System

Abstract

To provide a system that can provide an ultrasonic endoscope whose tip part can be down-sized.SOLUTION: A system of the present invention includes: an ultrasonic endoscope having a vibrator array in which a plurality of vibrators extending in a first direction intersecting with an axial direction of an insertion part are arranged in a curved shape; and a processor for performing processing for generating an ultrasonic image on the basis of an output signal of the vibrator array obtained by controlling the vibrator array. An open angle of the vibrator array when viewed in the first direction is 90 degrees or more and less than 180 degrees. The processor performs first control for generating the ultrasonic image of a first view angle larger than the open angle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe convex-type ultrasonic endoscopes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 161497 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 079792 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2021 / 166985 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope whose tip portion can be made smaller. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A system according to one embodiment of the disclosed technology comprises an ultrasonic endoscope having a transducer array configured with a plurality of transducers arranged in a curved shape, each extending in a first direction intersecting the axial direction of an insertion section, and a processor that performs processing to generate an ultrasonic image based on an output signal of the transducer array obtained by controlling the transducer array, wherein the opening angle of the transducer array when viewed in the first direction is greater than or equal to 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, and the processor performs a first control to generate the ultrasonic image with a first field of view angle greater than the opening angle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic endoscope whose tip portion can be made compact. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasound inspection system 10 that uses an ultrasound endoscope 12 according to an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view of the tip portion 40 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the distal end portion 40 shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the distal end side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the tip portion 40 shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the right side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the imaging module 60 and the signal cable 80. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the second drive control of the transducer array 50. In FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image based on the reception data group 50R obtained when the second drive control shown in FIG. 6 is performed on all transducer groups 51G set in the transducer array 50. In FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first drive control of the transducer array 50. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image 501 based on a group of received data 50R obtained when the second drive control shown in Figure 8 is performed on a transducer group 51G set at the end of one edge E1 side of the transducer array 50. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of an ultrasonic beam when a first drive control is performed on a transducer group 51G set at the end on the base end side of the transducer array 50, and a second drive control is performed on other transducer groups 51G. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view showing the internal structure of second exterior body 412 as seen from the base end side. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of second exterior body 412 shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a part of FIG. 11 in an enlarged scale. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the sizes of the hole 420 and the lens barrel 62. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasound examination system 10 that uses an ultrasound endoscope 12 according to an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure. The ultrasound examination system 10 comprises an ultrasound endoscope 12, an ultrasound processor 14 that generates ultrasound images, an endoscope processor 16 that generates endoscopic images, a light source 18 that supplies illumination light to the ultrasound endoscope 12 to illuminate the interior of the body cavity, a monitor 20 that displays ultrasound images and endoscopic images, a water tank 21a that stores cleaning water and the like, and a suction pump 21b that sucks up material from within the body cavity.

[0009] The ultrasonic endoscope 12 has an insertion section 22 that is inserted into the body cavity of the subject, an operation section 24 that is connected to the base end of the insertion section 22 and allows the surgeon to operate it, and a universal cord 26 that has one end connected to the operation section 24.

[0010] An air / water supply button 28a for opening and closing an air / water supply line (not shown) from the water supply tank 21a, and a suction button 28b for opening and closing a suction line (not shown) from the suction pump 21b are arranged side by side on the operation unit 24. The operation unit 24 is provided with a pair of angle knobs 29 and a treatment tool insertion port 30.

[0011] The other end of the universal cord 26 is provided with an ultrasound connector 32a connected to the ultrasound processor device 14, an endoscope connector 32b connected to the endoscope processor device 16, and a light source connector 32c connected to the light source device 18. The ultrasound endoscope 12 is detachably connected to the ultrasound processor device 14, the endoscope processor device 16, and the light source device 18 via these connectors 32a, 32b, and 32c, respectively. The connector 32c is provided with an air / water supply tube 34a connected to the water supply tank 21a and a suction tube 34b connected to the suction pump 21b.

[0012] The insertion section 22 has, in order from the tip side, a tip section 40 having an ultrasound observation section 36 and an optical observation section 38, a bending section 42 connected to the base end side of the tip section 40, and a flexible section 43 connecting the base end side of the bending section 42 and the tip side of the operating section 24.

[0013] The bending portion 42 can be remotely bent by rotating a pair of angle knobs 29 provided on the operation portion 24. This allows the distal end portion 40 to be oriented in a desired direction.

[0014] The ultrasonic processor device 14 includes various processors that perform processing to generate an ultrasonic image based on the output signal of the transducer array 50 (echo signal reflected from the observation target area to which ultrasonic waves are radiated) obtained by controlling the transducer array 50 of the ultrasonic observation section 36.

[0015] The various types of processors include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a general-purpose processor that executes programs to perform various processes, a programmable logic device (PLD), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a dedicated electrical circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), which is a processor with a circuit configuration designed specifically to perform specific processes. More specifically, the structure of these various processors is an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0016] The ultrasound processor device 14 may be configured with one of various types of processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA).

[0017] The endoscope processor device 16 receives and acquires an image signal obtained from the observation target area illuminated by illumination light from the light source device 18 in the optical observation section 38, and performs various processes on the acquired image signal to generate an endoscopic image to be displayed on the monitor 20.

[0018] 1, the ultrasonic processor 14 and the endoscope processor 16 are configured by two separate devices (computers). However, this is not limited to this, and both the ultrasonic processor 14 and the endoscope processor 16 may be configured by a single device.

