JP7027067B2 - Ultrasound diagnostic equipment, ultrasonic probe maintenance equipment, ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic probe maintenance program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe maintenance apparatus, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic probe maintenance program.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus brings the acoustic lens of the ultrasonic probe into contact with the surface of the subject, acquires an echo signal by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe, and images the information inside the subject based on the echo signal. .. The acoustic lens of the ultrasonic probe used in this type of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus causes deterioration such as wear and peeling due to use. As the deterioration of the acoustic lens progresses, problems such as electric shock to the subject or deterioration of the image quality of the ultrasonic image occur. Therefore, the user may visually check the deterioration of the acoustic lens, for example, and replace or repair the acoustic lens as necessary to prevent the above-mentioned trouble.

However, in visual confirmation, the user may overlook the deterioration of the acoustic lens. It is also conceivable to process the acoustic lens itself to make it easier to evaluate the degree of deterioration, but in this case, there is a problem that the cost increases due to the processing, and the acoustic performance of the acoustic lens is limited. It may end up.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-248860

The problem to be solved by the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic device, an ultrasonic probe maintenance device, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic probe that can easily and automatically evaluate the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens of the ultrasonic probe. Is to provide a maintenance program for.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the ultrasonic wave reflected on the surface of the acoustic lens of the ultrasonic probe, which is measured by the ultrasonic vibrator of the ultrasonic probe. It is provided with an acquisition unit for acquiring the reflected wave propagation time of ultrasonic waves and an evaluation unit for evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens based on the reflected wave propagation time.

The block diagram which shows one structural example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows an example of the probe main body including the acoustic lens of an ultrasonic probe. The schematic block diagram which shows the basic example of the realization function by the processor of the processing circuit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure when the processor of the processing circuit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment acquires the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF by the TOF measurement scan. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the waveform which shows the time change of the received signal strength in a TOF measurement scan. An explanatory diagram showing specific examples of three timings that can be defined as the reflected wave propagation time T0. A flowchart showing an example of a procedure in which the processor of the processing circuit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment acquires the measured value Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF by the TOF measurement scan and evaluates the deterioration degree of the acoustic lens. .. The figure for demonstrating the relationship between the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF, the latest measured value Tn, and the use tolerance threshold Tth. Explanatory drawing which shows the 1st display example of the information which shows the degree of deterioration. Explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd display example of the information which shows the degree of deterioration. The flowchart which shows the modification of the procedure at the time of acquiring the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the modification of the procedure when the measured value Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF shown in FIG. 7 is acquired and the degree of deterioration of an acoustic lens is evaluated. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a first modification of the function realized by the processor of the processing circuit shown in FIG. A flowchart showing an example of a procedure for diagnosing whether or not a sudden abnormality such as peeling occurs in an acoustic lens based on a change in the reflected wave propagation time TOF over time. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of time-dependent change of reflected wave propagation time TOF. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a second modification of the function realized by the processor of the processing circuit shown in FIG. A flowchart showing an example of a procedure for detecting a change in the focus position based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF and obtaining a correction value for a phase delay for correcting the focus position to a normal position. A block showing a configuration example of a maintenance device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows one structural example of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

An embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe maintenance apparatus, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic probe maintenance program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has a function of evaluating the degree of deterioration of an acoustic lens based on the propagation time (TOF: Time Of Flight) of ultrasonic waves reflected on the surface of the acoustic lens of an ultrasonic probe. Have. Hereinafter, in the first embodiment, an example in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has the function will be described. Further, in the second embodiment, an example in which the maintenance device has the function will be described, and in the third embodiment, an example in which the ultrasonic probe has the function will be described.

Further, in the following description, the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave reflected on the surface of the acoustic lens of the ultrasonic probe is referred to as the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the probe main body 40 including the acoustic lens 42 of the ultrasonic probe 30.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 generates an ultrasonic image based on, for example, an echo signal from a subject P received by the ultrasonic probe 30. Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF of the ultrasonic waves reflected by the surface 42a (see FIG. 2) of the acoustic lens 42 of the probe main body 40 of the ultrasonic probe 30. The degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 is evaluated.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 can be used by being connected to the input circuit 21, the display 22, and the ultrasonic probe 30. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 may include at least one of an input circuit 21, a display 22, and an ultrasonic probe 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes a transmission / reception circuit 11, a B mode processing circuit 12, a Doppler processing circuit 13, an image generation circuit 14, an image memory 15, a display control circuit 16, a storage circuit 17, and a network connection circuit. It has 18 and a processing circuit 19.

The transmission / reception circuit 11 includes a transmission circuit and a reception circuit. The transmission / reception circuit 11 is controlled by the processing circuit 19 to control the transmission directivity and the reception directivity in the transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the transmission / reception circuit 11 is provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, the transmission / reception circuit 11 may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 30, or the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 and ultrasonic waves. It may be provided on both probes 30.

The transmission circuit includes a pulse generator, a transmission delay circuit, a pulser circuit, and the like, and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmitted ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. The transmission delay circuit sets the delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator required to focus the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic transducer in a beam shape and determine the transmission directivity, for each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator. Give to. Further, the pulser circuit applies a drive pulse to the ultrasonic vibrator at a timing based on the rate pulse. The transmission delay circuit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction of the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the piezoelectric vibrator surface by changing the delay time given to each rate pulse.

The receiving circuit includes an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, an adder, and the like, receives an echo signal received by an ultrasonic transducer, and performs various processes on the echo signal to generate echo data. The amplifier circuit amplifies the echo signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D converter A / D-converts the gain-corrected echo signal and gives the digital data the delay time required to determine the receive directivity. The adder performs addition processing of the echo signal processed by the A / D converter to generate echo data. The addition process of the adder emphasizes the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the echo signal.

The B-mode processing circuit 12 receives echo data from the receiving circuit, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like to generate data (B-mode data) in which the signal strength is expressed by the brightness of the luminance. The Doppler processing circuit 13 frequency-analyzes velocity information from echo data received from the receiving circuit, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and collects a large amount of moving state information such as average velocity, dispersion, and power. Generate the data (Doppler data) extracted for the points.

The image generation circuit 14 generates ultrasonic image data based on the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 30. For example, the image generation circuit 14 generates two-dimensional B-mode image data in which the intensity of the reflected wave is represented by luminance from the two-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 12. Further, the image generation circuit 14 is a two-dimensional color Doppler image as an average velocity image, a distributed image, a power image, or a combination image thereof representing movement state information from the two-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuit 13. Generate image data of.

