JPH04327842A - Ultrasonic diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enhance the accuracy of setting of STC by providing a sensitivity corrector for correcting sensitivity as to data about tomograms, and constituting the sensitivity corrector in such a way that a first resistance group provided correspondingly to depth measured at predetermined intervals and a second resistance group for setting sensitivity according to the depth of display on both sides are selectively utilized. CONSTITUTION:An ultrasonic diagnosing device is provided with an absolute/ relative depth switching circuit 19 which is comprised of an absolute depth circuit 19a and a relative depth circuit 19b adapted to set the absolute and relative depth and a selection circuit 19c for selecting each circuit 19a,19b. The absolute depth circuit 19a has a plurality of volumes (STCVR) 12-1 to 12-n corresponding to different depth, which are connected to the switch 20 from a common terminal at each signal rate set at resistances 13-1 to 13-n. The relative depth circuit 19b has STCVR 25-1 to 25-n whose gains are set at each depth of the display of a display screen and periods for PAN data and scale data are measured by a counter 23 and fed to a switch 27.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention is an ultrasound system that obtains B-mode images, M-mode images, etc. based on received signals obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject, and displays diagnostic information on these images. The present invention relates to a sound wave diagnostic device.

0002

[Prior art] In the ultrasonic echo method, B-mode image information,
M-mode image information and the like are used for diagnosis. In order to obtain such image information, for example, in the case of sector scanning, an array type ultrasonic probe (probe) equipped with multiple ultrasonic transducers is used to transmit an ultrasonic beam. The excitation timing of each vibrator is changed according to a desired direction so that the transmission direction of the ultrasonic beam changes sequentially in a sector-like manner every one pulse of the ultrasonic beam. The reflected ultrasound is then received by the same vibrator as the excited vibrator, and this received signal is formed, for example, as a B-mode image (tomographic image), and the image is displayed on a TV monitor or the like.

[0003] However, the above-mentioned received signal is attenuated as the part of the subject becomes deeper, resulting in a difference in sensitivity in the depth direction. In order to solve this problem, an STC (sensitivity time control) is provided to adjust the sensitivity to a constant value in the depth direction. This STC has a plurality of volumes according to depth, and gains (sensitivity) are set at regular intervals, and the gains between these regular intervals are interpolated from the gains at regular intervals.

In a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as shown in FIG. 9, an ultrasonic probe 1 is provided with a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators. Then, when a rate pulse delayed by a predetermined time for each transducer in order to converge the ultrasonic beam in a predetermined direction is applied from the transmitting circuit 2 to each transducer of the ultrasonic probe 1, the ultrasonic probe The element 1 is driven, and the transducer transmits ultrasonic pulses to the subject. The ultrasonic pulses transmitted from the ultrasound probe 1 to the living body are reflected by the living body and received by the same transducer of the ultrasound probe 1.

The received signal is amplified to a predetermined level by a preamplifier 3, a predetermined delay time is given to each vibrator by a delay adder circuit 4, and the received signals from each vibrator are added in positive phase. Furthermore, the output of the delay adder circuit 4 is
The signal is logarithmically amplified by a logarithmic amplifier 5 , the envelope of the signal from the logarithmic amplifier 5 is detected by an envelope detection circuit 6 , and the detection output from the envelope detection circuit 6 is taken into an adder 7 .

On the other hand, the above-mentioned STC is provided with an absolute depth circuit 18 for setting a gain according to the depth and a gain switch 11 for ensuring a constant gain. In the absolute depth circuit 18, a plurality of STCVRs
(Volume) If you slide each of 12-1 to 12-n to the right depending on the depth, the resistor 13-n will correspond to them.
1 to 13-n are each set according to the depth. The signals set in these resistors 13-1 to 13-n are taken into corresponding terminals 14-1 to 14-n of the switch 14. Further, count data for switching from terminal 14-1 to terminal 14-n for each ultrasonic repeat pulse (rate pulse RP) is input to the counter 16, so that from the common terminal C to the above-mentioned resistor 13-n. 1-1
Each signal set to 3-n is sent to the interpolation circuit 15 for each rate.
be taken in. The interpolation circuit 15 interpolates between each signal, and the interpolation circuit 15 sends a signal according to the depth to the adder 7.
is supplied to

Furthermore, when the gain switch 11 is rotated left and right, a constant gain is set by the binary switch 16 regardless of the depth, and this constant gain is set by the DAC 17 (
The signal is converted into an analog signal by a digital-to-analog converter (digital-to-analog converter) and supplied to the adder 7.

