JPH0829146B2 - Ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial field of application] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic wave of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that obtains a tomographic image around a thin tubular cavity such as a body cavity by an ultrasonic pulse echo method. Regarding the probe.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, there is an ultrasonic probe for obtaining a tomographic image in the body from the inside of a body cavity, but in the conventional ultrasonic probe, a linear image, a radial image, and the like are mainly displayed by a single scanning method. .

However, when observing plaques and the like in blood vessels, there has been a demand for displaying a linear image and a radial image at the same time and capturing a three-dimensional image.

Therefore, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), an ultrasonic probe 401 having an ultrasonic transducer 402 on one side is rotated once to advance and retreat, so that multiple sliced images are obtained. A method has been used in which the images are captured and image-processed to display a linear image and a radial image. in this case,
For example, as shown in FIG.
~ 8 radial planes are captured, and only the 4th radial image is projected, or one scan line in the radial planes 1-8 is projected, as in the image on the left side of the display image shown in Fig. 14 (b). The images are sequentially taken in, and a linear image is projected as in the image on the right side of the display image shown in FIG. 14 (b). By repeating such an operation, the radial image and the linear image are displayed on one screen.

As an apparatus capable of obtaining a radial image and a linear image as described above, for example, JP-A-57-9439 and JP-A-63-63
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 74108 discloses a device in which an ultrasonic probe is capable of radial scanning and axially movable.

Further, as a scanning method for simultaneously displaying a radial image and a linear image, as shown in FIG.
There is a spiral method in which the probe is rotated at any time and the probe is rotated accordingly. In this case, although there is no problem with the linear image, the scanning line of one screen of the radial image is in the range of x shown in FIG. 15 (a), and the start point and the end point are different. However, if the advancing / retreating speed is made sufficiently slower than the rotating speed, the difference between the start point and the end point is almost eliminated, and the problem disappears.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the conventional scanning method as shown in FIG. 13 (a), in which radial images are captured one by one, positioning of the tip of the probe 401, that is, the start point and the end point are accurately measured. If not decided, the linear image has poor resolution. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), it is desired to stop the vibration surface right above, but as shown in FIG. 13 (c), it may be inclined in an oblique direction due to the force of inertia. Then, when displaying a linear image, the azimuth resolution is not only determined by the ultrasonic transducer 402 of the probe 401 but depends on the positioning of the ultrasonic transducer 402, which causes deterioration of resolution. .

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, in the case of performing spiral scanning, the rotation motor and the advancing / retreating motor are independent, and therefore the speeds must be controlled independently. Then, when the spiral scan of FIG. 15 (a) is used as a reference,
If the forward / backward speed with respect to the rotation speed is increased from this,
It becomes as shown in Fig. 15 (b).
It looks like Figure 15 (c). As a result, the scanning position changes when the display surface is radial, and the scanning range (resolution) changes when the display surface is linear.

As a characteristic of ultrasonic waves, lower frequencies reach farther distances, and higher frequencies tend to be attenuated sooner and reach only short distances. Therefore, considering the attenuation of ultrasonic waves, when using low-frequency ultrasonic waves, it is necessary to see a long distance and it is better to slow down the scanning speed. On the other hand, when high-frequency ultrasonic waves are used. Can increase the scanning speed. Therefore, when the ultrasonic transducer 402 is replaced and the frequency of the ultrasonic waves is changed, in order to obtain the optimum frame rate, it is necessary to set the scanning speed corresponding to the frequency.

Incidentally, JP-A-60-5134 discloses a technique for synchronizing the transmission of ultrasonic waves and the rotation of the ultrasonic vibrator,
Even if this technique is used, since the rotation and advance / retreat of the ultrasonic transducer are controlled independently, the above-mentioned problems cannot be solved.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to obtain a radial image and a linear image by rotating and advancing / retreating an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit, and at the same time rotating and advancing / retreating even if the scanning speed is changed. An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe capable of obtaining a radial image and a linear image under constant conditions without changing the target speed.

