Ultrasonic diagnostic device

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device, when changing a power supply voltage for ultrasonic transmission, optimizing a time from setting of the power supply voltage to transmission of a pulse signal.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes an output unit, a power supply unit, a drive unit, and a control unit. The output unit outputs a pulse signal for ultrasonic transmission to an ultrasonic transducer. The power supply unit supplies a voltage to the output unit. The drive unit transmits a drive signal of a pulse signal to the output unit. The control unit sets a target voltage value in the power supply unit and causes the drive unit to transmit a drive signal. When changing the target voltage value, the control unit changes timing of instructing the drive unit to resume the transmission of the drive signal according to a magnitude of the changed target voltage value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to an ultrasound diagnostic device. [Background technology]

[0002] In an ultrasonic diagnostic device, when an operator changes an image mode, the power supply voltage for the ultrasonic transmission circuit may be lowered. In this case, in order not to exceed the standard of acoustic power, it is necessary to start transmitting a pulse signal to the ultrasonic transducer after the power supply voltage has dropped to a predetermined value. Therefore, a certain waiting time is provided between the operation of changing the image mode and the start of transmission of the pulse signal.

[0003] This waiting time is generally set to the time it takes for the voltage set in the power supply for the ultrasonic transmission circuit to transition from the maximum value to the minimum value, or from the minimum value to the maximum value. Therefore, the transmission of the pulse signal in the changed image mode is delayed, and the operator must wait for that waiting time.

[0004] In addition, compared to normal B-mode, B-mode, which uses an ultrasound contrast agent called contrast echo method, uses an extremely small power supply voltage. When transitioning between these modes, the range of change in voltage value is large, so the actual transition time is also long.

[0005] In addition, the noise performance required for the power supply for the ultrasonic transmission circuit in the Doppler mode is generally higher than that in the B mode. Therefore, the power supply for the ultrasonic transmission circuit used in the Doppler mode needs a filter circuit that extends the transition time. However, the necessary waiting time is restricted by the constant transition time provided in the power supply for the ultrasonic transmission circuit used in the Doppler mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-17965 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to optimize the time from setting the power supply voltage to transmitting a pulse signal when changing the power supply voltage for ultrasonic transmission in an ultrasonic diagnostic device. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in each embodiment described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An ultrasound diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes an output unit, a power supply unit, a drive unit, and a control unit. The output unit outputs a pulse signal for ultrasound transmission to an ultrasound transducer. The power supply unit supplies a voltage to the output unit. The drive unit transmits a pulse signal as a drive signal to the output unit. The control unit sets a target voltage value in the power supply unit and causes the drive unit to transmit the drive signal. When changing the target voltage value, the control unit changes the timing for instructing the drive unit to resume transmission of the drive signal in accordance with the magnitude of the changed target voltage value. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration and control of an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic transmission circuit, and a processing circuit according to the basic embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission pulse generating circuit according to the basic embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of ultrasonic transmission start / stop control according to the basic embodiment; [Figure 6]2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration and control of an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic transmission circuit, and a processing circuit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing an example of ultrasonic transmission start / stop control according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration and control of an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic transmission circuit, and a processing circuit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing an example of ultrasonic transmission start / stop control according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration and control of an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic transmission circuit, and a processing circuit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing the process of a transmission control function according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 and an ultrasonic probe 20 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The ultrasound diagnostic system 1 is configured such that an ultrasound diagnostic device 2 and an examination data server 3 can communicate with each other via a network N. The ultrasound diagnostic device 2 is a device that uses ultrasound to diagnose patients. The examination data server 3 is a server computer having a database for storing examination data. The network N is configured by the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like.

[0013] In addition to the ultrasonic image processing device 10, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 includes an ultrasonic probe 20, an input interface 30, and a display 40. The ultrasonic probe 20 is an example of a probe. In the following description, a case will be described in which the ultrasonic probe 20, the input interface 30, and the display 40 are all provided outside the ultrasonic image processing device 10.

