Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, power source control method, and program

Abstract

To achieve power saving without deteriorating the quality of an ultrasonic image.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 includes DC-DC converters 51 and 61, and DC-DC converters 52 and 62. The DC-DC converters 51 and 61 are PFM type or pulse skip PWM type switching conversion parts. The DC-DC converters 52 and 62 are external synchronization PWM type switching conversion parts. A control part 18 drives the DC-DC converters 52 and 62 when generating ultrasonic image data. The control part 18 drives the DC-DC converters 51 and 61 when the ultrasonic image data is not generated. The control part 18 causes direct current power source power to be supplied to a load by the DC-DC converters 51, 52, 61, and 62. The load is the control part 18 and an AFE part 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a power supply control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasound diagnosis is a simple procedure in which an ultrasound probe is placed on the surface of a patient's body or inside a body cavity to obtain ultrasound images of the heart or fetus. Furthermore, ultrasound diagnosis is highly safe and can be performed repeatedly. Ultrasound diagnostic devices are known that transmit ultrasound waves from an ultrasound probe to a patient, receive reflected ultrasound waves, and perform various processes on the received signals to generate ultrasound image data.

[0003] Also, power supply devices that supply power to a load are known. For example, a power supply device is known that has multiple regulators with different conversion efficiencies and switches between the regulators depending on the power supply mode (see Patent Document 1). Also, a power supply device is known that switches the drive unit of a DC-DC converter depending on the load current (see Patent Document 2).

[0004] Also known are DC-DC converters and power supply circuits that perform switching according to the load current so as not to reduce conversion efficiency (see Patent Documents 3 and 4). Also known is a power supply switching device that switches from a main power supply to a standby input power supply when the load is low (see Patent Document 5). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-353040 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-88177 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-319645 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-149804 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-135055 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The above-described conventional power supply devices are used for general electronic devices. In ultrasonic diagnostic devices, there is a demand for power saving without degrading the image quality of ultrasonic images.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to achieve power saving without degrading the image quality of an ultrasound image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the invention described in claim 1 comprises: a first switching conversion unit of a PFM type or a pulse skip PWM type that converts the voltage of DC power input from a power supply and outputs the converted voltage to a load; a second switching conversion unit of an externally synchronized PWM type that converts the voltage of the DC power supply power input from the power supply and outputs the converted voltage to the load; and a control unit that drives the second switching conversion unit when ultrasonic image data is generated, and drives the first switching conversion unit when ultrasonic image data is not generated, thereby supplying DC power to the load.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is the ultrasound diagnostic device described in claim 1, the power supply is a battery or an AC / DC converter that converts AC from a commercial power supply into DC power; the second switching conversion unit has a third switching conversion unit of an externally synchronized PWM type without a snubber circuit, and a fourth switching conversion unit of an externally synchronized PWM type with a snubber circuit, The control unit drives the third switching converter when the power source is a battery and ultrasonic image data is generated, and drives the fourth switching converter when the power source is an AC-DC converter and ultrasonic image data is generated.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1 or 2, The control unit drives the first switching conversion unit before starting up the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1 or 2, The ultrasound image data is generated during live ultrasound transmission and reception, The time when the ultrasonic image data is not being generated is the frozen time.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1 or 2, The load is the control unit that generates ultrasound image data.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1 or 2, The load is an analog front end section connected to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves.

[0014] The power supply control method of the invention described in claim 7 comprises: a first switching conversion unit of a PFM type or a pulse skip PWM type that converts the voltage of DC power input from a power supply and outputs the converted voltage to a load; a second switching conversion unit of an externally synchronized PWM type that converts the voltage of DC power supplied from the power supply and outputs the converted voltage to the load, The method includes a control step of driving the second switching converter when ultrasonic image data is generated, and driving the first switching converter when ultrasonic image data is not generated, thereby supplying DC power to the load.