[0019] In order to capture an image of the observation target area in the body cavity using the optical observation unit 38 and obtain an image signal, the light source device 18 generates illumination light such as white light or light of a specific wavelength composed of three primary colors of light, such as red light, green light, and blue light, which propagates through a light guide (not shown) within the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and is emitted from an illumination window 70 (see Figures 2 and 3) of the optical observation unit 38 to illuminate the observation target area in the body cavity.

[0020] The monitor 20 displays an ultrasound image and an endoscopic image in response to the video signals generated by the ultrasound processor 14 and the endoscopic processor 16. The monitor 20 can be switched to display only one of the ultrasound images and the endoscopic image, or both images can be displayed simultaneously.

[0021] In this embodiment, ultrasound images and endoscopic images are displayed on one monitor 20, but a monitor for displaying ultrasound images and a monitor for displaying endoscopic images may be provided separately. Furthermore, ultrasound images and endoscopic images may be displayed in a display format other than on the monitor 20, for example, on a display of a terminal carried by the surgeon.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view of the distal end portion 40 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the axial direction of the insertion section 22 is shown as a direction from the base end toward the distal end (hereinafter referred to as the distal direction Fr) and a direction from the distal end toward the base end (hereinafter referred to as the proximal direction Rr). The distal direction Fr and the proximal direction Rr are also collectively referred to as the axial direction. Also, a rightward direction R and a leftward direction L, which is the opposite direction to the rightward direction R, are shown as directions perpendicular to the axial direction. The rightward direction R and the leftward direction L are also collectively referred to as the left-right direction. The left-right direction constitutes a first direction intersecting the axial direction. Hereinafter, of the directions perpendicular to the axial direction and the left-right direction, the side from which ultrasound is emitted is referred to as the upward direction U, and the other direction is referred to as the downward direction D. The upward direction U and the downward direction D are also collectively referred to as the up-down direction. FIG. 3 is a front view of the distal end portion 40 shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the distal end. FIG. 4 is a side view of the tip portion 40 shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the right side.

[0023] 2, the distal end portion 40 has an ultrasonic observation section 36 for acquiring ultrasonic images, an optical observation section 38 for acquiring endoscopic images, and an outlet 91A for a treatment tool such as a puncture needle arranged in this order from the distal end side. The exterior of the distal end portion 40 includes a first exterior body 411 and a second exterior body 412 provided on the proximal end side of the first exterior body 411. The first exterior body 411 is provided with the ultrasonic observation section 36. The second exterior body 412 is provided with the optical observation section 38, a treatment tool raising base 90, and an outlet 91A which is an outlet of a treatment tool insertion passage 91 provided extending from the treatment tool insertion port 30 into the insertion section 22.

[0024] The optical observation unit 38 includes an imaging module 60 including an observation window 61, an illumination window 70 made of transparent resin, glass, or the like that illuminates with light from the light guide, and a signal cable 80 (see FIG. 5).

[0025] 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the imaging module 60 and a signal cable 80. The imaging module 60 includes a cylindrical lens barrel 62 that supports a group of lenses including an objective lens that constitutes the observation window 61, a prism 63 that bends the direction of subject light that has passed through the group of lenses in the lens barrel 62 at a right angle, an imaging element 64 that is disposed opposite the light-exiting slope of the prism 63, a mounting board (not shown) for the imaging element 64 that is provided on the back surface of the imaging element 64, a holder 65 that integrally supports the lens barrel 62, the prism 63, the imaging element 64, and the mounting board, and a cable support part 66 fixed to the holder 65. The cable support part 66 supports a signal cable 80 that is electrically connected to various boards included in the imaging module 60. The signal cable 80 extends to a connector 32b and is connected to the endoscope processor unit 16.

[0026] The lens barrel 62 and the lenses inside it constitute an imaging optical system. The prism 63, the imaging element 64, and the mounting board for the imaging element 64 constitute an imaging section that captures images through this imaging optical system. Note that, although the prism 63 is used here due to the arrangement of the imaging element 64, the prism 63 is not essential and can be omitted.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, the second exterior body 412 has a tip surface 412A at its upper end that is inclined toward the base end with respect to the axis 40X of the insertion section 22. As shown in Fig. 2, the tip surface 412A is provided with an observation window 61 and an illumination window 70. The observation window 61 is provided in a hole 420 (see Fig. 12) provided in the tip surface 412A, and the main plane of the observation window 61 is approximately parallel to the tip surface 412A. In this way, the observation window 61 is configured to be inclined toward the base end with respect to the axis 40X.

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a division line S that passes through the axis 40X and extends in the up-down direction. When the tip portion 40 is viewed from the tip side as shown in Fig. 3 and divided into two halves at the division line S, the observation window 61 and the illumination window 70 are both located in the divided region on the left side. In other words, when viewed from the front in Fig. 3, the observation window 61 is provided eccentrically in the left direction L, and the illumination window 70 is provided eccentrically in the same left direction L as the observation window 61.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, a rectangular recess 412B is provided on the top surface of the second exterior body 412, closer to the base end than the observation window 61. An outlet 91A is provided on the side surface of the base end of the recess 412B. A riser 90 is supported inside the recess 412B. The riser 90 is supported so that it can rise in the upward direction U, with its base end serving as a fulcrum. Note that the riser 90 is not essential and can be omitted.