[0014] The input interface 30 includes an input device that can be operated by a user, and an input circuit that inputs a signal from the input device. The input device can be realized by a trackball, a switch, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad that performs an input operation by touching the operation surface, a touchscreen that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input device that uses an optical sensor, a voice input device, etc. When the input device is operated by a user, the input circuit generates a signal according to the operation and outputs it to the processing circuit 15.

[0015] The display 40 is configured by a general display output device such as a liquid crystal display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display. The display 40 displays various information under the control of the processing circuit 15. The display 40 is an example of a display unit.

[0016] The ultrasonic image processing device 10 includes an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, an ultrasonic reception circuit 12, an image memory 13, a network interface 14, a processing circuit 15, and a main memory 16. The circuits 11 and 12 are configured by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and all or part of the functions of the circuits 11 and 12 may be realized by the processing circuit 15 executing a computer program.

[0017] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 12 control the transmission directivity and reception directivity in transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves under the control of the processing circuit 15. In the following, a case where both the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 12 are provided in the ultrasonic image processing device 10 will be described. At least one of the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 12 may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 20, or may be provided in both the ultrasonic image processing device 10 and the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0018] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 has a function of being able to instantaneously change the transmission frequency, transmission drive voltage, etc., in order to execute a predetermined scan sequence based on an instruction from the processing circuit 15. In particular, the function of changing the transmission drive voltage is realized, for example, by a linear amplifier type transmission circuit that can instantaneously switch its value, or a mechanism that electrically switches between multiple power supply units.

[0019] Here, when a 3D scan, that is, a volume scan, is performed, a 2D array probe equipped with a scanning method such as a linear type, a convex type, or a sector type is used as the ultrasonic probe 20. Alternatively, when a volume scan is performed, a 1D probe equipped with a scanning method such as a linear type, a convex type, or the like and equipped with a mechanism for mechanically swinging in the elevation direction is used as the ultrasonic probe 20. The latter probe is also called a mechanical 4D probe.

[0020] The ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 receives the echo signals transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 20 in response to the above instructions.

[0021] The image memory 13 includes, for example, a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a processor-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. The image memory 13 stores a plurality of ultrasound images under the control of the processing circuitry 15. The image memory 13 is an example of a storage unit.

[0022] The network interface 14 implements various information communication protocols according to the form of the network N. The network interface 14 may also implement various protocols for contactless wireless communication.

[0023] The processing circuit 15 refers to a dedicated or general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), or a graphics processing unit (GPU), as well as an ASIC, a programmable logic device, and the like.

[0024] The main memory 16 is composed of semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The main memory 16 stores various processing programs (including application programs and OS (Operating System) and the like) used in the processing circuit 15 and data required for executing the programs. The main memory 16 is an example of a storage unit.

[0025] Next, the functions of the ultrasonic image processing device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The processing circuitry 15 realizes a system control function 151 and a transmission control function 152 by reading and executing a computer program stored in the main memory 16 or a memory in the processing circuitry 15. Hereinafter, a case where the functions 151 and 152 are realized by a computer program will be described as an example, but all or a part of the functions 151 and 152 may be provided as functions of a circuit such as an ASIC in the ultrasonic image processing device 10. Details will be described later.

[0026] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration and control of an ultrasonic probe 20, an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, and a processing circuit 15 according to a basic embodiment. The basic embodiment is an embodiment common to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment. In other words, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment each include an individual configuration added to the basic embodiment.

[0027] The ultrasonic probe 20 includes ultrasonic transducers 21a, 21b, and 21c. The ultrasonic transducers 21a, 21b, and 21c convert high-frequency power into ultrasonic vibrations, and are provided to obtain three-dimensional image data of a diagnostic target region.

