JP4527999B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment Download PDF

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JP4527999B2
JP4527999B2 JP2004048994A JP2004048994A JP4527999B2 JP 4527999 B2 JP4527999 B2 JP 4527999B2 JP 2004048994 A JP2004048994 A JP 2004048994A JP 2004048994 A JP2004048994 A JP 2004048994A JP 4527999 B2 JP4527999 B2 JP 4527999B2
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ultrasonic
transmission
amplitude
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transmission signal
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JP2005237503A (en
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正敏 吉原
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Fujifilm Corp
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本発明は被検体内の断層像等を形成する超音波診断装置、特に発生する超音波の波形を制御するための構成に関する。   The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for forming a tomographic image or the like in a subject, and more particularly to a configuration for controlling the waveform of generated ultrasonic waves.

超音波診断装置は、単板振動子或いは複数の振動子を有する探触子（プローブ）から超音波を体内等の被検体へ送受波し、上記プローブから得られた受信信号を処理することにより、被検体内の断層像や血流情報等をモニタ（表示器）へ表示し、観察することができる。   An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave from a probe (probe) having a single plate vibrator or a plurality of vibrators to a subject such as a body, and processes a reception signal obtained from the probe. The tomographic image and blood flow information in the subject can be displayed on a monitor (display) and observed.

図９には、１超音波走査線において単板振動子に与える送信信号と１点の反射体から受信した受信信号が示されており、図９（Ａ）の送信信号Ｓａを振動子に与えることにより、発生した超音波が反射体（被検体）へ向けて送波される。そして、この反射体から戻ってくる超音波は同一振動子で受波され、図９（Ｂ）の受信信号Ｒａが得られる。なお、図９（Ｂ）の波形ｇ１は送信信号の漏れ込みである。 FIG. 9 shows a transmission signal given to the single plate vibrator in one ultrasonic scanning line and a reception signal received from one reflector, and the transmission signal Sa of FIG. 9A is given to the vibrator. Thus, the generated ultrasonic wave is transmitted toward the reflector (subject). Then, the ultrasonic wave returning from the reflector is received by the same vibrator, and the reception signal Ra shown in FIG. 9B is obtained. The waveform g 1 in FIG. 9 (B) is a leakage of the transmitted signal.

図１０には、上記送信信号及び受信信号の拡大波形が示されており、送信信号Ｓａは図１０（Ａ）のように、振幅ａ０（数１０〜数１００Ｖ程度）でパルス幅ｔ０の山型（トリガー）波形であり、受信信号Ｒａは図１０（Ｂ）のように、振幅（最大振幅Ａ０）が変化し、例えば５〜６サイクルの超音波（発生）期間Ｈ０の波形となる。そして、このような受信信号Ｒａにおいては、超音波期間Ｈ０が短い程、距離分解能が高くなり、振幅（波高）が大きい程、感度が高くなる。 FIG. 10 shows enlarged waveforms of the transmission signal and the reception signal. The transmission signal Sa has an amplitude a 0 (about several tens to several hundreds V) and a pulse width t 0 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10 (B), the received signal Ra has an amplitude (maximum amplitude A 0 ) as shown in FIG. 10B. For example, the waveform of the ultrasonic wave (generation) period H 0 of 5 to 6 cycles Become. In such a received signal Ra, the shorter the ultrasonic period H 0 , the higher the distance resolution, and the higher the amplitude (wave height), the higher the sensitivity.

特開２００２−３４９７５号公報JP 2002-34975 A 特開２００２−５２０２５号公報JP 2002-52025 A 特開２００２−６５６７１号公報JP 2002-65671 A

ところで、超音波診断装置では、超音波画像の画質の更なる向上が望まれているが、超音波送受波において上述した距離分解能や探知感度を従来よりも高めれば、高画質の観察し易い画像を得ることが可能となる。   By the way, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it is desired to further improve the image quality of the ultrasonic image. However, if the above-described distance resolution and detection sensitivity are increased in ultrasonic transmission / reception, the image can be easily observed with high image quality. Can be obtained.

本発明は上記問題点に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、距離分解能や探知感度を高め、高画質で観察し易い超音波画像を得ることができる超音波診断装置を提供することにある。   The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of improving the distance resolution and detection sensitivity and obtaining an ultrasonic image that can be easily observed with high image quality. is there.

