Ultrasound probe

Abstract

To reduce power consumption of an ultrasonic probe.SOLUTION: An image processing probe 12 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 24, a control unit 18, and a pressure sensor 38. The control unit 18 generates a transmission signal for the ultrasonic vibrator 24, and executes processing for a reception signal based on an ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic vibrator. The pressure sensor 38 detects the pressure applied to a transmission / reception surface 14 of the image processing probe 12. The control unit 18 is operated in an operation mode determined according to a pressure detection value of the pressure sensor 38 of a normal operation mode and a low power consumption mode. That is, the control unit 18 is operated in the normal operation mode when a pressure evaluation value based on the pressure detection value is a predetermined threshold or more, and is operated in the low power consumption mode when the pressure evaluation value is less than the predetermined threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to ultrasound probes, and more particularly to controlling ultrasound probes. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasound diagnostic systems are widely used. An ultrasound diagnostic system generally comprises an ultrasound probe and a main unit. The ultrasound probe transmits ultrasound waves to a subject and receives the ultrasound waves reflected by the subject. The main unit generates ultrasound image data of the subject based on the received signals acquired from the ultrasound probe and displays an image based on the ultrasound image data.

[0003] In recent years, ultrasound diagnostic systems have been developed that integrate the function of generating ultrasound image data into an ultrasound probe and display ultrasound images on an image display device provided separately from the ultrasound probe. Such ultrasound image processing probes generate ultrasound image data based on received ultrasound and wirelessly transmit the data to the image display device. The image display device displays an image based on the received ultrasound image data. For example, a smartphone or a personal computer is used as the image display device.

[0004] The following Patent Document 1 describes an ultrasound system equipped with a wireless ultrasound probe. In this ultrasound system, the wireless ultrasound probe generates ultrasound image scan line data by transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves and wirelessly transmits the data to a processor dongle. The processor dongle receives an image line data signal and performs image processing on the received image line data signal to generate an ultrasound image for display. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes, as technology related to the present invention, an ultrasound diagnostic device that generates image data based on pressure applied to the emitting surface of an ultrasound probe. Furthermore, the following Non-Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasound image processing probe that integrates functions for generating ultrasound image data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-519964 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-76298 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Nikkei Online Edition, "Terumo to Provide Wireless Ultrasound Diagnostic Devices for Infusions and Other Uses," December 8, 2020,<URL:https: / / www.nikkei.com / article / DGXZQODZ079PC0X01C20A2000000 / > Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Ultrasound imaging probes (hereafter referred to as imaging probes) are equipped with a battery, and operate on the power output by the battery. Conventional imaging probes consume a lot of power, so in order to ensure a certain amount of diagnostic time, it was necessary to install a large-capacity battery in the imaging probe. This sometimes resulted in the imaging probe becoming large.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to reduce the power consumption of an ultrasonic probe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides an ultrasonic probe comprising an ultrasonic vibrator, a control unit that generates a transmission signal for the ultrasonic vibrator and executes processing on a reception signal based on ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic vibrator, a pressure sensor that detects pressure applied to a transmission / reception surface of the ultrasonic probe, and a movement detection sensor that detects movement of the ultrasonic probe, wherein the control unit calculates an evaluation value based on the detection result of the movement detection sensor, and operates in a normal operation mode regardless of the pressure detection value of the pressure sensor during a movement determination time period from when the evaluation value becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold until a predetermined time has elapsed, and during a time period other than the movement determination time period, operates in the normal operation mode when a pressure evaluation value based on the pressure detection value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and operates in a low power consumption mode when the pressure evaluation value is less than the threshold. and performs digital calculations at a processing speed according to a clock frequency to generate the transmission signal and process the reception signal, the clock frequency in the low power consumption mode is lower than the clock frequency in the normal operation mode, and the low power consumption mode is an operation mode in which power supply power supplied to the control unit is suppressed, the ultrasonic probe further includes a wireless unit that performs wireless communication with an image display device, the control unit performs image processing on the reception signal to generate ultrasound image data, the wireless unit transmits information indicating an ultrasound image to the image display device, and power is supplied to the control unit and the wireless unit from a battery mounted in the ultrasonic probe. It is characterized by:

