JP4673074B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using a plurality of ultrasonic probes.

  In recent years, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses are used not only for diagnosis of organs and the like but also for support during surgical operations, and as a support during operations, a plurality of ultrasonic probes (probes) are used in combination. There are many cases. For example, a probe that acquires a detailed ultrasonic image of a surgical part, a probe that acquires a relatively wide range of ultrasonic images for confirming the position of the probe and the surgical site, and two probes are used.

  As a method of using a plurality of probes in combination, use of a plurality of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses corresponding to each probe can be cited (for example, see Patent Document 1). Moreover, you may utilize two probes with one ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (for example, refer patent document 2).

JP-A-10-137243 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-180693

  When using a plurality of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses for each probe, it is necessary to prepare as many apparatus bodies as the number of probes. In this case, there arises a problem that, for example, a large space for placing a plurality of apparatus main bodies is required. Further, in order to use a plurality of probes in one apparatus body, probe connectors are required as many as the number of probes.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above cases, and an object thereof is to provide a new apparatus configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using a plurality of ultrasonic probes (probes).

  In order to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of ultrasonic probes and a shared use in which the plurality of ultrasonic probes are connected and shared by the plurality of ultrasonic probes. A probe connector; a transmitter for supplying a transmission signal to each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes via the common probe connector; and a reception signal from each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes via the common probe connector And the common probe connector supplies a transmission signal for each ultrasonic probe selected from signals output from the transmission unit to the corresponding ultrasonic probe, and each ultrasonic probe. The reception signal obtained from is output to the reception unit.

  According to the above configuration, since a plurality of ultrasonic probes and the apparatus main body can be connected via the shared probe connector, for example, a plurality of ultrasonic probes are used together by a single shared probe connector in one apparatus main body. It becomes possible to do.

  Preferably, the transmission unit includes a plurality of transmission circuits, and the shared probe connector assigns each transmission circuit group including at least one of the plurality of transmission circuits to each ultrasonic probe, thereby transmitting each transmission. The transmission signal output from the circuit group is supplied to each corresponding ultrasonic probe. Preferably, the reception unit includes a plurality of reception circuits, and the shared probe connector assigns each reception circuit group composed of at least one of the plurality of reception circuits to each ultrasonic probe, thereby The reception signal obtained from the acoustic probe is output to each corresponding reception circuit group.

  Preferably, the shared probe connector sequentially supplies transmission signals of a plurality of ultrasonic probes sequentially output from the transmission unit to the corresponding ultrasonic probes. Preferably, the common probe connector is configured to sequentially output each of reception signals obtained from the plurality of ultrasonic probes to the reception unit in a time-sharing manner.

  Preferably, the plurality of ultrasonic probes transmit ultrasonic waves having different frequency characteristics from each other, and subject the reception signals obtained from the ultrasonic probes to filter processing according to the ultrasonic probes. A filter processing unit that extracts a reception signal component corresponding to the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic probe, and an image configuration unit that forms an ultrasonic image based on the reception signal component corresponding to each ultrasonic probe And further comprising.

  In order to achieve the above object, a common probe connector according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is configured to connect an apparatus main body of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a plurality of ultrasonic probes with the plurality of ultrasonic probes. In the shared probe connector to be shared, the transmission signal for each ultrasonic probe is selected from the signals output from the apparatus main body and supplied to the corresponding ultrasonic probe, and the reception signal obtained from each ultrasonic probe is received. It outputs to the said apparatus main body, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Preferably, each probe connection unit includes a plurality of probe connection units to which each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes is connected and at least one of a plurality of transmission circuits included in the apparatus main body. And a signal switching unit that assigns each reception circuit group consisting of at least one of a plurality of reception circuits included in the apparatus main body to each probe connection unit, thereby each transmission circuit group The transmission signal output from each ultrasonic probe is supplied to each ultrasonic probe via the corresponding probe connection section, and the reception signal obtained from each ultrasonic probe is output to the corresponding reception circuit group via each probe connection section. It is characterized by.

