Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

To reduce a transfer amount of IQ data before performing BF processing.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a first acquisition unit for acquiring first information, which is part of information based on a reflection wave signal output from a plurality of vibrators for receiving a reflection wave; a first beamforming execution unit for executing first beamforming processing on the basis of the first information; a second acquisition unit for acquiring second information different from the first information, which is part of information based on the reflection wave signal; and second beamforming execution unit for executing second beamforming processing on the basis of the second information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, in order to improve the resolution of ultrasound images, beamforming (hereinafter also referred to as BF (Beam Forming)) processing has been performed on received IQ (In-phase and Quadrature phase) data using a beam former of an ultrasound diagnostic device. This beam former is implemented in hardware, like a circuit capable of performing beamforming processing, and hardware beamforming (hereinafter also referred to as HWBF (Hardware Beam Forming)) processing, in which beamforming processing is performed in hardware, has become mainstream.

[0003] However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases where beamformers are implemented in software. Software beamforming (hereinafter referred to as SWBF (Software Beam Forming)), in which such beamformers are implemented in software and beamforming processing is performed in software, has the advantage of being able to flexibly change the beamforming processing logic depending on the situation. Furthermore, since beamforming processing requires simultaneous processing of IQ data obtained from multiple channels, when performing SWBF processing on IQ data, it is desirable to implement the beamformer in software on a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0004] On the other hand, because real-time performance is important for ultrasound diagnostic devices, SWBF processing is also required to be performed in real time. When performing this SWBF processing, IQ data before BF processing must be transferred to a GPU. However, because the amount of IQ data before BF processing is large, the bus used to transfer the IQ data before BF processing to the GPU becomes a bottleneck, and the transfer of the IQ data to the GPU cannot keep up, making it difficult to perform SWBF processing in real time. Therefore, in order to ensure the real-time performance of ultrasound diagnostic devices, it is desirable to reduce the amount of IQ data transferred before BF processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-172959 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-001139 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2019-534096 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-175155 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to reduce the amount of IQ data transferred before BF processing is performed. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first acquisition unit that acquires first information, which is part of information based on reflected wave signals output from a plurality of transducers that receive reflected waves; a first beamforming execution unit that executes first beamforming processing based on the first information; a second acquisition unit that acquires second information, which is part of information based on the reflected wave signals and is different from the first information; and a second beamforming execution unit that executes second beamforming processing based on the second information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a receiving circuit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of pre-BF IQ data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions realized by an image generation circuit in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions realized by a processing circuit in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of image generation processing executed by the image generation circuit of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method for selecting SWBF target IQ data in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of ultrasound image data generated by an image generation circuit of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of image display processing executed by the processing circuit of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a comparative example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a receiving circuit of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a selection method using a first selection function of a selection circuit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing functions realized by an image generation circuit in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing functions realized by a processing circuit in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of an image generation process executed by an image generation circuit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of ultrasound image data generated by an image generation circuit of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the ratio between the amount of IQ data on which HWBF processing has been performed and the amount of IQ data on which SWBF processing has been performed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ultrasound diagnostic device will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary.

[0010] [Outline of the first embodiment] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a receiving circuitry 212, an image generating circuitry 22, and a processing circuitry 23 that constitute the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1 also shows a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 221 and a CPU memory 222 that constitute the image generating circuitry 22, and a GPU 231 and a GPU memory 232 that constitute the processing circuitry 23. The receiving circuitry 212 and the image generating circuitry 22, and the image generating circuitry 22 and the processing circuitry 23 are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0011] (1) The receiving circuit 212 transfers IQ data before execution of BF processing (hereinafter also referred to as pre-BF IQ data) to the CPU memory 222 of the image generating circuit 22. In addition, the receiving circuit 212 selects IQ data to be subjected to HWBF processing (hereinafter also referred to as HWBF target IQ data) from the pre-BF IQ data, executes HWBF processing based on the HWBF target IQ data, thereby generating IQ data on which HWBF processing has been executed (hereinafter also referred to as post-HWBF IQ data), and transfers the post-HWBF IQ data to the CPU 222 of the image generating circuit 22.

[0012] (2) The image generation circuit 22 selects IQ data to be subjected to SWBF processing (hereinafter also referred to as SWBF target IQ data) from the pre-BF IQ data, and transfers the selected SWBF target IQ data to the GPU memory 232 of the processing circuit 23.

[0013] (3)(4) The processing circuitry 23 performs SWBF processing based on the SWBF target IQ data transferred from the image generation circuitry 22. The processing circuitry 23 also performs log compression (logarithmic compression) on the IQ data that has undergone SWBF processing (hereinafter also referred to as post-SWBF IQ data). Furthermore, the processing circuitry 23 performs scan conversion on the log-compressed post-SWBF IQ data to generate first ultrasound image data. The processing circuitry 23 then transfers the first ultrasound image data to the CPU memory 222 of the image generation circuitry 22.

[0014] (5) (6) (7) The image generation circuitry 22 performs log compression (logarithmic compression) on the post-HWBF IQ data. The image generation circuitry 22 also performs scan conversion on the log-compressed post-HWBF IQ data to generate second ultrasound image data. The image generation circuitry 22 also generates ultrasound image data by combining the first ultrasound image data and the second ultrasound image data, and performs filter processing on the generated ultrasound image data.

[0015] (8)(9) The image generation circuitry 22 transfers the filtered ultrasound image data to the GPU memory 232 of the processing circuitry 23. Then, the processing circuitry 23 displays an ultrasound image indicated by the pre-BF IQ data on a display. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus performs SWBF processing only on SWBF target IQ data among the pre-BF IQ data, and as a result, the amount of pre-BF IQ data to be transferred can be reduced.

[0016] [Detailed Description of First Embodiment] Next, a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include an ultrasonic probe 10, an apparatus main body 20, a display 30, and an input interface 40. The ultrasonic probe 10, the display 30, and the input interface 40 are connected to the apparatus main body 20 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0017] The ultrasonic probe 10 has a plurality of transducers 11. These transducers 11 generate ultrasonic waves based on drive signals supplied from a transmission circuit 211 of a transmission / reception circuit 21 included in the device main body 20. The transducers 11 also receive reflected waves from the subject P, convert them into electrical signals (reflected wave signals), and output the reflected wave signals to a receiving circuit, which will be described later. The ultrasonic probe 10 is detachably connected to the device main body 20.

[0018] When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected successively by discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the tissues of the subject P and are received as reflected wave signals by the multiple transducers 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signals depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surfaces where the ultrasonic waves are reflected. When the transmitted ultrasonic pulses are reflected by the surface of a moving blood flow, heart wall, or the like, the reflected wave signals undergo a frequency shift due to the Doppler effect depending on the velocity component of the moving object in the direction of ultrasonic transmission.

