阅读说明：本技术 超声波诊断装置以及超声波诊断系统 (Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic system ) 是由 足立直人 米田直人 玉村雅也 井上阿马内 于 2018-01-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明的超声波诊断装置具有：探头,向生物体发送超声波,并接收被上述生物体反射的超声波；以及控制部,在动态图像模式下输出基于通过上述探头具有的多个振子中的第一数量的振子接收到的超声波的超声波图像数据,在静态图像模式下输出基于通过比上述第一数量多的第二数量的振子接收到的超声波的超声波图像数据。(An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention includes: a probe that transmits an ultrasonic wave to a living body and receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by the living body; and a control unit that outputs, in a moving image mode, ultrasonic image data based on ultrasonic waves received by a first number of transducers of the plurality of transducers of the probe, and outputs, in a still image mode, ultrasonic image data based on ultrasonic waves received by a second number of transducers greater than the first number.)

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes:

a probe that transmits an ultrasonic wave to a living body and receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by the living body; and

and a control unit that outputs, in a moving image mode, ultrasonic image data based on ultrasonic waves received by a first number of transducers of the plurality of transducers of the probe, and outputs, in a still image mode, ultrasonic image data based on ultrasonic waves received by a second number of transducers greater than the first number.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,

and stopping the output of the ultrasonic image data based on the ultrasonic waves received by the second number of transducers after the ultrasonic image data is output in the still image mode.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

in both the moving image mode and the still image mode, the control unit causes the same number of transducers as the second number to transmit ultrasonic waves.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

in the moving image mode, the control unit causes the ultrasound to be transmitted from the same number of transducers as the first number of transducers among the plurality of transducers included in the probe,

in the still image mode, the control unit may cause the same number of transducers as the second number of transducers to transmit ultrasonic waves.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the first number of transducers is a transducer located at a central portion in a direction in which a second number of transducers selected from the plurality of transducers are arranged.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the moving image mode indicates a state of a period from when an instruction to start scanning the living body by the probe is received to when an instruction to stop the scanning is received,

the still image mode indicates a state in which ultrasonic image data based on ultrasonic waves received by the second number of transducers is displayed on a display device after receiving the scan stop instruction.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:

an a/D converter for converting the ultrasonic waves received by the second number of transducers into digital signals; and

a digital signal processing unit for performing signal processing on the digital signal output from the A/D converter,

the control unit includes a coefficient generation unit that generates a coefficient signal for selecting a signal output from the first number of transducers or a signal output from the second number of transducers, the coefficient signal corresponding to a second number of transducers selected from the plurality of transducers.

In the moving image mode, the control unit outputs a coefficient signal for selecting the signals output from the first number of transducers to the a/D converter and the digital signal processing unit,

in the still image mode, the control unit outputs a coefficient signal for selecting the signal output from the second number of transducers to the a/D converter and the digital signal processing unit.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

in the moving image mode, the control unit outputs ultrasonic image data based on ultrasonic waves received by the second number of transducers at predetermined intervals.

9. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes:

a probe that transmits an ultrasonic wave to a living body and receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by the living body; and

and a control unit that outputs ultrasonic image data based on ultrasonic waves received by a first number of transducers of the plurality of transducers of the probe, and outputs ultrasonic image data based on ultrasonic waves received by a second number of transducers larger than the first number at predetermined intervals.

10. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprises an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a terminal apparatus,

the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes:

a probe that transmits an ultrasonic wave to a living body and receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by the living body; and

and a control unit that outputs, to the terminal device, ultrasonic image data based on ultrasonic waves received by a first number of transducers of the plurality of transducers of the probe in a moving image mode, and outputs, to the terminal device, ultrasonic image data based on ultrasonic waves received by a second number of transducers greater than the first number in a still image mode.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic system.

Background

Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is known which irradiates an object with ultrasonic waves and receives reflected waves from the object to acquire an ultrasonic image. In recent years, mobile ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses equipped with a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery have become widespread.

In a mobile ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, for example, a type is known in which all the components for performing processing for obtaining an ultrasonic image are built in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In such a mobile ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, power consumption is reduced by, for example, reducing the number of channels of the probe.

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2012-161555

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2005-110934

However, the conventional mobile ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described above causes degradation in the quality of the ultrasonic image.

Disclosure of Invention

The technology of the present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to reduce power consumption while maintaining image quality.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the technology of the present disclosure includes: a probe that transmits an ultrasonic wave to a living body and receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by the living body; and a control unit that outputs, in a moving image mode, ultrasonic image data based on ultrasonic waves received by a first number of transducers of the plurality of transducers of the probe, and outputs, in a still image mode, ultrasonic image data based on ultrasonic waves received by a second number of transducers that is greater than the first number.

