JP2005192867A - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment Download PDF

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JP2005192867A
JP2005192867A JP2004003311A JP2004003311A JP2005192867A JP 2005192867 A JP2005192867 A JP 2005192867A JP 2004003311 A JP2004003311 A JP 2004003311A JP 2004003311 A JP2004003311 A JP 2004003311A JP 2005192867 A JP2005192867 A JP 2005192867A
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reception
dimensional
delay addition
ultrasonic diagnostic
diagnostic apparatus
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Hiroshi Fukukita
博 福喜多
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Panasonic Holdings Corp
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Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
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<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide ultrasonic diagnostic equipment which can be connected with a two-dimensional array probe and by which a patient can be scanned at high speed by simultaneous transmission and reception by a plurality of openings in the case of connecting a one-dimensional array probe. <P>SOLUTION: The equipment is provided with: a selection switch 7 for selecting a received signal supplied from a one-dimensional array 4 and a two-dimensional array 2; column direction delay adding circuits 8 to 11; extension switches 12 and 13; and row direction delay adding circuits 14 and 15. When the received signal from the one-dimensional array is selected by the selection switch, the extension switches extends the column direction delay adding circuits by the extension switch to obtain a one-dimensional delay addition signal. When the received signal from the two-dimensional array is selected by the selection switch, an output signal of the column direction delay adding circuits is supplied to the row direction delay adding circuits to obtain a two-dimensional delay adding signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

本発明は、１次元アレイプローブおよび２次元アレイプローブを有し、被検体をそれぞれ２次元および３次元的に走査する超音波診断装置に関する。   The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a one-dimensional array probe and a two-dimensional array probe and scanning a subject two-dimensionally and three-dimensionally, respectively.

従来の超音波診断装置は、図５に示すように、２次元アレイ１０２と、列方向遅延加算回路１０３、１０４、１０５、１０６と、行方向遅延加算回路１０７、１０８とから構成される。この従来の超音波診断装置では、２次元アレイ１０２のトランスデューサ１０１で検出された信号に対して列方向遅延加算回路１０３〜１０６により前段の遅延加算を行い、この様にして得られた信号群に対して、行方向遅延加算回路１０７、１０８により後段の遅延加算を行うことで、行方向および列方向の並列受信を少ない回路規模で実現している（例えば、特許文献１参照）。
特開２０００−２５４１２０号公報（第３頁、第１図） As shown in FIG. 5, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a two-dimensional array 102, column-direction delay addition circuits 103, 104, 105, and 106, and row-direction delay addition circuits 107 and. In this conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the signal detected by the transducer 101 of the two-dimensional array 102 is subjected to delay addition in the previous stage by the column direction delay addition circuits 103 to 106, and the signal group obtained in this way is obtained. On the other hand, parallel reception in the row direction and the column direction is realized with a small circuit scale by performing subsequent delay addition by the row direction delay addition circuits 107 and 108 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-254120 (page 3, FIG. 1)

しかしながら、上記従来の超音波診断装置においては、遅延加算回路に１次元アレイプローブを接続した場合、複数の開口を形成して同時送受信を行うことにより被検体を高速に走査することが困難である、という問題があった。   However, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when a one-dimensional array probe is connected to the delay addition circuit, it is difficult to scan a subject at high speed by forming a plurality of openings and performing simultaneous transmission / reception. There was a problem.

本発明は、かかる従来の問題を解決するためになされたもので、２次元アレイプローブを接続できると共に、１次元アレイプローブも容易に接続でき、複数の開口による同時送受信により被検体を高速に走査することのできる超音波診断装置を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem. A two-dimensional array probe can be connected and a one-dimensional array probe can be easily connected, and a subject can be scanned at high speed by simultaneous transmission and reception through a plurality of openings. An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of performing the above.

前記の目的を達成するため、本発明に係る超音波診断装置は、複数の電気音響変換手段から供給される１次元受信信号または２次元受信信号を選択する選択手段と、選択手段の出力信号を受けて、列方向および行方向で遅延加算を行う受信遅延加算回路とを備え、受信遅延加算回路は、複数の前段の遅延加算回路と、複数の前段の遅延加算回路の出力信号を受ける後段の遅延加算回路と、複数の前段の遅延加算回路に対する拡張手段とを備えた構成を有している。   In order to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes a selection unit that selects a one-dimensional reception signal or a two-dimensional reception signal supplied from a plurality of electroacoustic conversion units, and an output signal of the selection unit. And a reception delay addition circuit for performing delay addition in the column direction and the row direction. The reception delay addition circuit includes a plurality of preceding delay addition circuits and a subsequent stage receiving the output signals of the plurality of preceding delay addition circuits. It has a configuration including a delay adder circuit and expansion means for a plurality of preceding delay adder circuits.

この構成により、２次元受信信号を遅延加算できるだけでなく１次元受信信号も遅延加算することができるので、２次元アレイプローブを接続できるだけでなく、１次元アレイプローブも接続でき、複数の開口による同時送受信により被検体を高速に走査することができる。   With this configuration, not only the two-dimensional reception signal can be delayed and added, but also the one-dimensional reception signal can be delayed and added, so that not only the two-dimensional array probe can be connected but also the one-dimensional array probe can be connected, The subject can be scanned at high speed by transmission and reception.

