JP4558354B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment Download PDF

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JP4558354B2
JP4558354B2 JP2004071239A JP2004071239A JP4558354B2 JP 4558354 B2 JP4558354 B2 JP 4558354B2 JP 2004071239 A JP2004071239 A JP 2004071239A JP 2004071239 A JP2004071239 A JP 2004071239A JP 4558354 B2 JP4558354 B2 JP 4558354B2
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transmission
temperature
ultrasonic
temperature information
variable
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JP2005253776A (en
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満之 中村
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Panasonic Corp
Panasonic Holdings Corp
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Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
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Description

本発明は、被検体に超音波を送信し、受信した反射波から断層像を得る超音波診断装置に関する。   The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that transmits an ultrasonic wave to a subject and obtains a tomographic image from a received reflected wave.

超音波探触子が、超音波を送信することで、その表面温度は上昇する。体腔内には熱を感じる神経が無いため、生体と接触する超音波探触子の表面温度の上昇は、低温やけどを引き起こす危険がある。そのため、被検体に適用される超音波探触子は、法律により表面温度が一定の温度を超えてはならないと規制されている。   The surface temperature rises when the ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic waves. Since there is no nerve that senses heat in the body cavity, an increase in the surface temperature of the ultrasound probe that comes into contact with the living body may cause low-temperature burns. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe applied to the subject is regulated by law that the surface temperature should not exceed a certain temperature.

特許文献１には、図５に示すように、超音波探触子の表面温度がわかるよう構成された超音波診断装置について記載されている。この超音波診断装置は、経食道用探触子１０１と本体１０２とから構成されている。経食道用探触子１０１は、超音波振動子アレイ１０３と、整合層１０４と、音響レンズ１０５と、バッキング層１０６と、ケーシング１０７と、温度センサ１０８とを有する。本体１０２は、線形化回路１０９と、信号処理部１１０と、制御部１１１と、表示部１１２とを有する。超音波振動子アレイ１０３の近傍に取り付けた温度センサ１０８より得られた信号を、線形化回路１０９および信号処理部１１０によって、経食道用探触子１０１の表面温度を検出する。検出した経食道用探触子１０１の表面温度を、制御部１１１によって表示部１１２に表示する。
特開平１０−１１８０６９号公報（第２−３頁、第１図） Patent Document 1 describes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to know the surface temperature of an ultrasonic probe as shown in FIG. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a transesophageal probe 101 and a main body 102. The transesophageal probe 101 includes an ultrasonic transducer array 103, a matching layer 104, an acoustic lens 105, a backing layer 106, a casing 107, and a temperature sensor 108. The main body 102 includes a linearization circuit 109, a signal processing unit 110, a control unit 111, and a display unit 112. A surface temperature of the transesophageal probe 101 is detected by a linearization circuit 109 and a signal processing unit 110 from a signal obtained from a temperature sensor 108 attached in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer array 103. The detected surface temperature of the transesophageal probe 101 is displayed on the display unit 112 by the control unit 111.
JP-A-10-118069 (page 2-3, FIG. 1)

従来の超音波診断装置において、超音波振動子駆動用信号の電圧、超音波の送信開口、または送信パルス繰り返し周波数、またはフレームレート、または送信周波数、または送信パルス数などが、検出した超音波探触子の表面温度に関わらず、一定であった。そのため、表面温度が上昇した場合には、超音波探触子への超音波振動子駆動用信号を変更しなければならない、または、診断を中断しなければならないという問題があった。   In a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe in which a voltage of an ultrasonic transducer driving signal, an ultrasonic transmission aperture, a transmission pulse repetition frequency, a frame rate, a transmission frequency, or the number of transmission pulses is detected. It was constant regardless of the surface temperature of the tentacles. Therefore, when the surface temperature rises, there is a problem that the ultrasonic transducer driving signal to the ultrasonic probe must be changed or the diagnosis must be interrupted.