[0019] Note that there is no particular limitation on the form of the ultrasonic probe 10, and any form of ultrasonic probe may be used. For example, the ultrasonic probe 10 may be a 1D array probe that scans the subject P in two dimensions. Alternatively, the ultrasonic probe 10 may be a mechanical 4D probe or a 2D array probe that scans the subject P in three dimensions.

[0020] The display 30 displays various information and images. Specifically, the display 30 converts information, data, and images sent from the processing circuitry 23 of the device main body 20 into electrical signals for display and outputs them. For example, the display 30 may be implemented by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, or the like. Note that the output device provided in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is not limited to the display 30 and may include, for example, a speaker. For example, the speaker outputs a predetermined sound, such as a beep, to notify the operator of the processing status of the device main body 20.

[0021] The input interface 40 accepts various instructions and information input operations from an operator. Specifically, the input interface 40 converts the input operations accepted by the operator into electrical signals and outputs them to the processing circuit 23 of the device main body 20. For example, the input interface 40 may be realized by a trackball, switch buttons, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touchscreen that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and a voice input circuit. Note that the input interface 40 is not limited to those that include physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to input operations from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs these electrical signals to a control circuit is also included as an example of the input interface 40.

[0022] The device main body 20 is a device that generates an ultrasound image based on the reflected wave signals received by the ultrasound probe 10. For example, the device main body 20 generates a two-dimensional ultrasound image based on the two-dimensional reflected wave signals received by the ultrasound probe 10. Note that the device main body 20 may also generate a three-dimensional ultrasound image based on the three-dimensional reflected wave signals received by the ultrasound probe 10.

[0023] 2, the device main body 20 is configured to include a transmission / reception circuit 21, an image generation circuit 22, a processing circuit 23, a memory circuit 24, and a communication interface 25. The transmission / reception circuit 21, the image generation circuit 22, the processing circuit 23, the memory circuit 24, and the communication interface 25 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0024] The transmission / reception circuit 21 controls the transmission directivity and reception directivity in transmitting and receiving ultrasound under the control of the processing circuit 23. As shown in Fig. 2, the transmission / reception circuit 21 has a transmission circuit 211 and a reception circuit 212. Note that, while Fig. 2 shows an example in which the transmission / reception circuit 21 is provided in the device main body 20, the transmission / reception circuit 21 may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 10, or may be provided in both the ultrasonic probe 10 and the device main body 20.

[0025] The transmission circuit 211 includes a pulse generator, a transmission delay circuit, a pulser circuit, and the like, and supplies drive signals to the multiple transducers 11. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses at a predetermined rate frequency to form transmission ultrasound waves. The transmission delay circuit provides each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator with a delay time for each transducer required to focus the ultrasound waves generated from the transducers into a beam and determine the transmission directivity. The pulser circuit also applies drive pulses to the transducers at timing based on the rate pulses. The transmission delay circuit adjusts the transmission direction of the ultrasound waves transmitted from the transducer surface as desired by changing the delay time provided for each rate pulse.

[0026] The receiving circuit 212 generates reflected wave data by performing various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasound probe 10. The configuration of the receiving circuit 212 and the flow of various processes on the reflected wave signal in the receiving circuit 212 will be described using Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the receiving circuit 212 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the receiving circuit 212 according to this embodiment includes, for example, a preamplifier 2121, an A / D conversion circuit 2122, a quadrature detection circuit 2123, a selection circuit 2124, an acquisition circuit 2125, a beamformer 2126, and a transfer circuit 2127.

[0027] The preamplifier 2121 amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D conversion circuit 2122 converts the gain-corrected reflected wave signal into a digital signal by A / D conversion.

[0028] The quadrature detection circuit 2123 converts the A / D converted reflected wave signal into an in-phase signal (I signal, I: In-phase) and a quadrature signal (Q signal, Q: Quadrature-phase) in the baseband. The quadrature detection circuit 2123 outputs the I signal and Q signal as reflected wave data. Hereinafter, the I signal and Q signal will be collectively referred to as IQ signal. Furthermore, since the IQ signal is A / D converted digital data, it will also be referred to as IQ data. This reflected wave data output from the quadrature detection circuit 2123 is IQ data before beamforming processing is performed (pre-BF IQ data). The pre-BF IQ data corresponds to information based on the reflected wave signal in this embodiment.

[0029] The configuration of pre-BF IQ data according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of pre-BF IQ data according to this embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the configuration of pre-BF IQ data will be described using a convex ultrasonic probe 10 as an example, but a sector ultrasonic probe may also be used.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, each of the multiple transducers 11 in the convex ultrasonic probe 10 transmits an ultrasonic wave W1 radially. Therefore, the ultrasonic wave W1 passes through the scanning area. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the pre-BF IQ data includes both pre-BF IQ data for generating a first pixel P1 located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasonic beam and pre-BF IQ data for generating a second pixel P2 not located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasonic beam. For example, the pre-BF IQ data for generating the first pixel P1 located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasonic beam is IQ data corresponding to a reflected wave signal obtained by a transducer that generated the ultrasonic beam. Furthermore, for example, the pre-BF IQ data for generating a second pixel P2 not located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasonic beam is IQ data obtained by combining IQ data corresponding to a reflected wave signal obtained by a transducer that generated the ultrasonic beam with IQ data corresponding to a reflected wave signal obtained by another transducer.

[0031] The selection circuit 2124 executes a first selection function 21241 as shown in Fig. 3. Here, for example, the processing functions executed by the first selection function 21241, which is a component of the selection circuit 2124 shown in Fig. 3, are recorded in the memory circuit 24 of the device main body 20 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The selection circuit 2124 is a processor that realizes the function corresponding to each program by reading each program from the storage device and executing it. In other words, the selection circuit 2124 in a state in which each program has been read has the function shown in the selection circuit 2124 in Fig. 3.

[0032] The first selection function 21241 selects, from the pre-BF IQ data, IQ data on which beamforming processing is performed by the beamformer 2126. The beamformer 2126, which will be described later, is configured with hardware for performing hardware beamforming processing. In other words, the beamformer 2126, which will be described later, performs hardware beamforming processing. For this reason, the first selection function 21241 selects, from the pre-BF IQ data, IQ data that is to be subjected to HWBF processing (HWBF target IQ data), which is part of the pre-BF IQ data.

