JP3050438B2 - Portable ultrasonic measurement device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable ultrasonic measuring apparatus, and more particularly, to a portable ultrasonic measuring apparatus which converts an echo reception signal into a digital value, processes the image, and displays an A-scope image or the like. Improvements to reduce power consumption of flaw detectors,
In particular, the present invention relates to reducing power consumption in a sampling circuit that stores A / D-converted digital value data in a memory.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic flaw detector, which is one of the ultrasonic measuring devices, reflects ultrasonic waves due to the existence of an interface between dissimilar materials in a subject or a space due to cracks, and the intensity of the reflected waves and the like. By measuring the time (path) from the transmission of the transmission wave (or the detection of the surface wave) to the detection of the reflected wave, the state of the interface, the position of the crack, and the like are measured. Here, in order to measure the intensity of the reflected wave and the time and intensity from transmission wave transmission (or surface wave detection) to reflected wave detection, the echo reception signal obtained from the ultrasonic probe is amplified and its peak value is measured. Is performed by measuring the time up to that time, or by performing A / D conversion of the amplified echo reception signal as it is and performing data processing by a computer to measure time and intensity values. The measurement result is generally displayed as an A-scope image or the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of an ultrasonic measuring apparatus for performing nondestructive internal measurement in this manner. Here, 1 is an object, F is an internal defect, 2 is a probe, 3 is a pulser receiver, 4 is a sampling circuit, 5 is a device control circuit, and 6 is a display unit. this
Some types of ultrasonic measurement devices process flaw detection results using digital values.
From the pulsar receiver unit 3
RF signal (analog)
Signal (echo received signal on the receiving side,
Sampling circuit for echo signals such as surface reflected wave and defect wave)
4 receives and samples and echo-received signal e
To the waveform data memory provided internally.
The echo received signal e converted to a digital value is stored
Measured values read from the waveform data memory by the device control circuit 5
Image processing such as display processing is performed by the device control circuit 5, and flaw detection is performed.
The result is displayed on the display unit 6. So the sampler here
The digital circuit 4 converts the echo reception signal e of the analog signal into a digital signal.
Interface that transmits to the image processing device as a total value
Plays the role of. Probe 2, along with issues a transmission ultrasonic waves to the subject 1, an electrical detecting the reflected wave - Ri Oh ultrasonic transducer, Pas Rusareshiba unit 3, probe receives the pulser activation signals a " A pulser section for outputting an electric signal for operating the probe 2 and a receiver section for receiving and amplifying a detection signal from the probe 2 and outputting it as an echo reception signal e (RF signal or detected signal) Consists of

The sampling circuit 4 outputs a sampling start signal a (start of measurement output from the device control circuit 5).
Signal) , pulsar activation a "is generated , and pulsar activation
Probing by the pulsar section of the pulsar receiver section 3 according to a "
The child 2 is driven to generate a transmission wave, and according to this transmission wave,
The echo from the subject 1 is received by the probe 2 and
Echo reception signal e via the receiver section of the receiver section 3
Get. The sampling of the echo reception signal e is performed as described above.
A / D conversion circuit according to generation of sampling start signal a
In Start, a predetermined amount of sampled data (echo reception signal
A / D conversion digital value of signal e) into memory (waveform data
Memory ) . The device control circuit 5 is responsible for controlling the entire device such as generating a sampling start signal a, and further sends an MPU control signal b and an MPU address signal c to the sampling circuit 4, and Then, the sampling data stored in the memory is read out as an MPU data signal, a process for displaying a range selection, enlargement, or the like is performed, and displayed on the display unit 6.

Further, FIG. 3 shows a detailed block diagram of a sampling circuit 4 having a conventional configuration. The operation of the ultrasonic measuring apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. The operation of the measurement display is roughly divided into the first half sampling and the second half display. And the sampling circuit 4
In order to perform sampling, an A / D conversion circuit 40, a read / write control circuit 43, an address counter circuit 48, and a sampling control circuit 47 are provided. further,
At the time of display, the memory (waveform data
The read / write control circuit 43 includes a switching circuit for enabling access to the memory 42.
A multiplexer 49, a data bus gate circuit 41, and a data bus gate circuit 44 are provided.

In such a configuration, first, when sampling is performed, a sampling start signal a is issued from the device control circuit 5 and the sampling control circuit 47 receiving the signal starts.
Outputs a sampling window pulse n indicating the sampling period. Then, the address counter circuit 4
8 always counts the clock f and outputs it as the sampling address signal m. When the sampling window pulse n is received, the count value is initialized and starts counting from a predetermined value.
Further, while receiving the sampling window pulse n, the data bus gate circuit 41, the multiplexer 49,
The read / write control circuit 43 enters a control state in which the sampled data is stored in the memory 42. On the other hand, the A / D conversion circuit 40 always receives a clock f having a predetermined conversion cycle, A / D converts the echo reception signal e, and generates a digital value sampling data signal h.