The power consumption can be reduced while maintaining the image quality.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a probe according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the control unit, the AMP and ADC unit, and the digital signal processing unit according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a probe according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the control unit, the pulse generator, and the switch unit in the first embodiment of the third embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

Detailed Description

(first embodiment)

Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to a first embodiment.

The ultrasonic diagnostic system 100 of the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 and a terminal apparatus 300. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 wirelessly communicates with the control apparatus 300.

First, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 of the present embodiment includes: the ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic imaging unit 210 including a probe 230 and a main body unit 220.

The ultrasonic image acquisition unit 210 of the present embodiment includes a probe 230 and an image processing unit 240.

The probe 230 includes a transducer array 231 in which a plurality of transducers are arranged in an array. The probe 230 of the present embodiment sequentially switches transducers selected as the transmission aperture and the reception aperture in the transducer array 231, thereby transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving reflected waves of ultrasonic waves reflected by a living body. The details of the probe 230 are described later.

The image processing unit 240 includes a control unit 241, a pulse generator and switch unit 242, an amp (amplifier) and adc (analog to digital converter) unit 243, and a digital signal processing unit 244, and the image processing unit 240 transmits ultrasonic waves from the probe 230, generates ultrasonic image data based on reflected waves (ultrasonic waves) received by the probe 230, and outputs the ultrasonic image data to the main body unit 220.

The control unit 241 controls the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. In addition, the control part 241 passes through I²C (I-squared-C) or the like is connected to the connector 247. The signal output from the main body 220 is input to the control unit 241 via the connector 247.

The control unit 241 of the present embodiment changes the number of channels to be converted into digital signals in the AMP and ADC unit 243 in response to an operation to start or an operation to stop measurement in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 200. The details of the control unit 241 will be described later.

The pulser/switch 242 selects the probe 230 by the switch, transmits a pulse signal to the probe 230, and irradiates the living body P with ultrasonic waves from the probe 230.

When ultrasound is irradiated to the living body P, the ultrasound is reflected at a boundary with a different acoustic impedance. The reflected wave reflected from the living body P is received by the probe 230 and output to the AMP and ADC unit 243 selected by the switch unit of the pulse generator and switch unit 242.

The AMP and ADC unit 243 amplifies the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave output from the pulser and switch unit 242 by an Amplifier (AMP), converts the amplified wave into a digital signal by an ADC, and outputs the digital signal to the digital signal processing unit 244.

The digital signal processing unit 244 performs various processes on the digital signal output from the AMP and ADC unit 243, acquires ultrasound image data, and outputs the ultrasound image data to the main body unit 220 via the connector 247.

Specifically, the processing performed by the digital signal processing unit 244 includes: a process of aligning delay amounts from the timing (timing) at which the pulse generator and switch 242 outputs the reflected wave, an averaging (phase addition) process, a gain correction process in which attenuation in the living body P is taken into consideration, an envelope process for extracting luminance information, and the like.

The digital signal processing unit 244 is connected to the connector 247 via SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or the like, and transmits the ultrasonic image data to the main unit 220 via the SPI.

The main body 220 of the present embodiment includes a communication unit 221 and a power supply unit 222, and the main body 220 is connected to the ultrasound image acquisition unit 210 via a connector 247.

The communication unit 221 performs communication with the terminal device 300. Specifically, the communication unit 221 performs wireless communication with the terminal device 300 according to a standard such as Wi-Fi, for example. The standard used for wireless communication is not limited to Wi-Fi, and may be another standard.

The communication unit 221 is connected to the connector 247 and receives a signal transmitted from the terminal device 300. Specifically, the communication unit 221 receives an instruction to irradiate ultrasonic waves from the terminal device 300, for example.

The communication unit 221 of the present embodiment transmits the signal output from the ultrasonic image acquisition unit 210 to the terminal device 300. Specifically, the communication unit 221 transmits the ultrasound image data to the terminal device 300.

The power supply unit 222 is, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery or the like, and supplies electric power to each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200.

As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic image data is digitized by the ultrasonic image acquisition unit 210 and then output to the main body unit 220 as a digital signal. In other words, according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic image data that is transferred between the ultrasonic image acquisition unit 210 and the main body unit 220 is a digital signal (digital data).

Next, the terminal device 300 of the present embodiment will be explained. The terminal device 300 of the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 310, a communication Unit 311, a memory 312, and a display 313.

CPU310 controls the overall operation of terminal device 300. The communication unit 311 receives a signal transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. Specifically, the communication unit 311 receives the ultrasonic image data transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200.

The memory 312 stores the ultrasonic image data received by the communication unit 311, data based on the result of the operation by the CPU310, and the like.