  Desirably, based on the probe information obtained from each ultrasonic probe via each probe connection part, the probe identification information which matched each probe connection part and the identifier of each ultrasonic probe connected to it is produced | generated. It further has an identification information generation part.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a new apparatus configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using a plurality of ultrasonic probes is provided. According to the device configuration, for example, it is possible to use a plurality of ultrasonic probes in combination with one common probe connector in one device body.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration thereof.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment includes two probes, a probe a10 and a probe b14, a common probe connector 20, and an apparatus main body 30. The shared probe connector 20 is a connector for connecting two probes, the probe a10 and the probe b14, to the apparatus main body.

  The probe a10 is a 2D array probe including the 2D array transducer 12. In other words, this probe is a probe that scans an ultrasonic beam in a three-dimensional space by appropriately controlling the transmission timing of ultrasonic pulses output from a plurality of vibrating elements arranged in a grid in the 2D array transducer 12. . A transmission signal supplied to the 2D array transducer 12 and a reception signal acquired by the 2D array transducer 12 are transferred via the plugs 1 to 4.

  On the other hand, the probe b <b> 14 is a high frequency linear probe including the high frequency linear vibrator 16. In other words, a probe that appropriately controls the transmission timing of ultrasonic pulses output from a plurality of vibrating elements arranged in a straight line in the high-frequency linear vibrator 16 and scans the ultrasonic beam in a direction perpendicular to the beam direction. It is. A transmission signal supplied to the high-frequency linear transducer 16 and a reception signal acquired by the high-frequency linear transducer 16 are transferred through the plug 1 ′ and the plug 2 ′.

  In the present invention, the number of probes connected to the shared probe connector 20 is not limited to two, and three or more probes may be connected. Further, the probe to be connected is not limited to a 2D array probe or a high-frequency linear probe, and for example, a B-mode image probe or a Doppler information acquisition probe may be used. In this embodiment, as a representative example of the present invention, a mode in which two probes, a 2D array probe (probe a10) and a high-frequency linear probe (probe b14), are used together will be described.

  The common probe connector 20 to which the probe a10 and the probe b14 are connected includes receptacles 1 to 5 constituting a first probe connection part and receptacles 6 to 10 constituting a second probe connection part. Each receptacle is mated with each plug in the probe. That is, the probe a10 is connected to the first probe connection portion including the receptacles 1 to 5, and the plugs 1 to 4 are fitted to the receptacles 1 to 4, respectively. Since the number of plugs of the probe a10 is four and there is no plug corresponding to the receptacle 5, the receptacle 5 is in an empty state.

  Further, the probe b14 is connected to the second probe connecting portion made of the receptacles 6 to 10, and the plugs 1 'and 2' are fitted into the receptacles 6 and 7, respectively. Since the number of plugs of the probe b14 is two and there is no plug corresponding to the receptacles 8 to 10, the receptacles 8 to 10 are in an empty state.

  For example, each plug and each receptacle are preferably configured so that one is male and the other is female and meshes with each other. An example of the shape of each plug and each receptacle will be introduced later using FIG.

  In the common probe connector 20, signal switching units 1 to 10 are provided corresponding to the receptacles 1 to 10, respectively. Each signal switching unit has a function of selectively connecting each corresponding receptacle to each transmission circuit and each reception circuit in the apparatus main body 30.

  The transmission circuits 1 to 5 in the apparatus main body 30 are circuits that generate and output transmission signals for driving the vibration elements of the probe a10 or the probe b14, respectively. For example, each transmission circuit outputs transmission signals for 20 channels (20 vibration elements). On the other hand, each of the receiving circuits 1 to 5 in the apparatus main body 30 is a circuit that performs, for example, a detection process on the received signal acquired from each vibration element of the probe a10 or the probe b14. Each receiving circuit processes, for example, received signals for 20 channels (20 vibrating elements).

