JP3283430B2 - Ultrasonic inspection device and inspection data management system for the ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates transmits and receives ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus and the ultrasonic inspection apparatus for inspecting a subject based on the received ultrasound signals
Ultrasonography of managing the actual test data of the ultrasound probe
An inspection data management system for an ultrasonic probe of an inspection apparatus .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Non-destructive inspection apparatuses (ultrasonic inspection apparatuses) using ultrasonic waves are used in many industries from steel and metals to semiconductors. The equipment is also used in many departments, from in-line on-site inspection to R & D tools. In addition, they have various shapes, ranging from a handy type that can be carried by an inspector to an installation type that is installed at a site or the like. FIG. 7 shows a typical device configuration.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus. The ultrasonic probe 1 (hereinafter, probe) is a sensor unit that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic transmission / reception circuit 2 (hereinafter, referred to as
The transmission / reception circuit) is a circuit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves from the probe 1, and usually generates (transmits) ultrasonic waves by exciting a piezoelectric vibrator in the probe 1 with a high-voltage impulse signal. The received small signal is amplified to a predetermined voltage signal level by an amplifier. The waveform processing circuit 3 is a processing unit for displaying an inspection result based on a received waveform. For example, a part of a waveform is extracted by a gate circuit, the maximum value is extracted, and the waveform is compared with a predetermined determination level. A pass / fail is determined, and an ultrasonic image is formed by sequentially displaying the extracted maximum value at a predetermined position on the display unit 4 as a gray value. Control unit 5
Controls the transmission / reception circuit 2 and the waveform processing circuit 3.
Recently, the control unit 5 has a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as P
Examples configured by C) are increasing.

In an actual ultrasonic inspection, the position of a probe or a subject is changed every moment by a transport device, a scanner, or the like (or manually). Although one probe is used, two probes are used in an inspection method (two-probe method) in which transmission and reception are performed by different probes. Further, in the case of a large inspection object used in a steel line or the like, the number of probes may reach several tens to several hundreds. In that case, it is common to increase the number of transmitting and receiving circuits in accordance with the number of probes. An array probe in which several tens to several hundreds of micro transducers are arranged in one probe may be used.

[0005]

There are three ultrasonic inspection methods: a direct contact method, a water immersion method, and a local water immersion method. In the direct contact method, a probe is directly contacted with a subject via a couplant (glycerin, machine oil, or the like), and an inspection is performed while manually or automatically changing the position of the probe on the subject. At this time, the user proceeds while rubbing the probe. In the water immersion method, a subject and a probe are placed in a water tank, and water is used as an ultrasonic wave propagation medium between the two. The local immersion method is a method in which only the space between the two is immersed in water. In both the immersion method and the local immersion method, the probe is constantly in contact with water.

[0006] In any of the above methods, the use environment of the probe is poor, so that the probe often breaks after a certain period of use. In addition, when a probe is attached to an automatic scanning mechanism or the like for inspection, there are many sudden accidents such that a sensor collides with an object or the like and is broken. Since the transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the probe is made of thin ceramics or the like, it is very susceptible to mechanical vibration and shock. In many cases, the probe was dropped on the floor during a replacement or manual inspection and was broken. For these reasons, probes are treated the same as consumables.

[0007] Furthermore, since the probe is hand-made, the quality varies widely. Even when used under the same conditions, the probe may not be broken at all, may be broken immediately, and may be broken in various ways. If the vibrator breaks due to a sudden accident, there is no signal received by the ultrasonic wave. However, if the vibrator part is gradually destroyed (due to separation, etc.) due to the intrusion of water, the ultrasonic wave is gradually received. The signal level decreases. In the former case, since no signal is received, it is easy to detect that the device operation is abnormal, but in the latter case, the change is gradual, and it is easy to overlook that there is an abnormality in the probe for a certain period.

