JP2014050648A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The real-time property of image display is ensured even when an ultrasonic probe and an apparatus main body are connected by wireless communication.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a wireless communication unit, a monitoring unit, and a communication amount control unit. The wireless communication unit is installed in each of the ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves and the apparatus main body that outputs ultrasonic image data, and connects the ultrasonic probe and the apparatus main body by wireless communication. The monitoring unit monitors an index value of the communication quality of the wireless communication. The communication amount control unit performs control to reduce the amount of data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe to the apparatus main body when the index value monitored by the monitoring unit is less than a threshold value.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  In recent years, development of a wireless ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which an ultrasonic probe and an apparatus main body are connected by wireless communication has been advanced. However, in wireless communication, the communication speed may be reduced depending on the radio wave condition. If communication of data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe takes a long time, the data necessary for generating ultrasonic image data is not updated on the main body of the apparatus, so that the image cannot be displayed in real time and the inspection is hindered. .

JP 2005-58576 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of ensuring the real-time property of image display even when the ultrasonic probe and the apparatus main body are connected by wireless communication.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a wireless communication unit, a monitoring unit, and a communication amount control unit. The wireless communication unit is installed in each of the ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves and the apparatus main body that outputs ultrasonic image data, and connects the ultrasonic probe and the apparatus main body by wireless communication. The monitoring unit monitors an index value of the communication quality of the wireless communication. The communication amount control unit performs control to reduce the amount of data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe to the apparatus main body when the index value monitored by the monitoring unit is less than a threshold value.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining control for reducing the frame rate. FIG. 4A is a diagram (1) for explaining the control for reducing the number of received beams. FIG. 4B is a diagram (2) for explaining the control for reducing the number of received beams. FIG. 4C is a diagram (3) for explaining the control for reducing the number of received beams. FIG. 4D is a diagram (4) for explaining the control for reducing the number of received beams. FIG. 5A is a diagram (1) for explaining the control for reducing the number of received samples. FIG. 5B is a diagram (2) for explaining the control for reducing the number of received samples. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing control for reducing the frame rate. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining control for reducing the bit length per sample. FIG. 10 is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of priority order information corresponding to the imaging region. FIG. 11 is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of the priority order information corresponding to the imaging region. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the imaging mode. FIG. 14 is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of priority order information according to the shooting mode. FIG. 15 is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of the priority order information according to the shooting mode. FIG. 16 is a diagram (3) illustrating an example of the priority order information according to the shooting mode. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a monitor 2, an input apparatus 3, an ultrasonic probe 10, and an apparatus main body 20.

  The monitor 2 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to input various setting requests using the input device 3, and displays an image generated in the apparatus main body 20. Or

  The input device 3 is a device such as a trackball, a switch, a button, or a touch command screen. The input device 3 receives various setting requests from the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and transfers the received various setting requests to the device main body 20. To do.

  The ultrasonic probe 10 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic probe 10 generates an ultrasonic wave, transmits the ultrasonic wave to the subject P, and receives a reflected wave from the subject P. Then, the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment generates reflected wave data from the received reflected wave signal, and transmits the reflected wave data to the apparatus body 20 described later. The ultrasonic probe 10 includes a matching layer provided on the piezoelectric vibrator, a backing material that prevents propagation of ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric vibrator to the rear, and the like.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment includes a transducer 11, a transmission / reception unit 12, and a wireless communication unit 13.

  The transducer 11 is composed of a plurality of vibrators. For example, the vibrator constituting the transducer 11 is a piezoelectric vibrator. The transducer 11 transmits an ultrasonic beam in which ultrasonic waves are focused in a beam shape by generating ultrasonic waves in a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators based on a drive signal supplied from a transmission / reception unit 12 described later. The transducer 11 receives a reflected wave reflected from the subject P and converts it into an electrical signal.

  When an ultrasonic beam is transmitted from the transducer 11 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic beam is reflected one after another at the discontinuous surface of the acoustic impedance in the body tissue of the subject P, and the transducer is converted into a reflected wave signal. 11 is received by a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface where the ultrasonic wave is reflected. The reflected wave signal when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the moving blood flow or the surface of the heart wall depends on the velocity component of the moving object in the ultrasonic transmission direction due to the Doppler effect. , Subject to frequency shift.

  The transmission / reception unit 12 includes a trigger generation circuit, a transmission delay circuit, a pulser circuit, and the like, and supplies a drive signal to the transducer 11. The pulsar circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. In addition, the transmission delay circuit is configured to generate a transmission delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator necessary for determining the transmission directivity by converging the ultrasonic wave generated from the transducer 11 into a beam, at each rate generated by the pulsar circuit. Give to pulse. The trigger generation circuit applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the transducer 11 at a timing based on the rate pulse. In other words, the delay circuit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction from the piezoelectric vibrator surface by changing the delay time given to each rate pulse.

  The transmission / reception unit 12 includes an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, an adder, and the like, and performs various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the transducer 11 to generate reflected wave data. The amplifier circuit amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing, and the A / D converter is necessary to determine the reception directivity by A / D converting the gain-corrected reflected wave signal. Giving long reception delay time. The adder performs an addition process of the reflected wave signal processed by the A / D converter to generate reflected wave data. By the addition processing of the adder, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signal is emphasized, and a reception beam is formed. The transmission / reception unit 12 obtains a reflected wave signal (received signal) having a depth corresponding to the sampling time by sampling the reflected waves successively reflected from the subject P at predetermined time intervals.

  The form of the output signal from the transmission / reception unit 12 is a signal including phase information called an RF (Radio Frequency) signal, an IQ signal, or amplitude information after envelope detection processing. Various forms can be selected.

