Power supply device for generating push wave

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a power supply device for generating a push wave, which transmits a push wave of a sufficient size to biological tissue to measure elasticity. The push wave generating power supply device is provided with a positive power supply and a negative power supply as power supplies for outputting power supplied to a pulse generator circuit to which an ultrasonic transducer is connected. The push wave generating power supply device includes a positive electrode capacitor and a negative electrode capacitor as capacitors for accumulating power supplied from the positive electrode power supply and the negative electrode power supply. The power supply device for generating the push wave is further provided with a variable constant voltage circuit provided between the positive electrode capacitor and the pulse generator circuit, and a variable constant voltage circuit provided between the negative electrode capacitor and the pulse generator circuit. The pulse generator circuit outputs the positive and negative pulse voltage as a push wave transmission signal to the ultrasonic vibrator, and the ultrasonic vibrator transmits a push wave in accordance with the push wave transmission signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply device for generating a push wave, and in particular to a power supply device for transmitting a push wave from an ultrasonic vibrator. Background Art

[0002] There is an ultrasonic diagnostic device that generates shear waves in the living tissue of a subject, measures the propagation velocity of the shear waves, and measures the elastic properties of the living tissue based on the propagation velocity of the shear waves. In the ultrasonic diagnostic device, a push wave is sent to the living tissue from an ultrasonic transducer or the like, and the shear wave is excited to the living tissue by the push wave. The displacement caused by the shear wave at each point in the living tissue is measured by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, thereby measuring the propagation velocity of the shear wave, and the elastic properties of the living tissue are measured based on the propagation velocity of the shear wave.

[0003] The following Patent Documents 1 to 3 show circuit configurations for transmitting a push wave from an ultrasonic transducer to a living tissue.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-73452

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-58251

[0006] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-191798

[0007] As a circuit structure for causing an ultrasonic vibrator to generate a push wave, there is a circuit structure in which electric charge is accumulated in a capacitor, as described in Patent Document 2. The capacitor is charged from a variable voltage power supply via a constant current source, and a transmission signal is output from a transceiver to the ultrasonic vibrator by the energy of the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor. The ultrasonic vibrator transmits a push wave according to the transmission signal.

[0008] When generating shear waves in living tissue, a transmission signal with a wavelength of several hundred μsec is used as a push wave. Since the charge of the capacitor decreases during the transmission of the push wave, the charging voltage gradually decreases, and sometimes a drop phenomenon occurs, such as a decrease in the size of the transmitted push wave as the charging voltage decreases. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to send a push wave of sufficient magnitude to living tissue to measure elasticity.

[0010] The present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a power supply that outputs power supplied to a pulse generating circuit connected to an ultrasonic vibrator; a capacitor that stores the power supplied from the power supply; and a constant voltage circuit that is arranged between the capacitor and the pulse generating circuit, wherein the pulse generating circuit outputs a transmission signal to the ultrasonic vibrator, and the ultrasonic vibrator transmits a propulsion wave according to the transmission signal.

[0011] Preferably, the power supply charges the capacitor with a voltage greater than an output voltage of the constant voltage circuit every time the pulse generation circuit outputs the transmission signal to the ultrasound transducer a plurality of times.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the power supply device for generating a thrust wave is detachably installed on an ultrasonic diagnostic device, the ultrasonic diagnostic device comprising a first power supply, an ultrasonic vibrator, a pulse generating circuit connected to the ultrasonic vibrator, and a main power supply path for transmitting power from the first power supply to the pulse generating circuit when an ultrasonic image is acquired, the power supply device for generating a thrust wave comprises: a second power supply for outputting power supplied to the pulse generating circuit; a capacitor for accumulating the supply power; a constant voltage circuit provided between the capacitor and the pulse generating circuit; and a current blocker / regulator provided between the constant voltage circuit and the pulse generating circuit, the downstream end of the current blocker / regulator being connected to the main power supply path, the pulse generating circuit outputs a transmission signal to the ultrasonic vibrator through the power transmitted via the current blocker / regulator, and the ultrasonic vibrator transmits a thrust wave to living tissue through the transmission signal.

[0013] Preferably, the main power path includes a main power path current blocker / regulator disposed between the first power source and the pulse generating circuit, and a downstream end of the current blocker / regulator is connected between the main power path current blocker / regulator and the pulse generating circuit.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the power supply device for generating a thrust wave is detachably installed on an ultrasonic diagnostic device, the ultrasonic diagnostic device comprising a power supply, an ultrasonic vibrator, a pulse generating circuit connected to the ultrasonic vibrator, and a main power supply path for transmitting power from the power supply to the pulse generating circuit when an ultrasonic image is acquired, the power supply device for generating a thrust wave comprises: a capacitor for storing power output from the power supply and supplied to the pulse generating circuit; a constant voltage circuit arranged between the capacitor and the pulse generating circuit; and a current blocker / regulator arranged between the constant voltage circuit and the pulse generating circuit, the downstream end of the current blocker / regulator being connected to the main power supply path, the pulse generating circuit outputs a sending signal to the ultrasonic vibrator through the power transmitted via the current blocker / regulator, and the ultrasonic vibrator sends a thrust wave to living tissue through the sending signal.