[0030] The ultrasound observation section 36 has a transducer array 50 configured by arranging a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped transducers 51 extending in the left-right direction in a curved shape. As shown in Fig. 4, the transducer array 50 is arranged in a convex arc shape facing outward. Fig. 4 also shows a center of curvature 52 at the same distance from each transducer 51 included in the transducer array 50. The transducers 51 included in the transducer array 50 are arranged on an arc of a circle whose center is the center of curvature 52 and whose radius is the shortest distance.

[0031] 4, one edge E1 of the convex arc-shaped transducer array 50 is located closer to the base end than the center of curvature 52, and the other edge E2 is located closer to the tip end than the center of curvature 52. In this specification, the angle formed by the line segment connecting the center of curvature 52 and the one edge E1 and the line segment connecting the center of curvature 52 and the other edge E2 is defined as the opening angle 50A of the transducer array 50.

[0032] The opening angle 50A is equal to or greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. By setting the opening angle 50A to be equal to or greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, the ultrasonic beam can be scanned over a sufficiently wide range, and the size (e.g., the length in the axial direction) of the first exterior body 411 can be reduced. The reduced size of the first exterior body 411 prevents the transducer array 50 from coming into contact with a region of the subject, even when the distal end portion 40 is brought close to the region while the region is being observed through the observation window 61. Furthermore, the shortened length of the distal end portion improves operability and reduces the burden on the subject during operation. Considering both the size of the ultrasonic beam scanning range required for ultrasound imaging and the miniaturization of the distal end portion 40, the opening angle 50A is preferably equal to or greater than 140 degrees and less than 160 degrees.

[0033] The number of transducers 51 (number of channels) included in the transducer array 50 is preferably 96 or more to obtain sufficient resolution of the ultrasound image, and is preferably 128 or less to reduce the size of the tip portion 40. Compared to an ultrasound endoscope having a transducer array with an opening angle 50A of 180 degrees and a number of channels of 96 to 128, according to this embodiment, the opening angle 50A is smaller, so the density of the transducers 51 in the transducer array 50 can be increased, thereby improving the image quality of the ultrasound image.

[0034] FIG. 4 shows the inclination angle α of the distal end surface 412A with respect to the axis 40X. The inclination angle α constitutes the second angle. FIG. 4 also shows the angle θ1 formed by the axis 40X and a line connecting the center 50C of the arrangement direction of the transducers 51 in the transducer array 50 and the center of curvature 52. The angle θ1 constitutes the fourth angle. Considering the actual usage environment of an ultrasonic endoscope, it is preferable that the angle θ1 (fourth angle) be between 45 degrees and 55 degrees, and the inclination angle α (second angle) be between 35 degrees and 50 degrees.

[0035] 4 shows the observation field 610 of the observation window 61. The observation field 610 is the range of a subject that can be imaged with appropriate image quality by the imaging module 60. The observation field 610 is defined as the range surrounded by an observation range upper limit 61A that defines the end on one side of the optical axis 61C of the observation window 61, and an observation range lower limit 61B that defines the end on the other side of the optical axis 61C of the observation window 61. The optical axis 61C corresponds to the center of the observation field 610. The angle of the observation field 610 (corresponding to the angle of view of the imaging module 60) is preferably an opening angle of 50A or less, and more preferably 120 degrees or more and 140 degrees or less.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 4, the other edge E2 of the transducer array 50 is located below the axis 40X, and one edge E1 of the transducer array 50 is located above the axis 40X. Fig. 4 shows an upper edge 50U of the transducer array 50. The upper edge 50U constitutes one edge of the transducer array 50 in the up-down direction. In the example of Fig. 4, the one edge E1 is located closer to the base end than the upper edge 50U, the other edge E2 is located closer to the tip end than the upper edge 50U, and the center 50C is located closer to the tip end than the upper edge 50U.

[0037] The upper edge 50U is preferably located within the observation field 610. In other words, it is preferable that the lower limit 61B of the observation range of the observation field 610 is located below the upper edge 50U, and the upper limit 61A of the observation range of the observation field 610 is located above the upper edge 50U. By doing so, even if the axial length of the first exterior body 411 is reduced, the imaging module 60 can capture an image of the vicinity of the upper edge 50U of the transducer array 50 together with the subject, making it possible to observe the subject's region while checking the position of the transducer array 50.

[0038] 4, it is preferable that the center 50C of the transducer array 50 be located between the upper observation range limit 61A and the lower observation range limit 61B. The upper observation range limit 61A and the lower observation range limit 61B can also be said to be light rays that form both ends of the observation field of view 610. In the example of FIG. 4, the lower observation range limit 61B is located below the center 50C. In this way, even if the observation field of view 610 changes due to an assembly error of the imaging module 60 in the ultrasound endoscope 12, the vicinity of the upper edge 50U of the transducer array 50 can be located at an appropriate position in the captured image.

[0039] 4, the optical axis 61C of the observation window 61 is preferably positioned above the upper edge 50U. This makes it easier to center the subject region opposite the center 50C in the captured image, improving the operability of the transducer array 50.

[0040] 4 shows the distance D1 in the front-rear direction between the one edge E1 and the observation window 61. In order to shorten the length of the tip portion 40, the distance D1 is preferably set to 10 mm or less.

[0041] It is preferable that the center line 70C of the illumination window 70 is located above the one edge E1. By doing so, when imaging the upper edge 50U of the transducer array 50 and the subject region beyond it, the subject region can be sufficiently illuminated, ensuring the brightness of the captured image.