  As described above, the transmission / reception unit 12 controls the transmission directivity and the reception directivity in ultrasonic transmission / reception. Further, the transmission / reception unit 12 has a function capable of instantaneously changing delay information, transmission frequency, transmission drive voltage, number of aperture elements, and the like under the control of the control unit 26 described later. In particular, the change of the transmission drive voltage is realized by a linear amplifier type oscillation circuit capable of instantaneously switching values or a mechanism for electrically switching a plurality of power supply units. The transmission / reception unit 12 can also transmit and receive different waveforms for each frame or rate.

  The wireless communication unit 13 connects the ultrasonic probe 10 and the apparatus main body 20 by wireless communication. For example, the wireless communication unit 13 receives reflected wave data from the transmission / reception unit 12. Then, the wireless communication unit 13 performs predetermined modulation processing on the received reflected wave data and transmits it to the apparatus body 20 as transmission data. In addition, the wireless communication unit 13 receives an ultrasonic transmission / reception condition transmitted from the apparatus main body 20 and outputs it to the transmission / reception unit 12. The ultrasonic transmission / reception conditions are, for example, information for controlling delay information, transmission frequency, transmission drive voltage, number of aperture elements, and the like.

  The first embodiment can be applied regardless of whether the subject P is two-dimensionally scanned by the ultrasonic probe 10 or three-dimensionally scanned.

  The apparatus main body 20 is an apparatus that outputs ultrasonic image data based on transmission data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21, a B-mode processing unit 22, a Doppler processing unit 23, an image generation unit 24, an image memory 25, a control unit 26, and an internal storage unit. 27.

  The wireless communication unit 21 connects the ultrasonic probe 10 and the apparatus main body 20 by wireless communication. For example, the wireless communication unit 21 receives transmission data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10. The wireless communication unit 21 demodulates the reflected wave data by performing a predetermined demodulation process on the received transmission data, and outputs the demodulated wave data to at least one of the B-mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23. In addition, the wireless communication unit 13 receives an ultrasonic transmission / reception condition from the control unit 26 and transmits the ultrasonic transmission / reception condition to the ultrasonic probe 10.

  The B mode processing unit 22 performs signal processing on the reception signal received by the ultrasonic probe 10. For example, the B mode processing unit 22 receives reflected wave data from the wireless communication unit 21. Then, the B-mode processing unit 22 performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like on the received reflected wave data, and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity at each sample point is expressed by brightness. To do.

  The Doppler processing unit 23 performs signal processing on the reception signal received by the ultrasonic probe 10. For example, the Doppler processing unit 23 receives reflected wave data from the wireless communication unit 21. Then, the Doppler processing unit 23 performs frequency analysis on the velocity information from the received reflected wave data, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and sets the moving body information such as average velocity, dispersion, power, etc. Data extracted for sample points (Doppler data) is generated.

  The image generation unit 24 generates ultrasonic image data from the B mode data generated by the B mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 23. Specifically, the image generation unit 24 converts (scan converts) an ultrasonic scan scanning line signal sequence into a scanning line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, so that B-mode data or Doppler data is obtained. Display ultrasonic image data (B-mode image data or Doppler image data).

  For example, the image generation unit 24 generates color Doppler image data as an average velocity image, a dispersion image, a power image, or a combination image thereof from the Doppler data. For example, the image generation unit 24 generates Doppler waveform image data in which blood flow and tissue velocity information in a range gate set by the operator is plotted along the time series from the time series data of Doppler data. The Doppler waveform image data is generated from Doppler data collected by a continuous wave (CW) Doppler method or a pulsed wave (PW) pulsed Doppler method.

  The image memory 25 stores the image data generated by the image generation unit 24. The image memory 25 stores an output signal (RF signal) immediately after passing through the transmission / reception unit 12, an image luminance signal, various raw data, image data acquired via a network, and the like as necessary. Even if the data format of the image data stored in the image memory 25 is the image data after the scan conversion generated by the image generation unit 24, the data format before the scan conversion generated by the B mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23 is used. It may be raw data.

  The control unit 26 controls the entire processing in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Specifically, the control unit 26 is based on various setting requests input from the operator via the input device 3 and various control programs and various setting information read from the internal storage unit 27. The processing of the mode processing unit 22, the Doppler processing unit 23, and the image generation unit 24 is controlled, and the ultrasonic image stored in the image memory 25 is controlled to be displayed on the monitor 2.

  The internal storage unit 27 stores a control program for performing ultrasonic transmission / reception, image processing, and display processing, diagnostic information (for example, patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), and various data such as a diagnostic protocol. Furthermore, the internal storage unit 27 is also used for storing images stored in the image memory 25 as necessary.

  The overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment has been described above. Based on this configuration, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment performs wireless communication between the ultrasonic probe 10 and the apparatus main body 20, and is based on the reflected wave data acquired by the ultrasonic probe 10. The apparatus main body 20 outputs ultrasonic image data. However, in wireless communication, communication quality may deteriorate due to changes in radio wave conditions. In such a case, as a result of delay in reception of reflected wave data for generating ultrasonic image data on the apparatus main body 20 side, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 cannot secure real-time characteristics of image display. End up.

  Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment performs the process of the control unit 26 described below in order to display an image in real time even when the communication quality is deteriorated.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the control unit 26 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 26 according to the first embodiment includes a monitoring unit 261 and a traffic control unit 262.

  The monitoring unit 261 monitors an index value indicating the communication quality of wireless communication. For example, the monitoring unit 261 monitors the communication speed of wireless communication as one of the index values. That is, the monitoring unit 261 acquires the data amount of transmission data received from the wireless communication unit 13 by the wireless communication unit 21 during a predetermined period from the wireless communication unit 21 as a communication speed. The monitoring unit 261 determines whether the acquired communication speed is less than a threshold value. This threshold value is calculated from the transmission / reception conditions of the ultrasound such as the frame rate, the number of received beams, and the number of received samples, for example, as a communication speed value at which the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can display an image in substantially real time. It is preset in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Then, when the communication speed becomes less than the threshold, the monitoring unit 261 outputs an instruction to the communication amount control unit 262 to perform control for reducing the amount of data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10 to the apparatus main body 20. In the following, a case where the monitoring arm 261 monitors the communication speed will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the monitoring unit 261 monitors the reception intensity and SN ratio of the radio signal received by the radio communication unit 21, the error rate of the reception signal, the propagation delay that is the difference between the transmission time and the reception time of the radio signal, and the like. Also good.