また、本発明に係る超音波診断装置において、選択手段が１次元受信信号を選択した場合、拡張手段は、前段の遅延加算回路を拡張する構成を有している。   In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, when the selection unit selects a one-dimensional reception signal, the expansion unit has a configuration that expands the preceding delay addition circuit.

この構成により、１次元受信信号を容易に遅延加算することができる。   With this configuration, the one-dimensional received signal can be easily delayed and added.

また、本発明に係る超音波診断装置において、複数の前段の遅延加算回路は、拡張手段により拡張された複数の遅延加算回路を含む構成を有している。   In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, the plurality of preceding delay addition circuits include a plurality of delay addition circuits expanded by the expansion unit.

この構成により、２次元受信信号を遅延加算できるだけでなく複数の受信開口からの１次元受信信号も遅延加算することができる。   With this configuration, not only can a two-dimensional received signal be delayed and added, but also a one-dimensional received signal from a plurality of receiving openings can be delayed and added.

また、本発明に係る超音波診断装置において、１次元受信信号は複数の受信信号から構成され、該複数の受信信号のうち少なくとも１つの受信信号が、拡張手段により拡張された遅延加算回路に供給される構成を有している。   In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, the one-dimensional reception signal is composed of a plurality of reception signals, and at least one of the plurality of reception signals is supplied to the delay addition circuit extended by the extension means. It has the composition which is done.

この構成により、２次元受信信号を遅延加算できるだけでなく複数の受信開口からの１次元受信信号も遅延加算することができる。   With this configuration, not only can a two-dimensional received signal be delayed and added, but also a one-dimensional received signal from a plurality of receiving openings can be delayed and added.

また、本発明に係る超音波診断装置は、１次元受信信号を受けて、選択手段に出力する複数の走査スイッチを備えた構成を有している。   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration including a plurality of scanning switches that receive a one-dimensional reception signal and output the received signal to the selection unit.

この構成により、２次元受信信号を遅延加算できるだけでなく複数の受信開口からの１次元受信信号も遅延加算することができる。   With this configuration, not only can a two-dimensional received signal be delayed and added, but also a one-dimensional received signal from a plurality of receiving openings can be delayed and added.

また、本発明に係る超音波診断装置において、複数の受信信号から構成される１次元受信信号のうち少なくとも１つの受信信号が複数の走査スイッチに供給される構成を有している。   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration in which at least one received signal among the one-dimensional received signals composed of a plurality of received signals is supplied to the plurality of scanning switches.

この構成により、２次元受信信号を遅延加算できるだけでなく複数の受信開口からの１次元受信信号も遅延加算することができる。   With this configuration, not only can a two-dimensional received signal be delayed and added, but also a one-dimensional received signal from a plurality of receiving openings can be delayed and added.

また、本発明に係る超音波診断装置において、１次元受信信号は、位置の異なる複数の同時受信開口からの受信信号で構成される。この場合、複数の同時受信開口に対応して複数の同時送信開口が設けられる。   In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, the one-dimensional reception signal is composed of reception signals from a plurality of simultaneous reception openings at different positions. In this case, a plurality of simultaneous transmission openings are provided corresponding to the plurality of simultaneous reception openings.

この構成により、２次元受信信号を遅延加算できるだけでなく複数の受信開口からの１次元受信信号も遅延加算することができる。   With this configuration, not only can a two-dimensional received signal be delayed and added, but also a one-dimensional received signal from a plurality of receiving openings can be delayed and added.

さらに、本発明に係る超音波診断装置は、少なくとも２次元に配列された複数のトランスデューサを有するサブアレイが複数個配列されて成る２次元アレイと、サブアレイの複数のトランスデューサからの受信信号を整相加算するグループ内プロセッサとを備え、２次元受信信号は、複数のグループ内プロセッサの出力信号で構成される。   Furthermore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes a two-dimensional array in which a plurality of subarrays having a plurality of transducers arranged in at least two dimensions are arranged, and phasing addition of received signals from the plurality of transducers in the subarray The two-dimensional received signal is composed of output signals of a plurality of intra-group processors.

この構成により、２次元受信信号の数を少なくし遅延加算回路の規模を削減できる。   With this configuration, the number of two-dimensional received signals can be reduced and the scale of the delay addition circuit can be reduced.

本発明によれば、２次元アレイプローブを接続できるだけでなく、１次元アレイプローブも接続でき、複数の開口による同時送受信により被検体を高速に走査することのできる超音波診断装置を提供することが可能になる、という格別な効果を奏する。   According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of not only connecting a two-dimensional array probe but also connecting a one-dimensional array probe and scanning a subject at high speed by simultaneous transmission and reception through a plurality of openings. There is a special effect that it becomes possible.

