JP7041014B2 - How to operate the ultrasonic diagnostic device and the ultrasonic diagnostic device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and in particular, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged inside a subject and driven to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. , And the method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

An ultrasonic diagnostic device that acquires an ultrasonic image of the inside of a subject by driving a plurality of ultrasonic transducers inside the subject (for example, inside the patient's body) to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves is already known. ing. In the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators are composed of, for example, a single crystal vibrator which is a piezoelectric element, and are usually used in a polarized state. An ultrasonic oscillator composed of a single crystal oscillator can receive ultrasonic waves with high sensitivity, but a depolarization phenomenon may occur in which the degree of polarization decreases as the drive time increases. .. When the depolarization phenomenon occurs, the reception sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer is lowered, which may affect the image quality of the ultrasonic image.

In particular, when driving each ultrasonic vibrator inside the subject to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, it is necessary to set the frequency of the ultrasonic waves to the high frequency band of 7 to 8 MHz level, so the vibrator is relatively thin. However, the thinner the oscillator, the higher the risk of depolarization.

Therefore, a countermeasure technique against depolarization in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been developed so far. As an example, Patent Document 1 describes a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric body and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the piezoelectric body, a detection circuit for performing a detection process for detecting a detection signal output from the piezoelectric element, and a piezoelectric element. Describes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (referred to as "piezoelectric sensor apparatus" in Patent Document 1) having a polarization processing circuit that applies a polarization processing voltage to the piezoelectric sensor. In this device, for example, the polarization processing is performed at the timing when the power is turned on, the timing at which the request signal for executing the detection processing is input (every reception timing), or the timing when the predetermined standby transition time elapses after the detection processing is completed. Is carried out. As a result, even if a depolarization phenomenon occurs in the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element can be polarized again, and the reception sensitivity of the piezoelectric element can be maintained.

To give a second example, Patent Document 2 describes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a piezoelectric element and a drive circuit for driving the piezoelectric element (referred to as “ultrasonic sensor” in Patent Document 2). .. The drive circuit drives the piezoelectric element by a drive waveform having the first step to the sixth step. The first step is a step of maintaining the polarization of the piezoelectric element by the first potential V1. The second step is performed after the first step and is a step of causing the piezoelectric element to transmit ultrasonic waves. The third step is performed after the second step, and is a step of making the piezoelectric element stand by at the second potential V2. The fourth step is performed after the third step and is a step of raising the potential V2 from the second potential V3 to the third potential V3. The fifth step is performed after the fourth step and is a step of maintaining the third potential V3 while the piezoelectric element receives the ultrasonic wave. The sixth step is performed after the fifth step, and is a step of returning from the third potential V3 to the first potential V1. According to such a configuration, by driving the piezoelectric element by the drive waveform having the above-mentioned first step to sixth step, it is possible to drive the piezoelectric element while maintaining the polarization of the piezoelectric element.

To give a third example, Patent Document 3 describes a connection portion electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer of an ultrasonic endoscope and the ultrasonic vibration of the ultrasonic endoscope connected to the connection portion. A determination unit for determining whether or not the child is a capacitive ultrasonic transducer, and a DC voltage to the ultrasonic transducer via the connection section when the ultrasonic transducer is a capacitive transducer. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (referred to as "ultrasonic observation apparatus" in Patent Document 3) including an application unit to be applied is described. In this device, the ultrasonic transducer is polarized when the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the device body (ultrasonic observation device), so that the polarization of the ultrasonic transducer is preferably maintained at the start of ultrasonic diagnosis. It becomes possible.

To give a fourth example, Patent Document 4 describes an ultrasonic probe repolarizer. This device applies a high voltage to a pair of electrodes connected to the piezoelectric element of the ultrasonic probe, and has a high voltage value and a high voltage depending on the type of the ultrasonic probe. Adjust the application time of. By using such an ultrasonic probe repolarization device, a high voltage sufficient for repolarization can be applied to the piezoelectric element of the ultrasonic probe (probe), so that the ultrasonic probe can be easily detected. It is possible to restore the polarization (in other words, acoustic characteristics) of the piezoelectric element of the tentacle.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-005137 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-143353 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-106789 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-106789

As described above, according to the techniques described in each of Patent Documents 1 to 4, it is possible to maintain or restore the polarization of the ultrasonic vibrator (piezoelectric element). However, when the technique described in Patent Document 1 is used, the polarization processing is performed at the power-on timing, each reception timing, or the timing when a predetermined standby transition time elapses after the end of the detection processing, so that the time required for the polarization processing. It delays the start of subsequent processing by a minute. For example, when the polarization processing is performed at the power-on timing or each reception timing, the detection processing cannot be started and must wait until the polarization processing is completed. Further, when the polarization processing is performed at the timing when the predetermined standby transition time elapses after the end of the detection processing, the elapse of the standby transition time is waited, and further the waiting until the end of the polarization processing is performed. The start of processing is delayed. As a result, the time required for ultrasonic diagnosis becomes longer.

Further, when the technique described in Patent Document 2 is used, since the drive waveform contains a DC component (specifically, the first, third, and fifth steps), the waveform becomes corresponding to that amount. This can be lengthy and, as a result, affect the conditions for producing the ultrasound image (eg, frame rate). That is, as a result of adding the waveform for maintaining the polarization to the drive waveform, the drive time of the piezoelectric element becomes long, so that the time required for ultrasonic diagnosis becomes longer. When depolarization is suppressed by using the drive waveform as described above, there is a trade-off relationship between image quality and the risk of depolarization.

Further, Patent Documents 1, 3 and 4 are intended to use a dedicated device for repolarizing the ultrasonic transducer. Specifically, in Patent Documents 1 and 3, a dedicated polarization circuit is provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic device, and in Patent Document 4, the ultrasonic probe repolarization device, which is a device different from the ultrasonic diagnostic device, is provided. Is provided. However, it is difficult to apply the dedicated polarization circuit or the dedicated repolarization device to the existing ultrasonic diagnostic device because the hardware configuration (specifically, the number of devices) of the ultrasonic diagnostic device will be changed. Is.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to solve the following object.
That is, the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of solving the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, not affecting the ultrasonic diagnostic time, and polarizing the ultrasonic transducer with a simpler configuration. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, has an ultrasonic transducer unit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and captures an endoscopic image. An ultrasonic image is produced by connecting an ultrasonic endoscope and an ultrasonic endoscope and driving a drive target oscillator among a plurality of ultrasonic transducers to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic transducer unit. It has an ultrasonic processor device for generating and an endoscope image acquisition device which is connected to an ultrasonic endoscope and operates for acquiring an endoscopic image, and the ultrasonic processor device is an ultrasonic processor device. The transmission circuit that supplies the drive voltage to the drive target oscillator for the generation of the ultrasonic image and the transmission circuit that supplies the drive voltage to the drive target oscillator for the generation of the ultrasonic image are controlled. In addition, while the ultrasonic image is not generated, a polarization process is performed to polarize a plurality of ultrasonic transducers using a transmission circuit, and the conditions different from the drive voltage for the plurality of ultrasonic transducers in the polarization process. A control unit that controls the transmission circuit so as to supply the polarization voltage generated in the above, and one of the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit that outputs a signal to the control unit is provided. , A signal is output when the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the ultrasonic processor device, and the other of the first signal output section and the second signal output section is provided. It is provided in the endoscope image acquisition device, and outputs a signal when the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the endoscope image acquisition device, and the control unit outputs the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit. It is characterized in that when signals are received from both parts, a polarization process is performed.

Further, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic endoscope is physically connected to at least one of the ultrasonic processor apparatus and the endoscopic image acquisition apparatus via a connector, and the ultrasonic endoscope is not the first. One signal output unit is more suitable for outputting a signal when the ultrasonic endoscope is physically connected to at least one device via a connector.
Further, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic endoscope enters the inside of at least one device when the ultrasonic endoscope is physically connected to at least one device via a connector. It is more preferable to have a lock lever operated in a state, and the first signal output unit outputs a signal when the lock lever is operated with the ultrasonic endoscope connected to at least one device. be.

Further, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, at least one of the ultrasonic processor apparatus and the endoscopic image acquisition apparatus is pressed after the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to at least one apparatus. It is more preferable that the operation button is provided and the second signal output unit outputs a signal when the operation button is pressed with the ultrasonic endoscope connected to at least one device.
Further, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, before removing the ultrasonic endoscope from the ultrasonic processor device and the endoscope image acquisition device, there is removal permission information to the effect that the removal of the ultrasonic endoscope is permitted. It is more preferable that the polarization process is performed between the time when the removal permission information is displayed on the monitor and the time when the removal permission information is displayed on the monitor after the operation for displaying the removal permission information is performed.

Further, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic endoscope is provided with a storage device that stores the identification information of the ultrasonic endoscope, and the ultrasonic processor device and the endoscopic image acquisition device are super. When the ultrasonic endoscope is connected, it is more preferable that at least one of the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit reads the identification information from the storage device and outputs a signal indicating the identification information.
Further, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the ultrasonic processor device and the endoscopic image acquisition device, both the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit are stored. When the identification information is read from the device and a signal indicating the identification information is output, and the identification information indicated by the signal output by the first signal output unit and the identification information indicated by the signal output by the second signal output unit are different. Is more suitable if the control unit does not carry out the polarization treatment.
Further, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when the control unit receives signals from both the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit, the control unit determines whether or not the polarization processing should be performed based on the signal indicating the identification information. It is more preferable to carry out the polarization treatment when the determination is made and it is determined that the polarization treatment needs to be carried out.
Further, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it is more preferable that the control unit performs the polarization treatment when each of the plurality of ultrasonic oscillators is composed of the single crystal oscillator.

Further, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the endoscope image acquisition device includes an endoscope processor device that acquires data of an endoscope image captured by an ultrasonic endoscope, and has a first signal output unit. And one of the second signal output units is provided in the endoscope processor device, and may output a signal when the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the endoscope processor device. ..
Alternatively, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the endoscope image acquisition device has a light source device that irradiates light when the ultrasonic endoscope captures an endoscopic image, and has a first signal output unit and a first signal output unit. One of the second signal output units is provided in the light source device, and may output a signal when the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the light source device.
Alternatively, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the endoscope image acquisition device is for an endoscope by means of a connecting cable and a processor device for an endoscope that acquires data of an endoscope image captured by an ultrasonic endoscope. It has a light source device which is connected to a processor device and irradiates light when an ultrasonic endoscope captures an endoscope image, and one of a first signal output unit and a second signal output unit is provided. , Which is provided in the endoscope processor device, and when the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the light source device, the connection information transmitted from the light source device may be received through the connecting cable and output a signal. ..

