Ultrasound diagnostic equipment and ultrasound diagnostic method

Abstract

To properly diagnose damage of a wire material that is bent.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 being the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 which diagnoses damage of a wire material having a bent part that is bent at a prescribed bending angle at a prescribed position in the longitudinal direction comprises: an ultrasonic probe 52 which is brought into contact with a tip surface of the wire material, irradiates the interior of the wire material with an ultrasonic wave and can receive a signal of the ultrasonic wave reflected by the interior of the wire material; a signal correction unit 102 which amplifies at least a portion of the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 at an amplification factor according to the bending angle of the bent part; and an evaluation unit 104 which evaluates damage of the wire material on the basis of the signal after correction by the signal correction unit 102.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting disconnection of each wire in a cable formed by aggregating a plurality of wires. In such a technique, disconnection of the wire is detected by irradiating ultrasonic waves from the tip surface of the wire and receiving the ultrasonic waves reflected inside the wire.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Depending on the type and use of the cable, at the end of the cable, there are cases where a plurality of wires are bent at a predetermined bending angle. When ultrasonically diagnosing damage to a wire bent at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction, compared with an unbent wire, the intensity of the received signal may decrease due to the influence of the bending. As a result, it may not be possible to appropriately diagnose damage to the wire to be diagnosed.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic method capable of appropriately diagnosing damage to a bent wire.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for diagnosing damage to a wire having a bent portion that bends at a predetermined bending angle at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction, comprising: an ultrasonic probe that is in contact with the tip surface of the wire, irradiates ultrasonic waves into the inside of the wire, and is capable of receiving ultrasonic wave signals reflected from inside the wire, and at least a portion of the signal received by the ultrasonic probe is set to the bending angle of the bent portion. It is set to increase as the value increases. It comprises a signal correction unit that amplifies the signal by an amplification factor, and an evaluation unit that evaluates damage to the wire based on the signal corrected by the signal correction unit.

[0007] The signal correction unit processes the signal received by the ultrasonic probe, specifically the signal reflected from the wire at a position further from the tip surface than the bend, and adjusts the bending angle of the bend. It is set to increase as the value increases. The signal is amplified by the amplification factor, and of the signals received by the ultrasonic probe, the signal reflected from a position closer to the tip surface than the bend in the wire is measured by the bending angle of the bend. It is set to increase as the value increases. You can choose not to amplify the signal using the amplification factor.

[0008] The signal correction unit processes the signal received by the ultrasonic probe from the tip surface in the longitudinal direction of the wire to the ultrasonic reflection position. The size is set to increase as the inspection distance increases. Further correction may be applied by amplifying the signal using the amplification factor.

[0009] The ultrasound diagnostic device may further include a progress management unit that manages the progress of the diagnostic work for damage to the wire, and the wire to be diagnosed by the ultrasound diagnostic device is one of several strands that make up the cable, and the progress management unit may select one strand from among the several strands to be diagnosed, display an arrangement image showing the arrangement of the several strands at the end face of the cable on a display device, and display the strand selected as the diagnosis target in the arrangement image so that it can be distinguished from the other strands.

[0010] The ultrasound diagnostic device is further equipped with a memory device, and the wire material to be diagnosed by the ultrasound diagnostic device is one of the multiple strands that make up the cable, and the memory device has a database in which the position and bending angle of the bend is set for each strand, and the signal correction unit determines the bending angle from the strand to be diagnosed and the database, and the signal received by the ultrasound probe is corrected to the determined bending angle It is set to increase as the value increases. You could also amplify the signal using an amplification factor.

[0011] To solve the above problems, an ultrasonic diagnostic method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an ultrasonic diagnostic method for diagnosing damage to a wire having a bent portion that bends at a predetermined bending angle at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction, comprising the steps of: irradiating the inside of the wire with ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic probe in contact with the tip surface of the wire, receiving the ultrasonic wave signal reflected from inside the wire with the ultrasonic probe, and determining at least a portion of the signal received by the ultrasonic probe as the bending angle of the bent portion. It is set to increase as the value increases. The method includes a correction step of amplifying the signal by an amplification factor, and a step of evaluating damage to the wire based on the signal after correction by the correction step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, it becomes possible to properly diagnose damage to bent wires. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 illustrates the diagnostic target of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a layout image displayed on a display device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a database. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the signal strength of a signal before correction is performed by the signal correction unit. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining correction according to the bending angle by the signal correction unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining correction according to the distance by the signal correction unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the combined correction of correction according to the bending angle and correction according to the distance by the signal correction unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the signal after correction by the signal correction unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in such embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding, and do not limit the present disclosure unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements not directly related to the present disclosure are not shown.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a diagnostic object of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a part of the bridge 10 is shown. The bridge 10 is, for example, a cable-stayed bridge. The bridge 10 includes a plurality of girders 12 and a plurality of cables 14. The girder 12 is spanned between abutments, between piers, or between an abutment and a pier to support the road surface of the bridge 10.

