JPH10108864A - Ultrasonic diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the deterioration of the ultrasonic probe or monitor of an ultrasonic diagnostic device. SOLUTION: When an inspection with an ultrasonic diagnostic device is completed and the waiting time of the device until the next inspection becomes long, whether an ultrasonic probe is kept at the unused state for the prescribed period or not is detected by an acceleration sensor 21 and a detecting circuit 18. The feed of the ultrasonic transmission electric signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 is stopped and a screen saver is started in response to this detected result. The deterioration of the ultrasonic probe 2 due to heating is suppressed, and the burning of a screen caused when the same ultrasonic diagnostic image is displayed for a long time can be suppressed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has an ultrasonic probe for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a subject and receiving a reflected wave generated due to a difference in acoustic impedance to collect an ultrasonic reception signal. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that processes an ultrasonic reception signal obtained by an ultrasonic probe to obtain an ultrasonic diagnostic image of a subject.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses of this type have a freeze function for displaying a still image of an ultrasonic diagnostic image during an examination and storing or recording the still image. is there. This freeze function is activated by pressing the freeze button provided on the panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, temporarily stops the moving image display of the ultrasonic diagnostic image currently obtained by the examination, and displays the image on the monitor. Is a function for displaying the still image on the display.

The freeze function has the following functions in addition to the function of simply obtaining a still image. That is, by stopping the supply of electric signals from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to the ultrasonic probe, the function of stopping the mechanical vibration of the ultrasonic transducer and stopping the power supply to various electric components in the ultrasonic probe. This can prevent the ultrasonic probe from generating heat when an electric signal is supplied. Therefore, an effect is obtained that deterioration of the ultrasonic probe is prevented.

For example, when the ultrasonic probe is left in the air during the waiting time until the next inspection after the inspection is completed, and the state in which the power is supplied without being used is continued, the freeze function is used. You can use.

[0005] By the way, when the ultrasonic probe is left in the air as described above, almost all of the transmitted acoustic power of the ultrasonic wave is absorbed inside the probe, compared to the state where the probe is in contact with the subject and used for inspection. As a result, the calorific value increases, and the deterioration is accelerated accordingly.

[0006]

However, in a situation where the examination using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been completed and the waiting time of the apparatus until the next examination is prolonged, the freeze function is operated for the maintenance of the apparatus. Until now, operators such as doctors often do not care. Particularly in large hospitals and the like, where the number of patients is large and busy, once the power is turned on, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is often used as it is all day, and in such a case, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described above is used. There is a problem that deterioration due to heat generation of the acoustic probe becomes more remarkable.

By the way, as described above, the ultrasonic probe is left in the air during the waiting time until the next inspection after the inspection is completed, and the state in which the power is supplied without being used is continued. In this case, the same ultrasonic diagnostic image is displayed for a long time. For this reason, there is also a problem that burn-in occurs on a part of the screen and the monitor deteriorates.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which prevents deterioration of an ultrasonic probe or a monitor of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(1) An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is obtained by an ultrasonic probe which transmits an ultrasonic wave to a subject, receives a reflected wave thereof, and outputs an ultrasonic reception signal, and the ultrasonic probe. Image processing means for processing an ultrasonic reception signal to create an ultrasonic diagnostic image, display means for displaying an ultrasonic diagnostic image created by the image processing means, and the ultrasonic probe being unused for a predetermined time Detecting means for detecting whether or not the state, and operates according to the detection result of the detecting means,
Preventing means for preventing deterioration of the ultrasonic probe or deterioration of the display means. (2) An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is the apparatus according to the above (1), wherein the detecting means has an acceleration detector for detecting an acceleration applied to the ultrasonic probe. . (3) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is the apparatus according to the above (1), wherein the detecting means includes a wind speed detector for detecting a wind speed applied to the ultrasonic probe. I do. (4) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is the apparatus according to the above (1), wherein the detecting means has a pressure detector for detecting a pressure applied to the ultrasonic probe. . (5) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is the apparatus according to the above (1), wherein the detecting unit includes a holding unit that holds the ultrasonic probe, and the holding unit includes the ultrasonic probe. And a holding detecting means for detecting whether or not holding is performed. (6) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is the apparatus according to the above (5), wherein the holding detecting means has a light detector for detecting light from the ultrasonic probe. I do. (7) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is the apparatus according to the above (5), wherein the holding detecting means has a pressure detecting means for detecting a pressure from the ultrasonic probe. I do. (8) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the above (1), wherein the prevention means includes means for preventing burn-in of a screen of the display means. (9) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is the apparatus according to the above (1), wherein the prevention means has means for stopping transmission of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe. I do.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 and an ultrasonic probe 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1
Is a transmitting / receiving circuit 10, a delay circuit 11, an analog / digital (A / D) converter 12, a digital scan converter (DSC) 13, a digital / analog (D / A)
Converter 14, switch 15, monitor 16, timer 1
7, a detection circuit 18 and a screen saver circuit 19. As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body 1 includes an ultrasonic probe holder 4 for holding the ultrasonic probe 2 when not in use.