[0015] The program of the invention described in claim 8 is a first switching conversion unit of a PFM type or a pulse skip PWM type that converts the voltage of DC power input from a power supply and outputs the converted voltage to a load; a second switching conversion unit of an externally synchronized PWM type that converts the voltage of the DC power supply power input from the power supply and outputs the converted voltage to the load, a control unit that drives the second switching converter when generating ultrasound image data, and drives the first switching converter when not generating ultrasound image data, to supply DC power to the load; Function as. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, power saving can be achieved without deteriorating the image quality of an ultrasound image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing pulse waveforms under normal PWM control. [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a pulse waveform under PFM control. [Figure 2C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing pulse waveforms under pulse skip PWM control. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a switching regulator. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a first power supply control process. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a second power supply control process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. However, these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define the limits of the present invention. First and second embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0019] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. First, the device configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2A is a diagram showing pulse waveforms under normal PWM control. Fig. 2B is a diagram showing pulse waveforms under PFM control. Fig. 2C is a diagram showing pulse waveforms under pulse skip PWM control. Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a switching regulator 70.

[0020] The ultrasound diagnostic device 100 is installed in a medical facility such as a hospital and used by users such as doctors and technicians to generate ultrasound image data of a subject such as a living patient. The ultrasound diagnostic device 100 is a portable ultrasound diagnostic device powered by a commercial power source or a battery. As shown in FIG. 1 , the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 includes an ultrasound diagnostic device main unit 1 and an ultrasound probe 2.

[0021] The ultrasound probe 2 transmits ultrasound waves (transmitted ultrasound waves) into the subject, and receives reflected waves of the ultrasound waves (reflected ultrasound waves: echoes) reflected within the subject. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 is connected to the ultrasound probe 2. The ultrasound probe 2 has an ultrasound probe main body, a cable, and a connector. The ultrasound probe main body is the head part of the ultrasound probe 2, and transmits and receives ultrasound waves. The cable is connected to the ultrasound probe main body and the connector. The cable is a cable through which drive signals for the ultrasound probe main body and received ultrasound signals flow. The connector of the ultrasound probe 2 is a plug connector for connecting to a receptacle connector of the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1.

[0022] The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 is connected to the ultrasound probe main body via a connector and a cable. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 transmits an electrical drive signal to the ultrasound probe main body, causing the ultrasound probe main body to transmit ultrasound waves to the subject. The ultrasound probe 2 generates a received signal, which is an electrical signal, in response to the ultrasound reflected from inside the subject and received by the ultrasound probe main body. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 visualizes the internal state of the subject as ultrasound image data based on the received signal generated by the ultrasound probe 2.

[0023] The ultrasound probe main body has a transducer at its tip end. The transducers are arranged, for example, in a one-dimensional array in the azimuth direction (scanning direction). The transducers may be arranged in a two-dimensional array. The number of transducers can be set arbitrarily. In this embodiment, a linear scanning electronic scanning probe is used as the ultrasound probe 2. However, the ultrasound probe 2 may be either an electronic scanning probe or a mechanical scanning probe. The ultrasound probe 2 may be either a linear scanning probe, a sector scanning probe, or a convex scanning probe. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 and the ultrasound probe 2 may be configured to communicate wirelessly instead of by wire via a cable. This wireless communication may be UWB (Ultra Wide Band) or the like.

[0024] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 includes an operation input unit 11, an AFE (Analog Front End) unit 12, a display unit 17, a control unit 18, a storage unit 19, a power supply unit 4, an AC-DC converter 31, and a battery 32.

[0025] The operation input unit 11 has operation elements such as push buttons, (rotary) encoders, lever switches, keyboards, touch pads, multifunction switches, etc. The operation input unit 11 accepts operation input from the user via the operation elements and outputs the operation information to the control unit 18.

[0026] The AFE unit 12 is a transceiver that supplies drive signals, which are electrical signals, to the ultrasonic probe 2 and receives received signals, which are electrical signals, from the ultrasonic probe 2 under the control of the control unit 18. The AFE unit 12 includes, as a transmitter, a clock generation circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse generation circuit, for example. The clock generation circuit generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of the drive signal. The delay circuit sets a delay time for each individual path corresponding to each transducer and delays the transmission of the drive signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses a transmission beam formed by the transmitted ultrasonic waves using the delay. The pulse generation circuit generates a pulse signal as a drive signal at a predetermined period. The AFE unit 12 generates transmitted ultrasonic waves by driving, for example, a continuous portion (e.g., 64 transducers) of multiple (e.g., 192 transducers) arranged in the ultrasonic probe 2. The AFE unit 12 then performs scanning by shifting the driven transducers in the azimuth direction (scanning direction) each time a transmitted ultrasonic wave is generated.