As described above, probes are often broken, and new probes are frequently replenished. By the way, as described above, since the probe is hand-made, there are many variations in quality. That is, the specifications of the probe include frequency, sensitivity, focal length, and the like, but these values vary greatly. For example, if you order a probe with a center frequency of 10 MHz, the center frequency of the probe actually delivered is 8
It varies in the range of up to 12 MHz. JIS Z23
Even in 00, both are clearly distinguished from “nominal frequency → frequency displayed on probe” and “test frequency → frequency used for flaw detection test”. Usually, each probe is provided with an inspection result table on the manufacturer side, and a frequency characteristic diagram, an ultrasonic reception waveform, and the like are placed therein. However, the characteristics of the probe are deteriorated by using it, and the characteristics are different from those of the inspection result table. Also, the inspection result sheet, which is paper, is easily lost.

[0009] On the other hand, it is naturally desirable that the ultrasonic examination on the subject is accurate. Therefore, when selecting a probe for an ultrasonic inspection, it is necessary to select a probe after grasping true characteristic values of the characteristics of the probe.
However, in practice, it is difficult to select the optimal probe from the inspection report of all the probes we have,
In many cases, a probe close to the inspection conditions is appropriately selected and used from the probes at hand. In particular, this tendency exists when a plurality of probe users use a plurality of devices.

An object of the present invention, the solve the problems of the prior art, accurate characteristic values of the ultrasound probe held can be easily obtained Rutotomoni ultrasonic degradation of probe
State can be recognized, thus highly accurate ultrasonic inspection apparatus capable of inspecting a specimen with the ultrasonic probe
An inspection data management system is provided.

[0011]

Invention of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus in order to achieve the above object Means for Solving the Problems], the ultrasonic waves using an ultrasonic probe sends toward a patient, the ultrasonic signal received In an ultrasonic inspection apparatus that performs an inspection of a subject based on
For each ultrasonic probe selected from a plurality of ultrasonic probes, the actual inspection data at the time of shipment is stored and output.
It is provided with an external storage medium for storing actual measurement re-inspection data after loading . More specifically, the external storage medium
Automatically re-inspect each ultrasound probe that stores inspection data
To obtain actual retest data for each ultrasonic probe
With re-examination means, or
Read the actual inspection data for each acoustic probe
Provide a storage unit to store or use a storage medium as an ultrasonic probe
It may be a storage element provided for each .

Also, the ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus
The invention of the inspection data management system is based on the ultrasonic probe
Tested based on the transmitted ultrasonic signal
Inspection of an ultrasonic probe of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus for performing a body inspection <br/> In a data management system , a plurality of ultrasonic inspection apparatuses and
Connected via a transmission line to centrally manage ultrasonic inspection equipment
Computer and the transmission and
The ultrasonic probe transmitted from the ultrasonic inspection device through the road
Measurement data collection means for collecting actual measurement test data
And the actual inspection data collected by this actual inspection data collection means.
And a storage unit for storing data.
Physically, the actual measurement inspection of the ultrasonic probe stored in the storage unit
Data is measured at the time of manufacture of the ultrasonic probe and
The actual inspection data stored in the storage medium and the ultrasonic
Each time the lobe is inspected, it is sent from the ultrasonic inspection equipment via the transmission path.
Received and added or updated to the actual inspection data
Measurement data, or use a computer with an ultrasonic probe
Provided by the creator or administrator of the
An ultrasonic probe that issues a command to the
Automatic re-inspection to automatically re-inspect lobe measurement data
It has a management function with an inspection means .

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus having a data management function of an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same or equivalent parts as those shown in FIG. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 differs from the configuration shown in FIG. 7 in that a probe data storage unit 6 and a data storage medium 7 are added, and the other parts are the same. The data storage medium 7 is an external storage medium readable and writable by the control unit 5, and is composed of a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card (PC card), or the like. The data storage medium 7 is made to correspond one-to-one with the probe, and when the probe is shipped, the probe and the data storage medium 7 are shipped as a pair. Usually, the model and the serial number are printed on the surface of the probe by engraving or the like. Therefore, the model and the serial number are similarly written on the surface of the data storage medium 7 so that the two can be associated with each other.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data format of the data storage medium. The data is stored in a spreadsheet format (format) used by the PC software, and is written in column A shown in FIG. 2 when the probe is shipped. There are a nominal value column and an actual measurement value column, and in the nominal value column, the model,
In addition to the serial number, there are items such as a transducer diameter, a center frequency, and a focal length, which are specifications required for ordering a probe.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the beam diameter is described in addition to the above. In the case of a vertical focus type probe used in the water immersion method, the beam diameter (theoretical value) of the half-value width is: d = 0.71λF / R (d: beam diameter, λ: wavelength, F: focal length, R: oscillator radius ). Since this value is helpful when deciding which probe to use for the size of the defect of interest, it is unlikely that this value will be stated in the data documents submitted by the manufacturer. This is a value that the user wants to keep as a reference value.