以下、本発明の好適な実施の形態について、図面を参照しながら詳細に説明する。   DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

（第１の実施の形態）
図１は、本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る超音波診断装置における受信部の一構成例を示すブロック図である。 (First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving unit in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

図１において、トランスデューサ１は行方向および列方向に２次元に配列され２次元アレイ２を構成する。トランスデューサ３は長軸方向に配列され１次元アレイ４を構成し、２次元アレイ２と１次元アレイ４とがそれぞれ１つずつ接続された構成とした。２次元アレイ２と１次元アレイ４は複数の電気音響変換手段を構成する。   In FIG. 1, transducers 1 are two-dimensionally arranged in a row direction and a column direction to form a two-dimensional array 2. The transducers 3 are arranged in the major axis direction to form a one-dimensional array 4, and the two-dimensional array 2 and the one-dimensional array 4 are connected one by one. The two-dimensional array 2 and the one-dimensional array 4 constitute a plurality of electroacoustic conversion means.

１次元アレイ４から出力される１次元受信信号は、走査スイッチ５、６に供給される。２次元アレイ２からの２次元受信信号と走査スイッチ５、６から出力される１次元受信信号は、選択手段である選択スイッチ７により選択される。選択スイッチ７の出力信号は、前段の遅延加算回路である列方向遅延加算回路８、９、１０、１１に供給される。列方向遅延加算回路８〜１１の各２本の並列受信出力側にはそれぞれ後段の遅延加算回路である行方向遅延加算回路１４、１５が設けられ、２次元遅延加算信号を出力する。   A one-dimensional reception signal output from the one-dimensional array 4 is supplied to the scanning switches 5 and 6. The two-dimensional received signal from the two-dimensional array 2 and the one-dimensional received signal output from the scanning switches 5 and 6 are selected by a selection switch 7 which is a selection means. The output signal of the selection switch 7 is supplied to column-direction delay addition circuits 8, 9, 10, and 11 which are delay addition circuits in the previous stage. Row direction delay addition circuits 14 and 15 that are subsequent delay addition circuits are provided on the two parallel reception output sides of the column direction delay addition circuits 8 to 11, respectively, and output two-dimensional delay addition signals.

また、列方向遅延加算回路８、１０の出力信号はそれぞれ前段の遅延加算回路への入力信号の数を拡張するための拡張手段である拡張スイッチ１２、１３に供給される。拡張スイッチ１２、１３の出力信号はそれぞれ列方向遅延加算回路９、１１に入力される。列方向遅延加算回路９、１１は１次元遅延加算信号を出力する。   The output signals of the column direction delay addition circuits 8 and 10 are supplied to expansion switches 12 and 13 which are expansion means for expanding the number of input signals to the preceding delay addition circuit, respectively. Output signals from the expansion switches 12 and 13 are input to the column direction delay addition circuits 9 and 11, respectively. The column direction delay addition circuits 9 and 11 output a one-dimensional delay addition signal.

次に、以上のように構成された超音波診断装置の動作について説明する。   Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured as described above will be described.

まず、選択スイッチ７が２次元受信信号を選択した場合、列方向遅延加算回路８〜１１は、２次元アレイ２が送出した超音波ビームの方向に受信指向性が向くように遅延加算を行う。その際、列方向遅延加算回路は、送出した超音波ビームの方向に関して列方向に微少にずれた２方向に指向性を有するように並列遅延加算を行う。列方向遅延加算回路８〜１１の各２つの出力信号の内、一方の指向性に対応する出力信号は行方向遅延加算回路１４に入力され、他方の指向性に対応する出力信号は行方向遅延加算回路１５に入力される。   First, when the selection switch 7 selects a two-dimensional reception signal, the column-direction delay addition circuits 8 to 11 perform delay addition so that the reception directivity is directed in the direction of the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the two-dimensional array 2. At that time, the column direction delay addition circuit performs parallel delay addition so as to have directivity in two directions slightly shifted in the column direction with respect to the direction of the transmitted ultrasonic beam. Of the two output signals of the column direction delay addition circuits 8 to 11, the output signal corresponding to one directivity is input to the row direction delay addition circuit 14, and the output signal corresponding to the other directivity is the row direction delay. Input to the adder circuit 15.

行方向遅延加算回路１４、１５においては、送出した超音波ビームの方向に関して行方向に微少にずれた２方向に指向性を有するように並列遅延加算が行われ、２次元遅延加算信号が出力される。拡張スイッチ１２、１３は、ゼロデータ（ゼロに相当するデータ）を出力し、列方向遅延加算回路９、１１の動作に影響を与えない。２次元遅延加算信号は、図示しない信号処理部で処理され、図示しない表示部に表示される。   In the row direction delay addition circuits 14 and 15, parallel delay addition is performed so as to have directivity in two directions slightly shifted in the row direction with respect to the direction of the transmitted ultrasonic beam, and a two-dimensional delay addition signal is output. The The expansion switches 12 and 13 output zero data (data corresponding to zero) and do not affect the operation of the column-direction delay addition circuits 9 and 11. The two-dimensional delayed addition signal is processed by a signal processing unit (not shown) and displayed on a display unit (not shown).

次に、選択スイッチ７が１次元受信信号を選択した場合、走査スイッチ５、６は、図２Ａ、図２Ｂおよび図２Ｃに示すように、２個の受信開口Ｒ１、Ｒ２を形成し、１次元受信信号を出力する。トランスデューサＰ５〜Ｐ１２による受信信号は、複数の走査スイッチ５、６に供給される。   Next, when the selection switch 7 selects a one-dimensional reception signal, the scanning switches 5 and 6 form two reception openings R1 and R2 as shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. Output the received signal. Received signals from the transducers P5 to P12 are supplied to a plurality of scanning switches 5 and 6.