[0042] The ultrasound processor device 14 performs first drive control and second drive control as drive control of the transducer array 50. The first drive control and second drive control will be described below.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the second drive control of the transducer array 50. Fig. 6 shows the curved transducer array 50 as viewed in the left-right direction.

[0044] The ultrasonic processor device 14 groups a plurality of consecutively arranged transducers 51 (five in the example of FIG. 6 ) into a transducer group 51G, and excites the transducers 51 belonging to the transducer group 51G with a predetermined delay relationship to form an ultrasonic beam 50T. The ultrasonic beam 50T has a transmission focal point 50F formed at a set depth. In the second drive control shown in FIG. 6 , the ultrasonic beam 50T is formed so that the transmission focal point 50F is located on an extension of a straight line 50L connecting the center transducer 51 of the plurality of transducers 51 included in the transducer group 51G and the center of curvature 52. The ultrasonic beam 50T gradually widens on the shallower side (upper side) and deeper side (lower side) than the transmission focal point 50F. Note that the ultrasonic beam 50T is depicted schematically in FIG. 6 .

[0045] When the reflected waves of the ultrasonic beam 50T are received by the transducer group 51G, a group of received signals is obtained from this transducer group 51G. The ultrasonic processor device 14 processes this group of received signals to obtain a group of received data 50R. The group of received data 50R is made up of a plurality of pieces of received data (echo data) 50r corresponding to a plurality of reception points (sample points) lined up on an extension of the straight line 50L. In this way, a single transducer group 51G obtains a group of received data 50R. By performing the same drive control while shifting the position of the central transducer 51 constituting the transducer group 51G one by one, a plurality of groups of received data 50R corresponding to one scanning plane, i.e., one frame, is obtained.

[0046] In this specification, the propagation direction of the ultrasonic beam 50T from which the reception data group 50R is obtained is defined as the direction in which the multiple reception points corresponding to the reception data group 50R are arranged. In the second drive control shown in Fig. 6, the ultrasonic processor device 14 drives and controls the transducer group 51G so that the direction connecting the central transducer 51 of the multiple transducers 51 included in the transducer group 51G and the center of curvature 52 (this direction constitutes the third direction) coincides with the propagation direction of the ultrasonic beam 50T (the direction in which the reception data 50r are arranged).

[0047] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image based on the reception data group 50R obtained when the second drive control shown in FIG. 6 is performed on all transducer groups 51G set in the transducer array 50. In FIG.

[0048] The ultrasound image 500 includes an image line 500Rr corresponding to the reception data group 50R of the ultrasound beam 50T generated by the transducer group 51G closest to one edge E1 of the transducer array 50, and an image line 500Fr corresponding to the reception data group 50R of the ultrasound beam 50T generated by the transducer group 51G closest to the other edge E2 of the transducer array 50, with image lines corresponding to the reception data groups 50R of the ultrasound beam 50T generated by other transducer groups 51G existing between them. In this specification, the angle formed by the image line 500Rr and the image line 500Fr is defined as the field of view 500A of the ultrasound image 500. When the second drive control is performed on all transducer groups 51G set in the transducer array 50, the field of view 500A becomes slightly smaller than the opening angle 50A.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the first drive control of the transducer array 50. In the first drive control shown in FIG. 8, the excitation timing of the plurality of transducers 51 included in the transducer group 51G is controlled to form the ultrasonic beam 50T so that the transmission focal point 50F is positioned at a position shifted from the extension of the straight line 50L in the arrangement direction of the transducers 51. Therefore, in the first drive control shown in FIG. 8, the propagation direction of the ultrasonic beam 50T becomes a direction (this direction constitutes the second direction) intersecting with the direction (third direction) connecting the central transducer 51 among the plurality of transducers 51 included in the transducer group 51G and the center of curvature 52. In the example of FIG. 8, the propagation direction of the ultrasonic beam 50T is directed toward one edge E1 with respect to the extension direction of the straight line 50L (third direction). However, it is also possible to direct the propagation direction of the ultrasonic beam 50T toward the other edge E2 with respect to the extension direction of the straight line 50L (third direction).

[0050] For example, by performing a first drive control (control to direct the propagation direction of the ultrasonic beam 50T toward one edge E1 in the direction in which the straight line 50L extends) on the transducer group 51G set at the end on the base end side of the transducer array 50, and performing a second drive control on the other transducer groups 51G, the ultrasonic scanning range can be expanded toward the base end side more than when the second drive control is performed on all transducer groups 51G.

[0051] In addition, by performing a first drive control (control to direct the propagation direction of the ultrasonic beam 50T toward the other edge E2 in the direction in which the straight line 50L extends) on the transducer group 51G set at the end of the transducer array 50 on the tip side, and performing a second drive control on the other transducer groups 51G, the ultrasonic scanning range can be expanded toward the tip side more than when the second drive control is performed on all transducer groups 51G.

[0052] Furthermore, by performing a first drive control on the transducer groups 51G set at both ends of the transducer array 50 and performing a second drive control on the transducer groups 51G set at other central portions (for example, within a range of ±45 degrees from the center of the transducer array 50), the ultrasound scanning range can be expanded toward the base end and the tip end compared to when the second drive control is performed on all transducer groups 51G.

[0053] The first drive control can also be performed on all transducer groups 51G set in the transducer array 50. In this case, the ultrasound scanning range can be expanded to at least one of the base end side and the tip end side, or the scanning range can be shifted, compared to when the second drive control is performed on all transducer groups 51G.

