Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and program

Abstract

To easily and properly fix an ultrasonic probe to a subject.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 comprises: an image generation unit 14 which generates ultrasonic image data on the basis of a reception signal received from an ultrasonic probe 2 that transmits / receives an ultrasonic wave; a fixation device 3 which attaches the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject and fixes the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject such that the pressure applied to the subject to which the ultrasonic probe is attached can be adjusted; and a control unit 18 which controls drive of the fixation device 3 on the basis of difference information of pressure distribution information of the pressured applied to the subject before the fixation and after the fixation of the ultrasonic probe 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that irradiates ultrasonic waves into a subject using an ultrasonic probe, receives the reflected waves, and analyzes them to examine the inside of the subject has become widespread. Since the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can examine a subject non-destructively and non-invasively, it is widely used for medical examinations, inspections of the inside of building structures, and various other applications.

[0003] In order to scan the inside of the living body of a subject who is a patient, such as during walking, a method for fixing an ultrasonic probe of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to the subject with a band is known. However, when winding the band around the subject, there are problems such as the ultrasonic probe shifting in the direction of pulling the band and the band being tightened too much. For this reason, in order to prevent these problems, the ultrasonic probe is fixed to the subject by the following procedures (1) to (5). (1). An operator such as a doctor manually aligns the ultrasonic probe with the affected part of the subject to be observed while viewing the ultrasonic image without using a band. (2). The operator winds the ultrasonic probe around the subject with a band. (3). The operator corrects the shifted ultrasonic probe while viewing the ultrasonic image. (4). The operator adjusts the winding strength again. (5). Repeat (2) to (4) again.

[0004] Also, an ultrasonic probe device that has an ultrasonic probe, is deformable in accordance with the surface of a subject, and is adhered to the subject is known (see Patent Document 1). Further, this ultrasonic probe device has a driving means for sliding or rotating the ultrasonic radiation direction of the ultrasonic probe in a desired direction after being adhered to the subject.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the method of fixing the ultrasonic probe in the above procedures (1) to (5), since the operator manually repeats the fixing and readjustment, the burden on the operator is large. Further, in the ultrasonic probe device of Patent Document 1, after being attached to the subject, the ultrasonic probe has to be slid or rotated manually in a desired direction, and further, when a desired ultrasonic image cannot be obtained, the ultrasonic probe has to be reattached manually, resulting in a large burden on the operator.

[0007] Also, in the ultrasonic probe device of Patent Document 1, although the ultrasonic radiation direction of the ultrasonic probe can be adjusted, the positional deviation of the plane of the ultrasonic probe on the body surface and the pressure deviation of the ultrasonic probe device on the subject cannot be adjusted, and there is a possibility that desired ultrasonic image data cannot be obtained.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to easily and appropriately fix an ultrasonic probe to a subject.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] To solve the above problems, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the invention described in claim 1 an image generation unit that generates ultrasonic image data based on a reception signal received from an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves; a fixing unit that attaches the ultrasonic probe to a subject and fixes the ultrasonic probe to the subject so as to be able to adjust the pressure applied to the attached subject; An acquisition unit that acquires at least one of position information, angle information of an object to be observed of the subject, and pressure information applied to the subject, respectively, before and after fixing the ultrasonic probe; A calculation unit that calculates difference information between before and after fixing the ultrasonic probe regarding at least one of position information, angle information of an object to be observed of the subject, and pressure information applied to the subject, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; The a control unit that drives and controls the fixing unit based on differential information.

[0010] The invention according to claim 2 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires position information or angular information of the object from an image of the object in the ultrasonic image of the generated ultrasonic image data.

[0011] The invention according to claim 3 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing portion is disposed between the ultrasonic probe and the subject and has an elastic body portion having a predetermined elastic modulus, the acquisition unit calculates pressure information of the subject from an image of the elastic body portion in the ultrasonic image of the generated ultrasonic image data.

[0012] The invention according to claim 4 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein it has a pressure sensor unit that detects pressure information applied to the subject, the acquisition unit acquires the detected pressure information of the subject.

[0013] The invention according to claim 5 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit determines whether at least one differential information of position information, angular information of the object to be observed of the subject and pressure information applied to the subject before and after fixing the ultrasonic probe satisfies the threshold condition based on a threshold condition for determining whether to control the fixing portion, and drives and controls the fixing portion according to the determination result.

[0014] The invention according to claim 6 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the threshold condition corresponds to the part of the subject where the ultrasonic probe is attached.

[0015] The program of the invention according to claim 7 is an image generation unit that generates ultrasonic image data based on a reception signal received from an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, The computer of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a fixing unit that attaches the ultrasonic probe to a subject and fixes the ultrasonic probe to the subject in a pressure-applying manner adjustable to the subject attached thereto, An acquisition unit that acquires at least one of position information, angle information of an object to be observed of the subject, and pressure information applied to the subject, respectively, before and after fixing the ultrasonic probe; A calculation unit that calculates difference information between before and after fixing the ultrasonic probe regarding at least one of position information, angle information of an object to be observed of the subject, and pressure information applied to the subject, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; The a control unit that drives and controls the fixing unit based on differential information, is caused to function.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the ultrasonic probe can be easily and appropriately fixed to the subject.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in order. Note that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0019] (First Embodiment) With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall apparatus configuration of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that is movably installed in an examination room of a medical facility such as a hospital and is operated by an operator such as a doctor or a technician.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1, an ultrasonic probe 2, and a fixing device 3 as a fixing unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 is connected to the ultrasonic probe 2. The ultrasonic probe 2 transmits ultrasonic waves (transmitted ultrasonic waves) into a subject such as a patient's living body, and receives reflected waves (reflected ultrasonic waves: echoes) of the ultrasonic waves reflected in the subject. The ultrasonic probe 2 includes an ultrasonic probe main body 21, a cable 22, and a connector 23. The ultrasonic probe main body 21 is a header part of the ultrasonic probe 2 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The cable 22 is connected between the ultrasonic probe main body 21 and the connector 23, and is a cable through which a drive signal for the ultrasonic probe main body 21 and a reception signal of ultrasonic waves flow. The connector 23 is a plug connector for connecting to a connector (not shown) of a receptacle of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1.