The image memory 15 is a storage circuit that stores a two-dimensional ultrasonic image generated by the processing circuit 19.

The display control circuit 16 includes a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a VRAM (Video RAM), and the like, and is controlled by the processing circuit 19 to display an image for which a display output is requested from the processing circuit 19 on the display 22.

The storage circuit 17 is controlled by the processing circuit 19, and measures the measurement condition of the reflected wave propagation time TOF for evaluating the degree of deterioration of the lens, the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF, and the measured value of the reflected wave propagation time TOF at an arbitrary date and time. Tn (where n is a positive integer indicating the number of measurements), the allowable threshold Tth for the reflected wave propagation time TOF, the measurement information including the information of the device that measured the measured value Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF, and deterioration. Stores the evaluation result of the degree.

The storage circuit 17 has a configuration including a recording medium readable by a processor, such as a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. A part or all of the program and data in the storage medium of the storage circuit 17 may be downloaded by communication via an electronic network, or may be given to the storage circuit 17 via a portable storage medium such as an optical disk. ..

Further, a part or all of the information stored in the storage circuit 17 is at least one of the storage circuit 26 of the maintenance device 25, the external storage circuit 101, the storage circuit 33 of the ultrasonic probe 30, and the storage circuit 34 of the connection interface 32. It may be distributed and stored, or may be duplicated and stored. For example, a part or all of the information stored in the storage circuit 17 may be stored in the external storage circuit 101, acquired by the processing circuit 19 via the network 100, and stored in the storage circuit 17.

The network connection circuit 18 implements various information communication protocols according to the form of the network. The network connection circuit 18 connects the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 with other devices such as the maintenance apparatus 25, the external storage circuit 101 included in the image server, and the information processing apparatus 102 according to the various protocols. An electrical connection or the like via an electronic network can be applied to this connection. Here, the electronic network means a general information communication network using telecommunications technology, and in addition to a wireless / wired hospital backbone LAN (Local Area Network) and an Internet network, a telephone communication network, an optical fiber communication network, and a cable. Includes communication networks and satellite communication networks.

Further, the network connection circuit 18 may implement various protocols for non-contact wireless communication. In this case, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 can directly transmit and receive data to and from the maintenance apparatus 25 and the ultrasonic probe 30 without going through a network.

The processing circuit 19 realizes a function of comprehensively controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, and also reads out and executes an ultrasonic probe maintenance program stored in the storage circuit 17, thereby deteriorating the acoustic lens 42 of the ultrasonic probe 30. It is a processor that executes processing for easily and automatically evaluating the degree.

The input circuit 21 is composed of a general input device such as a keyboard, a touch panel, and a numeric keypad, and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the user's operation to the processing circuit 19.

The display 22 is composed of a general display output device such as a liquid crystal display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, and displays various information under the control of the processing circuit 19. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 may include at least one of the input circuit 21 and the display 22.

The maintenance device 25 includes a storage circuit 26 and is used by a serviceman to maintain and manage the ultrasonic probe 30. The maintenance device 25 may have a transmission / reception circuit 11.

The external storage circuit 101 is a storage circuit provided on the network 100, and is connected to a device such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 so that data can be transmitted and received via the network 100.

The information processing device 102 is connected to a device such as an ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 so that data can be transmitted and received via the network 100. The information processing device 102 can be configured by, for example, a general personal computer, a workstation, a portable information processing terminal such as a tablet terminal, or the like.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 can notify the information processing apparatus 102 of information indicating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 of the ultrasonic probe 30. A specific notification method will be described later with reference to FIG. 7. For example, the information processing device 102 may be a portable information processing terminal carried by a service person. In this case, the serviceman determines whether or not maintenance of the ultrasonic probe 30 is necessary based on the information indicating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 notified to the information processing device 102, and uses the maintenance device 25 as necessary. Maintenance work for the ultrasonic probe 30 can be performed.

The ultrasonic probe 30 is detachably connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 via a cable 31 and a connection interface 32. When the connection interface 32 is integrally provided in the housing of the ultrasonic probe 30, the cable 31 is unnecessary. Further, when the ultrasonic probe 30 can wirelessly communicate with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, neither the cable 31 nor the connection interface 32 may be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe 30 and the connection interface 32 may have storage circuits 33 and 34, respectively. In this case, the storage circuits 33 and 34 have the measurement conditions of the reflected wave propagation time TOF, the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF, the measured value Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF at an arbitrary date and time, and the reflected wave propagation time TOF, respectively. It is possible to store measurement information including information on the device that measured the allowable use threshold Tth, the measured value Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF, the evaluation result of the degree of deterioration, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the probe body 40 of the ultrasonic probe 30 includes a case 41, an acoustic lens 42, a matching layer 43, a vibrator group 44 composed of a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators (piezoelectric vibrators), and piezoelectric vibration. It has a backing material 45, a flexible printed substrate 46, and a temperature sensor 47 that prevent the propagation of ultrasonic waves from the child to the rear.

As the ultrasonic probe 30, a two-dimensional array probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged in the scanning direction (azimus direction) and a plurality of elements are arranged in the lens direction (elevation direction) can be used. .. As the two-dimensional array probe of this type, for example, a 1.5D array probe, a 1.75D array probe, a 2D array probe, or the like can be used.

When performing a scan for collecting normal ultrasonic image data (hereinafter referred to as an imaging scan), the ultrasonic wave is in a state where the acoustic lens surface 42a of the ultrasonic probe 30 is in contact with the body surface of the subject. Sending and receiving are performed. In this case, the transmission / reception circuit 11 causes the ultrasonic probe 30 to transmit ultrasonic waves to the subject, and also generates echo data based on the echo signal from the subject received by the ultrasonic probe 30.

On the other hand, when a scan for measuring the reflected wave propagation time TOF for evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 of the ultrasonic probe 30 (hereinafter referred to as a TOF measurement scan) is executed, the acoustic lens of the ultrasonic probe 30 is executed. Sound waves are transmitted and received with the surface 42a directed to an external medium (for example, air) having physical properties (including at least acoustic impedance) different from those of the acoustic lens 42.

When the TOF measurement scan is executed, the transmission / reception circuit 11 is an ultrasonic wave transmitted from at least one of a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators (piezoelectric oscillators) constituting the oscillator group 44, and is connected to the acoustic lens surface 42a. Receives ultrasonic waves reflected at the interface in contact with an external medium. For example, the acoustic impedance differs greatly between air and the acoustic lens 42. Therefore, most of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer with the acoustic lens surface 42a facing the air are reflected at the interface between the acoustic lens surface 42a and the air. The propagation time from transmission to reception of this reflected wave is measured as the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

As the ultrasonic probe 30 is used, the acoustic lens 42 that comes into contact with the body surface of the subject gradually wears due to friction with the body surface. Further, depending on how the user handles the ultrasonic probe 30, an abnormality such as sudden peeling of the acoustic lens 42 may occur.