[0054] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image 501 based on a group of received data 50R obtained when the second drive control shown in Figure 8 is performed on a transducer group 51G set at the end of one edge E1 side of the transducer array 50.

[0055] The ultrasound image 501 includes an image line 501Rr corresponding to the reception data group 50R obtained from the transducer group 51G closest to one edge E1 of the transducer array 50, and an image line 501Fr corresponding to the reception data group 50R obtained from the transducer group 51G closest to the other edge E2 of the transducer array 50, with image lines corresponding to the reception data groups 50R obtained from other transducer groups 51G existing between them. The angle formed by the image line 501Rr and the image line 501Fr is the field of view 501A of the ultrasound image 501. The ultrasound image 501 is wider on the proximal side than the ultrasound image 500 by the amount of image lines corresponding to the portion of the transducer array 50 where the first drive control was performed (the region of the transducer array 50 that generates an ultrasound image of the portion exceeding the opening angle 50A).

[0056] Viewing angle 501A is larger than viewing angle 500A. Viewing angle 501A can be larger than opening angle 50A. Opening angle 50A is preferably set to 140 degrees or more and 160 degrees or less in order to miniaturize tip portion 40 and ensure a sufficient ultrasonic scanning range. However, even when opening angle 50A is set within this range, if an ultrasonic image with a viewing angle of approximately 180 degrees can be generated, the same usability as an ultrasonic endoscope with opening angle 50A of 180 degrees can be obtained. From this perspective, viewing angle 501A is preferably set to 15 degrees or more larger than opening angle 50A, and is preferably set to 180 degrees or less.

[0057] In this way, the ultrasonic processor device 14 performs a first control to generate an ultrasonic image with a first field of view angle (field of view angle 501A in the example of FIG. 9) larger than the opening angle 50A, and a second control to generate an ultrasonic image with a second field of view angle (field of view angle 500A in the example of FIG. 7) smaller than the first field of view angle. In the first control, the ultrasonic processor device 14 performs at least the first drive control of the first drive control and the second drive control on the transducer array 50. In the second control, the ultrasonic processor device 14 performs the second drive control on the entire transducer array 50. The first control can also be said to be a control to perform sector scanning on at least a part of the transducer array 50, which shifts the phase of the transmission pulse applied to each of the multiple transducers 51 included in the transducer group 51G. In the first control, it is preferable to increase the angle between the propagation direction of the ultrasonic beam 50T generated from the transducer group 51G (the direction in which the straight line representing the received data group 50R in FIG. 8 extends) and the straight line 50L, the closer to the edge of the transducer array 50. When the second control is to perform the second drive control on the entire transducer array 50, the second control can be said to be control that performs convex scanning to observe a field of view that is approximately the same as the opening angle 50A.

[0058] It is preferable that the first control and the second control can be switched by operating a button or the like provided on the operation unit 24. The ultrasonic processor device 14 displays on the monitor 20 either an ultrasonic image obtained by the first control or an ultrasonic image obtained by the second control, and preferably further displays on the monitor 20 information indicating which control the ultrasonic image was obtained by. After changing from the first control to the second control by operation of the operation unit 24, the ultrasonic processor device 14 may return to the first control after a certain time has elapsed without receiving operation from the operation unit 24. Conversely, after changing from the second control to the first control by operation of the operation unit 24, the ultrasonic processor device 14 may return to the second control after a certain time has elapsed without receiving operation from the operation unit 24.

[0059] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of an ultrasonic beam when a first drive control is performed on a transducer group 51G set at the end on the base end side of the transducer array 50, and a second drive control is performed on other transducer groups 51G.

[0060] A straight line L2 shown in Fig. 10 indicates an extension of a straight line connecting the central transducer 51 of the transducer group 51G closest to one edge E1 of the transducer array 50 and the transmission focal point 50F of the ultrasonic beam 50T generated from that transducer group 51G. A straight line L3 shown in Fig. 10 indicates an extension of a straight line connecting the central transducer 51 of the transducer group 51G closest to the other edge E2 of the transducer array 50 and the transmission focal point 50F of the ultrasonic beam 50T generated from that transducer group 51G. A straight line L1 shown in Fig. 10 indicates an extension of the straight line L2 when the second drive control is performed on the transducer group 51G closest to one edge E1 of the transducer array 50.

[0061] The intersection of the lines L1 and L3 coincides with the center of curvature 52. The intersection 52A of the lines L2 and L3 is shifted to a position closer to the propagation direction of the ultrasonic beam than the center of curvature 52. In this way, the position of the intersection of the lines L1 and L3 corresponding to both end edges of the ultrasonic image when the second control is performed is different from the position of the intersection of the lines L2 and L3 corresponding to both end edges of the ultrasonic image when the first control is performed.

[0062] 4 shows the angle β1 formed between the line segment connecting the one edge E1 and the center of curvature 52 and the axis 40X. The angle β1 constitutes a first angle. This angle β1 is preferably equal to or greater than the inclination angle α (second angle). This allows the observation window 61 and the raising base 90 to be positioned close to the one edge E1 of the transducer array 50, making it possible to perform treatment using a treatment tool in an efficient manner.