[0011] The present invention also provides an ultrasonic probe comprising an ultrasonic transducer, a control unit that generates a transmission signal for the ultrasonic transducer and executes processing on a reception signal based on an ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic transducer, and a pressure sensor that detects pressure applied to a transmission / reception surface of the ultrasonic probe, wherein the control unit executes generation of the transmission signal and processing on the reception signal by performing digital calculations at a processing speed according to a clock frequency, and operates in an operation mode determined according to a pressure detection value of the pressure sensor, out of a normal operation mode and a low power consumption mode, and the clock frequency in the low power consumption mode is lower than the clock frequency in the normal operation mode. The low power consumption mode is an operation mode in which the power supply power supplied to the control unit is reduced, and the ultrasonic probe further includes a wireless unit that performs wireless communication with an image display device, the control unit performs image processing on the received signal to generate ultrasonic image data, and the wireless unit transmits information indicating an ultrasonic image to the image display device, and power is supplied to the control unit and the wireless unit from a battery mounted in the ultrasonic probe. Preferably, the control unit operates in the normal operation mode when a pressure evaluation value based on the pressure detection value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and operates in the low power consumption mode when the pressure evaluation value is less than the threshold.

[0013] Preferably, the ultrasonic probe is provided with a movement detection sensor that detects movement of the ultrasonic probe, and when the control unit determines that the ultrasonic probe is not moving based on the detection result of the movement detection sensor, it operates in an operation mode between the normal operation mode and the low power consumption mode that is determined according to the pressure detection value of the pressure sensor. Preferably, the ultrasonic probe is provided with a transmitter that outputs the transmission signal to the ultrasonic transducers, and a receiver that outputs an electrical signal from the ultrasonic transducers in response to ultrasonic waves received by each of the ultrasonic transducers, and the transmitter and receiver operate according to the clock frequency, and in operation in the low power consumption mode, power supplied to part or all of the electrical circuits included in the transmitter and receiver is suppressed. 。 [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of an ultrasonic probe. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image processing probe. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image processing probe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same elements shown in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0018] 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasound diagnostic system 100 includes an image processing probe 12 and an image display device 16. The image processing probe 12 integrates functions for generating ultrasound image data into an ultrasound probe. When ultrasound diagnosis is performed, the image processing probe 12 is supported so that a transmitting / receiving surface 14 of the image processing probe 12 abuts against a subject.

[0019] The image processing probe 12 transmits ultrasound waves to the subject and receives the ultrasound waves reflected by the subject. The image processing probe 12 generates a received signal based on the received ultrasound waves and generates an image data signal containing information about the ultrasound image based on the received signal. The image processing probe 12 further wirelessly transmits the image data signal to the image display device 16. The image display device 16 may be a smartphone, a personal computer, or the like. The image display device 16 receives the image data signal wirelessly transmitted from the image processing probe 12 and displays an ultrasound image on a display based on the image data signal.

[0020] 2 shows the configuration of the image processing probe 12. The image processing probe 12 includes a transmitter 20, a transducer array 22, a receiver 26, a controller 18, a pressure sensor 38, a radio unit 36, a power supply circuit 40, and a battery 42. The battery 42 may be a disposable battery or a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The power supply circuit 40 supplies power from the battery 42 to the transmitter 20, the receiver 26, the controller 18, and the radio unit 36. If the pressure sensor 38 requires power from a power source, the power supply circuit 40 supplies power to the pressure sensor 38. If any of the other components of the image processing probe 12 require power from a power source, the power supply circuit 40 may also supply power to those components.

[0021] The control unit 18 includes a signal processing unit 30 and a clock generating unit 32. The control unit 18 may include a processor that executes processing according to a program. The control unit 18 configures the signal processing unit 30 by storing the program itself or by reading the program from an external memory and executing the program.

[0022] The transducer array 22 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 24 arranged along the transmitting / receiving surface 14. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers 24 may be arranged in two orthogonal directions. The signal processing unit 30 generates a transmission signal and outputs it to the transmitting unit 20. The transmitting unit 20 outputs a transmission signal with an adjusted delay time to each ultrasonic transducer 24 included in the transducer array 22. That is, the transmitting unit 20 adjusts the delay time for each transmission signal output to each ultrasonic transducer 24. Each ultrasonic transducer 24 converts the transmission signal output from the transmitting unit 20 into ultrasound and transmits it toward the subject. By adjusting the delay time of the transmission signal for each ultrasonic transducer 24, an ultrasound beam is formed from the transducer array 22 toward a specific direction within the subject. Furthermore, by adjusting the delay time, ultrasound waves that approximate plane waves may be transmitted from the transducer array 22.