[0015] Preferably, the main power path has a main power path current blocker / regulator disposed between the power source and the pulse generating circuit, and a downstream end of the current blocker / regulator is connected between the main power path current blocker / regulator and the pulse generating circuit.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, a push wave of sufficient magnitude can be transmitted to living tissue to measure elasticity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structure of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a pulse generator circuit, an ultrasonic vibrator, and a power supply device for generating a thrust wave.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a variable constant voltage circuit.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the voltages of various parts of the power supply device for thrust wave generation.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the voltages of various parts of the power supply device for thrust wave generation.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an analysis operation power supply device, a pulse generator circuit, an ultrasonic vibrator, and a propulsion wave generation power supply device.

[0024] Figure 7 This diagram shows the power supply device for analysis operation, the pulse generator circuit, the ultrasonic vibrator, and the external power supply circuit.

[0025] Figure 8 This diagram shows the power supply device for analysis operation, the pulse generator circuit, the ultrasonic vibrator, and the external power supply circuit.

[0026] Explanation of symbols

[0027] 10-probe driving unit, 12-ultrasonic probe, 18-receiving unit, 20-control unit, 30-display unit, 32-subject, 40, 80-positive power supply, 42, 48, 68, 82-constant current circuit, 44, 50, 58-variable constant voltage circuit, 46-negative power supply, 52, 72-power supply device for push wave generation, 54-pulse generator circuit, 56-ultrasonic vibrator, 60-first positive power supply, 62-first variable constant voltage circuit, 64, 88-power supply device for analysis operation, 66-second positive power supply, 70 -The second variable constant voltage circuit, 86-the first rectifier, 90-the second rectifier, 92, 94-external power supply circuit, 100-ultrasonic diagnostic device, 200-continuous positive and negative pulse voltage, 300-transistor, 302-the first voltage dividing resistor, 304-the second voltage dividing resistor, 306-control terminal, 308-comparator, Cp-positive capacitor, Cn-negative capacitor, S1, S2-switching elements, SB-switching bridge, Tp-positive terminal, Tn-negative terminal, In-input terminal, Out-output terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings. The same components shown in multiple drawings are marked with the same symbols and their descriptions are simplified. The terms indicating directions such as "up", "down", "left", and "right" in this specification indicate directions in the drawings. These terms indicating directions are used for convenience of description and do not limit the postures when configuring the components. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the term "voltage" in this specification indicates a voltage based on the potential of the ground conductor.

[0029] exist Figure 1 2 shows the structure of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a probe driving unit 10, an ultrasonic probe 12, a receiving unit 18, a control unit 20, a display unit 30, and a power supply unit 34. The probe driving unit 10, the ultrasonic probe 12, the receiving unit 18, the control unit 20, the display unit 30, and the power supply unit 34 may be hardware composed of circuit elements. The control unit 20 may include a processor that executes a pre-stored program. The power supply unit 34 supplies power to the probe driving unit 10, the receiving unit 18, the control unit 20, and the display unit 30.

[0030] The probe driving unit 10 outputs a push wave transmission signal and an analysis wave transmission signal to the ultrasonic probe 12 at different time periods according to the control of the control unit 20. The push wave transmission signal is a signal that transmits a push wave (ultrasonic wave pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 12 in order to excite a shear wave. The analysis wave transmission signal is a signal that transmits an analysis ultrasonic wave such as a tracking wave for elasticity analysis and an ultrasonic wave for generating a B-mode image to the ultrasonic probe 12. The ultrasonic probe 12 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The probe driving unit 10 can output a push wave transmission signal or an analysis wave transmission signal to a required ultrasonic transducer among the plurality of ultrasonic transducers.

[0031] The ultrasonic probe 12 transmits a push wave to the subject 32 according to the push wave transmission signal output from the probe driving unit 10, and excites a shear wave to the subject 32. The ultrasonic probe 12 transmits an analytical ultrasonic wave for observing the state of the living tissue of the subject 32 or the propagation state of the shear wave based on the analytical wave transmission signal output from the probe driving unit 10. Each ultrasonic transducer provided in the ultrasonic probe 12 receives the reflected ultrasonic wave generated by the reflection in the subject 32, converts it into a reception signal as an electrical signal, and outputs it to the receiving unit 18.