[0016] Cable 14 includes a plurality of strands 16 and a coating 18. The plurality of strands 16 are gathered, and the coating 18 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the aggregate of the plurality of strands 16, thereby constituting the cable 14. The number and size of the strands 16 are determined for each type of cable 14. The strands 16 are, for example, galvanized steel wires. The coating 18 is composed of, for example, high-density polyethylene. The cable 14 is obliquely stretched from the tower of the bridge 10 to the girder 12. The cable 14 suspends the girder 12. In FIG. 1, the portion where the cable 14 is connected to the girder 12 is shown.

[0017] A socket 20 is provided at the end of the cable 14. The socket 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A base 20a is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the socket 20. The tip of the cable 14 is inserted into the socket 20 through the base 20a and is accommodated inside the socket 20. The outer diameter of the socket 20 is larger than the outer diameter of the cable 14. The inner diameter of the socket 20 expands from the base end side where the base 20a is provided in the socket 20 toward the tip end side of the socket 20.

[0018] The plurality of strands 16 have a bent portion 22 that bends at a predetermined bending angle at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, inside the socket 20, the coating 18 of the cable 14 is removed, and the plurality of strands 16 are exposed from the coating 18. The bent portion 22 is located at the boundary between the portion where the strands 16 are exposed from the coating 18 and the coating 18 inside the socket 20.

[0019] The plurality of strands 16 bend at the bent portion 22 and extend substantially linearly between the bent portion 22 and the tip surface 24 of the strands 16. The plurality of strands 16 spread apart from each other as they extend from the bent portion 22 toward the tip surface 24 of the strands 16.

[0020] Multiple strands 16 inside the socket 20 are fixed by a metal cone 26 formed in a conical shape to match the internal shape of the socket 20. The metal cone 26 is formed, for example, by casting a metal material inside the socket 20 where the multiple strands 16 are arranged. The fixing structure of the socket 20 to the cable 14 is achieved by the wedge effect between the metal cone 26, which is integrated with the multiple strands 16, and the socket 20, which has a conical internal shape. The tip surfaces 24 of the multiple strands 16 are exposed from the metal cone 26.

[0021] A socket cover 28 is detachably attached to the tip of the socket 20. The socket cover 28 is provided so as to cover the tip surfaces 24 of the multiple strands 16, thereby protecting the multiple strands 16.

[0022] The cable 14 and socket 20 are supported by the girder 12 via a bearing plate 30 located at the bottom of the girder 12. A steel pipe 32 is positioned above the bearing plate 30. The cable 14 is inserted into the steel pipe 32. A steel pipe cover 34 is provided at the upper end of the steel pipe 32, closing the upper end of the steel pipe 32. The steel pipe 32 and the steel pipe cover 34 protect the cable 14.

[0023] If the sheath 18 of the cable 14 is damaged, water such as rain can enter the inside of the cable 14 through the damaged portion of the sheath 18. The water that enters the inside of the cable 14 may move downwards and accumulate near the base 20a of the socket 20.

[0024] As a result, the strands 16 near the nozzle 20a are repeatedly exposed to water and air, which may cause corrosion of the strands 16. The nozzle 20a is located near the bent portions 22 of the multiple strands 16, above the bent portions 22, that is, on the opposite side of the tip surface 24 from the bent portions 22. In other words, corrosion may occur in the strands 16 on the opposite side of the tip surface 24 from the bent portions 22. When corrosion occurs in the strands 16, thinning of the strands 16 in the radial direction may occur. When damage such as thinning due to corrosion occurs in the strands 16, the tensile strength of the strands 16 may decrease.

[0025] Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic device of this embodiment diagnoses damage to the strands 16 of the cable 14. In other words, in this embodiment, one of the multiple strands 16 constituting the cable 14 is selected as the target for diagnosis by the ultrasonic diagnostic device. The ultrasonic diagnostic device sequentially switches the target strand 16 and performs a diagnosis on all strands 16 constituting the cable 14.

[0026] In this embodiment, the object of diagnosis by the ultrasound diagnostic device is, for example, the strands 16 of the cable 14, but it is not limited to this example. For example, the object of diagnosis by the ultrasound diagnostic device may be various types of wires having a bent portion that bends at a predetermined bending angle at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction. The configuration and operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device will be described below.