Further, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic endoscope includes an insertion portion inserted inside the subject and an operation portion operated by the user, and the insertion portion is a bendable portion. It is more preferable that a flexible portion connecting the curved portion and the operating portion is provided, and the operating portion is provided with an angle knob for remotely operating the curved portion.
Further, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the tip of the ultrasonic endoscope has a cleaning nozzle at which the air supplied by the air supply pump and the cleaning liquid supplied from the water supply tank are ejected. It is more preferable that a suction port formed for sucking a suctioned object by a suction pump is provided.
Further, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the interrupting operation unit for interrupting the polarization processing is provided, and when the interruption operation unit is operated during the execution of the polarization processing, the control unit interrupts the polarization processing. And more suitable.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is a method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers and is super-ultrasonic. It has an ultrasonic transducer unit that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and is connected to an ultrasonic endoscope that captures an endoscopic image and an ultrasonic endoscope, and is driven by vibration among a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. An ultrasonic processor device that generates an ultrasonic image by driving a child to send and receive ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic transducer unit is connected to an ultrasonic endoscope and operates to acquire an endoscopic image. It has an endoscopic image acquisition device, and an ultrasonic processor device has a transmission circuit that supplies a drive voltage to a drive target oscillator for ultrasonic image generation, and an ultrasonic image generation. The polarization process that controls the transmission circuit to supply the drive voltage to the drive target oscillator for the purpose of, and polarizes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers using the transmission circuit while the ultrasonic image is not generated. A control unit that controls a transmission circuit to supply a polarization voltage generated under conditions different from the drive voltage to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers in the polarization process is provided in the ultrasonic wave. When the endoscope is connected to the ultrasonic processor device, one of the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit that outputs a signal to the control unit, which is provided in the ultrasonic processor device, is a signal. And when the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the endoscope image acquisition device, it is provided in the endoscope image acquisition device among the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit. The other is characterized by having a step of outputting a signal and a step of performing a polarization process when the control unit receives a signal from the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit.

According to the method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to polarize the ultrasonic transducer with a simpler configuration without affecting the ultrasonic diagnosis time.

It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the tip part of the insertion part of an ultrasonic endoscope and the periphery thereof. It is a figure which shows the cross section when the tip part of the insertion part of the ultrasonic endoscope is cut by the II cross section shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the connection structure of an ultrasonic endoscope and an ultrasonic processor apparatus, and the structure of the first signal output part. It is a timing chart which shows the operation example of the 1st signal output part. It is a figure which shows the waveform of the voltage for polarization. It is a figure which shows the flow of the diagnostic process using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (the 1). It is a figure which shows the flow of the diagnostic process using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (the 2). It is a figure which shows the procedure of the diagnostic step during a diagnostic process. It is a figure which shows the structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (the present embodiment) will be described in detail below with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
Although the present embodiment is a typical embodiment of the present invention, it is merely an example and does not limit the present invention.

Further, in the present specification, the numerical range represented by using "-" means a range including the numerical values before and after "-" as the lower limit value and the upper limit value.

<< Overview of ultrasonic diagnostic equipment >>
The outline of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the tip end portion of the insertion portion 22 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and its periphery thereof. In FIG. 2, for convenience of illustration, the balloon 37 described later is shown by a broken line. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross section when the tip portion 40 of the insertion portion 22 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is cut along the I-I cross section shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is an ultrasonic endoscopic system for observing the state of an observation target site in a patient's body (hereinafter, also referred to as ultrasonic diagnosis) using ultrasonic waves. Used. Here, the observation target site is a site that is difficult to inspect from the body surface side (outside) of the patient, for example, the gallbladder or the pancreas. By using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, it is possible to perform ultrasonic diagnosis of the condition of the observation target site and the presence or absence of abnormalities via the digestive tract such as the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, and large intestine, which are the body cavities of the patient. It is possible.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes an ultrasonic endoscope 12, an ultrasonic processor device 14, an endoscope image acquisition device 15, a monitor 20, and an operation console 100. .. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a water supply tank 21a, a suction pump 21b, and an air supply pump 21c are connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12. More specifically, the water supply tank 21a is used for ultrasonic endoscopy through a part of the air supply water supply channel extending from the end of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 (specifically, the light source connector 32c described later). It is connected to the mirror 12. The suction pump 21b is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 so as to be partially connected to a suction path (not shown) formed in the ultrasonic endoscope 12. The air supply pump 21c is a device built in the light source device 18, and when the light source device 18 is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12, it is formed in the ultrasonic endoscope 12 in an accompanying manner. It is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 so as to be connected to the air supply / water supply channel (not shown). The air supply pump 21c is not limited to the one built in the light source device 18, and is separate from the light source device 18 and is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 separately from the light source device 18. It may be one. On the contrary, each of the water supply tank 21a and the suction pump 21b is built in another device (for example, the light source device 18), and the water supply tank 21a and the water supply pump 21b are linked to the connection of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 to the device. The suction pump 21b may be connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12.

The ultrasonic endoscope 12 is an endoscope scope as a medical device, and as shown in FIG. 1, is detachably connected to an ultrasonic processor device 14 and an endoscopic image acquisition device 15. .. Since the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is inserted into the body cavity of the patient, it is removed from the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscopic image acquisition device 15 after each ultrasonic diagnosis, and is further cleaned. Disinfect or sterilize. Therefore, when starting each ultrasonic diagnosis, a clean ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscopic image acquisition device 15.
In addition, "connected" means physically connected (specifically, connected or joined), conducted and electrically connected, and intervened by a tube or a pipe between devices. A fluid (liquid or gas) must be connected in a state where it can come and go, and a state in which data or a signal can be transmitted / received (that is, a state in which communication is possible) even if it is not physically connected. It is a concept including.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic endoscope 12 has an insertion unit 22 inserted into the body cavity of a patient (inside the subject) and an operation unit operated by an operator (user) such as a doctor or a technician. 24 and. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 is attached to the tip 40 of the insertion portion 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 includes a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48, and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves.

By the function of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, the operator acquires an endoscopic image of the inner wall of the body cavity of the patient and an ultrasonic image of the observation target site. The endoscopic image is an image obtained by imaging the inner wall of the patient's body cavity by an optical technique. The ultrasonic image is an image obtained by receiving the reflected wave (echo) of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the inside of the body cavity of the patient toward the observation target site and imaging the received signal.
The ultrasonic endoscope 12 will be described in detail in a later section.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic processor device 14 is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 via the universal cord 26 and the ultrasonic connector 32a provided at the end thereof. The ultrasonic processor device 14 drives an oscillator to be driven among a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators 48 included in the ultrasonic oscillator unit 46 to send and receive ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic oscillator unit 46, thereby causing an ultrasonic wave. Generate an image. The ultrasonic processor device 14 displays the generated ultrasonic image on the monitor 20.
The ultrasonic processor device 14 will be described in detail in a later section.

The endoscope image acquisition device 15 is a device that operates for acquiring an endoscope image, and has an endoscope processor device 16 and a light source device 18 as shown in FIG. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope processor device 16 and the light source device 18 are separate devices from each other, and each is separately connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope processor device 16 is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 via the universal cord 26 and the endoscope connector 32b provided at the end thereof. The endoscope processor device 16 acquires data of an endoscope image of an adjacent portion to be observed imaged by an ultrasonic endoscope 12 (specifically, a solid-state imaging element 86 described later), and with respect to the acquired data. The endoscopic image is displayed on the monitor 20 by performing predetermined image processing. The observation target adjacent site is a portion of the inner wall of the patient's body cavity that is adjacent to the observation target site.

Further, the endoscope processor device 16 can communicate with the ultrasonic processor device 14 via a wired line or a wireless line. As a result, the signal output from the endoscope processor device 16 is transmitted to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and received by the ultrasonic processor device 14.

Further, the housing of the endoscope processor device 16 is provided with an operation button 16a as shown in FIG. The operation button 16a is a push button for starting or ending the operation of the endoscope processor device 16, and is pressed and pressed immediately after the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope processor device 16. , It is pushed again when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is removed from the endoscope processor device 16.
A push button corresponding to the above-mentioned operation button 16a may be provided in the ultrasonic processor device 14.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is used to detect that the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor apparatus 14 and the endoscope image acquisition apparatus 15. A first signal output unit 170 and a second signal output unit 175 are provided. In the present embodiment, the first signal output unit 170 is provided in the ultrasonic processor device 14 in order to detect that the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14. Further, in order to detect that the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope image acquisition device 15 (specifically, the endoscope processor device 16), the second signal output unit 175 is inside. It is provided in the endoscope processor device 16. However, the device provided with each of the first signal output unit 170 and the second signal output unit 175 is not particularly limited. For example, the configuration may be the opposite of the above, that is, the second signal output unit 175 is provided to detect that the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, and the ultrasonic wave is provided. A first signal output unit 170 may be provided to detect that the endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope image acquisition device 15.
The first signal output unit 170 and the second signal output unit 175 will be described in detail in a later section.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light source device 18 is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 via the universal cord 26 and the light source connector 32c provided at the end thereof. When the ultrasonic endoscope 12 captures an endoscopic image of an adjacent portion to be observed, the light source device 18 irradiates white light or specific wavelength light composed of three primary colors of red light, green light, and blue light. The light emitted by the light source device 18 propagates in the ultrasonic endoscope 12 through a light guide (not shown) included in the universal cord 26, and propagates in the ultrasonic endoscope 12 (details, the illumination window 88 described later). Is emitted from. As a result, the adjacent portion to be observed is illuminated by the light from the light source device 18.

As shown in FIG. 1, the monitor 20 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope processor device 16, and the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope are used. The endoscopic image generated by the processor device 16 is displayed. Regarding the display of the ultrasonic image and the endoscopic image, either one of the images may be switched and displayed on the monitor 20, or both images may be displayed at the same time. Further, the configuration may be such that these display methods can be arbitrarily selected and changed.
In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic image and the endoscopic image are displayed on one monitor 20, but the monitor for displaying the ultrasonic image and the monitor for displaying the endoscopic image are separately provided. May be good. Further, a display form other than the monitor 20, for example, a form in which an ultrasonic image and an endoscopic image are displayed on the display of a personal terminal carried by the operator may be used.

The console 100 is an input device provided for the operator to input information necessary for ultrasonic diagnosis and for the operator to instruct the ultrasonic processor device 14 to start ultrasonic diagnosis. be. The console 100 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, and a touch panel, and is connected to the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14 as shown in FIG. When the console 100 is operated, the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14 controls each part of the device (for example, the receiving circuit 142 and the transmitting circuit 144 described later) according to the operation content.

Further, the operation console 100 is provided with an interruption operation unit 106 as shown in FIG. The interruption operation unit 106 is a portion provided for interrupting the polarization processing described later. If the interrupting operation unit 106 is operated during the polarization process, the polarization process is interrupted at that point.
The interruption operation unit 106 may be a physical push button or switch provided on the operation console 100, or when the operation console 100 is configured by a touch pad or a touch panel, the display of the operation console 100 is displayed. It may be a button image drawn on the screen. Further, the device provided with the interruption operation unit 106 is not limited to the operation console 100, and is either the ultrasonic endoscope 12, the ultrasonic processor device 14, or the endoscope processor device 16. May be good.