The display 313 displays the ultrasonic image data and the like received from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. Here, the ultrasonic image data displayed on the display 313 is ultrasonic image data of a moving image (video) acquired during scanning of the living body P by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 and ultrasonic image data of a still image acquired when scanning of the living body P by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 is stopped.

The terminal device 300 of the present embodiment may be a tablet-type terminal device, for example, and in this case, the display 313 includes a touch panel or the like.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic system 100 according to the present embodiment, ultrasonic image data is transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 to the terminal apparatus 300 by wireless communication. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 is caused to scan the living body P, the operation of the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 is not limited by the cable for communication or the like.

Next, the probe 230 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a probe according to a first embodiment.

The probe 230 of the present embodiment includes a transducer array 231. The transducer array 231 includes N transducers 232-1 to 232-N arranged in a line.

In the present embodiment, by sequentially selecting transducers 232 provided as a transmission aperture and a reception aperture, the transmission aperture and the reception aperture are moved on the transducer array 231, thereby realizing scanning of the living body P by ultrasonic waves.

Specifically, for example, the probe 230 may select a predetermined number of transducers 232 as a transmission aperture and a reception aperture from the left-end transducer 232-1 in the direction indicated by the arrow Y, and sequentially switch the selected predetermined number of transducers 232 to the transducers 232-N.

In the probe 230 of the present embodiment, the transducer 232 serving as the transmission aperture also serves as the reception aperture. That is, in the present embodiment, when the transducers 232 provided as the transmission apertures output ultrasonic waves, the transducers 232 receive reflected waves as reception apertures and output signals generated from the reflected waves.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, while the probe 230 is scanning the living body P, an ultrasonic image is acquired based on a part of the signals output from the transducer 232 serving as the reception aperture. In the present embodiment, when the scanning of the living body P by the probe 230 is stopped, an ultrasonic image based on signals output from all the transducers 232 serving as the reception apertures is acquired.

While the probe 230 is scanning the living body P, the ultrasonic image output from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 is a moving image corresponding to the scanning. When the scanning of the living body P by the probe 230 is stopped, the ultrasonic image output from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 is a still image.

Therefore, in the following description, the operation mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 during the period in which the scanning of the living body P by the probe 230 is performed is referred to as a moving image mode, and the operation mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 when the scanning of the living body P by the probe 230 is stopped is referred to as a still image mode.

In the following description, the case where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 is set to the moving image mode and the ultrasonic image (moving image) is acquired is synonymous with the case where the living body P is scanned by the ultrasonic wave, and the case where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 is set to the still image mode and the ultrasonic image (still image) is acquired is synonymous with the case where the scanning (measurement) of the living body P is stopped.

In the present embodiment, in the moving image mode, an ultrasonic image based on signals generated by the first number of transducers 232 among the transducers 232 that become the reception apertures is acquired. The first number is smaller than the number (second number) of the transducers 232 to be the reception apertures in the still image mode.

Specifically, for example, in the present embodiment, the first number in the moving image mode is set to 4, and the second number in the still image mode is set to 8.

In the present embodiment, by selecting a signal to be used for generating an ultrasonic image from signals output from the transducer 232 provided as the reception aperture in accordance with the operation mode in this manner, it is possible to reduce power consumption when operating in the moving image mode while maintaining the image quality of an ultrasonic image acquired in the still image mode.

In the present embodiment, the number of transducers 232 to be the transmission aperture and the reception aperture is set to 8 in both the moving image mode and the still image mode.

In the present embodiment, in the moving image mode, signals output from 4 transducers 232 arranged in the central portion among the transducers 232 serving as the transmission aperture and the reception aperture are selected.

Next, the control unit 241, the AMP and ADC unit 243, and the digital signal processing unit 244 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the control unit, the AMP and ADC unit, and the digital signal processing unit according to the first embodiment.

The control unit 241 of the present embodiment includes a coefficient generation unit 250. The control unit 241 generates a coefficient signal S12 for selecting a signal generated by the transducer 232 to be a reception aperture by the coefficient generation unit 250 based on a signal S11 indicating start or stop of scanning, and outputs the coefficient signal to the AMP and ADC unit 243 and the digital signal processing unit 244.

The coefficient signal S12 is a binary signal and is a signal including coefficients S1 to S8 corresponding to the transducer 232 serving as the transmission aperture and the reception aperture. In the present embodiment, the number of transducers 232 to be the transmission aperture and the reception aperture is set to 8.

The coefficients S1 and S8 correspond to both ends of the 8 transducers 232 selected as the transmission aperture and the reception aperture, and the coefficients S4 and S5 correspond to the transducer 232 positioned at the center portion in the arrangement of the selected transducers 232.

