JPH03140148A - Ultrasonic diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To exactly detect an echo from a body to be examined by providing a detecting means for detecting the echo of a tissue in the body cavity from a pulse of a pulse generating means and a receiving wave, and a control signal generating means for generating a signal for controlling a voltage variable amplifier and a band pass filter. CONSTITUTION:A rate pulse generator 12 generates a trigger pulse, and a pulser 13 outputs a driving signal to a vibrator 2. The driving signal is transferred to the vibrator 2, an ultrasonic wave is emitted into the body cavity, reflected by the inside of the body cavity, etc., received by the vibrator 2, becomes an echo signal, and a head amplifier 10 amplifies the echo signal, and outputs it to a detector 14. The detector 14 detects the echo signal, a delay circuit 15 delays the signal, a voltage variable amplifier (STC) 16 amplifies an amplification degree in accordance with a saw tooth wave of a saw tooth wave generating circuit 29 with respect to the echo signal, and an A/D converter 17 converts an analog signal to a digital signal. To a DSC 18, a scanning position of the vibrator 2 and a synchronizing signal for a monitor 19, etc., are inputted in advance, the signal of the A/D converter 17 is converted to a video signal and outputted to the monitor 19, and an observation image is projected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Fields] The present invention is directed to inserting a probe into a body cavity and measuring vA within the body cavity.
Participating in the improvement of ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been used that injects ultrasonic waves into a subject from outside the body cavity and diagnoses organs, fetuses, etc. within the body cavity based on the reflected waves of the ultrasound waves.

Furthermore, using the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus endoscopically, inserting an ultrasound probe equipped with an ultrasound transducer into the body cavity,
Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment for observing organs and the like is also used.

The above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has an STC (STC) that controls the gain according to the depth of the object, that is, the time that the ultrasonic waves are reflected, and corrects the attenuation.
e Control) circuit is provided.

Furthermore, a bandpass filter (Dy
A namic filter) circuit is provided.

ilJ by the aforementioned 870 circuit and bandpass filter circuit.
We are trying to improve the image quality of dormitory images.

The above-mentioned 870 circuit and bandpass filter circuit start operating when the vibrator is driven to emit ultrasonic waves.

By the way, when diagnosing a region such as a breast whose surface shape is significantly different from the transmitting and receiving wavefront of an ultrasonic probe, a diagnostic method called a water immersion method has conventionally been used. In this water immersion method, a container with an ultrasonic probe disposed at the bottom is filled with an ultrasonic propagation substance such as water, and a breast as a subject is immersed in this medium for diagnosis.

However, when the 870 circuit and bandpass filter circuit are used for the above-mentioned diagnosis, if they are operated with the same operating characteristics, the distance between the object surface and the transducer will be different, causing shading on the diagnosis screen, making it difficult to make an appropriate diagnosis. The problem was that it could not be done.

Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-160547 proposes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that detects echoes from a subject (skin 1 echo) based on the maximum amplitude value of the echoes.

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention J] However, as mentioned above, the detection method based on the maximum amplitude value of the echo cannot be achieved by inserting an ultrasound probe equipped with an internal Mi sound wave transducer into the body cavity and observing organs, etc. When applied to ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, echoes with large amplitudes such as from the tip cap may be mistakenly judged as echoes from the subject, resulting in 870
There is a problem that the circuit and the bandpass filter circuit do not work correctly.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and is capable of accurately detecting echoes from the subject (skin 1 echo) without affecting the action of the 870 circuit and bandpass filter due to large amplitude echoes from the tip cap, etc. The purpose is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device.

Means for Solving Problem L] In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that inserts a probe into a body cavity and performs IIQ observation of the interior of the body cavity, a pulse generating means for generating a pulse having a predetermined pulse width from the time of signal transmission; Detection means for detecting echoes of tissues in the body cavity from pulses of the generation means and received waves; and If for generating signals for controlling the voltage variable amplifier and bandpass filter by the detection means.
A tII signal generating means is also installed.

[Effect 1] With the above-described configuration, by blocking echo processing for a predetermined period from the time of signal transmission, echoes of tissues in the body cavity are detected and the variable voltage amplifier (STC) and bandpass filter are controlled. There is.