[0032] The receiving unit 18 generates an analysis signal by performing a synthesis process such as phase addition on the reception signals output from each ultrasonic transducer under the control of the control unit 20, and outputs the analysis signal to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 generates elastic image data representing elastic characteristics based on the analysis signal, and displays an elastic image based on the elastic image data on the display unit 30. The elastic image may be, for example, an image in which a color representing the hardness of living tissue is added to a B-mode image.

[0033] exist Figure 2 , a power supply device 52 for thrust wave generation, a pulse generator circuit 54, and an ultrasonic transducer 56 included in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 are shown together. Figure 2 The ultrasonic vibrator 56 shown is Figure 1 The power supply device 52 for generating a propulsion wave can be configured as one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers provided in the ultrasonic probe 12. Figure 1 The power supply unit 34 of the push wave generation device 52 includes a positive power supply 40, a constant current circuit 42, a positive capacitor Cp, a variable constant voltage circuit 44, a negative power supply 46, a constant current circuit 48, a negative capacitor Cn and a variable constant voltage circuit 50. The output terminal of the positive power supply 40 is connected to the upper end of the positive capacitor Cp via the constant current circuit 42. The lower end of the positive capacitor Cp is connected to the ground conductor. The upper end of the positive capacitor Cp is also connected to the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54 via the variable constant voltage circuit 44.

[0034] The output terminal of the negative power supply 46 is connected to the upper end of the negative capacitor Cn via the constant current circuit 48. The lower end of the negative capacitor Cn is connected to the ground conductor. The upper end of the negative capacitor Cn is also connected to the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54 via the variable constant voltage circuit 50.

[0035] The pulse generator circuit 54 is a pulse generating circuit having a switch bridge SB composed of two switch elements S1 and S2. The two switch elements S1 and S2 are connected in series. In the switch bridge SB, the upper terminal of the upper switch element S1 becomes a positive terminal Tp, and the lower terminal of the lower switch element S2 becomes a negative terminal Tn. As the switch elements S1 and S2, bipolar transistors or field effect transistors can be used.

[0036] When two bipolar transistors are used as the switching elements S1 and S2, each bipolar transistor is turned on or off by controlling the potential of the base of each bipolar transistor by the control unit 20. When two field effect transistors are used as the switching elements S1 and S2, each field effect transistor is turned on or off by controlling the potential of the gate of each field effect transistor by the control unit 20.

[0037] An ultrasonic vibrator 56 is connected between the connection point of the upper switch element S1 and the lower switch element S2 and the ground conductor. In addition, as described above, the ultrasonic probe 12 has a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators. A plurality of switch bridges SB corresponding to the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators are connected in parallel, and an ultrasonic vibrator is connected to each switch bridge SB. Here, the operation of the power supply device 52 for propulsion generation is shown with attention paid to one ultrasonic vibrator 56 among the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.

[0038] The positive power supply 40 outputs a constant voltage that is positive with respect to the potential of the ground conductor to the constant current circuit 42. The constant current circuit 42 outputs a current to the positive capacitor Cp and the variable constant voltage circuit 44. The negative power supply 46 outputs a constant voltage that is negative with respect to the potential of the ground conductor to the constant current circuit 48. The constant current circuit 48 outputs a current to the negative capacitor Cn and the variable constant voltage circuit 50.

[0039] Control unit 20( Figure 1 ) The target voltage Vd outputted by the variable constant voltage circuit 44 and the variable constant voltage circuit 50 is determined according to the magnitude of the push wave transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator 56 and other conditions. * and -Vd * , and controls the variable constant voltage circuit 44 and the variable constant voltage circuit 50.

[0040] The variable constant voltage circuit 44 outputs a voltage Vd which is positive with respect to the potential of the ground conductor to the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54 based on the inter-terminal voltage VD of the positive capacitor Cp according to the control of the control unit 20. The variable constant voltage circuit 50 outputs a voltage -Vd which is negative with respect to the potential of the ground conductor to the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54 according to the control of the control unit 20 based on the inter-terminal voltage -VD of the negative capacitor Cn.

[0041] The switch bridge SB provided in the pulse generator circuit 54 is switched according to the control of the control unit 20. For example, the control unit 20 keeps the lower switch element S2 off and turns on the upper switch element S1 for only a predetermined time, and then keeps the upper switch element S1 off and turns on the lower switch element S2 for only a predetermined time, thereby applying a positively and negatively oscillating pulse voltage (positive and negative pulse voltage) as a push wave transmission signal to the ultrasonic vibrator 56. As a result, the push wave is transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator 56 to the subject 32.