  Hereinafter, the transmission / reception operation in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that each transmission circuit and each reception circuit handle signals in units of 20 channels. In this case, each receptacle and each plug also handles signals in units of 20 channels corresponding to each transmission circuit or each reception circuit.

  The probe a10 includes four plugs 1 to 4. That is, the probe a10 is driven by signals of a total of 80 channels. When the probe a10 is connected to the common probe connector 20 and the plugs 1 to 4 are connected to the receptacles 1 to 4, respectively, a probe code (probe identifier) is output from the probe a10 via the plugs 1 to 4. . The probe code is, for example, information stored in a memory (not shown) in the probe a10, and is information indicating that the probe a10 is a 2D array probe. The output probe code is acquired by the receptacles 1 to 4 and transmitted to the probe code generation unit 22.

  The probe code generation unit 22 recognizes that the probe a10 that is the 2D array probe is connected to the first probe connection unit including the receptacles 1 to 5, and the probe code of the first probe connection unit and the 2D array probe Are associated with each other. A probe code may be associated with each receptacle. That is, as the probe identification information, a probe code of the 2D array probe may be associated with each of the receptacles 1 to 4, and information indicating that nothing is connected to the receptacle 5 may be generated.

  Similarly, when the probe b14 is connected to the shared probe connector 20, a probe code is output from the probe b14 via the plugs 1 'and 2' and transmitted to the probe code generation unit 22 via the receptacles 6 and 7. As a result, the probe code generator 22 recognizes that the probe b14, which is a high-frequency linear probe, is connected to the second probe connection part including the receptacles 6 to 10, and the second probe connection part and the high-frequency linear probe are recognized. Probe identification information in association with the probe code is generated. The generated probe identification information is transmitted to the control unit 31 in the apparatus main body 30.

  Based on the probe identification information, the control unit 31 determines which receptacle each transmission circuit and each reception circuit should correspond to, and outputs it to the signal switching units 1 to 10 of the shared probe connector 20 as a switching control signal. For example, when the transmission circuits 1 to 4 are assigned to the probe a10 at the time of transmission, each of the transmission circuits 1 to 4 is assigned to the receptacles 1 to 4 by the signal switching units 1 to 4 and transmitted via the receptacles 1 to 4 Each transmission signal of the circuits 1 to 4 is output to each of the plugs 1 to 4. Further, when the transmission circuits 4 and 5 are assigned to the probe b14, each of the transmission circuits 4 and 5 is assigned to the receptacles 6 and 7 by the signal switching units 6 and 7, and the transmission circuits 4 and 5 are passed through the receptacles 6 and 7. Are transmitted to the plugs 1 'and 2', respectively.

  In this transmission example, the transmission circuit 4 is used for both the probe a10 and the probe b14 and cannot transmit a transmission signal to two probes at the same time. In this case, for example, after the transmission signal is output from the transmission circuit group of the transmission circuits 1 to 4 to the probe a10, the transmission signal is output from the transmission circuit group of the transmission circuits 4 and 5 to the probe b14. A transmission signal can be supplied to the two probes by a time division process that repeats this alternately.

  On the other hand, at the time of reception, when the receiving circuits 1 to 4 are assigned to the probe a10, each of the receiving circuits 1 to 4 is assigned to the receptacles 1 to 4 by the signal switching units 1 to 4. Then, the reception signal acquired by the 2D array transducer 12 is output to the reception circuits 1 to 4 via the plugs 1 to 4 and the receptacles 1 to 4. Furthermore, when the receiving circuits 4 and 5 are assigned to the probe b14, the receiving circuits 4 and 5 are assigned to the receptacles 6 and 7 by the signal switching units 6 and 7, respectively. Then, the reception signal acquired by the high-frequency linear vibrator 16 is output to the reception circuits 4 and 5 via the plugs 1 ′ and 2 ′ and the receptacles 6 and 7.