Further, in response to the sampling start signal a, a pulsar start signal a ″ is output, and the pulsar of the pulsar / receiver unit 3 started by this operation, the probe 2 and the pulsar The echo reception signal e including the information of the defect F and the like is obtained along the passage of time through the receivers of the receiver unit 3. Accordingly, the above-described circuits receiving the sampling window pulse n function to sequentially output A. The / D-converted sampling data is sequentially stored in the memory 42 in accordance with the sequentially counted sampling addresses, and when a predetermined amount of sampling addresses is reached, the address counter circuit 48 issues a sampling completion signal g. Receiving the sampling window pulse n
Is stopped, the sampling state is released, and the sampling ends.

Next, when the sampling data stored in the memory 42 is displayed, since the sampling window pulse n is not output, the read / write control circuit 43 and the multiplexer 4
9. The data bus gate circuit 44 is switched so that the device control circuit 5 can access the memory 42. Therefore, the sampling data sampled earlier is transmitted to the device control circuit 5 via the MPU control signal b, the MPU address signal c, and the MPU data signal d.
And is displayed on the display unit 6. In this way,
The measurement result of the echo reception signal of the ultrasonic wave reflected by the defect F or the front surface, the bottom surface, etc. in the subject 1 is displayed as an A-scope image or the like, and by observing the waveform, the subject is not destroyed. Inspection and measurement inside the subject can be performed.

[0009]

The operation and the like of the conventional ultrasonic measuring apparatus have been described above.
It is widely used for inspection, measurement, etc., taking advantage of the feature that nondestructive inspection is possible. In particular, in the inspection of a building, a large-sized device, or the like, it is not practical to move an object to be measured, so it is necessary to move the measuring device. An ultrasonic measuring apparatus for such a purpose places importance on portability and is used as a small portable ultrasonic flaw detector operated by a battery. However, at present, a single battery can operate for only about 3 to 4 hours, and a longer continuous operation is required. Of course, the power consumption of the circuit has been reduced by various methods so that the portable ultrasonic measurement device can operate for a long time with the battery.

For example, when configuring a circuit, a C-MOS version IC or LS which consumes less power than TTL or the like.
I is adopted as much as possible because of such low power consumption. However, countermeasures such as replacing the components of each circuit of the ultrasonic measurement device with another low power consumption element having the same function have already been applied to most circuits, and further reduction in power consumption is not possible. It's not easy. This is a problem, however, because simply waiting for the battery to be improved does not meet the demands of the user and cannot maintain and enhance the value of the device. The present invention solves such a problem of the prior art. By taking measures according to the circuit configuration specific to the device, it is possible to further reduce power consumption and realize a portable device capable of operating for a long time. It is an object to provide a type ultrasonic measuring device.

[0011]

In order to achieve this object, a portable ultrasonic measuring apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration in which an ultrasonic echo reception signal is converted into a digital value and a predetermined value such as a measured value display process is performed. be one that the process, the address according to the clock control circuit and the sampling clock you outputs sampling control circuit and the sampling clock
Sampling is completed when it reaches the specified address after updating
Address counter circuit for generating signal and echo reception signal
Receiving the digital signal according to the sampling clock.
A / D conversion circuit for converting into a total value and this A / D conversion circuit
Memory and A for storing data of a digital value obtained from
Memory address corresponding to the address of the dress counter circuit
Write digital value data to the
And a read / write control circuit for reading digital value data.
The sampling control circuit receives a sampling start signal indicating a measurement start, generates a pulser start signal indicating a timing of transmitting the ultrasonic wave, and starts outputting a sampling window pulse indicating a sampling period of the echo reception signal. Receiving the sampling completion signal,
Also stops the output of the sampling window pulse
It is.

Furthermore, while the clock control circuit, said receiving and predetermined conversion cycle of the clock and the sampling window pulse corresponding to the conversion cycle of the A / D conversion circuit, which receives the sampling window pulse, the predetermined and the clock of the conversion cycle of the outputs as the sampling <br/> ring clock, said address counter circuit, the sampling window pulse
Depending on whether the occurrence of the start and the pulser activation signal
The sampling clock is counted starting from an initial value, and the sampling clock is counted through the write / read control circuit.
The digital value data written in the memory is read out.
It is what is done.

[0013]

According to the above configuration, in the sampling circuit of the ultrasonic measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the sampling clock generated by the clock control circuit is used as the clock for operating the A / D conversion circuit and the address counter circuit. ing. Here, for the A / D conversion circuit, the address counter circuit, and the like, a C-MOS version element has been adopted for a long time to reduce power consumption. But,
The sampling frequency of the ultrasonic measuring device is very high, specifically, several MHz or more, and depending on the thing, several GHz.
There is also a device. In addition, although the power consumption of the C-MOS is small, it is in the standby state.
At the time of switching, a certain amount of power is consumed. Therefore, in an ultrasonic measuring apparatus that operates at high speed, simply replacing ICs and LSIs with C-MOS versions as in general apparatuses in other fields does not completely save power consumption.