[0033] The first selection function 21241 according to this embodiment selects, from the pre-BF IQ data, pre-BF IQ data for generating a first pixel located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasonic beam as HWBF target IQ data. Specifically, the first selection function 21241 according to this embodiment acquires a sampling position corresponding to the pre-BF IQ data from the memory circuitry 24, and selects, from the pre-BF IQ data, pre-BF IQ data for generating a first pixel located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasonic beam based on this sampling position. Note that the first selection function 21241 corresponds to the first selection unit in this embodiment. Also, the IQ data to be subjected to HWBF processing corresponds to the first information in this embodiment.

[0034] The acquisition circuit 2125 acquires IQ data to be subjected to HWBF processing. The acquisition circuit 2125 according to this embodiment acquires pre-BF IQ data for generating a first pixel located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasonic beam selected by the selection circuit 2124 as the IQ data to be subjected to HWBF processing. This acquisition circuit 2125 corresponds to a first acquisition unit in this embodiment.

[0035] The beamformer 2126 performs hardware beamforming processing based on the IQ data to be subjected to HWBF. The beamformer 2126 according to this embodiment performs hardware beamforming processing based on pre-BF IQ data for generating a first pixel located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam. Specifically, the beamformer 2126 according to this embodiment performs delay-and-sum beamforming processing as hardware beamforming processing on the pre-BF IQ data for generating a first pixel located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam. This hardware beamforming processing corresponds to the first beamforming processing in this embodiment.

[0036] More specifically, the beamformer 2126 provides a delay time required to determine the reception directivity to the IQ data for each channel. For example, when the distance to a reflector included in the subject P varies, the timing at which the multiple transducers 11 receive the reflected waves differs. Therefore, the beamformer 2126 provides a delay time to the pre-BF IQ data for generating a first pixel located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam for each channel.

[0037] The beamformer 2126 also adds the IQ data to which delay times have been added. By adding the IQ data, the beamformer 2126 emphasizes the reflection components from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the IQ data. This beamformer 2126 corresponds to the first beamforming execution unit in this embodiment.

[0038] The beamformer 2126 is configured with hardware for executing hardware beamforming processing. Specifically, for example, the beamformer 2126 is configured with a circuit or the like capable of executing beamforming processing.

[0039] The transfer circuit 2127 transfers various types of information via a bus. The transfer circuit 2127 according to this embodiment transfers IQ data (post-HWBF IQ data) on which hardware beamforming processing has been performed by the beamformer 2126. The transfer circuit 2127 also transfers the post-HWBF IQ data and the pre-BF IQ data. As shown in FIG. 3 , the transfer circuit 2127 according to this embodiment transfers the post-HWBF IQ data and the pre-BF IQ data to the image generation circuit 22. This transfer circuit 2127 corresponds to the transfer unit in this embodiment. Note that, although the transfer circuit 2127 according to this embodiment transfers the post-HWBF IQ data and the pre-BF IQ data to the image generation circuit 22, this is not limiting. In other words, the transfer destination of the post-HWBF IQ data and the pre-BF IQ data is arbitrary, and the post-HWBF IQ data and the pre-BF IQ data may be transferred to the storage circuit 24.

[0040] The image generating circuitry 22 generates ultrasound image data. For example, the image generating circuitry 22 performs various signal processing on the data transferred from the receiving circuitry 212 to generate ultrasound image data.

[0041] 2, the image generation circuit 22 includes a CPU 221 and a CPU memory 222. Specifically, the image generation circuit 22 reads out a program stored in the storage circuit 24 or the CPU memory 222, expands the program on the CPU memory 222, and realizes various functions in accordance with the expanded program.

[0042] 5 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the image generation circuit 22 in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the image generation circuit 22 according to this embodiment has a first acquisition function 2221, a second selection function 2222, a first transfer function 2223, a signal processing function 2224, and an image generation function 2225. The first acquisition function 2221 corresponds to the third acquisition unit in this embodiment, the second selection function 2222 corresponds to the second selection unit in this embodiment, the first transfer function 2223 corresponds to the third transfer unit in this embodiment, the signal processing function 2224 corresponds to the signal processing unit in this embodiment, and the image generation function 2225 corresponds to the image generation unit in this embodiment.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the processing functions performed by the first acquisition function 2221, the second selection function 2222, the first transfer function 2223, the signal processing function 2224, and the image generation function 2225 are stored in the storage circuitry 24 or the CPU memory 222 in the form of computer-executable programs. The image generation circuit 22 is a processor that realizes the functions corresponding to the programs by reading and executing the programs from the storage circuitry 24 or the CPU memory 222. In other words, the image generation circuit 22 in a state in which the programs have been read out has the functions shown in the image generation circuit 22 of FIG. 5 . Note that, although FIG. 2 illustrates the first acquisition function 2221, the second selection function 2222, the first transfer function 2223, the signal processing function 2224, and the image generation function 2225 being realized by a single image generation circuit 22, the image generation circuit 22 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and these functions may be realized by each processor executing a program.

[0044] The first acquisition function 2221 acquires various types of information transferred from the receiving circuit 212. Specifically, the first acquisition function 2221 acquires post-HWBF IQ data, pre-BF IQ data, and the like transferred from the transfer circuit 2127 of the receiving circuit 212 via the bus.

[0045] The second selection function 2222 selects, from the pre-BF IQ data, IQ data on which beamforming processing is performed by a beamforming execution function 2322 of the processing circuitry 23 (described later). The beamforming execution function 2322 of the processing circuitry 23 (described later) is configured with software for executing software beamforming processing. In other words, the beamforming execution function 2322 (described later) executes software beamforming (SWBF) processing. For this reason, the second selection function 2222 selects, from the pre-BF IQ data, IQ data that is part of the pre-BF IQ data and is subject to SWBF processing (SWBF target IQ data) that is different from the HWBF target IQ data. The second selection function 2222 according to this embodiment selects, from the pre-BF IQ data, pre-BF IQ data for generating a second pixel that is not located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam as SWBF target IQ data. Note that the SWBF target IQ data corresponds to the second information in this embodiment.

[0046] The first transfer function 2223 transfers various types of information, data, etc. to the processing circuitry 23. Specifically, the first transfer function 2223 transfers the SWBF target IQ data selected by the second selection function 2222, the ultrasound image data generated by the image generation function 2225, etc. to the processing circuitry 23.

[0047] The signal processing function 2224 performs logarithmic compression, logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, etc. on the post-HWBF IQ data to generate data (B-mode data) in which signal intensity is expressed as brightness of luminance. Note that the signal processing function 2224 may perform frequency analysis of velocity information from the post-HWBF IQ data, extract blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and generate data (Doppler data) in which moving object information such as velocity, dispersion, and power is extracted for multiple points.