第１回目の送受信では、図２Ａに示すように、トランスデューサＰ３〜Ｐ６による送信開口Ｔ１とトランスデューサＰ７〜Ｐ１０による送信開口Ｔ２による同時送信が行われ、走査スイッチ６はトランスデューサＰ１〜Ｐ８による受信開口Ｒ１を形成し、走査スイッチ５はトランスデューサＰ５〜Ｐ１２による受信開口Ｒ２を形成する。   In the first transmission / reception, as shown in FIG. 2A, simultaneous transmission is performed by the transmission aperture T1 by the transducers P3 to P6 and the transmission aperture T2 by the transducers P7 to P10, and the scanning switch 6 receives the reception aperture R1 by the transducers P1 to P8. The scanning switch 5 forms a receiving opening R2 by the transducers P5 to P12.

第２回目の送受信では、図２Ｂに示すように、トランスデューサの選択を１個ずらし、トランスデューサＰ４〜Ｐ７による送信開口Ｔ１とトランスデューサＰ８〜Ｐ１１による送信開口Ｔ２による同時送信が行われ、走査スイッチ６はトランスデューサＰ２〜Ｐ９による受信開口Ｒ１を形成し、走査スイッチ５はトランスデューサＰ６〜Ｐ１３による受信開口Ｒ２を形成する。同様にして第３、４回目の送受信を行う。   In the second transmission / reception, as shown in FIG. 2B, the selection of the transducer is shifted by one, and simultaneous transmission is performed by the transmission aperture T1 by the transducers P4 to P7 and the transmission aperture T2 by the transducers P8 to P11. A receiving opening R1 is formed by the transducers P2 to P9, and the scanning switch 5 forms a receiving opening R2 by the transducers P6 to P13. Similarly, the third and fourth transmission / reception is performed.

第５回目の送受信では、図２Ｃに示すように、トランスデューサＰ７〜Ｐ１０による送信開口Ｔ１とトランスデューサＰ１１〜Ｐ１４による送信開口Ｔ２による同時送信が行われ、走査スイッチ６はトランスデューサＰ５〜Ｐ１２による受信開口Ｒ１を形成し、走査スイッチ５はトランスデューサＰ９〜Ｐ１６による受信開口Ｒ２を形成し、１音響フレームの走査を完了する。   In the fifth transmission / reception, as shown in FIG. 2C, simultaneous transmission is performed by the transmission aperture T1 by the transducers P7 to P10 and the transmission aperture T2 by the transducers P11 to P14, and the scanning switch 6 receives the reception aperture R1 by the transducers P5 to P12. The scanning switch 5 forms a receiving aperture R2 by the transducers P9 to P16, and completes scanning of one acoustic frame.

以上のようにして、本実施の形態においては、５回の送受信で１０個の受信の開口が形成され、高速（２倍の速さ）の走査が可能になる。   As described above, in the present embodiment, ten reception openings are formed by five transmissions / receptions, and high-speed (double speed) scanning is possible.

走査スイッチ５の出力信号は、選択スイッチ７を介して列方向遅延加算回路８、９（図１）に供給される。列方向遅延加算回路８の出力信号は、拡張スイッチ１２（図１）を介して列方向遅延加算回路９に供給され、列方向遅延加算回路８と列方向遅延加算回路９とで一つの遅延加算回路を構成する。同様にして、走査スイッチ６の出力信号は、選択スイッチ７を介して列方向遅延加算回路１０、１１（図１）に供給される。列方向遅延加算回路１０の出力信号は、拡張スイッチ１３（図１）を介して列方向遅延加算回路１１に供給される。   The output signal of the scan switch 5 is supplied to the column direction delay addition circuits 8 and 9 (FIG. 1) via the selection switch 7. The output signal of the column direction delay addition circuit 8 is supplied to the column direction delay addition circuit 9 via the expansion switch 12 (FIG. 1), and one delay addition is performed by the column direction delay addition circuit 8 and the column direction delay addition circuit 9. Configure the circuit. Similarly, the output signal of the scanning switch 6 is supplied to the column direction delay addition circuits 10 and 11 (FIG. 1) via the selection switch 7. The output signal of the column direction delay addition circuit 10 is supplied to the column direction delay addition circuit 11 via the expansion switch 13 (FIG. 1).

列方向遅延加算回路８、９は、１次元アレイ４が送信開口Ｔ１で送出した超音波ビームの方向に受信指向性が向くように遅延加算を行う。その際、図２Ａに示すように、送出された超音波ビームの方向に関して長軸方向に微少にずれた２方向に指向性（１、１）、指向性（１、２）を有するように並列遅延加算が行われる。同様にして、列方向遅延加算回路１０、１１は、１次元アレイ４が送信開口Ｔ２で送出した超音波ビームの方向に受信指向性が向くように遅延加算を行う。その際、図２Ａに示すように、送出された超音波ビームの方向に関して長軸方向に微少にずれた２方向に指向性（２、１）、指向性（２、２）を有するように並列遅延加算が行われる。   The column direction delay addition circuits 8 and 9 perform delay addition so that the reception directivity is directed in the direction of the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the one-dimensional array 4 through the transmission opening T1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2A, the directivity (1, 1) and the directivity (1, 2) are arranged in two directions slightly shifted in the major axis direction with respect to the direction of the transmitted ultrasonic beam. Delay addition is performed. Similarly, the column direction delay addition circuits 10 and 11 perform delay addition so that the reception directivity is directed in the direction of the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the one-dimensional array 4 through the transmission aperture T2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2A, the directivity (2, 1) and directivity (2, 2) are arranged in two directions slightly shifted in the major axis direction with respect to the direction of the transmitted ultrasonic beam. Delay addition is performed.