Therefore, by providing a clock control circuit and using a sampling clock output in response to the sampling window pulse output period, that is, the sampling period, the A / D conversion circuit and the address counter circuit operate in a clock other than the sampling period. Configuration. As a result, the switching current is not consumed in the A / D conversion circuit and the address counter circuit except for the sampling period in which the sampling data and the sampling address to the memory are required, and a much smaller standby current is consumed. It just needs to be done. That is, the A / D conversion circuit and the address counter
The circuit performs ON / OFF operation according to the clock
For charging and discharging and conversion by sampling operation.
The switching operation is not performed except during the sampling period.
In that case, only the standby current is consumed, and the current consumption is small.
It will be cheap. Therefore, even with the same battery, it is possible to operate for a longer time by the amount of power saved in this way.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The schematic configuration of the device is the same as the conventional one, and is a block diagram of FIG. 2. The probe 2, the pulsar receiver 3, the device control circuit 5, and the display 6 have already been described in detail. Omit. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a specific example of a sampling circuit having the configuration of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation of the ultrasonic measurement device will be described in detail with reference to this.

The A / D conversion circuit 40 is mainly composed of an A / D converter, receives the sampling clock ff, and A / D converts the echo reception signal e at the timing.
The digital sampling data is output as a sampling data signal h. Therefore, when the sampling clock ff is not received, the switching operation for charging / discharging or conversion by the sampling operation is not performed. In this case, only the standby current is consumed, and the current consumption is small.
The data bus gate circuit 41 is a gate circuit composed of, for example, a tri-state output gate element. The data bus gate circuit 41 is controlled by receiving a sampling window pulse n. Send to bus i.

The memory circuit 42 is mainly composed of a memory for storing sampling data, and stores data on a memory data bus i in a memory at an address indicated by a memory address signal k under the control of a memory control signal j. Alternatively, the data of the memory at the address indicated by the memory address signal k is output onto the memory data bus i.
The read / write control circuit 43 is a circuit composed of a flip-flop, a gate element, and the like, and its function is selected in response to a sampling window pulse n. That is, in detail, the sampling window pulse n
During this period, the writing control is performed via the memory control signal j at the timing of receiving the sampling clock ff. When the sampling window pulse n has not been received, the MPU control signal b is output as the memory control signal j to enable the device control circuit 5 to access the memory circuit 42.

The data bus gate circuit 44 is a gate circuit composed of, for example, a tri-state output gate element. The data bus gate circuit 44 is controlled by receiving a sampling window pulse n. The above data is output as an MPU data signal d. The oscillating circuit 45 mainly includes a crystal oscillator, a frequency dividing circuit, and the like, and generates a clock f having a predetermined conversion cycle. The oscillation circuit 45 may be located anywhere, and the clock f is supplied from outside the sampling circuit.
May be supplied. The clock control 46
For example, the gate circuit is configured by a C-MOS version IC and is controlled by receiving a sampling window pulse n.
The clock f is output as the sampling clock ff.

The sampling control circuit 47 is constituted by a flip-flop or the like, and outputs a sampling start signal a (device control).
In response to the signal indicating the start of measurement output from the control circuit 5 , the pulsar start signal a ″ is output to the pulsar receiver unit 3 and the output of the sampling window pulse n indicating the sampling period is started. Upon receiving the sampling completion signal g, the output of the sampling window pulse n is stopped.
8 is mainly composed of a C-MOS version counter,
The sampling clock ff is counted, and the count value is output as a sampling address signal m. This count value is set to a predetermined initial value at the beginning of the sampling window pulse n or the pulser activation signal a ″, or when the sampling window pulse n is not output. Therefore, the sampling clock ff. When the counter is not received, the switching operation inside the counter is not performed. In this case, only the standby current is consumed and the current consumption is small.

The multiplexer 49 is controlled by receiving the sampling window pulse n. While receiving the sampling window pulse n, the multiplexer 49 outputs the sampling address signal m as the memory address signal k. Is the MPU
An address signal c is output as a memory address signal k. The operation of the measurement display in the portable ultrasonic measurement apparatus of the present invention having such a configuration is roughly divided into sampling of the first half and display of the second half.

First, when sampling is performed, the device control circuit 5 issues a sampling start signal a. Then, a sampling window pulse n received from the sampling control circuit 47 is sent to the data bus gate circuit 41, the read / write control circuit 43, the data bus gate circuit 44, the clock control circuit 46, and the multiplexer 49. Here, the sampling window pulse n is a signal indicating a sampling period, during which time these circuits are in a state for storing sampling data in the memory circuit 42. That is, the memory circuit 42 receives the sampling data h via the memory data bus i, receives the sampling address signal m via the memory address signal k, and receives write control via the memory control signal j. Further, during this time, a sampling clock ff indicating the sampling timing is output.