[0022] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 is connected to the ultrasonic probe main body 21 via the connector 23 and the cable 22, and transmits a drive signal of an electrical signal to the ultrasonic probe main body 21 to cause the ultrasonic probe main body 21 to transmit transmitted ultrasonic waves to the subject. At the same time, based on a reception signal, which is an electrical signal generated by the ultrasonic probe 2 in response to the reflected ultrasonic waves from the subject received by the ultrasonic probe main body 21, the internal state of the subject is imaged as ultrasonic image data.

[0023] The ultrasonic probe main body 21 is provided with a vibrator 2a on the tip side. The vibrator 2a is a piezoelectric body that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and for example, a plurality of them are arranged in a one-dimensional array in the azimuth direction (scanning direction). Also, the number of vibrators 2a can be arbitrarily set. In the present embodiment, a linear scanning type electronic scan probe is adopted as the ultrasonic probe 2, but either an electronic scanning method or a mechanical scanning method may be adopted, and any of a linear scanning method, a sector scanning method, or a convex scanning method may also be adopted. The communication between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 and the ultrasonic probe 2 (ultrasonic probe main body 21) may be performed by wireless communication such as UWB (Ultra Wide Band) instead of wired communication via the cable 22.

[0024] In addition, the ultrasonic probe 2 of the present embodiment is shaped such that it can be attached to a subject such as a patient's living body and used. For example, the ultrasonic probe 2 is fixed to the foot of a walking patient by a fixing device 3 and used. Here, for example, the ultrasonic transmission / reception direction of the ultrasonic probe main body 21 and the connection direction of the cable 22 in the ultrasonic probe main body 21 are configured to be orthogonal. Note that the ultrasonic transmission / reception direction of the ultrasonic probe main body 21 and the connection direction of the cable 22 may not be orthogonal.

[0025] The fixing device 3 is a device that fixes the ultrasonic probe 2 to a subject, and in addition to the fixing tool for fixing, it has a fixing control unit 31 and a fixing drive unit 32. The fixing control unit 31 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 and controls the fixing drive unit 32 according to the control of a control unit 18 described later. The fixing drive unit 32 is a component that drives the fixing tool by electricity such as a motor, and is driven to wind (tighten) the band of the fixing tool around the subject to fix the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject according to the control of the fixing control unit 31. A specific example of the fixing device 3 will be described later.

[0026] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 includes, for example, an operation input unit 11, a transmission unit 12, a reception unit 13, an image generation unit 14, an image processing unit 15, a display control unit 16, a display unit 17, a control unit 18, and a storage unit 19.

[0027] The operation input unit 11 has operation elements such as push buttons, encoders (rotary knobs), lever switches, joysticks, trackballs, keyboards, touch pads, and multifunction switches combining them. The operation input unit 11 receives various operation inputs from an operator via each operation element and outputs the operation information to the control unit 18.

[0028] The transmitting unit 12 is a circuit that supplies a driving signal, which is an electrical signal, to the ultrasonic probe 2 in accordance with the control of the control unit 18 to generate transmitted ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic probe 2. Further, the transmitting unit 12 includes, for example, a clock generation circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse generation circuit. The clock generation circuit is a circuit that generates a clock signal for determining the transmission timing and transmission frequency of the driving signal. The delay circuit is a circuit that sets a delay time for each individual path corresponding to each vibrator 2a, delays the transmission of the driving signal by the set delay time, and focuses the transmission beam constituted by the transmitted ultrasonic waves. The pulse generation circuit is a circuit that generates a pulse signal as a driving signal at a predetermined period. The transmitting unit 12 configured as described above drives a continuous part (for example, 64) of a plurality (for example, 192) of vibrators 2a arranged in the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate transmitted ultrasonic waves. Then, the transmitting unit 12 performs scanning by shifting the vibrator 2a to be driven in the azimuth direction (scanning direction) every time transmitted ultrasonic waves are generated.

[0029] The receiving unit 13 is a circuit that receives a received signal, which is an electrical signal, from the ultrasonic probe 2 in accordance with the control of the control unit 18. The receiving unit 13 includes, for example, an amplifier, an A / D conversion circuit, and a phased addition circuit. The amplifier is a circuit that amplifies the received signal at a preset amplification factor for each individual path corresponding to each vibrator 2a. The A / D conversion circuit is a circuit that performs analog-digital conversion (A / D conversion) on the amplified received signal. The phased addition circuit is a circuit that gives a delay time to the A / D-converted received signal for each individual path corresponding to each vibrator 2a to adjust the phase, and adds (phased addition) these to generate beam data.

[0030] The image generation unit 14 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression, etc. on the voice line data from the reception unit 13 according to the control of the control unit 18, adjusts the dynamic range and gain, and performs luminance conversion, thereby generating B (Brightness) mode image data composed of pixels having luminance values as reception energy. That is, the B mode image data represents the strength of the reception signal by luminance. The image generation unit 14 can generate ultrasonic image data in other image modes such as A (Amplitude) mode, M (Motion) mode, and image modes by the Doppler method (such as color Doppler mode), in addition to the B mode image data as ultrasonic image data in the B mode.

[0031] The image processing unit 15 performs image processing on the B mode image data output from the image generation unit 14 according to various image parameters being set, according to the control of the control unit 18. Further, the image processing unit 15 includes an image memory unit 151 composed of a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The image processing unit 15 stores the B mode image data subjected to image processing in the image memory unit 151 in units of frames according to the control of the control unit 18. Image data in units of frames may be referred to as ultrasonic image data or frame image data. The image processing unit 15 outputs the image data generated as described above to the display control unit 16 in order according to the control of the control unit 18.