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 50 of this embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 50 comprises an ultrasonic probe 52, a flaw detection device 54, and a control computer 56.

[0028] The ultrasonic probe 52 has one or more transducers. The transducers are formed, for example, from piezoelectric elements. When a voltage is applied to a transducer, the transducer vibrates. The ultrasonic probe 52 generates ultrasonic waves as the transducer vibrates.

[0029] The worker performing the diagnostic work removes the socket cover 28 from the socket 20 to expose the tip surfaces 24 of the multiple strands 16. The worker then brings the ultrasonic probe 52 into contact with the tip surface 24 of one of the multiple strands 16. When the ultrasonic probe 52 is in contact with the tip surface of the strand, the ultrasonic probe 52 can irradiate the inside of the strand 16 with ultrasound.

[0030] Ultrasonic waves irradiated into the inside of the wire 16 propagate through the inside of the wire 16 and are reflected, for example, from the sides of the wire 16. A portion of the reflected ultrasonic waves propagate through the inside of the wire 16 and return to the ultrasonic probe 52. Hereinafter, the ultrasonic waves that are reflected from the irradiated ultrasonic waves and reach the ultrasonic probe 52 may be referred to as ultrasonic echoes. The ultrasonic probe 52 can receive the ultrasonic wave signals reflected from inside the wire 16. When the ultrasonic waves reflected from inside the wire 16 reach the transducer of the ultrasonic probe 52, the transducer vibrates due to the received ultrasonic waves, and the transducer converts this vibration into a voltage. The converted voltage represents the ultrasonic echo and is sent to the flaw detection device 54.

[0031] Furthermore, when diagnosing damage to various types of wires, not just the individual wires 16, the worker may bring the ultrasonic probe 52 into contact with the tip surface 24 of the wire being diagnosed. In this case, the ultrasonic probe 52 can irradiate the inside of the wire being diagnosed with ultrasound and receive the ultrasound signals reflected from inside the wire.

[0032] The flaw detection device 54 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe 52. Under the control of the control computer 56, the flaw detection device 54 controls the emission of ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe 52. The flaw detection device 54 can also acquire a voltage indicating an ultrasonic echo from the ultrasonic probe 52. The flaw detection device 54 performs A / D conversion on the acquired voltage and transmits the A / D converted signal to the control computer 56. The signal transmitted to the control computer 56, although A / D conversion has been performed, corresponds to the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 and corresponds to a signal indicating an ultrasonic echo.

[0033] The control computer 56 is electrically connected to the flaw detection device 54. The control computer 56 includes an input / output device 60, a storage device 62, and a control device 64.

[0034] The input / output device 60 includes a display device 70. The display device 70 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various images and various information. In addition to the display device 70, the input / output device 60 may also include any output device that presents various information to the user, such as a speaker. Furthermore, the input / output device 60 may also include any input device that accepts user input operations, such as a keyboard.

[0035] The storage device 62 is, for example, a hard disk drive or flash memory, and is composed of non-volatile memory elements. The storage device 62 pre-stores a database 80, which is a collection of data used by the ultrasound diagnostic device 50. The database 80 will be described in detail later.

[0036] The control device 64 comprises one or more processors 90 and one or more memories 92 connected to the processors 90. The memories 92 include ROM for storing programs and RAM as a work area. The processors 90 cooperate with the programs contained in the memories 92 to control the entire control computer 56. The processors 90 of the control device 64 also function as a progress management unit 100, a signal correction unit 102, and an evaluation unit 104 by executing programs.

[0037] The progress management unit 100 manages the progress of the diagnostic work to diagnose damage to wire materials such as strands 16. More specifically, the progress management unit 100 selects one strand 16 from among the multiple strands 16 that make up the cable 14 as the target for diagnosis. The progress management unit 100 irradiates the selected strand 16 with ultrasound and acquires an ultrasound echo. Then, the progress management unit 100 sequentially switches the strands 16 to be diagnosed and performs ultrasound irradiation and ultrasound echo acquisition for each strand 16. Hereafter, the work of irradiating with ultrasound and acquiring ultrasound echoes may be collectively referred to as flaw detection work.