In this way, the adder 7 adds the three signals to correct the sensitivity of the received signal, and the dynamic range circuit 8 appropriately expands the depth of the display screen. The image is thus displayed on the TV monitor 10 via the DSC 9 (digital scan converter).

For example, as shown in FIG. 10(a), STCV
R12 from depth 0cm to 24cm, gain -1
Assume that the setting is in the range of 0 dB to +10 dB. In this case, for example, the display screen shown in FIGS. 10(b), (c), and (d)
Depth 0cm to 6cm, 0cm to 12cm, as shown in
0cm to 24cm, or display a depth of 6cm to 24cm on the display screen, for example, as shown in Figures 10(e) and (f).
12cm, and 12cm to 24cm can be enlarged and displayed.

As described above, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the sensitivity in the depth direction is set by the absolute depth circuit 18 using the absolute depth. For this reason, when changing the display size (enlargement ratio) or PAN/ZOOM as shown in Figures 10(b) to (f), the volume set using absolute depth may have coarser or finer intervals, and the display screen and STC There was a problem in that the correspondence with the volume position changed.

[0011]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The present invention has been made to deal with the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to improve the accuracy of STC setting by making the display screen correspond to the position of the STC volume. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device.

0012

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objects, the present invention takes the following measures. The present invention obtains tomographic image data based on received signals obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject, and performs sensitivity correction on the data along the depth direction using a sensitivity corrector. In an ultrasound diagnostic device that displays sensitivity tomographic data and a waveform of a sensitivity corrector on a display screen, the sensitivity corrector is provided corresponding to depth at each predetermined interval and adjusts the sensitivity for each depth. A first resistance group to be set, a second resistance group to set sensitivity for each depth according to the display depth of the display screen, and a resistance group selected by selecting the first or second resistance group. and a controller that generates a waveform using the sensitivity for each depth from the depth.

The sensitivity corrector also includes a group of switches for setting the sensitivity of each depth corresponding to the display depth of the display screen, and a memory that stores in advance setting data corresponding to the display depth.
The apparatus is characterized by comprising a controller that generates a waveform using sensitivity data for each depth from the switch group and preset data from a memory.

[0014]

[Effects] By taking such measures, the following effects are achieved. Since the first resistance group and the second resistance group are selected appropriately, for example, even when the display screen is enlarged, the second resistance group
By using the resistor group, sensitivity correction corresponding to the display screen can be performed.

Furthermore, since the waveform is generated using the sensitivity data for each depth from the switch group and the preset data from the memory, it is possible to perform sensitivity correction corresponding to the display screen, and to finely edit the waveform. Can be set.

[0016]

Embodiments Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has an absolute depth circuit 18 in place of the absolute depth circuit 18 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG.
This is characterized by the use of a relative depth switching circuit 19, and the other configurations are the same as the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing details of the absolute/relative depth switching circuit 19 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Figure 1
, the absolute/relative depth switching circuit 19 includes an absolute depth circuit 19a for setting the absolute depth, a relative depth circuit 19b for setting the relative depth, and an absolute depth circuit 19a.
and a selection circuit 19c for selecting the relative depth circuit 19b.

In the absolute depth circuit 19a, STCVR
12-1 to 12-n have absolute depths of 0, 2, 4,
They are provided every ~24 cm, and these are slid to correct the sensitivity. and STCVR12-1 to 12-n
are slid, the resistors 13-1 to 13-1 correspond to these.
13-n is set to the first predetermined value. The set signals are taken into the terminals 14-1 to 14-n of the switch 14. Further, in the counter 16, count data for switching from the terminal 14-1 to the terminal 14-n for each rate pulse RP is input to the switch 14, so that the counter 16 inputs the count data from the common terminal C to the resistors 13-1 to 13-n. Each signal set to n is taken into the switch 20 for each rate.