[0048] Furthermore, the signal processing function 2224 can process both two-dimensional IQ data and three-dimensional IQ data. That is, the signal processing function 2224 generates two-dimensional B-mode data from two-dimensional IQ data, and generates three-dimensional IQ data from three-dimensional IQ data. Note that the signal processing function 2224 may also generate two-dimensional Doppler data from two-dimensional IQ data, and generate three-dimensional Doppler data from three-dimensional IQ data.

[0049] The image generation function 2225 generates ultrasound image data. Specifically, the image generation function 2225 generates second ultrasound image data from the data generated by the signal processing function 2224. The image generation function 2225 also generates ultrasound image data by combining the first ultrasound image data generated by the processing circuitry 23 (described later) with the second ultrasound image data.

[0050] Specifically, the image generation function 2225 converts (scan conversion) the B-mode data generated by the signal processing function 2224 into a scan line signal sequence in a video format such as that of a television, and generates second ultrasound image data. Specifically, the image generation function 2225 generates second ultrasound image data by, for example, performing coordinate conversion on the B-mode data generated from the post-HWBF IQ data in accordance with the ultrasound scanning form of the ultrasound probe 10.

[0051] The image generation function 2225 also performs various filter processes, such as image processing (smoothing processing) that uses ultrasound image data to regenerate an average brightness image, and image processing (edge ​​enhancement processing) that uses a differential filter within the image, etc. The image generation function 2225 also combines text information of various parameters, scales, body marks, etc. with the ultrasound image data.

[0052] That is, the B-mode data and Doppler data are data before scan conversion processing, and the data generated by the image generation function 2225 is ultrasound image data after scan conversion processing. Hereinafter, the data before scan conversion processing (B-mode data and Doppler data) will also be referred to as "RAW data." The image generation function 2225 generates two-dimensional ultrasound images, such as two-dimensional B-mode images and two-dimensional Doppler images, from two-dimensional B-mode data and two-dimensional Doppler data, which are RAW data. The image generation function 2225 can also generate superimposed images, for example, by superimposing a color Doppler image on a two-dimensional B-mode image.

[0053] The processing circuitry 23 is a control circuit that performs overall control of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1. The processing circuitry 23 is also an arithmetic circuit that performs various calculations. As shown in FIG. 2 , the processing circuitry 23 according to this embodiment includes a GPU 231 and a GPU memory 232. Specifically, the processing circuitry 23 reads out a program stored in the storage circuitry 24 or the GPU memory 232, loads it on the GPU memory 232, and realizes various functions according to the loaded program.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the processing circuitry 23 in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the processing circuitry 23 according to this embodiment has a second acquisition function 2321, a beamforming execution function 2322, a second transfer function 2323, a display control function 2324, and a system control function 2325. The second acquisition function 2321 corresponds to the second acquisition unit in this embodiment, the beamforming execution function 2322 corresponds to the second beamforming execution unit in this embodiment, the second transfer function 2323 corresponds to the second transfer unit in this embodiment, the display control function 2324 corresponds to the display control unit in this embodiment, and the system control function 2325 corresponds to the system control unit in this embodiment.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the processing functions performed by the second acquisition function 2321, the beamforming execution function 2322, the second transfer function 2323, the display control function 2324, and the system control function 2325 are stored in the storage circuitry 24 or the GPU memory 232 in the form of computer-executable programs. The processing circuitry 23 is a processor that reads and executes the programs from the storage circuitry 24 to realize the functions corresponding to the programs. In other words, the processing circuitry 23 in a state in which the programs have been read has the functions shown in the processing circuitry 23 of FIG. 6 . Note that, although FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the second acquisition function 2321, the beamforming execution function 2322, the second transfer function 2323, the display control function 2324, and the system control function 2325 are realized by a single processing circuitry 23, the processing circuitry 23 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize these functions.

[0056] The second acquisition function 2321 acquires SWBF target IQ data. The second acquisition function 2321 according to this embodiment acquires pre-BF IQ data, which is transferred from the image generation circuitry 22 via the bus as SWBF target IQ data and is used to generate a second pixel that is not located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam and selected by the second selection function 2222 of the image generation circuitry 22.

[0057] The beamforming execution function 2322 executes software beamforming processing based on the SWBF target IQ data. This beamforming execution function 2322 is configured by software for executing software beamforming processing. The beamforming execution function 2322 according to this embodiment executes software beamforming processing based on pre-BF IQ data for generating a second pixel that is not located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam. Specifically, the beamforming execution function 2322 according to this embodiment executes delay-and-sum beamforming processing as software beamforming processing on the pre-BF IQ data for generating a second pixel that is not located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam. This software beamforming processing corresponds to the second beamforming processing in this embodiment.

[0058] More specifically, the beamforming execution function 2322 provides a delay time required to determine the reception directivity to the IQ data for each channel. For example, when the distance to a reflector included in the subject P varies, the timing at which the multiple transducers 11 receive the reflected waves differs. Therefore, the beamforming execution function 2322 provides a delay time to the pre-BF IQ data for each channel to generate a second pixel that is not located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam.

[0059] Furthermore, the beamforming execution function 2322 adds the IQ data to which a delay time has been added. By adding the IQ data, the beamforming execution function 2322 emphasizes the reflected components from a direction according to the reception directivity of the IQ data.

[0060] The beamforming execution function 2322 also performs logarithmic compression, logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, etc. on the post-SWBF IQ data to generate data (B-mode data) in which signal intensity is expressed as brightness of luminance. The beamforming execution function 2322 may also perform frequency analysis of velocity information from the post-SWBF IQ data, extract blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and generate data (Doppler data) in which moving object information such as velocity, dispersion, and power is extracted for multiple points.

[0061] Furthermore, the beamforming execution function 2322 converts (scan conversion) the B-mode data generated from the post-SWBF IQ data into a scan line signal sequence in a video format such as that of a television, and generates first ultrasound image data. Specifically, the beamforming execution function 2322 performs coordinate conversion on the B-mode data generated from the post-SWBF IQ data in accordance with the ultrasound scanning form of the ultrasound probe 10, thereby generating first ultrasound image data.

[0062] The second transfer function 2323 transfers various types of information, data, etc. to the image generation circuitry 22. The second transfer function 2323 according to this embodiment transfers the first ultrasound image data, etc. to the image generation circuitry 22.

[0063] The display control function 2324 is a function that causes the display 30 to display an ultrasound image indicated by the ultrasound image data generated by the image generation function 2225. Specifically, for example, the display control function 2324 controls the display of an ultrasound image indicated by ultrasound image data such as B-mode image data generated by the image generation function 2255 on the display 30.