Next, the procedure for using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 will be outlined. In using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is an ultrasonic processor device 14 and an endoscope image acquisition device 15 (specifically, an endoscope processor device 16 and a light source device 18). (For example, the air supply / water supply button 28a and the suction button 28b of the operation unit 24, which will be described later, the balloon 37, etc.) are attached to the ultrasonic endoscope 12.

After that, the surgeon turns on the power of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 and inputs the examination information through the operation console 100. The test information is, for example, test order information including a date and an order number, patient information including a patient ID and a patient name, and the like. Further, the operator sets the control parameters of the ultrasonic diagnosis through the operation console 100. Examples of the control parameters include the selection result of the live mode and the freeze mode, the set value of the display depth (depth), the selection result of the ultrasonic image generation mode, and the like. Here, the "live mode" is a mode in which ultrasonic images (moving images) obtained at a predetermined frame rate are sequentially displayed (real-time display). The "freeze mode" is a mode in which an ultrasonic image (still image) for one frame acquired in the past is read out from the cine memory 150 described later and displayed.

Further, there are a plurality of ultrasonic image generation modes that can be selected in the present embodiment, specifically, a B (Brightness) mode, a CF (Color Flow) mode, and a PW (Pulse Wave) mode. The B mode is a mode in which the amplitude of the ultrasonic echo is converted into brightness and a tomographic image is displayed. The CF mode is a mode in which the average blood flow velocity, flow fluctuation, flow signal strength, flow power, etc. are mapped to various colors and displayed on the B mode image. The PW mode is a mode for displaying the velocity (for example, blood flow velocity) of the ultrasonic echo source detected based on the transmission / reception of the pulse wave.
The above-mentioned ultrasonic image generation mode is merely an example, and modes other than the above-mentioned three types of modes, such as A (Amplitude) mode and M (Motion) mode, may be further included.

After the input of the examination information and the like is completed, the operator presses the operation button 16a provided on the endoscope processor device 16. As a result, the endoscope processor device 16 starts generating an endoscope image and displaying it on the monitor 20. Next, the surgeon or his / her assistant confirms the state of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 as a preliminary preparation for the ultrasonic diagnosis. The items to be confirmed in the preliminary preparation will be specifically described in the section "Operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus" described later.

On the other hand, while the surgeon prepares in advance, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 performs the polarization treatment. The polarization process is a process of polarizing each ultrasonic transducer 48 by supplying a polarization voltage to each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 of the ultrasonic endoscope. By performing the polarization treatment, the ultrasonic transducer 48 depolarized by repeatedly performing the ultrasonic diagnosis can be repolarized, whereby the reception sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer 48 to the ultrasonic wave is restored to a good level. It becomes possible.

After the completion of the preliminary preparation, when the operator instructs the start of the ultrasonic diagnosis through the operation console 100, the operation mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 (hereinafter, simply referred to as an operation mode) is shifted to the diagnostic mode. After that, the operator inserts the insertion portion 22 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 into the body cavity of the patient. As a result, the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48 included in the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 are arranged in the body cavity of the patient. While the operating mode is the diagnostic mode, diagnostic steps are performed. In the diagnosis step, ultrasonic diagnosis is performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, and each of the ultrasonic image and the endoscopic image is sequentially acquired according to the examination information.

When the ultrasonic diagnosis is completed, the operator performs a predetermined operation before removing the ultrasonic endoscope 12 from the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscopic image acquisition device 15. After a while after this operation is performed, display information (hereinafter referred to as removal permission information) indicating that the removal of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is permitted is displayed on the monitor 20. That is, the above operation corresponds to an operation for displaying the removal permission information, and specifically, an operation instructing the operation console 100 to end a series of processes in the ultrasonic diagnosis, or an endoscope. Examples thereof include an operation of pressing an operation button 16a provided on the processor device 16.

In the present embodiment, the polarization process is performed between the operation for displaying the cancellation permission information and the time when the removal permission information is displayed on the monitor 20.

Then, the operator sees the removal permission information displayed on the monitor 20, and removes the ultrasonic endoscope 12 from the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope image acquisition device 15. After that, the operator turns off the power of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 and ends the use of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10.

<< Configuration of ultrasonic endoscope >>
Next, an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a connection structure between the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and the ultrasonic processor device 14 and a configuration of the first signal output unit 170.

The ultrasonic endoscope 12 has an ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and captures an endoscopic image. Further, the ultrasonic endoscope 12 has an insertion unit 22 and an operation unit 24 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion portion 22 includes a tip portion 40, a curved portion 42, and a flexible portion 43 in this order from the tip side (free end side). As shown in FIG. 2, the tip portion 40 is provided with an ultrasonic observation unit 36 and an endoscope observation unit 38.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tip portion 40 is provided with a treatment tool outlet 44. The treatment tool outlet 44 serves as an outlet for a treatment tool (not shown) such as forceps, a puncture needle, or a high-frequency scalpel, and also serves as a suction port for sucking suction substances such as blood and internal filth. That is, the treatment tool outlet 44 corresponds to a suction port formed for sucking a suctioned object by the suction pump 21b.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the tip portion 40 is provided with a cleaning nozzle 90 formed for cleaning the surfaces of the observation window 82 and the illumination window 88. The air supplied by the air supply pump 21c and the cleaning liquid supplied from the liquid supply tank 21a are ejected from the cleaning nozzle 90. As a result, the surfaces of the observation window 82 and the illumination window 88 are cleaned with air or a cleaning liquid.

Further, the tip 40 is provided with a balloon 37 as shown in FIG. The balloon 37 is removable and is attached to the tip portion 40 at a position covering the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 before the start of ultrasonic diagnosis. Further, the balloon 37 expands by injecting water (strictly speaking, degassed water) into the balloon 37 from the water supply port 47 formed in the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 at the tip portion 40. The balloon 37 inflates in a state of being placed in the body cavity of the patient together with the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46, and abuts on the inner wall of the body cavity (for example, around the site adjacent to the observation target). As a result, since air is excluded from between the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 and the inner wall of the body cavity, it is possible to prevent the ultrasonic waves and their reflected waves (echo) from being attenuated in the air.

As shown in FIG. 1, the curved portion 42 is a portion of the insertion portion 22 provided on the proximal end side (the side opposite to the side on which the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 is provided) of the tip portion 40. It is flexible. As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible portion 43 is a portion connecting the curved portion 42 and the operating portion 24, has flexibility, and is provided in an elongated state.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 24 is provided with a pair of angle knobs 29 and a treatment tool insertion port 30. When each angle knob 29 is rotated, the curved portion 42 is remotely controlled to be curved and deformed. As a result, the tip portion 40 of the insertion portion 22 provided with the ultrasonic observation unit 36 and the endoscope observation unit 38 can be directed in a desired direction. The treatment tool insertion port 30 is a hole formed for inserting a treatment tool such as forceps, and is in contact with the treatment tool outlet 44 via the treatment tool channel 45 (see FIG. 3).

The operation unit 24 is provided with an air supply water supply button 28a that opens and closes an air supply water supply passage (not shown) extending from the water supply tank 21a, and a suction button 28b that opens and closes a suction passage (not shown) extending from the suction pump 21b. Has been done. A gas such as air sent from the air supply pump 21c and a cleaning liquid (specifically, water) flow through the air supply / water supply channel. When the air supply / water supply button 28a is operated, the portion of the air supply / water supply channel to be opened is switched, and the gas and cleaning liquid outlets are also switched between the cleaning nozzle 90 and the water supply port 47 in a corresponding manner. That is, the cleaning of the endoscope observation unit 38 and the expansion of the balloon 37 can be selectively performed by operating the air supply / water supply button 28a. Strictly speaking, the water as the cleaning liquid is degassed water and is stored in the water supply tank 21a.

The suction path is provided for sucking the suction material in the body cavity sucked from the treatment tool outlet 44 and sucking the water in the balloon 37 through the water supply port 47. When the suction button 28b is operated while the suction pump 21b is operating, the portion of the suction path to be opened is switched, and the suction port is also switched between the treatment tool outlet 44 and the water supply port 47 in a corresponding manner. That is, the object sucked by the suction pump 21b can be switched through the operation of the suction button 28b.

As shown in FIG. 1, the other end of the universal cord 26 has an ultrasonic connector 32a connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and an endoscope connector connected to the endoscope processor device 16. A light source connector 32c connected to the light source device 18 is provided with 32b. The ultrasonic endoscope 12 is physically connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, the endoscope processor device 16, and the light source device 18, respectively, via these connectors 32a, 32b, and 32c, respectively.

More specifically, the ultrasonic connector 32a is a male type plug connector, and the ultrasonic processor device 14 has a female connector on the ultrasonic processor device side as shown in FIG. 132a is provided. Then, by connecting the connectors (the ultrasonic connector 32a and the ultrasonic processor device side connector 132a), the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is physically connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 via the connector. ..
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope processor device 16 is provided with an endoscope processor device side connector 132b, which is connected to the endoscope connector 32b to cause ultrasonic waves. The endoscope 12 is physically connected to the endoscope processor device 16 via a connector. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the light source device 18 is provided with a light source device side connector 132c, and by connecting this to the light source connector 32c, the ultrasonic endoscope 12 can be connected to the light source device via the connector. Physically connected to 18.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the ultrasonic endoscope 12 of the present embodiment has a lock lever 35 protruding from the ultrasonic connector 32a. The lock lever 35 is a pin-type lever that can rotate around the central axis, and is operated to lock the connection state between the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and the ultrasonic processor device 14. Specifically, when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is physically connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 via a connector, as shown in FIG. 5, the tip of the lock lever 35 is for ultrasonic waves. It is inserted into the ultrasonic processor device 14 through an insertion hole provided in the processor device 14. After that, when the operator operates a lever operation unit (not shown), the tip of the lock lever 35 in the ultrasonic processor device 14 rotates around the central axis, and the lock (not shown) is linked to the operation. The mechanism works. The lock mechanism is provided in the ultrasonic processor device 14, and is locked to the lock lever 35 by operating. Then, when the lock mechanism is locked to the lock lever 35, the connection state between the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and the ultrasonic processor device 14 is locked.

Further, the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is provided with two storage devices 58a and 58b as shown in FIG. Each of the storage devices 58a and 58b is composed of a DIP switch, a chip, or the like. Of the two storage devices 58a and 58b, one storage device 58a is accessible from the ultrasonic processor device 14 to which the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected, and the other storage device 58b is an ultrasonic wave. It is accessible from the endoscope processor device 16 in which the endoscope 12 is connected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and either the ultrasonic processor device 14 or the endoscope processor device 16 may be accessible to each of the two storage devices 58a and 58b. The number of storage devices is not particularly limited, and at least one may be provided.