  When the communication speed monitored by the monitoring unit 261 becomes less than the threshold, the communication amount control unit 262 performs control to reduce the amount of data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10 to the apparatus main body 20. In the first embodiment, the communication amount control unit 262 performs control to reduce the data amount of the reception signal received by the ultrasonic probe 10. For example, when the communication amount control unit 262 receives an instruction from the monitoring unit 261 to perform control for reducing the amount of data transmitted from the ultrasound probe 10 to the apparatus main body 20, the communication amount control unit 262 reduces the reflected wave signal from the subject P. Instruction to send to the transmission / reception unit 12. That is, when the communication speed is less than the threshold, the communication amount control unit 262 changes the ultrasonic transmission / reception conditions set at the present time, thereby changing the data amount of the reflected wave signal output from the transducer 11 to the transmission / reception unit 12. To reduce. Thereby, the communication amount control unit 262 reduces the amount of data transmitted to the apparatus main body 20. Here, as an example of a method for reducing the reflected wave signal from the subject P, the communication amount control unit 262 adjusts ultrasonic transmission / reception conditions such as a frame rate, the number of received beams, and the number of received samples. Below, the control which the communication amount control part 262 adjusts the transmission / reception conditions of these ultrasonic waves is demonstrated.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining control for reducing the frame rate. FIG. 3 illustrates a case where transmission conditions for performing ultrasonic scanning for one frame performed by the transducer 11 at the time interval “t” are set. In such a case, the frame rate is “1 / t”.

  Here, when the communication speed is less than the threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262, as illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, instructs to change the transmission condition to perform ultrasonic scanning for one frame at a time interval “2t”. It transmits to the transmission / reception part 12. In such a case, the frame rate is “½t”. As a result, the reflected wave signal received by the transducer 11 is reduced. The time interval t adjusted here may be arbitrarily adjusted by an operator, for example. When reducing the frame rate, it is also possible to maintain the frame rate by interpolating the ultrasonic image data of the frames thinned out in the apparatus body 20 using the ultrasonic image data of the previous and subsequent frames. is there.

  4A to 4D are diagrams for explaining control for reducing the number of received beams. 4A and 4C exemplify a case where the number of reception beams 4a is reduced by changing the transmission condition to reduce the scanning line density without substantially changing the size of the imaging region 4b that is the scanning range. Yes. FIG. 4D illustrates a case where the number of received beams is reduced by changing the transmission condition to reduce the imaging area as the scanning range without changing the scanning line density.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4A, for example, the communication amount control unit 262 sends an instruction to the transmission / reception unit 12 to reduce the number of ultrasonic beams transmitted from the transducer 11 by a certain percentage. As a result, the scanning line density of the imaging region 4c after the change of the transmission condition is reduced from the scanning line density of the imaging region 4 before the change of the transmission condition, the number of reception beams 4a is reduced, and reflection from the subject P is performed. The amount of wave signal data is reduced. In addition, the ratio of the ultrasonic beam to be reduced may be arbitrarily set by an operator, for example.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the communication amount control unit 262 instructs to reduce the number of ultrasonic beams on both sides of the imaging region 4b by a certain percentage without changing the number of ultrasonic beams in the center of the imaging region 4b. Is sent to the transmission / reception unit 12. As a result, the scanning line density of the imaging region 4d after changing the transmission condition is maintained in the central region 4e and decreased in the regions 4f on both sides, thereby reducing the number of reception beams 4a. Since the center of the imaging region 4b is often the operator's region of interest, in such a case, the image quality near the region of interest can be maintained.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 4C, the region of interest 4g may be set by the operator. In such a case, the communication amount control unit 262 maintains the ultrasonic beam for scanning the region of interest 4g, and sends an instruction to the transmission / reception unit 12 to reduce the number of ultrasonic beams in other regions by a certain percentage. . As a result, the scanning line density of the imaging region 4h after changing the transmission condition is maintained in the region 4i including the region of interest 4g and decreased in the other state and in the region 4j not including the region of interest 4g, thereby reducing the number of received beams. Is done.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4D, the communication amount control unit 262 does not change the number of ultrasonic beams at the center of the imaging region 4b and does not transmit an ultrasonic beam on both sides of the imaging region 4b. To send. As a result, the width in the azimuth direction of the imaging region 4k after changing the transmission condition is narrower than that of the imaging region 4b, and the number of received beams is reduced.

  5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining control for reducing the number of received samples. FIG. 5A exemplifies a case in which the number of received samples is reduced by changing the reception condition to reduce the density of the sample points 5a on the reception beam 4a without substantially changing the width of the imaging region in the depth direction. Yes. FIG. 5B illustrates a case in which the number of received samples is reduced by changing to a receiving condition that narrows the width of the imaging region in the depth direction without changing the density of the sample points 5a on the received beam 4a. Yes.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the traffic control unit 262 sends an instruction to the transmission / reception unit 12 to increase the sampling interval at which the transmission / reception unit 12 acquires the reflected wave. As a result, the density of the sample points 5a on the reception beam 4a in the imaging region 5b after changing the reception conditions is reduced as compared with the imaging region 4b, and the number of received samples is reduced. Note that the sampling interval adjusted by the transmission / reception unit 12 may be arbitrarily set by an operator, for example.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the communication amount control unit 262 sends an instruction to the transmission / reception unit 12 to shorten the sampling time for the transmission / reception unit 12 to sample the reflected wave on one scanning line. As a result, the width in the depth direction of the imaging region 5c after the reception condition is changed is narrower than that of the imaging region 4b, and the number of received samples is reduced. In such a case, the traffic control unit 262 may instruct to change the transmission focus as a transmission condition in accordance with the change in the width in the depth direction. In such a case, the communication amount control unit 262 may instruct to change the reception focus as a reception condition in accordance with the change in the width in the depth direction. Further, the sampling time adjusted by the transmission / reception unit 12 may be arbitrarily set by an operator, for example.