  In this reception example, the reception circuit 4 is used for both the probe a10 and the probe b14, and the reception signals of the two probes cannot be processed simultaneously. In this case, for example, after the reception signal of the probe a10 is processed by the reception circuit group of the reception circuits 1 to 4, the reception signal of the probe b14 is processed by the reception circuit group of the reception circuits 4 and 5. The received signals of the two probes can be processed by time division processing that repeats this alternately.

  In addition to the switching control signal described above, the control unit 31 supplies the signal switching units 1 to 10 with a transmission / reception circuit selection signal indicating transmission and reception timings. Based on the transmission / reception circuit selection signal, the signal switching units 1 to 10 determine the timing for connecting the transmission circuit to the receptacle and the timing for connecting the reception circuit to the receptacle.

  In addition, when supplying a transmission signal to each probe, the control unit 31 controls the transmission circuit group corresponding to each probe according to the corresponding probe. For example, when assigning the transmission circuits 1 to 4 to the probe a10, the transmission circuits 1 to 4 are set to a center frequency (for example, 2.5 MHz) corresponding to the 2D array transducer 12, and Steering control is performed. Similarly, when the transmission circuits 4 and 5 are assigned to the probe b 14, the transmission circuits 4 and 5 are set to a center frequency (for example, 10 MHz) corresponding to the high frequency linear vibrator 16 and linear corresponding to the high frequency linear vibrator 16. Perform scanning control.

  Incidentally, the control unit 31 can also output a control signal to each probe via the control signal interface 24 and the receptacle in the shared probe connector 20. A signal may be transferred from each probe to the control signal interface 24. For example, a position sensor for detecting the position of the probe is provided in each probe, position information detected by the position sensor is transmitted to the control signal interface 24, and the control unit 31 of the apparatus main body 30 is transmitted via the control signal interface 24. May be forwarded to. Furthermore, the control signal interface 24 may generate relative position information between the two probes based on position information obtained from the two probes, for example.

  The reception signals processed by the reception circuits 1 to 5 are output to the phasing addition circuit 32. The phasing addition circuit 32 performs processing such as amplification and phasing addition on the reception-processed signals output from the reception circuits 1 to 5. The phasing and adding circuit 32 is controlled by the control unit 31 and executes formation of a reception beam corresponding to each type of the probe a10 and the probe b14.

  Thus, the control unit 31 assigns the transmission circuits 1 to 4 and the reception circuits 1 to 4 to the probe a10, and further controls the transmission circuits 1 to 4, the reception circuits 1 to 4 and the phasing addition circuit 32 to control the transmission beam. Forming and receiving beam formation. The phasing addition circuit 32 outputs echo data (received signal after phasing addition) for each ultrasonic beam in the scanning space formed by the 2D array transducer 12. The control unit 31 obtains echo data (volume data) in the three-dimensional space by steering the ultrasonic beam three-dimensionally in the three-dimensional space.

  The control unit 31 assigns the transmission circuits 4 and 5 and the reception circuits 4 and 5 to the probe b14, and further controls the transmission circuits 4 and 5, the reception circuits 4 and 5 and the phasing addition circuit 32 to control the transmission beam. Forming and receiving beam formation. Then, the phasing addition circuit 32 outputs echo data (received signal after phasing addition) for each ultrasonic beam in the scanning plane formed by the high frequency linear vibrator 16.

  In addition, since the reception signal of the probe a10 and the reception signal of the probe b14 are alternately obtained by time division processing, the phasing addition circuit 32 also has a timing corresponding to the processing of the reception signal corresponding to each probe. A phasing addition process is executed by the division process.

  The filter 34 performs a filtering process on the echo data after the phasing addition output from the phasing addition circuit 32. The filter 34 has a function of executing a filtering process corresponding to each of the probe a10 and the probe b14 to remove the other probe component included in the echo data after the phasing addition.

