JP4809755B2 - Ultrasound diagnostic system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic system, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic system for performing diagnosis by transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a living body.

  2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for diagnosing a living body uses an ultrasonic probe that comes into contact with the body surface of a living body or is inserted into a body cavity, connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body. There are many types of ultrasonic probes depending on the purpose of diagnosis, and their specifications are also different. For example, even when an ultrasonic probe connected to the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is removed and another ultrasonic probe of a different type is connected and used, if the ultrasonic probe is compatible, the ultrasonic wave can be used without any problem. Diagnosis can be performed by displaying images. This is because the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body has an adaptive function that absorbs the difference in specifications of the ultrasonic probe, and the user can select and use a plurality of ultrasonic probes by the adaptive function.

  The following document describes a description of the function sharing between the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. In any of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses disclosed in these patent documents, a control unit that controls the entire apparatus is mounted on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body side. Conventionally, some electronic circuits are mounted in the probe connector, but they perform simple signal processing and do not perform overall control of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

JP 10-33533 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-277031 JP 2001-269336 A

  As described above, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body has an adaptive function to cope with different types of ultrasonic probes. For this reason, since a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes can be used with only one ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, there is an advantage that an apparatus that is highly convenient for the user can be provided. On the other hand, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body has one aspect that the apparatus becomes complicated and large because adaptive functions for different types of ultrasonic probes are cumulatively added. Specifically, one adaptive function mounted on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body is indispensable for a certain ultrasonic probe A, but is completely used for another ultrasonic probe B. A situation occurs that does not exist. As described above, the conventional ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is constructed as a centralized system, and the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body is the main configuration, and the ultrasound probe follows. As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body has redundant functions.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic system in which the entire apparatus is controlled mainly by an ultrasonic probe.

  The present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic system having a probe unit and a common unit in which the probe unit is detachably provided, and the probe unit includes a transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a living body. A transmission / reception unit that outputs a transmission signal to the transducer and processes a reception signal output from the transducer; and a main control that controls the transmission / reception unit and outputs a control signal to the common unit The common unit includes an image forming unit that forms an ultrasonic image based on the reception signal output from the transmission / reception unit in the probe unit, and an ultrasonic wave formed by the image forming unit. A display unit for displaying an image, wherein the common unit is controlled by the control signal output from the main control unit.

  According to the above configuration, since the probe unit has the main control unit, individual customization for optimal control in each probe unit can be performed according to the individual functions required by the different types of probe units. It becomes possible. Moreover, since the control required by the probe unit is performed by the main control unit, an ultrasonic diagnostic system having a main control function on the probe unit side can be constructed.

  Preferably, the main control unit includes a main processor that controls the probe unit, and the probe unit generates a clock signal for generating a clock signal for operating the main processor, and control specific to the probe unit. And a storage unit that stores condition data, wherein the main processor controls the transmission / reception unit according to specific control condition data read from the storage unit.

  According to the above configuration, since the main processor, the clock signal generation circuit, and the storage unit are individually provided in each probe unit, it is possible to execute control that is individually adapted to each probe unit. A main processor provided in the main control unit can read control condition data specific to the probe unit from the storage unit. The read control condition data is applied to control the transmission / reception unit. The control condition data stored in the storage unit includes, for example, delay time data for performing beam forming, ultrasonic repetition frequency data, and the like.

  Preferably, the common unit includes a sub processor that executes control of the common unit, and the sub processor operates according to the control signal output from the main control unit. According to the above configuration, the sub processor operates in accordance with a command from the main control unit that performs main control, and therefore, a part of the processing performed by the main control unit can be executed by the sub processor on the common unit side.

  Preferably, the main control unit outputs coordinate conversion data for an image configuration unique to the probe unit to the common unit. According to the above configuration, since the coordinate conversion data of the probe unit is output to the common unit, the same coordinate conversion data can be shared between the main control unit and the common unit.