[0063] FIG. 4 also shows a straight line L4 indicating the propagation direction of an ultrasonic beam (hereinafter referred to as a first ultrasonic beam) emitted from the transducer group 51G closest to the one edge E1 when the first drive control is performed on that transducer group 51G, and an angle β2 formed between the straight line L4 and the axis 40X. The angle β2 constitutes a third angle. The inclination angle α (second angle) is preferably equal to or greater than the angle β2 (third angle). This configuration reduces the blind spot of the observation window 61. The angle β2 (third angle) is preferably set to an angle at which the straight line L4 does not intersect with the observation window 61. This prevents the first ultrasonic beam from being blocked by the observation window 61, greatly widening the viewing angle of the ultrasound image.

[0064] Fig. 11 is a view of the internal structure of second exterior body 412 as seen from the base end side. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of second exterior body 412 shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a partial enlargement of Fig. 11. In Figs. 11 to 13, the signal cable 80 shown in Fig. 5 is omitted from illustration.

[0065] The second exterior body 412 is formed by connecting an upper member 412U and a lower member 412D. The holder 65 and cable support part 66 of the imaging module 60 are housed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing space 421 formed between the upper member 412U and the lower member 412D. The lens barrel 62 of the imaging module 60 is inserted into a cylindrical hole 420 provided through the wall surface on the tip side and upper side that forms the housing space 421 of the upper member 412U. The position of the lens barrel 62 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation window 61 (i.e., its position in the radial direction) is determined by the hole 420. The lens barrel 62 is fixed to the hole 420 with an adhesive or the like while inserted through the hole 420. In this manner, the imaging module 60 is supported by the second exterior body 412. The second exterior body 412 constitutes a support member that supports the imaging module 60.

[0066] Before the lens barrel 62 is inserted into the hole 420 and fixed to the hole 420, the lens barrel 62 is rotatable within the hole 420 around the optical axis of the observation window 61. In this state, the lens barrel 62 is configured to be immovable within the hole 420 in its radial direction. By rotating the lens barrel 62 within the hole 420, the position of the imaging element integrated with the lens barrel 62 can be changed. By rotating the lens barrel 62 within the hole 420, the position at which the transducer array 50 appears in the image captured by the imaging element can be adjusted.

[0067] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the sizes of hole 420 and lens barrel 62. Fig. 14 shows a view of the vicinity of hole 420 in second exterior body 412 as seen from the tip side, and a view of imaging module 60 as seen in the optical axis direction of observation window 61.

[0068] The inner diameter φ1 of hole 420 is larger than the outer diameter φ2 of lens barrel 62. The value obtained by subtracting the outer diameter φ2 from the inner diameter φ1 is referred to as the second distance, i.e., the distance between the inner peripheral surface of hole 420 and the outer peripheral surface of lens barrel 62. As described above, this second distance is a small value that prevents lens barrel 62 from moving in its radial direction but allows it to rotate in its circumferential direction.

[0069] When lens barrel 62 rotates within hole 420 before being inserted into hole 420 and fixed to hole 420, holder 65 and cable support part 66 also move in conjunction with it, so it is necessary to provide space in storage space 421 in which holder 65 and cable support part 66 can move.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 13, a gap CL is formed between the left wall surface WL and the right wall surface WR that form the housing space 421 and the holder 65 and cable support portion 66. The distance of the gap CL (first distance) is greater than the second distance described above. The left wall surface WL and the right wall surface WR each form a side surface that surrounds the imaging unit. As shown in FIG. 11, the gap CL is preferably provided on the left and right sides of the cable support portion 66. With this configuration, the lens barrel 62 can be rotated the same amount in either circumferential direction.

[0071] As explained above, this specification describes at least the following:

[0072] (1) an ultrasonic endoscope having a transducer array in which a plurality of transducers extending in a first direction intersecting the axial direction of the insertion section are arranged in a curved shape; a processor for performing processing to generate an ultrasound image based on an output signal of the transducer array obtained by controlling the transducer array, an opening angle of the transducer array when viewed in the first direction is equal to or greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees; The processor is a system that performs first control to generate the ultrasound image at a first field of view angle that is larger than the opening angle.

[0073] (2) The system according to (1), The opening angle is between 140 degrees and 160 degrees.

[0074] (3) The system according to (1) or (2), A system in which the first viewing angle is 15 degrees or more larger than the opening angle.

[0075] (4) A system according to any one of (1) to (3), The system wherein the first viewing angle is less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0076] (5) A system according to any one of (1) to (4), the transducer array is configured by arranging the transducers along an arc of a circle; The processor performs, in the first control, a first drive control on at least a portion of the transducer array to propagate the ultrasonic beam in a second direction that intersects with a third direction connecting the center transducer in the transducer group that generates the ultrasonic beam and the center of the circle, as viewed in the first direction.

[0077] (6) The system according to (5), The processor performs the first drive control on a region of the transducer array that generates the ultrasound image, at least the region exceeding the opening angle.

[0078] (7) The system according to (6), A system in which the second direction includes a direction toward the base end of the insertion portion relative to the third direction.

[0079] (8) The system according to (6) or (7), A system in which the second direction includes a direction toward the tip of the insertion portion relative to the third direction.

[0080] (9) A system according to any one of (5) to (8), The processor performs second drive control on a part of the transducer array in the first control, which propagates an ultrasonic beam in the third direction as viewed in the first direction.

[0081] (10) The system according to (9), A system in which the part of the transducer array that is the target of the second drive control is the center of the transducer array.

[0082] (11) The system according to (10), The center of the system is within ±45 degrees from the center of the transducer array.

[0083] (12) A system according to any one of (5) to (11), The processor further performs second control to generate the ultrasound image at a second field of view angle smaller than the first field of view angle.