Next, among the components of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, the ultrasonic observation unit 36, the endoscope observation unit 38, and the storage devices 58a and 58b will be described in detail.

(Ultrasound observation unit)
The ultrasonic observation unit 36 is a portion provided for acquiring an ultrasonic image, and is arranged on the tip side of the tip portion 40 of the insertion portion 22 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic observation unit 36 includes an ultrasonic oscillator unit 46, a plurality of coaxial cables 56, and an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 60.

The ultrasonic oscillator unit 46 corresponds to an ultrasonic probe, and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves in the body cavity of a patient. Specifically, the ultrasonic oscillator unit 46 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves by driving the driven target oscillator among the plurality of ultrasonic oscillators 48 in the body cavity of the patient. The drive target oscillator is an ultrasonic transducer 48 that actually drives (vibrates) to emit ultrasonic waves at the time of ultrasonic diagnosis and outputs a received signal that is an electric signal when the reflected wave (echo) is received. be.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 according to the present embodiment is a convex probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48 are arranged in an arc shape, and ultrasonic waves are radially (arc-shaped). To send. However, the type (model) of the ultrasonic oscillator unit 46 is not particularly limited, and any other type may be used as long as it can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, and may be, for example, a sector type, a linear type, a radial type, or the like. There may be.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 is configured by laminating a backing material layer 54, an ultrasonic vibrator array 50, an acoustic matching layer 76, and an acoustic lens 78.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic transducer array 50 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 (ultrasonic transducers) arranged in a one-dimensional array. More specifically, in the ultrasonic oscillator array 50, N ultrasonic oscillators 48 (for example, N = 128) are convexly curved along the axial direction of the tip portion 40 (longitudinal axial direction of the insertion portion 22). It is composed of being arranged at equal intervals. The ultrasonic oscillator array 50 may have a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators 48 arranged in a two-dimensional array.

Each of the N ultrasonic transducers 48 is configured by arranging electrodes on both sides of the piezoelectric element. As the piezoelectric element, a single crystal oscillator can be used, for example, crystal, lithium niobate, lead magnesium niobate (PMN), lead zinc niobate (PZN), lead indium niobate (PIN), lead titanate. (PT), lithium tantalate, langasite, zinc oxide, lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT), lead zinc niobate-lead titanate (PZN-PT) and the like are used. Further, a ceramic oscillator can be used as a piezoelectric element other than the single crystal oscillator, and for example, barium titanate, barium zirconate titanate, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and the like are used.
The electrode comprises an individual electrode (not shown) individually provided for each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48, and a ground electrode (not shown) common to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48. Further, the electrodes are electrically connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 via the coaxial cable 56 and the FPC 60.

The ultrasonic transducer 48 according to the present embodiment needs to be driven (vibrated) at a relatively high frequency of 7 MHz to 8 MHz for the reason of acquiring an ultrasonic image in the body cavity of a patient. Therefore, the thickness of the piezoelectric element constituting the ultrasonic vibrator 48 is designed to be relatively thin, for example, 75 to 125 μm, preferably 90 to 125 μm.

A pulsed drive voltage is supplied to each ultrasonic vibrator 48 from the ultrasonic processor device 14 as an input signal through the coaxial cable 56. When this drive voltage is applied to the electrodes of the ultrasonic vibrator 48, the piezoelectric element expands and contracts to drive (vibrate) the ultrasonic vibrator 48. As a result, pulsed ultrasonic waves are output from the ultrasonic transducer 48. At this time, the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic vibrator 48 is large according to the intensity (output intensity) when the ultrasonic vibrator 48 outputs the ultrasonic wave. Here, the output intensity is defined as the magnitude of the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic vibrator 48.

Further, when each ultrasonic vibrator 48 receives a reflected wave (echo) of an ultrasonic wave, it vibrates (drives) in accordance with the reflected wave (echo), and the piezoelectric element of each ultrasonic vibrator 48 generates an electric signal. This electric signal is output from each ultrasonic oscillator 48 toward the ultrasonic processor device 14 as an ultrasonic reception signal. At this time, the magnitude (voltage value) of the electric signal output from the ultrasonic transducer 48 is a magnitude corresponding to the reception sensitivity when the ultrasonic transducer 48 receives the ultrasonic wave. Here, the reception sensitivity is defined as the ratio of the amplitude of the electric signal received and output by the ultrasonic transducer 48 to the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave transmitted by the ultrasonic transducer 48.

The ultrasonic oscillator unit 46 of the present embodiment is a convex type as described above. That is, in the present embodiment, the N ultrasonic vibrators 48 included in the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 are sequentially driven by an electronic switch such as a multiplexer 140, so that the ultrasonic vibrator array 50 is arranged along a curved surface. The ultrasonic wave is scanned in a scanning range, for example, in a range of about several tens of mm from the center of curvature of the curved surface.

More specifically, for example, when acquiring a B-mode image (tomographic image) as an ultrasonic image, m of N ultrasonic oscillators 48 (for example, for example) are continuously arranged by channel selection of the multiplexer 140. , M = 2 / N), the drive voltage is supplied to the drive target oscillator. As a result, each of the m drive target oscillators is driven, and ultrasonic waves are output from the openings from each drive target oscillator. The m output ultrasonic waves are synthesized immediately afterwards, and the combined wave (ultrasonic beam) is transmitted toward the observation target site. After that, each of the m driven target oscillators receives the ultrasonic waves (echo) reflected at the observation target site, and outputs an electric signal (received signal) according to the reception sensitivity at that time.

In the above series of steps (that is, supply of drive voltage, transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves, and output of electric signals), the aperture channels of the multiplexer 140 are switched and the positions of the oscillators to be driven are set one by one (one ultrasonic wave). It is repeated while shifting (by the oscillator 48). For example, in acquiring a B-mode image for one frame, the above-mentioned series of steps (hereinafter, referred to as a path for convenience) is performed by the ultrasonic oscillator 48 on one end side of the N ultrasonic oscillators 48. It is repeated a total of N times toward the ultrasonic transducer 48 on the other end side, and each pass forms each image piece constituting the B mode image. Here, the image piece is a substantially fan-shaped B-mode image divided into N equal parts along an arc that is the outer edge thereof.

As shown in FIG. 3, the backing material layer 54 supports the ultrasonic oscillator array 50 from the back side (the side opposite to the acoustic matching layer 76). Further, the backing material layer 54 is the ultrasonic wave emitted from the ultrasonic vibrator 48 or the ultrasonic wave (echo) reflected at the observation target portion, which is propagated to the back side of the ultrasonic vibrator array 50. Has the function of dampening. The backing material is made of a rigid material such as hard rubber, and an appropriate amount of ultrasonic damping material (ferrite, ceramics, etc.) is added.

The acoustic matching layer 76 is provided for matching the acoustic impedance between the human body of the patient and the vibrator to be driven. The acoustic matching layer 76 is arranged outside the ultrasonic transducer array 50 (that is, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48), and is strictly superimposed on the ultrasonic transducer array 50 as shown in FIG. ing. By providing the acoustic matching layer 76, it is possible to increase the transmittance of ultrasonic waves. As the material of the acoustic matching layer 76, various organic materials whose acoustic impedance value is closer to the value of that of the human body of the patient can be used as compared with the piezoelectric element of the ultrasonic vibrator 48. Specific examples of the material of the acoustic matching layer 76 include an epoxy resin, silicon rubber, polyimide, polyethylene and the like.

The acoustic lens 78 is for converging the ultrasonic waves emitted from the drive target oscillator toward the observation target portion, and is superimposed on the acoustic matching layer 76 as shown in FIG. The acoustic lens 78 is made of, for example, a silicon resin (mirable type silicon rubber (HTV rubber), liquid silicon rubber (RTV rubber), etc.), a butadiene resin, a polyurethane resin, or the like, and if necessary, titanium oxide or alumina. Alternatively, powder such as silica is mixed.

The FPC 60 is electrically connected to an electrode included in each ultrasonic transducer 48. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the plurality of coaxial cables 56 is wired to the FPC 60 at one end thereof. When the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 via the ultrasonic connector 32a, each coaxial cable 56 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device at the other end (the side opposite to the FPC 60 side). It is electrically connected to 14.

(Endoscopic observation unit)
The endoscope observation unit 38 is a portion provided for capturing an endoscopic image, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tip portion 40 of the insertion portion 22 is more basic than the ultrasonic observation unit 36. It is located on the edge side. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the endoscope observation unit 38 includes an observation window 82, an objective lens 84, a solid-state image pickup element 86, an illumination window 88, a cleaning nozzle 90, a wiring cable 92, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the observation window 82 is attached at the tip 40 of the insertion portion 22 in a state of being inclined obliquely with respect to the axial direction (longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion 22). The light incident from the observation window 82 and reflected at the portion adjacent to the observation target is imaged on the image pickup surface of the solid-state image pickup element 86 by the objective lens 84.

The solid-state image sensor 86 performs photoelectric conversion of the reflected light of the portion adjacent to the observation target formed on the image pickup surface through the observation window 82 and the objective lens 84, and obtains the data of the image pickup image (that is, the endoscope image). Output. As the solid-state image pickup device 86, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device: charge-coupled device), a CMOS (Complementary MetalOxide Semiconductor: complementary metal oxide semiconductor) and the like can be used. The endoscopic image data output by the solid-state image sensor 86 is transmitted to the endoscope processor device 16 by the universal cord 26 via the wiring cable 92 extending from the insertion unit 22 to the operation unit 24. To.

As shown in FIG. 2, the illumination window 88 is provided at both side positions of the observation window 82. An emission end of a light guide (not shown) is connected to the illumination window 88. The light guide extends from the insertion portion 22 to the operation portion 24, and its incident end is connected to the light source device 18 connected via the universal cord 26. The illumination light emitted by the light source device 18 is transmitted through the light guide and is emitted from the illumination window 88 toward the portion adjacent to the observation target.

(Storage device)
The two storage devices 58a and 58b store information about the ultrasonic endoscope 12. Of the two storage devices 58a and 58b, the storage device 58b accessible to the endoscope processor device 16 stores the identification information of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and is a part of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. For example, it is installed in the endoscope connector 32b. When the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope processor device 16, the endoscope processor device 16 (strictly speaking, the second signal output unit 175) accesses the storage device 58b, and the ultrasonic endoscope device 12 is connected to the storage device 58b. The identification information is read from the storage device 58b.

The identification information stored in the storage device 58b is information regarding the type of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and specifically, the type of the piezoelectric element constituting the ultrasonic vibrator 48 included in the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46. More specifically, it is information indicating whether or not the piezoelectric element is a single crystal oscillator. The identification information may be any of information represented by binary values of "0" and "1", encoded information, and character information, or information obtained by combining these. May be good. Further, in the storage device 58b, in addition to the above identification information, information on the manufacturer and date of manufacture of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and information on the usage history and frequency of use of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 (in addition to the above identification information). For example, the cumulative drive time of the ultrasonic transducer 48, etc.) may be further stored. Information similar to the above-mentioned identification information and the like is also stored in the storage device 58a accessible to the ultrasonic processor device 14.