列方向遅延加算回路９、１１の出力信号は、１次元遅延加算となり、信号処理部で処理され、表示部に表示される。   The output signals of the column direction delay addition circuits 9 and 11 are one-dimensional delay addition, processed by the signal processing unit, and displayed on the display unit.

以上のように、本実施の形態によれば、選択スイッチ７と、列方向遅延加算回路８〜１１と、拡張スイッチ１２、１３と、行方向遅延加算回路１４、１５を設けることにより、２次元アレイ２からの２次元受信信号だけでなく１次元アレイ４も容易に接続でき１次元受信信号も遅延加算することができる。さらに、１次元アレイ４の場合には、同時に複数の受信開口を設け、高速に走査することができる。   As described above, according to the present embodiment, the selection switch 7, the column direction delay addition circuits 8 to 11, the expansion switches 12 and 13, and the row direction delay addition circuits 14 and 15 are provided, so that two-dimensional Not only the two-dimensional received signal from the array 2 but also the one-dimensional array 4 can be easily connected, and the one-dimensional received signal can be delayed and added. Further, in the case of the one-dimensional array 4, a plurality of reception openings can be provided at the same time, and scanning can be performed at high speed.

なお、本実施の形態においては、２次元アレイと１次元アレイとがそれぞれ１つずつとしたが、これに限らず、それぞれが複数個でも、どちらか一方が複数個であってもよい。   In the present embodiment, one two-dimensional array and one one-dimensional array are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there may be a plurality of one or a plurality of either one.

（第２の実施の形態）
図３Ａ、図３Ｂおよび図３Ｃは、本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る超音波診断装置における１次元アレイの送信開口および受信開口の形成の様子を示す模式図である。なお、本実施の形態では、１次元アレイの構成および開口形成の方法を除いて、図１に示す第１の実施の形態と同様の構成を有する超音波診断装置を用いる。 (Second Embodiment)
FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are schematic views showing a state of forming a transmission aperture and a reception aperture of a one-dimensional array in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is used except for the configuration of the one-dimensional array and the method of forming the opening.

図３Ａに示すように、トランスデューサＰ１〜Ｐ４の受信信号は、選択スイッチ７を介して列方向遅延加算回路１１へ供給される。トランスデューサＰ５〜Ｐ８の受信信号は、選択スイッチ７を介して列方向遅延加算回路１０および列方向遅延加算回路９へ供給される。トランスデューサＰ９〜Ｐ１２の受信信号は、選択スイッチ７を介して列方向遅延加算回路８へ供給される。選択スイッチ７が１次元アレイ４を選択しているので、列方向遅延加算回路８〜１１は、第１の実施の形態の場合と同様に、拡張スイッチ１２、１３により拡張されている。トランスデューサＰ５〜Ｐ８の出力信号は、複数の拡張された遅延加算回路に接続されている。   As shown in FIG. 3A, the reception signals of the transducers P1 to P4 are supplied to the column direction delay addition circuit 11 via the selection switch 7. The reception signals of the transducers P5 to P8 are supplied to the column direction delay addition circuit 10 and the column direction delay addition circuit 9 via the selection switch 7. The reception signals of the transducers P9 to P12 are supplied to the column direction delay addition circuit 8 via the selection switch 7. Since the selection switch 7 selects the one-dimensional array 4, the column direction delay addition circuits 8 to 11 are expanded by the expansion switches 12 and 13 as in the case of the first embodiment. The output signals of the transducers P5 to P8 are connected to a plurality of extended delay addition circuits.

次に、以上のように構成された超音波診断装置における１次元アレイ４の動作について、図３Ａ、図３Ｂおよび図３Ｃを参照して説明する。   Next, the operation of the one-dimensional array 4 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C.

まず、第１回目の送受信では、図３Ａに示すように、トランスデューサＰ２〜Ｐ５による送信開口Ｔ１とトランスデューサＰ６〜Ｐ９による送信開口Ｔ２による同時送信が行われ、列方向遅延加算回路１０、１１はトランスデューサＰ１〜Ｐ６による受信開口Ｒ１を形成し、列方向遅延加算回路８、９はトランスデューサＰ５〜Ｐ１０による受信開口Ｒ２を形成する。   First, in the first transmission / reception, as shown in FIG. 3A, simultaneous transmission is performed through the transmission aperture T1 by the transducers P2 to P5 and the transmission aperture T2 by the transducers P6 to P9. The reception openings R1 by P1 to P6 are formed, and the column direction delay addition circuits 8 and 9 form reception openings R2 by the transducers P5 to P10.