Under such a state, the address counter circuit 48 receives the sampling clock ff and starts counting from a predetermined value. Therefore, at the timing of the sampling clock ff, the addresses indicated by the sampling address signal m and the memory address signal k advance in order. On the other hand, in response to the sampling start signal a, the pulsar start signal a ″ is output. , An echo reception signal e including information on the defect F and the like is obtained over time.

The A / D conversion circuit 40 also receives the sampling clock ff and converts the echo reception signal e into an A / D signal.
Since the sampling data signal h of the digital value is generated by the conversion, the sampling data is sequentially sent to the memory circuit 42 via the memory data bus i at the timing of the sampling clock ff. Further, at the timing of the sampling clock ff, the read / write control circuit 43 sends the memory circuit 42 via the memory control signal j.
Is controlled. Therefore, at the timing of the sampling clock ff, the sampling data sequentially subjected to A / D conversion is sequentially stored in the memory 42 according to the sequentially counted sampling addresses.
In this embodiment, the current consumption of the A / D conversion circuit 40 and the address counter circuit 48 during operation is about 60 mA.

When the above operation is repeated and the sampling address reaches a predetermined value, a sampling completion signal g is issued from the address counter circuit 48, and the sampling control circuit 47 receiving this signal outputs the sampling window pulse n. The sampling is stopped and the sampling state is released, and the sampling ends. Further, when the output of the sampling window pulse n stops, the sampling clock ff also stops. Therefore, the A / D conversion circuit 40,
Since the address counter circuit 48 does not receive the clock, it stops the switching operation and the like. The current consumption of these circuits when operation is stopped is on the order of μA. As a result, about 60 m excluding the sampling period
This means that the power consumption of A can be reduced.

In the case of display, the A / D conversion circuit 4
0, the address counter circuit 48 is in a standby state, but these are circuits not related to display. Therefore, the display of the sampling data stored in the memory 42 is the same as that of the related art, and the description thereof is omitted.
As a result, low power consumption of the aforementioned circuit is realized, and
In a normal use of the ultrasonic measuring device, the sampling period is slightly shorter than the period of setup and display, so that the operation time of the device by the battery can be extended by several minutes in practical use.

[0026]

As can be understood from the above description, in the portable ultrasonic measuring device having the configuration of the present invention, the clock is sent to the A / D conversion circuit and the address counter circuit except during the sampling period. As a result of having no circuit configuration,
There is an effect that a further reduction in power consumption of the circuit can be realized and a portable ultrasonic measurement device that can operate for a longer time can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable ultrasonic measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a sampling circuit portion thereof.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a portable ultrasonic measurement device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a sampling circuit of a portable ultrasonic measurement device having a conventional configuration.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Subject 2 Probe 3 Pulser receiver part 4 Sampling circuit 5 Device control circuit 6 Display part 40 A / D conversion circuit 41 Data bus gate circuit 42 Memory circuit 43 Read / write control circuit 44 Data bus gate circuit 45 Oscillation circuit 46 Clock control 47 Sampling control circuit 48 Address counter circuit 49 Multiplexer

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A portable ultrasonic measuring apparatus for converting an ultrasonic echo reception signal into a digital value and performing predetermined processing such as a measured value display processing, wherein a sampling control circuit and a sampling clock are output.
Wherein a that clock control circuit sampling black Tsu
The address is updated according to the address and the specified address is reached.
And an address counter circuit for generating a sampling completion signal when receiving the echo reception signal.
Conversion circuit for converting a digital value in accordance with a clock signal, a memory for storing the digital value data obtained from the A / D conversion circuit, and the address counter circuit
To the address of the memory corresponding to the address of
The digital value is written and stored in the digital
A write / read control circuit for reading value data, wherein the sampling control circuit receives a sampling start signal indicating a start of measurement, generates a pulser start signal indicating a transmission timing of the ultrasonic wave, and starts outputting the sampling window pulse indicating the sampling period of the received signal, receiving said sampling completion signal, it stops the output of the sampling window pulse, the clock control circuit, the a / D converter circuit
Receiving the clock of the predetermined conversion cycle corresponding to the conversion cycle and the sampling window pulse, and while receiving the sampling window pulse, the predetermined conversion
Output clocks of the period as the sampling clock
The address counter circuit determines whether the start of the sampling window pulse and the generation of the pulser start signal occur.
Are those starting from an initial value and counts the sampling clock according to whether the deviation, said write read control circuit
Data of the digital value written to the memory via
A portable ultrasonic measuring device, wherein data is read out .