A data group of shipping inspections is recorded in the actual measurement value column, and includes a date, an inspector, a center frequency, an upper limit frequency, a lower limit frequency, a bandwidth, a focal length, a sensitivity, and a capacitance. And so on. In addition, a pulse width and a beam diameter which are indexes of the resolution of the probe are described. After the probe is shipped, the number of rows of measured values of the data increases each time the user or the manufacturer performs a re-inspection as needed. In addition,
The reexamination is performed periodically or after the measurement of the subject, but there is no timing. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the user performs the inspection twice, and the result of each inspection is written in the B and C columns. In this test example, the pulse width and the sensitivity are re-tested, and the change in the numbers indicates that the probe is gradually damaged. The items in the nominal value column and the actually measured value column shown in FIG. 2 are for a vertical focus type probe used in the water immersion method, and the content of each item differs depending on the type of the probe.
For example, there are items such as a refraction angle in the case of an oblique angle probe, the number of channels in the case of an array probe, and a phase difference between channels.

Next, a procedure for using the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to a display example shown in FIG. 1. When registering a new probe The relevant data storage medium 7 is set in the control unit 5 and the probe data written in the data storage medium 7 is transferred to the probe data storage unit 6. If the data of another probe has already been written in the probe data storage unit 6, the data of the new probe is added. 2. When Selecting a Probe for Ultrasound Inspection 1) If necessary, display the data written in the probe data storage unit 6 on the display unit 4. An example of the display is shown in FIG. 3, rows D, E, and F show data of different probes, respectively, and data corresponding to row A shown in FIG. 2 are displayed. The probe in column D (probe reference number “1”) shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to the probe in column A shown in FIG. 2, and as can be seen from “user inspection 2” in the item “latest inspection content”, Two user inspections are performed, and the latest data is read and displayed for the re-inspection items “pulse width” and “sensitivity”. The data in columns E and F are inspection data at the time of shipment,
No retest was performed on these probes. 2) From the displayed data group as shown in FIG. 3, select an optimal probe for the inspection to be performed. Since FIG. 3 is a spreadsheet format, processing functions such as data search and data rearrangement can be used, so that selection of an optimum probe is easy.

3. When re-inspection of a probe is performed 1) A probe for re-inspection is connected, and the corresponding data storage medium 7 is set in the control unit 5. 2) The probe inspection program of the control unit 5 is operated. 3) The probe data updated by the re-test is written to the probe data storage unit 6 and the data storage medium 7. This writing may be performed by rewriting the data before the reinspection with the updated probe data, or may be performed by additionally writing the updated probe data as shown in FIG.

As an example of the re-inspection, the re-inspection of the frequency is performed by transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a flat steel plate or the like as a reference to obtain a reflected wave, or capturing an oscillating wave by cutting off the FF.
This is performed by obtaining a center frequency, an upper limit frequency, and a lower limit frequency by T (fast Fourier transform) analysis. In addition, the pulse width re-examination is performed by using the waveform obtained by the frequency re-examination as
This is performed by obtaining the D-conversion. Further, the re-examination of the sensitivity is performed by oscillating an ultrasonic wave to a reference object, obtaining a reflected wave thereof, and obtaining a ratio between the amplitude of the transmitted pulse and the amplitude of the reflected wave.

When these re-inspections are performed, the A / D-converted waveform and the FFT result itself may be stored and managed as probe data, and the probe data may be displayed on the display unit 4 as a graph if necessary. FIG. 4 shows an example of the waveform of the probe data. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the waveform of the FFT result, in which the horizontal axis represents the frequency and the vertical axis represents the intensity of the reflected wave. FIG. 4B shows the waveform of the reflected wave, in which the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage.
Such waveforms are stored and managed as probe data,
Displayed on the display unit 4 as needed.