[0038] Furthermore, the progress management unit 100 displays an arrangement image on the display device 70 showing the arrangement of multiple strands 16 at the end face of the cable 14. The arrangement image shows the positions of the end faces 24 of the multiple strands 16 when viewed from the tip side of the socket 20 with the socket cover 28 removed.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an example of a layout image 110 displayed on the display device 70. In the layout image 110 shown in Figure 3, for example, the strand 16A displayed in black indicates a strand 16 for which flaw detection work has been completed. In the layout image 110 shown in Figure 3, the strand 16B displayed with cross-hatching indicates a strand 16 that has been selected as a target for diagnosis and is a strand 16 for which flaw detection work will be performed. In the layout image 110 shown in Figure 3, for example, the strand 16C displayed in white indicates a strand 16 for which flaw detection work has not yet been performed and has not yet been selected as a target for diagnosis.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the progress management unit 100 displays one strand 16 (strand 16B in Figure 3) selected as the target of diagnosis in the layout image 110 in a way that distinguishes it from the other strands 16 (strands 16A and 16C in Figure 3).

[0041] This allows the operator to easily recognize which of the multiple strands 16 should be contacted with the ultrasonic probe 52 as the next target for diagnosis by looking at the display pattern of the strands 16 in the arrangement image 110. Furthermore, the operator can easily grasp the progress of the diagnostic work (for example, what percentage of the multiple strands 16 have been inspected).

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the progress management unit 100 displays the strand 16 (strand 16A in Figure 3) for which the flaw detection work has been completed in the layout image 110 in a way that distinguishes it from the other strands 16 (strands 16B and 16C in Figure 3).

[0043] This allows the worker to easily identify which strands 16 have undergone flaw detection by looking at how they are displayed in the arrangement image 110. Furthermore, they can easily grasp the progress of the diagnostic work (for example, what percentage of the strands 16 have undergone flaw detection).

[0044] In Figure 3, strands for which flaw detection work has been completed are displayed in black, strands selected for diagnosis are displayed with cross-hatching, and other strands are displayed in white. However, the display method for multiple strands 16 is not limited to this example, and any display method that can distinguish between strands 16 for which flaw detection work has been completed, strands 16 selected for diagnosis, and other strands 16 may be used.

[0045] As described above, each strand 16 has a bent portion 22 at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction. When ultrasonic waves are irradiated from the tip surface 24 of a strand 16, ultrasonic waves reflected from positions further from the tip surface 24 than the bent portion 22 within the strand 16 pass through the bent portion 22 and return to the ultrasonic probe 52. When the reflected ultrasonic waves pass through the bent portion 22, the amplitude of the reflected ultrasonic waves is attenuated due to the presence of the bent portion 22. As a result, the signal intensity of the ultrasonic echo at positions further from the tip surface 24 than the bent portion 22 becomes smaller than when there is no bent portion 22. Consequently, damage to the strand 16 at positions further from the tip surface 24 than the bent portion 22 may not be properly detected.

[0046] Therefore, the processor 90 of the control device 64 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 50 also functions as a signal correction unit 102. The signal correction unit 102 amplifies at least a portion of the signal received by the ultrasound probe 52 with an amplification factor corresponding to the bending angle of the bent portion 22. For example, the signal correction unit 102 may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) or the like.

[0047] Furthermore, among the ultrasonic echoes, the longer the distance from the ultrasonic reflection position inside the strand 16 to the tip surface 24 of the strand 16, the lower the signal strength of the ultrasonic echo becomes.

[0048] Based on this, the signal correction unit 102 further corrects the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 by amplifying it with an amplification factor corresponding to the distance from the tip surface 24 in the longitudinal direction of the strand 16 to the ultrasonic reflection position. The operation of the signal correction unit 102 will be described in detail later.

[0049] The evaluation unit 104 evaluates the damage to the strand 16 based on the signal corrected by the signal correction unit 102. For example, if there is a portion of the signal corrected by the signal correction unit 102 in which the signal intensity exceeds a preset threshold, the evaluation unit 104 determines that damage to the strand 16 has occurred at the point where the signal intensity in the strand 16 exceeds the threshold.

[0050] In order to properly amplify the signal by the signal correction unit 102, the storage device 62 has a database 80 in which the position and bending angle of the bent portion 22 are set for each strand 16.

[0051] Figure 4 shows an example of the database 80. As shown in Figure 4, the database 80 associates the type of cable 14 with the strand numbers of the multiple strands 16 that make up the cable 14. The strand number corresponds to an identifier that can identify each strand 16 in the cable 14. The strand number is associated with the position of the tip face 24 of the strand 16.

[0052] In database 80, the bending position and bending angle are associated with each wire number. The bending position is the position of the bent portion 22 relative to the tip surface 24 of the wire 16, and corresponds to the distance along the longitudinal direction of the wire 16 from the tip surface 24.