<< Configuration of 1st signal output unit and 2nd signal output unit >>
Next, an example of the configuration of the first signal output unit 170 and the second signal output unit 175 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation example of the first signal output unit 170, and the upper diagram in FIG. 6 shows a change in the input voltage of the first signal output unit 170 to the first input terminal 170a. The middle figure shows the change of the input voltage to the second input terminal 170b of the first signal output unit 170, and the lower figure shows the change of the output signal from the first signal output unit 170.

The first signal output unit 170 is provided in the ultrasonic processor device 14 as shown in FIG. 4, and when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, a signal is directed to the CPU 152. Is output. More specifically, when the lock lever 35 is operated while the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 (that is, when the connected state is locked), the first signal output unit 170 is used. ), A signal is output to the CPU 152.

The configuration example of the first signal output unit 170 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 5, the first signal output unit 170 is composed of an AND gate which is a logic circuit, and has two input terminals. And one output terminal. The output terminal of the first signal output unit 170 is electrically connected to the CPU 152. As shown in FIG. 5, one of the two input terminals of the first signal output unit 170 (hereinafter, the first input terminal 170a) is one of the terminals of the ultrasonic processor device side connector 132a (hereinafter, the terminal). , Is connected to the first device side terminal 133). As shown in FIG. 5, a 5V or 3.3V power supply circuit 172 is connected between the first device side terminal 133 and the first input terminal 170a via a clamp resistor 171a. Therefore, when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is not connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, the potential of the input voltage to the first input terminal 170a corresponds to the supply voltage of the power supply circuit 172 as shown in FIG. (In the figure, the potential represented by the symbol H1).

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first device-side terminal 133 is paired with another terminal (hereinafter, the second device-side terminal 134) of the ultrasonic processor device-side connector 132a. The second device side terminal 134 is grounded to the ground as shown in FIG. Further, when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, the first device side terminal 133 is in contact with one of the terminals of the ultrasonic connector 32a (hereinafter referred to as the first connector terminal 33). The second device side terminal 134 is in contact with another terminal (hereinafter, the second connector terminal 34) of the ultrasonic connector 32a. In this state, the first device-side terminal 133 becomes conductive with the second device-side terminal 134 via the first connector terminal 33 and the second connector terminal 34. As a result, when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, the potential of the input voltage to the first input terminal 170a becomes the ground potential (that is, zero) as shown in FIG. Become.

As shown in FIG. 5, the other of the two input terminals of the first signal output unit 170 (hereinafter referred to as the second input terminal 170b) is a c-contact type provided inside the ultrasonic processor device 14. It is connected to the common terminal of the changeover switch 173. As shown in FIG. 5, a 5V or 3.3V power supply circuit 172 is connected to the normally closed terminal of the changeover switch 173 via a clamp resistor 171b. Therefore, in the normal state (specifically, when the lock lever 35 is not operated), the potential of the input voltage to the second input terminal 170b becomes the supply voltage of the power supply circuit 172 as shown in FIG. It becomes the corresponding potential (potential represented by the symbol H2 in the figure).

On the other hand, the normally open terminal of the changeover switch 173 is grounded to the ground as shown in FIG. Then, when the lock lever 35 is operated while the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 (strictly speaking, when the lock operation is performed), the lock lever 35 is interlocked with the operation. In the changeover switch 173, the terminal conducting with the common terminal is switched from the normally closed terminal to the normally open terminal. As a result, the potential of the input voltage to the second input terminal 170b becomes the ground potential (that is, zero) as shown in FIG.

When both the potential of the input voltage to the first input terminal 170a and the potential of the input voltage to the second input terminal 170b become the ground potential, the result of the logic calculation becomes "true", and the first signal output unit 170 receives the first signal output unit 170. A signal corresponding to the result (specifically, an electric signal having a potential indicated by the symbol Ht in FIG. 6) is output toward the CPU 152.

The second signal output unit 175 may have the same configuration as the first signal output unit 170 described above. That is, the lock lever 35 is provided on the side of the endoscope connector 32b, and when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope processor device 16, the tip of the lock lever 35 is for the endoscope. When it is inserted into the processor device 16 and the lock lever 35 is operated in such a state, the connection state between the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and the endoscope processor device 16 is locked. In such a configuration, when the lock lever 35 is operated with the ultrasonic endoscope 12 connected to the endoscope processor device 16, the second signal output unit 175 outputs a signal to the CPU 152. You may.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second signal output unit 175 is provided in the endoscope processor device 16, and when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope processor device 16, the ultrasonic wave is emitted. A signal is output to the CPU 152 of the processor device 14. More specifically, when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope processor device 16, the second signal output unit 175 reads the identification information from the storage device 58b of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and the identification information thereof is read. A signal indicating the identification information (hereinafter referred to as an identification information signal) is output toward the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14.

The configuration example of the second signal output unit 175 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. The second signal output unit 175 is configured by, for example, a reader (not shown) provided in the endoscope processor device 16. .. Then, when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is physically connected to the endoscope processor device 16 via the connector, the second signal output unit 175 accesses the storage device 58b to read the identification information and identify the ultrasonic endoscope 12. An information signal is generated and output to the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14.

The same configuration as the second signal output unit 175 described above may be adopted for the first signal output unit 170. That is, it is assumed that the first signal output unit 170 is composed of a reader provided in the ultrasonic processor device 14. In such a configuration, when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, the first signal output unit 170 reads the identification information from the storage device 58a of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and identifies it. An information signal may be generated and output to the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14.

<< Configuration of ultrasonic processor device >>
Next, an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic processor device will be described with reference to FIG.
The ultrasonic processor device 14 drives a drive target oscillator among a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48 possessed by the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46, thereby transmitting and receiving sound waves. Generate an image. Further, the ultrasonic processor device 14 displays the generated ultrasonic image on the monitor 20. Further, in the ultrasonic processor device 14 (strictly speaking, CPU 152) of the present embodiment, while the ultrasonic image is not generated, specifically, the preparatory period before the ultrasonic diagnosis and the period after the diagnosis is completed. A polarization process is performed when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is removed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic processor device 14 includes a multiplexer 140, a receiving circuit 142, a transmitting circuit 144, an A / D converter 146, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 148, a cine memory 150, a memory controller 151, and a CPU ( It has a Central Processing Unit (152) 152, a DSC (Digital Scan Controller) 154, and the above-mentioned first signal output unit 170.

As shown in FIG. 4, the receiving circuit 142 and the transmitting circuit 144 are electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer array 50 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 via the multiplexer 140. The multiplexer 140 selects a maximum of m drive target oscillators from the N ultrasonic oscillators 48 and opens the channels thereof.

The transmission circuit 144 is a circuit that supplies a drive voltage for ultrasonic transmission to a drive target oscillator for generating an ultrasonic image. In the present embodiment, the transmission circuit 144 is provided with a pulse generation circuit 144a as shown in FIG. The transmission circuit 144 is driven via a multiplexer 140 by operating the pulse generation circuit 144a by an integrated circuit such as TX (for transmission) -FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The drive voltage is supplied to. The drive voltage is a voltage for driving each drive target vibrator so that the ultrasonic beam is transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 at the time of ultrasonic diagnosis, and is generated according to a control signal sent from the CPU 152. It is a pulsed voltage signal (transmission signal). The pulse-shaped drive voltage is generated by the pulse generation circuit 144a and applied to the electrodes of the drive target oscillator via the universal cord 26 and the coaxial cable 56.

Further, the transmission circuit 144 according to the present embodiment polarizes (repolarizes) the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 at the time of performing the polarization processing (in other words, while the ultrasonic image is not generated), so that a plurality of ultrasonic waves are used. A voltage for polarization is supplied to the oscillator 48. The polarization voltage is a pulse-shaped voltage signal like the drive voltage, and is generated by the pulse generation circuit 144a according to the institutional signal sent from the CPU 152. The generated polarization voltage is applied to the electrodes of each ultrasonic transducer 48 through the multiplexer 140.

Here, the polarization voltage will be described. Although the drive voltage and the polarization voltage are common in that they are pulsed voltages, they are different in terms of voltage waveform, potential, frequency, and the like. That is, the polarization voltage is a voltage generated under conditions different from the drive voltage. Specifically, for example, the waveform of the drive voltage is in the form of a single pulse wave, whereas the waveform of the polarization voltage is a waveform in which a plurality of unipolar pulse waves are arranged as shown in FIG. Is. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a polarization voltage.

As for the waveform of the polarization voltage, as shown in FIG. 7, the interval between the pulse waves corresponds to one or more clock signals input to the transmission circuit 144 (w in FIG. 7). It is preferable that it is. Regarding the interval w, it is preferable that the polarization voltage waveform composed of a plurality of continuous pulse waves has an interval that can be imitated as a DC voltage waveform, and the minimum number of clocks is set from the viewpoint of making it as close as possible to the DC voltage waveform. It is more preferable that the intervals are set to correspond to each other.
Incidentally, the waveform shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example of the waveform of the polarization voltage, and is not limited to this. For example, the pulse waveform of the polarization voltage may be a bipolar waveform. Further, the waveform of the polarization voltage is not limited to a waveform in which a plurality of pulse waves are arranged, and may be a waveform composed of a single pulse wave.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the transmission circuit 144 has a function of supplying a drive voltage to the drive target oscillator for ultrasonic image generation, and a function of supplying each ultrasonic vibrator 48 at the time of performing the polarization processing. It also has the function of supplying a voltage for polarization. That is, in the present embodiment, it is possible to polarize each ultrasonic transducer 48 by using the existing transmission circuit 144 without using the circuit dedicated to polarization, and the circuit dedicated to polarization is not used. The configuration of the ultrasonic processor device 14 is further simplified.

The reception circuit 142 is a circuit that receives an electric signal output from a drive target oscillator that has received ultrasonic waves (echo), that is, a received signal. Further, the receiving circuit 142 amplifies the received signal received from the ultrasonic vibrator 48 according to the control signal sent from the CPU 152, and passes the amplified signal to the A / D converter 146. As shown in FIG. 4, the A / D converter 146 is connected to the receiving circuit 142, converts the received signal received from the receiving circuit 142 from an analog signal to a digital signal, and outputs the converted digital signal to the ASIC 148. do.

The ASIC 148 is connected to the A / D converter 146, and as shown in FIG. 4, constitutes a phase matching unit 160, a B mode image generation unit 162, a PW mode image generation unit 164, and a CF mode image generation unit 166. ing.
In this embodiment, the above-mentioned functions (specifically, the phase matching unit 160, the B mode image generation unit 162, the PW mode image generation unit 164, and the CF mode image generation unit) are provided by a hardware circuit such as ASIC148. 166) has been realized, but the present invention is not limited to this. The above functions may be realized by linking a central processing unit (CPU) and software (computer program) for executing various data processes.