[0027] The AFE unit 12 includes, as a receiving unit, for example, an amplifier, an A / D (Analog to Digital) conversion circuit, and a phasing and summing circuit. The amplifier amplifies the received signal by a preset amplification factor for each individual path corresponding to each transducer. The A / D conversion circuit A / D converts the amplified received signal. The phasing and summing circuit adjusts the time phase by providing a delay time for each individual path corresponding to each transducer to the A / D converted received signal, and adds these signals (phasing and summing) to generate sound ray data.

[0028] The control unit 18 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 18 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM, loads them into the RAM, and controls each unit of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 in cooperation with the CPU and the loaded programs. The ROM is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor. The ROM stores a system program corresponding to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100, various processing programs executable on the system program, and various data such as a gamma table.

[0029] In particular, the ROM stores an ultrasound image display program and a first power supply control program. The ultrasound image display program is a program for executing ultrasound image display processing. The first power supply control program is a program for executing the first power supply control processing described below. These programs are stored in the RAM in the form of computer-readable program code. The CPU sequentially executes operations in accordance with the program code in the RAM. The RAM forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU and data related to these programs.

[0030] Furthermore, by executing the ultrasonic image display process, the control unit 18 causes the AFE unit 12 to generate a drive signal and output it to the ultrasonic probe 2, causing the ultrasonic probe 2 to transmit ultrasonic waves. Similarly, by executing the ultrasonic image display process, the control unit 18 causes the AFE unit 12 to generate sound ray data from the reception signal from the ultrasonic probe 2 due to the reflected ultrasonic waves.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 18 functions as an image generation unit, an image processing unit, and a display control unit by executing ultrasound image display processing. As an image generation unit, the control unit 18 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression, and the like on the sound ray data from the AFE unit 12, and performs brightness conversion by adjusting the dynamic range and gain. Through this brightness conversion, the control unit 18 generates B (Brightness) mode image data made up of pixels having brightness values ​​as received energy. In other words, B mode image data represents the strength of received signals by brightness. Note that the control unit 18 may be configured to be able to generate image data in image modes other than B mode, such as M (Motion) mode and color Doppler mode.

[0032] The control unit 18 serves as an image processing unit and stores the generated B-mode image data in an image memory unit (not shown) in units of frames. The image memory unit is a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). B-mode image data in units of frames is sometimes referred to as ultrasound image data. The control unit 18 reads out the ultrasound image data stored in the image memory unit one frame at a time at predetermined intervals.

[0033] The control unit 18, as a display control unit, performs processes such as coordinate conversion on the generated B-mode image data to convert it into an image signal for display. The control unit 18 outputs the image signal to the display unit 17 to display an ultrasound image.

[0034] The display unit 17 has a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electronic Luminescence) display. The display unit 17 displays still images or moving images of ultrasound image data on the display panel in accordance with input image signals under the control of the control unit 18. The display unit 17 also displays various display information input from the control unit 18 on the display panel. The display unit 17 may be configured to have a touch panel on the display panel that receives touch input from the user.

[0035] The storage unit 19 is a storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores information such as ultrasound image data in a writable and readable manner.

[0036] The AC-DC converter 31 is a converter that is connected to a commercial power source and converts the AC voltage of the power supply (power supply current) supplied from the commercial power source into a DC voltage. The AC-DC converter 31 outputs the converted power supply current to the power supply unit 4. The battery 32 is a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery 32 allows the user to use the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 even in places where there is no commercial power source. The battery 32 outputs the discharged DC power supply current to the power supply unit 4. The power supply power input via the AC-DC converter 31 can be charged into the battery 32.

[0037] The power supply unit 4 includes a switching unit 41, a determining unit 42, DC-DC converters 51, 52, 53, 61, 62, and 63, and switching units 43 and 44.