本発明は、従来の問題を解決するためのもので、検出した超音波探触子の表面温度に応じて、超音波振動子を駆動する条件が自動的に変化して、超音波探触子の表面温度を適切な状態に維持することが可能な超音波診断装置を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention is for solving the conventional problems, and the condition for driving the ultrasonic transducer is automatically changed according to the detected surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe, so that the ultrasonic probe is changed. An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of maintaining the surface temperature of the apparatus in an appropriate state.

本発明の超音波診断装置は、超音波振動子と温度センサとを含み、被検体に接触する部材に前記温度センサを配置した超音波探触子と、前記温度センサからの信号を温度情報に変換する温度検出手段と、前記超音波振動子に送信信号を送ると共に受信信号を診断画像に変換する送受信手段と、前記診断画像を表示する表示手段と、前記送受信手段から前記超音波振動子への超音波振動子駆動用信号を制御する制御手段と、前記制御手段を操作するための操作パネルと、前記超音波振動子から送信される超音波の状態を決定する送信変数の値が温度に対応付けて記憶された温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルとを備え、前記送信変数は前記操作パネルから書きかえ可能であり、前記温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルは、送信電圧、送信開口、送信パルスの繰り返し周波数、フレームレート、送信周波数および送信パルス数から選択された複数種類を前記送信変数として記憶可能であり、前記制御手段は、前記温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルから前記温度情報に応じた前記送信変数を検出し、前記送受信手段に前記送信変数に応じた前記超音波振動子駆動信号を生成させることを特徴とする。 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention includes an ultrasonic transducer including an ultrasonic transducer and a temperature sensor, the ultrasonic sensor having the temperature sensor arranged on a member in contact with a subject, and a signal from the temperature sensor as temperature information. Temperature detecting means for conversion, transmission / reception means for sending a transmission signal to the ultrasonic transducer and converting a reception signal into a diagnostic image, display means for displaying the diagnostic image, and transmission / reception means to the ultrasonic transducer The control means for controlling the ultrasonic transducer driving signal, the operation panel for operating the control means, and the value of the transmission variable for determining the state of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator is the temperature. associates a stored temperature information pair transmission variable conversion table, wherein the transmission variables is available rewritten from the operation panel, the temperature information pair transmission variable conversion table, transmission voltage, transmission apertures, transmission A plurality of types selected from a repetition frequency, a frame rate, a transmission frequency, and the number of transmission pulses can be stored as the transmission variable, and the control unit responds to the temperature information from the temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table. The transmission variable is detected, and the transmission / reception means generates the ultrasonic transducer driving signal corresponding to the transmission variable.

この構成により、超音波探触子の表面温度が適切な温度に維持され、診断中に超音波を変更する必要が無い、または診断を中断する必要が無い。   With this configuration, the surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe is maintained at an appropriate temperature, and it is not necessary to change the ultrasonic wave during diagnosis or to interrupt the diagnosis.

また、検出した超音波探触子の表面温度に応じて送信電圧、送信開口、または送信パルス繰り返し周波数、またはフレームレート、または送信周波数、または送信パルス数などの送信変数を、制御手段が自動的に変化させることができる。また、法規制値が変更されても構成変更を伴わずに対応できる。
また、本発明の超音波診断装置において、前記温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルには、温度が高いほど、前記送信変数が送信電圧、送信開口、送信パルスの繰り返し周波数、フレームレート、送信パルス数の場合はより低い値が、前記送信変数が送信周波数の場合はより高い値が記憶されている構成にすることができる。 The transmission voltage in accordance with the surface temperature of the detected ultrasonic probe transmit aperture or transmission pulse repetition frequency, or frame rate or the transmission frequency, or the transmission variables, such as transmission pulse number, control means automatically It can Rukoto to be changed. Moreover , even if the legal regulation value is changed, it is possible to cope without changing the configuration.
In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, in the temperature information vs. transmission variable conversion table, the higher the temperature, the more the transmission variable includes transmission voltage, transmission aperture, transmission pulse repetition frequency, frame rate, and number of transmission pulses. In this case, a lower value can be stored, and a higher value can be stored when the transmission variable is a transmission frequency.