The ultrasonic probe 2 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 20,
It is composed of an acceleration sensor 21. Transmission / reception circuit 1
0 and the ultrasonic transducer 20, the detection circuit 18 and the acceleration sensor 21 are connected to each other via a cable disposed in a guiding tube (not shown). The ultrasonic vibrator 20 is provided at the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 and transmits an ultrasonic wave to a subject (not shown) and receives a reflected wave thereof, and is composed of, for example, a piezoelectric vibrator. The acceleration sensor 21 detects the acceleration applied to the ultrasonic probe 2 and outputs a displacement signal according to the acceleration. As a specific configuration example of the acceleration sensor 21, there is a method of detecting a Coriolis force by a piezoelectric vibrating gyroscope or the like composed of a piezoelectric ceramic element and a triangular prism vibrator, and detecting a speed such as a rotational motion of the probe.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing the structure of such an ultrasonic probe 2. The operator holds the case 23 of the ultrasonic probe 2 by hand, directs the case 23 in an arbitrary direction such as the arrow A or B, and makes a diagnosis by making contact with the surface of the subject. The acceleration sensor 21 is provided inside the case 23 of the ultrasonic probe 2. The output signal from the acceleration sensor 21 is transmitted to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
Is sent to the detection circuit 18. Note that the ultrasonic transducer 20 is not shown in the figure.

Referring back to FIG. Ultrasound diagnostic device body 1
The transmitting and receiving circuit 10 transmits an ultrasonic transmission electric signal relating to the transmission of ultrasonic waves to the subject to the ultrasonic transducer 20, and transmits an ultrasonic reception electric signal relating to the reflected wave from the subject from the ultrasonic transducer 20. receive. The transmission / reception circuit 10 outputs this ultrasonic reception electric signal to the delay circuit 11 as an analog signal.

The delay circuit 11 applies a predetermined delay amount to the signal from each channel to the ultrasonic reception electric signal output from the transmission / reception circuit 10 and outputs the signal to the A / D converter 12. According to various delay controls in transmission or reception of ultrasonic waves, it is possible to converge an ultrasonic beam and provide directivity as a sensor.

The A / D converter 12 converts the analog ultrasonic reception electric signal output from the delay circuit 11 into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the DSC 13. DSC13 is A
Using the digital ultrasonic reception electric signal output from the / D converter 12, the ultrasonic scan is converted into the TV scan. The TV scan signal obtained by this is switched to the switch 1
The ultrasonic diagnostic image is displayed on the monitor 16 via the monitor 5.

The timer 17 is set or reset by the detection circuit 18 so that a predetermined execution time (count time) can be set by the operator. Timer 17
Will time out after the set execution time has elapsed,
A timeout signal is sent to the detection circuit 18. Although this timer 17 is shown in FIG. 1 as being included in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1, the ultrasonic probe 2
May be provided.

The detection circuit 18 detects whether or not the ultrasonic probe 1 is in an unused state for a predetermined time based on the presence or absence of a timeout signal from the timer 17 and the presence or absence of a displacement signal from the acceleration sensor 21. It is provided as detecting means. Note that the unused state refers to a state in which the ultrasonic probe 2 is not used for inspection, even though the power of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is turned on.

The detection circuit 18 outputs a command signal for stopping the transmission of the ultrasonic transmission electric signal to the transmission / reception circuit 10 in response to the detection of the stationary state of the probe 1, and the display screen of the monitor 16 is displayed. The switch 15 is controlled so as to switch from the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic image supplied by the D / A converter 14 to the display of the screen saver supplied by the screen saver circuit 19. That is, the screen saver circuit 19 operates according to the detection result of the detection circuit 18 and is provided as means for preventing screen burn-in caused by the monitor 16 displaying the same display screen for a long time.

The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is turned on. As a result, an ultrasonic transmission electric signal is transmitted from the transmission / reception circuit 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 to the ultrasonic vibrator 20 of the ultrasonic probe 2 to drive the ultrasonic vibrator 20 and transmit ultrasonic waves (fire). Is done.

On the other hand, the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave transmitted toward the subject is received by the ultrasonic vibrator 20, and the obtained ultrasonic reception signal is output to the transmission / reception circuit 10.

The above-described delay circuit 11 and A / D converter 1
2. Various signal processing is performed on the ultrasonic reception signal by the DSC 13, the D / A converter 14, and the like, whereby an ultrasonic diagnostic image can be obtained almost in real time. The obtained ultrasonic diagnostic image is displayed on the monitor 16 via the switch 15.