[0038] The switching unit 41 is a switching circuit that switches the supply source of the DC power supply current of the power supply unit 4 between the AC-DC converter 31 and the battery 32 depending on the voltage value of the input power supply current (power supply). The voltage value of the power supply current output from the AC-DC converter 31 is 24 [V]. The voltage value of the power supply current output from the battery 32 is 12 to 16 [V]. Therefore, for example, when the voltage value of the input power supply current is 20 [V] or higher, the switching unit 41 switches the supply source of the power supply current to the AC-DC converter 31. When the voltage value of the input power supply current is less than 20 [V], the switching unit 41 switches the supply source of the power supply current to the battery 32. Furthermore, the switching unit 41 outputs (supplies) the power supply current (power supply power) after the switch to the determination unit 42 and the DC-DC converters 51, 52, 53, 61, 62, and 63.

[0039] The determination unit 42 is a determination circuit that determines the switching destination (source of power supply) of the switching unit 41 according to the voltage value of the power supply current input from the switching unit 41. The determination unit 42 generates a signal indicating the determination result of the source of power supply and outputs it to the control unit 18.

[0040] DC-DC converters 51-53 and 61-63 are converters that convert the DC voltage of the input power supply current (power supply) and output (supply) the power supply current of the converted DC voltage in accordance with instructions from control unit 18. DC-DC converters 51-53 are converters that supply DC power supply current to control unit 18. DC-DC converters 61-63 are converters that supply DC power supply current to AFE unit 12.

[0041] DC-DC converters 51-53 and 61-63 use switching regulators, which have better conversion efficiency (generate less heat) than series regulators. However, switching regulators generate switching noise due to switching. For example, switching regulator 70 shown in FIG. 3 excluding snubber circuit unit 73 will be described. DC-DC converters 51 and 61 function as a first switching conversion unit. DC-DC converters 52 and 62 function as a second switching conversion unit (third switching conversion unit). DC-DC converters 53 and 63 function as a second switching conversion unit (fourth switching conversion unit).

[0042] The switching regulator 70 without the snubber circuit unit 73 has FETs (Field-Effect Transistors) 71 and 72, a coil 74, and a capacitor 75. The FETs 71 and 72 output pulsed AC currents by on / off switching control of each gate by the control unit 18. The coil 74 is connected in series between the FETs 71 and 72. The coil 74 and the capacitor 75 are connected in parallel to the FET 72. The coil 74 and the capacitor 75 form a choke input type smoothing circuit.

[0043] In a switching regulator 70 without a snubber circuit unit 73, the DC power of the input voltage VI is modulated into pulsed AC by the switching of FETs 71 and 72. The modulated AC is smoothed by a coil 74 and a capacitor 75, converted into DC with an output voltage VO that is different from the input voltage VI, and then output.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2A, we will explain normal PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control as a switching control method for DC-DC converters (switching regulators). Normal PWM control is a control method in which the oscillation frequency of the switching element is constant and the pulse width (ON time) varies depending on the load. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, the period T1 of each pulse is the same, but the width of each pulse varies as widths W1 and W2. Normal PWM control is an externally synchronized type. Hereinafter, normal PWM control will be referred to as externally synchronized PWM control.

[0045] Externally synchronized PWM control has the advantage of being able to reduce output ripple voltage and has high responsiveness to load fluctuations. On the other hand, externally synchronized PWM control consumes a lot of power and is less efficient under low load conditions than PFM (Pulse Frequency Modulation) control.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2B, we will explain PFM control as a switching control method for DC-DC converters (switching regulators). PFM control is also known as VFM (Variable Frequency Modulation). With PFM control, the ON time of the switching element and the current flowing through the inductor are fixed, and the oscillation frequency varies depending on the load. For example, as shown in Figure 2B, the pulse width W3 of each pulse is the same. However, the period corresponding to the frequency of each pulse varies as shown in periods T2 and T3. PFM control is asynchronous. With PFM control, the oscillation frequency changes depending on the load, so the oscillation frequency tends to decrease when the load is light. With PFM control, power consumption can be reduced under light loads because switching loss is proportional to the oscillation frequency.

[0047] Referring to Figure 2C, pulse skip PWM control will be explained as a switching control method for DC-DC converters (switching regulators). Pulse skip PWM control is PWM control that sets the ON time of a pulse to zero when the ON time is short under light load conditions. For example, as shown in Figure 2C, a pulse with a pulse width W2 under light load conditions is skipped compared to the pulse under normal PWM control in Figure 2A.