The phase matching unit 160 executes a process of giving a delay time to the received signal (received data) digitized by the A / D converter 146 and performing phase adjustment addition (adding after matching the phase of the received data). do. The phasing addition process produces a sound line signal with the ultrasonic echo focused.

The B-mode image generation unit 162, the PW mode image generation unit 164, and the CF mode image generation unit 166 are driven target oscillators among a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators 48 when the ultrasonic oscillator unit 46 receives ultrasonic waves. Generates an ultrasonic image based on an electric signal output by (strictly speaking, an audio signal generated by the phase matching unit 160).

The B-mode image generation unit 162 generates a B-mode image which is a tomographic image in the body cavity of the patient. The B-mode image generation unit 162 corrects the attenuation due to the propagation distance of the sequentially generated sound line signals by STC (Sensitivity Time gain Control) according to the depth of the reflection position of the ultrasonic wave. Further, the B-mode image generation unit 162 performs an envelope detection process and a Log (logarithmic) compression process on the corrected sound line signal to generate a B-mode image (image signal).

The PW mode image generation unit 164 generates an image displaying the blood flow velocity in a predetermined direction. The PW mode image generation unit 164 extracts a frequency component by performing a high-speed Fourier transform on a plurality of sound line signals in the same direction among the sound line signals sequentially generated by the phase matching unit 160. After that, the PW mode image generation unit 164 calculates the blood flow velocity from the extracted frequency component, and generates a PW mode image (image signal) displaying the calculated blood flow velocity.

The CF mode image generation unit 166 generates an image that displays information on blood flow in a predetermined direction. The CF mode image generation unit 166 generates an image signal indicating information on blood flow by obtaining autocorrelation of a plurality of sound line signals in the same direction among the sound line signals sequentially generated by the phase matching unit 160. .. After that, the CF mode image generation unit 166 incorporates the above image signal into the B mode image signal to generate a CF mode image (image signal) as a color image on which information on blood flow is superimposed.

The DSC 154 is connected to the ASIC 148, and converts the image signal generated by the B mode image generation unit 162, the PW mode image generation unit 164, or the CF mode image generation unit 166 into an image signal according to a normal television signal scanning method. (Raster conversion) is performed, the image signal is subjected to various necessary image processing such as gradation processing, and then output to the monitor 20.

The memory controller 151 is connected to the ASIC 148, and stores the image signals generated by the B-mode image generation unit 162, the PW-mode image generation unit 164, or the CF-mode image generation unit 166 in the cine memory 150. The cine memory 150 has a capacity for storing an image signal for one frame or several frames. While the image signal generated by the ASIC 148 is output to the DSC 154, it is also stored in the cine memory 150 by the memory controller 151. In the freeze mode, the memory controller 151 reads the image signal stored in the cine memory 150 and outputs it to the DSC 154. As a result, in the freeze mode, the ultrasonic image (still image) based on the image signal read from the cine memory 150 is displayed on the monitor 20.

The CPU 152 functions as a control unit that controls each unit of the ultrasonic processor device 14, and is connected to a reception circuit 142, a transmission circuit 144, an A / D converter 146, and an ASIC 148 as shown in FIG. Control the equipment.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 152 is connected to the operation console 100, and at the time of ultrasonic diagnosis, the ultrasonic processor device 14 according to the inspection information and control parameters input by the operation console 100. Control each part. At this time, the CPU 152 controls the transmission circuit 144 so that the drive voltage is supplied to the drive target oscillator among the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 for the generation of the ultrasonic image. As a result, the ultrasonic image corresponding to the ultrasonic image generation mode designated by the surgeon is acquired, and the ultrasonic image is acquired at a constant frame rate, especially in the live mode.

Further, the CPU 152 performs a polarization process using the transmission circuit 144 while the ultrasonic image is not generated, specifically, during the preparation before the ultrasonic diagnosis and immediately before the removal of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. In the polarization process, the CPU 152, which is a control unit, controls the transmission circuit 144 so that a polarization voltage having a waveform different from the drive voltage is supplied to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48. As a result, the transmission circuit 144 generates the polarization voltage of the continuous pulse waveform shown in FIG. 7 by the pulse generation circuit 144a under the control of the CPU 152.

By the way, the potential of the polarization voltage, the supply time, etc. should be set by the CPU 152 to an appropriate value according to the specifications of the ultrasonic transducer 48 to be polarized (specifically, the thickness and material of the piezoelectric element, etc.). It has become. The CPU 152 performs the polarization process according to the above set value. Specifically, the CPU 152 refers to a condition table (not shown) stored on the ultrasonic processor device 16 side when performing the polarization processing. In the condition table, the execution conditions (for example, the potential of the polarization voltage) set for each ultrasonic endoscope 12 are predetermined. Then, among the conditions for carrying out the polarization process described in the condition table, the CPU 152 meets the conditions corresponding to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope image acquisition device 15. The polarization treatment is carried out according to this.

In the present embodiment, when the CPU 152 receives a signal from both the first signal output unit 170 and the second signal output unit 175, the CPU 152 performs a polarization process. Further, in the present embodiment, when the interruption operation unit 106 is operated during the execution of the polarization processing, the CPU 152 interrupts the polarization processing at that time (that is, controls the transmission circuit 144 to supply the polarization voltage. To stop).

<< About the operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic device >>
Next, as an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, the flow of a series of processes related to ultrasonic diagnosis (hereinafter, also referred to as diagnostic processes) will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the flow of diagnostic processing using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the procedure of the diagnostic step during the diagnostic process.

At the start of the diagnostic process, the surgeon connects the ultrasonic endoscope 12 to each of the ultrasonic processor device 14, the endoscope processor device 16 and the light source device 18, and attaches to the ultrasonic endoscope 12. (For example, air supply / water supply button 28a, suction button 28b, balloon 37, etc.) are attached.

After that, the operator turns on the power of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. At this point, the diagnostic process is started. Further, the surgeon presses the operation button 16a of the endoscope processor device 16 after connecting the ultrasonic endoscope 12 to the endoscope processor device 16 and then turning on the power. As a result, the endoscope processor device 16 starts generating an endoscope image and displaying it on the monitor 20. Further, the operator operates the lock lever 35 to lock the connection state between the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and the ultrasonic processor device 14.

In addition, the surgeon (or his assistant, etc.) makes advance preparations before the start of ultrasonic diagnosis. Preparation is performed while the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is placed outside the patient's body. In the preliminary preparation, the operator inputs inspection information, control parameters, and the like through the operation console 100, and confirms the following items (J1) to (J5) in sequence.
(J1) Presence or absence of abnormality in the appearance of the ultrasonic endoscope (J2) Is light irradiation from the light source device 18 performed normally? (J3) Is the endoscope image displayed normally? (J4) Super Whether air supply, water supply, and suction are normally performed by the endoscopic ultrasonography 12 (J5) Presence or absence of abnormalities in the curved portion 42 and the flexible portion 43 The above confirmation items are visually checked by the operator (or an assistant thereof, etc.). Check at, and check the item (J4) through endoscopic images as necessary. The content of the advance preparation is not limited to the above items, and may include items other than the above items.

On the other hand, when the diagnostic process is started, on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor apparatus 14 and the endoscope processor apparatus 16, and the first signal is transmitted. The output unit 170 and the second signal output unit 175 operate. Specifically, when the lock lever 35 is operated (locked operation) while the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, the first signal output unit is as shown in FIG. 8A. 170 outputs to the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14 (Yes in S001).

Further, after the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope processor device 16, the second signal output unit 175 accesses the storage device 58b of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and outputs the identification information from the storage device 58b. read. Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, the second signal output unit 175 outputs a signal indicating the read identification information (that is, the identification information signal) to the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14 (Yes in S002). ..

When the CPU 152 receives the signals output by each of the first signal output unit 170 and the second signal output unit 175, the CPU 152 performs a determination process based on the identification information signal received from the second signal output unit 175 (S003). In the determination process, the necessity of performing the polarization process is determined based on the signal output from the second signal output unit 175 (that is, the identification information signal).

More specifically, in the determination process, the CPU 152 refers to a determination table (not shown) stored in the ultrasonic processor device 14. In the determination table, the necessity of the polarization process is set for each identification information of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. The determination table may be stored in a device other than the ultrasonic processor device 14, for example, the endoscope processor device 16 or the storage devices 58a and 58b of the ultrasonic endoscope 12.

Then, the CPU 152 determines from the determination table whether or not the polarization processing should be performed on the ultrasonic endoscope 12 identified by the identification information, and if it is determined that the polarization processing needs to be performed (S003). Yes), the polarization treatment is carried out (S004). In the present embodiment, the CPU 152 performs the polarization process when the piezoelectric element constituting the ultrasonic oscillator 48 included in the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is a single crystal oscillator. That is, in the determination table, the information (flag) indicating that the polarization processing needs to be performed is provided for the identification information of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 including the ultrasonic vibrator 48 made of a single crystal vibrator. It is tied.

On the contrary, when the piezoelectric element constituting the ultrasonic oscillator 48 is a piezoelectric element other than the single crystal oscillator (for example, a ceramic oscillator), the CPU 152 determines that the polarization processing does not need to be performed (S003). No), the implementation of the polarization treatment is postponed.

In step S001, the first signal output unit 170 accessed the storage device 58a of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and read the identification information from the storage device 58a in the same manner as the second signal output unit 175. A signal indicating the identification information (that is, the identification information signal) may be output toward the CPU 152. As described above, both the first signal output unit 170 provided in the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the second signal output unit 175 provided in the endoscope processor device 16 identify the ultrasonic endoscope 12. It is preferable to read the information and determine whether or not the polarization process should be performed based on the identification information read by each processor device. As a result, for example, when one of the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope processor device 16 cannot read the identification information correctly due to a disconnection of wiring or the like, the polarization process is performed based on the erroneous identification information. It is possible to avoid situations such as (or not). As a result, the polarization treatment can be safely and reliably performed. Here, the identification information indicated by the signal output by the first signal output unit 170 on the ultrasonic processor device 14 side and the identification information indicated by the signal output by the second signal output unit 175 on the endoscope processor device 16 side. If the above is different, it is preferable that the CPU 152 does not perform the polarization process and displays an error warning to that effect on the monitor 20 or the like. With such a configuration, it is possible to operate the ultrasonic endoscope 12 more safely.

In step S004, the polarization process is performed while the operator is preparing in advance. While it takes a relatively long time to prepare in advance, when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope image acquisition device 15, the polarization process is triggered by this. Is started. As a result, the polarization process will be carried out during the preliminary preparation. By performing the polarization treatment using the preparatory period before the ultrasonic diagnosis in this way, it is not necessary to separately secure the time for carrying out the polarization treatment. As a result, it is possible to avoid lengthening the time required for ultrasonic diagnosis due to the implementation of the polarization treatment.