[0064] The system control function 2325 is a function that controls the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1. For example, it controls the transmission circuitry 211 and the reception circuitry 212 so that an ultrasound scan is performed based on the transmission and reception conditions stored in the memory circuitry 24.

[0065] The storage circuitry 24 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. In this embodiment, for example, the storage circuitry 24 stores programs executed by the circuits included in the ultrasound probe 10 and the device main body 20, sampling positions corresponding to pre-BF IQ data, sampling positions corresponding to post-HWBF IQ data, a selection table for selecting SWBF target IQs from the pre-BF IQ data, etc.

[0066] Here, the selection table is a table for selecting IQs to be subjected to SWBF from the pre-BF IQ data. Specifically, the selection table associates sampling positions corresponding to the IQ data after HWBF with two-dimensional coordinate positions in the ultrasound image data.

[0067] The communication interface 25 implements various information communication protocols according to the type of network. The communication interface 25 realizes communication with other devices via the network in accordance with these various protocols. For example, the communication interface 25 according to this embodiment transmits ultrasound images generated by the device main body 20 to other devices.

[0068] 7 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of image generation processing executed by the image generation circuitry 22 according to this embodiment. In this image generation processing, the image generation circuitry 22 acquires pre-BF IQ data and post-HWBF IQ data from the receiving circuitry 212, selects SWBF target IQ data from the pre-BF IQ data, acquires first ultrasound image data, performs logarithmic compression and scan conversion on the SWBF target IQ data to generate second ultrasound image data, generates ultrasound image data from the first ultrasound image data and the second ultrasound image data, and transfers the ultrasound image data to the processing circuitry 23. For example, this image generation processing is processing that is executed when post-HWBF IQ data and pre-BF IQ data are acquired.

[0069] 7, first, the first acquisition function 2221 realized by the image generation circuitry 22 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 acquires the pre-BF IQ data and the post-HWBF IQ data (step S11). Specifically, the first acquisition function 2221 acquires the pre-BF IQ data and the post-HWBF IQ data transferred from the reception circuitry 212.

[0070] 7, the first acquisition function 2221 realized by the image generation circuitry 22 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 acquires sampling positions (step S13). Specifically, the first acquisition function 2221 acquires, from the storage circuitry 24, sampling positions corresponding to the post-HWBF IQ data acquired in step S11.

[0071] 7, the second selection function 2222 implemented by the image generation circuitry 22 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 selects SWBF target IQ data (step S15). Specifically, the second selection function 2222 according to this embodiment selects SWBF target IQ data from the pre-BF IQ data by referring to the selection table stored in the storage circuitry 24 based on the post-HWBF IQ data acquired in step S11 and the sampling positions corresponding to the post-HWBF IQ data acquired in step S13.

[0072] 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for selecting SWBF target IQ data in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the second selection function 2222 arranges the post-HWBF IQ data acquired in step S11 on a selection table in which sampling positions corresponding to the post-HWBF IQ data and two-dimensional coordinate positions in the ultrasound image data are associated with each other, based on the sampling positions corresponding to the post-HWBF IQ data acquired in step S13. This identifies the position of the post-HWBF IQ data in the ultrasound image data. Then, based on the selection table in which the post-HWBF IQ data is arranged, the second selection function 2222 selects pre-BF IQ data for generating a second pixel P2 that is not located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam from the pre-BF IQ data acquired in step S11.

[0073] 7, the first transfer function 2223 realized by the image generation circuitry 22 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 transfers the SWBF target IQ data (step S17). Specifically, the first transfer function 2223 transfers the SWBF target IQ data selected in step S15 to the GPU memory 232 of the processing circuitry 23.

[0074] 7, the first acquisition function 2221 realized by the image generation circuitry 22 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 acquires first ultrasound image data from the processing circuitry 23 (step S19). Specifically, the first acquisition function 2221 acquires the first ultrasound image data transferred from the processing circuitry 23 in step S35 of FIG. 10, which will be described later.

[0075] 7, the signal processing function 2224 implemented by the image generation circuit 22 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 performs log compression (step S21). Specifically, the signal processing function 2224 performs log compression on the post-HWBF IQ data acquired in step S11. As a result, the signal processing function 2224 generates B-mode data. Note that in step S21, the signal processing function 2224 may perform logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like in addition to performing log compression.

[0076] 7, the image generation function 2225 realized by the image generation circuit 22 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 generates second ultrasound image data (step S23). Specifically, the image generation function 2225 generates the second ultrasound image data by converting (scan conversion) the B-mode data generated in step S21 into a scan line signal sequence in a video format typified by a television or the like.

[0077] 7, the image generation function 2225 realized by the image generation circuit 22 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 generates ultrasound image data (step S25). Specifically, the image generation function 2225 generates ultrasound image data by combining the first ultrasound image data acquired in step S19 and the second ultrasound image data generated in step S23.

[0078] 9 is a diagram showing an example of ultrasound image data generated by the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the image generation function 2225 generates ultrasound image data D1 by combining the first ultrasound image data and the second ultrasound image data. In the ultrasound image data D1 shown in Fig. 9, the first pixel located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam is composed of the second ultrasound image data generated using the IQ data on which HWBF processing has been performed, and the second pixel not located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam is composed of the first ultrasound image data generated using the IQ data on which SWBF processing has been performed.

[0079] 7, the image generation function 2225 implemented by the image generation circuit 22 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 performs filtering (step S27). Specifically, the image generation function 2225 performs filtering on the ultrasound image data generated in step S25.

[0080] 7, the first transfer function 2223 realized by the image generation circuitry 22 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 transfers the ultrasound image data D1 (step S29). Specifically, the first transfer function 2223 transfers the ultrasound image data D1 that has been subjected to the filter process in step S27 to the GPU memory 232 of the processing circuitry 23.

[0081] In step S29, the ultrasound image data D1 is transferred, thereby completing the image generation process according to this embodiment.

[0082] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of image display processing executed by the processing circuitry 23 according to the first embodiment. In this image display processing, the processing circuitry 23 acquires SWBF target IQ data, performs SWBF processing on the SWBF target IQ data, and displays an ultrasound image indicated by ultrasound image data D1 transferred from the image generation circuitry 22 on the display 30. For example, this image display processing is processing that is executed when SWBF target IQ data is acquired.

[0083] 10, first, the second acquisition function 2321 realized by the processing circuitry 23 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 acquires SWBF target IQ data from the image generation circuitry 22 (step S31). Specifically, the second acquisition function 2321 acquires the SWBF target IQ data transferred from the image generation circuitry 22 in step S17 of FIG.