The acoustic lens 42 that has been worn has a safety risk and a performance risk. Safety risks include electric shock to the subject and excessive transfer of heat generated by the oscillator to the subject. Performance risks include poor image quality and poor diagnostic imaging accuracy. This is due to the change in the curvature of at least one of the lens direction and the scan direction. When the lens curvature changes, the focus position of the acoustic beam deviates from the position planned by design, and the image quality deteriorates.

Therefore, it is necessary to promptly stop using the ultrasonic probe 30 for imaging scan, repair or replace it, for which the acoustic lens 42 has deteriorated due to the progress of wear or peeling. Therefore, it is preferable that the ultrasonic probe 30 is properly maintained and managed.

Here, it is considered that the thickness of the matching layer 43 hardly changes due to aged deterioration. Therefore, it can be said that the thickness of the acoustic lens 42 can be easily obtained from the distance from the ultrasonic transducer to the acoustic lens surface 42a. The distance from the ultrasonic transducer to the acoustic lens surface 42a is proportional to the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

Therefore, the processing circuit 19 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment scans (TOF measurement scan) in a state where the acoustic lens surface 42a of the ultrasonic probe 30 is directed to an external medium having physical properties different from those of the acoustic lens 42. ) Is performed to measure the reflected wave propagation time TOF, and the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 is automatically evaluated based on this reflected wave propagation time TOF.

First, the basic functions of the processing circuit 19 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a basic example of a function realized by the processor of the processing circuit 19 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

The processing circuit 19 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment has a function of evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the processor of the processing circuit 19 realizes the acquisition function 51, the comparison function 52, the deterioration degree evaluation function 53, the storage function 54, and the notification function 55. Each of these functions 51-55 is stored in the storage circuit 17 in the form of a program.

The acquisition function 51 acquires the reflected wave propagation time TOF of the ultrasonic wave reflected by the acoustic lens surface 42a measured by at least one ultrasonic vibrator of the ultrasonic probe 30.

Here, the acquisition of the reflected wave propagation time TOF includes the acquisition function 51 controlling the ultrasonic probe 30 via the transmission / reception circuit 11 to directly measure the reflected wave propagation time TOF. Further, the acquisition of the reflected wave propagation time TOF means that the reflected wave propagation time TOF measured in advance and stored in the storage circuits 17, 26, 33, 34, 101, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the storage circuit 17, etc.) is ex post facto. It also includes reading and acquiring. In the case of ex post facto reading, the measurement of the reflected wave propagation time TOF may be performed by an ultrasonic diagnostic device different from the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10, or if the ultrasonic probe 30 includes a transmission / reception circuit and a processing circuit, it is super. It may be performed by the ultrasonic probe 30. The information of the device that measured the reflected wave propagation time TOF is stored as measurement information in association with the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

Further, when the ultrasonic probe 30 has the temperature sensor 47, the acquisition function 51 acquires the output of the temperature sensor 47. The temperature sensor 47 is composed of, for example, a thermistor.

The comparison function 52 compares the measured value Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF with the initial value T0 and the threshold value Tth.

The deterioration degree evaluation function 53 evaluates the deterioration degree of the acoustic lens 42 based on the measured value Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF. Specifically, the deterioration degree evaluation function 53 evaluates the deterioration degree of the acoustic lens 42 based on the comparison result of the comparison function 52.

The storage function 54 stores the deterioration degree of the acoustic lens 42 evaluated by the deterioration degree evaluation function 53 in at least one storage unit of the storage circuits 17, 26, 33, 34, 101 (storage circuit 17 and the like).

The notification function 55 notifies the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 by displaying the information indicating the deterioration degree of the acoustic lens 42 evaluated by the deterioration degree evaluation function 53 on the display 22, or superimmediately via the network 100. The user of the information processing apparatus 102 is notified by giving to the external information processing apparatus 102 connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure when the processor of the processing circuit 19 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment acquires the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF by the TOF measurement scan. In FIG. 4, reference numerals with numbers attached to S indicate each step in the flowchart. Note that FIG. 4 shows an example in which the acquisition function 51 controls the ultrasonic probe 30 via the transmission / reception circuit 11 to directly measure the initial value T0.

Further, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a waveform showing a time change of the received signal strength in the TOF measurement scan.

The procedure shown in FIG. 4 may be performed at the time of factory shipment of the ultrasonic probe 30, the first use of the ultrasonic probe 30, and the like. Further, the procedure shown in FIG. 4 starts with the ultrasonic probe 30 pointed in the air.

In step S1, the storage function 54 stores the information of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 in the storage circuit 17 or the like as the information of the apparatus for measuring the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

Next, in step S2, the acquisition function 51 acquires the measurement conditions of the reflected wave propagation time TOF stored in the storage circuit 17 or the like in advance. The measurement conditions include information on at least one ultrasonic transducer driven by the TOF measurement scan, drive voltage of the ultrasonic transducer, drive frequency, drive waveform (for example, the waveform is a sine wave, Gaussian, etc.), and gain. , Drive time, ultrasonic wave number (eg, wave number is one wave, continuous wave, etc.), and includes at least one of the measured temperatures.

As the measurement conditions, it is preferable to set preferable conditions for measuring the reflected wave propagation time TOF for each model of the ultrasonic probe 30. For example, the drive frequency is preferably set to a preferable condition for measuring the reflected wave propagation time TOF for each model of the ultrasonic probe. This is because the center frequency suitable for oscillating the ultrasonic transducer differs depending on the shape of the ultrasonic probe and the like.

The at least one ultrasonic oscillator driven by the TOF measurement scan may be all the ultrasonic oscillators constituting the oscillator group 44, or may be some ultrasonic oscillators. When some ultrasonic vibrators are used, it is preferable to use the ultrasonic vibrators provided in the central region, which greatly contributes to the image quality. In the following description, an example will be shown in which one ultrasonic vibrator constitutes one channel.