On the other hand, in the relative depth circuit 19b, the gain is set for each depth by the STCVRs 25-1 to 25-n according to the display depth of the display screen, and the resistors 26-1 to 26-n are set in accordance with the display depth of the display screen. n is set to a second predetermined value. Also, the rate pulse RP and PAN data P for display depth (display start) are taken into the counter 21, and the counter 21 counts the period T of the rate pulse RP and the period T1 of the PAN data P, and these count data is taken into the counter 23. Further, the clock signal CL and scale data SC for display size are taken into the frequency divider 22, and the frequency of the clock signal CL is divided according to the scale data SC by the frequency divider 22, and the frequency of the divided clock signal is , are taken into the counter 23. Then, the counter 23 counts the period T1 for PAN data and the period T2 for scale data SC as shown in FIG. 2(a), and these count data are supplied to the switch 27.

Then, since each terminal 27-1 to 27-n of the switch 27 is switched based on the count data, the signals from the resistors 26-1 to 26-n are switched to the switch 27.
7 becomes a signal corresponding to the display scale after PAN, and this signal is supplied to the selection circuit 19c. For example, Figure 1
As shown in 0(f), when displaying up to a depth of 24 cm after performing PAN at a display depth of 12 cm, it is possible to obtain an STC waveform with a relative depth corresponding to the display screen.

Note that when PAN is not performed, only the frequency divider 22 and counter 23 need be operated. For example, a certain depth of field (e.g. 12 cm) as shown in Figure 2(b)
In order to obtain an STC waveform according to the above-mentioned figure 10 (c
), it is possible to obtain an STC waveform with a relative depth corresponding to the display screen.

Next, the selection circuit 19c includes a switch 20, a switching circuit 28, and an interpolation circuit 15. Figure 3 shows switching circuit 2
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the computer. Switching circuit 28
The absolute depth circuit 19a and the relative depth circuit 19b can be selected manually or automatically using the switches 29a and 29b.

That is, when performing manual operation, switch 29b is switched to terminal MA, and switch 29b is switched to terminal MA, and switch 29b is switched to terminal MA.
Selection data SA for absolute depth or selection data SR for relative depth is supplied from switch 9a to switch 20 via switch 29b. In the switch 20, a terminal is selected according to the selection data, and data from the absolute depth circuit 19a or data from the relative depth circuit 19b is supplied to the interpolation circuit.

Next, when performing automatic operation, switch 2
9b is switched to terminal AU. Further, the switch 31 operates complementary to the switch 20, and when either the data from the absolute depth circuit 19a or the data from the relative depth circuit 19b is selected by the switch 20, the switch 31 operates in a complementary manner to the switch 20.
1 selects the other. Therefore, switch 31
The other data selected by is converted into digital data by the ADC 32 (analog-to-digital converter) and stored in the memory 33. Note that the digital data is stored in the memory 33 for each rate by the counter 34. Further, data A read from the memory 33 is sent to the comparator 35 in synchronization for each rate.
is compared with data B input from ADC32,
Data A is compared to see if it changes.

Here, when data A changes, R-
Set data S to SFF (RS flip-flop) 36
is supplied, and the output of the R-SFF 36 is inverted. Further, the inverted data is synchronized with the rate pulse RP by the latch 37, and the toggle FF3 is inputted by the synchronized inverted data.
8 can be switched. Therefore, selection data SA for absolute depth or selection data SR for relative depth is supplied to switch 20 via switch 29b.

FIG. 4 shows a series of VR operations using a simple return mechanism.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which absolute depth and relative depth are used for both (volume). By automatically moving the position of the STCVR when the depth is changed, the STC waveform is set to be the same and made to correspond to the display screen.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4(a), depths of 0 to 10 cm are set on the display screen, and STCVRs 12-1 to 12 are set to correspond to depths of 0 to 10 cm as shown in FIG.
-6 is set at predetermined positions (black areas) every 2 cm. Next, for example, if the depth is changed to 0 to 5 cm on the display screen as shown in FIG. 4(c), the above-mentioned return mechanism is used to correspond to the depth of 0 to 5 cm as shown in FIG. 4(d). As shown in the figure, the STCVRs 12-1 to 12-6 are moved from the predetermined positions to the first position (dotted line) to the left.

Furthermore, if the depth is changed to 0 to 20 cm on the display screen as shown in FIG. f) STCVR12-1 to 12-6 as shown in
is moved from the predetermined position to a second position (dotted line) to the right.