  In the present embodiment, the two probes, the probe a10 and the probe b14, are used together for support during surgery. For example, the probe b14, which is a high-frequency linear probe, is used as a probe for acquiring a detailed ultrasonic image of a surgical part, and acquires a relatively wide range of ultrasonic images for confirming the position of the probe b14 or the surgical site. As a probe, a probe a10 which is a 2D array probe is used. In the case of such a combined form, the other probe may receive the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave emitted by one probe. Therefore, in the filter 34, the component of the other probe included in the echo data after the phasing addition is removed.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the filter processing in the present embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the bandpass filter (BPF) processing executed by the filter (reference numeral 34 in FIG. 1). The case where the center frequency of the probe a (reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1) is f1 and the center frequency of the probe b (reference numeral 14 in FIG. 1) is f2 will be described as an example. In the following description, the parts shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2A shows filter settings when BPFs having substantially the same bandwidth are used for the probe a10 and the probe b14. When processing the echo data of the probe a10, the filter 34 sets the BPF 40 for the probe a10 corresponding to the frequency f1. Further, when processing the echo data of the probe b14, the filter 34 sets the BPF 41 for the probe b14 corresponding to the frequency f2.

  For this reason, for example, even if the probe a10 obtains a multiple received signal including the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the probe a10 itself and the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the probe b14, the filter 34 Only the reflected wave component of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the probe a10 itself is extracted by the BPF 40 for the probe a10 corresponding to the frequency f1. Similarly, for the probe b14, only the reflected wave component of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the probe b14 itself is extracted by the BPF 41 for the probe b14 corresponding to the frequency f2. In this manner, the filter 34 can remove the component of the other probe.

  FIG. 2B shows filter settings when the bandwidth of the probe a10 is widened and the bandwidth of the probe b14 is narrowed. When processing the echo data of the probe a10, the filter 34 sets the BPF 42 for the probe a10 corresponding to the frequency f1. Further, when processing the echo data of the probe b14, the filter 34 sets the BPF 43 for the probe b14 corresponding to the frequency f2. Therefore, as in the case of FIG. 2A, in the filter 34, only the reflected wave component of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the probe a10 itself is extracted by the BPF 42 for the probe a10 corresponding to the frequency f1. Regarding b14, only the reflected wave component of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the probe b14 itself is extracted by the BPF 43 for the probe b14 corresponding to the frequency f2. As shown in FIG. 2B, one of the bandwidths may be widened depending on the type of probe.

  Note that the filter 34 may perform other frequency filter processing other than the bandpass filter processing, for example, low-pass filter processing or high-pass filter processing.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the image construction unit 36 forms an ultrasound image corresponding to each of the probe a <b> 10 and the probe b <b> 14 based on the echo data filtered by the filter 34. In the present embodiment, since the probe a10 is a 2D array probe for acquiring a three-dimensional image, the image constructing unit 36 determines a three-dimensional image or a part of the three-dimensional image based on echo data corresponding to the probe a10. A two-dimensional tomographic image (B-mode image) is formed. A known technique is used for forming a 3D image or a B-mode image, and a pixel value corresponding to the magnitude of the amplitude is assigned to each echo data to form a 3D image or a B-mode image. . In the present embodiment, since the probe b14 is a high-frequency linear probe, the image construction unit 36 forms a detailed tomographic image related to the target tissue based on the echo data corresponding to the probe b14.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the types of the probe a10 and the probe b14 are not limited to the 2D array probe and the high frequency linear probe. The image construction unit 36 performs processing according to the types of the probe a10 and the probe b14. For example, if the probe b14 is a probe for acquiring Doppler information, the Doppler information is extracted from the echo data, and the velocity information of the target tissue (blood flow or the like) is acquired. Then, based on the acquired velocity information of the target tissue, for example, a color Doppler image is formed. A well-known technique is used for the color Doppler image forming process. That is, for example, blood flow velocity information is extracted from echo data corresponding to the blood flow, and a color Doppler image is formed by performing a coloring process corresponding to the velocity of each part in the blood flow on the B-mode image. The

  In addition, since the reception signal of the probe a10 and the reception signal of the probe b14 are alternately obtained by the time division process, the image forming process is also executed by the time division process at the timing corresponding to each probe in the image configuration unit 36. Is done.