Next, in step S3, the acquisition function 51 controls the ultrasonic probe 30 via the transmission / reception circuit 11 under the acquired measurement conditions, and measures the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

As shown in FIG. 5, the received signal intensity waveform of the TOF measurement scan is dominated by the noise waveforms Wa and Wb associated with the transmission in the period immediately after t = 0 at the time of ultrasonic transmission (initial noise period). When measuring the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF, the time t = T0 at which the ultrasonic wave reflected by the acoustic lens surface 42a returns is the design such as the thickness of the acoustic lens 42 of the probe body 40 and the matching layer 43. It is predictable from the value. Therefore, the acquisition function 51 may set a predetermined period after the lapse of the initial noise period from the transmission of the ultrasonic wave as the attention period D1, and may measure the initial value T0 from the waveform w1 in the attention period D1.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing three timing examples that can be defined as the reflected wave propagation time TOF. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the attention period D1 of FIG.

The reflected wave propagation time TOF pays attention to the absolute value of the intensity Vp × Rth of a predetermined ratio Rth (for example, 0.1) of the maximum intensity Vp in the attention period D1 from t = 0 at the time of ultrasonic transmission. It is preferable to reach the first time in the period D1 (see “predetermined ratio of peak” in FIG. 6).

Further, the reflected wave propagation time TOF may be set from t = 0 at the time of ultrasonic wave transmission to the time of zero cross when the received signal intensity first becomes zero in the attention period D1 (see “Zero cross” in FIG. 6). Further, the reflected wave propagation time TOF may be set from t = 0 at the time of ultrasonic wave transmission to the time when the maximum intensity Vp in the attention period D1 is reached (see “peak” in FIG. 6).

However, when the first zero cross time of the attention period D1 is used, there is an advantage that it is theoretically less affected by noise because it is closer to t = 0 at the time of ultrasonic transmission than when the peak time is used. At the time of the first zero cross, there is a drawback that it is difficult to accurately obtain the zero cross time point because the amplitude of the waveform is small. Further, when the peak time is used, there is an advantage that the peak time can be specified more accurately than when the first zero cross time is used, but on the other hand, it is farther from t = 0 at the time of ultrasonic transmission than at the first zero cross time. It has the disadvantage of being susceptible to noise.

When a predetermined ratio of peaks is used, it is less susceptible to noise because it is closer to t = 0 during ultrasonic transmission than when peaks are used, and the arrival time can be accurately specified. Therefore, it is most preferable to use a predetermined ratio of peaks at these three timings.

The timing for setting the reflected wave propagation time TOF is not limited to the three timings shown in FIG. 6, and for example, a timing at which one wavelength including Vp and Vp first zero-crosses can be used.

As described above, in step S3 of FIG. 4, the acquisition function 51 measures the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF with any of these timings as the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

The timing of the reflected wave propagation time TOF is the same as the measured value Tn at the date and time when the degree of deterioration is evaluated. This timing information may be stored in advance in a storage circuit 17 or the like as a measurement condition.

Then, in step S4, the storage function 54 stores the initial value T0 in the storage circuit 17 or the like.

By the above procedure, the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF of the ultrasonic probe 30 can be measured and stored in the storage circuit 17 or the like.

FIG. 7 shows when the processor of the processing circuit 19 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment acquires the measured value Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF by the TOF measurement scan and evaluates the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of. However, n is a positive integer indicating the number of measurements. Note that FIG. 7 shows an example in which the acquisition function 51 controls the ultrasonic probe 30 via the transmission / reception circuit 11 to directly measure the measured value Tn. Further, FIG. 7 shows an example in which the measured value is the current value (latest value).

This procedure is started by storing the initial value T0 in the storage circuit 17 or the like by the procedure shown in FIG. That is, the procedure shown in FIG. 7 is executed at a predetermined measurement time after the measurement time of the initial value T0 shown in FIG.

First, in step S11, the acquisition function 51 acquires measurement information including information of the device that has measured the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF from the storage circuit 17 or the like, and obtains the nth reflected wave propagation time TOF from now on. Check with the information of the measuring device. Then, the acquisition function 51 stores the information of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 in the storage circuit 17 or the like as the information of the apparatus that measured the nth measured value of the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

The information of this measuring device is used ex post facto by a serviceman in charge of maintenance and management of the ultrasonic probe 30. For example, when a serviceman has doubts about the evaluation of the deterioration degree of the ultrasonic probe 30 by the deterioration degree evaluation function 53, by using the information of the measuring device, this evaluation is affected by the trouble that has occurred in the measuring device. It is possible to easily distinguish whether or not it has been received.

Next, in step S12, the acquisition function 51 acquires the measurement conditions of the reflected wave propagation time TOF stored in advance in the storage circuit 17 or the like in the same manner as in step S2 of FIG.

Next, in step S13, the acquisition function 51 controls the ultrasonic probe 30 via the transmission / reception circuit 11 under the acquired measurement conditions in the same manner as in step S3 of FIG. The measured value Tn (for example, the current value when currently measuring in real time) is measured. At this time, similarly to step S4 of FIG. 4, the storage function 54 may store the measured value Tn in the storage circuit 17 or the like.

As a result, the acquisition function 51 can measure the measured value Tn under the same measurement conditions as when the initial value T0 is measured, even if the initial value T0 is measured by different devices.

Next, in step S14, the comparison function 52 compares the initial value T0 with the measured value Tn. At this time, the comparison function 52 reads out the initial value T0 from any one of the storage circuits 17 and the like and uses it. For example, if the initial value T0 is stored in the storage circuit 33 of the ultrasonic probe 30, even if the initial value T0 is measured by a different device, the ultrasonic probe 30 is wired or wirelessly connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10. The comparison function 52 can read the initial value T0 from the storage circuit 33 of the ultrasonic probe 30 simply by connecting with.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF, the latest measured value Tn, and the allowable use threshold value Tth.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the acoustic lens 42 is worn, the measured value Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF gradually decreases from the initial value T0 according to the amount of wear. Therefore, by comparing the initial value T0 and the measured value Tn, it is possible to obtain the thickness of the acoustic lens 42 at the time of measuring the measured value Tn and the amount of wear of the acoustic lens 42 with respect to the thickness at the time of measuring the initial value T0. .. Therefore, in step S14, the comparison function 52 compares the initial value T0 with the measured value Tn. More specifically, the comparison function 52 compares the initial value T0 and the measured value Tn, and for example, the acoustic lens 42 with respect to the thickness of the acoustic lens 42 at the time of measuring the measured value Tn and the thickness at the time of measuring the initial value T0. The amount of wear or the ratio between the initial value T0 and the measured value Tn is obtained and given to the deterioration degree evaluation function 53.

Further, as described above, the acoustic lens 42 in which the wear has progressed has a safety risk and a performance risk. Therefore, in step S14, the comparison function 52 compares the measured value Tn with the use tolerance threshold Tth determined in advance in consideration of the safety risk or the performance risk (see FIG. 8).

