JP5669693B2 - Ultrasound diagnostic system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic system, and more particularly, to an ultrasonic diagnostic system that determines the type of an ultrasonic probe.

  In recent years, by irradiating a living body with ultrasonic waves radiated from an ultrasonic transducer, receiving ultrasonic waves reflected by the difference in acoustic impedance in the living body, converting the reflected ultrasonic waves into electrical signals and imaging them An ultrasonic diagnostic system for obtaining an ultrasonic tomogram is widely used.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic system includes an ultrasonic probe having an elongated insertion portion with a built-in ultrasonic transducer on the distal end side, a probe drive unit detachably connected to the proximal end portion of the ultrasonic probe, and the drive unit And an ultrasonic observation apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image and a monitor that displays an ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic observation apparatus (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In such an ultrasonic diagnostic system, various ultrasonic probes are connected to the probe drive unit depending on the diagnostic region or the type of ultrasonic image to be acquired. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes two photo reflectors in the probe drive unit, and detects the type of the ultrasonic probe to be connected based on the detection signals of the two photo reflectors. .

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200083

  However, in this ultrasonic diagnostic system, since the types of ultrasonic probes are detected based on the detection signals of two photoreflectors, that is, the detection signals of 2 bits, only four types of ultrasonic probes can be detected. . In order to detect four or more types of ultrasonic probes, it may be possible to provide three or more photo reflectors. However, if three or more photo reflectors are provided, the influence of adjacent photo reflectors, for example, adjacent photo reflectors may be provided. There is a problem that the type of ultrasonic probe is erroneously detected due to interference of the signal of the reflector.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic system capable of detecting many types of ultrasonic probes without erroneous detection.

The ultrasonic diagnostic system according to one aspect of the present invention reacts with an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves into the body and a probe ID generation unit provided in the ultrasonic probe connected to an ultrasonic observation device, thereby By reacting to an optical sensor that outputs a first detection signal for discriminating the type of ultrasonic probe and a probe ID generator provided in the ultrasonic probe connected to an ultrasonic observation device, the ultrasonic probe An electrical contact sensor that outputs a second detection signal for discriminating the type and that does not interfere with the optical sensor , wherein the optical sensor determines the presence or absence of light or the light level as the first detection signal in a plurality of stages. And the electrical contact sensor detects the presence or voltage level of electrical contact as a second detection signal in a plurality of stages, and the first detection signal of these optical sensors and the first of the electrical contact sensor A discriminating unit that discriminates the type of the ultrasonic probe by using two detection signals in combination .

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic system of the present invention, many types of ultrasonic probes can be detected without erroneous detection.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to a first embodiment. FIG. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the detailed structure of the connection part of a probe drive unit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of a detection process of an ultrasonic probe. It is a figure which shows the structure of the ultrasonic diagnosing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the detailed structure of the connection part of a probe drive unit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of a detection process of an ultrasonic probe. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the detailed structure of a probe drive unit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, based on FIG. 1, the structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 is detachably connected to an ultrasonic probe 2 having an elongated insertion portion with a built-in ultrasonic transducer on the distal end side and a proximal end portion of the ultrasonic probe 2. Probe driving unit 3, an ultrasonic observation device 4 that is electrically connected to the probe driving unit 3 via a connector (not shown) and generates an ultrasonic image, and an ultrasonic wave generated by the ultrasonic observation device 4. A monitor 5 for displaying a sound wave image and a user interface (hereinafter referred to as a user I / F) 6 such as a keyboard for performing various operations are configured.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 has a built-in ultrasonic transducer 10 at the distal end side of the elongated insertion portion, and generates a probe ID for determining the type of the ultrasonic probe 2 at the proximal end side connection portion. 11 is provided.

  The probe drive unit 3 includes a probe detection unit 12, a filter unit 13, a radial motor 14, and a linear motor 15.

  The ultrasound observation apparatus 4 includes a scanning control unit 16, a pulse generation unit 17, a pulser 18, an amplifier 19, a received signal processing unit 20, and an image processing unit 21.

  The probe detection unit 12 is provided in a connection unit to which the ultrasonic probe 2 is connected, detects the probe ID generated by the probe ID generation unit 11, and transmits a detection signal to the filter unit 13 and the ultrasonic observation apparatus 4. The data is output to the scanning control unit 16.

  The scanning control unit 16 as a determination unit determines the type of the ultrasonic probe 2 based on the detection signal detected by the probe detection unit 12, and performs setting for each unit according to the determined type. The scanning control unit 16 constantly monitors the detection signal from the probe detection unit 12 and detects that the ultrasonic probe 2 has been removed from the probe drive unit 3 when the detection signal is no longer input (disconnection detection). And cancel the settings of each part. Further, the scanning control unit 16 outputs control signals to the radial motor 14, the linear motor 15, and the pulse generation unit 17 in response to an operation instruction from the user I / F 6.