Here, in step S2, the timer 1
The time measurement (count) of 7 is started. Then, in step S3, the displacement signal from the acceleration sensor 21 is monitored, and a subtle movement of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected. That is, when the operator has not used the probe 2 for a long time, the signal from the acceleration sensor 21 does not include the displacement amount, and the operator performs an operation such as picking up or lifting the probe 2 when starting an inspection. In this case, a displacement occurs in the signal from the acceleration sensor 21 and the information is sent to the detection circuit 18 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1.

If a displacement occurs in the signal from the acceleration sensor 21 after the start of the timer counting (there is a displacement), the process proceeds to step S2, the timer is reset, and the counting is restarted from that point.

If the signal from the acceleration sensor 21 does not change (no displacement) even after a certain period of time (the execution time can be set by the user) has elapsed from the start of the timer count, the process proceeds to step S5. As described above, the transmission stop of the ultrasonic transmission electric signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 is instructed (fire stop), and the switching of the switching unit 15 cancels the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic image displayed on the monitor 16 up to the present time. At the same time, a screen saver screen is displayed on the monitor 16 (screen saver activation).

The display of the screen saver screen can not only prevent the burn-in of the monitor screen, but also notify the operator that the fire of the ultrasonic probe 2 is being stopped to prevent deterioration due to heat generation or the like. It is also effective from the point.

Thereafter, in step S6, the output from the acceleration sensor 21 is continuously monitored. If a displacement occurs in the signal, supply of the ultrasonic transmission electric signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 is restarted in step S7, the screen saver on the monitor 16 is released, and the display returns to the ultrasonic diagnostic image display. Then, the process shifts to step S2, and counting of the timer is started again.

According to the operation described above, a screen saver screen appears on the monitor 16 at the set execution time after the operation by the operator is stopped.
At the same time, the supply of the electric signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 is stopped. Thereafter, when the operator moves the probe 2 (lifts it up), the screen saver on the monitor 16 is released, and at the same time, the supply of the ultrasonic transmission electric signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 is started again.

That is, according to the present embodiment, even if the examination using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is completed and the standby time of the apparatus until the next examination becomes longer, the ultrasonic probe 2 is kept at the predetermined time. The acceleration sensor 21 and the detection circuit 18 detect whether or not it is in the unused state during that time. Then, according to this detection result, the supply of the ultrasonic transmission electric signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 is stopped, and the screen saver is activated. For this reason, deterioration due to heat generation of the ultrasonic probe 2 is suppressed, and burn-in of the screen due to display of the same ultrasonic diagnostic image for a long time is also suppressed. Therefore, performance deterioration of the ultrasonic probe 2 and performance deterioration of the monitor 16 can be prevented.

Here, a modified example of this embodiment will be described. (Modification 1) Instead of the acceleration sensor 21, a wind speed sensor (air flow sensor) 25 or a platinum thin film temperature sensor (platinum hot film element) or the like is arranged inside the probe case 23 of the ultrasonic probe 2 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the amount of air flowing through the air passage slit 24 is detected. Alternatively, the wind speed sensor 25 and the like may be arranged on the surface of the probe case 23.

Based on the air volume detected by the wind speed sensor 25, it is possible to detect whether or not the ultrasonic probe 2 is in an unused state for a predetermined time similarly to the acceleration sensor 21.

(Modification 2) Instead of the acceleration sensor 21, as shown in FIG. 6, a pressure sensor (or heat sensor) 26 is disposed on the grip portion G of the probe case 23, and a pressure sensor (or heat sensor) 27 is provided. May be arranged around the probe lens 28.
The pressure sensor 26 detects the pressure generated when the operator grips the grip portion G of the probe case 23, and the pressure sensor 27 detects the pressure generated when the ultrasonic probe 2 is brought into contact with the subject. To detect. It is sufficient that at least one of the pressure sensors 26 and 27 is provided.

By detecting any one of the above pressures, it is possible to detect whether or not the ultrasonic probe 2 is in an unused state for a predetermined time, similarly to the acceleration sensor 21. (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the ultrasonic probe is provided with the acceleration sensor as a detecting unit that detects whether the ultrasonic probe is in an unused state for a predetermined time has been described. In the second embodiment, the acceleration sensor is not provided, and instead, a holding unit that holds the ultrasonic probe, and a holding detecting unit that detects whether the holding unit holds the ultrasonic probe, Is provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 7, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 5 has a probe holder 4 on which a pressure sensor 41 is provided.
A signal output terminal from the pressure sensor 41 is a detection circuit 1
8 is connected. Other configurations of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 5 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 7, the ultrasonic probe 6 includes an ultrasonic transducer 20.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment configured as described above. First, step S1
In, the power supply of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is turned on. continue,
In step S2, the presence or absence of a detection signal from the pressure sensor 41 of the probe holder 4 is monitored.