[0042] Thus, the push wave generation power supply device 52 includes a positive power supply 40 and a negative power supply 46 as power supplies for outputting power supplied to a pulse generator circuit 54 (pulse generation circuit) connected to an ultrasonic vibrator 56. Furthermore, the push wave generation power supply device 52 includes a positive capacitor Cp and a negative capacitor Cn as capacitors for storing power supplied from the positive power supply 40 and the negative power supply 46. The push wave generation power supply device 52 further includes a variable constant voltage circuit 44 (constant voltage circuit) provided between the positive capacitor Cp and the pulse generator circuit 54, and a variable constant voltage circuit 50 (constant voltage circuit) provided between the negative capacitor Cn and the pulse generator circuit 54. The pulse generator circuit 54 outputs positive and negative pulse voltages as push wave transmission signals to the ultrasonic vibrator 56, and the ultrasonic vibrator 56 transmits a push wave according to the push wave transmission signal.

[0043] When performing elasticity analysis, for example, a continuous transmission operation of transmitting a push wave to the subject 32 is repeated multiple times at a predetermined transmission cycle T. In this case, the control unit 20 controls the switch bridge SB to switch the switch to apply positive and negative pulse voltages to the ultrasonic transducer 56 multiple times at a predetermined transmission cycle T.

[0044] exist Figure 3, a circuit structure example of a variable constant voltage circuit 58 used as a variable constant voltage circuit 44 and a variable constant voltage circuit 50 is shown. The variable constant voltage circuit 58 includes a transistor 300, a first voltage-dividing resistor 302, a second voltage-dividing resistor 304, a comparator 308, and a control terminal 306. The output terminal of the comparator 308 is connected to the base of the transistor 300. The first voltage-dividing resistor 302 and the second voltage-dividing resistor 304 are connected in series and connected between the output terminal Out and the ground conductor. The voltage-dividing point as the connection point of the first voltage-dividing resistor 302 and the second voltage-dividing resistor 304 is connected to the negative terminal of the comparator 308. The control terminal 306 is connected to the positive terminal of the comparator 308.

[0045] The comparator 308 outputs a voltage to the base of the transistor 300 according to a difference voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage at the voltage dividing point of the first voltage dividing resistor 302 and the second voltage dividing resistor 304 from the control voltage applied to the control terminal 306. The transistor 300 allows a current to flow from the input terminal In to the output terminal Out according to the base voltage determined by the output voltage of the comparator 308. The control unit 20 outputs the control voltage to the control terminal 306. The control unit 20 adjusts the voltage of the output terminal Out by changing the control voltage.

[0046] exist Figure 4 (a) to (e) respectively show the time waveforms of the voltage VD between the terminals of the positive capacitor Cp, the voltage Vd at the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54, the push-wave transmission signal TX applied from the pulse generator circuit 54 to the ultrasonic vibrator 56, the voltage -Vd at the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54, and the voltage -VD between the terminals of the negative capacitor Cn.

[0047] The push-wave transmission signal TX is a voltage in which the continuous positive and negative pulse voltages 200 connected continuously on the time axis are repeated at a transmission period T. Whenever the continuous positive and negative pulse voltages 200 are applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 56, based on the charge accumulated in the positive electrode capacitor Cp, a current flows to the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54 via the variable constant voltage circuit 44. And whenever the continuous positive and negative pulse voltages 200 are applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 56, based on the charge accumulated in the negative electrode capacitor Cn, a current flows from the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54 to the negative electrode capacitor Cn via the variable constant voltage circuit 50. As a result, from the start time ts to the end time te of the continuous positive and negative pulse voltages 200, the terminal voltage VD of the positive electrode capacitor Cp decreases, and the terminal voltage -VD of the negative electrode capacitor Cn also decreases.

[0048] In this embodiment, the inter-terminal voltage VD of the positive capacitor Cp is larger than the output voltage Vd of the variable constant voltage circuit 44 , and the inter-terminal voltage −VD of the negative capacitor Cn is larger than the output voltage −Vd of the variable constant voltage circuit 50 .

[0049] That is, every time the pulse generator circuit 54 outputs the push transmission signal TX to the ultrasonic vibrator 56 for a plurality of times, the positive power supply 40 charges the positive capacitor Cp with a voltage greater than the output voltage of the variable constant voltage circuit 44 (constant voltage circuit). Similarly, every time the pulse generator circuit 54 outputs the push transmission signal TX to the ultrasonic vibrator 56 for a plurality of times, the negative power supply 46 charges the negative capacitor Cn with a voltage greater than the output voltage of the variable constant voltage circuit 50 (constant voltage circuit).

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , each time the continuous positive and negative pulse voltages 200 are applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 56, the voltage VD between the terminals of the positive capacitor Cp and the voltage -VD between the terminals of the negative capacitor Cn decrease. On the other hand, the variable constant voltage circuit 44 maintains the voltage Vd between the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54 and the ground conductor at the target voltage Vd determined by the control unit 20. * Similarly, the variable constant voltage circuit 50 maintains the voltage -Vd between the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54 and the ground conductor at the target voltage -Vd determined by the control unit 20. * Here, the so-called prescribed range is a predetermined target voltage Vd * As a standard, for example, it is determined to be less than ±5%.