  The radial motor 14 and the linear motor 15 are mechanically connected to the ultrasonic transducer 10, and operate according to a control signal from the scanning control unit 16 when an operator gives an operation instruction from the user I / F 6. The sound wave vibrator 10 is mechanically driven. When performing the radial drive, the scanning control unit 16 drives the radial motor 14 to reduce or cut off the supply current to the linear motor 15. Further, the scanning control unit 16 drives the radial motor 14 and the linear motor 15 when performing helical driving.

  The pulse generator 17 generates an output pulse according to the control signal from the scan controller 16 and outputs it to the pulser 18.

  The pulsar 18 generates an ultrasonic drive signal for driving the ultrasonic transducer 10 based on the output pulse of the pulse generator 17, and sends it to the ultrasonic transducer 10 of the ultrasonic probe 2 via the probe drive unit 3. Output.

  The ultrasonic transducer 10 transmits an ultrasonic wave to a region to be examined and receives a reflected echo signal. The ultrasonic transducer 10 converts the received echo signal into an electric signal and outputs it to the filter unit 13 of the probe drive unit 3.

  The filter unit 13 includes a plurality of reception filters each composed of a band pass filter that allows different frequency bands to pass therethrough. The filter unit 13 switches a plurality of reception filters according to the detection signal from the probe detection unit 12. That is, the filter unit 13 is configured to select an optimal reception filter from a plurality of reception filters according to the type of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the probe detection unit 12. Thereby, an ultrasonic image with good S / N can be obtained. The filter unit 14 limits the band of the electrical signal from the ultrasonic transducer 10 with the selected reception filter, and outputs the band-limited electrical signal to the amplifier 19 of the ultrasound observation apparatus 4. The amplifier 19 amplifies the band-limited electric signal from the filter unit 14 and outputs the amplified signal to the received signal processing unit 20.

  Further, a control signal corresponding to the type of the ultrasonic probe 2 is supplied from the scanning control unit 16 to the received signal processing unit 20. The reception signal processing unit 20 switches the filtering frequency or the like according to the control signal from the scanning control unit 16 and performs predetermined signal processing on the electric signal input from the amplifier 19. The reception signal processing unit 20 outputs an electrical signal subjected to predetermined signal processing to the image processing unit 21.

  The image processing unit 21 performs image processing for converting the electrical signal from the received signal processing unit 20 into the display format of the monitor 5. Further, the image processing unit 21 performs, for example, image rotation processing (image rotation) or the like in accordance with an instruction from the user I / F 6 and outputs an image to the monitor 5.

  Here, a detailed configuration of the connecting portion of the probe driving unit will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the detailed configuration of the connecting portion of the probe driving unit.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of first optical sensor 31 and second optical sensor 32 are arranged at predetermined positions facing each other in the connecting portion of the probe driving unit 3. In addition, a pair of first electrical contact sensor 33 and second electrical contact sensor 34 configured by, for example, a leaf spring or the like are disposed at predetermined positions facing each other in the connection portion of the probe drive unit 3. .

  The first and second optical sensors 31 and 32 output a detection signal for determining the type of the ultrasonic probe 2 to the scanning control unit 16.

  The first and second electrical contact sensors 33 and 34 are sensors that do not interfere with the first and second optical sensors 31 and 32, and scan control is performed on a detection signal for determining the type of the ultrasonic probe 2. To the unit 16. The first and second electrical contact sensors 33 and 34 are disposed at substantially the same positions as the first and second optical sensors 31 and 32. These first and second optical sensors 31 and 32 and the first and second electrical contact sensors 33 and 34 constitute the probe detection unit 12.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, for example, the first and second optical sensors 31 and 32 that are space-saving, resistant to dirt, and inexpensive compared to a barcode reader or the like are used. However, when three or more optical sensors are used in order to detect many types of ultrasonic probes, there is a possibility that the type of the ultrasonic probe 2 is erroneously detected due to interference of signals from adjacent optical sensors.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the first and second photosensors 31, 32, the first and second electrical contact sensors 33, 34 that do not interfere with the first and second photosensors 31, 32 are used. Thus, many types of ultrasonic probes are detected. In the present embodiment, the first and second electrical contact sensors 33 and 34, which can detect the probe ID stably without any variation in elements and are inexpensive, are used.

Although the first and second electrical contact sensors 33 and 34 are used as sensors that do not interfere with the first and second optical sensors 31 and 32, they do not interfere with the first and second optical sensors 31 and 32. The sensor is not limited to the first and second electrical contact sensors 33 and 34. For example, instead of the first and second electrical contact sensors 33 and 34, a mechanical switch that is inexpensive and highly resistant when the ultrasonic probe 2 is attached or detached may be used. Further, as a sensor that does not interfere with the first and second electrical contact sensors 33 and 34, for example, a mechanical switch or the like may be used instead of the first and second optical sensors 31 and 32.