  As described above, the communication amount control unit 262 causes the transmission / reception unit 12 to adjust ultrasonic transmission / reception conditions such as the frame rate, the number of received beams, and the number of received samples. Thereby, the communication amount control unit 262 reduces the amount of data transmitted to the apparatus main body 20. The communication volume control unit 262 may adjust not only the ultrasonic transmission / reception conditions described above independently but also a combination of a plurality of transmission / reception conditions. In addition, when the transmission / reception condition of the ultrasonic wave is adjusted, the communication amount control unit 262 may perform control to display on the monitor 2 information indicating that the transmission / reception condition is reduced due to a decrease in the communication speed. . Further, when the transmission / reception condition is adjusted, the communication amount control unit 262 may perform control to display on the monitor 2 an area where the display image has changed in accordance with the adjustment of the transmission / reception condition.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the monitoring unit 261 monitors the communication speed of wireless communication when imaging of an ultrasound image is started (step S101). And the monitoring part 261 determines whether a communication speed is less than a threshold value (step S102).

  When the communication speed monitored by the monitoring unit 261 is less than the threshold value (Yes in step S102), the communication amount control unit 262 performs control to reduce the data amount of the reception signal received by the ultrasonic probe 10 ( Step S103). For example, when the communication amount control unit 262 receives an instruction from the monitoring unit 261 to perform control to reduce the amount of data transmitted from the ultrasound probe 10 to the apparatus main body 20, the frame rate, the number of received beams, and the number of received samples. An instruction to adjust ultrasonic transmission / reception conditions such as the above is sent to the transmission / reception unit 12.

  On the other hand, when the communication speed is not less than the threshold (No at Step S102), the communication amount control unit 262 determines whether or not control for reducing the data amount is being performed (Step S104). When the control for reducing the data amount is being performed (Yes at Step S104), the communication amount control unit 262 releases the control for reducing the data amount (Step S105). If the control for reducing the data amount is not performed (No at Step S104), the communication amount control unit 262 ends the process. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 repeatedly executes the processes in steps S101 to S105 described above.

  As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the wireless communication unit 13 and the wireless communication unit 21 connect the ultrasonic probe 10 and the apparatus body 20 by wireless communication. The monitoring unit 261 monitors a communication quality index value of wireless communication. When the index value monitored by the monitoring unit 261 becomes less than the threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 performs control to reduce the amount of data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10 to the apparatus main body 20. For this reason, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can ensure the real-time property of image display even when the ultrasound probe and the apparatus main body are connected by wireless communication.

  In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the communication amount control unit 262 performs control to reduce the data amount of the reception signal received by the ultrasound probe. For this reason, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 does not have a new processing unit for reducing the amount of data in the ultrasonic probe 10, even when the ultrasonic probe 10 and the apparatus main body 20 are connected by wireless communication. The real time property of image display can be ensured.

  In the first embodiment, the monitoring unit 261 determines whether to perform control to reduce the data amount using a single threshold value. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and a plurality of threshold values are used. It may be determined whether or not to perform control to reduce the data amount. For example, the monitoring unit 261 determines whether or not to perform control for reducing the data amount by using a two-stage threshold value. The monitoring unit 261 reduces the frame rate when the communication speed reaches the first-stage threshold value, and reduces the frame rate when the communication speed reaches the second-stage threshold value, as well as the number of received beams and the received samples. A combination of at least one reduction in number may be performed.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the ultrasonic probe 10 includes the transducer 11, the transmission / reception unit 12, and the wireless communication unit 13 has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the ultrasonic probe 10 may further include a B-mode processing unit 22 and a Doppler processing unit 23 in addition to the transducer 11, the transmission / reception unit 12, and the wireless communication unit 13. In such a case, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can reduce the amount of data output from at least one of the B-mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the data amount of transmission data is reduced by reducing the data amount of data output from the B-mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 10 further includes a B-mode processing unit 22 and a Doppler processing unit 23, as compared with the first embodiment. The point is different. Hereinafter, this will be mainly described.

  The B mode processing unit 22 performs signal processing on the reception signal received by the ultrasonic probe 10. For example, the B mode processing unit 22 receives reflected wave data from the transmission / reception unit 12. Then, the B-mode processing unit 22 performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like on the received reflected wave data, and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity at each sample point is expressed by brightness. To do. The B mode processing unit 22 transmits the generated B mode data to the apparatus main body 20 via the wireless communication unit 13.

  The Doppler processing unit 23 performs signal processing on the reception signal received by the ultrasonic probe 10. For example, the Doppler processing unit 23 receives reflected wave data from the transmission / reception unit 12. Then, the Doppler processing unit 23 performs frequency analysis on the velocity information from the received reflected wave data, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and sets the moving body information such as average velocity, dispersion, power, etc. Data extracted for sample points (Doppler data) is generated. The Doppler processing unit 23 transmits the generated Doppler data to the apparatus main body 20 via the wireless communication unit 13.

  The control unit 26 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the control unit 26 shown in FIG. Among these, the communication amount control unit 262 according to the second embodiment performs control to reduce the data amount of data output from at least one of the B-mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23.