Further, in the polarization processing, the CPU 152 controls the transmission circuit 144 so that the polarization voltage of the continuous pulse waveform shown in FIG. 6 is supplied to each ultrasonic transducer 48. In this embodiment, since the polarization voltage is supplied to each ultrasonic oscillator 48 via the multiplexer 140, the number of ultrasonic oscillators 48 that can be polarized at one time is the maximum opening of the multiplexer 140. The number of channels (m). Therefore, in the first half of the polarization process, half (that is, m) of the ultrasonic oscillators 48 of the N ultrasonic oscillators 48 are polarized, and in the latter half, the other half of the ultrasonic oscillators 48 are polarized. It is supposed to be. As a result, at the end of the polarization process, all of the N ultrasonic transducers 48 are repolarized.

During the polarization process, when the operator operates the interruption operation unit 106 (interruption scan) of the console 100 (Yes in S005), the CPU 152 interrupts the polarization process at that point, as shown in FIG. 8A. Then, the supply of the polarization voltage from the transmission circuit 144 is stopped (S006). In this case, the polarization process ends without being completed. On the other hand, when there is no interruption operation (No in S005), the CPU 152 continuously performs the polarization process. Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, the polarization treatment ends when the elapsed time from the start time of the polarization treatment reaches a preset time point (Yes in S007).

When the polarization treatment is completed, it is preferable to display the fact that the polarization treatment is completed on the monitor 20 or the like to notify the operator.

After completing the preliminary preparations, the surgeon instructs the start of the ultrasonic diagnosis through the console 100. After that, the operator inserts the insertion portion 22 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 into the body cavity of the patient. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 receives an instruction to start ultrasonic diagnostics, the operation mode shifts to the diagnostic mode, and the CPU 152 controls each part of the ultrasonic processor apparatus 14 to perform a diagnostic step as shown in FIG. 8A. (S008).

The diagnostic step proceeds along the flow illustrated in FIG. More specifically, the CPU 152 controls each part of the ultrasonic processor device 14 to generate a B-mode image when the ultrasonic image generation mode specified by the operator is the B mode (Yes in S031). (S032) When the designated ultrasonic image generation mode is the CF mode (Yes in S033), each part of the ultrasonic processor device 14 is controlled (S034) to generate a CF mode image, and is designated. When the ultrasonic image generation mode is the PW mode (Yes in S035), each part of the ultrasonic processor device 14 is controlled so as to generate the PW mode image (S036).

The generation of the ultrasonic image by each mode is repeatedly performed until the diagnosis end condition is satisfied (S037). As the diagnosis end condition, for example, the operator instructs the end of the diagnosis through the operation console 100. Then, when the diagnosis end condition is satisfied (Yes in S037), the diagnosis step ends.

At the end of the diagnostic step, the operator removes the ultrasonic endoscope 12 from the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope processor device 16 in order to complete the diagnostic process. When removing the ultrasonic endoscope 12, the operator performs an operation for displaying the removal permission information on the monitor 20. More specifically, the operator presses the operation button 16a of the endoscope processor device 16 that was pressed before the start of the ultrasonic diagnosis again, or an operation instructing the end of the diagnostic process by the operation console 100 ( For example, an operation of pressing the end button provided on the operation console 100) is performed. When the above operation is performed (Yes in S009), as shown in FIG. 8B, the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14 performs the same determination process as in step S003 (S010). That is, the CPU 152 determines whether or not the polarization process needs to be performed. In this step S010, the determination result of step S003 may be used, and in that case, the determination process execution in this step S010 may be omitted.

Then, when the CPU 152 determines that the polarization processing needs to be performed (Yes in S010), the CPU 152 performs the polarization processing (S011). On the other hand, when the CPU 152 determines that it is not necessary to carry out the polarization treatment (No in S010), the CPU 152 suspends the execution of the polarization treatment.

In step S011, the polarization process is performed immediately before the removal of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, more specifically, between the operation for displaying the removal permission information and the display of the removal permission information. .. The procedure for carrying out the polarization treatment is the same as in step 004. In this way, the polarization treatment is performed again immediately before the removal of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, so that when the removed ultrasonic endoscope 12 is used for the next ultrasonic diagnosis, the ultrasonic diagnosis is performed with good reception sensitivity. You will be able to carry it out.

Further, if the operator operates the interruption operation unit 106 during the polarization process (Yes in S012), the CPU 152 interrupts the polarization process at that point (S013). In this case, the polarization process ends without being completed. On the other hand, when there is no operation of the interruption operation unit 106 (interruption operation), the CPU 152 continuously performs the polarization process, and when the elapsed time from the start time of the polarization process reaches a preset time ( Yes) in S014 to end the polarization process.

After the polarization processing is completed, the removal permission information is displayed on the monitor 20 (S015). After confirming the displayed removal permission information, the operator removes the ultrasonic endoscope 12 from the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope image acquisition device 15. After removing the ultrasonic endoscope 12, the operator turns off the power of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. When the power of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is turned off (Yes in S016), the diagnostic process ends at that point.

<< About the effectiveness of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention >>
A feature of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is that when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor apparatus 14 and the endoscope image acquisition apparatus 15, the polarization process is performed. That is, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the preparatory period performed immediately after the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscopic image acquisition device 15 is used. The ultrasonic transducer 48 in the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is repolarized. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, it is not necessary to separately secure the execution time of the polarization treatment, and the time required for the ultrasonic diagnosis becomes longer as in the apparatus described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. It is possible to avoid the situation where it ends up.

Another feature of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is that in the polarization processing, the existing transmission circuit 144 is used to supply a polarization voltage to each ultrasonic transducer 48. That is, unlike the devices described in Patent Documents 1, 3 and 4, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is not provided with a dedicated circuit and device for supplying a polarization voltage, and the device is correspondingly provided. The configuration (hardware configuration) can be simplified, and it is not necessary to change the existing device configuration.

Further, regarding the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, in the above-described embodiment, the lock lever 35 is operated and the lock lever 35 is operated while the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14. The first signal output unit 170 is supposed to output a signal. Then, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the above signal output is used as one of the triggers for carrying out the polarization processing. This makes it possible to perform the polarization processing in a state where the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is securely connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope processor device 16, identification information is read from the storage device 58b of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and the identification information is shown. The signal (identification information signal) is to be output by the second signal output unit 175. Then, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the above signal output (output of the identification information signal) is used as one of the triggers for carrying out the polarization processing. This makes it possible to identify the ultrasonic endoscope 12 connected to the endoscope processor device 16 and then perform the polarization processing. In particular, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the polarization treatment is necessary based on the identification information of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and when it is determined that the polarization treatment needs to be performed, the polarization is performed. Carry out the process. As a result, it is possible to omit the execution of unnecessary polarization treatment.

In the above-described embodiment, the polarization treatment is performed when the piezoelectric element is a single crystal oscillator. As described above, the single crystal oscillator tends to depolarize with the passage of driving time. Based on this, it is decided whether or not the polarization treatment should be performed depending on whether or not the piezoelectric element is a single crystal oscillator, and thereby it is accurately determined whether or not the polarization treatment should be performed. Is possible.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the operation table 100 is provided with the interruption operation unit 106, and if the interruption operation unit 106 is operated during the execution of the polarization process, the polarization process is interrupted at that point. This improves usability for the surgeon, and for example, an attempt is made to start ultrasonic diagnosis as soon as possible after connecting the ultrasonic endoscope 12 to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscopic image acquisition device 15. If the operator operates the interruption operation unit 106, the polarization process can be interrupted with priority given to the start of the ultrasonic diagnosis.

<< Modification of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention >>
In the above embodiment, the lock lever 35 is operated or identified from the storage devices 58a and 58b in a state where the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope image acquisition device 15. I decided to read the information. These are configurations for detecting that the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope image acquisition device 15. However, a configuration for detecting that the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope image acquisition device 15 can be considered in addition to the above-mentioned configurations.

To explain with reference to a specific example (hereinafter, the second embodiment), in the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the second signal output unit 175 is connected to the operation button 16a of the endoscope processor device 16. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, and in FIG. 10, the elements common to the above-described embodiment (the embodiment shown in FIG. 4) are shown in FIG. The same code as the code of is attached, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, when the operation button 16a of the endoscope processor device 16 is pressed while the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope processor device 16, the second signal output unit 175 is superposed. A signal is output to the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14. As described above, in the second embodiment, it is detected that the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope processor device 16 of the endoscope image acquisition device 15 by pressing the operation button 16a.

The configuration shown in FIG. 10 may be used as a configuration for detecting that the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14. That is, it is assumed that the ultrasonic processor device 14 is provided with a push button (hereinafter, referred to as an operation button 16a for convenience) corresponding to the operation button 16a. In such a configuration, when the operation button 16a is operated while the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, the first signal output unit 170 is the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14. A signal may be output toward.

Explaining another example of the modification (hereinafter referred to as the third embodiment), in the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the first signal output unit 170 including the contact type or non-contact type connection detection sensor is on the ultrasonic processor device side. It is provided on the connector 132a. Similarly, a second signal output unit 175 composed of a contact type or non-contact type connection detection sensor is provided on the endoscope processor device side connector 132b.
Note that FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment, and in FIG. 11, the elements common to the above-described embodiment (the embodiment shown in FIG. 4) are shown in FIG. The same code as the code in No. 4 is attached, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, when the ultrasonic connector 32a is connected to the ultrasonic processor device side connector 132a and the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, the first signal is triggered by this. The output unit 170 operates to output a signal to the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14. Further, when the endoscope connector 32b is connected to the endoscope processor device side connector 132b and the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope processor device 16, the second signal output is triggered by this. The unit 175 operates to output a signal to the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14. As described above, in the third embodiment, the first signal output unit 170 and the second signal output unit 175 are configured by the sensor provided in the connector. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope image acquisition device 15 (strictly speaking, the endoscope processor device 16). It will be detected directly.

The second embodiment and the third embodiment are the same as the above-described embodiments in the configuration for detecting that the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope image acquisition device 15. Although different, it is common to the above-described embodiment in other respects, and exhibits the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment.

Further, in the above embodiment, the endoscope processor device 16 and the light source device 18 constituting the endoscope image acquisition device 15 are separate devices from each other, and each is individually connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12. I decided to do it. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration shown in FIG. 12 (hereinafter, the fourth embodiment) and the configuration shown in FIG. 13 (hereinafter, the fifth embodiment) can be considered.