[0051] As a result, the swing amplitude of the continuous positive and negative pulse voltage 200 applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 56 is maintained within a specified range. Therefore, the drop phenomenon generated in the push wave sent from the ultrasonic vibrator 56 to the subject 32 is suppressed, or the drop phenomenon does not occur in the push wave sent to the subject 32, and the energy is maintained at a sufficient level. In addition, compared with the case where the variable constant voltage circuit 44 and the variable constant voltage circuit 50 are not used, the electrostatic capacitance of the positive capacitor Cp and the negative capacitor Cn for setting the swing amplitude of the continuous positive and negative pulse voltage 200 within the specified range becomes smaller. As a result, the power supply device 52 for push wave generation is miniaturized.

[0052] exist Figure 5 , each voltage when the control according to the second embodiment is executed in the power supply device 52 for boost generation is shown. Figure 5(a) to (e) show time waveforms of the voltage VD between the terminals of the positive capacitor Cp, the voltage Vd at the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54, the push transmission signal TX applied from the pulse generator circuit 54 to the ultrasonic transducer 56, the voltage -Vd at the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54, and the voltage -VD between the terminals of the negative capacitor Cn. The voltage VD between the terminals of the positive capacitor Cp is larger than the voltage Vd at the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54, and the voltage -VD between the terminals of the negative capacitor Cn is larger than the voltage -Vd at the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54.

[0053] The control unit 20 controls the variable constant voltage circuit 44 so that the voltage applied to the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54 is maintained at the target voltage Vd determined by the control unit 20. * Similarly, the control unit 20 controls the variable constant voltage circuit 50 so that the voltage applied to the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54 is maintained at the target voltage -Vd determined by the control unit 20. * within the upper and lower specified range.

[0054] On the other hand, whenever the continuous transmission action of transmitting the push wave to the subject 32 is repeated M+1 times for a time period M times the transmission period T, the control unit 20 controls the positive power supply 40, the constant current circuit 42, the negative power supply 46 and the constant current circuit 48 so that the voltage VD between the terminals of the positive capacitor Cp and the voltage -VD between the terminals of the negative capacitor Cn are greater than the output voltage Vd. Here, M can be an integer greater than 2.

[0055] The variable constant voltage circuit 44 maintains the voltage Vd between the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54 and the ground conductor at the target voltage Vd determined by the control unit 20. * Similarly, the variable constant voltage circuit 50 maintains the voltage -Vd between the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54 and the ground conductor at the target voltage -Vd determined by the control unit 20. * within the upper and lower specified range.

[0056] During the period from when the positive capacitor Cp and the negative capacitor Cn are charged to when the positive capacitor Cp and the negative capacitor Cn are charged next, the continuous sending action is repeated M+1 times, and the voltage between the terminals of the positive capacitor Cp and the negative capacitor Cn decreases successively. However, through the variable constant voltage circuit 44 and the variable constant voltage circuit 50, the voltage of the positive terminal Tp and the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54 is maintained within the specified range.

[0057] According to the control according to the present embodiment, even when the continuous transmission operation is performed a plurality of times, the energy of the thrust wave transmitted from the ultrasound transducer 56 to the subject 32 is maintained at a sufficient level.

[0058] exist Figure 6 In the figure, the power supply device 72 for push wave generation involved in the third embodiment is shown together with the power supply device 64 for analysis operation, the pulse generator circuit 54 and the ultrasonic vibrator 56. The power supply device 72 for push wave generation is a power supply device for enabling a basic ultrasonic diagnostic device that does not have the function of performing elastic analysis (elastic analysis function) to have an elastic analysis function later. The power supply device 72 for push wave generation is freely loadable and removable with respect to the basic ultrasonic diagnostic device. The power supply device 64 for analysis operation is mounted on the basic ultrasonic diagnostic device. In Figure 1 When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 shown is a basic type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the analysis operation power supply device 64 may be configured in the power supply unit 34 .

[0059] As in the first and second embodiments, the propulsion generation power supply device 72 and the analysis operation power supply device 64 according to the third embodiment are controlled by the control unit 20. Figure 6 7 shows only the components connected to the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54, but the power supply device 72 for push wave generation also includes components connected to the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54. The component (not shown) connected to the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54 has a structure in which the polarity of the voltage and the direction of the flow of the current are opposite to those of the component connected to the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54, and has the same structure as the component on the positive terminal Tp side. The structure in which the positive terminal Tp and the negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54 are connected to complementary components with opposite polarities of the voltage and the current is also the same in the fourth embodiment described later.