[Example] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The figure is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lrA sonic diagnostic device.
The figure is an explanatory diagram showing waveforms of main parts of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer (hereinafter referred to as a transducer) 2 that transmits or receives ultrasonic waves, and an ultrasonic transducer equipped with an imager 2, etc. BuO-Bu(
(hereinafter referred to as BuO-bu) 1, and an encoder 8 to be described later.
A rate pulse generator 1 that generates a predetermined pulse wave by
2, a balsa 13 that drives the camera element 2 with a pulse wave from the rate pulse generator 12, and the vibrator 6.
a detector 14 that detects the echo received by the detector 14, a delay circuit 15 that delays the output signal of the detector 14, a 5TC16 that is a variable voltage amplifier, and an A/D that converts the analog signal of the 5TC16 into a digital signal. converter 1
7, a digital scan converter (hereinafter referred to as DSC) 18 that converts the signal of the A/D converter 17 into a video signal, a monitor 19 that displays the video signal of the DS018, and a buffer that buffers the signal of the detector 14. a differentiator 26 composed of a capacitor C and a resistor R that differentiates the signal from the buffer amplifier 25;
, a waveform shaping circuit 27 that shapes the waveform of the output signal of the differentiator 26, a one-shot pulse generator 20 that generates a predetermined pulse based on the pulses of the rate pulse generator 12, and the one-shot pulse generator 20. a resistor group 21 and a capacitor 22 for setting the pulse width of the resistor group 21, a multiplexer 23 for selecting the resistor group 21, an inverter 24 for inverting the output logic value of the one-shot pulse generator 20, the waveform shaping circuit 27 and the inverter. 24, and a sawtooth wave generation circuit 29 that generates a sawtooth wave for controlling the 5TC 16 using the output signal of the AND circuit 28.

The probe 1 has, for example, an elongated insertion section 3. A distal end cap 5 filled with an ultrasonic transmission medium 6 having a vibrator 2 is connected to the distal end of the insertion section 3, and a flexible shaft on which a signal line 9 is disposed is connected to the insertion section 3. 4 is installed inside, and at the base on the proximal side of the insertion section 3, a head amplifier 10 for amplifying the received signal from the vibrator 2, and a slip ring 11 for transmitting the output of the head amplifier 10 to the outside. A motor 7 that rotationally drives the flexible shaft 4 and an encoder 8 that is provided on the motor 7 and generates a synchronization signal are provided. The tip cap 5 prevents tissue within the body cavity from being damaged by the imager 2, and the ultrasound transmission medium 6 efficiently radiates ultrasound into the body cavity.

The vibrator 2 is connected to an input end of a head amplifier 10 and an output end of a balsa 13 via a signal line 9.

The output end of the head amplifier 10 is connected to the input end of a detector 14 via a slip ring 11, and the detector 14
The output terminal of is connected to the input terminal of the delay circuit 15 and also to the input terminal of the buffer amplifier 25.

The output end of the delay circuit 15 is connected to the signal input end of the 5TC16, the output end of the 5TC16 is connected to the A/D converter 17, and the output end of the A/D converter 17 is connected to the input end of the DSC 18. , the output end of this DS018 is connected to the input end of the L knife 19.

The output end of the buffer amplifier 25 is connected to the input end of a differentiator 26, the output end of this differentiator 26 is connected to the input end of a waveform shaping circuit 27, and the output end of this waveform shaping circuit 27 is connected to an AND circuit 28. is connected to the first input terminal of.

The output terminal of the encoder 8 is connected to the input terminal of a rate pulse generator 12, and this rate pulse generator B12 is connected to the input terminal of the rate pulse generator 12.
The output end of the TI is connected to the input end of the balsa 13, and the second output end or the tri of the one-shot pulse generator 20 is connected to the end.

The one-shot pulse generator 20 includes a capacitor 2
A resistor group 21 is connected to both ends of the capacitor 2 and to one end of the capacitor 22 via a multi-reflector 23 to a power supply (Vcc)'.

An output terminal of the one-shot pulse generator 20 is connected to an input terminal of an inverter 24, and an output terminal of the inverter 24 is connected to a second input terminal of the AND circuit 28.

The output terminal of the AND circuit 28 is connected to a sawtooth wave generating circuit 29.
The output terminal of the sawtooth wave generating circuit 29 is connected to the control input terminal of the 5TC16.

The operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured in this way will be explained.

The vibrator 2 is rotated by a flexible shirt 1-4 that is rotated by a motor 7.

Further, an encoder 8 is connected to the motor 7, and this encoder 8 generates a synchronization signal (A phase) by the rotation of the motor 7.

The synchronization signal described above is input to the rate pulse generator 12.