[0032] The display control unit 16 converts the image data received from the image processing unit 15 into a display image signal and outputs it to the display unit 17 according to the control of the control unit 18.

[0033] The display unit 17 has a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or an inorganic EL display, and displays various display information on the display screen of the display panel. The display unit 17 performs the display of the ultrasonic image and the display of various display information on the display screen of the display panel according to the image signal output from the display control unit 16 under the control of the control unit 18.

[0034] The control unit 18 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). It reads out various processing programs such as the system program stored in the ROM and expands them in the RAM, and controls the operations of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the expanded programs. The ROM is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor, and stores the system program corresponding to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, various processing programs executable on the system program, and various data such as a gamma table. These programs are stored in the form of computer-readable program codes, and the CPU sequentially executes operations according to the program codes. In particular, it is assumed that the ROM stores a first fixed adjustment program for executing the first fixed adjustment process described later. The RAM forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU and data related to these programs.

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

[0036] Regarding each part included in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, part or all of the functions of each functional block can be realized as a hardware circuit such as an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is, for example, an LSI (Large Scale Integration), and depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may also be referred to as an IC (Integrated Circuit), a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI. Also, the method of integrating into a circuit is not limited to LSI, and it may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor, or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor capable of reconfiguring the connection and setting of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. Also, part or all of the functions of each functional block may be executed by software. In this case, this software is stored in a storage medium such as one or more ROMs, an optical disk, or a hard disk, and this software is executed by an arithmetic processor.

[0037] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2(a) to 6, a specific example of the fixing device 3 will be described. FIG. 2(a) is a conceptual diagram showing the ultrasonic probe 2 and the subject SU before fixing. FIG. 2(b) is a conceptual diagram showing the ultrasonic probe 2 and the B-mode image I1 before fixing. FIG. 2(c) is a graph showing the pressure distribution at the position x in the scanning direction in the B-mode image I1 before fixing. FIG. 3(a) is a conceptual diagram showing the ultrasonic probe 2, the fixing device 3, and the subject SU after fixing. FIG. 3(b) is a conceptual diagram showing the ultrasonic probe 2 and the B-mode image I2 after fixing. FIG. 3(c) is a graph showing the pressure distribution at the position x in the scanning direction in the B-mode image I2 after fixing. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the ultrasonic probe 2, the coupler C1, the band B1, and the subject SU of the present embodiment. FIG. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing device 3A, the ultrasonic probe 2, and the subject SU. FIG. 5(b) is a top view showing the fixing device 3A, the ultrasonic probe 2, and the subject SU. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the fixing device 3B, the ultrasonic probe 2, and the subject SU.

[0038] First, with reference to FIGS. 2(a) to 3(c), an overview of the method for fixing the ultrasonic probe 2 by the fixing device 3 according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, a case where the ultrasonic probe 2 is fixed to a subject SU as a patient's foot by the fixing device 3 will be considered.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2(a), before fixing without using the fixing device 3, the ultrasonic probe 2 is brought into contact with the body surface of the subject SU, and an object T1, which is a blood vessel as an example of an observation target in the subject SU, is observed. Note that the observation target in the subject SU is not limited to blood vessels. Also, let the imaging range of the B-mode image by the ultrasonic probe 2 be range I0.

[0040] Also, in FIG. 2(a), with the ultrasonic probe 2 as a reference, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are defined. The x-axis is the scanning direction as the arrangement direction of each vibrator of the vibrator 2a. The y-axis is the elevation direction perpendicular to the x-axis. The z-axis is the direction perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis. These x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are the same in other figures.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2(b), in the state of the ultrasonic probe 2 in FIG. 2(a) before fixing, B-mode image data of the B-mode image I1 is generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1. The B-mode image I1 includes an object image IT1 of the object T1.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2(c), in the B-mode image I1, the pressure distribution of the pressure (the pressure applied to the subject SU by the ultrasonic probe 2) with respect to the position x in the scanning direction is not necessarily a uniform pressure in the scanning direction (x-axis direction). This pressure distribution indicates the inclination state in the scanning direction between the subject SU and the ultrasonic probe 2. Note that the pressure distribution of the subject SU is not necessarily a uniform pressure in the elevation direction either.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 3(a), after the ultrasonic probe 2 is wound around and fixed to the subject SU by a band as a fixture of the fixing device 3, the ultrasonic probe 2 is brought into contact with the body surface of the subject SU, and a state of observing an object T1, which is a blood vessel as an observation target in the subject SU, is considered. In Fig. 3(a), the fixing device 3 is not shown in detail.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 3(b), in the state of the ultrasonic probe 2 in Fig. 3(a) after fixation, B-mode image data of the B-mode image I2 is generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1. The B-mode image I2 includes an object image IT2 of the object T1.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3(c), in the B-mode image I1, the pressure distribution (pressure distribution after fixation) of the pressure (pressure applied to the subject SU by the ultrasonic probe 2 and the fixing device 3) with respect to the position x in the scanning direction is made as a solid line. Also, the two-dot chain line in Fig. 3(c) corresponds to the solid-line pressure distribution before fixation in Fig. 2(c). That is, the pressure distribution after fixation is such that the ultrasonic probe 2 is fixed to the subject SU by the fixing device 3 so as to uniformly increase the pressure with respect to the pressure distribution before fixation. Note that the winding method of the band of the fixing device 3 is conceptually shown, and a specific example of the fixing device 3 will be described later.

[0046] Next, with reference to Fig. 4, a method for detecting the pressure related to the subject SU of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in the conceptual diagram of Fig. 4, the operator fixes the ultrasonic probe 2 and the coupler C1 to the subject SU using the band B1 of the fixing device 3. Here, it is assumed that the fixing device 3 includes a coupler C1 as an elastic body portion. When the band B1 is tightened, the pressure applied to the subject SU also becomes stronger.