[0028] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 includes a transmission power supply circuit 111, a drive signal generating circuit 112, and transmission pulse generating circuits 113a, 113b, and 113c. The transmission power supply circuit 111 supplies power supply voltages A and B to the transmission pulse generating circuits 113a, 113b, and 113c. The drive signal generating circuit 112 transmits pulse signals to the transmission pulse generating circuits 113a, 113b, and 113c. The transmission pulse generating circuits 113a, 113b, and 113c output pulse signals for ultrasonic transmission to the ultrasonic transducers 21a, 21b, and 21c, respectively. The transmission power supply circuit 111 is an example of a power supply unit. The drive signal generating circuit 112 is an example of a drive unit. The transmission pulse generating circuits 113a, 113b, and 113c are an example of an output unit.

[0029] The processing circuitry 15 realizes a system control function 151 and a transmission control function 152. The system control function 151 includes a function for setting, in the transmission control function 152, ultrasonic transmission conditions corresponding to the image mode of the ultrasonic diagnosis.

[0030] The transmission control function 152 includes a function of setting a target voltage value Va(2) in the transmission power supply circuit 111 according to the ultrasonic transmission conditions set in the system control function 151, setting waveform data of a pulse signal in the drive signal generation circuit 112, and transmitting a drive signal of a pulse signal.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission pulse generating circuit 113 according to a basic embodiment. Fig. 4(A) shows an example of the configuration of the transmission pulse generating circuit 113. Fig. 4(B) shows an example of a drive signal received by the transmission pulse generating circuit 113 and a pulse signal transmitted by it.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 4(A), in the transmission pulse generating circuit 113, depending on whether the driving signal A+ and the driving signal A- are received from the driving signal generating circuit 112, the corresponding FET (Field Effect Transistor) is switched on or off. Also, when the FET is switched on, the polarity of the transformer through which the current flows is reversed. As a result, as shown in Fig. 4(B), a pulse signal with the voltage value of the power supply voltage A as a positive or negative crest value is transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer 21. Then, an ultrasonic wave is emitted from the ultrasonic transducer 21.

[0033] In addition, in the transmission pulse generating circuit 113, depending on whether the drive signal B+ and the drive signal B- are received from the drive signal generating circuit 112, the corresponding FETs are switched on or off. Also, when the FETs are switched on, the polarities of the transformers through which the current flows are reversed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(B), a pulse signal with the voltage value of the power supply voltage B as a positive or negative crest value is transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer 21. Then, ultrasonic waves are emitted from the ultrasonic transducer 21.

[0034] 5 is a time chart showing an example of ultrasonic transmission start / stop control according to the basic embodiment. First, when an operator changes an image mode or the like, the system control function 151 changes the ultrasonic transmission conditions and sets them in the transmission control function 152. In response to the change in the ultrasonic transmission conditions, the transmission control function 152 changes the set voltage for the transmission power supply circuit 111 and the waveform data to be transmitted to the drive signal generation circuit 112. The transmission power supply circuit 111 attempts to output the target voltage value Va(2) that has been changed as the power supply voltage A, but due to the influence of a noise filter, etc., a transition time t12 is required for the output voltage to reach the target voltage value Va(2). The transmission stop is initiated by the change in the transmission conditions.

[0035] During this time, the transmission control function 152 sets a stop period of ultrasonic transmission for the drive signal generation circuit 112, and controls the start of transmission after the end of the stop period. In general, the stop period is defined as the time required for transition from the maximum voltage value Vamax to the minimum voltage value Vamin, which is the worst value Tmax-min in design. Alternatively, when the response time of the power supply voltage B is longer than that of the power supply voltage A, the stop period is defined as the time required for transition from the maximum voltage value Vbmax to the minimum voltage value Vbmin of the power supply voltage B.

[0036] For example, among the image modes, B mode uses power supply voltage A, and Doppler mode uses power supply voltage B. B mode displays a tomographic image of the target area, and Doppler mode displays blood flow. When the image mode is B mode, the power supply voltage A is lowered when changing from normal to contrast echo. If the Doppler mode is not used, two power supplies, power supply voltage A and power supply voltage B, can be used for B mode. This achieves the configuration according to the third embodiment.