本発明の構成によれば、超音波探触子の表面温度に応じて、制御手段が送受信手段へ送信する送信信号を制御することにより、超音波探触子から送信される超音波は、自動的に変化する。これにより、超音波探触子の表面温度が、適切な温度に維持され、診断中に超音波を変更する必要が無い、または診断を中断する必要が無いという効果を有する。   According to the configuration of the present invention, the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic probe is automatically detected by controlling the transmission signal transmitted from the control unit to the transmission / reception unit according to the surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe. Changes. Thereby, the surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe is maintained at an appropriate temperature, and there is an effect that it is not necessary to change the ultrasonic wave during diagnosis or it is not necessary to interrupt the diagnosis.

以下、本発明の実施の形態の超音波診断装置について、図面を用いて説明する。   Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

（実施の形態１）
実施の形態１の超音波診断装置のブロック図を図１に示す。本実施の形態の超音波診断装置は、温度センサ３と超音波振動子２とで構成された超音波探触子１を含んでいる。温度センサ３は、超音波振動子２の近傍に配置されたサーミスタや熱電対などからなる。超音波探触子１の構造は、従来技術と実質的には同じであり、温度センサ３は被検体と接触する超音波探触子１の表面温度を検出する。温度検出手段４は、温度センサ３から得られる信号を、温度センサ３の温度特性に基づき温度情報信号に変換する。温度情報信号への変換方法として、温度検出手段４に温度センサ３の温度特性を数式化して記憶させて、または温度検出手段４のメモリ上に変換テーブルを記憶させて温度情報信号に変換する方法がある。 (Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 1 including a temperature sensor 3 and an ultrasonic transducer 2. The temperature sensor 3 is composed of a thermistor, a thermocouple, etc. disposed in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 2. The structure of the ultrasonic probe 1 is substantially the same as that of the prior art, and the temperature sensor 3 detects the surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe 1 in contact with the subject. The temperature detection means 4 converts the signal obtained from the temperature sensor 3 into a temperature information signal based on the temperature characteristics of the temperature sensor 3. As a method for converting to a temperature information signal, a method for converting the temperature characteristic of the temperature sensor 3 into a mathematical expression in the temperature detection means 4 or storing the conversion table in the memory of the temperature detection means 4 and converting it into a temperature information signal. There is.

送受信手段６は、超音波振動子２に超音波振動子駆動用信号を送信する。超音波振動子２は、超音波振動子駆動用信号の電気信号を超音波信号に変換し、被検体に超音波を送信し、被検体から反射された超音波信号を電気信号に変換する。また、送受信手段６は、超音波振動子２によって変換された電気信号を受信し、この電気信号を画像情報へ変換し、表示手段７で表示させる。温度検出手段４から出力される温度情報に応じて、制御手段５は、検出した温度が所定の範囲内の温度になるように、送受信手段６へ送信する送信電圧を自動的に変更する。操作パネル８により、制御手段５の設定を行うことができる。   The transmission / reception means 6 transmits an ultrasonic transducer driving signal to the ultrasonic transducer 2. The ultrasonic transducer 2 converts an electrical signal of the ultrasonic transducer driving signal into an ultrasonic signal, transmits the ultrasonic wave to the subject, and converts the ultrasonic signal reflected from the subject into an electrical signal. The transmission / reception means 6 receives the electrical signal converted by the ultrasonic transducer 2, converts the electrical signal into image information, and displays it on the display means 7. In accordance with the temperature information output from the temperature detection means 4, the control means 5 automatically changes the transmission voltage to be transmitted to the transmission / reception means 6 so that the detected temperature falls within a predetermined range. The control means 5 can be set by the operation panel 8.