The AMP and ADC unit 243 has AMP and ADC units 243-1 to 243-8 corresponding to coefficients S1 to S8 of the coefficient signal S12, and inputs the values of the coefficients S1 to S8 to the AMP and ADC units 243-1 to 243-8, respectively.

In the present embodiment, the AMP and ADC unit 243 supplies power to the AMP and ADC unit 243 corresponding to the coefficient Sn having a value of "1", amplifies and converts the signal output from the oscillator 232 into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the digital signal processing unit 244.

In the present embodiment, power is not supplied to the AMP and ADC unit 243 corresponding to the coefficient Sn having a value of "0". Therefore, the signal output from the oscillator 232 corresponding to the coefficient Sn having the value "0" is not effective.

That is, in the present embodiment, the signal output from the transducer 232 corresponding to the coefficient Sn having the value "1" among the coefficients S1 to S8 is selected to generate an ultrasonic image.

The digital signal processing unit 244 includes a delay adjustment unit 251 and a phase addition unit 252. The delay adjusting unit 251 synchronizes the ultrasonic image data converted into the digital signal by the AMP and ADC unit 243.

The phase adder 252 includes multipliers 253-1 to 253-8 corresponding to coefficients S1 to S8 of the coefficient signal S12, and an adder 254. The multipliers 253-1 to 253-8 multiply the signal output from the delay adjustment unit 251 by the coefficients Sn corresponding to the multipliers 253-n, respectively. The adder 254 adds the results multiplied by the multiplier 253-n.

In the digital signal processing unit 244, the value output from the AMP and ADC unit 243 is input to the multiplier 253 corresponding to the coefficient Sn having a value of "1", and multiplied by the coefficient Sn. In the digital signal processing unit 244, the multiplier 253 corresponding to the coefficient Sn having the value "0" is not inputted with the signal from the AMP and ADC unit 243 and becomes invalid.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, ultrasonic image data generated based on a signal output from the transducer 232 corresponding to the coefficient Sn whose value is "1" in the coefficient signal S12 is output.

Since the control unit 241 of the present embodiment is in the moving image mode when the signal S11 indicates that scanning is started, it generates a coefficient signal S12 in which 4 coefficients of the coefficients S1 to S8 are set to "1", and outputs the coefficient signal to the AMP and ADC unit 243 and the digital signal processing unit 244.

In this case, in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the coefficient Sn corresponding to the oscillator 232 located at the center of the 8 oscillators 232 is set to "1". Specifically, the coefficients S3 to S6 are preferably "1", and the coefficients S1, S2, S7, and S8 are preferably "0".

When the coefficient signal S12 is input to the AMP and ADC unit 243, power is supplied only to the AMP and ADC units 243-3 to 243-6, and the signal input from the pulse generator and switch unit 242 is converted into a digital signal and output to the digital signal processing unit 244.

In the digital signal processing unit 244, "" 1 "is input to the multipliers 253-3 to 253-6, and" "0" is input to the other multipliers.

Therefore, the adder 254 adds the multiplication results by the multipliers 253-3 to 253-6 and outputs the result as ultrasonic image data. That is, ultrasonic image data based on signals output from the 4 transducers 232 is output here.

In addition, since the control unit 241 is in the still image mode when the signal S11 indicates that scanning is stopped, it generates a coefficient signal S12 in which all of the coefficients S1 to S8 are set to "1" and outputs the coefficient signal to the AMP and ADC unit 243 and the digital signal processing unit 244.

When the coefficient signal S12 is input to the AMP and ADC unit 243, power is supplied to the AMP and ADC units 243-1 to 243-8. The AMP and ADC sections 243-1 to 243-8 convert the signal inputted from the pulse generator and switch section 242 into a digital signal and output the digital signal to the digital signal processing section 244.

In the digital signal processing unit 244, "1" is input to the multipliers 253-1 to 253-8. Therefore, the adder 254 adds the multiplication results by the multipliers 253-1 to 253-8 and outputs the result as ultrasonic image data. That is, ultrasonic image data based on signals output from the 8 transducers 232 is input.

Further, the controller 241 of the present embodiment generates the coefficient signal S12 in which all of the coefficients S1 to S8 are set to "1", and then generates and outputs the coefficient signal S12 in which all of the coefficients S1 to S8 are set to "0".

When the coefficient signal S12 having all the coefficients S1 to S8 of "0" is input to the AMP and ADC unit 243, the power supply to the AMP and ADC units 243-1 to 243-8 is interrupted. Therefore, the digital signal is not output from the AMP and ADC unit 243. That is, in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 does not acquire the ultrasonic image data after being set to the still image mode.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, only when the ultrasonic image is acquired by stopping the scanning of the living body P by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200, the ultrasonic image based on the signals output from the 8 (second number) transducers 232 is acquired. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the quality of the ultrasound image of the still image can be improved as compared with the ultrasound image during scanning.