[0084] (13) The system according to (12), A system in which, in the case of the second control, the ultrasonic beam generated by the group of transducers that generates the ultrasonic beam corresponding to the edge of the ultrasonic image is propagated toward the center of the transducer array more than in the case of the first control.

[0085] (14) The system according to (13), A system in which the intersection of the extension lines of the ultrasonic beams generated by the transducer group that generates the ultrasonic beams corresponding to both end edges of the ultrasonic image is located closer to the propagation direction of the ultrasonic beams in the case of the first control than in the case of the second control.

[0086] (15) A system according to any one of (1) to (14), A system in which the number of channels in the transducer array is 96 or more and 128 or less.

[0087] (16) A system according to any one of (1) to (15), the ultrasonic endoscope has an observation window provided on the proximal side of the transducer array, the transducer array is configured by arranging the transducers along an arc of a circle; When viewed in the first direction, the observation window is provided at an angle with respect to the axis of the insertion portion, A system in which a first angle formed between the axis and a straight line connecting the center of the circle and the transducer at the base end of the insertion portion of the transducer array is greater than or equal to a second angle formed between the observation window and the axis.

[0088] (17) The system according to (16), A system in which the second angle, when viewed in the first direction, is equal to or greater than a third angle between the propagation direction of a first ultrasonic beam at the base end of the insertion section generated from the transducer array when the first control is performed and the axial direction.

[0089] (18) The system according to (17), A system in which, in the first direction, the third angle is an angle at which a straight line extending in the propagation direction from the central transducer of the transducer group that generates the first ultrasound beam in the transducer array does not intersect with the observation window.

[0090] (19) The system according to (17) or (18), a fourth angle formed by a line connecting the center of the circle and the center of the transducer array and the axis is equal to or greater than 45 degrees and equal to or less than 55 degrees; The system wherein the second angle is greater than or equal to 35 degrees and less than or equal to 50 degrees.

[0091] (20) A system according to any one of (1) to (19), the ultrasonic endoscope has an observation window provided on the proximal side of the transducer array, A system in which, when viewed in the first direction, one edge of the transducer array in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the insertion portion falls within the observation field of the observation window.

[0092] (twenty one) The system according to (20), A system in which, when viewed in the first direction, the center of the transducer array is between light rays that define both ends of the observation field of the observation window.

[0093] (twenty two) The system according to (20) or (21), A system in which the center of the observation field is located on the opposite side of the one edge from the axis side when viewed in the first direction.

[0094] (twenty three) A system according to any one of (20) to (22), the ultrasonic endoscope includes an imaging module including an imaging optical system including the observation window and an imaging unit that captures images through the imaging optical system; and a support member that supports the imaging optical system and the imaging unit, the support member includes a hole through which the imaging optical system is inserted and a side surface surrounding the imaging unit, A system in which a gap is formed between the side surface and the imaging unit.

[0095] (twenty four) The system according to (23), A system in which a first distance of the gap is greater than a second distance between an inner circumferential surface of the hole and an outer circumferential surface of the imaging optical system.

[0096] (twenty five) The system according to (24), A system in which the imaging optical system is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis by the hole.

[0097] (26) A system according to any one of (20) to (25), A system in which the distance in the axial direction between the base end edge of the insertion portion of the transducer array and the observation window is 10 mm or less.

[0098] (27) A system according to any one of (20) to (26), the ultrasonic endoscope has an illumination window provided on the proximal side of the transducer array, A system in which, when viewed in the first direction, the center line of the illumination window is located on the opposite side of the axis from the one end edge.

[0099] (28) The system according to (27), A system in which the observation window and the illumination window are provided eccentrically in the same direction when viewed in the axial direction.

[0100] (29) The system according to (28), The ultrasonic endoscope has an outlet for a treatment tool, and the system is provided with the transducer array, the observation window, and the outlet arranged in this order from the distal end side. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10 Ultrasonic Inspection System 12 Endoscopic Ultrasound 14 Ultrasonic processor 16. Endoscope processor unit 18 Light source device 20 monitors 21a Water tank 21b Suction pump 22 Insertion section 24 Control section 26 Universal Code 28a Air and water supply button 28b Suction button 29 Angle knob 30 Treatment tool insertion port 32a, 32b, 32c connectors 34a Air and water supply tube 34b Suction tube 36 Ultrasound Observation Department 38 Optical Observation Section 40 Tip 40X axis 42 Curved section 43 Soft part 50 transducer array 50A angle 50C center 50F transmit focus 50L straight line 50R Received data group 50T ultrasonic beam 50U top edge 50r Received data 51 Oscillator 51G Resonator Group 52 Center of curvature 52A intersection 60 Imaging module 61 Observation window 61A Upper limit of observation range 61B Lower limit of observation range 61C Optical axis 62 Lens barrel 63 Prism 64 image sensor 65 Holder 66 Cable support part 70 Lighting window 70C center line 80 Signal Cable 90 Raising platform 91 Treatment instrument insertion passage 91A Outlet 411 First Exterior Body 412 Second Exterior Body 412A Tip surface 412B Recess 412D Lower part 412U Upper member 420 Hole 421 Containment Space 500,501 Ultrasound images 500A,501A viewing angle 500Rr, 500Fr, 501Rr, 501Fr Image line 610 Observation field D1 Distance L1,L2,L3,L4 straight line E1 One edge E2 Other edge

Claims

1. an ultrasonic endoscope having a transducer array in which a plurality of transducers extending in a first direction intersecting the axial direction of the insertion section are arranged in a curved shape; a processor for performing processing to generate an ultrasound image based on an output signal of the transducer array obtained by controlling the transducer array, an opening angle of the transducer array when viewed in the first direction is equal to or greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees; The processor performs first control to generate the ultrasound image at a first field of view angle that is larger than the opening angle.