[0084] 10, the beamforming execution function 2322 realized by the processing circuitry 23 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 executes SWBF processing (step S33). Specifically, the beamforming execution function 2322 executes delay-and-sum beamforming processing as software beamforming processing on the SWBF target IQ data. More specifically, the beamforming execution function 2322 according to this embodiment executes delay-and-sum beamforming processing on pre-BF IQ data for generating a second pixel P2 that is not located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam.

[0085] Also, in step S33, the beamforming execution function 2322 performs logarithmic compression (log compression), logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like on the SWBF-treated IQ data to generate B-mode data. Furthermore, in step S33, the beamforming execution function 2322 converts the B-mode data into a scan line signal sequence in a video format typified by televisions (scan conversion) to generate first ultrasound image data. That is, in this step S33, the beamforming execution function 2322 performs SWBF processing on the SWBF-target IQ data to generate first ultrasound image data.

[0086] 10, the second transfer function 2323 realized by the processing circuitry 23 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 transfers the first ultrasound image data (step S35). Specifically, the second transfer function 2323 transfers the first ultrasound image data generated in step S33 to the CPU memory 222 of the image generation circuitry 22.

[0087] 10, the second acquisition function 2321 realized by the processing circuitry 23 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 acquires ultrasound image data (step S37). Specifically, the second acquisition function 2321 acquires the ultrasound image data D1 transferred from the image generation circuitry 22 in step S29 of FIG.

[0088] 10, the display control function 2324 implemented by the processing circuitry 23 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 displays the ultrasound image (step S39). Specifically, the display control function 2324 controls the display 30 to display the ultrasound image indicated by the ultrasound image data D1.

[0089] In step S39, the ultrasound image is displayed, and the image display process according to this embodiment is completed.

[0090] Here, an overview of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to a comparative example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the comparative example. Similar to FIG. 1, FIG. 11 shows a receiving circuit 212z, an image generation circuit 22z, and a processing circuit 23z that constitute the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the comparative example. Also, similar to FIG. 1, FIG. 11 shows a CPU 221z and a CPU memory 222z that constitute the image generation circuit 22z, and a GPU 231z and a GPU memory 232z that constitute the processing circuit 23z. The receiving circuit 212z and the image generation circuit 22z, and the image generation circuit 22z and the processing circuit 23z are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0091] (1z) The receiving circuit 212z generates IQ data received by the ultrasound probe and transfers it to the image generating circuit 22z. Specifically, the receiving circuit 212z transfers only the pre-BF IQ data as IQ data to the CPU 222z of the image generating circuit 22z.

[0092] (2z) The image generation circuit 22z transfers the pre-BF IQ data transferred to the CPU memory 222z of the image generation circuit 22z to the processing circuit 23z. That is, the image generation circuit 22z transfers all of the pre-BF IQ data transferred from the receiving circuit 212z to the processing circuit 23z.

[0093] (3z) (4z) The processing circuit 23z performs SWBF processing based on the pre-BF IQ data transferred from the image generation circuit 22z. The processing circuit 23z also performs scan conversion on the IQ data on which the software beamforming processing has been performed (hereinafter also referred to as post-SWBF IQ data) to generate first ultrasound image data. Then, the processing circuit 23z transfers the first ultrasound image data to the image generation circuit 22z.

[0094] (5z) (6z) The image generation circuit 22z performs log compression on the first ultrasound image data transferred from the processing circuit 23z. The image generation circuit 22z also performs filter processing on the first ultrasound image data. This generates ultrasound image data. Note that the log compression may be performed in the SWBF processing in the processing circuit 23z. The explanations of (6z) and (7z) are similar to those of (8) and (9) in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be repeated.

[0095] As described above, in the comparative example, the image generation circuit 22z transfers all of the pre-BF IQ data transferred from the receiving circuit 212z to the processing circuit 23z, and the processing circuit 23z performs SWBF processing on all of the pre-BF IQ data. In other words, the image generation circuit 22 needs to transfer a large amount of pre-BF IQ data from the image generation circuit 22z to the processing circuit 23z. The bus between the image generation circuit 22z and the processing circuit 23z becomes a bottleneck, and the transfer of the pre-BF IQ data may not be able to keep up. Furthermore, because the processing circuit 23z needs to perform SWBF processing on all of the pre-BF IQ data, the load on the processing circuit 23z increases.

[0096] On the other hand, according to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment, the beamformer 2126 performs HWBF processing on pre-BF IQ data for generating a first pixel located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam as HWBF target IQ data, which is part of the pre-BF IQ data, and performs SWBF processing on pre-BF IQ data for generating a second pixel not located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam as SWBF target IQ data, which is part of the pre-BF IQ data and different from the HWBF target IQ data, thereby reducing the amount of pre-BF IQ data to be transferred.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment, the receiving circuit 212a performs HWBF processing on the HWBF target IQ data, and the processing circuit 23 performs SWBF processing on the SWBF target IQ data, so that the BF load can be distributed.

[0098] Second Embodiment In the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment described above, hardware beamforming processing is performed based on pre-BF IQ data for generating a first pixel located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam, and software beamforming processing is performed based on pre-BF IQ data for generating a second pixel not located in the scanning line direction of the ultrasound beam, but this is not limiting. In the second embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may perform hardware beamforming processing on pre-BF IQ data corresponding to a shallow region in the ultrasound image data, and software beamforming processing based on pre-BF IQ data corresponding to a deep region in the ultrasound image data. Differences from the first embodiment described above will be described below.

[0099] Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 2 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 12, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the functions and configurations of the receiving circuit, image generating circuit, processing circuit, and storage circuit, and therefore in this embodiment, these are referred to as a receiving circuit 212a, an image generating circuit 22a, a processing circuit 23a, and a storage circuit 24a. Note that the configurations and functions other than the receiving circuit 212a, the image generating circuit 22a, the processing circuit 23a, and the storage circuit 24a are the same as those in Fig. 1 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0100] The receiving circuit 212a generates reflected wave data by performing various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasound probe 10. The configuration of the receiving circuit 212a and the flow of various processes on the reflected wave signal in the receiving circuit 212a will be described using FIG. 13 . FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the receiving circuit 212a of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 13 , the receiving circuit 212a according to this embodiment includes a preamplifier 2121, an A / D conversion circuit 2122, a quadrature detection circuit 2123, a selection circuit 2124a, an acquisition circuit 2125a, a beamformer 2126a, and a transfer circuit 2127. Note that the configuration other than the selection circuit 2124a, the acquisition circuit 2125a, and the beamformer 2126a is the same as the configuration in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] The selection circuit 2124a executes a first selection function 21241a as shown in Fig. 13. The first selection function 21241a according to this embodiment selects, from the pre-BF IQ data, pre-BF IQ data corresponding to a shallow region in the scanning region of the subject P as HWBF target IQ data. This first selection function 21241a corresponds to the first selection unit in this embodiment.