[0037] The drive signal generating circuit 112 outputs drive signals A+ / - and drive signals B+ / - to each transmission pulse generating circuit 113 based on the waveform data set by the transmission control function 152 and control of the start of transmission.

[0038] For example, when the position of the focus, which is the diagnostic target area, changes, the power supply voltage needs to be changed according to the distance to the focus. More specifically, the transmission interval of the ultrasonic waves changes according to the distance to the focus. When the transmission interval is short, the power supply voltage is reduced. On the other hand, when the transmission interval is long, the power supply voltage is increased.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration and control of the ultrasonic probe 20, the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, and the processing circuit 15 according to the first embodiment.

[0040] The system control function 151 includes a function for setting ultrasonic transmission conditions in the transmission control function 152 according to the image mode of the ultrasonic diagnosis.

[0041] The transmission control function 152 includes a function for setting a target voltage value Va(2) in the transmission power supply circuit 111 according to the ultrasonic transmission conditions set in the system control function 151, setting waveform data of a pulse signal in the drive signal generation circuit 112, and transmitting a pulse signal drive signal. When changing the target voltage value Va(2), the transmission control function 152 further includes a function for causing the drive signal generation circuit 112 to suspend transmission of the drive signal, and for changing the timing of instructing the drive signal generation circuit 112 to resume transmission of the drive signal according to the magnitude of the changed target voltage value Va(2).

[0042] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 further includes a voltage monitoring circuit 114 that detects and monitors the output voltage of the transmission power supply circuit 111. The voltage monitoring circuit 114 has a monitoring voltage set by the transmission control function 152, and transmits monitoring data to the transmission control function 152. The monitoring data may include the output voltage of the transmission power supply circuit 111, or may include a comparison result between the output voltage and the monitoring voltage. The voltage monitoring circuit 114 is an example of a detection unit.

[0043] When changing the target voltage value Va(2), the transmission control function 152 sets the changed target voltage value Va(2) in the transmission power supply circuit 111, and sets a threshold value corresponding to the changed target voltage value Va(2) as a monitoring voltage in the voltage monitoring circuit 114. The transmission control function 152 receives monitoring data from the voltage monitoring circuit 114 at any time. The transmission control function 152 further includes a function of instructing the drive signal generation circuit 112 to resume transmission of the drive signal when, as a result of referring to the monitoring data, the output voltage of the transmission power supply circuit 111 detected by the voltage monitoring circuit 114 reaches a threshold value corresponding to the target voltage value Va(2).

[0044] If the changed target voltage value Va(2) is greater than the output voltage before the change, the transmission control function 152 sets a threshold value smaller than the changed target voltage value (for example, a threshold value approximately 15 to 20% smaller than the target voltage value). If the changed target voltage value Va(2) is less than the output voltage before the change, the transmission control function 152 sets a threshold value larger than the changed target voltage value (for example, a threshold value less than 10% larger than the target voltage value). This makes it possible to shorten the time from voltage setting to the start of ultrasonic transmission.

[0045] 7 is a diagram showing an example of ultrasonic transmission start / stop control according to the first embodiment. The transmission power supply circuit 111 attempts to output a target voltage value Va(2) set as the power supply voltage A, but due to the influence of a noise filter, etc., a transition time t12 is required for the output voltage Va to reach the target voltage value Va(2) from Va(1). Therefore, a value larger than the target voltage value Va(2) is set for a threshold value Vam2 for determining that the output voltage Va has reached the target voltage value Va(2).

[0046] Note that the threshold value Vam1 is set to a value slightly larger than the target voltage value Va(1) before the change. The threshold value Vbm1 is set to a value slightly larger than the target voltage value Vb(1). As a result, Va < Vam1 indicates that the power supply voltage A is in a state where ultrasonic transmission is possible. Vb < Vbm1 indicates that the power supply voltage B is in a state where ultrasonic transmission is possible. Also, the threshold values Vam1 and Vbm1 respectively indicate the upper limit values of the output voltages Va and Vb. This is because ultrasonic waves transmitted in a state where the power supply voltage is high become excessive in power. Considering the influence of ultrasonic waves on the human body, ultrasonic waves are transmitted only when the power supply voltage is smaller than the threshold value.