第２回目の送受信では、図３Ｂに示すように、トランスデューサの選択を１個ずらし、トランスデューサＰ３〜Ｐ６による送信開口Ｔ１とトランスデューサＰ７〜Ｐ１０による送信開口Ｔ２による同時送信が行われ、列方向遅延加算回路１０、１１はトランスデューサＰ２〜Ｐ７による受信開口Ｒ１を形成し、列方向遅延加算回路８、９はトランスデューサＰ６〜Ｐ１１による受信開口Ｒ２を形成する。   In the second transmission / reception, as shown in FIG. 3B, the selection of the transducer is shifted by one, and simultaneous transmission is performed by the transmission aperture T1 by the transducers P3 to P6 and the transmission aperture T2 by the transducers P7 to P10. The circuits 10 and 11 form a reception opening R1 by the transducers P2 to P7, and the column direction delay addition circuits 8 and 9 form a reception opening R2 by the transducers P6 to P11.

第３回目の送受信では、図３Ｃに示すように、トランスデューサＰ４〜Ｐ７による送信開口Ｔ１とトランスデューサＰ８〜Ｐ１１による送信開口Ｔ２による同時送信が行われ、列方向遅延加算回路１０、１１はトランスデューサＰ３〜Ｐ８による受信開口Ｒ１を形成し、列方向遅延加算回路８、９はトランスデューサＰ７〜Ｐ１２による受信開口Ｒ２を形成し、１音響フレームの走査を完了する。   In the third transmission / reception, as shown in FIG. 3C, simultaneous transmission is performed through the transmission aperture T1 by the transducers P4 to P7 and the transmission aperture T2 by the transducers P8 to P11. The reception opening R1 by P8 is formed, and the column direction delay addition circuits 8 and 9 form the reception opening R2 by the transducers P7 to P12, and the scanning of one acoustic frame is completed.

以上のようにして、３回の送受信で６個の受信の開口が形成され、高速の走査が可能になる。   As described above, six reception openings are formed by three transmissions and receptions, and high-speed scanning is possible.

列方向遅延加算回路８、９は、１次元アレイ４が送信開口Ｔ１で送出した超音波ビームの方向に受信指向性が向くように遅延加算を行う。その際、図３Ａに示すように、送出された超音波ビームの方向に関して長軸方向に微少にずれた２方向に指向性（１、１）、指向性（１、２）を有するように並列遅延加算が行われる。同様にして、列方向遅延加算回路１０、１１は、１次元アレイ４が送信開口Ｔ２で送出した超音波ビームの方向に受信指向性が向くように遅延加算を行う。その際、図３Ａに示すように、送出された超音波ビームの方向に関して長軸方向に微少にずれた２方向に指向性（２、１）、指向性（２、２）を有するように並列遅延加算が行われる。   The column direction delay addition circuits 8 and 9 perform delay addition so that the reception directivity is directed in the direction of the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the one-dimensional array 4 through the transmission opening T1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3A, the directivity (1, 1) and directivity (1, 2) are arranged in two directions slightly shifted in the major axis direction with respect to the direction of the transmitted ultrasonic beam. Delay addition is performed. Similarly, the column direction delay addition circuits 10 and 11 perform delay addition so that the reception directivity is directed in the direction of the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the one-dimensional array 4 through the transmission aperture T2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3A, the directivity (2, 1) and the directivity (2, 2) are arranged in two directions slightly shifted in the major axis direction with respect to the direction of the transmitted ultrasonic beam. Delay addition is performed.

以上のように、本実施の形態によれば、列方向遅延加算回路８〜１１と、その拡張手段である拡張スイッチ１２、１３を設けることにより、１次元アレイの場合には、同時に複数の受信開口を設け、高速に走査することができる。   As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the column direction delay addition circuits 8 to 11 and the expansion switches 12 and 13 as the expansion means, in the case of a one-dimensional array, a plurality of receptions are simultaneously performed. An opening can be provided to scan at high speed.

（第３の実施の形態）
図４Ａは、本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る超音波診断装置における２次元アレイの一構成例を示す模式図で、図４Ｂは、図４Ａの構成を有する２次元アレイを用いた超音波診断装置の一構成例を示すブロック図である。 (Third embodiment)
FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a two-dimensional array in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is an ultrasonic diagram using the two-dimensional array having the configuration of FIG. 4A. It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus.

図４Ａにおいて、２次元アレイ２は、行方向および列方向に複数配列されたサブアレイ２０から構成される。図４Ｂに示すように、１つのサブアレイ２０は、行方向および列方向に複数配列されたトランスデューサＰ１〜Ｐ４で構成され、トランスデューサＰ１〜Ｐ４の出力信号は、グループ内プロセッサ２１に供給される。グループ内プロセッサ２１、２２の出力信号は選択スイッチ７へ供給される。グループ内プロセッサ２１、２２は、プローブハンドル２３の中に設けられる。グループ内プロセッサの出力信号は、２次元受信信号を伝送するケーブル２４を介して選択スイッチ７に供給される。選択スイッチ７は、超音波診断装置の本体２５の内部に設けられる。   4A, the two-dimensional array 2 includes subarrays 20 that are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. As shown in FIG. 4B, one subarray 20 includes a plurality of transducers P1 to P4 arranged in the row direction and the column direction, and output signals from the transducers P1 to P4 are supplied to the intra-group processor 21. Output signals of the intra-group processors 21 and 22 are supplied to the selection switch 7. The intra-group processors 21 and 22 are provided in the probe handle 23. The output signal of the intra-group processor is supplied to the selection switch 7 via the cable 24 that transmits the two-dimensional received signal. The selection switch 7 is provided inside the main body 25 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