上記目的を達成するために、請求項１に係る発明は、超音波を発生する少なくとも１つの振動子を有する探触子を備え、超音波断層像を形成する超音波診断装置において、上記１つの振動子に対し、同一走査線期間の前回の送信信号で形成される超音波の発生期間内に今回の送信信号で形成される超音波を発生させるように複数回の送信信号を与えると共に、この複数回のそれぞれの送信信号の振幅及びパルス幅を異なる値に調整し、かつ前回に続く今回の送信信号の遅延量を調整することにより、超音波波形を合成制御し、発生期間又は振幅を調整した超音波が得られるようにしたことを特徴とする。
請求項２に係る発明は、上記超音波波形の合成制御が、発生期間及び振幅を調整した超音波が得られるようにしたことを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that includes an probe having at least one transducer that generates ultrasonic waves and forms an ultrasonic tomographic image. The transducer is given a plurality of transmission signals so as to generate the ultrasonic wave formed by the current transmission signal within the generation period of the ultrasonic wave formed by the previous transmission signal in the same scanning line period. By adjusting the amplitude and pulse width of each transmission signal for multiple times to different values and adjusting the delay amount of the current transmission signal following the previous time, the ultrasonic waveform is synthesized and controlled, and the generation period or amplitude is adjusted It is characterized in that the obtained ultrasonic wave can be obtained.
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the synthesis control of the ultrasonic waveform can obtain an ultrasonic wave whose generation period and amplitude are adjusted.

上記請求項１の構成によれば、１超音波走査線（１方向）に送受波する超音波が複数回の送信（パルス）信号で形成されることになるが、この複数回の送信信号の出力タイミングを調整し、即ち１回目の超音波に対する２回目以降の超音波の遅延量を制御し、かつそれぞれの送信信号の振幅及びパルス幅を異なる値に調整することにより、合成される超音波波形を任意に変えることができる。そして、合成超音波の発生期間が短くなるように調整すれば、距離分解能を高くすることができ、また超音波の振幅（波高）が大きくなるように調整すれば、探知感度を高めることが可能となる。 According to the configuration of the first aspect, an ultrasonic wave transmitted and received in one ultrasonic scanning line (one direction) is formed by a plurality of transmission (pulse) signals. By adjusting the output timing, that is, by controlling the delay amount of the second and subsequent ultrasonic waves relative to the first ultrasonic wave, and adjusting the amplitude and pulse width of each transmission signal to different values, the synthesized ultrasonic wave The waveform can be changed arbitrarily. If the period of generation of the synthesized ultrasound is adjusted to be shorter, the distance resolution can be increased, and if the amplitude (wave height) of the ultrasound is increased, the detection sensitivity can be increased. It becomes.

本発明の超音波診断装置によれば、超音波を合成するために出力タイミング（遅延量）が調整された複数回の送信信号を用い、かつこの送信信号のそれぞれの振幅及びパルス幅を異なる値に調整し、かつ送信信号遅延量を調整し、任意の超音波波形を形成することにより、距離分解能や探知感度を高めることができ、高画質で観察し易い超音波画像を得ることが可能となる。
According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of transmission signals whose output timing (delay amount) is adjusted to synthesize ultrasonic waves are used, and the amplitudes and pulse widths of the transmission signals are different values. adjust two, and by adjusting the transmit signal delay, to form any of the ultrasonic wave, the distance resolution and detection sensitivity can be enhanced, it can be obtained easily ultrasound image observation with high image quality It becomes.

図１には、実施例に係る超音波診断装置の全体の構成が示され、図２及び図３には図１の送信部の構成が示されている。図１に示される超音波診断装置では、探触子に設けられた振動子（単一又は複数）１１に、送信処理を行う送信部１２及び受信処理を行う受信部１３が接続され、この受信部１３には、受信信号を検波する検波回路１４、この検波回路１４の出力をアナログデジタル変換するＡ／Ｄ変換器１５、このＡ／Ｄ変換器１５の出力に対し音線空間のデータから物理空間のデータへの変換（走査変換）をするデジタルスキャンコンバータ（ＤＳＣ）１６が接続される。また、上記の各回路を制御する制御回路１７、上記ＤＳＣ１６の出力に基づいて超音波画像を表示するモニタ１８が設けられる。   FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment, and FIGS. 2 and 3 show the configuration of the transmission unit of FIG. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a transmission unit 12 that performs transmission processing and a reception unit 13 that performs reception processing are connected to a transducer (single or plural) 11 provided in a probe. The unit 13 includes a detection circuit 14 that detects a received signal, an A / D converter 15 that performs analog-digital conversion on the output of the detection circuit 14, and the output of the A / D converter 15 from the sound ray space data to the physical state. A digital scan converter (DSC) 16 that converts space data (scan conversion) is connected. Further, a control circuit 17 that controls each of the above circuits and a monitor 18 that displays an ultrasonic image based on the output of the DSC 16 are provided.