  Ultrasonic images corresponding to each of the probe a10 and the probe b14 formed in the image construction unit 36 are displayed on the display unit 38. The display unit 38 outputs, for example, a display image in which two images of an image of the probe a10 (for example, a three-dimensional image) and an image of the probe b14 (for example, a detailed tomographic image) are simultaneously displayed according to a user operation.

  In the above description, each process in the phasing addition circuit 32, the filter 34, and the image construction unit 36 is time-division processed at a timing corresponding to each probe. This is because the transmission circuit 4 and the reception circuit 4 are shared by the probe a10 and the probe b14.

  However, when each transmission circuit is not used in combination with two probes, for example, when a transmission signal of one probe is formed by the transmission circuits 1 to 3 and a transmission signal of the other probe is formed by the transmission circuits 4 and 5. Can supply transmission signals to two probes without performing time-division processing. For example, the reception signals of one probe are processed by the reception circuits 1 to 3, and the other is received by the reception circuits 4 and 5. The received signal of the probe can be processed. That is, the reception signals of the two probes can be processed without performing time division processing. In the case of a configuration in which time division processing is not performed, two phasing addition circuits 32, two filters 34, and two image configuration units 36 may be provided in correspondence with each of the two probes. This makes it possible to simultaneously process the received signals obtained by the two probes simultaneously.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a usage example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment. In this example, the 2D array probe 50 (probe a10 in FIG. 1) transmits and receives ultrasonic waves over a wide area of the heart 54 that is the target tissue, and a wide-area three-dimensional image regarding the heart 54 is acquired. On the other hand, a local ultrasonic image relating to a portion of interest of the heart 54 is acquired by the high-frequency linear probe 52 (probe b14 in FIG. 1). The high-frequency linear probe 52 is attached to, for example, a suturing device and acquires a fine image of the sutured portion. On the other hand, the 2D array probe 50 acquires an image including the heart 54 and the suture instrument, and visually conveys the relative positional relationship between the heart 54 and the suture instrument to the user.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display image formed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, and shows an image acquired by the 2D array probe 50 and the high-frequency linear probe 52 shown in FIG. Yes.

  FIG. 4A shows a case where the display of one probe is a two-dimensional (2D) image. That is, the 2D array probe 50 forms a tomographic image (2D array probe B image 60) over a wide area of the heart, and an image 62 of the high frequency linear probe is displayed on the right side thereof.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4B shows a case where the display of one probe is a three-dimensional (3D) image. That is, the 2D array probe 50 forms a three-dimensional image over the wide area of the heart (3D image 60 ′ of the 2D array probe), and an image 62 of the high-frequency linear probe is displayed on the right side thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image showing the heart in a wide area and the image showing the surgical site finely locally are arranged side by side, so it is easy and accurate to check the position of the surgical site and the status of the surgical site. Can be done.

  FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the shape of the shared probe connector 20 in the present embodiment, and FIGS. 5A to 5C show the shared probe connector 20 having the same shape. The shared probe connector 20 can detach a probe (for example, the probe a10). For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the probe is provided with a lock release button 70. By operating this lock release button 70, the lock shown in FIG. The pawl 74 and the locking groove 76 are fitted or released, and the probe can be detached. In order to prevent erroneous insertion of the probe, a contact portion between the probe and the shared probe connector 20 is provided with an erroneous insertion prevention shape 72 as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). Is prevented from being inserted upside down.