[Means for Solving the Problems] An ultrasonic probe according to the present invention has an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit capable of rotating and advancing / retreating, and a first driving unit for rotating the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit, Second driving means for moving the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section forward and backward, and control means for synchronously controlling the rotation speed by the first driving means and the forward and backward speed by the second driving means so as to have a predetermined ratio. It is equipped with.

[Operation] In the present invention, the control means controls the first drive means and the second drive means.
And the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving section performs synchronized rotational movement and forward / backward movement.

Embodiments Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of an ultrasonic probe, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the driving unit of the ultrasonic probe,
FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of this embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a JK that generates a control signal that reverses the scanning direction.
-FF is a circuit diagram, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a clock oscillator, FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a delay circuit,
FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram for explaining the case where the scanning speed is changed.

First, the configuration of the drive system of the ultrasonic probe of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A harmonic oscillator 1 serving as an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit is connected to a shaft-shaped drive transmission unit 2, and these are housed in an outer cylinder 3 whose distal end is closed in a spherical shape. A seal member 4 and an O-ring 5 are provided on the tip side inside the outer cylinder 3, and the drive transmission unit 2 is held by these. An acoustic medium 6 is filled in the space inside the tip of the outer cylinder 3 which is sealed by the outer cylinder 3, the sealing material 4, and the O-ring 5. The drive transmission portion 2 and the outer cylinder 3 may be flexible.

A rear end portion of the drive transmission portion 2 extends from the rear end portion of the outer cylinder 3 and is connected to a rotary motion portion (1) 8 including a stepping motor via a connection portion 7. This rotary motion part (1) 8 is configured in combination with a position detector (1) 9 consisting of an encoder that detects the rotational position of the rotary motion part (1) 8, and these are arranged inside the rotary motion part exterior 10. It is stored and held in.

The rotary motion part exterior 10 is attached to an advancing / retreating motion transmitting part 11, and the advancing / retreating motion transmitting part 11 is screwed into an advancing / retreating mechanism part 12 made of a ball screw. The advancing / retreating mechanism part 12 is connected to a driving part of a rotary motion part (2) 13 composed of a stepping motor, and is rotated by the rotary motion part (2) 13. Also, the rotary motion part (2) 13
Is configured in combination with a position detector (2) 14 which is an encoder for detecting the rotational position of the rotary motion unit (2) 13.

The connection part 7, the rotary motion part (1) 8, the position detector (1) 9,
The rotary motion part exterior 10, the advance / retreat motion transmission part 11, the advance / retreat mechanism part 12, the rotary motion part (2) 13 and the position detector (2) 14 are surrounded by the exterior 15, and the rear end of the outer cylinder 3 is It is fixed to the exterior 15. The rotary motion part (2) 13 is fixed to the exterior 15.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the ultrasonic probe will be described with reference to FIG.

The ultrasonic probe includes a control circuit 100 for controlling the rotation and advance / retreat of the vibrator 1, and a start signal from the control circuit 100.
Clock oscillator that inputs str and outputs clock clc 10
1 and the clock clc from the clock oscillator 101 are input, and the signal DL obtained by delaying this clock clc by 1/4 of the cycle T
And a delay circuit 102 that outputs Y. The clock
clc and the signal DLY are sent to the stepping motor, which is the rotary motion unit (1) 8 and the stepping motor, which is the rotary motion unit (2) 13, via the changeover switch 103, respectively.
It is adapted to be inputted as a two-phase drive signal. The changeover switch 103 is controlled by a control signal J from the control circuit 100, and uses a clock clc as an A phase signal D
LY is in B phase, and clock clc is in B phase and signal DLY
Is switched to the A phase.

The A-phase output C of the encoder, which is the position detector (1) 9 connected to the rotary motion unit (1) 8, and the Z-phase output Z output for each rotation are input to the control circuit 100. It has become. Similarly, the rotary motion unit (2) 13
Encoder of position detector (2) 14 connected to
The phase output G and the Z phase output H are input to the control circuit 100.

 Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

First, the control circuit 100 causes the start signal str to go high.
And is input to the clock oscillator 101. The clock oscillator 101 outputs the clock clc when the signal str becomes High. The clock clc is input to the delay circuit 102, delays the signal by 1 / 4T which is 1/4 of the cycle T of the clock clc, and outputs the signal DLY. The clock clc and the signal DLY are supplied to the rotary motion unit (1) via the changeover switch 103 controlled by the control signal J from the control circuit 100.
The stepping motor of No. 8 and the stepping motor of the rotary motion unit (2) 13 are inputted as A-phase and B-phase drive signals, respectively. Both the stepping motors are rotated by this drive signal.

The stepping motor of the rotary motion unit (1) 8 has a connecting unit.
7, Rotate the vibrator 1 via the drive transmission unit 2. Also,
The stepping motor of the rotary motion unit (2) 13 rotates the ball screw, which is the advance / retreat mechanism unit 12. Then, the forward / backward movement transmitting unit 11 connected to the ball screw performs forward / backward movement. When the advancing / retreating motion transmitting unit 11 makes an advancing / retreating motion, the rotary motion part exterior 10 connected to the advancing / retreating motion makes an advancing / retreating motion, which causes the vibrator 1 to make an advancing / retreating motion via the drive transmitting unit 2. Becomes

The rotational position of the rotary motion unit (1) 8 is read by an encoder which is a position detector (1) 9, and the A-phase output C and the Z-phase output Z of the encoder are the control circuit.
Entered in 100. The rotational position of the rotary motion unit (2) 13 is read by an encoder which is the position detector (2) 14, and the A-phase output G and Z-phase output H of this encoder are read.
Are input to the control circuit 100. This control circuit 100
Generates a control signal J based on the Z-phase output H, and switches the changeover switch 103 accordingly.

Here, an example of the actual timing will be described with reference to FIG.

In this example, radial 1 frame has 6 scans and linear 1
An example of 24 scanning frames is shown. Actually, the level of the radial 1 frame is about 512 scans and the linear 1 frame is about 128 scans.

First, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), when the start signal str from the control circuit 100 becomes High, the clock clc is oscillated by the clock oscillator 101 as shown in FIG. 3 (b). At the same time, the clock clc is set by the delay circuit 102.
The signal DLY as shown in Fig. 3 (c) is delayed by 1 / 4T.
Is output.

The clock clc and the DLY are set by the changeover switch 10
It is input to the rotary motion unit (1) 8 and the rotary motion unit (2) 13 via 3. In the rotary motion unit (1) 8 and the rotary motion unit (2) 13, normal rotation and inversion can be performed depending on the phases of the A phase and B phase 2 inputs of the clock as shown in FIGS. 3 (g) and 3 (h). I have decided. In the present embodiment, if the signal of the A phase is high at the time of rising of the B phase, it is forward rotation, and if it is low, it is inversion.
Further, the ultrasonic wave is output from the vibrator 1 at the edge of the A-phase or B-phase pulse. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3 (d), the position detector (1) 9 outputs the Z phase Z every 3T, and as shown in FIG. 3 (f), the position detector (2 ) 14 outputs Z phase H every 12T.

Therefore, one scan is finished when the radial scan is performed for one frame and six scans and four frames are obtained. Until this one scan is completed, both the rotary motion unit (1) 8 and the rotary motion unit (2) 13 continue to rotate normally due to the phase difference between the A and B signals.
As a result, the oscillator 1 moves backward while rotating in the normal direction, and continues the same movement until one scan is completed.

When the Z-phase output H is output from the position detector (2) 14, this signal is input to the control circuit 100, and the changeover switch 103 receives the control signal J as shown in FIG. 3 (e).
Will be sent. Then, as shown in FIGS. 3 (g) and 3 (h), the phases of the A and B signals are switched, and the rotary motion unit (1)
8. The rotary motion part (2) 13 is inverted together. As a result, the oscillator 1 makes a forward movement while reversing, and continues the same movement until one scan is completed. When this one scan is completed, the oscillator 1 starts the backward movement while performing the forward rotation again.