[0047] The coupler C1 is disposed between the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface on the front surface (-z direction) of the ultrasonic probe body 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2 and the body surface of the subject SU, and is made of an elastic body having a known predetermined elastic modulus. The elastic body of the coupler C1 is made of a material such as an oily gel created by containing a polymer substance in an oil phase component, for example. Examples of the polymer substance constituting the oily gel include diene-based polymer substances and vinyl-based polymer substances. More specifically, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylate ester, polystyrene, etc. may be used as the polymer substance constituting the elastic body of the coupler C1. Examples of the oil phase component containing such a polymer substance include vegetable oil, animal oil, mineral oil, ester oil, silicone oil, etc. In the present embodiment, the polymer substance and the oil phase component constituting the oily gel are not particularly limited. Also, a material other than the oily gel may be adopted as the elastic body of the coupler C1. As the elastic body of the coupler C1, as described above, a material having an internal sound velocity of about 1470 [m / s] may be adopted in order to achieve impedance matching between the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface of the ultrasonic probe 2 and the living body.

[0048] A coupler is originally used for the purpose of shifting the focal depth of an ultrasonic probe. In the present embodiment, the coupler C1 is used for the purpose of estimating (calculating) the pressure (pressure distribution) at each position in the scanning direction (x-axis direction) from a predetermined elastic modulus and the change (degree of deformation) in the length (thickness) in the depth direction (-z axis direction) in the B-mode image.

[0049] Next, a specific example of the fixing device 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5(a) to 6. First, with reference to FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), a fixing device 3A as a specific example of the fixing device 3 will be described.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the fixing device 3A includes a band B1A as a specific example of the band B1, a fixing drive unit 32A as a specific example of the fixing drive unit 32, a cover unit 33 as a fixture, hook mechanism units 341, 342, wires 351, 352, and the coupler C1.

[0051] Band B1A is a belt-shaped band (belt) that is wound around the subject SU. Band B1A is wound, for example, in a cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the extending direction (axial direction) of the foot as the living body of the patient of the subject SU (x-axis direction in the figure). The cover portion 33 is a cover that covers the ultrasonic probe body 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2. The scanning direction of the vibrator 2a of the ultrasonic probe 2 is the x-axis direction. The coupler C1 is disposed between the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface of the ultrasonic probe body 21 and the subject SU.

[0052] The hook mechanism parts 341 and 342 are fixedly connected to both ends of the band B1A, respectively, and the wires 351 and 352 are respectively hooked thereon. The wires 351 and 352 are wires such as made of metal. One end 3511 and the other end 3512 of the wire 351 are connected to the fixed drive part 32A, and the central part is hooked on the hook mechanism part 341. One end 3521 and the other end 3522 of the wire 352 are connected to the fixed drive part 32A, and the central part is hooked on the hook mechanism part 342. Note that the wires 351 and 352 may be 4-direction belts.

[0053] The fixed drive part 32A has a motor or the like, and is a drive part that winds or feeds out the wires 351 and 352 according to the control of the fixed control part 31. The fixed drive part 32A is disposed, for example, at a position on the cover part 33 corresponding to the center of the array in the scanning direction (x-axis direction) of the vibrator 2a of the ultrasonic probe 2. Further, the fixed drive part 32A can wind or feed out the ends 3511, 3512, 3521, and 3522 individually and independently. The ends 3511, 3512, 3521, and 3522 are connected in radial directions at substantially 90° intervals around the fixed drive part 32A ((x, y) = (-1, -1), (1, -1), (-1, 1), (1, 1) directions). Therefore, by winding or feeding out the wires 351 and 352 by the fixed drive part 32A, the pressure in the -z direction (the direction of the subject SU) can be adjusted in the direction of each pressure application part (each contact part between the cover part 33 and the wires 351 and 352) with respect to the fixed drive part 32A.

[0054] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a fixing device 3B as a specific example of the fixing device 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the fixing device 3B includes a band B1B as a specific example of the band B1, fixing drive units 32B1, 32B2, 32B3, 32B4 as specific examples of the fixing drive unit 32, a base portion 36 as a fixture, a cover portion 37, and a coupler C1.

[0055] The band B1B is a belt-shaped band that is wound around the subject SU. The band B1B is wound, for example, in a cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the foot as the living body of the patient of the subject SU (the x-axis direction in the figure). The base portion 36 is a substantially rectangular lower plate portion that contacts the body surface of the subject SU as the base of the fixing device 3B. The base portion 36 has two holes through which both ends of the band B1B are respectively inserted, and one hole for exposing the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface (coupler C1) of the ultrasonic probe body 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject SU. The coupler C1 is disposed between the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface of the ultrasonic probe body 21 and the subject SU.

[0056] The cover portion 37 is a cover that covers the ultrasonic probe body 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2, and has a substantially H-shaped planar shape corresponding to the substantially rectangular shape of the base portion 36. The scanning direction of the vibrator 2a of the ultrasonic probe 2 is the x-axis direction.

[0057] The fixing drive units 32B1, 32B2, 32B3, 32B4 each have a motor, a male screw portion, a female screw portion, and a spring, and are disposed at the four corners of the planar shapes of the base portion 36 and the cover portion 37. More specifically, for example, in the fixing drive unit 32B1, the female screw portion is fixedly connected to the base portion 36, the motor is fixedly connected to the cover portion 37, and the rotation shaft of the motor and the male screw portion are rotatably connected. The male screw portion and the female screw portion are screwed together. The spring is provided coaxially and outside the male screw portion and the female screw portion.