  6 is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of the shared probe connector 20 shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6 (a) shows a state in which the probe is mounted, and FIG. 6 (b) shows that the probe has been removed. Indicates the state. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the probe is attached to the shared probe connector 20, the plug 80 in the probe and the receptacle 82 in the shared probe connector 20 are fitted together. Thereby, the transmission signal and the reception signal are transferred via the plug 80 and the receptacle 82. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the probe is detached from the shared probe connector 20, the plug 80 in the probe and the receptacle 82 in the shared probe connector 20 are separated, and the plug 80 and the receptacle 82 are interposed. Signal exchange is blocked. For this reason, for example, by adopting a configuration in which the probe intermittently outputs the probe code via the plug 80, the control unit (reference numeral 31 in FIG. 1) in the apparatus main body is based on detection or non-detection of the probe code. Thus, the attachment / detachment state of the probe can be grasped.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the shape of each plug and each receptacle. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the receptacle 82 is provided with a plurality of pin-shaped electrodes and ground (GND). A plurality of electrodes and GNDs are provided in a lattice shape in the number corresponding to the number of channels handled by each receptacle 82 and each plug 80. Further, the plug 80 shown in FIG. 7A is provided with a plurality of insertion portions 86 corresponding to the electrodes of the receptacle 82 and the respective pins of GND in a lattice shape. When the plug 80 and the receptacle 82 are fitted together, the corresponding electrode and each pin of GND are inserted into each insertion portion 86 to form an electrically conductive state. The plug 80 is provided with an erroneous insertion prevention shape 84, and the receptacle 82 is also provided with a shape (not shown) corresponding to the erroneous insertion prevention shape 84. This prevents the plug 80 and the receptacle 82 from being inserted upside down.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7B, a plurality of electrodes are provided in a strip shape on the surface of the projecting protruding portion of the plug 80. The overhanging portion is provided with an erroneous insertion prevention shape 84. The receptacle 82 is provided with a concave insertion portion corresponding to the protruding portion of the plug 80. When the plug 80 and the receptacle 82 are fitted together, the protruding portion of the plug 80 is inserted into the insertion portion of the receptacle 82. When the projecting portion of the plug 80 is inserted, each electrode of the plug 80 comes into contact with each electrode of the receptacle 82 corresponding thereto, thereby forming an electrically conductive state.

  The shapes of the plug 80 and the receptacle 82 shown in FIG. 7 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that other shapes may be applied as the shapes of the plug 80 and the receptacle 82 in the present invention.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining various shape examples of the shared probe connector 20 according to the present invention. FIG. 8A shows an example in which the shared probe connector 20, the 2D array probe 50, and the high-frequency linear probe 52 are integrally formed. That is, the 2D array probe 50 and the high-frequency linear probe 52 are fixedly attached to the upper surface of the common probe connector 20. Thus, a plurality of probes may be fixedly attached to the shared probe connector 20 in advance. Of course, the attachment position of the probe is not limited to the upper surface of the shared probe connector 20, and may be provided on the side surface, the lower surface, or the front surface.

  FIG. 8B shows an example in which the 2D array probe 50 and the high-frequency linear probe 52 are provided in the upper part of the front surface of the common probe connector 20. As shown in FIG. 8B, the two probes may be arranged adjacent to each other. Each probe may be detachable from the shared probe connector 20 or may be fixedly attached.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described, embodiment mentioned above is only a mere illustration in all the points, and does not limit the scope of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating a filter process. It is a figure for demonstrating the usage example of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display image formed with the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the shape of the common probe connector which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal structure of the common probe connector which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a shape of each plug and each receptacle. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of various shapes of the common probe connector which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Probe a, 14 Probe b, 20 Common probe connector.

Claims (7)