[0047] At this time, the transmission control function 152 instructs the drive signal generation circuit 112 to start transmitting the drive signal on the condition that the monitoring data received from the voltage monitoring circuit 114 indicates Va < Vam2. As a result, it is possible to instruct the start of transmission after a time approximately equal to (actually, slightly shorter than) the time t12 has elapsed since the voltage was set. The drive signal generation circuit 112 outputs the drive signals A+ / - and B+ / - to the transmission pulse generation circuits 113a, 113b, and 113c respectively based on the set waveform data and the instruction to start transmission.

[0048] Note that when changing the image mode (B mode, Doppler mode, etc.) of ultrasonic diagnosis, the transmission control function 152 may determine the target voltage value after the change according to the image mode after the change. When changing the target site of ultrasonic diagnosis, the transmission control function 152 may determine the target voltage value after the change according to the target site after the change. When changing the frequency of ultrasonic diagnosis, the transmission control function 152 may determine the target voltage value after the change according to the frequency after the change.

[0049] According to the first embodiment, the time from voltage setting to start of pulse signal transmission, which occurs due to a change in power supply voltage caused by a change in the image mode of ultrasound diagnosis, can be optimized. Since the waiting time of the operator using the ultrasound diagnostic device 2 can be optimized, the stress of the operator can be reduced. In other words, the responsiveness to the operation of changing the image mode of ultrasound diagnosis can be improved.

[0050] Second Embodiment FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration and control of the ultrasonic probe 20, the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, and the processing circuit 15 according to the second embodiment.

[0051] 8, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment, the processing circuitry 15 further includes a transition time estimation function 153 that estimates the time it takes for the output voltage of the transmission power supply circuit 111 to transition from a pre-change target voltage value to a post-change target voltage value. Then, after setting the post-change target voltage value in the transmission power supply circuit 111, the transmission control function 152 instructs the drive signal generation circuit 112 to resume transmission of the drive signal when the estimated time has elapsed.

[0052] In detail, the transmission control function 152 outputs the voltage setting values ​​Va(1) and Vb(1) before the change and the voltage setting values ​​Va(2) and Vb(1) after the change to the transition time estimation function 153. The transition time estimation function 153 returns the transition time estimated value t12' to the transmission control function 152 as the estimation result. In actual operation, the transition time estimated value t12' is corrected to be larger than the actual transition time t12, taking into account the variation of parts and the like. The margin (t12'-t12) may be, for example, 20% of the transition time t12.

[0053] 9 is a diagram showing an example of ultrasonic transmission start / stop control according to the second embodiment. The transmission control function 152 instructs the drive signal generation circuit 112 to start transmitting the drive signal on the condition that the transmission stop period is greater than the transition time estimated value t12'. This makes it possible to instruct the start of transmission at a time that is slightly longer than time t12 but sufficiently shorter than the worst value Tmax-min in design. The drive signal generation circuit 112 outputs drive signals A+ / - and drive signals B+ / - to the transmission pulse generation circuits 113a, 113b, and 113c, respectively, based on the waveform data set by the transmission control function 152 and the instruction to start transmission.

[0054] For example, let's assume that a transmitter circuit power supply capable of controlling 0 to 100V in 200ms is used, and that transmission is performed in pulse Doppler mode at 30V, but the repetition frequency alone is increased by three times. Since tripling the repetition frequency reduces the power supply resistance to one-third, if the power (=voltage squared / resistance) is kept constant, the power supply voltage will be roughly 1 / √3 (≒0.58).

[0055] In this case, the voltage needs to transition to 30V×0.58≈17.4V. The magnitude of the voltage transition at this time is 30V-17.4V=12.6V, so the actual voltage transition time is 200ms×12.6V / 100V=25.2ms. In other words, the transmission suspension period is shortened from 200ms based on the worst-case design value Tmax-min to approximately 25.2ms in both the first and second embodiments.