In the present embodiment, in the moving image mode, ultrasonic image data based on signals output from 4 transducers 232 arranged in the center of the transducers 232 serving as the transmission aperture and the reception aperture is acquired. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by selecting a signal output from the transducer 232 of an ultrasonic wave (reflected wave) having a large received signal level, a relatively good ultrasonic image can be obtained even in the moving image mode.

In the present embodiment, since only the 4 AMP and ADC units 243 are operated during scanning by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200, power consumption can be reduced.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, while the scanning by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 is stopped and the doctor or the like confirms the ultrasonic image, a new ultrasonic image is not acquired, which can contribute to reduction in power consumption.

In other words, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 of the present embodiment outputs ultrasonic image data obtained from ultrasonic signals received by a first number of transducers of the plurality of transducers of the probe 230 to the terminal device 300 during scanning of a living body. After the end of the scanning of the living body, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 of the present embodiment outputs ultrasonic image data acquired based on the ultrasonic signals received by the second number of transducers, which is greater than the first number, of the plurality of transducers included in the probe 230 to the terminal device 300.

Hereinafter, the operation of the control unit 241 according to the present embodiment will be further described with reference to fig. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

The control unit 241 of the present embodiment determines whether or not an instruction to start scanning of the subject based on the ultrasonic image is received to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 (step S401). In other words, the control unit 241 of the present embodiment determines whether or not the signal S11 indicates the start of scanning.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200, for example, a button or the like for instructing start/stop of scanning may be provided in the housing, and the signal S11 for instructing start/stop of scanning may be input to the control unit 241 every time the button is pressed.

In step S401, when the instruction to start scanning is not received, the control unit 241 waits until the instruction is received.

When receiving the instruction to start scanning in step S401, the control unit 241 generates a coefficient signal S12 in which the values of the coefficients S3 to S6 are "1" and the values of the coefficients S1, S2, S7, and S8 are "0" by the coefficient generation unit 250, and outputs the signal to the AMP and ADC unit 243 and the digital signal processing unit 244 (step S402).

Next, the control unit 241 determines whether or not an instruction to stop scanning is received (step S403). In other words, the control unit 241 determines whether or not the signal S11 indicating the scan stop has been input.

In step S403, if the instruction to stop scanning is not received, the control unit 241 waits until the instruction is received. When the instruction to stop scanning is received in step S403, the control unit 241 generates a coefficient signal S12 in which the values of the coefficients S1 to S8 are set to "1" by the coefficient generation unit 250, and outputs the coefficient signal to the AMP and ADC unit 243 and the digital signal processing unit 244 (step S404).

Next, the control unit 241 determines whether or not the ultrasonic image data of the still image is outputted to the terminal device 300 (step S405). In step S405, when the ultrasound image data is not output, the control unit 241 waits until the ultrasound image data is output.

When the ultrasound image data is output in step S405, the control unit 241 generates a coefficient signal S12 in which the values of the coefficients S1 to S8 are set to "0" by the coefficient generation unit 250, outputs the coefficient signal to the AMP and ADC unit 243 and the digital signal processing unit 244 (step S406), and ends the processing.

Fig. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 shows the relationship between the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 100, the start/stop of scanning, and the number of channels used.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the scanning of the living body P by the ultrasonic waves is not performed, the ultrasonic waves are not transmitted, and the number of the transducers 232 used for receiving the reflected waves is 0.

In this state, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 is instructed to start scanning of the living body P by the ultrasonic wave at a timing T1, the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 100 is in the scanning (measurement). In the case of scanning, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 acquires ultrasonic image data in the moving image mode and displays the ultrasonic moving image data on the display 313 of the terminal apparatus 300. The moving image mode in the present embodiment indicates a state in which the ultrasonic diagnostic system 100 is in a period from when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 receives an instruction to start scanning of the living body P to when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus receives an instruction to stop scanning of the living body P.

At this time, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 acquires ultrasonic image data based on the signals output from the 4 transducers 232.

Next, when the stop of scanning is instructed at the timing T2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 outputs ultrasonic image data of a still image obtained based on signals output from the 8 transducers 232 to the terminal apparatus 300. The ultrasound image data of the still image output here is ultrasound image data of the ultrasound image of 1 still image.

The still image mode of the present embodiment indicates a state in which the ultrasonic image of the still image is displayed on the display 313 of the terminal device 300 after receiving the instruction to stop the scanning of the living body P.

Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 stops the acquisition of the ultrasonic image after acquiring the ultrasonic image data of the still image.

At this time, the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 100 is a state in which the acquisition of a new ultrasonic image is stopped in a state in which the acquired ultrasonic image data (still image) is displayed on the display 313 of the terminal device 300.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, power consumption can be reduced while maintaining the quality of an ultrasonic image acquired as a still image.

In the present embodiment, the number of the transducers 232 to be the transmission aperture and the reception aperture is 8, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of transducers 232 that serve as the transmission aperture and the reception aperture may be 32.

For example, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 in which 32 transducers 232 serving as the transmission aperture and the reception aperture are used, when signals output from 8 transducers 232 are used in the moving image mode, the power consumption of the entire apparatus can be reduced by about 0.75W from 2W.

(second embodiment)

Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that ultrasonic image data using signals output from 8 transducers 232 is periodically acquired in the moving image mode. Thus, in the following description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment are given to the same portions having the same functional configurations as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 241 acquires ultrasound image data based on signals output from the 8 transducers 232 at predetermined time intervals or for predetermined frames of ultrasound image data acquired as a moving image during scanning of the living body P by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 200 (moving image mode).

Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

The processing of step S601 and step S602 in fig. 6 is the same as the processing of step S401 and step S402 in fig. 4, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

Next to step S602, the control unit 241 determines whether or not a predetermined interval (time) has elapsed (step S603). In step S603, if the predetermined interval has not elapsed, the control unit 241 waits until the predetermined interval has elapsed. The predetermined interval may be, for example, a time period for acquiring ultrasonic image data of 10 frames.

In step S603, when the predetermined interval has elapsed, the control unit 241 generates a coefficient signal S12 in which the values of the coefficients S1 to S8 are set to "1", and notifies the AMP and ADC unit 243 and the digital signal processing unit 244 of the generated coefficient signal (step S604).

Next, the control unit 241 determines whether or not ultrasonic image data based on the signals output from the 8 transducers 232 has been output (step S605). Here, the output ultrasound image data is ultrasound image data of an ultrasound image corresponding to 1 still image.

In step S605, when the ultrasound image data is not output, the control unit 241 waits until the ultrasound image data is output.

In step S605, when the ultrasound image data is output, the control unit 241 proceeds to step S606.

The processing from step S606 to step S610 is the same as the processing from step S402 to step S406 in fig. 4, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, by periodically selecting the signals output from the 8 transducers 232 also in the moving image mode, it is possible to periodically acquire ultrasonic image data with high image quality and to contribute to maintaining the image quality of a moving image.

(third embodiment)

Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the number of transducers 232 to be the transmission aperture and the reception aperture in the moving image mode is different from that in the still image mode. Therefore, in the following description of the third embodiment, only the points different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment will be given to the parts having the same functional configurations as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, with reference to fig. 7, the transmission aperture in each of the moving image mode and the still image mode will be described.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a probe according to a third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the number of transducers 232 to be the transmission aperture and the reception aperture in the moving image mode is set to be smaller than the number of transducers 232 to be the transmission aperture and the reception aperture in the still image mode. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the number of transducers 232 to be the transmission aperture and the reception aperture is set to 4 in the moving image mode.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the number of transducers 232 to be driven in the moving image mode can be set smaller than the number of transducers 232 to be driven in the still image mode, and power consumption of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the moving image mode can be reduced.

Next, selection of the vibrator 232 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a control unit, a pulse generator, and a switch unit according to the third embodiment.

The control unit 241A of the present embodiment includes a coefficient generation unit 250, a switching control unit 255, and a pulse output instruction unit 256.

The switch control unit 255 includes a transducer selection unit 256 and a pulse transmission/reception switching unit 257.

Pulse generator and switch 242A of the present embodiment includes switch 260, switch 270, and pulse generator 280.

When the coefficient signal S12 is input from the coefficient generator 250, the pulse output instructing unit 256 outputs an instruction signal instructing to output a pulse signal to the pulse generator 280 based on the coefficient signal S12.

The transducer selection unit 257 controls the switch unit 260, and outputs a selection signal for selecting the transducer 232 to be the output destination of the pulse signal output from the pulse generator 280 to the switch unit 260.

The pulser/receiver switching unit 258 controls the switch unit 270 of the pulser/switch unit 242A, and switches between transmission of the ultrasonic wave from the probe 230 and reception of the ultrasonic wave by the probe 230.

The pulse generator 280 has output terminals PS1 to PS8 corresponding to the coefficients S1 to S8, and outputs pulse signals from the output terminals PS1 to PS8 in accordance with the instruction signal output from the pulse output instruction unit 256.