[0053] The bending angle corresponds to the angle of inclination in a second direction, which is the direction from the bent portion 22 of the strand 16 toward the opposite side of the tip surface 24, with respect to a first direction, which is the direction from the tip surface 24 of the strand 16 toward the bent portion 22. The closer a strand 16 is to the inside of the cable 14 in the radial direction, the smaller the bending angle of the bent portion 22, and the closer a strand 16 is to the outside of the cable 14 in the radial direction, the larger the bending angle of the bent portion 22.

[0054] If a cable type 14 and one of several strands 16 are selected, the bending position and bending angle of the selected strand 16 can be determined by referring to the database 80.

[0055] Note that the bending position and bending angle are not limited to the values ​​exemplified in Figure 4, but may be any values ​​corresponding to the type of cable 14 and the strand number. Also, in the database 80, the strand number, bending position, and bending angle may be set not only for cable "A" exemplified in Figure 4, but also for other types of cable 14.

[0056] Figure 5 shows an example of the signal intensity of the signal before correction by the signal correction unit 102. The horizontal axis in Figure 5 represents the flaw detection distance. The flaw detection distance refers to the distance from the tip surface 24 in the longitudinal direction of the wire 16 to the ultrasonic reflection position. The vertical axis in Figure 5 represents the signal intensity of the acquired ultrasonic echo. In the example in Figure 5, it is assumed that the bending position is at a flaw detection distance of "400 mm". The threshold in Figure 5 corresponds to the judgment criterion for determining whether or not there is damage.

[0057] In the example in Figure 5, it is assumed that damage to wire 16 occurs between a flaw detection distance of "400 mm" and "500 mm". However, because there is a bend at a flaw detection distance of "400 mm", the signal strength of the ultrasonic echo at a flaw detection distance further than the bend is lower than the original signal strength. Also, as shown in Figure 5 for a flaw detection distance closer than "400 mm", the signal strength of the ultrasonic echo decreases with increasing distance as the flaw detection distance increases.

[0058] As a result, the signal intensity of the ultrasonic echo between a flaw detection distance of "400 mm" and "500 mm" may fall below the threshold, making it impossible to detect damage to the wire strand 16 between "400 mm" and "500 mm".

[0059] Figure 6 illustrates the correction performed by the signal correction unit 102 according to the bending angle. The horizontal axis of Figure 6 represents the inspection distance. The vertical axis of Figure 6 represents the amplification factor of the signal intensity according to the bending angle. Hereafter, for the sake of explanation, the amplification factor of the signal intensity according to the bending angle may be referred to as the bending amplification factor. In the example in Figure 6, it is assumed that the bending position is at an inspection distance of "400 mm". Hereafter, for the sake of explanation, any position where the inspection distance is greater than or equal to the distance from the tip surface 24 to the bending position may be referred to as "beyond the bending position". Furthermore, in the range where the inspection distance is closer to the tip surface 24 than "400 mm", it is assumed that the wire 16 to be diagnosed extends in a generally straight line and the bending angle is substantially zero.

[0060] In Figure 6, at any point where the inspection distance is less than "400 mm," the bending angle is effectively zero, so the bending amplification factor is set to approximately zero. In contrast, in Figure 6, there is a bending point at the inspection distance of "400 mm," so at any point where the inspection distance is "400 mm" or more, the bending amplification factor is set to a predetermined amplification factor corresponding to the bending angle at the bending point. Thus, the bending amplification factor with respect to the inspection distance changes in a stepwise manner with the bending point as the boundary. The bending amplification factor beyond the bending point is set to increase as the bending angle at the bending point increases.

[0061] Based on these considerations, the signal correction unit 102 amplifies the signals received by the ultrasonic probe 52 that are reflected from within the strand 16 at a position further from the tip surface 24 than the bent portion 22, using an amplification factor corresponding to the bending angle of the bent portion 22. The signal correction unit 102 does not amplify the signals received by the ultrasonic probe 52 that are reflected from within the strand 16 at a position closer to the tip surface 24 than the bent portion 22, using an amplification factor corresponding to the bending angle of the bent portion 22.

[0062] The signal correction unit 102 can obtain the bending position and bending angle by referring to the database 80. Therefore, the signal correction unit 102 can identify the boundary where the bending amplification factor changes from approximately zero to a predetermined amplification factor corresponding to the bending angle, based on the bending position obtained by referring to the database 80. Furthermore, the signal correction unit 102 can determine the bending amplification factor from the bending position onward based on the bending angle obtained by referring to the database 80.

[0063] Figure 7 illustrates the distance-dependent correction performed by the signal correction unit 102. The horizontal axis of Figure 7 represents the flaw detection distance. The vertical axis of Figure 7 represents the amplification factor of the signal strength according to the distance. Hereafter, for convenience of explanation, the amplification factor of the signal strength according to the distance may be referred to as the distance amplification factor.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the distance amplification factor is set to increase as the inspection distance increases.