A plurality of ultrasonic probes;
A probe connector having a plurality of connecting portions to which each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes is connected;
A transmission unit for supplying a transmission signal to each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes via the probe connector;
A receiving unit for obtaining a reception signal from each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes via the probe connector;
Have
Each of the probe connectors includes a plurality of receptacles each handling a signal of a plurality of channels, and each of the superstructures selected from signals output from the transmission unit via at least one receptacle to which each ultrasonic probe is connected. Supply a transmission signal for each ultrasonic probe to each corresponding ultrasonic probe, and output a reception signal obtained from each ultrasonic probe to the receiving unit ,
The transmission unit includes a plurality of transmission circuits each outputting a transmission signal for the plurality of channels,
The probe connector assigns each transmission circuit group consisting of at least one of the plurality of transmission circuits to each ultrasonic probe through each receptacle to which each of the transmission circuits is selectively connected. Supply the transmission signal output from each transmission circuit group to each corresponding ultrasonic probe ,
The transmitting unit supplies transmission signals to a plurality of ultrasonic probes simultaneously when each transmission circuit is not used in combination with a plurality of ultrasonic probes.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. A plurality of ultrasonic probes;
A probe connector having a plurality of connecting portions to which each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes is connected;
A transmission unit for supplying a transmission signal to each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes via the probe connector;
A receiving unit for obtaining a reception signal from each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes via the probe connector;
Have
Each of the probe connectors includes a plurality of receptacles each handling a signal of a plurality of channels, and each of the superstructures selected from signals output from the transmission unit via at least one receptacle to which each ultrasonic probe is connected. Supply a transmission signal for each ultrasonic probe to each corresponding ultrasonic probe, and output a reception signal obtained from each ultrasonic probe to the receiving unit ,
The receiving unit includes a plurality of receiving circuits each processing received signals for the plurality of channels,
The probe connector, by assigning each receiving circuit group consisting of at least one of the plurality of receiving circuits to each ultrasonic probe via each receptacle to which each receiving circuit is selectively connected, Output the received signal obtained from each ultrasonic probe to the corresponding receiving circuit group ,
The receiving unit acquires reception signals from a plurality of ultrasonic probes simultaneously when each receiving circuit is not used in combination with a plurality of ultrasonic probes.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 ,
When at least one transmitter circuit is used in combination with multiple ultrasonic probes,
Sequentially supplying each of the transmission signals of the plurality of ultrasonic probes sequentially output from the transmission unit to the corresponding ultrasonic probes via the probe connector;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2 ,
When at least one receiving circuit is used in combination with multiple ultrasonic probes,
Via the probe connector , each of the received signals obtained from the plurality of ultrasonic probes is time-divided and sequentially output to the receiving unit,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The plurality of ultrasonic probes transmit ultrasonic waves having different frequency characteristics from each other,
Filter processing for extracting the received signal component corresponding to the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic probe by applying a filter process corresponding to the ultrasonic probe to the received signal obtained from each ultrasonic probe. And
An image forming unit that forms an ultrasonic image based on a reception signal component corresponding to each ultrasonic probe;
Further having
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In order to connect the apparatus main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a plurality of ultrasonic probes, in a probe connector provided with a plurality of probe connection portions to which each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes is connected,
A plurality of receptacles each handling signals of a plurality of channels are provided, and a transmission signal for each ultrasonic probe is selected from signals output from the apparatus main body through at least one receptacle to which each ultrasonic probe is connected. Supply to each corresponding ultrasonic probe, and output the received signal obtained from each ultrasonic probe to the apparatus body ,
Each transmission circuit group consisting of at least one of a plurality of transmission circuits included in the apparatus main body is assigned to each probe connection unit, and further, from at least one of a plurality of reception circuits included in the apparatus main body. A signal switching unit that assigns each receiving circuit group to each probe connection unit,
Have
Thus, the transmission signal output from each transmission circuit group is supplied to each ultrasonic probe via at least one receptacle included in each corresponding probe connection unit, and at least one receptacle included in each probe connection unit The received signal obtained from each ultrasonic probe via each is output to each corresponding receiving circuit group ,
Furthermore, when each transmission circuit is not used in combination with multiple ultrasonic probes, a transmission signal is supplied simultaneously to the multiple ultrasonic probes, and when each reception circuit is not used in combination with multiple ultrasonic probes. , Simultaneously receiving received signals from multiple ultrasonic probes,
A probe connector characterized by that. The probe connector according to claim 6 , wherein
Identification information generation for generating probe identification information in which each probe connection unit is associated with an identifier of each ultrasonic probe connected thereto based on probe information obtained from each ultrasonic probe via each probe connection unit Part,
Further having
A probe connector characterized by that.

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