Here, an instruction signal output from the pulse output instruction unit 256 will be described. The instruction signal of the present embodiment is a signal for instructing output of a pulse signal from the output terminal PSn corresponding to the coefficient Sn having a value of "1" in the coefficient signal S12 input to the pulse output instruction unit 256.

For example, in the moving image mode, the coefficients S3 to S6 become "1". Therefore, in the case of the moving image mode, the pulse generator 280 outputs pulse signals from the output terminals PS3 to PS6 corresponding to the coefficients S3 to S6. In the still image mode, the pulse generator 280 outputs pulse signals from the output terminals PS1 to PS8 corresponding to the coefficients S1 to S8.

That is, the instruction signal output from the pulse output instruction unit 256 in the present embodiment is a signal for selecting the transducer 232 to be the transmission aperture and the reception aperture in accordance with the operation mode from the transducers 232 selected from the self-transducer array 231 by the transducer selection unit 257.

The switch unit 260 selects the transducer 232 to be a transmission aperture and a reception aperture from the transducer array 231 based on the selection signal from the transducer selection unit 257. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the oscillator selection unit 257 selects, for example, 8 oscillators 232, and connects them to the pulse generator 280 via the switch unit 260.

Further, the pulse output instructing unit 256 of the present embodiment outputs an instruction signal for selecting 4 transducers 232 from among the selected 8 transducers 232 to the pulse generator 280 in the moving image mode. The pulse generator 280 outputs pulse signals from the output terminals PS3 to PS6 to the 4 transducers in accordance with the instruction signal. Then, in the probe 230, the 4 transducers 232 to which the pulse signal is input serve as a transmission aperture and a reception aperture, and output of the ultrasonic wave and reception of the reflected wave are performed.

In the still image mode, the pulse output instructing unit 256 of the present embodiment outputs an instruction signal for selecting all of the selected 8 transducers 232 to the pulse generator 280. The pulse generator 280 outputs pulse signals from the output terminals PS1 to PS8 to 8 transducers in response to the instruction signal. Then, in the probe 230, the 8 transducers 232 to which the pulse signal is input serve as a transmission aperture and a reception aperture, and output of the ultrasonic wave and reception of the reflected wave are performed.

In the present embodiment, the transducer 232 provided as the reception opening generates a signal from the reflected wave of the received ultrasonic wave, and transmits the signal to the switch unit 270 via the switch unit 260.

The switch unit 260 sequentially switches the transducer to be the transmission destination of the pulse signal output from the pulse generator 280 among the plurality of transducers 232-1 to 232-N, thereby moving the transmission aperture and the reception aperture on the transducer array 231.

When pulse generator 280 outputs a pulse signal to oscillator 232 via switch 260, switch 270 disconnects AMP and ADC 243 from oscillator 232.

When a signal generated from the reflected wave is output from the oscillator 232, the switch 270 connects the AMP and ADC units 243 to the oscillator 232.

The signal output from the oscillator 232 having the reception opening is transmitted to the AMP and ADC unit 243 via the switch unit 270.

The operation of the control unit 241A according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment.

The control unit 241A of the present embodiment determines whether or not an instruction to start scanning of the living body P based on the ultrasonic image is received to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 (step S901). In step S901, when the instruction is not received, the control unit 241A waits until the instruction is received.

In step S901, when an instruction to start scanning is received, the control unit 241A generates a coefficient signal S12 in which the values of the coefficients S3 to S6 are "1" and the values of the coefficients S1, S2, S7, and S8 are "0" by the coefficient generation unit 250, and outputs the coefficient signal to the pulse output instruction unit 256, the AMP and ADC unit 243, and the digital signal processing unit 244 (step S902).

Next, the control unit 241A instructs the pulse generator 280 of the pulse generator and switch unit 242A to output a pulse signal based on the coefficient signal S12 through the pulse output instruction unit 256 (step S903). Specifically, the pulse output instructing unit 256 outputs an instruction signal to the pulse generator 280, the instruction signal causing the pulse signal to be output from the output terminals PS3 to PS 6.

Next, the control unit 241A determines whether or not an instruction to stop scanning is received (step S904). In step S904, when the instruction is not received, the control unit 241A waits until the instruction is received.

In step S904, when the instruction to stop scanning is received, the control unit 241A generates a coefficient signal S12 in which the values of the coefficients S1 to S8 are set to "1" by the coefficient generation unit 250, and outputs the coefficient signal to the pulse output instruction unit 256, the AMP and ADC unit 243, and the digital signal processing unit 244 (step S905).