Since the rotary motion unit (1) 8 and the rotary motion unit (2) 13 are driven by the same drive signals A and B, they are synchronized, and the rotary motion and the forward / backward motion of the oscillator 1 are synchronized. ing.

In the control circuit 100, the control signal J is output from the Z-phase output H.
Can be realized with a simple JK-FF as shown in Fig. 4. In this circuit, the power supply voltage is applied to the J and K inputs of JK-FF110, and the signal H is applied to the clock input. Therefore, the output of this JK-FF110 becomes the control signal J which is inverted at the rising edge of the signal H.

By the way, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the clock oscillator 101 has a plurality of oscillators 111, 111, 111 for outputting clocks having different frequencies, and any one of the plurality of oscillators 111, 111, 111 is switched. It can be output via the switch 112.
The changeover switch 112 can be changed over by a probe signal according to the type of probe.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the delay circuit 102 has a delay line 121 with a plurality of taps, and any one of a plurality of outputs of the delay line 121 with different delay amounts is passed through a changeover switch 122. Can be output. The changeover switch 122 can be changed over by a probe signal according to the type of probe. Note that the delay amount of each output of the delay line 121 is 1/4 of the clock cycle of each oscillator 111, and the changeover switches 112 and 122 change the clock cycle of the oscillator 111 and the delay amount of the delay line 121. Are linked together so that they can be switched.

In this way, by changing the frequency of the clock clc from the clock oscillator 101 and the frequency of the signal DLY from the delay circuit 102, the rotational speed of the rotary motion unit (1) 8 and the rotary motion unit (2) 13, that is, the scanning speed, can be set. It can be changed.

Here, a case where the scanning speed is changed will be described with reference to FIG.

As a characteristic of ultrasonic waves, lower frequencies reach farther distances, and higher frequencies tend to be attenuated sooner and reach only short distances. Therefore, when the frequency of the transmission pulse is lower than that of the transmission pulse (ultrasonic wave) having the period shown in FIG. 7 (a), the echo is long as shown in FIG. 7 (b). On the other hand, when the frequency of the transmission pulse is high, the echo becomes short as shown in FIG. 7 (c). This is because the echo from a long distance is attenuated and does not return.

Therefore, in consideration of attenuation of ultrasonic waves, when ultrasonic waves of a low frequency are used, it is necessary to see a long distance and it is better to slow the scanning speed. On the other hand, when ultrasonic waves of high frequency are used, the scanning speed can be increased. That is, even if the period of the transmission pulse as shown in FIG. 7 (d) is shortened, the echo can be sufficiently received as shown in FIG. 7 (e).

Therefore, when the frequency of the ultrasonic waves is changed by changing the ultrasonic probe, it is necessary to set the scanning speed corresponding to the frequency in order to obtain the optimum frame rate.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the radial image and the linear image can be obtained by the rotation and the forward / backward movement of the vibrator 1, and the rotational movement and the forward / backward movement of the vibrator 1 are synchronized. Even if the scanning speed is changed, the relative speeds of rotation and forward / backward do not change, and stable radial and linear images can always be obtained under constant conditions. That is, the resolution (diagnosis distance) of the linear image does not change, and the diagnosis portion of the radial image does not change.

In this embodiment, the detection output of the position detector (1) 9 may be used as the drive signal of the rotary motion unit (2) 13.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the control system of the ultrasonic probe of the second embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the position detector (1) 9,
(2) Counters 202, 202 are used instead of the 14 encoders. These counters 201 and 202 respectively
The clock clc input to the stepping motor is counted. For example, when the clock clc is counted 10, the signals Z and H are output to the control circuit 100. Control circuit 100
Generates a control signal J from the signal H or Z and switches the changeover switch 103 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Either one of the counters 201 and 202 may be used.

Other configurations, operations and effects are similar to those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the control system of the ultrasonic probe of the third embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a DC motor 213 is used instead of the stepping motor of the rotary motion unit (1) in the first embodiment.