[0048] 3, the switching regulator 70 is available in two versions: one with a snubber circuit unit 73 and one without the snubber circuit unit 73. The snubber circuit unit 73 is an RC snubber circuit, and includes a resistor 731 and a capacitor 732. The resistor 731 and the capacitor 732 are connected in series and in parallel with the FET 72.

[0049] The snubber circuit 73 is a circuit for suppressing ringing that occurs in the switching circuit. The snubber circuit of the switching regulator is not limited to an RC snubber circuit. The snubber circuit may be a C snubber circuit consisting of only a capacitor, or a discharge or non-discharge RCD snubber circuit consisting of a resistor, a capacitor, and a diode.

[0050] Adding a snubber circuit to a switching regulator inevitably increases losses. For this reason, a configuration that minimizes ringing by optimizing the board layout without adding a snubber circuit is preferable. In this embodiment, a switching regulator with a snubber circuit and a switching regulator without a snubber circuit are provided. A switching regulator without a snubber circuit has good conversion efficiency but produces a lot of switching noise, which becomes image noise in ultrasound image data. A switching regulator with a snubber circuit has poor conversion efficiency but produces little switching noise because the snubber circuit converts the switching noise into heat and damps it.

[0051] Specifically, DC-DC converters 51 and 61 are PFM controlled DC-DC converters. However, DC-DC converters 51 and 61 may be configured as pulse skip PWM controlled DC-DC converters. DC-DC converters 52 and 62 are externally synchronized PWM controlled DC-DC converters without a snubber circuit. DC-DC converters 53 and 63 are externally synchronized PWM controlled DC-DC converters with a snubber circuit.

[0052] The switching unit 43 is a switching circuit that switches the supply source of the DC power supply current to DC-DC converters 51, 52, or 53 depending on the voltage value of the input power supply current (power supply power). DC-DC converters that are not in use stop switching operation, causing the output voltage to drop. For this reason, the switching unit 43 switches the supply source of the power supply current to, for example, DC-DC converter 51, 52, or 53 whose voltage value of the input power supply current is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. The switching unit 43 also outputs (supplies) the power supply current (power supply power) after the switch to the control unit 18.

[0053] The switching unit 44 is a switching circuit that switches the supply source of the DC power supply current to the DC-DC converters 61, 62, or 63 depending on the voltage value of the input power supply current (power supply power). The switching unit 44 switches the supply source of the power supply current to, for example, the DC-DC converter 61, 62, or 63 whose voltage value of the input power supply current is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. The switching unit 44 also outputs (supplies) the power supply current (power supply power) after switching to the AFE unit 12.

[0054] Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the first power supply control process.

[0055] The first power supply control process executed by the control unit 18 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described. The first power supply control process is a process for controlling the supply of power to the DC-DC converters 51-53, 61-63 depending on the state of ultrasonic image data generation. It is assumed that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is powered off in advance, and that a commercial power source is either connected or disconnected to the AC-DC converter 31. It is assumed that the battery 32 is sufficiently charged. The switching unit 41 switches the supply source of DC power current to the AC-DC converter 31 when a commercial power source is connected, or to the battery 32 when a commercial power source is not connected.

[0056] In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, for example, a user inputs a power-on command via the operation input unit 11. This power-on input triggers the control unit 18 to execute a first power control process in accordance with a first power control program.

[0057] 4, first, the control unit 18 starts up the PFM-controlled DC-DC converters 51 and 61 (step 201). That is, DC power supply current is supplied from the DC-DC converters 51 and 61 to the control unit 18 and the AFE unit 12 via the switching units 43 and 44. The control unit 18 starts up the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 (step 202).

[0058] The control unit 18 determines whether the supply source of the DC power supply current is the battery 32, i.e., battery drive, in response to the determination signal from the determination unit 42 (step 203). If the power supply is battery drive (step 203; YES), the control unit 18 starts up the DC-DC converters 52, 62 that are externally synchronized PWM controlled and do not have a snubber circuit (step 204). That is, the supply of DC power supply current from the DC-DC converters 52, 62 to the control unit 18 and the AFE unit 12 is started via the switching units 43, 44.

[0059] If the power source is not battery-powered (step 203; NO), the control unit 18 starts the DC-DC converters 53, 63 that are externally synchronized PWM controlled and have snubber circuits (step 205). That is, the supply of DC power supply current from the DC-DC converters 53, 63 to the control unit 18 and the AFE unit 12 begins via the switching units 43, 44. After executing step 204 or 205, the control unit 18 stops the PFM-controlled DC-DC converters 51, 61 (step 206).