[0102] Specifically, the first selection function 21241a selects pre-BF IQ data corresponding to a shallow region in the scanning region of the subject P based on the boundary conditions stored in the memory circuitry 24a. Here, the boundary conditions are conditions related to the boundary between the shallow region and the deep region in the scanning region of the subject P. The boundary conditions are defined, for example, by sampling numbers at sample points arranged in the depth direction on the scanning line, the distance in the depth direction, etc. Furthermore, the boundary conditions are variable based on an input operation by the user to change the threshold value. Specifically, the boundary conditions can be changed based on an input operation by the user to change the threshold value via the input interface 40. Note that the configurations and functions of the selection circuit 2124a and the first selection function 21241a other than those described above are similar to those of the selection circuit 2124 and the first selection function 21241 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0103] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a selection method by the first selection function 21241a of the selection circuit 2124a according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, there are 15 sample points arranged along the depth direction on each scan line, and the sample points are assigned sampling numbers SN11 to SN115 in order from the body surface of the subject P in the depth direction. In the example shown in FIG. 14, when the boundary condition BR according to this embodiment is defined by the sampling number, for example, when the boundary condition BR is set to sampling number "12," the region in the scanning region SR that includes sampling numbers SN11 to SN112 that are equal to or less than sampling number "12" among the sample points arranged along the depth direction on each scan line becomes the shallow region SR1, and the region that includes sampling numbers SN113 to SN115 that are greater than sampling number "12" among the sample points arranged along the depth direction on each scan line becomes the deep region SR2. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 14, the first selection function 21241a selects, from the pre-BF IQ data, as the HWBF target IQ data, a region including sampling numbers equal to or less than "12" at sample points arranged along the depth direction on each scanning line, i.e., pre-BF IQ data corresponding to the shallow region SR1 based on the boundary condition BR.

[0104] The acquisition circuitry 2125a according to this embodiment acquires pre-BF IQ data corresponding to the shallow region SR1 based on the boundary condition BR selected by the selection circuitry 2124a as the IQ data to be subjected to HWBF processing. This acquisition circuitry 2125a corresponds to the first acquisition unit according to this embodiment. Furthermore, the beamformer 2126a according to this embodiment executes hardware beamforming processing based on the pre-BF IQ data corresponding to the shallow region SR1 based on the boundary condition BR. This beamformer 2126a corresponds to the first beamforming execution unit according to this embodiment.

[0105] The image generation circuitry 22a generates ultrasound image data. The image generation circuitry 22a according to this embodiment reads out a program stored in the storage circuitry 24a or the CPU memory 222, loads the program on the CPU memory 222, and realizes various functions according to the loaded program.

[0106] Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing functions realized by an image generation circuit 22a in an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 5 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 15, the image generation circuit 22a according to this embodiment has a first acquisition function 2221, a second selection function 2222a, a first transfer function 2223, a signal processing function 2224, and an image generation function 2225. Note that the configurations and functions other than the second selection function 2222a are similar to the functions shown in Fig. 5 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] The second selection function 2222a according to this embodiment selects SWBF target IQ data that is part of the pre-BF IQ data and is different from the HWBF target IQ data from the pre-BF IQ data. Specifically, the second selection function 2222 according to this embodiment selects, as the SWBF target IQ data, pre-BF IQ data that is part of the pre-BF IQ data and corresponds to the deep region SR2 based on the boundary condition BR from the pre-BF IQ data.

[0108] Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the processing circuitry 23a in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 6 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 16, the processing circuitry 23a according to this embodiment has a second acquisition function 2321a, a beamforming execution function 2322a, a second transfer function 2323, a display control function 2324, and a system control function 2325. Note that the configurations and functions other than the second acquisition function 2321a and the beamforming execution function 2322a are similar to the functions shown in Fig. 5 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] The second acquisition function 2321a according to this embodiment acquires pre-BF IQ data corresponding to the deep region SR2 based on the boundary condition BR, which is transferred from the image generation circuitry 22 via the bus as SWBF target IQ data and selected by the second selection function 2222 of the image generation circuitry 22. Furthermore, the beamforming execution function 2322a according to this embodiment executes software beamforming processing based on the pre-BF IQ data corresponding to the deep region SR2 based on the boundary condition BR. The functions and configurations of the second acquisition function 2321a and the beamforming execution function 2322a other than those described above are similar to the functions and configurations of the second acquisition function 2321 and the beamforming execution function 2322 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] The storage circuitry 24a is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. In this embodiment, for example, the storage circuitry 24 stores programs executed by the circuits included in the ultrasound probe 10 and the device main body 20, and the boundary condition BR. This storage circuitry 24a corresponds to the storage unit in this embodiment.

[0111] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the image generation process executed by the image generation circuitry 22a according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment. In the image generation process according to this embodiment, the image generation circuitry 22a acquires pre-BF IQ data and post-HWBF IQ data from the receiving circuitry 212, selects SWBF target IQ data from the pre-BF IQ data, acquires first ultrasound image data from the processing circuitry 23, performs logarithmic compression and scan conversion on the SWBF target IQ data to generate second ultrasound image data, generates ultrasound image data from the first ultrasound image data and the second ultrasound image data, and transfers the ultrasound image data to the processing circuitry 23. For example, this image generation process is executed when post-HWBF IQ data and pre-BF IQ data are acquired. Note that the process of step S11 is similar to that of FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0112] Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the second selection function 2222a implemented by the image generation circuit 22 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 selects SWBF target IQ data (step S41). Specifically, the second selection function 2222a selects, from the pre-BF IQ data acquired in step S11, pre-BF IQ data corresponding to the deep region SR2 based on the boundary condition BR as SWBF target IQ data. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the second selection function 2222a selects, from the pre-BF IQ data, a region including sampling numbers SN113 to SN115 greater than sampling number "12" among sample points aligned along the depth direction on each scan line, i.e., pre-BF IQ data corresponding to the deep region SR2 based on the boundary condition BR. Note that the processing from step S17 to step S23 in FIG. 16 is the same as that in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0113] 17, the image generation function 2225 realized by the image generation circuit 22 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 generates ultrasound image data (step S45). Specifically, the image generation function 2225 generates ultrasound image data by combining the first ultrasound image data acquired in step S19 and the second ultrasound image data generated in step S23.

[0114] 18 is a diagram showing an example of ultrasound image data generated by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 9 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the image generation function 2225 generates ultrasound image data by combining the first ultrasound image data and the second ultrasound image data. As shown in FIG. 18, the ultrasound image data corresponding to the shallow region SR1 in the scanning region SR is composed of the second ultrasound image data generated using the IQ data on which the HWBF processing has been performed, and the ultrasound image data corresponding to the deep region SR2 in the scanning region SR is composed of the first ultrasound image data generated using the IQ data on which the SWBF processing has been performed.