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic system having a plurality of probe units and a common unit in which the plurality of probe units are detachably provided, wherein each of the probe units transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to a living body. A transducer that generates a wave, a transmission / reception unit that outputs a transmission signal to the transducer and processes a reception signal output from the transducer, and controls the transmission / reception unit and a control signal for the common unit A plurality of connectors that form ultrasonic images from a plurality of connectors that connect the plurality of probe units and a received signal that is transmitted by being connected to the plurality of connectors. The plurality of probe units are selectively or simultaneously connected to the common unit, and the main control unit outputs Based on the control signal that is characterized in that an ultrasonic image is formed.

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of probe units can be connected to the common unit. Since each probe unit has a main control unit, it is possible to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves independently.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic system that mainly controls the entire apparatus using an ultrasonic probe.

  For comparison with the ultrasonic diagnostic system according to the embodiment of the present invention, first, a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 160. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 160 includes an ultrasonic probe 162 and an apparatus main body 164 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which the ultrasonic probe 162 is detachably provided. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 160 includes a main control unit 166 that controls the entire apparatus inside the apparatus main body 164. On the other hand, the ultrasonic probe 162 is not equipped with a control unit corresponding to the main control unit 166. That is, regarding the control function of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 160, the apparatus main body 164 plays an active role, and the ultrasonic probe 162 operates passively in accordance with a signal emitted from the apparatus main body 164.

  Next, a specific example of an adaptive function of the apparatus main body 164, that is, a function that enables different types of ultrasonic probes to be used in the apparatus main body 164 will be described. Generally, the number of transmission / reception circuits built in the apparatus main body 164 reaches a large number of about several hundred. This is because an ultrasonic probe that operates by cooperating hundreds of vibration elements in accordance with the opening width of the vibrator may be connected to the apparatus main body 164. However, depending on the type of ultrasonic probe, there are some that have only a few dozen vibration elements. When an ultrasonic probe with a small number of vibration elements is connected, a transmission / reception circuit equipped with more vibration elements is not used. In other words, depending on the type of the ultrasonic probe, a state in which the transmission / reception circuit substantially remains occurs. Since such a state occurs, the configuration of the conventional transmission / reception circuit is not adapted to each ultrasonic probe.

  As another example of the adaptive function, for example, a case where a sector scanning type ultrasonic probe is connected is shown. In this case, in the clock signal generation unit 168 of the apparatus main body 164, only functions equipped for the sector scanning method are selected and operated. The clock signal generation unit 168 has a function for dealing with an ultrasonic probe such as a linear scanning method and a convex scanning method in addition to the sector scanning method. However, these functions are not used while the sector scanning probe is used. The conventional clock signal generator 168 is not adapted to each ultrasonic probe in that there is a function that is not used even if it is equipped.

  In this way, not only the clock signal generation unit 168 but also the delay memory provided in the transmission unit 170 is equipped with a function for dealing with the difference in scanning method. Also in the image forming unit 172, coordinate conversion data for forming ultrasonic images for sectors, convexes, linears, and the like is stored in the image conversion memory. Similarly, the conventional clock signal generator 168 is individually used in that only coordinate conversion data for adapting to one scanning method is used and coordinate conversion data for other scanning methods is not used. The configuration is not suitable for the ultrasonic probe.

  As described above, the adaptive function of the apparatus main body 164 produces the advantage of providing a wide range of applicability to various types of probes, but there are functions that are not used at the stage of actually using the ultrasonic probe. It was a mode with demerits. In view of such circumstances, the present invention proposes an ultrasonic diagnostic system based on the idea of distributed control, which is different from conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses constructed with a centralized concept. DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic system 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic system 70 is roughly divided into a probe unit 10 and a common unit 50 to which the probe unit is connected. The probe unit 10 includes a probe head 14, a cable 16, and a connector box 18. The common unit 50 includes an image forming unit 56, an image display unit 60, a user interface unit 64, and the like. The probe head 14 includes a transducer 12 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The connector box 18 of the probe unit 10 includes a main control unit 24, a clock signal generation unit 28, a transmission unit 20, a signal amplification unit 30, a phasing addition unit 32, and the like. The main control unit 24 is a control board for controlling the probe unit 10 and the common unit 50, and includes a main processor therein. The clock signal generation unit 28 stores data for controlling the timing of ultrasonic transmission / reception, and these data are used to generate the center frequency and the repetition frequency of the transmission voltage waveform.