[0056] Similar to the effect described above, the shortening effect of small voltage changes can be obtained in situations such as when the marker position is changed in pulse Doppler mode, when the focus depth is changed in B mode, when the transmission frequency is changed, etc.

[0057] When estimating the transition time, the transition time estimation function 153 may calculate the transition time or may specify the transition time using a preset table. The table may indicate the relationship between the voltage difference between the current value and the target value and the transition time. For example, when the voltage difference is proportional to the transition time, the transition time estimation function 153 calculates the transition time. When the voltage difference is not proportional to the transition time, the transition time estimation function 153 specifies the transition time using the table.

[0058] Third Embodiment In the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 according to the third embodiment, the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 includes a plurality of transmission power supply circuits 111. When changing the target voltage value, the transmission control function 152 of the processing circuit 15 calculates the difference between the voltage value of each of the plurality of transmission power supply circuits 111 before changing the target voltage value and the target voltage value for each of the plurality of transmission power supply circuits 111. Then, the transmission control function 152 changes the target voltage value by setting the changed target voltage value to the transmission power supply circuit 111 with the smallest difference among the plurality of transmission power supply circuits 111. The transmission power supply circuit 111 with the smallest difference supplies a voltage of the changed target voltage value to the transmission pulse generation circuits 113a, 113b, and 113c.

[0059] 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration and control of an ultrasonic probe 20, an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11x, and a processing circuit 15 according to the third embodiment. The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11x includes transmission power supply circuits 111a and 111b. The transmission power supply circuit 111a supplies a power supply voltage A to the transmission pulse generation circuits 113a, 113b, and 113c. The transmission power supply circuit 111b supplies a power supply voltage B to the transmission pulse generation circuits 113a, 113b, and 113c. The transmission power supply circuits 111a and 111b are examples of a power supply unit.

[0060] The transmission control function 152 is capable of setting a target voltage value Vnew for each of the transmission power supply circuits 111a and 111b.

[0061] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the transmission control function 152 according to the third embodiment. The processing of the transmission control function 152 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 shows the processing in the case where the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 includes the transmission power supply circuits 111a and 111b. First, the system control function 151 sets ultrasonic transmission conditions corresponding to the image mode of the ultrasonic diagnosis in the transmission control function 152.

[0062] In step S1 , the transmission control function 152 calculates a changed target voltage value Vnew based on the ultrasonic transmission conditions set by the system control function 151 .

[0063] In step S2, the transmission control function 152 calculates the difference between the changed target voltage value Vnew and the voltage Va(1) of the transmission power supply circuit 111a (the voltage difference of the transmission power supply circuit 111a). The transmission control function 152 calculates the difference between the changed target voltage value Vnew and the voltage Vb(1) of the transmission power supply circuit 111b (the voltage difference of the transmission power supply circuit 111b).

[0064] In step S3, the transmission control function 152 determines whether the voltage difference of the transmission power supply circuit 111a is smaller than the voltage difference of the transmission power supply circuit 111b. If the voltage difference of the transmission power supply circuit 111a is smaller (YES in step S3), the transmission control function 152 proceeds to processing in step S4. If the voltage difference of the transmission power supply circuit 111a is not smaller (the same as or smaller than the voltage difference of the transmission power supply circuit 111b) (NO in step S3), the transmission control function 152 proceeds to processing in step S6.

[0065] In step S4, the transmission control function 152 changes the output voltage Va(1) of the transmission power supply circuit 111a to the changed target voltage value Vnew.

[0066] In step S5, the transmission control function 152 instructs the drive signal generation circuit 112 to start outputting the drive signals A+ / -(a), A+ / -(b), A+ / -(c). . .

[0067] In step S6, the transmission control function 152 changes the output voltage Vb(1) of the transmission power supply circuit 111b to the changed target voltage value Vnew.

[0068] In step S7, the transmission control function 152 instructs the drive signal generation circuit 112 to start outputting the drive signals B+ / -(a), B+ / -(b), B+ / -(c). . .