2. 10. The system of claim 1, The opening angle is greater than or equal to 140 degrees and less than or equal to 160 degrees.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, The first viewing angle is greater than the opening angle by 15 degrees or more.

4. 4. The system of claim 3, The system wherein the first viewing angle is less than or equal to 180 degrees.

5. 5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the transducer array is configured such that the transducers are arranged along an arc of a circle; The processor, in the first control, performs a first drive control on at least a portion of the transducer array to propagate the ultrasonic beam in a second direction that intersects with a third direction connecting the center transducer in a transducer group that generates an ultrasonic beam and the center of the circle, as viewed in the first direction.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, The system wherein the processor performs the first drive control on a region of the transducer array that generates the ultrasound image at least in a portion exceeding the opening angle.

7. 7. The system of claim 6, A system in which the second direction includes a direction toward the base end of the insertion portion relative to the third direction.

8. 8. The system of claim 7, A system in which the second direction includes a direction toward the tip of the insertion portion relative to the third direction.

9. 6. The system of claim 5, The system wherein the processor, in the first control, performs second drive control on a portion of the transducer array to propagate an ultrasonic beam in the third direction as viewed in the first direction.

10. 10. The system of claim 9, A system in which the part of the transducer array that is the target of the second drive control is the center of the transducer array.

11. 11. The system of claim 10, A system in which the central portion is within ±45 degrees from the center of the transducer array.

12. 6. The system of claim 5, The processor further performs second control to generate the ultrasound image at a second field of view angle that is smaller than the first field of view angle.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, A system in which, in the second control, the ultrasonic beam generated by the group of transducers that generates the ultrasonic beam corresponding to the edge of the ultrasonic image is propagated toward the center of the transducer array more than in the first control.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, A system in which the intersection of the extension line connecting the transmission focus of the ultrasonic beam generated by a group of transducers that generates ultrasonic beams corresponding to both ends of the ultrasonic image and the central transducer of the group of transducers is located closer to the propagation direction of the ultrasonic beam in the case of the first control than in the case of the second control.

15. 6. The system of claim 5, A system in which the number of channels of the transducer array is 96 or more and 128 or less.

16. 5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the ultrasonic endoscope has an observation window provided on the proximal side of the transducer array, the transducer array is configured such that the transducers are arranged along an arc of a circle; When viewed in the first direction, the observation window is provided at an angle with respect to the axis of the insertion portion, A system in which a first angle formed between the axis and a straight line connecting the center of the circle and the transducer at the base end of the insertion portion of the transducer array is greater than or equal to a second angle formed between the observation window and the axis.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, A system in which the second angle, when viewed in the first direction, is equal to or greater than a third angle between the propagation direction of a first ultrasonic beam at the base end of the insertion portion generated from the transducer array when the first control is performed and the axial direction.

18. 18. The system of claim 17, A system in which, when viewed in the first direction, the third angle is an angle at which a straight line extending in the propagation direction from the central transducer of the group of transducers in the transducer array that generates the first ultrasound beam does not intersect with the observation window.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, a fourth angle formed by a line connecting the center of the circle and the center of the transducer array and the axis is equal to or greater than 45 degrees and equal to or less than 55 degrees; The system wherein the second angle is greater than or equal to 35 degrees and less than or equal to 50 degrees.

20. 5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the ultrasonic endoscope has an observation window provided on the proximal side of the transducer array, A system in which, when viewed in the first direction, one edge of the transducer array in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the insertion portion falls within the observation field of the observation window.

21. 21. The system of claim 20, A system in which, when viewed in the first direction, the center of the transducer array is between light rays that define both ends of the observation field of the observation window.

22. 22. The system of claim 21, A system in which the center of the observation field is located on the side opposite the axis side from the one end edge when viewed in the first direction.

23. 23. The system of claim 22, the ultrasonic endoscope includes: an imaging module including an imaging optical system including the observation window; and an imaging unit that captures images through the imaging optical system; and a support member that supports the imaging optical system and the imaging unit, the support member includes a hole through which the imaging optical system is inserted and a side surface surrounding the imaging unit, A system in which a gap is formed between the side surface and the imaging unit.

24. 24. The system of claim 23, A system in which a first distance of the gap is greater than a second distance between an inner circumferential surface of the hole and an outer circumferential surface of the imaging optical system.

25. 25. The system of claim 24, A system in which the imaging optical system is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis by the hole.

26. 26. The system of claim 25, A system in which the axial distance between the base end edge of the insertion portion of the transducer array and the observation window is 10 mm or less.

27. 27. The system of claim 26, the ultrasonic endoscope has an illumination window provided on the proximal side of the transducer array, A system in which, when viewed in the first direction, the center line of the illumination window is located on the opposite side of the one end edge from the axis line.

28. 28. The system of claim 27, A system in which the observation window and the illumination window are provided eccentrically in the same direction when viewed in the axial direction.

29. 29. The system of claim 28, The ultrasonic endoscope has an outlet for a treatment tool, and the system is provided with the transducer array, the observation window, and the outlet arranged in this order from the tip side.

Images