[0065] Based on this, the signal correction unit 102 amplifies the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 with an amplification factor corresponding to the distance from the tip surface 24 in the longitudinal direction of the strand 16 to the ultrasonic reflection position. For example, the signal strength at a flaw detection distance of "200 mm" is amplified with the distance amplification factor at a flaw detection distance of "200 mm", and the signal strength at a flaw detection distance of "300 mm" is amplified with the distance amplification factor at a flaw detection distance of "300 mm".

[0066] Figure 8 illustrates the combined correction performed by the signal correction unit 102, which includes corrections based on the bending angle and corrections based on distance. The horizontal axis in Figure 8 represents the flaw detection distance. The vertical axis in Figure 8 represents the amplification factor, which is the sum of the bending amplification factor in Figure 6 and the distance amplification factor in Figure 7. Hereafter, for the sake of explanation, the amplification factor obtained by summing the bending amplification factor and the distance amplification factor may be referred to as the total amplification factor.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, the total amplification factor is set to increase as the inspection distance increases from the tip surface 24 to the bending position, increase in a stepwise manner at the bending position, and increase as the inspection distance increases beyond the bending position.

[0068] The signal correction unit 102 performs both amplification according to the bending angle, as explained using Figure 6, and amplification according to the distance, as explained using Figure 7. In other words, the signal correction unit 102 amplifies the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 according to the total amplification factor shown in Figure 8.

[0069] Figure 9 shows an example of a signal after correction by the signal correction unit 102. Figure 9 shows the signal intensity of the ultrasonic echo exemplified in Figure 5 amplified by the total amplification factor explained using Figure 8. In the example in Figure 9, it is assumed that damage to the strand 16 occurs when the inspection distance is between "400 mm" and "500 mm".

[0070] As shown in Figure 9, the corrected signal strength is higher after the bending point, and the signal strength is also higher at locations further away from the inspection distance.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 9, the signal strength exceeds the threshold in a portion of the inspection distance between "400 mm" and "500 mm". The evaluation unit 104 determines that damage has occurred to the wire 16 at the location where the signal strength exceeds the threshold.

[0072] Thus, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment, even if the bent portion 22 is located at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction of the strand 16, damage to the strand 16 can be appropriately diagnosed.

[0073] The signal correction unit 102 is not limited to a configuration that applies both amplification according to the bending angle and amplification according to the distance. The signal correction unit 102 may apply amplification according to the bending angle and omit amplification according to the distance. At least by performing amplification according to the bending angle, it is possible to appropriately diagnose damage to the strand 16 having the bent portion 22. However, compared to the configuration in which amplification according to the distance is omitted, it is possible to more appropriately diagnose damage to the strand 16 having the bent portion 22 by performing both amplification according to the bending angle and amplification according to the distance.

[0074] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device 64. The operator performs an input operation to input a diagnostic start instruction through the input / output device 60 of the control computer 56, which instructs the start of the diagnosis. The diagnostic start instruction includes information indicating the start of the diagnosis, as well as information indicating the type of cable 14.

[0075] When the progress management unit 100 of the control device 64 receives a start instruction, it identifies the type of cable 14 to be diagnosed based on the information indicating the type of cable 14 included in the diagnosis start instruction (S10).

[0076] The progress management unit 100 determines one of the multiple strands 16 constituting the identified cable 14 to be diagnosed (S11). The progress management unit 100 determines the bending position and bending angle corresponding to the determined strand 16 to be diagnosed from the database 80 (S12). For example, if the progress management unit 100 determines the strand with strand number "1" to be diagnosed, it can refer to the database 80 and obtain the bending position and bending angle corresponding to strand number "1".

[0077] Next, the progress management unit 100 generates a layout image 110 that distinguishes the wires 16 determined to be the target of diagnosis from other wires 16 (S13). The progress management unit 100 displays the generated layout image 110 on the display device 70 (S14).

[0078] The operator can identify the strand 16 to which the ultrasonic probe 52 will be made contact by checking the arrangement image 110 displayed on the display device 70. The operator attaches the ultrasonic probe 52 to the tip surface 24 of the strand 16 indicated by the arrangement image 110. Then, the operator performs an input operation to input an irradiation start instruction via the input / output device 60 to instruct the irradiation of ultrasound.

[0079] The progress management unit 100 determines whether or not it has received an irradiation start instruction (S20). The progress management unit 100 waits until it receives an irradiation start instruction (NO in S20).