[0023] Each ultrasonic transducer 24 included in the transducer array 22 receives ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject, converts the received ultrasonic waves into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the receiving unit 26. The receiving unit 26 generates a received signal by phasing and adding the electrical signals output from each ultrasonic transducer 24. Here, phasing and adding refers to adjusting the delay time of each electrical signal and adding them together so that multiple electrical signals based on ultrasonic waves arriving from a specific direction are reinforced. When the transmitted ultrasonic waves form a beam, the delay time of each electrical signal may be adjusted so that electrical signals based on ultrasonic waves arriving from the direction of the beam are reinforced.

[0024] The receiving unit 26 outputs the received signal obtained by the phasing addition to the signal processing unit 30. The signal processing unit 30 performs image processing and the like on the received signal to generate ultrasound image data, generates an image data signal containing information about the ultrasound image, and outputs the image data signal to the wireless unit 36. Here, the image data signal does not have to be the final ultrasound image data, but may be a signal containing information for displaying an ultrasound image. The wireless unit 36 ​​performs wireless communication with the image display device 16 (FIG. 1). That is, the wireless unit 36 ​​wirelessly transmits the image data signal. The image display device 16 receives the image data signal wirelessly transmitted from the wireless unit 36 ​​and displays an ultrasound image of the inside of the subject on a display based on the image data signal.

[0025] The wireless unit 36 ​​may receive a control signal wirelessly transmitted from the image display device 16 and output it to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 may perform an operation in accordance with the control signal output from the wireless unit 36.

[0026] The clock generating unit 32 generates a clock signal for the control unit 18 to perform digital calculations. The signal processing unit 30 performs digital calculations at a processing speed corresponding to the clock signal. The higher the frequency of the clock signal, i.e., the clock frequency, the faster the signal processing unit 30 operates. The lower the clock frequency, the less power the control unit 18 consumes.

[0027] The control unit 18 operates in either a normal operation mode or a low power consumption mode depending on the pressure with which the image processing probe 12 contacts the subject. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the control unit operates using a clock signal with a normal frequency corresponding to the process of displaying an ultrasound image on the image display device 16. The low power consumption mode is an operation mode in which the clock frequency is lower than that of the normal operation mode.

[0028] When operating in the normal operation mode, the control unit 18 may control the transmitting unit 20 and the receiving unit 26 to operate in the normal operation mode. Similarly, when operating in the low power consumption mode, the control unit 18 may control the transmitting unit 20 and the receiving unit 26 to operate in the low power consumption mode. When operating in the low power consumption mode, the digital circuits included in the transmitting unit 20 and the receiving unit 26 operate at a lower clock frequency than when operating in the normal operation mode. The higher the clock frequency, the faster the digital circuits in the transmitting unit 20 and the receiving unit 26 operate. The lower the clock frequency, the less power the digital circuits in the transmitting unit 20 and the receiving unit 26 consume.

[0029] The pressure sensor 38 is disposed beside the transducer array 22 and detects pressure that the transmitting and receiving surface 14 receives from a contact object such as a test subject. The pressure sensor 38 may be fixed to the housing of the image processing probe 12 so that when the transmitting and receiving surface 14 comes into contact with the contact object, the pressure sensor 38 also comes into contact with the contact object, and when the transmitting and receiving surface 14 is separated from the contact object, the pressure sensor 38 also separates from the contact object. The pressure sensor 38 outputs a pressure detection value corresponding to the pressure received from the contact object to the control unit 18.

[0030] The pressure sensor 38 may be configured by an element that outputs a voltage corresponding to the pressure applied by the contact object, or may be configured by an element whose element constants, such as capacitance, resistance, or inductance, change according to the pressure applied by the contact object.

[0031] The control unit 18 calculates a pressure evaluation value based on the pressure detection value. The pressure evaluation value may be a value that indicates the pressure that the pressure sensor 38 receives, or may be a value that increases as the pressure that the pressure sensor 38 receives increases. The control unit 18 operates in the normal operation mode when the pressure evaluation value is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure threshold. The control unit 18 operating in the normal operation mode causes the clock generation unit 32 to generate a clock signal at a normal frequency.

[0032] On the other hand, when the pressure evaluation value is less than the predetermined pressure threshold, the control unit 18 operates in the low power consumption mode. The control unit 18 operating in the low power consumption mode causes the clock generation unit 32 to generate a low frequency clock signal.