[0058] Therefore, in the fixed driving unit 32B1, for example, when the male screw portion is tightened by the forward rotation of the motor under the drive control of the fixed control unit 31, the distance (length in the z direction) between the base portion 36 and the cover portion 37 becomes shorter, and corresponding to the position of the fixed driving unit 32B1, the ultrasonic probe 2 and the coupler C1 are pressed in the -z direction by the cover portion 37, increasing the pressure applied to the subject SU. Conversely, when the male screw portion is loosened by the reverse rotation of the motor under the drive control of the fixed control unit 31, the distance between the base portion 36 and the cover portion 37 becomes longer, and corresponding to the position of the fixed driving unit 32B1, the ultrasonic probe 2 and the coupler C1 are released in the +z direction by the cover portion 37, decreasing the pressure applied to the subject SU. The configurations of the fixed driving units 32B2, 32B3, and 32B4 are the same as that of the fixed driving unit 32B1. Also, the fixed driving units 32B1, 32B2, 32B3, and 32B4 can individually and independently apply or release pressure.

[0059] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the first fixed adjustment process.

[0060] The first fixed adjustment process executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described. The first fixed adjustment process is a process of automatically fixing the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject by the fixing device 3 so as to uniformly increase the pressure with respect to the pressure distribution of the subject before fixation, using the ultrasonic image data before fixation and the ultrasonic image data during and after fixation (during or after fixation) when acquiring the ultrasonic image data with the ultrasonic probe 2 fixed to the subject.

[0061] It is assumed that a threshold condition for the difference information between the pressure distribution information of the subject during and after fixation with respect to the pressure distribution information of the subject before fixation is set in advance and stored in the storage unit 19. This threshold condition is a threshold condition for determining whether to perform automatic fixation control based on the difference information of the pressure distribution information of the subject during and after fixation. The threshold condition is preferably corresponding to the part of the subject where the ultrasonic probe 2 is attached.

[0062] Also, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, the ultrasonic probe 2 is attached to an appropriate position of a subject such as a patient's foot by an operator using the fixing device 3. At this time, in order for the operator to be able to observe the position of the object to be observed on the subject, etc., the control unit 18 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe 2 under the control of the transmission unit 12, the reception unit 13, the image generation unit 14, the image processing unit 15, and the display control unit 16 to generate B-mode image data and perform live display on the display unit 17, and the live display shall be continued even during the execution of the first fixing adjustment process.

[0063] In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, for example, triggered by the input of an execution instruction for the first fixing adjustment process from the operator via the operation input unit 11, the control unit 18 executes the first fixing adjustment process according to the first fixing adjustment program stored in the ROM.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the control unit 18 generates B-mode image data as ultrasonic image data before fixing under the control of the transmission unit 12, the reception unit 13, the image generation unit 14, and the image processing unit 15 (step S11). In step S11, in order to observe an object to be observed such as a blood vessel or tissue of the subject by the ultrasonic probe 2, the ultrasonic probe 2 and the coupler C1 are manually adjusted by the operator so as to obtain appropriate position information of the object and the pressure distribution on the surface of the subject. At this time, the B-mode image data scanned by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is used as the B-mode image data before fixing. The position information of the object is the distribution of a plurality of positions in the depth direction of the object with respect to a plurality of positions in the scanning direction on the surface of the subject (two-dimensional position distribution of the object with respect to the surface).

[0065] Then, the control unit 18 acquires the position information of the object before fixation and the coupler C1 from the B-mode image of the B-mode image data before fixation generated in step S11 (step S12). In step S12, the object is manually specified and input by the operator via the operation input unit 11, for example, or the object extraction condition information (stored in the storage unit 19, for example, if input in advance) set and input by the operator via the operation input unit 11 in advance or in step S12. Accordingly, the object in the B-mode image is automatically extracted by the control unit 18. The position information of the coupler C1 is the distribution of the positions in the depth direction (thickness) corresponding to a plurality of positions in the scanning direction in the B-mode image.

[0066] Then, the control unit 18 calculates the pressure distribution information of the subject before fixation indicating the distribution in the scanning direction of the pressure applied to the subject from the position information (thickness) of the coupler C1 acquired in step S12 (step S13). Assuming that the dimensions and elastic modulus of the elastic body of the coupler C1 are measured in advance and are values input by the operator via the operation input unit 11, in step S13, the pressure distribution information of the subject before fixation is calculated using the dimensions and elastic modulus and the position information (thickness) of the deformed coupler C1 acquired in step S12.

[0067] Then, the control unit 18 stores the position information of the object before fixation acquired in step S12 and the pressure distribution information of the subject before fixation acquired in step S13 in the storage unit 19 (step S14). After step S14, the operator does not need to touch the ultrasonic probe 2 and the fixing device 3 attached to the subject.

[0068] Then, the control unit 18 generates B-mode image data after fixation (during fixation or continuously after fixation has ended) under the control of the transmission unit 12, the reception unit 13, the image generation unit 14, and the image processing unit 15 (step S15). Then, the control unit 18 acquires the position information of the object and the coupler C1 from the B-mode image of the B-mode image data after fixation generated in step S15 (step S16). Then, the control unit 18 calculates pressure distribution information of the subject after fixation indicating the distribution of the pressure applied to the subject in the scanning direction from the position information (thickness) of the coupler C1 acquired in step S16 (step S17).

[0069] Then, the control unit 18 reads out the position information of the object before fixation, the pressure distribution information of the subject, and the threshold condition from the storage unit 19, calculates the difference information between the pressure distribution information of the subject after fixation calculated in step S17 and the pressure distribution information of the subject before fixation, and determines whether the difference information of the pressure distribution information of the subject satisfies the threshold condition (step S18). The threshold condition is, for example, that the pressure distribution information of the subject after fixation is uniformly larger by a predetermined value (x [Pa]) than before fixation. When the threshold condition is satisfied (step S18; YES), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0070] When the threshold condition is not satisfied (step S18; NO), the control unit 18 determines that the object does not deviate from the B-mode image even when the subject makes an action such as walking (for example, the object does not deviate from the ROI (Region Of Interest) of the B-mode image input from the operator via the operation input unit 11), and the pressure is uniformly applied in the depth direction over the scanning direction of the pressure distribution information of the subject after fixation compared to the pressure distribution information of the subject before fixation. The control amount of the fixation driving unit 32 is calculated (step S19). Note that in step S19, the object to be prevented from deviating from the B-mode image and the object to be observed during diagnosis may be different.