Pressure sensor 41 (or impact sensor)
Is provided inside the probe holder 4 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 5, as shown in FIG. This pressure sensor 4
1, when the ultrasonic probe 6 is inserted into the probe holder 4 from the opening H and pressure is applied due to the weight of the probe 6, a detection signal is output to the detection circuit 18 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 5. Accordingly, it is possible to detect that the probe holder 4 holds the ultrasonic probe 6, and thus it is possible to detect an unused state of the ultrasonic probe 6.

In step S2, when there is no detection signal (probe use state), step S5 is executed, and the process returns to step S2 to continue monitoring. Also,
If there is a detection signal (probe not used), the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, time measurement (counting) is started by the timer 17 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 5. Thereafter, in step S4, the presence or absence of a detection signal from the pressure sensor 41 is monitored.

When the probe is not used for a long time and is stored in the probe holder 4, the pressure sensor 41
, The detection signal continues to be output. And step S3
If the detection signal continues to be output even after a certain period of time (the execution time can be set by the user) has elapsed from the start of the timer count in step, the timer count is stopped in step S6 and the process proceeds to step S7. . In step S7, the supply of the ultrasonic transmission electric signal to the ultrasonic probe 6 is stopped, the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic image previously displayed on the monitor 16 is released, and the screen saver screen is displayed on the monitor 1.
6 is displayed.

After that, the output from the pressure sensor 41 is continuously monitored in step S8. If the detection signal from the pressure sensor 41 disappears, the process proceeds to step S5, where the supply of the ultrasonic transmission electric signal to the ultrasonic probe 6 which has been stopped is restarted.
The screen saver above is released, and the display returns to the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic image. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2, where the detection signal from the pressure sensor 41 is continuously monitored.

By the way, as a modification of the second embodiment,
Instead of the pressure sensor (or impact sensor) 41, a photoelectric switch (reflection type optical sensor) 42 may be provided inside the probe holder 4 as shown in FIG. Also in this case, similarly to the pressure sensor 41, it can be detected that the ultrasonic probe 6 has been inserted into the probe holder 4 from the opening H. Note that, in addition to the photoelectric switch 42, the detection may be performed by a microphoto sensor or an infrared sensor.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be implemented with various modifications. For example, you may comprise combining 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment. In this case, the unused state of the probe can be detected by both the acceleration sensor provided on the ultrasonic probe and the pressure sensor provided on the probe holder.

[0042]

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the monitor from deteriorating due to screen burn-in and the ultrasonic probe from deteriorating due to heat generation, and to prolong the life of the ultrasonic probe.
Further, since the deterioration of the monitor is prevented, the performance of the monitor itself can be maintained as much as possible, so that the image quality of the ultrasonic diagnostic image output to the monitor at the time of ultrasonic diagnosis is directly reduced. Will be prevented.

Further, since the deterioration of the ultrasonic probe is prevented, the sensitivity of the ultrasonic probe is lowered with time, and the performance of the probe itself can be maintained as much as possible. Is prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external view of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing the configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a modified example 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an external view of a probe holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 2 ... Ultrasonic probe 10 ... Transmission / reception circuit 11 ... Delay circuit 12 ... A / D converter 13 ... DSC 14 ... D / A converter 15 ... Switching device 16 ... Monitor 17 ... Timer 18 ... Detection Circuit 19 ... Screen saver circuit 20 ... Ultrasonic vibrator 21 ... Acceleration sensor

Claims (9)

[Claims] An ultrasonic probe for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a subject, receiving a reflected wave thereof and outputting an ultrasonic reception signal, and processing an ultrasonic reception signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe. Image processing means for creating an ultrasound diagnostic image, display means for displaying the ultrasound diagnostic image created by the image processing means, and whether or not the ultrasound probe is in an unused state for a predetermined time. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a detecting unit for detecting; and a preventing unit that operates according to a detection result of the detecting unit and prevents deterioration of the ultrasonic probe or deterioration of the display unit. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means has an acceleration detector for detecting an acceleration applied to said ultrasonic probe. 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means has a wind speed detector for detecting a wind speed applied to said ultrasonic probe. 4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means has a pressure detector for detecting a pressure applied to said ultrasonic probe. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit includes a holding unit that holds the ultrasonic probe, and a holding detecting unit that detects whether the holding unit holds the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said holding detecting means includes a light detector for detecting light from said ultrasonic probe. 7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said holding detecting means includes pressure detecting means for detecting pressure from said ultrasonic probe. 8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said prevention means includes means for preventing burn-in of a screen of said display means. 9. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said prevention means has means for stopping transmission of ultrasonic waves by said ultrasonic probe.