The use tolerance threshold Tth is stored in the storage circuit 17 or the like in advance. Further, the allowable use threshold value Tth may be set according to the model of the ultrasonic probe 30.

Next, in step S15, the deterioration degree evaluation function 53 evaluates the deterioration degree of the acoustic lens 42 based on the comparison result of the comparison function 52. The storage function 54 stores the evaluation result of the deterioration degree of the acoustic lens 42 evaluated by the deterioration degree evaluation function 53 in the storage circuit 17 or the like.

Then, in step S16, the notification function 55 causes the display 22 to display the information indicating the deterioration degree of the acoustic lens 42 evaluated by the deterioration degree evaluation function 53, or outputs the information indicating the deterioration degree by voice or beep sound through a speaker (not shown). This notifies the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. At this time, the notification function 55 gives information indicating the degree of deterioration to the external information processing device 102 connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 via the network 100, so that the user (serviceman or the like) of the information processing device 102 can use the information processing device 102. May be notified to.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a first display example of information indicating the degree of deterioration. Further, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a second display example of information indicating the degree of deterioration. It should be noted that in FIGS. 9 and 10, different hatches have different colors. Further, the region shown by hatching in FIG. 10 is a region imitating the acoustic lens 42.

For example, the notification function 55 may display a bar image 61 showing the thickness of the acoustic lens 42 at the time of measurement of the measured value Tn by the length of the bar on the display 22 as information indicating the degree of deterioration. At this time, the thickness at the time of measuring the initial value T0 may be set to 100% (see FIG. 9). Further, at this time, the thickness corresponding to the allowable use threshold value Tth may be set to 0%.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the notification function 55 may display a simulated image 62 corresponding to the thickness of the acoustic lens 42 at the time of measurement of the measured value Tn on the display 22 as information indicating the degree of deterioration. Further, in the notification function 55, whether the measured value Tn is larger than the allowable use threshold Tth and the ultrasonic probe 30 can be used (see OK in FIG. 1O), or whether the ultrasonic probe 30 cannot be used below Tth (FIG. 10). The character information 63 indicating (see NG) may be displayed on the display 22. The bar image 61, the simulated image 62, and the character information 63 may be arbitrarily combined and displayed at the same time.

When the measured value Tn is measured by all the ultrasonic vibrators constituting the vibrator group 44, the notification function 55 generates a simulated image 62 faithful to the shape of the acoustic lens 42 at the time of measuring the measured value Tn. can do. On the other hand, when the measured value Tn is measured only by a part of the ultrasonic vibrators constituting the vibrator group 44 (for example, only one), the notification function 55 uses the measurement result of the part of the ultrasonic vibrators. Based on this, the shape of the acoustic lens 42 at the time of measuring the measured value Tn may be estimated to generate a simulated image 62.

By the above procedure shown in FIG. 7, the measured value Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF of the ultrasonic probe 30 is acquired, the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 at the time of measuring the measured value Tn is automatically evaluated, and the user And service personnel can be notified. Therefore, it is possible to easily prevent inconvenience caused by committing a safety risk or a performance risk.

The measured value Tn may be measured, for example, at the timing of maintenance and inspection by the user of the ultrasonic probe 30 or the serviceman who maintains and manages the ultrasonic probe 30, or the use of the ultrasonic probe 30 at midnight or the like. It may be performed automatically at a preset time and cycle such as a time considered to be overtime. Further, the serviceman may remotely measure the measured value Tn by giving an instruction to the processing circuit 19 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 via the information processing apparatus 102.

Further, when information indicating the degree of deterioration is given to the information processing apparatus 102 used by the serviceman, the notification function 55 has the same information as the information displayed on the display 22 or the voice or beep sound output via a speaker (not shown). May be linked with the processing circuit of the information processing apparatus 102 so that the information is output via the display or the speaker of the information processing apparatus 102. Further, when the information indicating the degree of deterioration is given to the information processing apparatus 102, an e-mail containing the information indicating the degree of deterioration may be generated and transmitted to the information processing apparatus 102.

As a result, the serviceman who uses the information processing device 102 determines whether or not maintenance of the ultrasonic probe 30 is necessary based on the information indicating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 notified to the information processing device 102, and if necessary. The maintenance device 25 can be used to perform maintenance work on the ultrasonic probe 30.

Further, the notification function 55 may change the notification operation to the information processing apparatus 102 according to the evaluation result of the degree of deterioration. For example, the notification function 55 only sends an e-mail when the evaluation result is that the ultrasonic probe 30 is in a usable state, while displays an image to that effect when the ultrasonic probe 30 is in an unusable state, and a voice or a beep to that effect. It may cooperate with the processing circuit of the information processing apparatus 102 to output a sound and send an e-mail to that effect.

Subsequently, a method of evaluating the degree of deterioration in consideration of the temperature of the ultrasonic wave propagation medium inside the ultrasonic probe 30 will be described.

The ultrasonic wave propagation speed of the ultrasonic wave propagation medium inside the ultrasonic probe 30 differs depending on the temperature. Therefore, it is preferable to correct the reflected wave propagation time TOF according to the temperature of the ultrasonic propagating material.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the procedure for acquiring the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF shown in FIG. This procedure estimates the temperature of the ultrasonic propagation medium inside the ultrasonic probe 30 at the time of measurement of the initial value T0 (hereinafter referred to as the initial value temp0 of the measurement temperature) and stores it in the storage circuit 17 or the like. The procedure is different from that shown in FIG. The steps equivalent to those in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

When the ultrasonic probe 30 has the temperature sensor 47, in step S21, the acquisition function 51 acquires the output of the temperature sensor 47 at the time of measuring the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF. The deterioration degree evaluation function 53 estimates the temperature of the ultrasonic propagation medium inside the ultrasonic probe 30 (initial value temp0 of the measured temperature) at the time of measuring the initial value T0 based on the output of the temperature sensor 47. The storage function 54 stores the initial value temp0 of the measured temperature in the storage circuit 17 or the like.

By the above procedure, the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF of the ultrasonic probe 30 can be measured and stored in the storage circuit 17 or the like, and the measured temperature temp0 at the time of measuring the initial value T0 is estimated and stored in the storage circuit. It can be stored in 17 or the like.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the procedure for acquiring the measured value Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF shown in FIG. 7 and evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42. This procedure differs from the procedure shown in FIG. 7 in that the degree of deterioration is evaluated in consideration of the measured temperature temp0 of the initial value T0 and the measured temperature tempn of the measured value Tn. The steps equivalent to those in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

In step S31, the acquisition function 51 acquires the output of the temperature sensor 47. The deterioration degree evaluation function 53 estimates the measured temperature tempn of the measured value Tn based on the output of the temperature sensor 47.