The rate pulse generator 12 generates a trigger pulse to the balsa 13 and the one-shot pulse generator 20 in response to the synchronization signal described above.

The balsa 13 is a switching circuit made up of, for example, an FE block, and outputs a drive signal to the vibrator 2 in synchronization with the trigger pulse.

The aforementioned drive signal is transmitted to the camera element 2 through the signal line 9, and ultrasonic waves are emitted from the camera element 2 into the body cavity.

As mentioned above, the emitted ultrasonic waves cause a reaction inside the body cavity, etc.
The signal is received by the vibrator 2, becomes an echo signal, and is transmitted to the head amplifier 1o via the signal line 9.

The head amplifier 1o appropriately amplifies the transmitted echo signal and outputs it to the detector 14 via the slip ring 11.

The detector 14 detects the input echo signal and outputs it to a delay circuit 15 and a buffer amplifier 25.

The delay circuit 15 appropriately delays the input signal and outputs it to the 5TC16.

Further, the buffer 7 amplifier 25 receives the input signal by
Amplification that makes the relationship between the input signal and the output signal sparse,
That is, the linear portion is amplified and output to the differentiator 26.

The differentiator 26 differentiates the input signal, that is, detects a portion where the input signal changes sharply, and outputs it to the waveform shaping circuit 27 .

The waveform shaping circuit 27 shapes the input signal into a rectangular waveform using, for example, a comparator, and outputs it to the first input terminal of the AND circuit 28 .

By the way, the one-shot pulse generator 20 has f#
The related pulse generator 12 generates a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width using pulses.

This pulse width is determined by the resistance value of the resistor group 21 connected to the voltage (Vccl) via the multiplexer 23 and the value of the capacitor 22.

The multiplexer 23 receives a probe type signal from the probe 1 through a signal line (not shown), and selects a predetermined resistance of the resistor group 21 based on the probe type signal.

Therefore, the rate pulse generator 12 generates a pulse width depending on the type of probe 1.

As mentioned above, the logic value of the pulse wave generated by the rate pulse generator 12 is inverted by the inverter 24,
It is input to the second input terminal of the AND circuit 2.

The AND circuit 28 uses, as a trigger signal, a signal obtained by logically multiplying the output signal of the waveform shaping circuit 27 inputted to a first input terminal and the output signal of the inverter 24 inputted to a second input terminal. It is output to the sawtooth wave generation circuit 29.

The sawtooth wave generation circuit 29 generates a sawtooth wave using the input trigger signal as a trigger as described above.
Output to TC16.

The 5TC 16 amplifies the detected echo signal inputted from the delay circuit 15 so as to vary the amplification degree in accordance with the sawtooth wave of the sawtooth wave generation circuit 29,
Output to A/D converter 17.

The A/D converter 17 converts the output signal of the 5TC16 from an analog signal to a digital signal, and converts the output signal of the 5TC16 into a digital signal.
Output to 8.

The scanning position of the vibrator 2 (not shown) and a synchronization signal for the t-rotor 19 are input to the oscis, and the signal from the A/D converter 17 described above is converted into a video signal and output to one monitor. Then, 1. on this monitor 19. t, the observed image by Choroha is displayed.

The waveforms of the main parts of the above-mentioned action will be explained using FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 (Va) shows the waveform of the output signal Va of the detector 14, which is an echo of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the vibrator 2 and reflected by the test subject or the like.

These echoes include, for example, G1-G3 are multiple echoes generated between the vibrator 2 and the tip-1 tube 5, and E is an echo reflected from the test area.

This echo passes through the differentiator 26 and the waveform shaping circuit 27, and as shown in FIG. 2 (Vb), the logical value becomes Ij H! according to the peak of the echo. The logic signal vb is 4.

Further, the one-shot pulse generator 20 receives a pulse wave Vc synchronized with driving the vibrator 2 as shown in FIG. 2 (Ve) from the rate pulse generator 12. There is.

As a result, the one-shot pulse generator 20 generates a pulse wave with a pulse width determined by the capacitor 22 and the resistance value of the resistor f'J 21, and the logic value of this pulse wave is inverted by the inverter 24. As shown in FIG. 2 (Vd), for a predetermined period from the time when the vibrator OJ element 2 is driven,
The logic signal becomes a logic signal Vd of L''.

The AND circuit 28 takes the AND of the output signal vb of the waveform shaping circuit 27 and the output signal Vc of the inverter 24. In addition, the AND circuit 28 is constructed as shown in FIG.
) is output to the sawtooth wave generation circuit 29.