[0071] Then, the control unit 18 controls the fixed drive unit 32 via the fixed control unit 31 using the control amount of the fixed drive unit 32 calculated in step S19 (step S20), and proceeds to step S15.

[0072] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes an image generation unit 14 that generates ultrasonic image data based on a reception signal received from the ultrasonic probe 2 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, a fixing device 3 that attaches the ultrasonic probe 2 to a subject and fixes the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject so that the pressure applied to the attached subject can be adjusted, and a control unit 18 that drives and controls the fixing device 3 based on difference information of pressure distribution information of the pressure applied to the subject before and after and during fixation of the ultrasonic probe 2, so that the pressure changes uniformly from the pressure distribution of the subject before fixation to the pressure distribution during and after fixation.

[0073] Therefore, the fixation of the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject can be automatically and easily performed appropriately while preventing displacement of the position and pressure of the surface of the subject, reducing the burden on the operator, and obtaining desired ultrasonic image data.

[0074] Further, the fixing device 3 is disposed between the ultrasonic probe 2 and the subject and has a coupler C1 having a known predetermined elastic modulus. The control unit 18 calculates the pressure distribution information of the subject from the image of the coupler C1 in the ultrasonic image of the generated ultrasonic image data. Therefore, the pressure distribution information of the subject can be easily and accurately obtained.

[0075] Further, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the difference information of the pressure distribution information of the subject before and after and during fixation of the ultrasonic probe 2 satisfies a threshold condition based on a threshold condition for determining whether or not to control the fixing device 3, and drives and controls the fixing device 3 according to the determination result. Therefore, when the difference information of the pressure distribution information of the subject does not satisfy the threshold condition, the fixing device 3 can be driven and controlled, the fixing device 3 can be appropriately controlled, and the control processing burden can be reduced.

[0076] Further, the threshold condition corresponds to the part of the subject at the attachment location of the ultrasonic probe 2. Therefore, the fixing device 3 can be more appropriately driven and controlled according to the threshold condition corresponding to the part of the subject at the attachment location of the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0077] (Second Embodiment) Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100a of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the ultrasonic probe 2, the pressure sensor unit 4, the band B1, and the subject SU of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the second fixing adjustment process.

[0078] In the first embodiment described above, the pressure distribution information of the subject is calculated from the position information (thickness) of the coupler C1 of the B-mode image, and the ultrasonic probe 2 is fixed to the subject by the fixing device 3 based on the calculated pressure distribution information of the subject. However, in the present embodiment, the pressure distribution information of the subject is detected by a pressure sensor.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 8, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100a is used as the apparatus configuration of the present embodiment. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100a, the same parts as those of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted, and mainly the different parts will be described.

[0080] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100a includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1, an ultrasonic probe 2, a fixing device 3a, and a pressure sensor unit 4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the ROM of the control unit 18 stores a second fixing adjustment program for executing a second fixing adjustment process described later instead of the first fixing adjustment program.

[0081] The fixing device 3a includes a fixing control unit 31 and a fixing drive unit 32 in addition to a fixture that fixes the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject. The pressure sensor unit 4 includes a plurality of pressure sensors 41 (FIG. 9) using a piezoelectric body or the like, detects pressure information indicating the pressure applied to each of the plurality of pressure sensors 41, and outputs the pressure information to the fixing control unit 31.

[0082] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a method for detecting pressure related to the subject SU of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 9, the operator fixes the ultrasonic probe 2 and the pressure sensor unit 4 to the subject SU using the band B1 of the fixing device 3a. As the band B1 is tightened, the pressure applied to the subject SU also increases.

[0083] The pressure sensor unit 4 is disposed between the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface at the tip of the ultrasonic probe body 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2 and the body surface of the subject SU. In FIG. 9, the scanning direction, which is the arrangement direction of the vibrators 2a of the ultrasonic probe body 21, is the x-axis direction. The plurality of pressure sensors 41 of the pressure sensor unit 4 are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on a plane (the xy plane of the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface of the ultrasonic probe body 21) that is orthogonal to the scanning direction (x-axis direction) and the elevation direction (y-axis direction) orthogonal to the scanning direction. Two-dimensional pressure distribution information can be obtained from the pressures corresponding to a plurality of positions on the xy plane related to the subject by the plurality of pressure sensors 41 arranged two-dimensionally.

[0084] As a specific example of the fixing device 3a, for the fixing devices 3A and 3B shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 6 of the first embodiment, a configuration using the plurality of pressure sensors 41 of the pressure sensor unit 4 is adopted instead of the coupler C1. Note that the fixing device 3a may include both the coupler C1 and the pressure sensor unit 4.

[0085] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100a will be described. Here, the second fixed adjustment process executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100a will be described. The second fixed adjustment process is a process of automatically fixing the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject by the fixing device 3a so as to uniformly increase the pressure with respect to the pressure distribution of the subject before fixation, using the pressure sensor unit 4 when acquiring ultrasonic image data with the ultrasonic probe 2 fixed to the subject.