  In the connection portion of the ultrasonic probe 2, for example, a reflecting plate constituted by a white or black seal is disposed at a position where the light emitted from the first and second optical sensors 31 and 32 is reflected. Metal protrusions are arranged at positions where they contact the first and second electrical contact sensors 33 and 34. These reflectors and metal protrusions constitute the probe ID generation unit 11.

  The first and second optical sensors 31 and 32 detect the presence or absence of light reflected by the reflecting plate by ON or OFF, and the first and second electrical contact sensors 33 and 34 are in contact with metal protrusions. Thus, it is configured to detect the presence or absence of a metal protrusion by ON or OFF. The first and second optical sensors 31 and 32 detect the light reflected by the reflector in two stages, ON or OFF, but the light reflected by changing the level of the emitted light. May be detected in three or more stages. Further, the electrical contact sensors 33 and 34 may perform voltage level and impedance detection.

  Next, the detection operation of the ultrasonic probe 2 of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the ultrasonic probe detection process.

  First, it is determined whether or not the ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to the probe driving unit 3 (step S1). If it is determined that the ultrasonic probe 2 is not connected to the probe drive unit 3, the determination is NO and the process returns to step S1 and the same process is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to the probe drive unit 3, the first and second optical sensors 31, 32 detect 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON) (step S2). ). Next, 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON) is detected by the first and second electrical contact sensors 33, 34 that do not interfere with the first and second optical sensors 31, 32 (step S3). Finally, the type of the ultrasonic probe 2 is determined based on the detection signals from the first and second optical sensors 31 and 32 and the detection signals from the first and second electrical contact sensors 33 and 34. (Step S4), the process ends.

  As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 includes the first and second electrical contact sensors 33 that do not interfere with the first and second optical sensors 31 and 32 in addition to the first and second optical sensors 31 and 32. , 34 are used in combination to enhance the recognition of the type of ultrasonic probe 2.

Therefore, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic system of the present embodiment, it is possible to detect many types of ultrasonic probes without erroneous detection.
(Second Embodiment)

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, compared to a barcode reader or the like, even when three or more optical sensors that are space-saving, resistant to dirt, and inexpensive are provided, there is no interference between the optical sensors, and many types of ultrasonic probes. An ultrasonic diagnostic system capable of detecting the above will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of a connection portion of the probe drive unit. In FIG. 4, the same components as those in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1a of the present embodiment replaces the probe ID generation unit 11, the probe detection unit 12, and the scanning control unit 16 of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 of FIG. It is comprised using the part 11a, the probe detection part 12a, and the scanning control part 16a.

  The probe ID generator 11a is three reflectors provided at positions that reflect light emitted from first to third optical sensors 41 to 43 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the probe detector 12 a is configured by three, here, first to third optical sensors 41 to 43 that output detection signals for determining the type of the ultrasonic probe. Specifically, the first optical sensor 41 and the second optical sensor 42 are arranged at predetermined positions facing each other, and the third optical sensor 43 includes the first optical sensor 41 and the second optical sensor 42. It is arranged approximately in the middle of the optical sensor 42. In addition, although the probe detection part 12a becomes a structure which provides the three optical sensors 41-43, it is not limited to three, You may make it the structure which provides four or more optical sensors.

  When three or more photosensors 41 to 43 are provided, adjacent photosensors may interfere with each other and cause erroneous detection. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the scanning control unit 16a as the detection timing control unit shifts the ON / OFF time of the first to third optical sensors 41 to 43, that is, the detection timing of each of the optical sensors 41 to 43. Each of the optical sensors 41 to 43 outputs a control signal for shifting.

  The scanning control unit 16a controls the order of detection by each of the optical sensors 41 to 43 so that the optical sensors 41 to 43 detect from the most distant optical sensors so that the optical sensors 41 to 43 do not interfere with each other. Also good. For example, when the detection by the first optical sensor 41 is performed first, the scanning control unit 16a performs the detection by the second optical sensor 42 that is farthest from the first optical sensor 41, and Control is performed so that detection by the third optical sensor 43 is performed last. Thereby, the interference of each of the optical sensors 41 to 43 is prevented.

  Moreover, you may make it arrange | position each optical sensor 41-43 arrange | positioned at the connection part of the probe drive unit 3 at equal intervals. In the example of FIG. 5, the detection timing is shifted, but the interval between the second optical sensor 42 and the third optical sensor 43 is narrow, and the second optical sensor 42 and the third optical sensor 43 are. There is a risk of interference. Therefore, the optical sensors 41 to 43 are arranged at equal intervals, and the detection timing is shifted to prevent interference of the optical sensors 41 to 43.