In step S32, the comparison function 52 corrects the measured value Tn to obtain the corrected measured value Tna based on the measured temperature temp0 of the initial value T0 and the measured temperature tempn of the measured value Tn, and obtains the corrected measured value Tna. Is corrected to obtain the correction threshold value Tthe.

Next, in step S33, the comparison function 52 compares the initial value T0, the correction measurement value Tna, and the correction threshold value Tthe.

By the above procedure, the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 at the time of measuring the measured value Tn can be evaluated in consideration of the measured temperature temp0 of the initial value T0 and the measured temperature tempn of the measured value Tn. Compared with the procedure shown in FIG. 7, the procedure shown in FIG. 12 can consider the change in the propagation velocity of the ultrasonic wave according to the change in the temperature of the ultrasonic wave propagation medium, so that the degree of deterioration should be evaluated more accurately. Can be done.

In step S31 of FIG. 12, when the difference between the measured temperature tempn of the measured value Tn and the measured temperature temp0 of the initial value T0 is larger than a predetermined difference, the deterioration degree evaluation function 53 performs the reflected wave propagation time TOF. It may be determined that it is inappropriate for the measurement of the above, and a series of procedures may be completed without measuring the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

Subsequently, a method of supporting the maintenance and management of the ultrasonic probe 30 by using the time course of the reflected wave propagation time TOF will be described.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing a first modification of the function realized by the processor of the processing circuit 19 shown in FIG. When supporting the maintenance management of the ultrasonic probe 30 by using the time course of the reflected wave propagation time TOF, the processor of the processing circuit 19 has the cause diagnosis function 56 and the prediction function 57 in addition to the functions 51-55 shown in FIG. To realize. These functions 56-57 are also stored in the storage circuit 17 in the form of programs, respectively, like the functions 51-55.

The cause diagnosis function 56 is a sudden abnormality such as peeling based on a change over time of a plurality of measured values T0, T1, ..., Tn obtained by measuring the reflected wave propagation time TOF at a plurality of measurements. Is diagnosed in the acoustic lens 42.

The prediction function 57 predicts the allowable expiration date of the acoustic lens 42 based on the time course of a plurality of measured values T0, T1, ..., Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for diagnosing whether or not a sudden abnormality such as peeling has occurred in the acoustic lens 42 based on the time course of the reflected wave propagation time TOF. Further, FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change over time in the reflected wave propagation time TOF. FIG. 15 shows an example in which a sudden abnormality such as peeling occurs in the acoustic lens 42 between the kth measurement and the k + 1st measurement.

First, in step S41, the cause diagnosis function 56 reads out the measured value of the reflected wave propagation time TOF obtained by measuring at the time of a plurality of measurements from the storage circuit 17 or the like. The measured value to be read may include the initial value T0, or may read only the latest several measured values.

Next, in step S42, the cause diagnosis function 56 obtains a straight line or a curve 70 that approximates the change with time of the measured value Tn read from the storage circuit 17 or the like by the least squares method or the like (see FIG. 15).

Next, in step S43, the cause diagnosis function 56 determines whether or not the change of the measured value Tn with time change curve 70 is continuous. When it is determined to be continuous (YES in step S43), the cause diagnosis function 56 determines that the wear is due to normal use and there is no sudden abnormality (step S44). On the other hand, when there is a measured value deviating from the time-dependent change curve 70 and the change of the time-dependent change curve 70 is determined to be discontinuous as in the TOF measured values Tk and Tk + 1 in the example shown in FIG. 15 (NO in step S43). The cause diagnosis function 56 determines that an abnormality such as a sudden lens peeling has occurred in the acoustic lens 42 (step S45).

Next, in step S46, the storage function 54 stores the determination result of the cause diagnosis function 56 in the storage circuit 17 or the like. Further, the notification function 55 causes the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 to display information indicating the determination result of the cause diagnosis function 56 on the display 22 or to output the information by voice or beep through a speaker (not shown). Notice. Further, the notification function 55 provides information indicating the determination result of the cause diagnosis function 56 to the external information processing device 102 connected to the ultrasonic diagnosis device 10 via the network 100, thereby providing the user of the information processing device 102 (the user of the information processing device 102 (). You may notify the serviceman, etc.).

By the above procedure, it is possible to diagnose whether or not a sudden abnormality such as peeling has occurred in the acoustic lens 42 based on the time course of the reflected wave propagation time TOF, and the diagnosis result is obtained by the ultrasonic probe 30. It is possible to notify users and service personnel.

The change curve 70 with time is also used for the prediction function 57. Specifically, the prediction function 57 obtains the date and time when the threshold value Tth is reached by extrapolating the change curve 70 with time, and predicts this time as the permissible use deadline. In this case, the storage function 54 stores the predicted date and time of the allowable usage period in the storage circuit 17 or the like. Further, the notification function 55 notifies the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 by displaying information indicating the predicted date and time of the allowable usage period on the display 22 or outputting it by voice or beep through a speaker (not shown). do. Further, the notification function 55 provides information indicating the predicted date and time of the permissible use period to the external information processing device 102 connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 via the network 100, thereby providing the user (service) of the information processing device 102. Man etc.) may be notified.

Subsequently, a method of correcting the focus position of the ultrasonic wave based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF will be described.

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram showing a second modification of the function realized by the processor of the processing circuit 19 shown in FIG. In the second modification, the processor of the processing circuit 19 realizes the shape correction function 58 in addition to the functions 51-55 shown in FIG. This function 58 is also stored in the storage circuit 17 in the form of a program, respectively, like the functions 51-55. Further, the processor of the processing circuit 19 may further realize the cause diagnosis function 56 and the prediction function 57 shown in FIG.

When correcting the focus position of the ultrasonic wave based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF, the acquisition function 51 uses the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF measured by each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers at the time of one measurement and the initial value T0 of the reflected wave propagation time TOF. Acquire the measured value Tn.

The shape correction function 58 is a measurement value Tn of the ultrasonic wave of the ultrasonic probe 30 transmitted to the outside through the acoustic lens 42 based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF measured by each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. Estimate the focus position at the time of measurement. The shape correction function 58 obtains a phase delay correction value for correcting the estimated focus position to a normal focus position for each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for detecting a change in the focus position based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF and obtaining a correction value for the phase delay for correcting the focus position to a normal position. Note that FIG. 17 shows an example in which one ultrasonic vibrator constitutes one channel. Further, in FIG. 17, the reflected wave propagation time TOF of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers is measured in the scanning direction by one measurement, and the distribution of the thickness of the acoustic lens 42 or the curvature of the acoustic lens surface 42a in the scanning direction ( Hereinafter, an example is shown in which the thickness distribution or curvature) can be calculated.