[0060] The analysis operation power supply device 64 is a power supply device for causing the ultrasonic transducer 56 to generate analysis ultrasonic waves. The analysis operation power supply device 64 includes a first positive power supply 60, a first variable constant voltage circuit 62, and a first switch SW1. The first positive power supply 60 outputs a power supply voltage to the first variable constant voltage circuit 62.

[0061] The first switch SW1 is turned on or off by the control of the control unit 20. The first switch SW1 may be turned on or off by the operation of the user according to the operation status. When the first switch SW1 is turned on, the first variable constant voltage circuit 62 outputs a voltage of a magnitude according to the control of the control unit 20 to the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54. The pulse generator circuit 54 switches according to the control of the control unit 20 and outputs a pulse voltage for generating an analysis ultrasonic wave as an analysis transmission signal to the ultrasonic vibrator 56. The ultrasonic vibrator 56 transmits the analysis ultrasonic wave according to the analysis transmission signal output from the pulse generator circuit 54. The basic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus generates image data representing an image indicating an elasticity analysis result or an ultrasonic image such as a B-mode image based on the analysis ultrasonic wave reflected in the subject 32 and received by the ultrasonic vibrator 56. When the first switch SW1 is turned off, the first variable constant voltage circuit 62 is electrically separated from the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54.

[0062] The power supply device 72 for push wave generation includes a second positive power supply 66, a constant current circuit 68, a positive capacitor Cp, a second variable constant voltage circuit 70, and a second switch SW2. The operations of the second positive power supply 66, the constant current circuit 68, the positive capacitor Cp, and the second variable constant voltage circuit 70 are the same as the operations of the positive power supply 40, the constant current circuit 42, the positive capacitor Cp, and the variable constant voltage circuit 44 included in the power supply device 52 for push wave generation according to the first embodiment.

[0063] The second switch SW2 is turned on or off by the control of the control unit 20. The second switch SW2 can also be turned on or off by the user's operation according to the operation status. When the second switch SW2 is turned on, the second variable constant voltage circuit 70 outputs the voltage Vd of the magnitude controlled by the control unit 20 to the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54. The pulse generator circuit 54 switches according to the control of the control unit 20, and outputs the positive and negative pulse voltages for generating the push wave to the ultrasonic vibrator 56 as the push wave transmission signal. The ultrasonic vibrator 56 transmits the push wave according to the positive and negative pulse voltages output from the pulse generator circuit 54. When the second switch SW2 is turned off, the second variable constant voltage circuit 70 is electrically separated from the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54.

[0064] When the power supply device 72 for push wave generation is not installed in the basic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the first switch SW1 is turned on by the operation of the user or the control of the control unit 20. When elasticity analysis is performed when the power supply device 72 for push wave generation is installed in the basic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the control unit 20 can control the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 as follows. That is, the control unit 20 turns off the first switch SW1 and turns on the second switch SW2 when the ultrasonic transducer 56 transmits a push wave. Then, when the ultrasonic transducer 56 transmits a tracking wave or an ultrasonic wave for generating a B-mode image, the control unit 20 turns on the first switch SW1 and turns off the second switch SW2.

[0065] In this way, the power supply device 72 for propulsion wave generation involved in this embodiment is detachably mounted on the basic ultrasonic diagnostic device. As an embodiment, the power supply device 72 for propulsion wave generation includes: a first positive power supply 60 (first power supply); an ultrasonic vibrator 56; a pulse generator circuit 54 (pulse generation circuit); and a main power supply path, which transmits power from the first positive power supply 60 to the pulse generator circuit 54 when an ultrasonic image is acquired. The main power supply path includes a first variable constant voltage circuit 62 and a first switch SW1 (main power supply path current blocking / regulator).

[0066] The power supply device 72 for push wave generation comprises: a second positive power supply 66 (second power supply), which outputs the supply power to the pulse generator circuit 54; a positive capacitor Cp, which stores the supply power; a second variable constant voltage circuit 70 (constant voltage circuit), which is arranged between the positive capacitor Cp and the pulse generator circuit 54; and a second switch SW2 as a current blocker / regulator, which is arranged between the second variable constant voltage circuit 70 and the pulse generator circuit 54.

[0067] In the power supply device 72 for push wave generation, the terminal (downstream end) of the second switch SW2 on the pulser circuit 54 side is connected to the main power supply path. The pulser circuit 54 outputs a push wave transmission signal to the ultrasonic vibrator 56 by the power transmitted through the second switch SW2, and the ultrasonic vibrator 56 transmits a push wave to the living tissue of the subject 32 by the push wave transmission signal.

[0068] By installing the thrust wave generating power supply device 72 according to the third embodiment in the basic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the elasticity analysis function can be later installed in the basic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, thereby facilitating product development in accordance with user needs.