When there are a plurality of apparatuses shown in FIG. 1, data of all the probes are not always stored in the probe data storage units 6 of all the apparatuses. Therefore,
As can be seen from the procedures described in the above 1, 2 and 3, the data storage medium 7 surely holds the latest inspection data.
It is. Therefore, the probe and its data storage medium 7
It is desirable to always carry (manage) as a pair.
When only one device is used, the data of all the probes is stored in the probe data storage unit 6, so that there is no need to use the data storage medium 7.

As described above, in the present embodiment, each probe is provided with a data storage medium storing characteristic data of the probe in a one-to-one correspondence. Automatically re-examined according to the program, stored the result in the data storage medium, further stored the data in the data storage medium in the probe data storage unit, and displayed it on the display unit. Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain accurate various characteristic values of the held probe, and thereby it is possible to select an appropriate probe and perform a high-precision inspection. Also,
The probe re-inspection data does not overlook the timing of the failure, breakage, and replacement of the probe, and as a result, an error in the inspection result can be prevented. Furthermore, since the probe can be re-examined automatically, the burden on the inspector can be reduced.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus having a data management function of an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same or equivalent parts as those shown in FIG. The configuration shown in FIG. 5 is different from the configuration shown in FIG. 1 in that a data storage element 70 is built in the probe 10 and this is connected to the control unit 5, and the other configuration is the same. That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG.
, But here the data storage element 70 is used instead.
Is used.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the storage element storing the characteristic data of the probe is built in the probe, it has the same effect as that of the previous embodiment, and has the same effect as that of the previous embodiment. Thus, there is no need to manage or carry the data storage medium separately from the probe, and it is easy to use, and there is no risk of losing the data storage medium.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus having a data management function of an ultrasonic probe according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same or equivalent parts as those shown in FIG. 50 is a host computer, 60 is a probe data storage unit connected to the host computer 50, and 80 is a network bus. In the present embodiment, one or a plurality of the ultrasonic inspection apparatuses shown in FIG. 1 are connected to the host computer 50 via the network bus 80 to form one network. The figure shows a case where a plurality of ultrasonic inspection apparatuses are connected, and a control unit of one of the ultrasonic inspection apparatuses is indicated by reference numeral 5 '.
In this network, for example, the host computer 50 and the probe data storage unit 60 are installed on the producer side or the management department.

In each of the above embodiments, the storage and management of the probe data are performed on the user side (each ultrasonic inspection apparatus). In the present embodiment, the storage and management of the probe data are performed by the host computer. The mode performed on the 50 side is adopted. In the present embodiment, data of a newly purchased probe is stored in the probe data storage unit 60 by the data storage medium 7, and when each inspection apparatus re-inspects a specific probe, The data is stored in the probe data storage unit 60 via the network bus 80 and the host computer 50. Therefore, the data storage medium 7 becomes unnecessary after the first data (at the time of new purchase) is stored in the probe data storage unit 60. In the above case, the read location in the data storage medium 7 is set to the host computer 50 side (the maker or the management department side), but as in the case shown in FIG. No problem. That is, no problem occurs even if the initial registration in the probe data storage unit is performed by any of the producer, the management department, and the user. When selecting a probe at the time of performing an ultrasonic inspection, the network bus 80 and the host computer 5 are connected to each ultrasonic inspection apparatus.
0, the data of each probe stored in the probe data storage unit 60 can be read and viewed on the display unit 4.