A fourth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, a light source device 18 is mounted inside the endoscope processor device 16. That is, the endoscope image acquisition device 15 according to the fourth embodiment has a configuration in which the endoscope processor device 16 and the light source device 18 are integrated. Then, when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is physically connected to the endoscope processor device 16 via a connector, the light source device 18 built in the endoscope processor device 16 is interlocked with the ultrasonic endoscope 12. Is also connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12. When the optical device 18 irradiates light with the ultrasonic endoscope 12 connected to the endoscope processor device 16, the irradiated light passes through an optical path (not shown) in the endoscope processor device 16. It leads to the endoscope device side connector 132b. After that, the irradiation light propagates through the universal cord 26 and the light guide in the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and is finally emitted from the illumination window 88 provided at the tip portion 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12.
Note that FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the fourth embodiment, and in FIG. 12, the elements common to the above-described embodiment (the embodiment shown in FIG. 1) are shown in FIG. The same code as the code in 1 is attached, and the description thereof will be omitted.

A fifth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, the endoscope processor device 16 and the light source device 18 are separate from each other, but both devices are connected by a connecting cable 19. Further, in the fifth embodiment, the light source device 18 is directly connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12, while the endoscope processor device 16 is not directly connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12. By being connected to the light source device 18, it is indirectly connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12. That is, in the endoscope image acquisition device 15 according to the fifth embodiment, among the endoscope processor device 16 and the light source device 18 connected to each other by the connecting cable 19, only the light source device 18 is an ultrasonic endoscope. By connecting to 12, the endoscope processor device 16 can also be connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12. Further, in the fifth embodiment, the second signal output unit 175 is provided in the light source device 18. Then, when the light source device 18 is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12, the second signal output unit 175 reads the identification information from the storage device 58b of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and a signal indicating the read identification information (identification). Information signal) is output. The identification information signal is output from the second signal output unit 175 and then transmitted to the endoscope processor device 16 through the connecting cable 19. After that, the endoscope processor device 16 and the ultrasonic processor device 14 communicate with each other, so that the above-mentioned identification information signal is transmitted from the endoscope processor device 16 to the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14. .. That is, in the fifth embodiment, the second signal output unit 175 is provided in the light source device 18 in order to detect that the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope image acquisition device 15.
Note that FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the fifth embodiment, and in FIG. 13, the elements common to the above-described embodiment (the embodiment shown in FIG. 1) are shown in FIG. The same code as the code in 1 is attached, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the fifth embodiment, the second signal output unit 175 is not limited to the case where it is provided in the light source device 18, and may be provided in the endoscope processor device 16. In this case, when the light source device 18 is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12, the light source device 18 transmits connection information to the endoscope processor device 16. Here, the connection information is information transmitted by the light source device 18 when the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is connected to the light source device 18 as a trigger. For example, the storage device 58b of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 It may be the identification information read from. Then, when the second signal output unit 175 provided in the endoscope processor device 16 receives the connection information transmitted from the light source device 18 through the connection cable 19, the second signal output unit 175 is directed toward the CPU 152 of the ultrasonic processor device 14. Output a signal.

Although the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment described above are different from the above-described embodiment in the specific configuration of the endoscope image acquisition device 15, they are the same as the above-mentioned embodiment in other respects. Therefore, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment is exhibited.

10 Ultrasound diagnostic device 12 Ultrasound endoscope 14 Ultrasound processor device 15 Endoscopic image acquisition device 16 Endoscope processor device 16a Operation button 18 Light source device 19 Connection cable 20 Monitor 21a Water supply tank 21b Suction pump 21c Air supply pump 22 Insertion part 24 Operation part 26 Universal cord 28a Air supply water supply button 28b Suction button 30 Treatment tool insertion port 32a Ultrasonic connector 32b Endoscopic connector 32c Light source connector 33 First connector terminal 34 Second connector terminal 35 Lock lever 36 Ultrasonic observation part 37 Balloon 38 Endoscopic observation part 40 Tip part 42 Curved part 43 Flexible part 44 Treatment tool outlet 45 Treatment tool channel 46 Ultrasonic oscillator unit 47 Water supply port 48 Ultrasonic oscillator 50 Super Ultrasonic transducer array 54 Backing material layer 56 Coaxial cable 58a, 58b Storage device 60 FPC
76 Acoustic matching layer 78 Acoustic lens 82 Observation window 84 Objective lens 86 Solid image pickup element 88 Lighting window 90 Cleaning nozzle 92 Wiring cable 100 Operation desk 106 Interruption operation unit 132a Ultrasonic processor device side Connector 132b Endoscope processor device side Connector 132c Light source device side connector 133 First device side terminal 134 Second device side terminal 140 multiplexer 142 Receive circuit 144 Transmission circuit 144a Pulse generation circuit 146 A / D converter 148 ASIC
150 Cine memory 151 Memory controller 152 CPU
154 DSC
160 Phase matching unit 162 B mode image generation unit 164 PW mode image generation unit 166 CF mode image generation unit 170 First signal output unit 170a First input terminal 170b Second input terminal 171a, 171b Clamp resistance 172 Power supply circuit 173 Changeover switch 175 Second signal output section

Claims (16)

It is an ultrasonic diagnostic device,
An ultrasonic endoscope that has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers and has an ultrasonic transducer unit that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves and that captures an endoscopic image.
An ultrasonic wave that is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope and drives a drive target oscillator among the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic transducer unit to generate an ultrasonic image. For processor equipment and
It has an endoscope image acquisition device that is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope and operates for acquiring the endoscope image.
The ultrasonic processor device is
A transmission circuit that supplies a drive voltage to the drive target oscillator for generating the ultrasonic image, and a transmission circuit.
The transmission circuit is controlled so as to supply the drive voltage to the drive target oscillator for the generation of the ultrasonic image, and the transmission circuit is used while the ultrasonic image is not generated. A polarization process for polarization the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is performed, and a polarization voltage generated under conditions different from the drive voltage is supplied to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers in the polarization process. A control unit that controls the transmission circuit is provided.
One of the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit that output a signal to the control unit is provided in the ultrasonic processor device, and the power of each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic device is turned on. Moreover, when the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the ultrasonic processor device, a signal is output and the signal is output.
The other of the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit is provided in the endoscope image acquisition device, and the power of each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is turned on and the ultrasonic endoscopy is performed. When the mirror is connected to the endoscope image acquisition device, it outputs a signal and outputs a signal.
The control unit is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that the polarization process is performed by receiving a signal from both the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit as a trigger. The ultrasonic endoscope is physically connected to at least one of the ultrasonic processor device and the endoscopic image acquisition device via a connector.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first signal output unit outputs a signal when the ultrasonic endoscope is physically connected to at least one of the devices via the connector. The ultrasonic endoscope is operated in a state of being inside the at least one device when the ultrasonic endoscope is physically connected to the at least one device via the connector. Has a lock lever,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first signal output unit outputs a signal when the lock lever is operated while the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to at least one of the devices. At least one of the ultrasonic processor device and the endoscope image acquisition device is provided with an operation button that is pressed after the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the at least one device.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second signal output unit outputs a signal when the operation button is pressed while the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to at least one of the devices. Before removing the ultrasonic endoscope from the ultrasonic processor device and the endoscope image acquisition device, removal permission information to the effect that the removal of the ultrasonic endoscope is permitted is displayed on the monitor.
Any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit performs the polarization process between the time when the operation for displaying the removal permission information is performed and the time when the removal permission information is displayed on the monitor. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to paragraph 1. The ultrasonic endoscope is provided with a storage device that stores the identification information of the ultrasonic endoscope.
When the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the ultrasonic processor device and the endoscope image acquisition device, at least one of the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit is stored. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is read from an apparatus and a signal indicating the identification information is output. When the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the ultrasonic processor device and the endoscope image acquisition device, both the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit are identified from the storage device. The information is read out and a signal indicating the identification information is output.
When the identification information indicated by the signal output by the first signal output unit and the identification information indicated by the signal output by the second signal output unit are different, the control unit performs the polarization process. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6. When the control unit receives signals from both the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit, the control unit determines whether or not the polarization processing needs to be performed based on the signal indicating the identification information, and determines the polarization. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the polarization treatment is performed when it is determined that the treatment needs to be performed. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit performs the polarization process when each of the plurality of ultrasonic oscillators is composed of a single crystal oscillator. The endoscope image acquisition device includes an endoscope processor device that acquires data of the endoscope image captured by the ultrasonic endoscope.
One of the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit is provided in the endoscope processor device, and the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the endoscope processor device. Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 that outputs a signal. The endoscope image acquisition device has a light source device that irradiates light when the ultrasonic endoscope captures the endoscope image.
One of the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit is provided in the light source device, and when the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the light source device, a signal is output. Item 6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 9. The endoscopic image acquisition device is
An endoscope processor device that acquires data of the endoscope image taken by the ultrasonic endoscope, and
It has a light source device that is connected to the endoscope processor device by a connecting cable and emits light when the ultrasonic endoscope captures the endoscope image.
One of the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit is provided in the endoscope processor device, and when the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the light source device, the said The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which receives connection information transmitted from a light source device and outputs a signal through the connecting cable. The ultrasonic endoscope includes an insertion portion inserted inside the subject and an operation portion operated by the user.
The insertion portion is provided with a bendable portion and a flexible portion that connects the curved portion and the operation portion.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the operation unit is provided with an angle knob for remotely controlling the curved portion. At the tip of the ultrasonic endoscope,
A cleaning nozzle from which the air supplied by the air supply pump and the cleaning liquid supplied from the water supply tank are ejected.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a suction port formed for sucking a suctioned object by a suction pump is provided. It has an interruption operation unit for interrupting the polarization process.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein when the interruption operation unit is operated during the execution of the polarization process, the control unit interrupts the polarization process. It is a method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is
An ultrasonic endoscope that has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers and has an ultrasonic transducer unit that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves and that captures an endoscopic image.
An ultrasonic wave that is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope and drives a drive target oscillator among the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic transducer unit to generate an ultrasonic image. For processor equipment and
It has an endoscope image acquisition device that is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope and operates for acquiring the endoscope image.
The ultrasonic processor device is
A transmission circuit that supplies a drive voltage to the drive target oscillator for generating the ultrasonic image, and a transmission circuit.
The transmission circuit is controlled so as to supply the drive voltage to the drive target oscillator for the generation of the ultrasonic image, and the transmission circuit is used while the ultrasonic image is not generated. A polarization process for polarization the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is performed, and a polarization voltage generated under conditions different from the drive voltage is supplied to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers in the polarization process. A control unit that controls the transmission circuit is provided.
When the power of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is turned on and the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the ultrasonic processor device, the first signal output unit and the second signal that output a signal to the control unit Of the output units, one of the steps provided in the ultrasonic processor device outputs a signal, and
When the power of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is turned on and the ultrasonic endoscope is connected to the endoscope image acquisition device, the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit are described. The step that the other side provided in the endoscope image acquisition device outputs a signal,
The operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the control unit includes a step of performing the polarization process triggered by receiving a signal from the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit. Method.

Images