[0060] The control unit 18 controls the AFE unit 12 to start transmitting and receiving ultrasound for live use (step 207). In step 207, the control unit 18 generates live ultrasound image data and displays a live ultrasound image based on the generated ultrasound image data on the display unit 17. Then, the control unit 18 determines whether or not there is a freeze operation input from the user via the operation input unit 11 (step 208). If there is no freeze operation input (step 208; NO), the process proceeds to step 203.

[0061] If a freeze operation is input (step 208; NO), the AFE unit 12 is controlled to stop ultrasound transmission and reception (step 209). In step 209, the control unit 18 stops the generation of ultrasound image data and the live display of an ultrasound image on the display unit 17 based on the generated ultrasound image data. Furthermore, the control unit 18 displays a still ultrasound image on the display unit 17 based on the ultrasound image data generated immediately before.

[0062] Control unit 18 starts PFM-controlled DC-DC converters 51, 61 (step 210). That is, the supply of DC power supply current from DC-DC converters 51, 61 to control unit 18 and AFE unit 12 is resumed via switching units 43, 44. Control unit 18 stops the other DC-DC converters that are running other than DC-DC converters 51, 61 (step 211). That is, the supply of DC power supply current from the other DC-DC converters that are running to control unit 18 and AFE unit 12 is stopped via switching units 43, 44. After step 211 is executed, the process proceeds to step 208.

[0063] As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes DC-DC converters 51-53, 61-63 and a control unit 18. The DC-DC converters 51, 61 are PFM-type switching conversion units that convert the voltage of DC power input from a power source and output the converted voltage to a load. The DC-DC converters 52, 62 are externally synchronized PWM-type switching conversion units without a snubber circuit unit 73 that convert the voltage of DC power input from a power source and output the converted voltage to a load. The DC-DC converters 53, 63 are externally synchronized PWM-type switching conversion units with a snubber circuit unit 73 that convert the voltage of DC power input from a power source and output the converted voltage to a load. The power source is a battery 32 or an AC-DC converter 31. The AC-DC converter 31 is an AC-DC conversion unit that converts AC from a commercial power source into DC power.

[0064] When the power source is battery 32 and ultrasound image data is being generated, control unit 18 drives DC-DC converters 52 and 62. When the power source is AC-DC converter 31 and ultrasound image data is being generated, control unit 18 drives DC-DC converters 53 and 63. When ultrasound image data is not being generated, control unit 18 drives DC-DC converters 51 and 61. Control unit 18 causes DC-DC converters 51 to 53 and 61 to 63 to supply DC power to the load.

[0065] Therefore, when the power source is the battery 32 and noise suppression and significant power saving are required when generating ultrasound image data, the DC-DC converters 52 and 62 are driven. Therefore, the externally synchronized PWM type DC-DC converters 52 and 62 can suppress ripple voltage. Furthermore, power saving can be achieved by not using the snubber circuit unit 73. In particular, the operating time of the battery 32 can be extended.

[0066] In addition, when the power supply is the AC-DC converter 31 and power saving is required when generating ultrasound image data, the DC-DC converters 53 and 63 are driven. Therefore, the externally synchronized PWM type DC-DC converters 53 and 63 can suppress ripple voltage, and the snubber circuit unit 73 can suppress ringing. Therefore, significant noise suppression can further suppress deterioration of the image quality of ultrasound images.

[0067] In addition, when ultrasound image data is not being generated and noise reduction is not required, the DC-DC converters 51 and 61 are driven. Therefore, the PFM type of the DC-DC converters 51 and 61 can improve conversion efficiency and achieve power savings. Furthermore, by not using the snubber circuit unit 73, even greater power savings can be achieved. In particular, when the power source is a battery 32, the operating time of the battery 32 can be extended.

[0068] The control unit 18 drives the DC-DC converters 51 and 61 before starting up the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100. Therefore, before starting up the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 and when there is no connection to generating ultrasonic image data, it is possible to prioritize and improve conversion efficiency, thereby achieving power savings.