[0069] exist Figure 7In the fourth embodiment, the external power supply circuit 92 is shown together with the analysis operation power supply device 88, the pulse generator circuit 54, and the ultrasonic vibrator 56. The external power supply circuit 92 is a circuit that enables the basic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to have a flexible analysis function, and is removable from the analysis operation power supply device 88 of the basic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Figure 7 Only the components connected to the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54 are shown, but similarly to the third embodiment, complementary components having opposite polarities of voltage and current are connected to the positive terminal Tp and negative terminal Tn of the pulse generator circuit 54.

[0070] The analysis operation power supply device 88 includes a positive power supply 80, a constant current circuit 82, a first variable constant voltage circuit 62, and a first rectifier 86. The positive power supply 80 outputs a predetermined voltage to the constant current circuit 82. The constant current circuit 82 outputs a current to the first variable constant voltage circuit 62 and the external power supply circuit 92 based on the voltage output from the positive power supply 80.

[0071] The first variable constant voltage circuit 62 outputs a voltage controlled by the control unit 20 to the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54 via the first rectifier 86. The first rectifier 86 restricts the direction of the current flowing in the first variable constant voltage circuit 62 and the pulse generator circuit 54 to one direction. The pulse generator circuit 54 switches according to the control of the control unit 20, and outputs a pulse voltage for generating an analysis ultrasonic wave as an analysis transmission signal to the ultrasonic vibrator 56. The ultrasonic vibrator 56 transmits the analysis ultrasonic wave according to the pulse voltage output from the pulse generator circuit 54.

[0072] The external power supply circuit 92 is connected to the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54 together with the analysis operation power supply device 88. The external power supply circuit 92 includes a positive capacitor Cp, a second variable constant voltage circuit 70, and a second rectifier 90. The positive capacitor Cp is charged by the current flowing from the constant current circuit 82 into the external power supply circuit 92. The second variable constant voltage circuit 70 outputs a voltage to the positive terminal Tp of the pulse generator circuit 54 via the second rectifier 90 based on the terminal voltage of the positive capacitor Cp according to the control of the control unit 20. The second rectifier 90 restricts the direction of the current flowing in the second variable constant voltage circuit 70 and the pulse generator circuit 54 to one direction by the same operation as the first rectifier 86.

[0073] The pulser circuit 54 switches according to the control of the control unit 20 and outputs positive and negative pulse voltages for generating a push wave as a push wave transmission signal to the ultrasonic transducer 56. The ultrasonic transducer 56 transmits a push wave according to the positive and negative pulse voltages output from the pulser circuit 54.

[0074] In this way, the external power supply circuit 92 (power supply device for propulsion wave generation) according to the fourth embodiment is detachably mounted on a basic ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which includes: a positive power supply 80 (power supply); an ultrasonic vibrator 56; a pulse generator circuit 54 (pulse generation circuit) connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 56; and a main power supply path for transmitting power from the positive power supply 80 to the pulse generator circuit 54 when an ultrasonic image is acquired. The main power supply path includes a first variable constant voltage circuit 62 and a first rectifier 86 (main power supply path current interrupter / regulator).

[0075] The external power supply circuit 92 includes: a positive electrode capacitor Cp that stores the power output from the positive electrode power supply 80 and supplies it to the pulse generator circuit 54; a second variable constant voltage circuit 70 (constant voltage circuit) that is provided between the positive electrode capacitor Cp and the pulse generator circuit 54; and a second rectifier 90 that is a current interrupter / regulator that is provided between the second variable constant voltage circuit 70 and the pulse generator circuit 54. The terminal (downstream end) of the second rectifier 90 on the pulse generator circuit 54 side is connected to the main power supply path. The pulse generator circuit 54 outputs a push wave transmission signal to the ultrasonic vibrator 56 by the power transmitted through the second rectifier 90, and the ultrasonic vibrator 56 transmits a push wave to the living tissue by the push wave transmission signal.

[0076] In the fourth embodiment, the second rectifier 90 is provided on the external power supply circuit 92. Therefore, when power is supplied from the positive power supply 80 via the constant current circuit 82, the first variable constant voltage circuit 62, and the first rectifier 86 to the pulse generator circuit 54, current is prevented from flowing into the positive capacitor Cp or the second variable constant voltage circuit 70. In addition, the first rectifier 86 is provided between the first variable constant voltage circuit 62 and the pulse generator circuit 54. Therefore, when power is supplied from the positive power supply 80 via the constant current circuit 82 and the external power supply circuit 92 to the pulse generator circuit 54, current is prevented from flowing into the first variable constant voltage circuit 62.

[0077] In the fourth embodiment, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 used in the third embodiment are not provided. Therefore, the process of switching between the operation of causing the ultrasonic vibrator 56 to transmit the analysis ultrasonic wave and the operation of causing the ultrasonic vibrator 56 to transmit the thrust wave is simplified, and the process executed by the control unit 20 is simplified.