  For example, when the communication amount control unit 262 receives an instruction from the monitoring unit 261 to perform control to reduce the amount of data transmitted from the ultrasound probe 10 to the apparatus main body 20, the B mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23. An instruction to reduce the data amount of data output from at least one of them is sent to the transmission / reception unit 12. Thereby, the communication amount control unit 262 reduces the amount of data transmitted to the apparatus main body 20. Here, as an example of a method for reducing the amount of data output from at least one of the B-mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23, the frame rate is reduced and the bit length per sample is reduced. To do.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing control for reducing the frame rate. FIG. 8 exemplifies B mode data 8a generated at a predetermined frame rate and B mode data 8b synthesized with B mode data 8a of previous and subsequent frames.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the traffic control unit 262 sends an instruction to synthesize the B mode data 8 a of the previous and subsequent frames to the B mode processing unit 22. As a result, the frame rate of the B mode data 8b generated by the B mode processing unit 22 after the instruction is sent is reduced to about half that before the instruction is sent, and the amount of data output from the B mode processing unit 22 is reduced. Is reduced. In addition, although the case where B mode data was synthesize | combined was demonstrated here, embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the B mode data 8a may be discarded at a rate of one out of two B mode data 8a generated by the B mode processing unit 22. Further, the Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 23 may be synthesized. Also, adjacent scan lines in the B mode data 8a may be combined, or adjacent sample points may be combined.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining control for reducing the bit length per sample. FIG. 9 illustrates B-mode data 9c in which each sample point 9b on the scan line 9a is represented by a predetermined luminance value.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the traffic control unit 262 gives an instruction to reduce the bit length when representing the luminance value of each sample point 9b on the scan line 9a of the generated B mode data 9c. To 22. The B mode processing unit 22 generates the B mode data 9c by reducing the bit length when representing the luminance value of each sample point 9b from, for example, 12 bits to 8 bits. As a result, the amount of information related to the luminance value of each sample point 9b after sending the instruction is reduced, and the amount of data output from the B-mode processing unit 22 is reduced. In addition, although the case where B mode data was produced | generated was demonstrated here, embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the bit length of each sample point in the Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 23 may be reduced.

  In this way, the traffic control unit 262 causes at least one of the B-mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23 to reduce the frame rate and the bit length per sample. Thereby, the communication amount control unit 262 reduces the amount of data transmitted to the apparatus main body 20.

  Regarding the processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the communication amount control unit 262 is the first except that the data amount of data output from the B-mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23 is reduced. This is the same as the embodiment. Specifically, the process for performing the control for reducing the data amount in step S103 illustrated in FIG. 6 is the process for performing the control for reducing the data amount of the data output from the B-mode processing unit 22 or the Doppler processing unit 23. The processing for canceling the control for reducing the data amount in step S105 is the processing for canceling the control for reducing the data amount of the data output from the B-mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23.

  As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the B-mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23 perform signal processing on the reception signal received by the ultrasonic probe 10. The communication amount control unit 262 performs control to reduce the amount of data output from at least one of the B-mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23. For this reason, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can ensure the real-time property of image display without changing the ultrasound transmission / reception conditions in the ultrasound probe.

  Note that the communication amount control unit 262 according to the second embodiment may reduce the amount of data transmitted to the apparatus main body 20 in combination with the adjustment of the transmission / reception conditions described in the first embodiment.

  Further, the second embodiment can be applied regardless of whether the subject P is two-dimensionally scanned by the ultrasonic probe 10 or three-dimensionally scanned.

  The second embodiment can be applied even when the image generation unit 24 is provided in the ultrasonic probe 10.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments described above, various parameters used for reducing the amount of data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10 to the apparatus main body 20 have been described. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a case will be described in which the parameters used for reducing the data amount are changed according to the imaging region imaged by the ultrasonic probe 10.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 as an example. In the third embodiment, description of features having the same functions as in FIG. 1 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

  The communication amount control unit 262 according to the third embodiment changes a parameter used for reducing the data amount of data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10 to the apparatus main body 20 according to an imaging part imaged by the ultrasonic probe. To do. For example, the communication amount control unit 262 according to the third embodiment relates to an ultrasound transmission / reception condition, as described in the first embodiment, according to an imaging part (diagnostic part) imaged by the ultrasound probe. Change various parameters. Note that the communication amount control unit 262 acquires an imaging part (heart, liver, etc.) with reference to information on the imaging part input by the operator to the examination menu at the start of the ultrasonic examination, for example.

  In the third embodiment, in order to perform the above processing, the internal storage unit 27 stores setting information in which parameters to be preferentially maintained when the communication speed is lowered are set in order of rank for each imaging region. To do. An example of such setting information will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating an example of priority order information corresponding to the imaging region.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the priority order of parameters that are set when the cardiovascular region is inspected. For example, in the examination of a circulatory region such as the heart, it is a region that includes an organ whose movement is large due to pulsation, so that the temporal resolution of ultrasonic image data is maintained, that is, the frame rate is preferentially maintained. Is required. For this reason, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the priority order of parameters in the circulatory region is “1. Frame rate, 2. Number of beams (density), 3. Number of samples (density), 4. Number of samples (imaging region). Depth), 5. Number of beams (imaging area width) ".

  When the priority order illustrated in FIG. 10 is set, the traffic control unit 262 performs traffic control using, for example, five threshold values. For example, when the communication speed is less than the first threshold, the communication amount control unit 262 changes the fifth parameter “number of beams (imaging area width)” with reference to the setting information illustrated in FIG. 10. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 transmits a transmission condition for narrowing the width in the azimuth direction of the imaging region to the transmission / reception unit 12 (see FIG. 4D).

  For example, when the communication speed is less than the second threshold value, which is smaller than the first threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. ) ”. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 further transmits a transmission / reception condition for reducing the depth of the imaging region to the transmission / reception unit 12 (see FIG. 5B). In other words, the fifth and fourth parameters shown in FIG. 10 are parameters for reducing the imaging area while maintaining the image quality of the ultrasonic image data. When using the fifth and fourth parameters shown in FIG. 10, the traffic control unit 262 changes the transmission / reception conditions to reduce the imaging region so that the region of interest to be inspected is included in the imaging region.