図２には、上記送信部１２内の１例で、１つの送信回路から複数回の送信信号を出力する場合の構成が示されている。図２の送信部１２では、１つの送信回路１２ａ、遅延回路１２ｂ及び振幅／パルス幅制御回路１２ｃが設けられており、上記遅延回路１２ｂは、制御回路１７からの遅延量制御信号によって１回目の送信（パルス）信号に対する２回目以降の送信（パルス）信号の遅延量（時間）を設定し、上記振幅／パルス幅制御回路１２ｃは、１回目、２回目（３回目…）の送信信号のそれぞれの振幅又はパルス幅を制御する。   FIG. 2 shows a configuration in the case where a transmission signal is output a plurality of times from one transmission circuit as an example in the transmission unit 12. 2 is provided with one transmission circuit 12a, a delay circuit 12b, and an amplitude / pulse width control circuit 12c. The delay circuit 12b is controlled by a delay amount control signal from the control circuit 17 for the first time. The delay amount (time) of the transmission (pulse) signal for the second and subsequent times with respect to the transmission (pulse) signal is set, and the amplitude / pulse width control circuit 12c receives the first, second (third ...) transmission signals, respectively. To control the amplitude or pulse width.

即ち、上記遅延回路１２ｂは入力した送信トリガーから所定量（ｄ）だけ遅れたトリガー信号を送信回路１２ａに供給しており、この送信回路１２ａではまず制御回路１７からの送信トリガーを直接入力して１回目の送信信号を形成し、次に遅延回路１２ｂから入力したトリガー信号に基づいて所定量（ｄ）だけ遅れた２回目の送信信号を形成する。同時に、上記振幅／パルス幅制御回路１２ｃは制御回路１７からの制御信号に基づいて制御されており、これによって１回目と２回目（３回目…）とで異なる振幅又はパルス幅（いずれか一方又は両方を異なる値に制御）となる送信信号が出力される。   That is, the delay circuit 12b supplies a trigger signal delayed by a predetermined amount (d) from the input transmission trigger to the transmission circuit 12a, and the transmission circuit 12a first inputs the transmission trigger from the control circuit 17 directly. A first transmission signal is formed, and then a second transmission signal delayed by a predetermined amount (d) is formed based on the trigger signal input from the delay circuit 12b. At the same time, the amplitude / pulse width control circuit 12c is controlled based on a control signal from the control circuit 17, and thereby, the amplitude or pulse width (either one or the second or different) differs between the first time and the second time (third time). A transmission signal that is controlled to have different values) is output.