If each volume is moved in series according to the depth using the return mechanism in this way, the position of the STCVR 12 always corresponds to the display screen, so there is no need to display the STC waveform. Note that the above-described operation may be performed even when PAN/ZOOM is performed.

As the above-mentioned return mechanism, for example, FIG.
As shown in a) and (b), the STCVR 12 is connected to the motor 47.
A return mechanism 40 driven by . This return mechanism 4
0 has a slide portion 42 and a protrusion 4 on the volume body 41.
3 is provided, and a knob 50 is provided at the upper end of the slide portion 42.
is installed. In addition, the member 45 and the slide portion 42
A connecting member 44 is attached between the member 45 and the shaft 46 provided with a thread groove.
A motor 47 is attached to one end of the motor.

In the return mechanism 40 configured as described above, when the knob 50 is pressed downward as shown by the arrow, the slide portion 42 is lowered using the protrusion 43 as a fulcrum, so that the member 45 is released via the connecting member 44. Go up. Therefore, since the member 45 is separated from the shaft 47, the STCVR 12 can be freely moved manually.

On the other hand, when the knob 50 is released, the shaft 47
and member 45 are screwed together. Therefore, the rotational force from the motor 47 is applied to the protrusion 42 through the shaft 47 and the member 45.
, and the STCVR 12 can be automatically configured as desired. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the signal from the STCVR 12 and the target value 55 are compared by the comparator 52, and the switch 54 is selectively switched according to the comparison output. That is, when contact a is selected, the battery 55 causes the motor 47 to rotate in the normal direction, thereby moving the STCVR 12 to the right. When contact b is selected, the motor 47 is rotated in reverse by the battery 56, so the STCVR 12 is moved to the left. In this way, the position of the STCVR 12 can be automatically set to the target value.

Furthermore, instead of using the STCVR12 as a return mechanism, the motor is used as a generator, the initial position is set when the power is turned on, and the distance traveled from the initial position is determined by measuring the amount of power generated by the generator. You can also set it automatically.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the second embodiment, FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining STC waveform data set by the STC setting SW, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. be. In the first embodiment described above, STCVR12, 26
However, in the second embodiment, the STC setting SW (switch) 60 is provided on the left side of the display screen 58 shown in FIG. 8(a). By operating this STC setting SW 60, STC waveform data is generated, and the STC waveform K is displayed on the screen 58, and markers M are also displayed for each depth.

[0035] The STC setting SW 60 is the key 6 pressed by the operator.
1, and a contact section 62 that is provided corresponding to this key 61 and turns on when the key 61 is pressed. The key 61 is
Keys 61-D1 to 61-Dn provided for each depth to decrease the value of the STC waveform K, and keys 61-U1 to 61-Dn provided for each depth to increase the value of the STC waveform K.
Consists of 61-Un. The contact portion 62 has keys 62-D1 to 62-Dn and keys 62-U1 to 62 corresponding to the key 61.
- Consists of Un.

[0036] Here, if the operator presses any key, the contact portion corresponding to this key is turned on. Then, using the SW scanner 63, select ON from among all the contact parts.
By detecting the contact part that is
The key of W60 is specified. The detected key data is S
The data is taken into the TC data controller 65. Also ST
Data RD for a display range (for example, a range from depth a to depth b) is taken into the C data controller 65. The STC data controller 65 generates an address corresponding to the detected key data from the data for the display range and the key data. This address AD is ST
When supplied from the C data controller 65 to the memory 66, among the STC waveform data (for example, data at a depth of 1 to 5 cm in FIG. 7) stored in the memory 66 in advance,
STC waveform data corresponding to address AD (for example,
2 cm deep) is read out from the memory 66. Then, the STC waveform data increased by the number of times the operator presses a specific key (for example, pressing the UP key four times in FIG. 7) or the time is added to the STC waveform data from the memory 66, The added STC waveform data is written into the memory 66 again. In addition, DOWN
If you press the key to do this, you just need to perform the subtraction process.