This trigger signal Ve causes the two sawtooth wave generation circuits to increase the TSTC16(7) Hrl as shown in FIG. 2(vr). 2111 Pull III! It outputs an It signal Vf.

Note that instead of the resistor group 21 and the multiplexer 23, a variable resistor may be used to set an arbitrary time.

That is, by the one-shot pulse generator 20, S T
C16 has the effect of starting variable amplification from the echo from the test area.

3 and 4 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, and the third embodiment
The figure is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, and Figure 4 is the ultrasonic diagnostic I! FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing waveforms of main parts of the IIi device. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment, a balloon 30 filled with water, for example, is provided around the outer circumference of the tip cap 5 of the scope 1 described in the first embodiment.

Further, between the AND circuit 28 and the sawtooth wave generation circuit 29 described in the first embodiment, there is also a one-socket pulse generator 31 that generates a pulse wave with a predetermined pulse width, and a circuit that delays the input signal. The output signal of the relay line 32, the buffer 33 for buffering the moe stage and the subsequent stage, the output signal of the AND circuit 28, and the buffer? An AND circuit 34 that performs logical product with the output signal of 32 is provided.

The output terminal of the AND circuit 28 is connected to the first input terminal of the AND circuit 34, and is also connected to the 1-trigger Q'AI=: of the one-shot pulse generator 31.

The output end of the one-shot pulse generator 31 is connected to the input end of the Moeki Galley line 32, the output end of this delay line 32 is connected to the input end of the buffer 33, and the output end of this buffer 33 is connected to the input end of the delay line 32. is the AND circuit 34
is connected to the second input terminal of.

The output terminal of the AND circuit 34 is connected to the 1 to RIGA terminals of the sawtooth wave generation circuit 29.

The operation of the ultrahigh wave diagnostic device configured as described above will be explained.

Similar to the first embodiment, the AND circuit 28 takes the AND of the signals of the waveform shaping circuit 27 and the inverter 27, and outputs the first input terminal of the AND circuit 34 and the one-shot pulse generator 3.
Output to the trigger end of 1.

As a result, the one-shot pulse generator 31 generates a pulse width Tp that is shorter than the interval of the pulse waves that drive the transducer 2, based on the fact that the echo reflected by the test part is present in the interval of the rate pulses. A pulse wave is generated and output to the delay line 32.

The delay line 32 delays the input pulse wave by a predetermined time as described above, and buffers the input pulse wave. Output to 33.

The buffer 33 shapes the waveform of the input pulse wave as described above and outputs it to the second input terminal of the AND circuit 34.

The AND circuit 34 generates a logical product of the output signal of the AND circuit 28 inputted to a first input terminal and the output signal of the buffer 33 inputted to a second input terminal as a signal. It is output to the sawtooth wave generation circuit 29.

The sawtooth wave generation circuit 29 generates a sawtooth wave using the input trigger signal as a trigger, as described above, and outputs it to the 5TC 16 as in the first embodiment.

Other operations are the same as in the first embodiment, and their explanation will be omitted.

In addition, the waveforms of the main parts of the above-mentioned action will be explained using FIG.

FIG. 4 (V()) shows the waveform of the output signal vg of the detector 14, which is an echo of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the vibrator 2 and reflected by the object to be examined.

For example, in J21-, G1-G3 are multiple echoes generated between the vibrator 2 and the tip cap 5, G4 is an echo due to the balloon 30, and the mouth is an echo reflected from the subject.

This echo is transmitted to the differentiator 26' and the waveform shaping circuit 27.
As shown in FIG. 4 (vh), a logic signal vh whose logic value is "H" is generated in accordance with the peak of the echo mentioned above.

Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the signal from the one-shot pulse generator 20 and the inverter 24 and the AND circuit 28
Taking the logical product, the output signal Vi of the AND circuit 28 is
As shown in FIG. 4 (vl), the logical value becomes 11 HI+ due to reflection from the balloon 30 and the test area.

The one-shot pulse generator 31 uses the output signal of the AND circuit 28 as a trigger, and generates the fourth pulse as described above.
A pulse wave vJ of the logic signal ItH11 having a pulse width p shorter than the interval of the pulse waves driving the vibrator 2 shown in FIG.

The delay line 32 outputs to the buffer 33 a signal Vk obtained by delaying the pulse wave input from the one-shot pulse generator 31 by the same amount of time.