温度検出手段４から入力された温度情報に応じて、超音波振動子２の駆動条件を設定するために、制御手段５が、送受信手段６へ送信する送信電圧を設定する方法を、図２にフロー図で示す。ここで図１に示す制御手段５は、温度情報が４３．０℃以上、４２．０℃〜４２．９℃、４０．０℃〜４１．９℃、３９．９℃以下である場合に、送信電圧をそれぞれ最大送信電圧に対して、０％、７０％、８０％、１００％に設定するようになっている。制御手段５は、温度検出手段４から超音波探触子１の温度情報を得ると、ステップＳ１１にてその温度情報が４３℃以上であるか否かを判断する。４３℃以上であれば、ステップＳ１４に進み、最大送信電圧に対して送信電圧を０％に設定する。温度情報が４２．９℃以下であれば、ステップＳ１２に進み、制御手段５は、温度情報が４２．０℃から４２．９℃の範囲内であるか否かを判断する。温度情報がこの範囲内にあればステップＳ１５に進み、最大送信電圧に対して送信電圧を７０％に設定する。   FIG. 2 shows a method in which the control means 5 sets the transmission voltage to be transmitted to the transmission / reception means 6 in order to set the driving conditions of the ultrasonic transducer 2 in accordance with the temperature information input from the temperature detection means 4. Shown in the flow diagram. Here, when the temperature information is 43.0 ° C. or higher, 42.0 ° C. to 42.9 ° C., 40.0 ° C. to 41.9 ° C., or 39.9 ° C. or lower, the control means 5 shown in FIG. The transmission voltage is set to 0%, 70%, 80%, and 100% with respect to the maximum transmission voltage, respectively. When the control unit 5 obtains the temperature information of the ultrasonic probe 1 from the temperature detection unit 4, it determines whether or not the temperature information is 43 ° C. or higher in step S11. If it is 43 degrees C or more, it will progress to Step S14 and will set a transmission voltage to 0% to a maximum transmission voltage. If the temperature information is 42.9 ° C. or less, the process proceeds to step S12, and the control means 5 determines whether or not the temperature information is within the range of 42.0 ° C. to 42.9 ° C. If the temperature information is within this range, the process proceeds to step S15, and the transmission voltage is set to 70% with respect to the maximum transmission voltage.

さらに、温度情報が４１．９℃以下であればステップＳ１３に進み、制御手段５は、温度情報が４０．０℃から４１．９℃の範囲内であるか否かを判断する。温度情報がその範囲内であればステップＳ１６に進み、制御手段５は最大送信電圧に対して送信電圧を８０％に設定する。温度情報がその範囲外であればステップＳ１７に進み、制御手段５は最大送信電圧に対して送信電圧を１００％に設定する。制御手段５は、ステップＳ１４、ステップＳ１５、ステップＳ１６、ステップＳ１７で送信電圧を設定すると新たな温度情報が得られるまで待機し、温度情報が得られるとステップＳ１１に戻る。   Further, if the temperature information is 41.9 ° C. or lower, the process proceeds to step S13, and the control means 5 determines whether or not the temperature information is within the range of 40.0 ° C. to 41.9 ° C. If the temperature information is within the range, the process proceeds to step S16, and the control means 5 sets the transmission voltage to 80% with respect to the maximum transmission voltage. If the temperature information is outside the range, the process proceeds to step S17, and the control means 5 sets the transmission voltage to 100% with respect to the maximum transmission voltage. The control means 5 waits until new temperature information is obtained when the transmission voltage is set in step S14, step S15, step S16, and step S17, and returns to step S11 when the temperature information is obtained.

以上のとおり、本実施の形態の超音波診断装置において、制御手段５は、温度検出手段４から出力される温度情報に応じて、送信電圧を自動的に変更する。そのため、診断中に超音波探触子の送信電圧を変更する必要が無い、または診断を中断する必要が無いという効果を有する超音波診断装置を提供することができる。   As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, the control unit 5 automatically changes the transmission voltage according to the temperature information output from the temperature detection unit 4. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that has an effect that it is not necessary to change the transmission voltage of the ultrasonic probe during diagnosis or it is not necessary to interrupt the diagnosis.