On the other hand, STC waveform data set in advance for each predetermined depth is supplied from the preset circuit 68 to the STC data controller 65. Furthermore, the STC waveform data set by the STC setting SW 60 is read from the memory 66 for each rate pulse, and these data and other data are obtained by interpolation processing such as linear or trigonometric functions using the interpolation circuit 15b. It will be done. Further, after digital-to-analog conversion by the DAC 70, the STC waveform data is supplied to the adder 7.

If such an STC setting SW 60 is used, the display range can be set to 0 to 5 cm as shown in FIG. 8(b),
Turn each key UP or DOWN to set STC waveform data (black circles) every 1 cm from 0 to 5 cm as shown in Figure 8(c), and obtain the STC waveform corresponding to the display screen by interpolating these data. be able to.

Next, when the depth of the display range is changed to 0 to 10 cm as shown in FIG. 8(d), since the STC waveform data from 0 to 5 cm is stored in the memory 66, Using the waveform data (depths 1, 3, and 5 cm (white circles) shown in Figure 8(e), and from 5 cm to 10 cm
Although the STC waveform data of m may use preset data from the preset circuit 68, it can also be adjusted as appropriate using the STC setting SW 60 (black circles shown in the figure).

Further, as shown in FIG. 8(f), the depth is increased to 5c.
If PAN is set to m and 10 cm, the depth is 0 to 5 cm.
All set data are used for (Fig. 8(f)
white circle). Also, at a depth of 5 to 10 cm, Fig. 8(e)
Use the data set in (indicated by white circles with depths of 6, 8, and 10 cm). Therefore, depths 5, 7, 9, 11, 13
, 15cm are set using the STC setting switch.

[0041] The STC waveform data can be finely adjusted using the data set in this manner and the data obtained by the STC setting SW. Note that by supplying the clear signal CR to the STC data controller 65, set data can be erased and new data can be set. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0042]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, the first resistance group and the second resistance group are appropriately selected, so that the second resistance group can be used even when the display screen is enlarged, for example. It is possible to perform sensitivity correction corresponding to the display screen. In addition, since the waveform is generated using the sensitivity data for each depth from the switch group and the preset data from the memory, it is possible to perform sensitivity correction corresponding to the display screen, and it is also possible to set the waveform in detail. We can provide a sound wave diagnostic device.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing details of an absolute/relative depth switching circuit in a first embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining STC waveform data for relative depth.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of a switching circuit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which both absolute depth and relative depth are used in a series of VRs using a simple return mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a return mechanism in which the STCVR is driven by a motor.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

[Figure 7] S when pressing the STC setting SW multiple times
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining TC waveform data.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an arbitrary depth displayed on a display screen using a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1...Ultrasonic probe, 2...Transmission circuit, 3...Preamplifier, 4
...delay addition circuit, 5...logarithmic amplifier, 6...envelope detection circuit, 7...adder, 8...dynamic range circuit, 9...DS
C, 10...TV monitor, 12...STCVR, 13...resistor, 14, 20, 27...switch, 15...interpolation circuit, 1
6, 21, 23,... Counter, 17... DAC, 22... Frequency divider, 30... Switching circuit, 40... Return mechanism.

Claims (2)

[Claims] [Claim 1] Tomographic image data is obtained based on received signals obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject, and the data is subjected to sensitivity correction along the depth direction using a sensitivity corrector. In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that displays tomographic image data with constant sensitivity and a waveform of a sensitivity corrector on a display screen, the sensitivity corrector is provided corresponding to depth at each predetermined interval, and the sensitivity corrector is provided at each predetermined interval. Selecting and selecting a first resistance group for setting sensitivity, a second resistance group for setting sensitivity for each depth according to the display depth of the display screen, and the first or second resistance group. and a controller that generates the waveform using the sensitivity for each depth from the resistor group. [Claim 2] Tomographic image data is obtained based on received signals obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves to and from the subject, and the data is subjected to sensitivity correction along the depth direction using a sensitivity corrector. In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that displays tomographic image data with a constant sensitivity and a waveform of a sensitivity corrector on a display screen, the sensitivity corrector sets the sensitivity of each depth corresponding to the display depth of the display screen. The waveform is generated using a switch group, a memory that stores setting data corresponding to the display depth in advance, sensitivity data for each depth from the switch group, and preset data from the memory. An ultrasonic diagnostic device characterized by comprising a controller.