[0115] 19 is a diagram showing the ratio between the amount of IQ data on which HWBF processing has been performed and the amount of IQ data on which SWBF processing has been performed in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, the amount of IQ data on which HWBF processing has been performed is larger than the amount of IQ data on which SWBF processing has been performed. Note that the ratio between the amount of IQ data on which HWBF processing has been performed and the amount of IQ data on which SWBF processing has been performed can be changed by changing the boundary conditions.

[0116] Note that the processes in steps S27 and S29 after step S45 are the same as those in Fig. 7 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described again. Then, in step S29, the ultrasound image data is transferred, thereby completing the image generation process according to this embodiment.

[0117] As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the image generating circuit 22a selects, from the pre-BF IQ data transferred from the receiving circuit 212a, pre-BF IQ data corresponding to the deep region SR2 under the boundary condition BR as SWBF target IQ data, and transfers the selected SWBF target IQ data to the processing circuit 23, thereby reducing the amount of pre-BF IQ data transferred to the processing circuit 23.

[0118] Furthermore, the receiving circuit 212a selects pre-BF IQ data corresponding to the shallow region SR1 based on the boundary condition BR as the IQ data on which HWBF processing is to be performed (hereinafter also referred to as HWBF target IQ data), and performs HWBF processing on the selected HWBF target IQ data, while the image generating circuit 22a selects pre-BF IQ data corresponding to the deep region SR2 based on the boundary condition BR as the SWBF target IQ data, and the processing circuit 23 performs SWBF processing on the SWBF target IQ data selected by the image generating circuit 22a, thereby distributing the BF load.

[0119] [Modifications of the first and second embodiments] In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first and second embodiments described above, the beamforming execution function 2322 of the processing circuitry 23 executes delay-and-sum beamforming as SWBF processing based on SWBF target IQ data, but the SWBF processing is not limited to this. That is, the SWBF processing executed by the beamforming execution function 2322 of the processing circuitry 23 is arbitrary. For example, the beamforming execution function 2322 may execute sound speed correction together with delay-and-sum beamforming as SWBF processing. In this way, by executing sound speed correction on the second pixel, which is prone to blurring due to interpolation, it is possible to improve image quality.

[0120] Furthermore, as SWBF processing, the beamforming execution function 2322 may execute adaptive beamforming processing using the DMAS (Delay-Multiply-and-Sum) method, adaptive beamforming processing using the Minimum Variance method, adaptive beamforming processing using the Coherence Factor Beamforming method, or adaptive beamforming processing using another method. The Minimum Variance method is a method of improving spatial resolution by multiplying the input ultrasound signal by a coefficient according to the input ultrasound signal. The Coherence Factor Beamforming method is a method of improving spatial resolution by weighting the reflected ultrasound signal using a phase coherence factor obtained from the phase variance of the received ultrasound signal.

[0121] Furthermore, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first and second embodiments described above, the beamformer 2126 of the receiving circuitry 212 executes delay-and-sum beamforming as HWBF processing based on the HWBF target IQ data, but the HWBF processing is not limited to this. That is, the HWBF processing executed by the beamformer 2126 of the receiving circuitry 212 is arbitrary, and for example, it may execute DMAS (Delay-Multiply-and-Sum) adaptive beamforming, minimum variance adaptive beamforming, coherence factor beamforming, or other adaptive beamforming.

[0122] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, both the beamformer 2126 and the beamforming execution function 2322 execute beamforming processing using the delay and sum method, but the beamforming processing executed by the beamformer 2126 and the beamforming execution function 2322 may be different.

[0123] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a CPU, a GPU, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 24, 24a. Instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 24, 24a, the processor may be configured so that the program is directly embedded in the circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. The processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its functions. Furthermore, multiple components in FIGS. 2 and 12 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its functions.

[0124] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel apparatus and method described herein may be embodied in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the forms of the apparatus and method described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms and modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1...ultrasound diagnostic device, 10...ultrasound probe, 11...plurality of transducers, 20...device main body, 21...transmitting and receiving circuit, 22, 22a, 22z...image generating circuit, 23, 23a, 23z...processing circuit, 24, 24a...memory circuit, 25...communication interface, 30...display, 40...input interface, 211...transmitting circuit, 212, 212a, 212z...receiving circuit, 222, 222z...CPU memory, 232, 232z...GPU memory

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires first information that is a part of information based on reflected wave signals output from a plurality of transducers that receive reflected waves; a first beamforming execution unit that executes a first beamforming process based on the first information; a second acquisition unit that acquires second information that is part of information based on the reflected wave signal and is different from the first information; a second beamforming execution unit that executes a second beamforming process based on the second information; An ultrasound diagnostic device comprising:

2. the first beamforming execution unit is configured with hardware for executing a first beamforming process, The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second beamforming execution unit is configured by software for executing the second beamforming process.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a first selection unit that selects the first information from information based on the reflected wave signal.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a second selection unit that selects the second information from information based on the reflected wave signal.

5. the first acquisition unit acquires, as the first information, information based on the reflected wave signal for generating a first pixel located in a scanning line direction of an ultrasonic beam; the first beamforming execution unit executes the first beamforming process based on information based on the reflected wave signal for generating the first pixel; the second acquisition unit acquires, as the second information, information based on the reflected wave signal for generating a second pixel that is not located in a scanning line direction of the ultrasonic beam; the second beam forming execution unit executes the second beam forming process based on information based on the reflected wave signal for generating the second pixel. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

6. a storage unit that stores a boundary condition regarding a boundary between a shallow region and a deep region in a scanning region of the subject; the first acquisition unit acquires, as the first information, information based on the reflected wave signal corresponding to the shallow region based on the boundary condition; the first beamforming execution unit executes the first beamforming process based on information based on the reflected wave signal corresponding to the shallow region based on the boundary condition; the second acquisition unit acquires, as the second information, information based on the reflected wave signal corresponding to the deep region based on the boundary condition; the second beamforming execution unit executes the second beamforming process based on information based on the reflected wave signal corresponding to the deep region under the boundary condition. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the boundary conditions are variable based on an input operation by a user to change the boundary conditions.

8. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second beamforming execution unit executes the second beamforming processing different from the first beamforming processing.

9. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second beamforming execution unit executes the same second beamforming processing as the first beamforming processing.

10. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a transfer unit that transfers the first information on which the first beamforming process has been performed and transfers information based on the reflected wave signal.

Images