  The transmitter 20 stores delay time data for providing a time difference between individual transmission signals in order to form an ultrasonic beam. This delay time data is control condition data provided individually according to the scanning method of the probe unit 10. In the present embodiment, the transmission unit 20 includes the same number of transmission circuits as the number of vibration elements constituting the vibrator 12. The signal amplification unit 30 includes a reception circuit using a preamplifier that amplifies a plurality of reception signals. Similarly to the transmission unit 20, the signal amplification unit 30 includes the same number of reception circuits as the number of vibration elements. The phasing addition unit 32 has a reception beam forming function for individually adjusting the timings of the plurality of reception signals subjected to amplification processing and forming one echo data. Similarly to the transmission unit 20, the phasing addition unit 32 is equipped with a circuit that matches the number of vibration elements. In the present embodiment, the transmission unit 20, the signal amplification unit 30, and the phasing addition unit 32 constitute a transmission / reception unit.

  The coordinate conversion memory 22 stores coordinate conversion data for converting echo data into two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate data according to a beam scanning method unique to the probe unit 10. In the present embodiment, the coordinate conversion memory 22 functions as a storage unit.

  On the other hand, the common unit 50 includes a sub-control unit 62, a probe selection unit 52, a beam processing unit 54, an image forming unit 56, an image display unit 60, and a user interface unit 64. The sub-control unit 62 is a control board for mainly monitoring the state of the user interface unit, and is equipped with a sub-processor. A control signal output from the main control unit 24 in the probe unit is connected to the sub control unit 62. The probe selection unit 52 is a mechanism for switching the signal transmission path of the echo data output from the phasing addition unit 32 according to whether or not the probe unit 10 connected to the common unit 50 is attached. The beam processing unit 54 is a unit that receives the echo data output from the probe selection unit 52 and performs signal processing such as quadrature detection processing or dynamic range conversion processing.

  The image forming unit 56 is a unit for forming an ultrasonic display image by performing coordinate conversion processing on the echo data processed by the beam processing unit 54. The image forming unit 56 has a coordinate conversion memory 58 therein. The coordinate conversion memory 58 is provided for storing the same data as the data stored in the coordinate conversion memory 22 in the probe unit 10. The image display unit 60 is a display unit for displaying the ultrasonic image formed by the image forming unit 56.

  In this embodiment, the user interface unit 64 includes a keyboard, an operation panel, and the like, receives an instruction input to the common unit 50, and displays the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 70.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of basic operations performed using the probe unit and the common unit shown in FIG. When using the ultrasonic diagnostic system 70, first, the connector of the probe unit 10 is mechanically connected to the common unit 50 (S101). Next, a power ON operation is performed on the common unit side, and power is also supplied to the probe unit through the connector (S121). Then, the circuit inside the probe unit 10 starts operating in response to the power supply (S102). Immediately after energization, the main control unit of the probe unit 10 is initialized (S103). An initialization process is also commanded to the common unit, and the sub-control unit of the common unit 50 is initialized (S122). In accordance with a command from the main control unit, the sub control unit executes initialization processing of the user interface unit (UI unit) (S123). After executing the initialization process, the default setting of the user interface unit is read (S124). When the initialization process is completed, the coordinate conversion data stored in the coordinate conversion memory 22 of the probe unit is collectively transferred to the coordinate conversion memory 58 in the image forming unit 56 of the common unit (S104). .