図３には、上記送信部１２内の他の例で、２つの送信回路から複数回の送信信号を出力する場合の構成が示されている。図３の送信部１２では、振幅等の制御のための送信電圧Ａ（送信電圧制御信号）が入力される第１送信回路１２ｄと同様に送信電圧Ｂ（送信電圧制御信号）が入力される第２送信回路１２ｅ、パルス幅制御信号が入力されるパルス幅制御回路１２ｆ，１２ｇ及び一方のパルス幅制御回路１２ｇに接続した遅延回路１２ｈが設けられており、この場合は、制御回路１７からの送信トリガーに基づき、第１送信回路１２ｄ及びパルス幅制御回路１２ｆでは、パルス幅が制御された１回目の送信信号が出力される。そして、遅延回路１２ｈでは上記送信トリガー信号から所定量（ｄ）だけ遅れたトリガー信号を形成し、このトリガー信号に基づき、第２送信回路１２ｅ及びパルス幅制御回路１２ｇでは、上記１回目の送信信号から所定量（ｄ）だけ遅れ、かつ振幅、パルス幅が異なる値に制御された２回目の送信信号を出力する。なお、３回以上の送信信号を順次出力する場合は、上記の送信回路（１２ｅ）と遅延回路（１２ｈ）を更に追加してもよいし、２組の送信回路、パルス幅制御回路及び遅延回路によって複数の送信信号を形成・出力するようにしてもよい。   FIG. 3 shows a configuration in the case where a plurality of transmission signals are output from two transmission circuits in another example in the transmission unit 12. In the transmission unit 12 of FIG. 3, the transmission voltage B (transmission voltage control signal) is input similarly to the first transmission circuit 12d to which the transmission voltage A (transmission voltage control signal) for controlling the amplitude and the like is input. 2 a transmission circuit 12e, pulse width control circuits 12f and 12g to which a pulse width control signal is input, and a delay circuit 12h connected to one of the pulse width control circuits 12g are provided. In this case, transmission from the control circuit 17 Based on the trigger, the first transmission circuit 12d and the pulse width control circuit 12f output the first transmission signal whose pulse width is controlled. The delay circuit 12h forms a trigger signal delayed from the transmission trigger signal by a predetermined amount (d). Based on the trigger signal, the second transmission circuit 12e and the pulse width control circuit 12g perform the first transmission signal. The second transmission signal that is delayed by a predetermined amount (d) and controlled to have different amplitude and pulse width is output. When the transmission signal is output three times or more sequentially, the transmission circuit (12e) and the delay circuit (12h) may be further added, or two sets of transmission circuits, a pulse width control circuit, and a delay circuit A plurality of transmission signals may be formed and output by

実施例の構成の概略は以上であり、次に２回の送信信号で超音波を形成する場合の作用を説明する。図４には、単板振動子に与える送信信号と１点の反射体から受信した受信信号が示されており、実施例では図４（Ａ）のように、同一超音波走査線に対し第１送信信号Ｓ１と第２送信信号Ｓ２が連続して出力され、これら２つの送信信号が振動子１１に与えられる。この振動子１１では、それぞれの送信信号で得られた超音波が合成され、この合成された超音波が被検体へ送受波されることになり、１点の反射体から反射した超音波の受信信号は図４（Ｂ）の受信信号Ｒｂのようになる。なお、図４（Ｂ）の波形ｇ２は送信信号の漏れ込みである。 The outline of the configuration of the embodiment is as described above. Next, the operation when ultrasonic waves are formed by two transmission signals will be described. FIG. 4 shows a transmission signal given to a single plate vibrator and a reception signal received from a single reflector. In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. One transmission signal S 1 and second transmission signal S 2 are continuously output, and these two transmission signals are given to the vibrator 11. In this transducer 11, the ultrasonic waves obtained from the respective transmission signals are synthesized, and the synthesized ultrasonic waves are transmitted to and received from the subject, and reception of the ultrasonic waves reflected from one reflector is received. The signal is like the received signal Rb in FIG. The waveform g 2 in FIG. 4 (B) is a leakage of the transmitted signal.

そして、実施例では、図４（Ａ）の第１送信信号Ｓ１から第２送信信号Ｓ２までの遅延量（時間）ｄを可変調整し、かつ図５のように、各送信信号Ｓ１，Ｓ２の振幅とパルス幅を可変調整することにより、図６乃至図８のように距離分解能や感度を高めることができる。図５（Ａ），（Ｂ）には、振幅を変化させた場合の例が示されており、例えば図５（Ａ）のように、振幅ａ１でパルス幅ｔ１からなる第１送信信号（パルス）Ｓ１と上記ａ１より小さい振幅ａ２（＝ａ１−ｘ）でパルス幅ｔ１からなる第２送信信号（パルス）Ｓ２を用いたり、図５（Ｂ）のように、振幅ａ１でパルス幅ｔ１からなる第１送信信号Ｓ１と上記ａ１より大きい振幅ａ３（＝ａ１＋ｘ）でパルス幅ｔ１からなる第２送信信号Ｓ２を用いたりすることができる。 In the embodiment, the delay amount (time) d from the first transmission signal S 1 to the second transmission signal S 2 in FIG. 4A is variably adjusted, and as shown in FIG. 5, each transmission signal S 1 by variably adjusting the amplitude of S 2 and the pulse width, it is possible to increase the range resolution and sensitivity as shown in FIGS. 6-8. 5A and 5B show examples in which the amplitude is changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first transmission signal having the amplitude a 1 and the pulse width t 1 is used. (pulse) or with S 1 and the a 1 is smaller than the amplitude a 2 (= a 1 -x) a pulse width t 1 in the second transmission signal (pulse) S 2, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), the be or with amplitude a first transmission signals S 1 including a pulse width t 1 at 1 and the a 1 is greater than the amplitude a 3 (= a 1 + x ) second transmission signal S 2 including a pulse width t 1 in it can.