Next, the control unit 241A instructs the pulse generator 280 of the pulse generator and switch unit 242A to output a pulse signal based on the coefficient signal S12 through the pulse output instruction unit 256 (step S906). Specifically, the pulse output instructing unit 256 outputs an instruction signal to the pulse generator 280, the instruction signal causing the pulse signal to be output from the output terminals PS1 to PS 8.

Next, the control unit 241A determines whether or not the ultrasonic image data of the still image is output to the terminal device 300 (step S907). In step S907, when the ultrasound image data is not output, the control unit 241A waits until the ultrasound image data is output.

In step S907, when the ultrasound image data is output, the control unit 241A generates a coefficient signal S12 in which the values of the coefficients S1 to S8 are set to "0" by the coefficient generation unit 250, and outputs the coefficient signal to the pulse output instruction unit 256, the AMP and ADC unit 243, and the digital signal processing unit 244 (step S908).

Next, the control unit 241A instructs the pulse generator 280 of the pulse generator and switch unit 242A to output a pulse signal based on the coefficient signal S12 through the pulse output instruction unit 256 (step S909), and the process ends. Specifically, the pulse output instructing unit 256 outputs an instruction signal to stop the output of the pulse signals from the output terminals PS1 to PS8 to the pulse generator 280.

In the present embodiment, by selecting the oscillator 232 to be the output destination of the pulse signal based on the coefficient signal S12 in this manner, power consumption can be further reduced. In other words, in the present embodiment, the number of transducers 232 for outputting ultrasonic waves in the moving image mode is reduced, thereby further reducing power consumption.

For example, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 in which the number of transducers 232 selected by the transducer selection unit 257 is 32, when 8 transducers 232 to be output destinations of pulse signals in the moving image mode are used, the power consumption of the entire apparatus can be reduced from 2W to about 1W. That is, in the present embodiment, the number of transducers 232 to be driven in the moving image mode can be further reduced by about 0.25W.

(fourth embodiment)

Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The ultrasonic diagnostic system according to the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that communication between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the terminal apparatus is performed not wirelessly but wiredly. Therefore, in the following description of the fourth embodiment, only the points different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment will be given to the parts having the same functional configurations as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to a fourth embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic system 100A of the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200A and a terminal apparatus 300A. In the ultrasonic diagnostic system 100A, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200A and the terminal apparatus 300A communicate with each other by wire.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200A of the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic image acquisition unit 210 and a main body unit 220A. The main body 220A includes a communication unit 221A and a power supply unit 222.

The communication unit 221A of the present embodiment is connected to the connector 247, and transmits the ultrasonic image data received from the ultrasonic image acquisition unit 210 to the terminal device 300A by wired communication. The wired communication may be any communication method that can be applied to communication between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200A and the terminal apparatus 300A.

The terminal device 300A of the present embodiment includes a CPU310, a communication unit 311A, a memory 312, and a display 313. The communication unit 311A of the present embodiment communicates with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200A by wire.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic system 100A according to the present embodiment, even when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200A and the terminal apparatus 300A perform communication by wire, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(fifth embodiment)

Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has a display. Therefore, in the following description of the fifth embodiment, only the points different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment will be given to the parts having the same functional configurations as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200B of the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic image acquisition unit 210 and a main body unit 220B.

The main body 220B of the present embodiment includes a power supply unit 222, a CPU223, a memory 224, and a display 225.

The CPU223 controls the operation of the main body 220B. Specifically, the CPU223 is connected to the connector 247, and receives the ultrasonic image data output from the ultrasonic image acquisition unit 210. When the ultrasonic image data is input to the CPU223, the ultrasonic image data may be displayed on the display 225.

The memory 224 stores ultrasonic image data acquired by the CPU223, data based on the result of the operation by the CPU223, and the like.

The display 225 displays the ultrasonic image data and the like acquired by the CPU 223. In addition, the display 225 may display various information related to the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200B.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the display 225 is provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200B, the ultrasonic image data can be displayed without communicating with the terminal apparatus 300. In other words, according to the present embodiment, the terminal device 300 for displaying the ultrasonic image data is not necessary.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the elements described in the embodiments. These points can be changed within a range not to impair the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form thereof.

Description of reference numerals:

100. an ultrasonic diagnostic system; 200. 200A, 200b. An ultrasonic image acquisition unit; 220. 220A, 220b.. major portion; a communication portion; a communication portion; a power supply portion; 225. a display; a probe; an image processing section; 241. a control section; 242. a pulse generator and switch portion; an AMP and ADC section; a digital signal processing section; 247.. a connector; a coefficient generating section; a delay adjustment section; a phase addition section; a multiplier; an adder; a switch control section; a pulse output indicator; a vibrator selecting portion; a pulse transmission and reception signal switching unit; 260. 270.. a switching section; a pulse generator; 300. a terminal apparatus.