  Further, for example, when the communication speed is less than the third threshold value that is smaller than the second threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. 10 and sets the third parameter “number of samples (density)”. Make changes. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 further transmits a reception condition for reducing the density of sample points to the transmission / reception unit 12 (see FIG. 5A).

  For example, when the communication speed is less than the fourth threshold value, which is smaller than the third threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. 10 and sets the second-ranked parameter “number of beams (density)”. Make changes. Specifically, the communication amount control unit 262 further transmits to the transmission / reception unit 12 a transmission condition that reduces the scanning line density and thins the number of received beams (see FIG. 4A). In other words, the third and second parameters shown in FIG. 10 are parameters that reduce the spatial resolution of the image in a state where the imaging region is narrowed to the region including the region of interest.

  Further, for example, when the communication speed is less than the fifth threshold value which is smaller than the fourth threshold value, the traffic control unit 262 refers to the setting information shown in FIG. 10 and changes the first parameter “frame rate”. Do. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 further transmits a transmission condition for reducing the frame rate to the transmission / reception unit 12 (see FIG. 3).

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the priority order of parameters set when performing an abdominal region examination. For example, in the examination of an abdominal region such as the liver, the presence / absence of a tumor and the grade of malignancy of the tumor are distinguished, so that it is required to maintain the image quality (spatial resolution) of the ultrasonic image data. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10, the priority order of the parameters in the abdominal region is as follows: “1. Number of beams (density), 2. Number of samples (density), 3. Number of beams (imaging region width), 4. Number of samples. (Imaging area depth), 5. Frame rate ".

  When the priority order illustrated in FIG. 11 is set, the traffic control unit 262 performs traffic control using, for example, five threshold values. For example, when the communication speed is less than the first threshold, the traffic control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. 11 and changes the fifth parameter “frame rate”. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 transmits a transmission condition for reducing the frame rate to the transmission / reception unit 12 (see FIG. 3). In other words, the fifth parameter shown in FIG. 11 is a parameter that lowers the frame rate while maintaining the image quality of the ultrasonic image data.

  For example, when the communication speed is less than the second threshold value, which is smaller than the first threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. ) ”. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 further transmits a transmission / reception condition for reducing the depth of the imaging region to the transmission / reception unit 12 (see FIG. 5B).

  Further, for example, when the communication speed is less than the third threshold value which is smaller than the second threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. Width) ”is changed. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 transmits a transmission condition for narrowing the width in the azimuth direction of the imaging region to the transmission / reception unit 12 (see FIG. 4D). In other words, the parameters at the fourth and third positions shown in FIG. 10 are parameters for further reducing the imaging region while maintaining the image quality of the ultrasonic image data although the frame rate is decreased.

  For example, when the communication speed is less than the fourth threshold value, which is smaller than the third threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. 11 and sets the second parameter “number of samples (density)”. Make changes. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 further transmits a reception condition for reducing the density of sample points to the transmission / reception unit 12 (see FIG. 5A).

  Further, for example, when the communication speed is less than the fifth threshold value which is smaller than the fourth threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. 11 and sets the first parameter “number of beams (density)”. Make changes. Specifically, the communication amount control unit 262 further transmits to the transmission / reception unit 12 a transmission condition that reduces the scanning line density and thins the number of received beams (see FIG. 4A).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the imaging of the ultrasound image is started, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the imaging site information input to the examination menu by the operator at the start of the ultrasound examination. Heart, liver, etc.) are acquired (step S201).

  The monitoring unit 261 monitors the communication speed of wireless communication (step S202). And the monitoring part 261 determines whether a communication speed is less than a threshold value (step S203). Here, as described above, when the threshold value to be compared with the communication speed is set in a plurality of stages, the communication amount control unit 262 performs the following determination process. A plurality of threshold values set in n stages are assumed to be “first threshold> second threshold>...> Nth threshold”. In this case, if the communication amount control unit 262 determines that the communication speed is less than the kth threshold value in the previous determination process, the communication amount control unit 262 determines whether the communication speed is less than the k + 1th threshold value in the next determination process. To do. Note that if the communication amount control unit 262 determines that the communication speed is less than or equal to the first threshold value in the previous determination process, the communication amount control unit 262 determines whether or not the communication speed is less than the first threshold value in the next determination process. Further, when it is determined that the communication amount control unit 262 is less than the nth threshold value in the previous determination process, the communication amount control unit 262 determines whether or not the communication speed is less than the nth threshold value in the next determination process.

  When the communication speed monitored by the monitoring unit 261 is less than the threshold (Yes at Step S203), the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the priority order information according to the acquired diagnostic part (Step S204), and the diagnostic part In accordance with the control, control is performed to reduce the data amount (step S205). For example, if the traffic volume control unit 262 is less than the fourth threshold value and the diagnosis site is the heart, the priority control information in the circulatory region is referred to and the second parameter “number of beams (density)” is changed. Do.

  On the other hand, when the communication speed is not less than the threshold value (No at Step S203), the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the priority order information corresponding to the acquired diagnostic part (Step S206), and the data amount currently being performed Is canceled (step S207). The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 repeatedly executes the processes in steps S201 to S207.

  As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, the communication amount control unit 262 transmits from the ultrasonic probe 10 to the apparatus main body 20 according to the imaging part imaged by the ultrasonic probe 10. Change the parameters used to reduce the amount of data to be processed. For this reason, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can output ultrasonic image data suitable for the diagnostic region.

  In the third embodiment, when the frame rate, the number of beams (density), and the number of samples (density) are reduced, the method described in the second embodiment may be applied.

  Further, the third embodiment can be applied regardless of whether the subject P is two-dimensionally scanned by the ultrasonic probe 10 or three-dimensionally scanned.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, a case will be described in which a parameter used for reducing the amount of data is changed according to an imaging mode imaged by the ultrasonic probe 10.