図５（Ｃ），（Ｄ）には、パルス幅を変化させた場合の例が示されており、例えば図５（Ｃ）のように、振幅ａ１でパルス幅ｔ１からなる第１送信信号Ｓ１と振幅ａ１で上記ｔ１より短いパルス幅ｔ２（＝ｔ１−ｙ）からなる第２送信信号Ｓ２を用いたり、図５（Ｄ）のように、振幅ａ１でパルス幅ｔ１からなる第１送信信号Ｓ１と振幅ａ１で上記ｔ１より長いパルス幅ｔ３（＝ｔ１＋ｙ）からなる第２送信信号Ｓ２を用いたりすることができる。そして、この第１及び第２送信信号Ｓ１，Ｓ２においては振幅とパルス幅の両方を異なる値に設定することになる。 FIGS. 5C and 5D show an example in which the pulse width is changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the first transmission having the amplitude a 1 and the pulse width t 1 is performed. or using the signals S 1 and the amplitude a 1 in the t 1 is shorter than the pulse width t 2 (= t 1 -y) second transmission signal S 2 made of, as shown in FIG. 5 (D), the pulse amplitude a 1 or can use the second transmission signal S 2 consisting of the t 1 is longer than the pulse width t 3 (= t 1 + y ) in the first transmission signals S 1 and the amplitude a 1 consisting width t 1. Then, it will be set to different values for both amplitude and pulse width in the first and second transmission signals S 1, S 2.

図６には、距離分解能を高める超音波合成の波形が示されており、図６（Ａ）のように、振幅ａ１、パルス幅ｔ１の送信信号Ｓ０を用いる場合、この信号Ｓ０で形成される超音波（受信）波形は、図６（Ｂ）のように超音波発生期間Ｈａの波形Ｒ１となる。そして、図６（Ｃ）のように、この送信信号Ｓ０を第１送信信号Ｓ０１、第２送信信号Ｓ０２として、例えば予め調整された遅延量ｄ１の間隔を以って用いれば、図６（Ｄ）のように、振動子１１で発生する１回目の超音波波形Ｒ１に対する２回目の超音波波形Ｒ２の遅延量（時間）Ｄ１をＴ／４（Ｔ：超音波波形周期）とし、これらの超音波（波形Ｒ１とＲ２）を合成した波形Ｒ３の超音波（受信波）が得られる。この超音波波形Ｒ３は、超音波発生期間ＨａよりもＴ／４の時間だけ長くなるが、波高（振幅）が１回の送信信号Ｓ０で超音波を発生させる場合よりも高くなる。 FIG. 6 shows an ultrasonic synthesis waveform for increasing the distance resolution. When a transmission signal S 0 having an amplitude a 1 and a pulse width t 1 is used as shown in FIG. 6A, this signal S 0 is used. The ultrasonic wave (reception) waveform formed in ( 1 ) becomes the waveform R1 of the ultrasonic wave generation period Ha as shown in FIG. 6 (B). Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (C), the the transmission signal S 0 first transmission signal S 01, as the second transmission signal S 02, for example by using the preconditioned interval delay d 1 I than, as shown in FIG. 6 (D), 2 nd delay amount of the ultrasonic wave R 2 for ultrasonic waveform R 1 for the first time that occurs in the transducer 11 (time) D 1 T / 4 (T: ultrasonic wave period), and these ultrasound (ultrasonic (wave received waveform R 1 and R 2) waveform R 3 which was synthesized) is obtained. The ultrasonic wave R 3 is longer by T / 4 time than ultrasonic generation period Ha, it is higher than if the wave height (amplitude) generates the ultrasonic waves transmitted signal S 0 once.