次に、以上のように構成された超音波診断装置の動作について、図４Ａおよび図４Ｂを参照して説明する。   Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

グループ内プロセッサ２１は、トランスデューサＰ１〜Ｐ４の出力信号を整相加算する。グループ内プロセッサ２１は、回路規模が小さいので、２次元アレイのプローブハンドル２３内に設けることが可能である。選択スイッチ７は、超音波診断装置の本体２５内に設けられる。従って、グループ内プロセッサ２１をプローブハンドル２３内に設けることにより、トランスデューサからの受信信号を選択スイッチ７に直接供給する場合に比べ、プローブと本体の間を結ぶケーブル２４内の受信信号線の数を大幅に削減できる。   The intra-group processor 21 performs phasing addition on the output signals of the transducers P1 to P4. Since the in-group processor 21 has a small circuit scale, it can be provided in the probe handle 23 of a two-dimensional array. The selection switch 7 is provided in the main body 25 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Therefore, by providing the intra-group processor 21 in the probe handle 23, the number of reception signal lines in the cable 24 connecting the probe and the main body can be reduced as compared with the case where the reception signal from the transducer is directly supplied to the selection switch 7. It can be greatly reduced.

以上のように、本実施の形態によれば、プローブハンドル２３内にグループ内プロセッサを設けることにより、プローブと本体の間を結ぶ受信信号線の数を大幅に削減できる。   As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the intra-group processor in the probe handle 23, the number of reception signal lines connecting the probe and the main body can be greatly reduced.

なお、上記実施の形態では、１次元受信信号は、１次元アレイから出力されるものとして説明したが、トランスデューサが長軸方向に凸に配列されるコンベックスアレイ、またはトランスデューサが短軸方向に分割され、分割されたトランスデューサの受信信号が短軸方向に加算され１つの受信信号となる１．５次元アレイ、あるいは上記した各種アレイを機械的に走査する機械式３次元プローブの出力信号であっても良い。   In the above embodiment, the one-dimensional received signal is described as being output from the one-dimensional array. However, the convex array in which the transducer is arranged in a convex manner in the major axis direction or the transducer is divided in the minor axis direction. Even if it is an output signal of a 1.5-dimensional array in which the received signals of the divided transducers are added in the short axis direction to form one received signal, or a mechanical three-dimensional probe that mechanically scans the various arrays described above good.

以上のように、本発明に係る超音波診断装置は、２次元アレイからの２次元受信信号だけでなく１次元アレイからの１次元受信信号も遅延加算することができ、とりわけ１次元アレイに同時に複数の受信開口が形成できるという利点を有し、１次元アレイと２次元アレイをそれぞれ必要個数有し、被検体を２次元、３次元的に高速に走査する超音波診断装置等として有用である。   As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention can delay and add not only a two-dimensional received signal from a two-dimensional array but also a one-dimensional received signal from a one-dimensional array. It has the advantage that a plurality of receiving apertures can be formed, has the necessary number of one-dimensional arrays and two-dimensional arrays, and is useful as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that scans a subject in two dimensions and at high speed in three dimensions. .

本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る超音波診断装置における受信部の一構成例を示すブロック図The block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the receiving part in the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention 図１の１次元アレイを用いて、第１回目の送受信を行う場合における送信開口および受信開口の形成の様子を示す模式図Schematic diagram showing how the transmission aperture and the reception aperture are formed when the first transmission / reception is performed using the one-dimensional array of FIG. 図１の１次元アレイを用いて、第２回目の送受信を行う場合における送信開口および受信開口の形成の様子を示す模式図Schematic diagram showing how the transmission aperture and the reception aperture are formed when the second transmission / reception is performed using the one-dimensional array of FIG. 図１の１次元アレイを用いて、第５回目の送受信を行う場合における送信開口および受信開口の形成の様子を示す模式図Schematic diagram showing how the transmission aperture and the reception aperture are formed when the fifth transmission / reception is performed using the one-dimensional array of FIG. 本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る超音波診断装置における１次元アレイを用いて、第１回目の送受信を行う場合における送信開口および受信開口の形成の様子を示す模式図The schematic diagram which shows the mode of formation of the transmission opening in the case of performing the 1st transmission / reception using the one-dimensional array in the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る超音波診断装置における１次元アレイを用いて、第２回目の送受信を行う場合における送信開口および受信開口の形成の様子を示す模式図The schematic diagram which shows the mode of formation of the transmission opening in the case of performing 2nd transmission / reception using the one-dimensional array in the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る超音波診断装置における１次元アレイを用いて、第３回目の送受信を行う場合における送信開口および受信開口の形成の様子を示す模式図The schematic diagram which shows the mode of formation of the transmission opening in the case of performing 3rd transmission / reception using the one-dimensional array in the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る超音波診断装置における２次元アレイの一構成例を示す模式図The schematic diagram which shows one structural example of the two-dimensional array in the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 図４Ａの構成を有する２次元アレイを用いた超音波診断装置の一構成例を示すブロック図4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using a two-dimensional array having the configuration of FIG. 4A. 従来の超音波診断装置の一構成例を示すブロック図Block diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ トランスデューサ
２ ２次元アレイ
３ トランスデューサ
４ １次元アレイ
５、６ 走査スイッチ
７ 選択スイッチ（選択手段）
８〜１１ 列方向遅延加算回路（前段の遅延加算回路）
１２、１３ 拡張スイッチ（拡張手段）
１４、１５ 行方向遅延加算回路（後段の遅延加算回路）
２０ サブアレイ
２１、２２ グループ内プロセッサ
２３ プローブハンドル
２４ ケーブル
２５ 本体 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Transducer 2 Two-dimensional array 3 Transducer 4 One-dimensional array 5, 6 Scan switch 7 Selection switch (selection means)
8 to 11 column direction delay addition circuit (previous stage delay addition circuit)
12, 13 Expansion switch (expansion means)
14, 15 Row direction delay addition circuit (later delay addition circuit)
20 Sub-array 21, 22 Processor in group 23 Probe handle 24 Cable 25 Body