  Next, ultrasonic transmission / reception control setting is performed in accordance with the scanning method determined individually for each probe unit, such as the sector scanning method or the convex scanning method (S105). Thereafter, a transmission / reception timing control signal is generated, and a signal for determining a repetition frequency of ultrasonic transmission / reception is set (S106). The transmission / reception timing control signal is also transmitted to the sub-control unit 62 via the main control unit 24 as a control signal for controlling the common unit. Next, the transmission unit 20 to which the transmission / reception timing control signal is input generates a plurality of transmission signals having a delay time distribution by the transmission beam forming function. Those transmission signals are transmitted to each vibration element to form an ultrasonic beam (S107).

  Immediately after transmitting the ultrasonic wave, a reception signal by a reflected wave is detected in each vibration element, and the probe unit starts reception processing. A plurality of reception signals received by the probe are first subjected to amplitude amplification processing in the signal amplification unit 30. The signal amplifying unit 30 also performs phasing addition processing to form one echo data (S109). The echo data is signal-transmitted from the probe unit to the common unit, and processing such as quadrature detection is performed in the beam processing unit 54 (S126). The processed echo data is subjected to coordinate conversion processing in the image forming unit 56 and formed as an ultrasonic image (S127). The formed ultrasonic image is displayed on the image display unit 60 (S128).

  In this way, the main control unit 24 plays a main role, and performs transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves and image display processing. At the same time, the sub-control unit 62 monitors whether the user interface unit 64 is operated. After performing the ultrasonic image display process in step S128, the main control unit 24 confirms whether or not the operation of the user interface unit has been performed with respect to the sub-control unit 62 (S129). When the main control unit 24 recognizes that the user interface unit has not been operated by examining the monitor result of the sub control unit 62, the main control unit 24 repeats the transmission of the ultrasonic beam again to transmit the transmission beam shown in step S107. The process is returned to the forming process (S129). On the other hand, when the main control unit 24 recognizes from the monitor result of the sub control unit 62 that the operation of the user interface unit has been performed, the operation of the user interface unit is the operation of the user interface unit related to image display. It is determined whether or not there is (S130). The operation of the user interface unit relating to the image display shown here is an operation classified according to whether or not the coordinate conversion data for image formation needs to be changed. For example, it is not necessary to change the coordinate conversion data for an operation in which the repetition frequency of the ultrasonic pulse is changed to be high in order to reduce the depth of field of the ultrasonic image. As another example, for an operation in which the center angle of the sector-shaped ultrasonic image in the sector scanning method is changed from 90 ° to 60 ° to narrow the image range and the frame rate is made constant, Since the display area of the image changes, it is necessary to change the coordinate conversion data. In step S130, when the main control unit 24 recognizes the operation of the user interface unit related to image display, the process returns to step S104 to change the coordinate conversion data. On the other hand, when the main control unit 24 recognizes that the operation of the user interface unit is not related to image display, the process returns to the process of generating a transmission / reception timing signal in step S105.

  As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic system 70, the probe unit 10 has the main control unit 24, so that the probe unit 10 becomes the main body of the overall control function. Since the common unit 50 operates according to a control signal output from the main control unit 24 to the sub-control unit 62, it is possible to construct a system in which the probe unit 10 controls the common unit 50 in a dependent manner. In addition, a functional unit responsible for an ultrasonic transmission / reception function (that is, the transmission unit 20, the signal amplification unit 30, and the phasing addition unit 32) and the vibrator 12 including a plurality of vibration elements are provided in an integrated probe unit. Therefore, the correspondence between the number of vibration elements and the number of transmission / reception circuits is always clear, and an appropriate number of transmission / reception circuits can be provided without waste to operate the vibrator. In addition, since the control condition data unique to the probe unit is stored, it is possible to set the control condition data individually adapted according to the beam scanning method of each probe unit.