ここで、図６（Ｄ）の超音波の振幅（波高）が図６（Ｂ）のレベルまで下がるように縮小すると、図６（Ｆ）の超音波波形Ｒｂ１で示されるように、その超音波発生期間Ｈｂ１が上記期間Ｈａよりも短くなることが分かる。そこで、実施例では、このような超音波波形が得られるように、図６（Ｅ）に示されるように、例えば図６（Ａ）の送信信号Ｓ０よりも小さい振幅ａ２（＜ａ１）及びパルス幅ｔ２（＜ｔ１）の第１送信信号Ｓ１と、上記ａ２よりも更に小さい振幅ａ３（＜ａ２）で、上記ｔ２よりも更に短いパルス幅ｔ３（＜ｔ２）の第２送信信号Ｓ２を用いることにより、超音波発生期間Ｈｂ１の短い超音波［図６（Ｆ）］を発生させ、これによって距離分解能を高めるようにしたものである。また、図６（Ｆ）において期間Ｈｂ１を従来よりも短くした上で、超音波の振幅を従来よりも高く維持することもでき、この場合は、探知感度も高くできることになる。なお、上記超音波間の遅延量はｎＴ／４（ｎ：奇数）とすれば、効率よく超音波発生期間Ｈｂ１を短くし、かつ振幅を高く維持することができる。 Here, when the amplitude (wave height) of the ultrasonic wave in FIG. 6 (D) is reduced so as to be lowered to the level in FIG. 6 (B), as shown by the ultrasonic waveform R b1 in FIG. It can be seen that the sound wave generation period Hb1 is shorter than the period Ha. Therefore, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6E, for example, an amplitude a 2 (<a 1 ) smaller than the transmission signal S 0 in FIG. ) And a first transmission signal S 1 having a pulse width t 2 (<t 1 ), an amplitude a 3 (<a 2 ) smaller than the above a 2 , and a pulse width t 3 (<< 2 ) shorter than the above t 2. By using the second transmission signal S 2 of t 2 ), an ultrasonic wave having a short ultrasonic wave generation period H b1 [FIG. 6F ] is generated, thereby improving the distance resolution. Further, in FIG. 6F , the period Hb1 can be made shorter than before, and the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave can be kept higher than before, and in this case, the detection sensitivity can be increased. If the delay amount between the ultrasonic waves is nT / 4 (n: odd number), the ultrasonic wave generation period Hb1 can be efficiently shortened and the amplitude can be maintained high.

図７には、距離分解能を高める他の超音波合成例が示されており、図６（Ｅ）のような第１送信信号Ｓ１とこのＳ１とは振幅やパルス幅が異なる第２送信信号Ｓ２を用いることにより、図７（Ａ）のように、超音波波形Ｒ４（実線）と超音波波形Ｒ５（点線）を合成することができる。この場合は、Ｒ４とＲ５の後側の波形が打ち消し合って、図７（Ｂ）のように、短い発生期間Ｈｂ２の超音波合成波が得られる。なお、図７（Ｂ）のｒｅで示されるように、超音波波形の後尾に小さな波形が残ることも生じるが、小さい波形であれば検出に影響を与えることはない。 Figure 7 shows another ultrasonic Synthesis Example increasing distance resolution is shown, first transmission signals S 1 Toko second transmission amplitude and pulse width different from the S 1 as shown in FIG. 6 (E) by using the signal S 2, as in FIG. 7 (a), it can be synthesized ultrasonic wave R 4 (solid line) and the ultrasonic wave R 5 (dotted line). In this case, the waveforms on the rear side of R 4 and R 5 cancel each other, and an ultrasonic synthesized wave having a short generation period H b2 is obtained as shown in FIG. 7B. Incidentally, as indicated by r e in FIG. 7 (B), but also occurs that a small wave to the end of the ultrasonic waveform remains, it does not affect the detection as long as it has a low waveform.