[0033] The low power consumption mode may be an operation mode in which the power supply supplied to the control unit 18 is reduced. That is, the low power consumption mode may be an operation mode in which the power supply supplied to part of the control unit 18 is cut off. Here, "part of the control unit 18" refers to all or some of the components of the control unit 18 excluding the part that has the function of switching the operation mode. The low power consumption mode of the transmission unit 20 and the reception unit 26 may also be an operation mode in which the power supply supplied to part or all of the electrical circuits included in the transmission unit 20 and the reception unit 26 is cut off.

[0034] With this configuration, when the user brings the image processing probe 12 into contact with the subject, the pressure evaluation value becomes equal to or greater than the pressure threshold, and the control unit 18 operates in the normal operation mode. When the user removes the image processing probe 12 from the subject, the pressure evaluation value becomes less than the pressure threshold, and the control unit 18 operates in the low power consumption mode.

[0035] Furthermore, if the operating modes of the transmitter 20 and receiver 26 are switched according to the operating mode of the controller 18, when the user brings the image processing probe 12 into contact with the subject, the transmitter 20 and receiver 26 operate in the normal operating mode, and when the user removes the image processing probe 12 from the subject, the transmitter 20 and receiver 26 operate in the low power consumption mode.

[0036] According to this operation, when the user is not observing ultrasound images, the power consumption of the image processing probe 12 is reduced. On the other hand, when the user is observing ultrasound images, the control unit 18, the transmission unit 20, and the reception unit 26 operate according to a clock signal of a normal frequency. Alternatively, the restriction on the power supply power to the control unit 18, the transmission unit 20, and the reception unit 26 is released. Therefore, the power consumption of the image processing probe 12 is reduced while maintaining the performance during ultrasound image observation. This reduces the capacity of the battery 42 installed in the image processing probe 12, and the image processing probe 12 is made smaller.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows an image processing probe 50 according to an application embodiment. This image processing probe 50 differs from the image processing probe 12 of FIG. 2 in that it is provided with a movement detection sensor 44. The movement detection sensor 44 detects, for example, the acceleration of the image processing probe 50 in a predetermined direction and outputs the acceleration detection value (detection result) to the control unit 18. The movement detection sensor 44 may be an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like. The control unit 18 calculates an acceleration evaluation value based on the acceleration detection value. The acceleration evaluation value may indicate the acceleration of the image processing probe 50 in the predetermined direction itself, or may be a value that increases as the acceleration of the image processing probe 50 when moving in the predetermined direction increases. The movement detection sensor 44 may also output acceleration detection values ​​in three orthogonal directions to the control unit 18. In this case, the control unit 18 may calculate the acceleration evaluation value based on the square root of the sum of the squares of the detection values ​​in each direction.

[0038] When the acceleration evaluation value is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold, control unit 18 operates in the normal operation mode regardless of whether the pressure detection value is equal to or greater than the pressure threshold. When the acceleration evaluation value is less than the acceleration threshold, control unit 18 operates in the normal operation mode when the pressure evaluation value is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure threshold. On the other hand, when the acceleration evaluation value is less than the acceleration threshold, control unit 18 operates in the low power consumption mode when the pressure evaluation value is less than the pressure threshold.

[0039] In this way, when the acceleration evaluation value is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold, there is a high possibility that the image processing probe 50 is moving. When the acceleration evaluation value is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold, the control unit 18 determines that the image processing probe 50 is moving and operates in the normal operation mode. On the other hand, when the acceleration evaluation value is less than the acceleration threshold, the control unit 18 determines that the image processing probe 50 is not moving and operates in an operation mode determined according to the pressure detection value of the pressure sensor 38, either the normal operation mode or the low power consumption mode.

[0040] Note that when the acceleration evaluation value becomes equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold, control unit 18 may operate in the normal operation mode during a time period (movement determination time period) from when the acceleration evaluation value becomes equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold until a predetermined time has elapsed since the acceleration evaluation value became equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold, regardless of whether the pressure detection value is equal to or greater than the pressure threshold. In this case, control unit 18 operates in the normal operation mode when the pressure evaluation value is equal to or greater than the predetermined pressure threshold during a time period other than the movement determination time period. On the other hand, when the pressure evaluation value is less than the pressure threshold during a time period other than the movement determination time period, control unit 18 operates in the low power consumption mode.