  As described above, since the probe unit 10 is configured integrally with the transducer in order to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, it can be appropriately customized for each different probe unit. And since the main control part which can control itself is provided in each probe unit, the ultrasonic diagnostic system which a probe unit performs integrated control can be provided.

  FIG. 3 is an external view showing a first configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic system 80 includes three probe units 82, 84, 86 and one common unit 88. The three probe units are different types of probe units, and each includes a probe head that is used in contact with the body surface and connector boxes 90, 92, and 94 for connection to the common unit. These probe units are of different types. For example, the probe unit 82 is a linear scanning method used for diagnosis of a shallow body surface, the probe unit 84 is a convex scanning method used for abdominal diagnosis, and the probe unit 86 is a sector scanning method used for diagnosis of the heart. As described above, the scanning method and application are different, and the total number of vibrating elements and the variable range of the center frequency are also different. In these probe units, a mechanism for performing control suitable for each probe unit is not built in the common unit 88 but is built in each connector box 90, 92, 94. That is, a main control unit, a transmission unit, a signal amplification unit, a phasing addition unit, and the like are provided in the connector boxes 90, 92, 94 of each probe unit. Any one main control unit among the three probe units 82, 84, 86 functions as an ultrasonic diagnostic system by occupying the functions of one common unit 88. Next, the internal structure of the connector box will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a projection view showing the internal configuration of the connector box portion of the probe unit. FIG. 4 shows the internal structure of the connector box 90 of the probe unit 82 shown in FIG. 4A is a projection view from the side of the connector box 90, and FIG. 4B is a perspective projection view of the connector box 90. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the connector box 90 is covered with a rectangular parallelepiped outer case 104 made of resin. In FIG. 4B, the exterior case 104 is not shown. A receptacle connector 110 for connecting to the common unit 88 is provided on the back side of the outer case 104. A base unit 112 in which electronic components such as a main processor and a coordinate conversion memory are mounted is mounted in front of the receptacle connector 110, and a plurality of base units 112 are connected to the base unit 112 via a multi-pole connector for board mounting. A modular printed circuit board is mounted vertically. The base unit 112 is mounted with a main control unit including a main processor, and receives operation power from the common unit 88 (see FIG. 3) via the receptacle connector 110. Here, the plurality of printed circuit boards are configured by four identical transmission / reception control boards (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) and four apparatus-side control boards (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d). Each transmission / reception control board includes an ultrasonic transmission / reception function including the transmission unit 20, the signal amplification unit 30, and the phasing addition unit 32 shown in FIG. Each reception signal processing board has the function of the clock signal generator 28 shown in FIG.

  As described above, since the configuration is modularized for each function, the number of transmission / reception control boards to be mounted can be selected in accordance with the number of vibration elements. Since it is not necessary to equip an unnecessary transmission / reception circuit by selecting the number of sheets to be used, the circuit scale in the connector book can be reduced and simplified. In addition, the apparatus-side control board can correspond from a probe unit that requires a high clock signal to a probe unit that requires a high clock signal, according to the center frequency of the ultrasonic transmission signal.

  FIG. 5 shows the inside of the connector box 94 for a probe unit 86 different from the probe unit 82 shown in FIG. A state is shown in which the printed circuit board is mounted so as to have a configuration suitable for the probe unit 82 by selecting the quantity of the transmission / reception control board and the apparatus side control board.

  FIG. 6 is an external view showing a second configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic system 130 includes a probe unit 140 and a common unit 148 in the form of a laptop. The probe unit 140 includes a probe head 132, a management box 134, and a power adapter 138. The common unit 148 includes an image forming unit (not shown) for forming an ultrasonic image, a liquid crystal display unit 144 as a display unit for ultrasonic images, a keyboard unit 146 as a user interface unit, and the like. The probe head 132 contains a vibrator. A transmission / reception function for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from the vibrator is provided inside the management box 134. The management box 134 includes a main control unit, a clock signal generation unit, a coordinate conversion memory, and the like in addition to an ultrasonic transmission / reception function. A power adapter 138 is connected to the management box 134, and power is supplied from the power adapter 138. The management box 134 includes a cable and a connector portion 136 for connecting to the common unit 148. The end of the cable is connected to a connector unit 136, and the management unit 134 is configured to be detachable from the common unit 148 by the connector unit 136. As described above, according to this configuration, a portable ultrasonic diagnostic system that can be carried is constructed.