First, in step S51, the shape correction function 58 acquires the initial value T0 and the measured value Tn of the reflected wave propagation time TOF measured by each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers at the time of one measurement from the storage circuit 17 or the like. ..

Next, in step S52, the shape correction function 58 estimates the distribution of the thickness of the acoustic lens 42 at the time of measuring the measured value Tn. For example, if the reflected wave propagation time TOFs of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are measured in one measurement in the scanning direction, the thickness distribution or curvature in the scanning direction can be obtained. Similarly, if the reflected wave propagation time TOFs of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are measured in the lens direction in one measurement, the thickness distribution or curvature in the lens direction can be obtained.

Next, in step S53, the shape correction function 58 obtains the focus position at the time of measurement of the measured value Tn based on the thickness distribution or the curvature. Then, the shape correction function 58 adjusts the phase delay correction value for correcting the focus position at the time of measuring the measured value Tn to the normal focus position planned for the design of the ultrasonic probe 30, by a plurality of ultrasonic waves. Obtain for each of the oscillators.

Next, in step S54, the storage function 54 stores the phase delay correction value obtained by the shape correction function 58 in the storage circuit 17 or the like. This correction value is used by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 in the imaging scan.

By the above procedure, the curvature of the acoustic lens surface 42a can be obtained based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF measured by each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and the change in the focus position can be detected based on the obtained curvature. At the same time, the correction value of the phase delay for correcting the focus position to the normal position can be obtained. The phase delay correction value obtained by the shape correction function 58 is used by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 in the imaging scan. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 can perform imaging at a focus position corrected based on the latest curvature of the acoustic lens surface 42a, and even when a worn ultrasonic probe 30 is used, an accurate ultrasonic probe 30 can be used. An ultrasound image can be generated. Therefore, it is possible to perform a diagnosis with much higher reliability than a diagnosis using an ultrasonic image taken in a state where the focus position is deviated due to lens wear.

(Second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the maintenance device 25M has a function of evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the maintenance device 25M according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The maintenance device 25M shown in the second embodiment is different from the maintenance device 25 shown in the first embodiment in that it has a function of evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF. Since the other configurations and operations shown in FIG. 18 are not substantially different from the configurations shown in FIG. 1, the same configurations are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The maintenance device 25M includes a transmission / reception circuit 11M, a network connection circuit 18M, a storage circuit 26M, an input circuit 27M, a display 28M, and a processing circuit 29M. The transmission / reception circuit 11M and the network connection circuit 18M have the same configurations as the transmission / reception circuit 11 and the network connection circuit 18 according to the first embodiment, respectively. Further, the storage circuit 26M, the input circuit 27M, the display 28M, and the processing circuit 29M have the same configurations as the storage circuit 17, the input circuit 21, the display 22, and the processing circuit 19 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 18, the function of evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF is the ultrasonic diagnosis according to the first embodiment even when the maintenance device 25M has. It has the same effect as that of the device 10.

In the second embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 may not have a function of evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 30P has a function of evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the ultrasonic probe 30P according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic probe 30P shown in the third embodiment is different from the ultrasonic probe 30 shown in the first embodiment in that it has a function of evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF. Since the other configurations and operations shown in FIG. 19 are not substantially different from the configurations shown in FIG. 1, the same configurations are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The ultrasonic probe 30P includes a probe main body 40 (see FIG. 2) including an acoustic lens 42 and the like, a transmission / reception circuit 11P, a network connection circuit 18P, a storage circuit 33P, and a processing circuit 19P. The transmission / reception circuit 11P and the network connection circuit 18P have the same configurations as the transmission / reception circuit 11 and the network connection circuit 18 according to the first embodiment, respectively. Note that FIG. 19 shows an example in which the ultrasonic probe 30P is capable of non-contact wireless communication with the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 and the maintenance device 25. Further, the storage circuit 33P and the processing circuit 19P have the same configuration as the storage circuit 17 and the processing circuit 19 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19, the function of evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF is the ultrasonic wave according to the first embodiment even when the ultrasonic probe 30P has. It has the same effect as that of the diagnostic device 10.

In the third embodiment, the maintenance device 25M according to the second embodiment may be combined in the third embodiment. At this time, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 may not have a function of evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 based on the reflected wave propagation time TOF.

Further, the ultrasonic probe 30P according to the third embodiment does not have to include the transmission / reception circuit 11P. In this case, the vibrator group 44 of the probe main body 40 is driven by, for example, the transmission / reception circuit 11 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. In this case, the processing circuit 19P cannot directly measure the reflected wave propagation time TOF when it is not connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, but it is stored in the storage circuit 33P or propagated through the network 100. The time TOF can be acquired and used.

According to at least one embodiment described above, the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens 42 of the ultrasonic probe 30 can be easily and automatically evaluated.

The acquisition function 51, deterioration degree evaluation function 53, storage function 54, notification function 55, cause diagnosis function 56, prediction function 57, and shape correction function 58 of the processing circuit 19 in the present embodiment are within the scope of the claims. This is an example of an acquisition unit, an evaluation unit, a storage unit, a notification unit, a cause diagnosis unit, a prediction unit, and a shape correction unit.

In the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). It is intended to mean a circuit such as a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and an FPGA). The processor realizes various functions by reading and executing a program stored in a storage medium.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which a single processor of the processing circuit realizes each function has been shown, but a processing circuit is configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor realizes each function. May be good. When a plurality of processors are provided, the storage medium for storing the program may be provided individually for each processor, or one storage medium collectively stores the programs corresponding to the functions of all the processors. May be good.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

10 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic device 11, 11M, 11P ... Transmission / reception circuit 17, 26, 33, 34, 101, 26M, 33P ... Storage circuit 19, 19P, 29M ... Processing circuit 22, 28M ... Display 25, 25M ... Maintenance device 30 , 30P ... Ultrasonic probe 40 ... Probe body 42 ... Acoustic lens 42a ... Acoustic lens surface 44 ... Oscillator group 47 ... Temperature sensor 51 ... Acquisition function 53 ... Deterioration evaluation function 54 ... Storage function 55 ... Notification function 56 ... Cause diagnosis Function 57 ... Prediction function 58 ... Shape correction function 70 ... Time change curve 100 ... Network 102 ... Information processing device D1 ... Attention period Rth ... Predetermined ratio T0 ... Initial value TOF ... Reflected wave propagation time Tth ... Usage allowable threshold Vp ... Maximum intensity temp0 ... Measurement temperature of initial value T0 tempn ... Measurement temperature of measured value Tn