本実施の形態において、制御手段５が温度検出手段４から出力される温度情報に応じて送信電圧を自動的に変更する例を挙げて説明したが、送信電圧以外にも、超音波の送信開口、または送信パルスの繰り返し周波数、またはフレームレート、または送信周波数、または送信パルス数などの超音波探触子の表面温度を決定する他の送信変数を自動的に変更しても良い。   In the present embodiment, the example in which the control unit 5 automatically changes the transmission voltage according to the temperature information output from the temperature detection unit 4 has been described. However, in addition to the transmission voltage, an ultrasonic transmission opening is also provided. Or other transmission variables that determine the surface temperature of the ultrasound probe, such as the repetition frequency of the transmitted pulse, or the frame rate, or the transmitted frequency, or the number of transmitted pulses may be automatically changed.

（実施の形態２）
実施の形態２の超音波診断装置のブロック図を図３に示す。本実施の形態の超音波診断装置は、温度情報対送信変数変換テーブル１０が制御手段９に接続されている点において、実施の形態１の超音波診断装置と相違する。温度情報対送信変数変換テーブル１０は、制御手段９から参照される。他の構成は、図１と同じであり同じ符号を付して説明する。 (Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is different from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment in that the temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table 10 is connected to the control means 9. The temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table 10 is referred to by the control means 9. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

温度情報対送信変数変換テーブル１０には、温度情報別送信変数の値が記憶されている。温度情報別送信変数の値は、超音波探触子１の表面温度が所定の範囲内になるように設定されている。温度情報対送信変数変換テーブル１０のデータの一例を（表１）に示す。表中のＰＲＦは、送信パルスの繰り返し周波数を示す。   The temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table 10 stores the value of the transmission variable for each temperature information. The value of the transmission variable for each temperature information is set so that the surface temperature of the ultrasound probe 1 falls within a predetermined range. An example of data of the temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table 10 is shown in (Table 1). PRF in the table indicates the repetition frequency of the transmission pulse.

Figure 0004558354
Figure 0004558354

制御手段９は、温度検出手段４からの温度情報に応じて、温度情報対送信変数変換テーブル１０から送信変数を得る。そして、制御手段９は、送受信手段６へ送信変数を送信する。温度情報対送信変数変換テーブル１０に記憶された送信変数は表示手段７に表示され、操作パネル８でユーザが送信変数の値を書きかえることが可能である。   The control unit 9 obtains a transmission variable from the temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table 10 in accordance with the temperature information from the temperature detection unit 4. Then, the control unit 9 transmits the transmission variable to the transmission / reception unit 6. The transmission variable stored in the temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table 10 is displayed on the display means 7, and the user can rewrite the value of the transmission variable on the operation panel 8.

温度検出手段４からの温度情報に応じて、超音波振動子２の駆動条件を設定するために、制御装置９は、送信手段６へ送信する送信変数を設定する方法を図４にフロー図で示す。制御手段９が、温度検出手段４から超音波探触子１の表面温度情報を得ると、ステップＳ３１にて温度情報が４３℃以上であるか否かを判断する。４３℃以上であればステップＳ３４に進み、制御手段９は、送信変数を温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルを参照し４３℃以上のときの送信変数に設定する。次に温度情報が４２．９℃以下ならステップＳ３２に進み、制御手段９は、温度情報が４２．０℃から４２．９℃の範囲内であるか否かを判断する。温度情報が、この範囲内であればステップＳ３５に進み、制御手段９は、送信変数を温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルを参照し４２．０℃から４２．９℃のときの送信変数に設定する。   In order to set the driving condition of the ultrasonic transducer 2 in accordance with the temperature information from the temperature detecting means 4, the control device 9 shows a method of setting a transmission variable to be transmitted to the transmitting means 6 in a flow chart in FIG. Show. When the control means 9 obtains the surface temperature information of the ultrasonic probe 1 from the temperature detection means 4, it is determined in step S31 whether the temperature information is 43 ° C. or higher. If it is 43 degreeC or more, it will progress to step S34 and the control means 9 will set a transmission variable to a transmission variable when it is 43 degreeC or more with reference to a temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table. Next, if the temperature information is 42.9 ° C. or lower, the process proceeds to step S32, and the control means 9 determines whether or not the temperature information is within the range of 42.0 ° C. to 42.9 ° C. If the temperature information is within this range, the process proceeds to step S35, and the control means 9 refers to the temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table and sets the transmission variable as the transmission variable at 42.0 ° C to 42.9 ° C. .