[0080] When an irradiation start instruction is received (YES in S20), the progress management unit 100 controls the flaw detection device 54 to irradiate ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe 52 (S21). After irradiating with ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic probe 52 receives ultrasonic echoes corresponding to the irradiated ultrasonic waves. The flaw detection device 54 performs an A / D conversion on the voltage indicating the ultrasonic echo received by the ultrasonic probe 52 and transmits it to the control computer 56. As a result, the progress management unit 100 acquires a signal indicating the ultrasonic echo received by the ultrasonic probe 52 (S22).

[0081] Next, the signal correction unit 102 performs signal processing to correct the signal acquired in step S22 (S23). More specifically, the signal correction unit 102 sets a bending amplification factor for the inspection distance based on the bending position and bending angle determined in step S12. The signal correction unit 102 sets a distance amplification factor for the inspection distance. The signal correction unit 102 adds the set bending amplification factor and distance amplification factor to set a total amplification factor for the inspection distance. Based on the total amplification factor, the signal correction unit 102 amplifies the signal acquired in step S22 based on the set total amplification factor for the inspection distance.

[0082] The signal correction unit 102 stores the corrected signal, that is, the signal amplified based on the total amplification factor, in the memory device 62 in association with the strand 16 to be diagnosed (S24).

[0083] Next, the progress management unit 100 determines whether the irradiation of ultrasound and acquisition of ultrasound echoes have been completed for all strands 16 constituting the cable 14 identified in step S10 (S25).

[0084] If there are remaining strands for which ultrasound irradiation and ultrasound echo acquisition have not been completed (NO in S25), the progress management unit 100 returns to step S11 and determines one of the remaining strands 16 to be diagnosed (S11). In this way, the strands 16 to be diagnosed are switched sequentially. Each time the strands 16 to be diagnosed are switched, the arrangement image 110 is updated (S13). Then, ultrasound irradiation is performed on the switched strand 16 (S21), a signal indicating an ultrasound echo is acquired (S22), the acquired signal is corrected (S23), and the corrected signal is stored in the memory device 62 (S24).

[0085] When ultrasonic irradiation and acquisition of ultrasonic echoes have been completed for all strands (YES in S25), the evaluation unit 104 evaluates the damage to each strand 16 based on the corrected signals stored in the storage device 62 (S30). The progress management unit 100 displays the evaluation results on the display device 70 and terminates the series of processes.

[0086] As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment diagnoses damage to a wire (for example, a strand 16 of a bridge cable 14) having a bent portion 22 that bends at a predetermined bending angle at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction. The signal correction unit 102 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment amplifies at least a portion of the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 with an amplification factor corresponding to the bending angle of the bent portion 22. As a result, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment, even if the intensity of the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 decreases due to the influence of the bent portion 22, it is corrected to an appropriate signal intensity as if there were no bent portion 22.

[0087] Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment makes it possible to appropriately diagnose damage to a bent wire.

[0088] Furthermore, the signal correction unit 102 of this embodiment amplifies the signals received by the ultrasonic probe 52 that are reflected from the inside of the wire at a position further from the tip surface 24 than the bent portion 22, with an amplification factor corresponding to the bending angle of the bent portion 22. The signal correction unit 102 of this embodiment does not amplify the signals received by the ultrasonic probe 52 that are reflected from the inside of the wire at a position closer to the tip surface 24 than the bent portion 22, with an amplification factor corresponding to the bending angle of the bent portion 22.

[0089] As a result, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment, amplification according to the bending angle is performed only on signals reflected at a position farther from the bending portion 22 that is affected by the bending portion 22, so that the intensity of the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 can be corrected more appropriately. Consequently, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment can diagnose damage to the bent wire more appropriately.

[0090] Furthermore, the signal correction unit 102 of this embodiment further corrects the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 by amplifying it with an amplification factor corresponding to the distance from the tip surface 24 in the longitudinal direction of the wire to the ultrasonic reflection position. That is, the signal correction unit 102 amplifies the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 with an amplification factor that is the sum of an amplification factor corresponding to the bending angle and an amplification factor corresponding to the distance.

[0091] As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment can appropriately diagnose the location of damage to the wire even if the damage is located far from the tip surface 24.

[0092] Furthermore, the progress management unit 100 of this embodiment displays an arrangement image 110 showing the arrangement of multiple strands 16 at the end face of the cable 14 on the display device 70, and displays the strand 16 selected as the target of diagnosis in the arrangement image 110 in a way that distinguishes it from other strands 16.