The aforementioned delay time is determined by dividing the balloon thickness by the speed of sound. For example, if the balloon thickness is 0.1 (mm)
, blind speed 1.56x 10106 (/5ec)
6 t, 0.1/ (1,56xlo6)? 64(n
sec) and is set to this value.

As described above, the delayed signal Vk is buffered by the buffer 33 and inputted to the second input terminal of the AND circuit 34.

The AND circuit 34 performs a logical product of the output signal v1 of the AND circuit 28 input to a first input terminal and the output signal Vk of the delay line 32 via the buffer 33 input to a second input terminal. , and outputs a trigger signal v1 shown in FIG. 4 (vl) to the sawtooth wave generation circuit 29.

Note that the delay line 32 may be a voltage variable type delay line whose delay time changes depending on the voltage. .

Further, instead of the resistor group 21 and the multiplexer 23, a variable resistor may be used to set an arbitrary time.

That is, in this embodiment, the one-shot pulse generator 31, the delay line 32, the buffer 33, and the AND circuit 34 have the effect that the effects caused by the balloon 30 can also be eliminated.

Further, other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment.

5 and 6 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram regarding the instruction of multiple echo positions by the light ben. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the first and second embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in () of this embodiment is the M of the first embodiment.
In place of the one-shot pulse generator 20, resistor group 21, capacitor 22, multi-brake 23, and inverter 24 of the three-sound diagnostic device, a trigger signal of the rate pulse generator 12, a range setting switch 36 (described later), and a light vent 37 (described later) are used. A light ben control circuit 35 for controlling the sawtooth wave generating circuit 29, a range setting switch 36 for setting the observation range, and a light ben 37 for indicating the position of multiple echoes on the screen of the monitor 19 are provided.

The light pen control circuit 35 has a 1st and 0th trigger end connected to the second output end of the rate pulse generator 12, a range input end connected to the output end of the range setting switch 36, and a light pen control circuit 35. 1-A pen input end is connected to the light ben 37.

The operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured in this way will be explained.

The operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus marks multiple echoes on the screen of the monitor 19 with a light ben 37, as shown in FIG.

The aforementioned marks are detected by the light ben control device 35.

Further, the value of the observation range is inputted to the light ben control device 35 from the range setting switch 36, and the value of the observation range is inputted from the rate pulse generator 12. A signal is being input.

As a result, the light pen control unit 35 calculates the multiple echo time from the mark position by the light pen 37, the number of pixels on the screen, and the number of observation ranges from the auna constant switch 36. , outputs a pulse wave having a logic value If L 11 having a pulse width of time based on the above-mentioned calculation result from the 1-rega signal of the Sea 1 to the pulse generator 12 to the second input terminal of the AND circuit 28. .

That is, by using the lines 1 to 37 and the range setting switch 36, arbitrary multiplexing]- can be removed, and 5TC16
This has the effect of starting variable amplification from the echo from the test area.

Note that instead of the 5TC16, a voltage variable bandpass filter whose passband changes depending on the voltage may be used.

Furthermore, the configuration positions of the 5TC 16 and the delay circuit 15 may be exchanged.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, the action of the STC circuit and bandpass filter is not affected by echoes with large amplitudes from the tip cap, etc., and echoes from the subject (skin echoes) can be accurately detected. This has the effect of improving the quality of observed images.

4.Ly of the drawing! i! 1 and 2 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The figure is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the waveforms of the main parts of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, and FIGS. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing waveforms of the main parts of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are examples of the third embodiment of the present invention. Regarding this, Figure 5 shows the ultrag wave diagnosis Ili.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the stomach filling, and is an explanatory diagram regarding the instruction of multiple echo positions by the light ben.

20... One-shot pulse generator 25... Buffer amplifier 26... Differentiator 27...
・Waveform shaping circuit 28 AND circuit 29...Sawtooth wave generation circuit Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 1 10 Hesodian A Fig. 3 Fig. 5 Fig. 1 10A-) D7 T 291-

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for inserting a probe into a body cavity and observing the inside of the body cavity, comprising: pulse generation means for generating a pulse having a predetermined pulse width from the time of signal transmission; An ultrasonic wave characterized by comprising: a detection means for detecting an echo of tissue within a body cavity from a pulse and a received wave; and a control signal generation means for generating a signal for controlling a variable voltage amplifier and a bandpass filter by the detection means. Diagnostic equipment.