図８には、探知感度を高める場合の波形が示されており、この場合は、図８（Ａ）に示されるように、図６と同様に振幅ａ６でパルス幅ｔ６の第１送信信号Ｓ１と、上記ａ６よりも小さい振幅ａ７（＜ａ６）で、上記ｔ６よりも短いパルス幅ｔ７（＜ｔ６）の第２送信信号Ｓ２を用いることにより、図７（Ｂ）に示されるように、送信信号Ｓ１で発生する超音波波形Ｒ６（実線）に対し、送信信号Ｓ２で発生する超音波波形Ｒ７（点線）を略１サイクルの遅延量を以って合成する。即ち、第１送信信号Ｓ１に対し予め調整された遅延量ｄ３を以って第２送信信号Ｓ２を出力すれば、超音波波形Ｒ６とＲ７が約１サイクルのずれで合成され、図８（Ｃ）のように、振幅の高い超音波波形Ｒｂ３が得られる。この超音波波形Ｒｂ３は、その超音波発生期間Ｈｂ３が合成しない場合の期間Ｈａと比較して少し長くなるが、大きな振幅の超音波波形となるので、探知感度を向上させることができる。 8, there is shown a waveform when increasing the detection sensitivity, in this case, as shown in FIG. 8 (A), the first transmission pulse width t 6 at an amplitude a 6 similarly to FIG. 6 By using the signal S 1 and the second transmission signal S 2 having the amplitude a 7 (<a 6 ) smaller than the above a 6 and the pulse width t 7 (<t 6 ) shorter than the above t 6 , FIG. as shown (B), the relative ultrasonic waveform R 6 (solid lines) generated by the transmission signal S 1, the delay amount of approximately 1 cycle ultrasonic waveform R 7 a (dotted line) generated by the transmission signal S 2 Therefore, it is synthesized. That is, if the second transmission signal S 2 is output with the delay amount d 3 adjusted in advance with respect to the first transmission signal S 1 , the ultrasonic waveforms R 6 and R 7 are synthesized with a deviation of about one cycle. As shown in FIG. 8C, an ultrasonic waveform R b3 having a high amplitude is obtained. The ultrasonic wave R b3, the ultrasonic wave generation period H b3 but is slightly longer than the period H a when not combined, since the large amplitude of the ultrasonic wave, it is possible to improve the detection sensitivity .

上記実施例では、２回の送信信号Ｓ１，Ｓ２によって合成超音波を発生させる場合を説明したが、距離分解能又は探知感度の向上を図るために、３回以上の連続する送信（パルス）信号を用いて合成した超音波を同一超音波走査線（送受波方向）へ送受波することができる。 In the above-described embodiment, the case where the synthesized ultrasonic wave is generated by the two transmission signals S 1 and S 2 has been described. Ultrasound synthesized using a signal can be transmitted and received in the same ultrasonic scanning line (transmission / reception direction).

また、上記実施例では、距離分解能又は探知感度を高めるための、複数回の超音波送信の遅延量、送信の回数、送信信号の振幅やパルス幅を、プローブ識別コード（プローブの種類）又は選択・設定した超音波周波数、振動子等で決定する。即ち、超音波診断装置では振動子特性の異なる各種のプローブが用いられており、また発生させる超音波の周波数を選択できる場合等があり、これらの状況に合わせて最良の超音波波形を得ることが必要となる。従って、実施例では、プローブ識別コード又は異なる超音波周波数に対応した２回目以降の送信信号の遅延量（ｄ）とこの送信信号の出力回数、振幅及びパルス幅の情報を記憶・保持しており、接続したプローブの識別コードを判定したり、又は選択・設定されている超音波周波数を判定したりすることにより、この識別コードや超音波周波数に対応した送信信号の遅延量、回数、振幅及びパルス幅で超音波の送受波を制御することとなる。   Further, in the above embodiment, the probe identification code (probe type) or selection is made for the delay amount of the plurality of ultrasonic transmissions, the number of transmissions, the amplitude and pulse width of the transmission signal in order to increase the distance resolution or detection sensitivity.・ Determine by the set ultrasonic frequency, vibrator, etc. In other words, various types of probes having different transducer characteristics are used in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and there are cases where the frequency of the ultrasonic wave to be generated can be selected, and the best ultrasonic waveform is obtained in accordance with these situations. Is required. Therefore, in the embodiment, information on the delay amount (d) of the transmission signal for the second and subsequent times corresponding to the probe identification code or different ultrasonic frequencies and the number of output times, amplitude and pulse width of this transmission signal are stored and retained. By determining the identification code of the connected probe, or by determining the selected / set ultrasonic frequency, the delay amount, the number of times, the amplitude and the transmission signal corresponding to this identification code and ultrasonic frequency The transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves is controlled by the pulse width.