[0078] Furthermore, by installing the external power supply circuit 92 on the basic ultrasonic diagnostic device, the elasticity analysis function can be installed on the basic ultrasonic diagnostic device later. Therefore, product development in accordance with user needs becomes easy.

[0079] exist Figure 8, an external power supply circuit 94 according to a modification of the fourth embodiment is shown together with an analysis operation power supply device 88, a pulse generator circuit 54, and an ultrasonic vibrator 56. This modification is an example in which the position of the constant current circuit 82 is changed. Figure 7 In the structure shown in the figure, a constant current circuit 82 is provided between the connection point of the external power supply circuit 92 and the first variable constant voltage circuit 62 and the positive power supply 80. Figure 8 In the illustrated structure, a constant current circuit 82 is provided between the connection point of the external power supply circuit 94 and the first variable constant voltage circuit 62 and the positive capacitor Cp. This modification is possible because the constant current circuit 82 is intended to quickly charge the positive capacitor Cp.

[0080] according to Figure 8 The modified example shown can obtain Figure 7 The same effect as the structure shown in FIG. 1 is obtained. That is, the process of switching between the action of causing the ultrasonic vibrator 56 to transmit the analysis ultrasonic wave and the action of causing the ultrasonic vibrator 56 to transmit the push wave is simplified, and thus the process performed by the control unit 20 is simplified. In addition, by installing the external power supply circuit 94 on the basic ultrasonic diagnostic device, the elasticity analysis function is later installed on the basic ultrasonic diagnostic device. Therefore, product development according to user needs becomes easy.

Claims

1. A power supply device for push wave generation, characterized in that: have: A power supply that outputs power supplied to a pulse generating circuit connected to the ultrasonic vibrator; a capacitor that stores the electric power supplied from the power source; and A constant voltage circuit is provided between the capacitor and the pulse generating circuit. The pulse generating circuit outputs a signal to the ultrasonic vibrator. The ultrasonic transducer transmits a propulsion wave according to the transmission signal.

2. The power supply device for push wave generation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply charges the capacitor with a voltage greater than an output voltage of the constant voltage circuit every time the pulse generation circuit outputs the transmission signal to the ultrasonic transducer a plurality of times.

3. A power supply device for push wave generation, characterized in that: The power supply device for generating a propulsion wave is detachably mounted on an ultrasonic diagnostic device, and the ultrasonic diagnostic device comprises a first power supply, an ultrasonic vibrator, a pulse generating circuit connected to the ultrasonic vibrator, and a main power supply path for transmitting power from the first power supply to the pulse generating circuit when an ultrasonic image is acquired. The push wave generating power supply device comprises: a second power supply that outputs power supplied to the pulse generating circuit; a capacitor for storing the supplied electric power; a constant voltage circuit, arranged between the capacitor and the pulse generating circuit; and A current blocking / adjusting device is provided between the constant voltage circuit and the pulse generating circuit. The downstream end of the current blocker / regulator is connected to the main power path, The pulse generation circuit outputs a transmission signal to the ultrasonic vibrator using the power transmitted via the current interrupter / regulator, and the ultrasonic vibrator transmits a propulsion wave to a living tissue using the transmission signal.

4. The power supply device for push wave generation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main power supply path includes a main power supply path current interrupter / regulator provided between the first power supply and the pulse generating circuit. The downstream end of the current blocker / regulator is connected between the main power path current blocker / regulator and the pulse generating circuit.

5. A power supply device for push wave generation, characterized in that: The power supply device for generating a propulsion wave is detachably mounted on an ultrasonic diagnostic device, and the ultrasonic diagnostic device comprises a power supply, an ultrasonic vibrator, a pulse generating circuit connected to the ultrasonic vibrator, and a main power supply path for transmitting power from the power supply to the pulse generating circuit when an ultrasonic image is acquired. The push wave generating power supply device comprises: a capacitor that stores the power output from the power supply and supplied to the pulse generating circuit; a constant voltage circuit, arranged between the capacitor and the pulse generating circuit; and A current blocking / adjusting device is provided between the constant voltage circuit and the pulse generating circuit. The downstream end of the current blocker / regulator is connected to the main power path, The pulse generation circuit outputs a transmission signal to the ultrasonic vibrator using the power transmitted via the current interrupter / regulator, and the ultrasonic vibrator transmits a propulsion wave to a living tissue using the transmission signal.

6. The power supply device for push wave generation according to claim 5, characterized in that: The main power supply path includes a main power supply path current blocker / regulator disposed between the power supply and the pulse generating circuit. The downstream end of the current blocker / regulator is connected between the main power path current blocker / regulator and the pulse generating circuit.

Images