  Each of the optical sensors 41 to 43 sequentially detects the probe ID of the probe ID generation unit 11a in accordance with a control signal from the scanning control unit 16a, and outputs a detection signal to the scanning control unit 16a.

  The scanning control unit 16a serving as a determination unit determines the type of the ultrasonic probe 2 based on the sequentially input detection signals, and performs setting for each unit according to the determined type.

  Next, the detection operation of the ultrasonic probe 2 of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of ultrasonic probe detection processing. In FIG. 6, the same processes as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  First, in step S1, when it is determined that the ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to the probe driving unit 3, the all-optical sensors 41 to 43 are turned off (step S11). Next, the first optical sensor 41 is turned on, and 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON) is detected (step S12). Next, the first photosensor 41 is turned off, the second photosensor 42 is turned on, and 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON) is detected (step S13). Next, the second photosensor 42 is turned off, the third photosensor 43 is turned on, and 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON) is detected (step S14). Finally, the type of the ultrasonic probe 2 is determined based on the detection signals from the optical sensors 41 to 43 (step S15), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1a shifts the detection timing of the optical sensors 41 to 43 so that the optical sensors 41 to 43 do not interfere with each other even when a plurality of optical sensors 41 to 43 are provided. I made it. As a result, in each of the optical sensors 41 to 43, erroneous detection due to signal interference can be prevented.

  Therefore, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic system of the present embodiment, it is possible to detect many types of ultrasonic probes without erroneous detection, as in the first embodiment.

  The rotation shaft for transmitting the rotation of the radial motor 14 to the ultrasonic transducer 10 may be as follows. Conventionally, a spring shaft has been adopted as a rotating shaft for transmitting the rotation of the radial motor 14 to the ultrasonic transducer 10 from the viewpoint of assemblability, but the probe driving unit 3 of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotary shaft 51 (for example, a metal cylindrical shaft) having high rigidity is used. Thus, in the probe drive unit 3, the rotation transmission delay to the ultrasonic transducer 10 can be improved by using the rotation shaft 51 with high rigidity.

  Note that the steps in the flowchart in this specification may be executed in a different order for each execution by changing the execution order and executing a plurality of steps at the same time as long as it does not contradict its nature.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic system, 2 ... Ultrasonic probe, 3 ... Probe drive unit, 4 ... Ultrasonic observation apparatus, 5 ... Monitor, 6 ... User I / F, 10 ... Ultrasonic transducer, 11, 11a ... Probe ID Generation unit, 12, 12a ... probe detection unit, 13 ... filter unit, 14 ... radial motor, 15 ... linear motor, 16, 16a ... scan control unit, 17 ... pulse generation unit, 18 ... pulser, 19 ... amplifier, 20 ... Reception signal processing unit, 21 ... image processing unit, 31, 32, 41, 42, 43 ... optical sensor, 33, 34 ... electrical contact sensor, 51 ... rotating shaft.

Claims (5)

An ultrasound probe that sends and receives ultrasound into the body;
An optical sensor that outputs a first detection signal for determining the type of the ultrasonic probe by reacting to a probe ID generation unit provided in the ultrasonic probe connected to the ultrasonic observation device ;
A second detection signal for determining the type of the ultrasonic probe is output by reacting to a probe ID generation unit provided in the ultrasonic probe connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus, and does not interfere with the optical sensor. An electrical contact sensor,
The optical sensor detects the presence or level of light as a first detection signal in a plurality of stages, and the electric contact sensor detects the presence or voltage level of electric contact as a second detection signal in a plurality of stages. A discriminating unit that discriminates the type of the ultrasonic probe by using the first detection signal of the optical sensor and the second detection signal of the electrical contact sensor in combination .
An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising: A filter unit including a plurality of reception filters each passing a different frequency band;
2. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the filter unit switches the plurality of reception filters based on the detection signal of the optical sensor and the first and second detection signals detected by the electrical contact sensor. The described ultrasonic diagnostic system.   The ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 1, further comprising a probe drive unit that is detachably connected to a connection portion on a proximal end side of the ultrasonic probe. In the connection part of the ultrasonic probe, a reflection plate is disposed at a position where light emitted from the optical sensor is reflected, and a metal protrusion is disposed at a position contacting the electrical contact sensor,
The optical sensor detects the presence or absence of light reflected by the reflecting plate, and the electrical contact sensor outputs the first and second detection signals by detecting the presence or absence of the metal protrusion, respectively. The ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 3. A plurality of the sensors and the electrical contact sensors are provided,
The determination section, the one of the probe type information depending on the use and the plurality of light plurality of detection signals detected by the sensor, and a plurality of detection signals detected by the plurality of the electrical contact sensor complex The ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the type of the ultrasonic probe is determined based on the one probe type information.

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