本発明の実施例に係る超音波診断装置全体の概略を示す回路ブロック図である。1 is a circuit block diagram showing an outline of an entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 実施例の送信部の１構成例を示す回路ブロック図である。It is a circuit block diagram which shows one structural example of the transmission part of an Example. 実施例の送信部の他の構成例を示す回路ブロック図である。It is a circuit block diagram which shows the other structural example of the transmission part of an Example. 実施例の１超音波走査線に対する送信信号［図（Ａ）］と受信信号［図（Ｂ）］を示す波形図である。It is a wave form diagram which shows the transmission signal [figure (A)] and the reception signal [figure (B)] with respect to 1 ultrasonic scanning line of an Example. 実施例の第１、第２送信信号において振幅を異なる値に設定する場合の例［図（Ａ），（Ｂ）］とパルス幅を異なる値に設定する場合の例［図（Ｃ），（Ｄ）］を示す波形図である。An example in which the amplitude is set to a different value in the first and second transmission signals of the embodiment [FIG. (A), (B)] and an example in which the pulse width is set to a different value [FIG. (C), ( D)] is a waveform diagram. 実施例において距離分解能を高めるための超音波波形合成を説明する拡大波形図である。It is an enlarged waveform diagram explaining the ultrasonic waveform synthesis | combination for improving distance resolution in an Example. 実施例において距離分解能を高めるための超音波波形合成の他の例を説明する拡大波形図である。It is an enlarged waveform diagram explaining the other example of the ultrasonic waveform synthesis | combination for improving distance resolution in an Example. 実施例において探知感度を高めるための超音波の波形合成を説明する波形図である。It is a wave form diagram explaining the waveform synthesis | combination of the ultrasonic wave for raising detection sensitivity in an Example. 従来の１超音波走査線に対する送信信号［図（Ａ）］と受信信号［図（Ｂ）］を示す波形図である。It is a wave form diagram which shows the transmission signal [figure (A)] and reception signal [figure (B)] with respect to the conventional 1 ultrasonic scanning line. 図９の送信信号［図（Ａ）］と受信信号［図（Ｂ）］の拡大波形図である。FIG. 10 is an enlarged waveform diagram of the transmission signal [FIG. (A)] and the reception signal [FIG. (B)] of FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１１…振動子、 １２…送信部、
１２ａ，１２ｄ，１２ｅ…送信回路、
１２ｂ，１２ｈ…遅延回路、
１２ｃ…振幅／パルス幅制御回路、
１２ｆ，１２ｇ…パルス幅制御回路、
１３…受信部、 １４…検波回路、
１６…ＤＳＣ（デジタルスキャンコンバータ）。 11 ... vibrator, 12 ... transmitter,
12a, 12d, 12e ... transmission circuit,
12b, 12h ... delay circuit,
12c: amplitude / pulse width control circuit,
12f, 12g ... pulse width control circuit,
13 ... receiver, 14 ... detector circuit,
16: DSC (digital scan converter).

Claims (2)

超音波を発生する少なくとも１つの振動子を有する探触子を備え、超音波断層像を形成する超音波診断装置において、
上記１つの振動子に対し、同一走査線期間の前回の送信信号で形成される超音波の発生期間内に今回の送信信号で形成される超音波を発生させるように複数回の送信信号を与えると共に、
この複数回のそれぞれの送信信号の振幅及びパルス幅を異なる値に調整し、かつ前回に続く今回の送信信号の遅延量を調整することにより、超音波波形を合成制御し、発生期間又は振幅を調整した超音波が得られるようにしたことを特徴とする超音波診断装置。 In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising a probe having at least one transducer for generating ultrasonic waves and forming an ultrasonic tomographic image,
A plurality of transmission signals are given to the single transducer so as to generate an ultrasonic wave formed by the current transmission signal within an ultrasonic wave generation period formed by the previous transmission signal in the same scanning line period. With
By adjusting the amplitude and pulse width of each of the multiple transmission signals to different values and adjusting the delay amount of the current transmission signal following the previous time, the ultrasonic waveform is synthesized and controlled, and the generation period or amplitude is adjusted. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that adjusted ultrasonic waves can be obtained. 上記超音波波形の合成制御は、発生期間及び振幅を調整した超音波が得られるようにしたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の超音波診断装置。   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic waveform synthesis control is configured to obtain an ultrasonic wave whose generation period and amplitude are adjusted.
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