[0041] During the movement determination time period, the image processing probe 50 is likely to be moving. The control unit 18 determines that the image processing probe 50 is moving during the movement determination time period, and operates in the normal operation mode. On the other hand, during time periods other than the movement determination time period, the control unit 18 determines that the image processing probe 50 is not moving, and operates in either the normal operation mode or the low power consumption mode, whichever operation mode is determined according to the pressure detection value of the pressure sensor 38.

[0042] With this configuration, the operating mode of the control unit 18 is maintained in the normal operating mode during repeated contact operations in which the user contacts the image processing probe 50 with the subject, temporarily removes the image processing probe 50 from the subject, moves the image processing probe 50, and then contacts the image processing probe 50 with the subject again. When the operating mode is switched, ultrasound image data may not be generated continuously, making it difficult to display an appropriate ultrasound image. According to this embodiment, frequent switching of the operating mode during repeated contact operations is avoided, and appropriate ultrasound images are displayed on the image display device 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 12, 50 Image processing probe (ultrasound probe), 14 transmitting and receiving surface, 16 image display device, 18 control unit, 20 transmitting unit, 22 transducer array, 24 ultrasonic transducer, 26 receiving unit, 30 signal processing unit, 32 clock generating unit, 36 wireless unit, 38 pressure sensor, 40 power supply circuit, 42 battery, 44 movement detection sensor.

Claims

1. In the ultrasound probe, An ultrasonic vibrator; a control unit that generates a transmission signal for the ultrasonic transducer and executes processing on a reception signal based on the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic transducer; a pressure sensor that detects pressure applied to a transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic probe; a movement detection sensor that detects movement of the ultrasonic probe, The control unit an evaluation value is calculated based on the detection result of the movement detection sensor, and during a movement determination time period from when the evaluation value becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold until a predetermined time has elapsed, the device operates in a normal operation mode regardless of the pressure detection value of the pressure sensor; In a time period other than the movement determination time period, when a pressure evaluation value based on the pressure detection value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the device operates in the normal operation mode, and when the pressure evaluation value is less than the threshold, the device operates in the low power consumption mode; performing digital calculations at a processing speed according to a clock frequency to generate the transmission signal and process the reception signal; the clock frequency in the low power consumption mode is lower than the clock frequency in the normal operation mode; The low power consumption mode is an operation mode in which the power supply power supplied to the control unit is suppressed; The ultrasonic probe further comprises: a wireless unit that performs wireless communication with the image display device; the control unit performs image processing on the received signal to generate ultrasound image data; the wireless unit transmits information indicating an ultrasound image to the image display device; The ultrasonic probe is characterized in that the control unit and the radio unit are supplied with power from a battery mounted in the ultrasonic probe.

2. In the ultrasound probe, An ultrasonic vibrator; a control unit that generates a transmission signal for the ultrasonic transducer and executes processing on a reception signal based on the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic transducer; a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure applied to a transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic probe, The control unit performing digital calculations at a processing speed according to a clock frequency to generate the transmission signal and process the reception signal; The pressure sensor operates in one of a normal operation mode and a low power consumption mode, whichever is determined according to the pressure detection value of the pressure sensor; the clock frequency in the low power consumption mode is lower than the clock frequency in the normal operation mode; The low power consumption mode is an operation mode in which the power supply power supplied to the control unit is suppressed; The ultrasonic probe further comprises: a wireless unit that performs wireless communication with the image display device; the control unit performs image processing on the received signal to generate ultrasound image data; the wireless unit transmits information indicating an ultrasound image to the image display device; The ultrasonic probe is characterized in that the control unit and the radio unit are supplied with power from a battery mounted in the ultrasonic probe.

3. 3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, The control unit An ultrasonic probe characterized in that it operates in the normal operation mode when a pressure evaluation value based on the pressure detection value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and operates in the low power consumption mode when the pressure evaluation value is less than the threshold.

4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 or 3, a movement detection sensor that detects movement of the ultrasonic probe; The control unit An ultrasonic probe characterized in that, when it is determined based on the detection result of the movement detection sensor that the ultrasonic probe is not moving, it operates in an operation mode determined according to the pressure detection value of the pressure sensor, out of the normal operation mode and the low power consumption mode.

5. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 2 to 4, a transmitting unit that outputs the transmission signal to the ultrasonic transducer; a receiving unit that outputs an electrical signal from each of the ultrasonic transducers in response to ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic transducers; the transmitting unit and the receiving unit operate according to the clock frequency; In the operation of the low power consumption mode, the power supply power supplied to some or all of the electric circuits included in the transmitting unit and the receiving unit is reduced.

Images