[0069] The ultrasound image data is generated when live ultrasound is being transmitted and received. The ultrasound image data is not being generated when the device is frozen. Therefore, when ultrasound image data is generated, noise in the ultrasound image can be more reliably suppressed.

[0070] The load is the control unit 18 that generates ultrasound image data. Therefore, noise can be suppressed in the power supply to the control unit 18, deterioration of the image quality of the ultrasound image can be suppressed, and power saving can be achieved.

[0071] The load is the AFE unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic probe 2 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. Therefore, noise in the ultrasonic image can be more reliably suppressed for the AFE unit 12 that does not operate when generating ultrasonic image data, thereby achieving power saving.

[0072] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 101 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a second power supply control process.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is configured such that the DC-DC converters 53, 63, which are externally synchronized PWM controlled and have a snubber circuit, are provided in the power supply unit 4. In the present embodiment, the power supply unit is not configured to have a DC-DC converter with a snubber circuit.

[0074] The device configuration of ultrasound diagnostic device 101 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. However, with regard to each part of ultrasound diagnostic device 101, the same parts as those of ultrasound diagnostic device 100 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different configurations will be mainly described.

[0075] The ultrasonic diagnostic device 101 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 10 and an ultrasonic probe 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 10 has a configuration in which the power supply unit 4 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1 of the first embodiment is replaced with a power supply unit 40. The power supply unit 40 includes a switching unit 41, DC-DC converters 51, 52, 61, 62, and switching units 43, 44.

[0076] However, switching unit 41 outputs (supplies) the switched power supply current (power supply power) to DC-DC converters 51, 52, 61, and 62. Switching unit 43 switches the supply source of the DC power supply current to one of DC-DC converters 51 and 52, depending on the voltage value of the input power supply current (power supply power). Switching unit 44 switches the supply source of the DC power supply current to one of DC-DC converters 61 and 62, depending on the voltage value of the input power supply current (power supply power).

[0077] Furthermore, instead of the first power supply control program of the first embodiment, a second power supply control program is stored in the ROM of the control unit 18. The second power supply control program is a program for executing a second power supply control process, which will be described later.

[0078] Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Specifically, the second power supply control process executed by the control unit 18 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 101 will be described. The second power supply control process is a process for controlling the supply of power to the DC-DC converters 51, 52, 61, and 62 depending on the state of ultrasound image data generation. It is assumed that the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 is powered off in advance, and that a commercial power source is connected or not connected to the AC-DC converter 31. It is assumed that the battery 32 is sufficiently charged.

[0079] In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, for example, a user inputs a power-on command via the operation input unit 11. This power-on input triggers the control unit 18 to execute the second power control in accordance with the second power control program.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 18 executes steps 301 to 308. Steps 301 to 308 are respectively similar to steps 201, 202, 204, and 206 to 210 of the first power supply control process of Fig. 4 of the first embodiment. After executing step 308, the control unit 18 stops the DC-DC converters 52 and 62 (step 309). That is, the supply of DC power supply current from the activated DC-DC converters 52 and 62 to the control unit 18 and the AFE unit 12 is stopped via the switching units 43 and 44. After executing step 309, the process proceeds to step 306.

[0081] As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 101 includes DC-DC converters 51, 52, 61, and 62, and a control unit 18. The DC-DC converters 51 and 61 are PFM-type or pulse-skip PWM-type switching conversion units that convert the voltage of DC power input from a power source and output the converted voltage to a load. The DC-DC converters 52 and 62 are externally synchronized PWM-type switching conversion units that convert the voltage of DC power input from a power source and output the converted voltage to a load. The power source is a battery 32 or an AC-DC converter 31. The AC-DC converter 31 is an AC-DC conversion unit that converts AC from a commercial power source into DC power.

[0082] When ultrasound image data is being generated, the control unit 18 drives the DC-DC converters 52 and 62. When ultrasound image data is not being generated, the control unit 18 drives the DC-DC converters 51 and 61. The control unit 18 causes the DC-DC converters 51, 52, 61, and 62 to supply DC power to the load.

[0083] Therefore, when noise suppression and power saving are required when generating ultrasound image data, the DC-DC converters 52 and 62 are driven. Therefore, the externally synchronized PWM type DC-DC converters 52 and 62 can suppress ripple voltage. Furthermore, power saving can be achieved by not using the snubber circuit unit 73. In particular, when the power source is a battery 32, the operating time of the battery 32 can be extended.