[0093] As a result, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment, even if there are many strands 16 constituting the cable 14, it is possible for the operator to easily recognize the strand 16 to be diagnosed. As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment can carry out diagnostic work smoothly. Furthermore, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment can suppress misdiagnosis, such as contacting a strand 16 other than the strand 16 to be diagnosed with the ultrasonic probe 52.

[0094] Furthermore, the storage device 62 of this embodiment has a database 80 in which the position and bending angle of the bent portion 22 are set for each strand 16. The signal correction unit 102 of this embodiment determines the bending angle from the strand 16 to be diagnosed and the database 80, and amplifies the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 with an amplification factor corresponding to the determined bending angle.

[0095] As a result, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment, even if the bending angle differs for each strand 16 constituting the cable 14, the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 can be appropriately corrected according to the bending angle of the strand 16 to be diagnosed. Consequently, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 of this embodiment can more appropriately diagnose damage to bent wires.

[0096] In this embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic device 50 has been described. However, an ultrasonic diagnostic method for diagnosing damage to a wire having a bent portion 22 that bends at a predetermined bending angle at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction may be provided, not limited to an ultrasonic diagnostic device 50. The ultrasonic diagnostic method includes the step of irradiating the inside of the wire with ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic probe 52 that is in contact with the tip surface 24 of the wire, and receiving the ultrasonic wave signal reflected inside the wire with the ultrasonic probe 52. The ultrasonic diagnostic method includes a correction step of amplifying at least a portion of the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 52 with an amplification factor corresponding to the bending angle of the bent portion 22. The ultrasonic diagnostic method includes a step of evaluating the damage to the wire based on the signal after correction by the correction step. Such an ultrasonic diagnostic method makes it possible to appropriately diagnose damage to a bent wire.

[0097] While embodiments have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0098] This disclosure can contribute, for example, to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 14 Cables 16 strands 22 Bending section 24 Tip surface 50 Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 52 Ultrasonic probe 62 Storage device 70 Display device 80 Databases 100 Progress Management Department 102 Signal Correction Unit 104 Evaluation Department 110 Layout Images

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device for diagnosing damage to a wire having a bent portion that bends at a predetermined bending angle at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction, An ultrasonic probe that is in contact with the tip surface of the wire, irradiates ultrasonic waves into the inside of the wire, and is capable of receiving ultrasonic wave signals reflected from inside the wire, A signal correction unit that amplifies at least a portion of the signal received by the ultrasonic probe with an amplification factor set to increase as the bending angle of the bent portion increases, An evaluation unit that evaluates the damage to the wire based on the signal corrected by the signal correction unit, An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with the following features.

2. The signal correction unit, Of the signals received by the ultrasonic probe, the signals reflected from within the wire at a position further from the tip surface than the bent portion are amplified with an amplification factor set to increase as the bending angle of the bent portion increases. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, of the signals received by the ultrasonic probe, the signals reflected within the wire at a position closer to the tip surface than the bent portion are not amplified by an amplification factor set to increase as the bending angle of the bent portion increases.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signal correction unit further corrects the signal received by the ultrasonic probe by amplifying it with an amplification factor set to increase as the flaw detection distance from the tip surface in the longitudinal direction of the wire to the reflection position of the ultrasonic waves increases.

4. The system further includes a progress management unit for managing the progress of the diagnostic work for damage to the aforementioned wire, The wire material that is the subject of diagnosis by the aforementioned ultrasound diagnostic device is one of the multiple strands that make up the cable. The aforementioned progress management department, One strand is selected from the aforementioned plurality of strands as the target for diagnosis. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display device displays an arrangement image showing the arrangement of the plurality of strands at the end face of the cable, and the arrangement image displays the strand selected as the target of diagnosis in a manner that can be distinguished from other strands.

5. Equipped with additional storage, The wire material that is the subject of diagnosis by the aforementioned ultrasound diagnostic device is one of the multiple strands that make up the cable. The storage device has a database pre-stored in which the position of the bent portion and the bending angle are set for each strand. The signal correction unit, The bending angle is determined from the wire to be diagnosed and the database. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signal received by the ultrasonic probe is amplified by an amplification factor set to increase as the determined bending angle increases.

6. An ultrasonic diagnostic method for diagnosing damage to a wire having a bent portion that bends at a predetermined bending angle at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction, The steps include: irradiating the inside of the wire with ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic probe in contact with the tip surface of the wire, and receiving the ultrasonic wave signal reflected inside the wire with the ultrasonic probe; A correction step in which at least a portion of the signal received by the ultrasonic probe is amplified by an amplification factor set to increase as the bending angle of the bent portion increases, A step of evaluating the damage to the wire based on the corrected signal from the correction step, Ultrasound diagnostic methods, including those mentioned above.

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