  FIG. 7 shows a modification of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 130 shown in FIG. In the ultrasonic diagnostic system 130 described above, the management box 134 and the connector unit 136 are wired communication connected by a cable, but the ultrasonic diagnostic system 150 illustrated in FIG. 7 employs wireless communication. . Wireless communication is performed between the transmission / reception receiver 154 attached to the common unit 148 and the management box 152. Since the cable is not restricted, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the common unit 148 is increased, and an ultrasonic image can be displayed even if there is a shield between the management box 152 and the common unit 148. For example, an ultrasonic image can be transferred and displayed by wireless communication between a sterilized operating room and an unsterilized place.

1 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the ultrasound diagnosing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to a first embodiment. It is a projection perspective view which shows the inside of the connector box of a probe unit. It is a projection perspective view which shows the inside of the connector box of another probe unit. It is a perspective view which shows the ultrasonic diagnostic system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the ultrasonic diagnosing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic system.

Explanation of symbols

  10 probe units, 12 transducers, 14 probe heads, 16 cables, 18 connector boxes, 20 transmission units, 22 coordinate conversion memories, 24 main control units, 28 clock signal generation units, 30 signal amplification units, 32 phasing addition units, 50 common units, 52 probe selection unit, 54 beam processing unit, 56 image forming unit, 58 coordinate conversion memory, 60 image display unit, 62 sub-control unit, 64 user interface unit, 70 ultrasonic diagnostic system.

Claims (5)

An ultrasonic diagnostic system having a probe unit and a common unit in which the probe unit is detachably provided,
The probe unit is
A transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a living body;
A transmission / reception unit that outputs a transmission signal to the transducer and processes a reception signal output from the transducer;
A main control unit that controls the transmission / reception unit and outputs a control signal to the common unit;
Including
The common unit is
An image forming unit that forms an ultrasonic image based on the reception signal output from the transmission / reception unit in the probe unit;
A display unit for displaying an ultrasonic image formed by the image forming unit;
Including
The ultrasonic diagnostic system, wherein the common unit is controlled by the control signal output from the main control unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 1,
The main control unit includes a main processor that controls the probe unit;
The probe unit is
A clock signal generating circuit for generating a clock signal for operating the main processor;
A storage unit for storing control condition data unique to the probe unit;
Including
The ultrasonic diagnostic system, wherein the main processor controls the transmission / reception unit according to specific control condition data read from the storage unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 2,
The common unit is
A sub-processor for controlling the common unit;
The ultrasonic diagnostic system, wherein the sub-processor operates according to the control signal output from the main control unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 2,
The ultrasonic diagnostic system, wherein the main control unit outputs coordinate conversion data for an image configuration unique to the probe unit to the common unit. An ultrasonic diagnostic system having a plurality of probe units and a common unit in which the plurality of probe units are detachably provided,
Each probe unit is
A transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a living body;
A transmission / reception unit that outputs a transmission signal to the transducer and processes a reception signal output from the transducer;
A main control unit that controls the transmission / reception unit and outputs a control signal to the common unit;
Including
The common unit is
A plurality of connectors for connecting the plurality of probe units;
A plurality of image forming units that form ultrasonic images from received signals transmitted by being connected to the plurality of connectors;
Including
The ultrasound diagnostic system, wherein the plurality of probe units are selectively or simultaneously connected to the common unit, and an ultrasound image is formed based on a control signal output from the main control unit.

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