is complete, a switch (not shown) mounted on the housing 181 is turned on (or turned off), and it is detected that the photoacoustic probe 180 has been removed from the probe holder. To do. And it is also possible to have a configuration in which only the output line 500b has a power sequencer that automatically turns on the power. The other output line, for example, transmits an instruction from the photoacoustic apparatus main body 1 to the probe control unit 301 via the wireless interface 177 and the wireless interface 302, and the probe control unit 301 turns on the power of the other output line. It is also possible to do so.

  Moreover, it is possible to provide a sensor for detecting the state of attachment / detachment of the acoustic wave probe to / from the probe holder. Then, using the power sequencer, when the sensor detects that the acoustic wave probe has been taken out from the probe holder, it is possible to turn on the power supply line that supplies power to the communication unit.

  An instruction from the photoacoustic apparatus main body 1 is to display a power-on icon or the like of the photoacoustic probe 180 on the display unit 160 using the GUI, and the user moves the cursor to the icon with the mouse or the like of the input unit 170 and switches the mouse. It is also possible to instruct by clicking.

  Further, when the amount of light emitted from the light source unit 200 is varied according to the distance from the skin surface of the portion of the subject 100 that is desired to be observed, it is preferable to vary the amount of light emitted. In such a case, the power consumed by the light source unit 200 varies depending on the amount of light to be irradiated. Therefore, when detecting the remaining battery level of the power supply unit 500, the measurable time in consideration of the power consumption of the light source unit 200 can be used as the remaining battery level.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Acoustic wave apparatus 10 Acoustic wave apparatus main body 100 Subject 120 Reception part 140 Signal collection part 150 Computer 151 Calculation part 152 Storage part 153 Control part 160 Display part 170 Input part 177 Wireless interface (communication part)
180 acoustic wave probe 181 housing 200 light source unit 201 driver 301 probe control unit 302 wireless interface (communication unit)
500 Power supply

Claims (17)

Based on an acoustic wave detection element that receives an acoustic wave and outputs a reception signal, a signal collection unit that converts a signal output from the acoustic wave detection element into a digital signal, and a digital signal output from the signal collection unit An acoustic wave probe comprising a communication unit that wirelessly transfers a signal to the outside,
A first power receiving unit connected to a first power source for supplying power to the signal collecting unit;
A second power receiving unit connected to a second power source for supplying power to the communication unit;
An acoustic wave probe comprising:   The said 1st power receiving part and the said 2nd power receiving part are the connection part terminals of the storage part in which the said 1st power supply and the said 2nd power supply are stored, respectively. Acoustic probe. A light source that generates light, an acoustic wave detection element that receives an acoustic wave generated from a subject by being irradiated with the light and outputs a reception signal, and a signal output from the acoustic wave detection element is a digital signal An acoustic wave probe comprising: a signal collecting unit for converting into a communication unit for wirelessly transmitting a signal based on the digital signal output from the signal collecting unit to the outside,
A first power receiving unit connected to a first power source for supplying power to the light source;
A second power receiving unit connected to a second power source for supplying power to the communication unit;
An acoustic wave probe comprising:   The acoustic wave probe according to claim 3, wherein electric power is supplied to the signal collection unit via the first power reception unit.   The acoustic wave probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the first power source and the second power source is configured using a battery.   5. The acoustic wave probe according to claim 1, wherein the first power source is configured using a battery, and the second power source is configured using a capacitor. 6.   The acoustic wave probe according to claim 1, wherein a discharge capacity of the first power source is larger than a discharge capacity of the second power source.   The first power source is configured using a battery, the second power source is configured using a rechargeable battery or a capacitor, and has a charging circuit that charges the second power source with the power of the first power source. The acoustic wave probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:   A switch that switches between the first power receiving unit and the second power receiving unit, and the switch is configured to switch power of the first power receiving unit when the voltage of the first power receiving unit exceeds a predetermined voltage. Is switched to supply the power of the second power receiving unit to the communication unit when the voltage of the first power receiving unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage. The acoustic wave probe according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   The power supply line for supplying power to the communication unit is turned on at least earlier than the power supply line for supplying power to the signal collection unit, and the power supply line for supplying power to the communication unit is turned off at least The acoustic wave probe according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a power supply sequencer that controls the power supply line that supplies power to the signal collection unit later than the power supply is shut off.   The power supply line that supplies power to the communication unit is turned on at least earlier than the power supply line that supplies power to the light source, and the power supply line that supplies power to the communication unit is turned off at least to the light source. The acoustic wave probe according to claim 3, further comprising a power sequencer that controls the power supply line that supplies power later than the power supply is shut off. A sensor that detects a state of attachment / detachment of the acoustic wave probe to / from the probe holder;
The power sequencer is configured to turn on a power line that supplies power to the communication unit when the sensor detects that the acoustic wave probe has been removed from the probe holder. The acoustic probe according to claim 10 or 11.   The first power supply is a mounting form that can be replaced by a user, and the second power supply is a mounting form that is not replaceable by a user. Acoustic probe. Based on an acoustic wave detection element that receives an acoustic wave and outputs a reception signal, a signal collection unit that converts a signal output from the acoustic wave detection element into a digital signal, and a digital signal output from the signal collection unit An acoustic probe comprising: a communication unit that wirelessly transfers a signal to the outside; and a power control unit that controls power supplied from a power source to the signal collection unit and the communication unit,
The acoustic power probe is characterized in that the power control means restricts the supply of power to the signal collecting unit when the remaining amount of the power source falls below a predetermined threshold. A light source that generates light, an acoustic wave detection element that receives an acoustic wave generated from a subject by being irradiated with the light and outputs a reception signal, and a digital signal that is a signal output by the acoustic wave detection element A signal collecting unit that converts the signal into a signal, a communication unit that wirelessly transmits a signal based on the digital signal output from the signal collecting unit, and a power control unit that controls power supplied from a power source to the light source and the communication unit An acoustic wave probe comprising:
The acoustic power probe is characterized in that the power control means limits the supply of power to the light source when the remaining amount of the power source falls below a predetermined threshold.   The power control unit restricts power supply to the signal collecting unit when the remaining amount of the power source falls below a second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value. The acoustic wave probe according to 1.   The acoustic wave probe according to any one of claims 1 to 16, an arithmetic processing unit that creates image data based on a signal based on the acoustic wave received by the acoustic wave probe, and based on the image data An acoustic wave image device comprising: a display unit configured to display an image.

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