  The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 as an example. Note that in the fourth embodiment, description of features having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

  Here, in the ultrasonic inspection, ultrasonic images are captured in various imaging modes. The imaging mode includes a B mode for capturing a B-mode image, a color Doppler mode for capturing a color Doppler image (hereinafter referred to as C mode), and a mode for capturing a Doppler waveform image (hereinafter referred to as D mode). In the C mode, a region of interest is usually set in a part of the B mode image, and a color Doppler image of the region of interest is captured. In such a case, the B-mode ultrasonic scanning and the C-mode ultrasonic scanning are alternately performed. In the D mode, a range gate is usually set in a part of the B mode image, and a Doppler waveform image of the range gate is captured. In such a case, the B-mode ultrasonic scanning and the D-mode ultrasonic scanning are alternately performed.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the imaging mode. When D-mode imaging is performed, a range gate is set in the B-mode image as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. Then, by transmitting continuous wave ultrasonic waves in a range including the range gate, Doppler waveform image data shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 13 is generated and displayed. When B-mode imaging and D-mode imaging are performed, the main purpose of the operator is to observe in detail a Doppler waveform indicating blood flow information in the range gate. That is, time resolution is prioritized in D-mode imaging. On the other hand, since the B mode image of B mode imaging performed together with the D mode imaging is an image that is referred to as a reference image of a Doppler waveform after setting the range gate, the priority of time resolution is low.

  When B-mode imaging and C-mode imaging are performed, the main purpose of the operator is to observe in detail a color Doppler image indicating blood flow information in the region of interest. That is, time resolution is prioritized in C-mode imaging. On the other hand, the B-mode image of B-mode imaging performed together with C-mode imaging is an image that is referred to as a reference image of the color Doppler image after setting the region of interest, and therefore the temporal resolution priority is low.

  Moreover, as an imaging mode, there exists a puncture mode which performs punctures, such as a biopsy and a radiofrequency ablation (RFA), referring a B-mode image. When puncturing is performed, for example, a puncture adapter is attached to the ultrasonic probe 10. A puncture needle is attached to the puncture adapter, and the doctor inserts the puncture needle attached to the puncture adapter to the target site of the subject P while referring to the B-mode image. In the puncture mode, a guideline indicating the insertion direction of the puncture needle is superimposed and displayed in the B-mode image based on the angle at which the puncture needle is attached to the puncture adapter.

  When B-mode imaging is performed, the main purpose of the operator is to observe the living tissue in detail while referring to the B-mode image. That is, in normal B-mode imaging, priority is given to the image quality (spatial resolution) of the B-mode image. On the other hand, when puncture mode imaging is performed, the main purpose of the operator is to observe the position of the tip portion of the puncture needle drawn with high luminance while referring to the B-mode image. Here, since the tip of the puncture needle moves in order, priority is given to the time resolution of the B-mode image in puncture mode imaging.

  Therefore, the communication amount control unit 262 according to the fourth embodiment uses parameters for reducing the data amount of data transmitted from the ultrasound probe 10 to the apparatus main body 20 according to the imaging mode in which the image is captured by the ultrasound probe. To change. For example, the communication amount control unit 262 according to the fourth embodiment changes various parameters related to the transmission / reception conditions of the ultrasonic wave, as described in the first embodiment, according to the imaging mode. Note that the communication amount control unit 262 acquires the imaging mode (B mode, C mode, etc.) with reference to the imaging mode information input to the examination menu by the operator at the start of the ultrasonic examination, for example.

  In the fourth embodiment, in order to perform the above processing, the internal storage unit 27 stores setting information in which parameters to be preferentially maintained when the communication speed is reduced are set in order of order for each imaging mode. To do. An example of such setting information will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16 are diagrams illustrating an example of priority order information according to the shooting mode.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the priority order of parameters set when B-mode imaging is performed. In order to prioritize the image quality, the priority order of the parameters in the B mode imaging is “1. Number of beams (density), 2. Number of samples (density), 3. Number of beams (imaging area)” as illustrated in FIG. Width), 4. Number of samples (imaging area depth), and 5. Frame rate ".

  When the priority order illustrated in FIG. 14 is set, the traffic control unit 262 performs traffic control using, for example, five threshold values. The priority order shown in FIG. 14 is the same as the priority order shown in FIG. 11 used in the description of the second embodiment, and the traffic amount control performed by the traffic amount control unit 262 is also illustrated in the second embodiment. 11 is the same as the processing described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of parameter priorities set when the B mode imaging is changed to the puncture mode imaging. In order to prioritize the time resolution, the priority order of parameters in the imaging in the puncture mode is “1. Frame rate, 2. Number of beams (density), 3. Number of samples (density), 4” as illustrated in FIG. “Number of samples (imaging area depth), 5. number of beams (imaging area width)”.

  When the priority order illustrated in FIG. 15 is set, the traffic control unit 262 performs traffic control using, for example, five threshold values. The priority order shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the priority order shown in FIG. 10 used in the description of the second embodiment, and the traffic amount control performed by the traffic amount control unit 262 is also illustrated in the second embodiment. Since the processing is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of the priority order of parameters set when B-mode imaging and C-mode imaging are performed. The priority order of parameters in the “B mode + C mode” imaging is exemplified in FIG. 16 in order to make the temporal resolution of the color Doppler image the highest priority by lowering the temporal resolution of the B mode image and the priority of the image quality. The priority order is set. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the priority order of parameters in the “B mode + C mode” imaging is “1. C frame rate, 2. C sample number (density), 3. C beam number (density), 4. B. Sample number (imaging area depth), 5. B beam number (imaging area width), 6. C sample number (imaging area depth), 7. C beam number (imaging area width), 8. B sample number (density), 9. “Number of B beams (density), 10. B frame rate”.

  When the priority order illustrated in FIG. 16 is set, the traffic control unit 262 performs traffic control using, for example, 10 threshold values. For example, when the communication speed is less than the first threshold, the communication amount control unit 262 changes the 10th parameter “B frame rate” with reference to the setting information illustrated in FIG. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 transmits a transmission condition for reducing the frame rate of the B-mode image to the transmission / reception unit 12.