さらに、温度情報が、４１．９℃以下であればステップＳ３３に進み、制御手段９が、温度情報が４０．０℃から４１．９℃の範囲内であるか否かを判断する。温度情報がその範囲内にあればステップＳ３６に進み、制御手段９は、送信変数を温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルを参照し４０．０℃から４１．９℃のときの送信変数に設定する。温度情報がその範囲外であればステップＳ３７に進み、制御手段９は、送信変数を温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルを参照し３９．９℃以下のときの送信変数に設定する。ステップＳ３４、ステップＳ３５、ステップＳ３６、ステップＳ３７で送信変数を設定すると新たな温度情報が得られるまで待機し、温度情報が得られるとステップＳ３１に戻る。   Further, if the temperature information is 41.9 ° C. or lower, the process proceeds to step S33, and the control means 9 determines whether or not the temperature information is within the range of 40.0 ° C. to 41.9 ° C. If the temperature information is within the range, the process proceeds to step S36, and the control means 9 sets the transmission variable to the transmission variable at 40.0 ° C to 41.9 ° C with reference to the temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table. If the temperature information is outside the range, the process proceeds to step S37, and the control means 9 refers to the temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table and sets the transmission variable as a transmission variable at 39.9 ° C. or lower. If a transmission variable is set in step S34, step S35, step S36, or step S37, the process waits until new temperature information is obtained. If temperature information is obtained, the process returns to step S31.

法律で定める超音波探触子の表面温度の規制値は、改正される可能性がある。この構成によれば送信変数は、温度に応じて自動的に変化するので、法規制値が変更されても、温度情報対送信変数変換テーブル１０における送信変数の設定を変更すれば、構成の変更を伴わずに対応できるという効果が得られる。   The regulation value of the surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe stipulated by law may be revised. According to this configuration, the transmission variable automatically changes according to the temperature. Therefore, even if the legal regulation value is changed, the configuration change can be made by changing the setting of the transmission variable in the temperature information-transmission variable conversion table 10. The effect that it can respond without accompanying is acquired.

表１では温度に応じて４段階で切り替えているが、もっと細かく設定しても良い。また、送信変数は上記に示したものに限定されず、全ての送信変数を変化させる必要もない。また、体腔内用超音波探触子について説明したが、熱を感じる神経がある体表についても低温やけどについて危険性があるため、超音波探触子は体表用のものであってもよい。   In Table 1, switching is performed in four stages according to the temperature, but it may be set more finely. Also, the transmission variables are not limited to those shown above, and it is not necessary to change all the transmission variables. In addition, the ultrasonic probe for body cavity has been described, but the ultrasonic probe may be for the body surface because there is a danger of low-temperature burns on the body surface with nerves that feel heat. .

本発明の超音波診断装置は、診断中に超音波探触子の送信変数を変更する必要が無い、または診断を中断する必要が無いという効果を有し、被検体に超音波を送信して反射波から断層像を得る超音波診断装置等として有用である。   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention has an effect that it is not necessary to change a transmission variable of an ultrasonic probe during diagnosis or there is no need to interrupt diagnosis, and transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject. It is useful as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image from reflected waves.

また、書き換えができる温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルを設けることにより、法規制値が変更されても、構成変更を伴わずに対応でき、更に有用性が向上する。   In addition, by providing a temperature information vs. transmission variable conversion table that can be rewritten, even if the legal regulation value is changed, it is possible to cope without changing the configuration, and the usability is further improved.