A DC voltage of + V or −V is applied to the DC motor 213 from a direct current (DC) power source 211 via a changeover switch 212. The changeover switch
212 is adapted to be switched by the control circuit 100. The DC motor 213 is configured to rotate normally when the applied voltage is + V and reverse when the applied voltage is -V.
Further, the rotational position of the DC motor 213 is detected by the encoder of the position detector (1), and the A-phase and B-phase signals output from this encoder are the rotary motion part (2) 13
It is designed to be input to the stepping motor.
As a result, the stepping motor of the rotary motion unit (2) 13 rotates in synchronization with the DC motor 213 of the rotary motion unit (1).

Further, by changing the DC level applied to the rotary DC motor 213, the rotation speed of the DC motor 213 changes, and accordingly, the rotation speed of the stepping motor of the rotary motion unit (2) 13 also changes.

Other configurations, operations and effects are similar to those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the control system of the ultrasonic probe.
The figure is a timing chart showing the drive signal of the stepping motor.

In the first embodiment, the rotary motion unit (1) 8 and the rotary motion unit (2) 13 are driven by the clocks having the same cycle, but the cycles may be different. This embodiment is an example in which the drive frequency of the rotary motion unit (2) 13 is lower than the drive frequency of the rotary motion unit (1) 8, and the changeover switch 103
The output signals A and B are input to the frequency divider 221 and the divided signals A ′ and B ′ are input to the rotary motion unit (2) 13. FIG. 11 (a) shows the signal A, and FIG. 11 (b) shows, as an example, the signal A ′ obtained by dividing the signal A into a frequency of 1/2.

Even if the signals thus divided are used, the rotary motion unit (1) 8 and the rotary motion unit (2) 13 are synchronized.

In the present embodiment, the detection output of the position detector (1) 9 may be divided and input to the rotary motion unit (2) 13.

Other configurations, operations and effects are similar to those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing an ultrasonic videoscope system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, an ultrasonic probe 300 having a flexible drive transmission portion 2 and outer cylinder 3 can be inserted into a body cavity through a channel of an endoscope.

The ultrasonic videoscope system shown in FIG. 12 includes an ultrasonic videoscope 310 and the ultrasonic videoscope 310.
An observation device 313 in which a videoscope observation device and an ultrasonic observation device are connected to each other, and a monitor 312 connected to the observation device 311 are provided. The ultrasonic videoscope 310 has an elongated and flexible insertion portion 322, and a large-diameter operation portion 323 continuously provided at the rear end of the insertion portion 322, and a side portion of the operation portion 323. The universal cord 324 is extended from. The end of the universal cord 324 is branched into two, and the videoscope connector 32 is provided on one side.
6 is provided, and the ultrasonic connector 327 is provided on the other side. The video scope connector 326, the ultrasonic connector 32
7 are connected to a videoscope connector receiver 328 and an ultrasonic connector receiver 329 provided in the observation device 311 respectively.

An illumination window, an optical observation window, and an ultrasonic observation window are provided at the tip of the insertion section 322. A light distribution lens is provided inside the illumination window, and a light guide is connected to the rear end of the light distribution lens. This light guide is inserted through the insertion section 322, the operation section 323, and the universal cord 324, and is connected to the videoscope connector 326. By connecting this connector 326 to the connector receiver 328, the light is emitted from the light source in the observation device 311. The illuminated light is incident on the incident end of the light guide. An objective lens system is provided inside the optical observation window, and a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD is provided at an image forming position of the objective lens system. This solid-state image sensor has an insertion section 322 and an operation section 32.
3, the observation device 311 through the signal line inserted through the universal cord 324 and connected to the videoscope connector 326
It is adapted to be connected to the optical image signal processing circuit therein. Further, an ultrasonic transducer is provided inside the ultrasonic observation window, and the ultrasonic transducer includes the insertion portion 322 and the operation portion 32.
3, Inserted inside the universal cord 324 and ultrasonic connector 3
It is adapted to be connected to the ultrasonic image signal processing in the observation device 311 via the signal line connected to 27. The optical image signal processing circuit and the ultrasonic image signal processing circuit respectively perform signal processing on the solid-state imaging device and the ultrasonic transducer, and output an optical image video signal and an ultrasonic image video signal signal, respectively. It is supposed to do. The video signal signal of this optical image and the video signal signal of the ultrasonic image are combined and displayed.
It is output to 312, and an optical image and an ultrasonic image are displayed on this monitor 312.