[0069] According to the above process, it becomes possible to control the start of transmission in a time that is sufficiently shorter than the worst value Tmax-min in design.

[0070] 10, for example, assume that there are two systems (111a, 111b) of transmission power supply circuits 111 that can be controlled from 0 to 100 V in 200 ms. In other words, the transmission power supply circuits 111a and 111b have the same response speed when transitioning from a current voltage to a predetermined voltage.

[0071] The transmission power supply circuit 111a outputs 100V for the B mode, and the transmission power supply circuit 111b is 0V and unused. Consider a case where a power supply voltage transition from this state to 5V for a contrast echo mode or the like occurs. In this case, when a transition is made from 100V, the magnitude of the voltage transition is 95V, and the time for the voltage transition is 200ms x 95V / 100V = approximately 190ms. On the other hand, when a transition is made from 0V, the magnitude of the voltage transition is 5V, and the time for the voltage transition is 200ms x 5V / 100V = approximately 10ms. Therefore, the transmission power supply circuit 111b is used instead of the transmission power supply circuit 111a. As a result, the transmission stop period is shortened from approximately 190ms to approximately 10ms.

[0072] In the above, the case where the response speeds of the transmission power circuits 111a and 111b are the same has been described, but the processing of the transmission control function 152 according to the third embodiment can also be applied to cases where the response speeds of the transmission power circuits 111 are different.

[0073] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, when the power supply voltage for ultrasonic transmission is changed in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the time from setting the power supply voltage to transmitting a pulse signal can be optimized.

[0074] The transmission control function 152 is an example of a control unit, and the transition time estimation function 153 is an example of an estimation unit.

[0075] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 2. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 21...Ultrasonic transducer 111...Transmitting power supply circuit 112...Drive signal generating circuit 113...Transmission pulse generating circuit 114...Voltage monitoring circuit 152...Transmission control function 153…Transition time estimation function

Claims

1. an output unit that outputs a pulse signal for ultrasonic transmission to the ultrasonic transducer; A power supply unit that supplies a voltage to the output unit; A drive unit that transmits the pulse signal to the output unit; a control unit that sets a target voltage value in the power supply unit and causes the drive unit to transmit the drive signal; Equipped with The control unit is when changing the target voltage value, a timing for instructing the drive unit to resume transmission of the drive signal is changed according to a magnitude of the changed target voltage value. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

2. The power supply unit includes a plurality of the power supply units, The control unit is when changing the target voltage value, a difference between a voltage value of each of the plurality of power supply units before the change of the target voltage value and the target voltage value is calculated for each of the plurality of power supply units; changing the target voltage value by setting the changed target voltage value to a power supply unit among the plurality of power supply units that has the smallest difference; the power supply unit having the smallest difference supplies a voltage of the changed target voltage value to the output unit; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. A detection unit that detects an output voltage of the power supply unit is further provided. The control unit is when changing the target voltage value, when the output voltage of the power supply unit detected by the detection unit reaches a threshold value corresponding to the target voltage value, instructing the drive unit to resume transmission of the drive signal.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The control unit is If the changed target voltage value is greater than the target voltage value before the change, the threshold value is set to be smaller than the changed target voltage value; When the changed target voltage value is smaller than the target voltage value before the change, the threshold value is set to be larger than the changed target voltage value. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The power supply unit further includes an estimation unit that estimates a time required for the output voltage of the power supply unit to transition from a target voltage value before the change to the target voltage value after the change, The control unit is and after setting the changed target voltage value in the power supply unit, when the estimated time has elapsed, instructing the drive unit to resume transmission of the drive signal.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

6. When changing an image mode of an ultrasonic diagnosis, the control unit determines the changed target voltage value according to the changed image mode.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

7. When a target region of an ultrasonic diagnosis is changed, the control unit determines the changed target voltage value according to the changed target region.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

8. When a frequency of ultrasonic diagnosis is changed, the control unit determines the changed target voltage value according to the changed frequency.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

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