There are large and small networks, and a small network is a LAN, and a large network using a telephone line, for example, the Internet. A LAN is suitable for forming a network with ultrasonic inspection equipment in a factory. Also, the Internet is suitable for the probe maker to manage probes delivered worldwide. In this case, by providing the host computer 50 with software for re-inspection of the probe, the host computer 50 operates the software in response to a request of the user and automatically performs re-inspection. A service can be provided in which results are automatically stored in the probe data storage unit 60 as a history.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since a network is constituted by one or more ultrasonic inspection apparatuses and the host computer, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and Can be centrally managed by the host computer, and the burden on the user can be greatly reduced.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention, the originating <br/> Ming ultrasonic inspection apparatus, the real at the time of shipment, respectively for each ultrasound probe
Since the external storage medium for storing the inspection data and the actual re-inspection data after shipment is provided in a one-to-one correspondence, it is possible to easily obtain the accurate various characteristic values of the ultrasonic probe possessed. It is possible to select a proper ultrasonic probe and perform a high-precision inspection. Furthermore, automatically performs retested in accordance with a program incorporated in the apparatus at the time of re-inspection of the ultrasonic probe, it is possible to reduce the result is stored in the data storage medium lever, the inspector burden for retesting can also, the data of the re-examination of the ultrasound probe, the failure of the ultrasonic probe, without miss time of breakage and exchange, as a result, it is possible to prevent inspection results mistakes. Furthermore, the field in which the storage element which stores characteristic data of the probe to be incorporated in the ultrasonic probe
In this case , there is no need to manage or carry the data storage medium separately from the ultrasonic probe, so that it is easy to use and the risk of losing the data storage medium can be eliminated. further
Inspection data management system for ultrasonic probe of ultrasonic inspection equipment
In the invention of the system, a plurality of ultrasonic inspection devices and these
Since it is configured the network in a managed to computers, is provided computer to author or the administrator side
If this is the case, the burden on the user of the ultrasonic probe can be greatly reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus having a data management function of an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format of a data storage medium.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of probe data.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a waveform example of probe data.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus having a data management function of an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus having a data management function of an ultrasonic probe according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a conventional ultrasonic inspection apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Probe 2 Ultrasonic transmission / reception circuit 3 Waveform processing circuit 4 Display unit 5 Control unit 6 Probe data storage unit 7 Data storage medium

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01N 29/00-29/28 A61B 8/00-8/15

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A subject of the ultrasound using an ultrasound probe
It sends towards, in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus for inspecting the object based on the received ultrasonic signal, a plurality of ultra-sound
For each ultrasonic probe selected from the wave probe ,
The actual inspection data at the time of shipment is stored and the
Ultrasonic inspection apparatus characterized by comprising an external storage medium for storing the measured re-inspection data. 2. An external storage medium stores actual inspection data.
Automatically re-inspect each ultrasound probe
Automatic re-inspection means to acquire actual re-inspection data for each
The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Wherein each of the ultrasonic probe to the external storage medium is stored
2. The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for reading out and storing the actually measured inspection data for each probe. 4. Symbol 憶媒body serial provided for each ultrasonic probe
The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic inspection apparatus is a storage element. 5. The inspection data management system <br/> of an ultrasound probe of the ultrasound inspection apparatus for inspecting object based on the received ultrasound signals originating ultrasound from the ultrasonic probe, double A computer that is connected via a transmission path with a number of ultrasonic inspection apparatuses, and that integrally manages the ultrasonic inspection apparatus, and that is provided in the computer and that is provided through the transmission path.
The actual ultrasonic probe transmitted from the ultrasonic inspection device
Ultrasonography, wherein the measured test data collecting means for collecting measurement inspection data, further comprising a storage unit for storing the measured test data taken at the actual test data collection means
Inspection data management system for ultrasonic probe of inspection equipment . 6. An actual measurement of an ultrasonic probe stored in a storage unit.
Inspection data is actually measured when the ultrasonic probe is manufactured.
Actual inspection data and the supersonic sound stored in the external storage medium
The ultrasonic inspection apparatus is connected via a transmission line for each inspection of the ultrasonic probe.
Sent from the device and added or updated to the actual inspection data
Claim 5, characterized in that the actual test data
Ultrasonic probe inspection data of the described ultrasonic inspection equipment
Management system . 7. A computer for producing an ultrasonic probe.
Or claim 5, wherein the digits set to the administrator side
Inspection data managed in the ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus
Stem . 8. A command to an ultrasonic inspection apparatus via a transmission line.
The actual measurement inspection data of the ultrasonic probe
Ultrasonic professional ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises automatic automatic reinspection means rechecking the data
Lab inspection data management system .