本発明の実施の形態１における超音波診断装置のブロック図1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 本発明の実施の形態１における超音波診断装置の動作説明のためのフロー図Flow chart for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 本発明の実施の形態２における超音波診断装置のブロック図Block diagram of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention 本発明の実施の形態２における超音波診断装置の動作説明のためのフロー図Flow chart for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 従来の超音波診断装置のブロック図Block diagram of conventional ultrasonic diagnostic equipment

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 超音波探触子
２ 超音波振動子
３ 温度センサ
４ 温度検出手段
５、９ 制御手段
６ 表示手段
７ 送受信手段
８ 操作パネル
１０ 温度情報対送信変数変換テーブル
１０１ 経食道用探触子
１０２ 本体
１０３ 振動子アレイ
１０４ 整合層
１０５ 音響レンズ
１０６ バッキング層
１０７ ケーシング
１０８ 温度センサ
１０９ 線形化回路
１１０ 信号処理部
１１１ 制御部
１１２ 表示部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Ultrasonic transducer 3 Temperature sensor 4 Temperature detection means 5, 9 Control means 6 Display means 7 Transmission / reception means 8 Operation panel 10 Temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table 101 Transesophageal probe 102 Main body 103 Vibrator array 104 Matching layer 105 Acoustic lens 106 Backing layer 107 Casing 108 Temperature sensor 109 Linearization circuit 110 Signal processing unit 111 Control unit 112 Display unit

Claims (2)

超音波振動子と温度センサとを含み、被検体に接触する部材に前記温度センサを配置した超音波探触子と、
前記温度センサからの信号を温度情報に変換する温度検出手段と、
前記超音波振動子に送信信号を送ると共に受信信号を診断画像に変換する送受信手段と、
前記診断画像を表示する表示手段と、
前記送受信手段から前記超音波振動子への超音波振動子駆動用信号を制御する制御手段と、
前記制御手段を操作するための操作パネルと、
前記超音波振動子から送信される超音波の状態を決定する送信変数の値が温度に対応付けて記憶された温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルとを備え、
前記送信変数は前記操作パネルから書きかえ可能であり、
前記温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルは、送信電圧、送信開口、送信パルスの繰り返し周波数、フレームレート、送信周波数および送信パルス数から選択された複数種類を前記送信変数として記憶可能であり、
前記制御手段は、前記温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルから前記温度情報に応じた前記送信変数を検出し、前記送受信手段に前記送信変数に応じた前記超音波振動子駆動信号を生成させることを特徴とする超音波診断装置。 An ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer and a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged on a member in contact with a subject;
Temperature detection means for converting a signal from the temperature sensor into temperature information;
A transmission / reception means for transmitting a transmission signal to the ultrasonic transducer and converting the reception signal into a diagnostic image;
Display means for displaying the diagnostic image;
Control means for controlling an ultrasonic transducer driving signal from the transmitting / receiving means to the ultrasonic transducer;
An operation panel for operating the control means;
A temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table in which a value of a transmission variable for determining a state of an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer is stored in association with a temperature;
The transmission variable can be rewritten from the operation panel,
The temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table can store a plurality of types selected from transmission voltage, transmission aperture, transmission pulse repetition frequency, frame rate, transmission frequency and number of transmission pulses as the transmission variable,
The control means detects the transmission variable according to the temperature information from the temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table, and causes the transmission / reception means to generate the ultrasonic transducer driving signal according to the transmission variable. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. 前記温度情報対送信変数変換テーブルには、温度が高いほど、前記送信変数が送信電圧、送信開口、送信パルスの繰り返し周波数、フレームレート、送信パルス数の場合はより低い値が、前記送信変数が送信周波数の場合はより高い値が記憶されている請求項１記載の超音波診断装置。   In the temperature information versus transmission variable conversion table, the higher the temperature, the lower the value when the transmission variable is a transmission voltage, transmission aperture, transmission pulse repetition frequency, frame rate, and number of transmission pulses. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a higher value is stored for the transmission frequency.
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