[0086] Similar to the first fixed adjustment process, in advance, threshold conditions for the differential information of the two-dimensional pressure distribution information of the subject after and during fixation with respect to the two-dimensional pressure distribution information of the subject before fixation are set and stored in the storage unit 19. The threshold condition for the differential information of the pressure distribution information is, for example, that the pressure distribution information of the subject after and during fixation is two-dimensionally uniformly larger by a predetermined value (x [Pa]) than before fixation. Also, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100a, the ultrasonic probe 2 is attached to an appropriate position of the subject such as the patient's foot by the operator using the fixing device 3a. At this time, in order for the operator to be able to observe the position of the object to be observed of the subject, the control unit 18 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe 2 under the control of the transmission unit 12, the reception unit 13, the image generation unit 14, the image processing unit 15, and the display control unit 16 to generate B-mode image data and perform live display on the display unit 17, and the live display is continued also during the execution of the second fixed adjustment process.

[0087] In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100a, for example, triggered by an execution instruction for the second fixed adjustment process being input from the operator via the operation input unit 11, the control unit 18 executes the second fixed adjustment process according to the second fixed adjustment program stored in the ROM.

[0088] Step S31 is the same as step S11 of the first fixed adjustment process in FIG. 7. Then, the control unit 18 acquires the position information of the object before fixation from the B-mode image of the B-mode image data of the object before fixation generated in step S31 (step S32). In step S32, the object is extracted manually or automatically in the same manner as in step S32.

[0089] Then, the control unit 18 acquires, via the fixed control unit 31, from the pressure sensor unit 4 the pressure distribution information of the two-dimensional subject before fixation indicating the distribution of the pressure detected by each pressure sensor 41 of the pressure sensor unit 4 in the scanning direction and the elevation direction (step S33). Steps S34 and S35 are the same as steps S14 and S15 in FIG. 7.

[0090] Then, the control unit 18 acquires the position information of the object from the B-mode image of the B-mode image data of the subject after and during fixation generated in step S35 (step S36). Then, the control unit 18 acquires, via the fixed control unit 31, from the pressure sensor unit 4 the two-dimensional pressure distribution information of the subject after and during fixation (step S37). Steps S38 to S40 are the same as steps S18 to S20 in FIG. 7.

[0091] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100a includes the pressure sensor unit 4 that detects the pressure distribution information of the subject. The control unit 18 acquires the detected pressure distribution information of the subject. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100a has the same effects as those of the first embodiment and can directly and more accurately acquire the pressure distribution information of the subject.

[0092] In the above description, an example in which a ROM is used as the computer-readable medium of the program according to the present invention is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, non-volatile memories such as flash memories and portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can be applied. Further, a carrier wave is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing the data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0093] Note that the description in the above embodiment is an example of a preferred ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and program according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0094] For example, in the above first embodiment, a plurality of vibrators 2a of the ultrasonic probe body 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2 are arranged in one dimension, and B-mode image data as one piece of ultrasonic image data is generated. The pressure application part of the fixing drive part 32 of the fixing device 3 is arranged two-dimensionally on the body surface of the subject (for example, at approximately four corners of the cover part 33 of the fixing device 3A (four contact parts between the cover part 33 and the wires 351 and 352), and at approximately four corners of the base part 36 of the fixing device 3A). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configurations of the first to third modified examples shown in the following Table I can be adopted. [Table 1]

[0095] In the first to third modified examples, the two-dimensional vibrator array means that a plurality of vibrators 2a of the ultrasonic probe body 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2 are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. In steps S11 and S15 of the first fixing adjustment process in FIG. 7, a plurality of three-dimensional B-mode image data are generated. In steps S13 and S17 of the first fixing adjustment process, pressure distribution information indicating the pressure at each two-dimensional position on the body surface of the subject is calculated from the plurality of B-mode image data.

[0096] In the first to third modified examples, the one-dimensional pressure application part means that the pressure application part of the fixing drive part 32 of the fixing device 3 is arranged one-dimensionally on the body surface of the subject (for example, in the scanning direction (x-axis direction) or the elevation direction (y-axis direction) in FIG. 4).

[0097] Also, in the above second embodiment, a plurality of pressure sensors 41 of the pressure sensor unit 4 are arranged two-dimensionally (arranged in the elevation direction (y-axis direction) and the scanning direction (x-axis direction) of the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface of the ultrasonic probe body 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2 in FIG. 9), and the pressure application part of the fixing drive part 32 of the fixing device 3 is arranged two-dimensionally on the body surface of the subject. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configurations of the second to third modified examples shown in the following Table II can be adopted. [Table 2]

[0098] In the pressure sensor arrays of the second and third modification examples, the one-dimensional arrangement means that a plurality of pressure sensors 41 of the pressure sensor unit 4 are arranged in a one-dimensional manner in a predetermined one direction (for example, the scanning direction (x-axis direction) or the elevation direction (y-axis direction)) of the ultrasonic probe body 21. In steps S33 and S37 of the second fixed adjustment process in FIG. 10, one-dimensional pressure distribution information indicating the pressure at each position in one dimension from the plurality of pressure sensors 41 arranged in one dimension to the body surface of the subject is calculated.

[0099] In the second embodiment, the pressure sensor unit 4 is arranged between the subject SU and the front (-z direction side, ultrasonic transmission / reception surface) of the ultrasonic probe body 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the pressure sensor unit 4 may be arranged between the band B2 of the fixing device and the rear (+z direction side, the surface opposite to the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface) of the ultrasonic probe body 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the ultrasonic probe 2, the pressure sensor unit 4b, the band B2, and the subject SU of the modification example. The band B2 of the fixing device is a band that wraps the ultrasonic probe 2 together with the pressure sensor unit 4b arranged thereon around the subject SU. The pressure sensor unit 4b has a plurality of pressure sensors 41 arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the xy plane in the scanning direction (x-axis direction) and the elevation direction (y-axis direction) of the ultrasonic probe body 21, similar to the pressure sensor unit 4.

[0100] In the second and third modification examples and the modification example of FIG. 11, when the arrangement direction of the plurality of pressure sensors 41 of the pressure sensor unit 4b is a one-dimensional direction, it is preferable that the one-dimensional arrangement direction of the plurality of pressure sensors 41 is the elevation direction (y-axis direction) orthogonal to the arrangement direction (scanning direction, x-axis direction) of the vibrator 2a of the ultrasonic probe body 21. However, the arrangement of the plurality of pressure sensors 41 may be in a one-dimensional direction other than the elevation direction.