A treatment tool channel is formed in the insertion portion 322, the distal end side of the treatment tool channel is opened at the front end portion of the insertion portion 322, and the rear end side is an insertion opening 331 provided in the operation portion 323. It is open.

In such an ultrasonic videoscope, when the ultrasonic probe 300 is used, the ultrasonic probe 300 is inserted into the treatment tool channel from the insertion port 331 of the ultrasonic videoscope 310, and the distal end side of the ultrasonic probe 300 is inserted. Is projected from the tip side of the ultrasonic videoscope 310. Also,
The ultrasonic connector 333 provided on the ultrasonic probe 300,
It is connected to the ultrasonic connector receiver 329 of the observation device 311. Then, by driving this ultrasonic probe 300, on the monitor 312, an optical image obtained by the ultrasonic videoscope 310,
An ultrasonic image obtained by the ultrasonic probe 300 can be displayed.

The video scope observation device and the ultrasonic observation device do not have to be integrated.

Alternatively, the ultrasonic probe 300 may be inserted into the treatment instrument channel of the videoscope to display the optical image and the ultrasonic image on the monitor, or the ultrasonic probe 300 may be inserted into the treatment instrument channel of the optical endoscope (fiberscope). The sonic probe 300 may be inserted. When an optical endoscope is used, an external television camera may be connected to the eyepiece and an optical image picked up by this television camera and an ultrasonic image may be displayed on the monitor.

The configuration and operation of the ultrasonic probe 300 are similar to those of the first to fourth embodiments.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and for example,
An ultrasonic mirror is provided which fixes the oscillator, reflects the ultrasonic waves emitted from this oscillator and emits it toward the observation site, and reflects the echo from the observation site and sends it to the oscillator.
This mirror may be rotatable and can be moved back and forth.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION As described above, according to the present invention, since the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit performs the rotational movement and the forward / backward movement which are synchronized with each other, the radial image and the linear image can be obtained, and the scanning speed can be increased. Even if it is changed, the relative speeds of rotation and advance / retreat do not change, and there is an effect that a radial image and a linear image can always be obtained under constant conditions.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the control system of the ultrasonic probe, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the drive unit of the ultrasonic probe, FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of this embodiment, and FIG. Is a JK that generates a control signal that reverses the scanning direction
-FF is a circuit diagram, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a clock oscillator, FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a delay circuit,
FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram for explaining the case of changing the scanning speed, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the control system of the ultrasonic probe of the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is the third embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a block diagram showing a control system of an ultrasonic probe, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are related to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control system of the ultrasonic probe. Is a timing chart showing the drive signal of the stepping motor,
FIG. 15 is a front view showing an ultrasonic videoscope system in a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 13 and 14 are explanatory views showing a conventional scanning system for obtaining a radial image and a linear image, and FIG.
The figure is an explanatory view showing a conventional spiral scanning system for obtaining a radial image and a linear image. 1 ... Ultrasonic transducer, 2 ... Drive transmission part 8 ... Rotary motion part (1) 9 ... Position detector (1) 13 ... Rotary motion part (2) 14 ... Position detector (2) 100 ... Control circuit, 101 ... Clock oscillator 102 ... Delay circuit 103 ... Changeover switch

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic probe having an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit capable of rotating and advancing / retracting, comprising: first driving means for rotating the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit; and moving the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit forward / backward. And a control means for synchronously controlling the rotation speed of the first drive means and the advancing / retreating speed of the second drive means so as to have a predetermined ratio. Sonic probe.