  Further, for example, when the communication speed is less than the second threshold value which is smaller than the first threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. ”Is changed. Specifically, the communication amount control unit 262 further transmits to the transmission / reception unit 12 a transmission condition that reduces the B-line scanning line density and thins the number of received beams.

  For example, when the communication speed is less than the third threshold value which is smaller than the second threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. 16 and sets the eighth parameter “B sample number (density). ”Is changed. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 further transmits to the transmission / reception unit 12 a reception condition for reducing the density of the B-mode sample points.

  For example, when the communication speed is less than the fourth threshold value, which is smaller than the third threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. ”Is changed. Specifically, the communication amount control unit 262 further transmits to the transmission / reception unit 12 a transmission condition that reduces the C-line scanning line density and thins the number of received beams.

  Further, for example, when the communication speed is less than the fifth threshold value, which is smaller than the fourth threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. ”Is changed. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 further transmits to the transmission / reception unit 12 a reception condition for reducing the density of the C-mode sample points.

  For example, when the communication speed is less than the sixth threshold value which is smaller than the fifth threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. Width) ”is changed. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 further transmits a transmission condition for narrowing the width in the azimuth direction of the B-mode imaging region to the transmission / reception unit 12.

  For example, when the communication speed is less than the seventh threshold value which is smaller than the sixth threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. Change the “depth”. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 further transmits a transmission / reception condition for reducing the depth of the B-mode imaging region to the transmission / reception unit 12.

  For example, when the communication speed is less than the eighth threshold value which is smaller than the seventh threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. 16 and sets the third parameter “C beam number (density). ”Is changed. Specifically, the communication amount control unit 262 further transmits to the transmission / reception unit 12 a transmission condition that reduces the C-line scanning line density and thins the number of received beams.

  For example, when the communication speed is less than the ninth threshold value, which is smaller than the eighth threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. 16 and sets the second parameter “C sample number (density). ”Is changed. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 further transmits a reception condition for reducing the density of the C-mode sample points to the transmission / reception unit 12.

  Further, for example, when the communication speed is less than the tenth threshold value which is smaller than the ninth threshold value, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the setting information illustrated in FIG. 16 and changes the first parameter “C frame rate”. I do. Specifically, the traffic control unit 262 transmits a transmission condition for reducing the frame rate of the C-mode image to the transmission / reception unit 12.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17, when the imaging of the ultrasound image is started, the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the imaging mode information input to the examination menu by the operator at the time of starting the ultrasound examination. B mode, C mode, etc.) are acquired (step S301).

  The monitoring unit 261 monitors the communication speed of wireless communication (step S302). And the monitoring part 261 determines whether a communication speed is less than a threshold value (step S303). The process in step S303 is the same as the process in step S203 of FIG.

  When the communication speed monitored by the monitoring unit 261 is less than the threshold (Yes at Step S303), the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the priority order information according to the acquired imaging mode (Step S304), and diagnoses the site. In accordance with the control, control is performed to reduce the data amount (step S305). For example, if the traffic amount control unit 262 is “B mode + C mode” and is less than the seventh threshold, the priority order information in “B mode + C mode” is referred to, and the parameter “B sample number ( Change the imaging area depth).

  On the other hand, when the communication speed is not less than the threshold value (No at Step S303), the communication amount control unit 262 refers to the priority order information according to the acquired diagnostic part (Step S306), and the data amount currently being performed Is canceled (step S307). The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S301 to S307 described above.

  As described above, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the communication amount control unit 262 transmits the ultrasound probe 10 to the apparatus main body 20 according to the imaging mode that is imaged by the ultrasound probe 10. Change the parameters used to reduce the amount of data to be processed. For this reason, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can output ultrasound image data suitable for the imaging mode.

  Note that when the frame rate, the number of beams (density), and the number of samples (density) are reduced in the fourth embodiment, the method described in the second embodiment may be applied.

  Further, the fourth embodiment can be applied regardless of whether the subject P is two-dimensionally scanned by the ultrasonic probe 10 or three-dimensionally scanned.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 monitors the communication speed as one of the communication quality index values has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the monitoring unit 261 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 has a propagation delay that is a difference between the reception intensity and SN ratio of the wireless signal received by the wireless communication unit 21, the error rate of the reception signal, and the transmission time and reception time of the wireless signal. Etc. may be monitored. Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may combine these index values to change parameters used for reducing the data amount. For example, the monitoring unit 261 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may monitor the communication speed and the reception intensity, and may change the parameters when one of them falls below a threshold value.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, the real-time property of image display can be ensured even when the ultrasonic probe and the apparatus main body are connected by wireless communication.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 Ultrasonic probe 13 Wireless communication part 20 Apparatus main body 21 Wireless communication part 22 Mode processing part 23 Doppler processing part 26 Control part 261 Monitoring part 262 Communication volume control part

Claims (5)

A wireless communication unit that is installed in each of an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves and an apparatus main body that outputs ultrasonic image data, and connects the ultrasonic probe and the apparatus main body by wireless communication;
A monitoring unit that monitors an index value indicating the communication quality of the wireless communication;
A communication amount control unit that performs control to reduce the amount of data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe to the apparatus main body when an index value monitored by the monitoring unit becomes less than a threshold value. Diagnostic device.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication amount control unit performs control to reduce a data amount of a reception signal received by the ultrasonic probe. A signal processing unit that performs signal processing of a reception signal received by the ultrasonic probe;
Further comprising
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication amount control unit performs control to reduce a data amount of data output from the signal processing unit.   The communication amount control unit changes a parameter used for reducing a data amount of data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe to the apparatus main body according to an imaging part imaged by the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-3.   The communication amount control unit changes a parameter used for reducing a data amount of data transmitted from the ultrasonic probe to the apparatus main body according to an imaging mode in which an image is captured by the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-3.

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