[0084] In addition, when ultrasound image data is not being generated and noise reduction is not required, the DC-DC converters 51, 61 are driven. Therefore, the PFM type or pulse skip PWM type of the DC-DC converters 51, 61 can improve conversion efficiency and achieve power savings. Furthermore, by not using the snubber circuit unit 73, significant power savings can be achieved. In particular, when the power source is a battery 32, the operating time of the battery 32 can be extended.

[0085] The description of the above embodiment is merely an example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, power supply control method, and program according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined as appropriate.

[0086] In step 204 of FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, the DC-DC converters 52, 62 are configured to be activated when the battery 32 is powered. The DC-DC converters 52, 62 are externally synchronized PWM types and do not include a snubber circuit unit 73. However, this configuration is not limited to this. For example, if there is a restriction on dimming the screen of the display unit 17 when the battery 32 is powered, the control unit 18 may be configured to dim the screen including the ultrasound image on the display unit 17. By having the control unit 18 dim the screen of the display unit 17 and activate the DC-DC converters 52, 62, image noise in the ultrasound image caused by the absence of a snubber circuit unit 73 can be made less noticeable.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the power supply unit of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is configured to include a DC-DC converter common to all image modes, but this is not limiting. For example, the power supply unit may be configured to include multiple different DC-DC converters for different image modes (e.g., B mode and color Doppler mode + B mode). The control unit 18 selects and drives a DC-DC converter depending on the image mode and whether ultrasound image data is being generated.

[0088] While embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are made for purposes of illustration and example only, and are not intended to be limiting. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the terms of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100,101 Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 1,10 Ultrasound diagnostic device main body 11 Operation input section 12 AFE Department 17 Display 18 Control Unit 19 Memory section 31 AC-DC converter 32 Battery 4,40 Power supply section 41, 43, 44 Switching section 42 Judgment section 51, 52, 53, 61, 62, 63 DC-DC converters 70 Switching regulator 71,72 FET 73 Snubber circuit section 731 Resistance 732,75 capacitor 74 Coil 2 Ultrasonic probe

Claims

1. a first switching conversion unit of a PFM type or a pulse skip PWM type that converts the voltage of DC power input from a power supply and outputs the converted voltage to a load; a second switching conversion unit of an externally synchronized PWM type that converts the voltage of the DC power supply power input from the power supply and outputs the converted voltage to the load; a control unit that drives the second switching converter when ultrasound image data is generated, and drives the first switching converter when ultrasound image data is not generated, thereby supplying DC power to the load.

2. the power supply is a battery or an AC / DC converter that converts AC from a commercial power supply into DC power; the second switching conversion unit includes a third switching conversion unit of an externally synchronized PWM type without a snubber circuit, and a fourth switching conversion unit of an externally synchronized PWM type with a snubber circuit; 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit drives the third switching converter when the power source is a battery and ultrasonic image data is generated, and drives the fourth switching converter when the power source is an AC-DC converter and ultrasonic image data is generated.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit drives the first switching conversion unit before starting up the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

4. The ultrasound image data is generated during live ultrasound transmission and reception, 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time when the ultrasonic image data is not being generated is a time when the apparatus is frozen.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the load is the control unit that generates ultrasonic image data.

6. 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the load is an analog front end section connected to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves.

7. a first switching conversion unit of a PFM type or a pulse skip PWM type that converts the voltage of DC power input from a power supply and outputs the converted voltage to a load; a second switching conversion unit of an externally synchronized PWM type that converts the voltage of DC power supplied from the power supply and outputs the converted voltage to the load, A power supply control method including a control step of driving the second switching conversion unit when ultrasound image data is generated, and driving the first switching conversion unit when ultrasound image data is not generated, thereby supplying DC power to the load.

8. a first switching conversion unit of a PFM type or a pulse skip PWM type that converts the voltage of DC power input from a power supply and outputs the converted voltage to a load; a second switching converter of an externally synchronized PWM type that converts the voltage of the DC power supply power input from the power supply and outputs the converted voltage to the load, a control unit that drives the second switching converter when generating ultrasound image data, and drives the first switching converter when not generating ultrasound image data, to supply DC power to the load; A program to function as a

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