Claims (18)

An acquisition unit that acquires the reflected wave propagation time of the ultrasonic wave reflected on the surface of the acoustic lens of the ultrasonic probe, which is measured by the ultrasonic vibrator of the ultrasonic probe.
An evaluation unit that evaluates the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens based on the reflected wave propagation time, and an evaluation unit.
Cause diagnosis unit for diagnosing whether or not an abnormality including peeling has occurred in the acoustic lens based on the time course of the reflected wave propagation time obtained by measuring the reflected wave propagation time at a plurality of measurements. When,
Ultrasonic diagnostic device equipped with. The evaluation unit
The deterioration based on the initial value of the reflected wave propagation time measured in advance and the reflected wave propagation time measured at a predetermined measurement after the measurement of the initial value and acquired by the acquisition unit. Evaluate the degree,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The evaluation unit
The degree of deterioration is evaluated based on the initial value of the reflected wave propagation time, the reflected wave propagation time measured at the time of the predetermined measurement, and the allowable use threshold.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2. The acceptable threshold for use is
It is a value determined according to the model of the ultrasonic probe.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3. The reflected wave propagation time is
The ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer and reflected at the boundary where an external medium having physical properties different from that of the acoustic lens is in contact with the acoustic lens on the surface of the acoustic lens is received by the ultrasonic transducer. It's time to go
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The reflected wave propagation time is
A predetermined period after the transmission of the ultrasonic wave and the lapse of the initial noise period is set as the attention period, and the received signal intensity reaches the intensity of a predetermined ratio of the maximum intensity in the attention period for the first time in the attention period from the time of transmission of the ultrasonic wave. From the time of transmission of the ultrasonic wave to the time of zero cross when the received signal intensity first becomes zero in the period of interest, or from the time of transmission of the ultrasonic wave to the time of the maximum intensity in the period of attention. Either time,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The reflected wave propagation time is
It is measured by driving the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe under predetermined conditions to transmit the ultrasonic wave, and causing the ultrasonic transducer to receive the ultrasonic wave reflected on the surface of the acoustic lens. This is the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The predetermined conditions are
Includes at least one of the drive voltage, drive frequency, wavenumber, waveform, gain, and drive time of the ultrasonic transducer.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7. The acquisition unit
The ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe is driven under the predetermined conditions to transmit the ultrasonic wave, and the ultrasonic transducer receives the ultrasonic wave reflected on the surface of the acoustic lens. The reflected wave propagation time is acquired by measuring the propagation time from transmission to reception of ultrasonic waves as the reflected wave propagation time, or the reflected wave propagation time is measured in advance using the predetermined conditions and stored in the storage unit. Acquire the reflected wave propagation time from the storage unit,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7. The acquisition unit
The output of the temperature sensor provided in the ultrasonic probe at the time of measuring the reflected wave propagation time is acquired.
The evaluation unit
Based on the output of the temperature sensor, the temperature of the propagation medium of the ultrasonic wave inside the ultrasonic probe at the time of measuring the propagation time of the reflected wave is estimated, and the estimated temperature of the propagation medium is used to estimate the reflected wave. Correct the propagation time and evaluate the degree of deterioration.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens evaluated by the evaluation unit is stored in a storage unit provided in the own machine, an external storage unit connected to the own machine via a network, and a storage provided in the ultrasonic probe. A storage unit, which is stored in at least one storage unit of the unit.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising. An external information processing device that notifies the user of the own machine by displaying information indicating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens evaluated by the evaluation unit on the display unit, or is connected to the own machine via a network. A notification unit that notifies the user of the information processing apparatus via the information processing apparatus,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising. The cause diagnosis unit is
If the time- varying straight line or curve that approximates the time-dependent change of the reflected wave propagation time obtained by measuring the reflected wave propagation time at a plurality of measurements is discontinuous, an abnormality including peeling occurs in the acoustic lens. On the other hand, if the time-varying straight line or curve is continuous, it is diagnosed that the abnormality has not occurred and the wear is due to normal use.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12. A predictor that predicts the allowable expiration date of the acoustic lens based on the change over time of the reflected wave propagation time obtained by measuring the reflected wave propagation time at a plurality of measurements.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising. Based on the reflected wave propagation time measured by each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, the focus position of the ultrasonic wave of the ultrasonic probe transmitted to the outside through the acoustic lens is estimated and the estimated focus. Each phase of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers for correcting to the focus position when the acoustic lens is non-wearing from the position and the reflected wave propagation time is the initial value of the reflected wave propagation time measured in advance. Shape correction unit that obtains the delay correction value,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising. An acquisition unit that acquires the reflected wave propagation time of the ultrasonic wave reflected on the surface of the acoustic lens of the ultrasonic probe, which is measured by the ultrasonic vibrator of the ultrasonic probe.
An evaluation unit that evaluates the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens based on the reflected wave propagation time, and an evaluation unit.
Cause diagnosis unit for diagnosing whether or not an abnormality including peeling has occurred in the acoustic lens based on the time course of the reflected wave propagation time obtained by measuring the reflected wave propagation time at a plurality of measurements. When,
Ultrasonic probe maintenance device equipped with. The probe body, including the acoustic lens and ultrasonic transducer,
An acquisition unit for acquiring the reflected wave propagation time of the ultrasonic wave reflected on the surface of the acoustic lens measured by the ultrasonic oscillator, and
An evaluation unit that evaluates the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens based on the reflected wave propagation time, and an evaluation unit.
Cause diagnosis unit for diagnosing whether or not an abnormality including peeling has occurred in the acoustic lens based on the time course of the reflected wave propagation time obtained by measuring the reflected wave propagation time at a plurality of measurements. When,
Ultrasonic probe with. On the computer
The step of acquiring the reflected wave propagation time of the ultrasonic wave reflected on the surface of the acoustic lens of the ultrasonic probe, which was measured by the ultrasonic vibrator of the ultrasonic probe, and
A step of evaluating the degree of deterioration of the acoustic lens based on the reflected wave propagation time, and
A step of diagnosing whether or not an abnormality including peeling has occurred in the acoustic lens based on the time course of the reflected wave propagation time obtained by measuring the reflected wave propagation time at a plurality of measurements.
An ultrasonic probe maintenance program to run.

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