Claims (9)

複数の電気音響変換手段から供給される１次元受信信号または２次元受信信号を選択する選択手段と、
前記選択手段の出力信号を受けて、列方向および行方向で遅延加算を行う受信遅延加算回路とを備え、
前記受信遅延加算回路は、
複数の前段の遅延加算回路と、
前記複数の前段の遅延加算回路の出力信号を受ける後段の遅延加算回路と、
前記複数の前段の遅延加算回路に対する拡張手段とを備えた超音波診断装置。 Selection means for selecting a one-dimensional reception signal or a two-dimensional reception signal supplied from a plurality of electroacoustic conversion means;
A reception delay addition circuit that receives the output signal of the selection means and performs delay addition in the column direction and the row direction;
The reception delay adding circuit includes:
A plurality of preceding delay adder circuits;
A later-stage delay addition circuit that receives an output signal of the plurality of preceding-stage delay addition circuits;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising expansion means for the plurality of preceding delay addition circuits. 前記選択手段が前記１次元受信信号を選択した場合、前記拡張手段は、前記前段の遅延加算回路を拡張する請求項１記載の超音波診断装置。   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the selection unit selects the one-dimensional received signal, the expansion unit expands the preceding delay addition circuit. 前記複数の前段の遅延加算回路は、前記拡張手段により拡張された複数の遅延加算回路を含む請求項１または２記載の超音波診断装置。   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of preceding delay addition circuits include a plurality of delay addition circuits expanded by the expansion unit. 前記１次元受信信号は複数の受信信号から構成され、該複数の受信信号のうち少なくとも１つの受信信号が、前記拡張手段により拡張された遅延加算回路に供給される請求項１から３のいずれか一項記載の超音波診断装置。   4. The one-dimensional reception signal includes a plurality of reception signals, and at least one reception signal among the plurality of reception signals is supplied to a delay addition circuit expanded by the expansion unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one item. 前記１次元受信信号を受けて、前記選択手段に出力する複数の走査スイッチを備えた請求項４記載の超音波診断装置。   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of scanning switches that receive the one-dimensional reception signal and output the received signal to the selection unit. 複数の受信信号から構成される前記１次元受信信号のうち少なくとも１つの受信信号が前記複数の走査スイッチに供給される請求項５記載の超音波診断装置。   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein at least one received signal among the one-dimensional received signals composed of a plurality of received signals is supplied to the plurality of scanning switches. 前記１次元受信信号は、位置の異なる複数の同時受信開口からの受信信号で構成される請求項３から６のいずれか一項記載の超音波診断装置。   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the one-dimensional reception signal is composed of reception signals from a plurality of simultaneous reception openings at different positions. 前記複数の同時受信開口に対応して複数の同時送信開口が設けられる請求項７記載の超音波診断装置。   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of simultaneous transmission openings are provided corresponding to the plurality of simultaneous reception openings. 少なくとも２次元に配列された複数のトランスデューサを有するサブアレイが複数個配列されて成る２次元アレイと、
前記サブアレイの複数のトランスデューサからの受信信号を整相加算するグループ内プロセッサとを備え、
前記２次元受信信号は、複数のグループ内プロセッサの出力信号で構成される請求項１記載の超音波診断装置。 A two-dimensional array in which a plurality of subarrays having a plurality of transducers arranged in at least two dimensions are arranged;
An intra-group processor for phasing and summing received signals from a plurality of transducers of the sub-array,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional received signal is composed of output signals of a plurality of intra-group processors.
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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2010187975A (en) * 2009-02-19 2010-09-02 Aloka Co Ltd Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
JP2012508054A (en) * 2008-11-11 2012-04-05 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ Configurable microbeamformer circuit for ultrasound diagnostic imaging system

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2012508054A (en) * 2008-11-11 2012-04-05 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ Configurable microbeamformer circuit for ultrasound diagnostic imaging system
US10295665B2 (en) 2008-11-11 2019-05-21 Koninklijke Philips, N.V. Configurable microbeamformer circuit for an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system
JP2010187975A (en) * 2009-02-19 2010-09-02 Aloka Co Ltd Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

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