[0101] Also, in the above first embodiment, pressure distribution information is calculated from the position information (thickness) of the coupler C1 in the B-mode image, and the control amount of the fixing drive unit 32 of the fixing device 3 is calculated from the change in the pressure distribution information (the difference information between the pressure distribution information before fixation and the pressure distribution information during and after fixation). In the above second embodiment, pressure distribution information is acquired from the pressure sensor unit 4, and the control amount of the fixing drive unit 32 of the fixing device 3a is calculated from the change (difference information) in the pressure distribution information. However, the present invention is not limited to these configurations.

[0102] For example, the control amount of the fixing drive unit 32 of the fixing device 3 may be calculated from the change (difference information) in the position information of the object with respect to the body surface of the subject in the B-mode image. Also, the control amount of the fixing drive unit 32 of the fixing device 3 may be calculated from the change (difference information) in the angle information indicating the angle of the object with respect to the body surface of the subject in the B-mode image. When calculating the control amount of the fixing drive unit 32 based on the position information (or angle information) of the object, the threshold condition corresponding to step S18 of the first fixing adjustment process in FIG. 7 is, for example, that the difference information between the position information (or angle information) of the object before fixation and the position information (or angle information) of the object during and after fixation is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0103] In a configuration that performs fixation control using the position information (or angular information) of the object, more specifically, for example, in the second fixation adjustment process of FIG. 10, at step S32, the position information (or angular information) of the object before fixation is acquired. Steps S33 and S37 are not executed. At step S34, the position information (or angular information) acquired at step S32 is stored. Then, at step S36, the position information (or angular information) of the object during and after fixation is acquired. At step S38, it is determined whether the difference information between the position information (or angular information) before fixation acquired at step S32 and the position information (or angular information) during and after fixation acquired at step S36 satisfies the threshold condition. Note that as the threshold condition, once pressure is applied to the subject SU by the control of the fixing device 3 (tightened with a band), and then the subject SU is moved, the difference information (error) of the movement amount (or angular information) of the object before and after the movement may be set to be equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0104] In this way, the control amount of the fixing drive unit 32 of the fixing devices 3 and 3a may be calculated from at least one change (difference information) among the position information of the object with respect to the body surface of the subject in the B-mode image, the angular information of the object with respect to the body surface of the subject in the B-mode image, the position information (thickness information) of the coupler C1 in the B-mode image, or the pressure distribution information of the subject from the pressure sensor unit 4. Also with this configuration, the fixation of the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject can be automatically and easily performed appropriately while preventing positional displacement and pressure displacement of the body surface of the subject, reducing the burden on the operator, and obtaining desired ultrasonic image data.

[0105] Further, the detailed configuration and detailed operations of each part constituting the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 100 and 100a in the above embodiments can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0106] 100, 100a Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 Operation input unit 12 Transmission unit 13 Reception unit 14 Image generation unit 15 Image processing unit 151 Image memory unit 16 Display control unit 17 Display unit 18 Control unit 19 Memory unit 2 Ultrasonic probe 21 Ultrasonic probe body 2a Vibrator 22 Cable 23 Connector 3, 3A, 3B, 3a Fixing device 31 Fixing control unit 32, 32A, 32B1, 32B2, 32B3, 32B4 Fixing drive unit 33, 37 Cover part 341, 342 Hook mechanism part 351, 352 Wire 3511, 3512, 3521, 3522 End part 36 Base part B1, B1A, B1B, B2 Band C1 Coupler 4, 4b Pressure sensor unit 41 Pressure sensor

Claims

1. An image generation unit that generates ultrasonic image data based on a received signal received from an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves; A fixing unit that attaches the ultrasonic probe to a subject and fixes the ultrasonic probe to the subject so that the pressure applied to the attached subject can be adjusted; An acquisition unit that acquires at least one of position information, angle information, and pressure information of an object to be observed of the subject before and after fixing the ultrasonic probe; A calculation unit that calculates difference information between before and after fixing the ultrasonic probe regarding at least one of position information, angle information, and pressure information of an object to be observed of the subject based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a control unit that drives and controls the fixing unit based on the difference information calculated by the calculation unit.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires position information or angle information of the object from an image of the object in the ultrasonic image of the generated ultrasonic image data.

3. The fixing unit is disposed between the ultrasonic probe and the subject and has an elastic body portion having a predetermined elastic modulus, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acquisition unit calculates pressure information of the subject from an image of the elastic body portion in the ultrasonic image of the generated ultrasonic image data.

4. Having a pressure sensor unit that detects pressure information applied to the subject, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the detected pressure information of the subject.

5. Based on threshold conditions for whether or not to control the fixing unit, the control unit determines whether difference information of at least one of position information, angle information, and pressure information of an object to be observed of the subject before and after fixing the ultrasonic probe satisfies the threshold conditions, and drives and controls the fixing unit according to the determination result. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the threshold conditions correspond to a part of the subject where the ultrasonic probe is to be attached.

7. An image generation unit that generates ultrasonic image data based on a received signal received from an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves; A computer of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a fixing unit that attaches the ultrasonic probe to a subject and fixes the ultrasonic probe to the subject in an adjustable manner with respect to the pressure applied to the attached subject. An acquisition unit that acquires at least one of position information, angular information, and pressure information applied to the subject of an object to be observed of the subject, respectively before and after fixing the ultrasonic probe. A calculation unit that calculates difference information between before and after fixing the ultrasonic probe regarding at least one of position information, angular information, and pressure information applied to the subject of an object to be observed of the subject, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit. A control unit that drives and controls the fixing unit based on the difference information calculated by the calculation unit. A program for causing the above to function.

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