JP2014190793A - Ultrasonic measurement device and ultrasonic image device - Google Patents

Abstract

An ultrasonic measurement apparatus and an ultrasonic imaging apparatus capable of performing appropriate ultrasonic measurement according to the rotation of a rotary ultrasonic probe are provided.
An ultrasonic measurement apparatus 100 includes a rotating member 330 that is rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis, and a plurality of ultrasonic waves that are disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 330 with a longitudinal direction of the rotating member 330 as a scanning direction. A rotary ultrasonic probe 300 having a transducer device 310 and a detection unit 340 that detects rotation of the rotary member 330 around the rotation axis, a transmission unit 110 that performs ultrasonic transmission processing, and reception of ultrasonic echoes A receiving unit 120 that performs processing, and a processing unit 130 that performs image data generation processing based on a reception signal from the receiving unit. The processing unit 130 controls the transmission unit 110 based on the detection result of the rotation of the rotation member 330 in the detection unit 340.
[Selection] Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic measurement apparatus, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, and the like.

  When acquiring a three-dimensional image or C-mode image with an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, it is necessary to perform ultrasonic measurement while moving an ultrasonic probe having a one-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducer elements in contact with the subject. is there. However, in order to realize this, since high-precision operation is required for the moving speed, direction, etc., a jig or the like that supports these is required, which increases the size and cost of the device. There is. To solve this problem, an ultrasonic probe having a two-dimensional array of elements has been proposed, but there are problems such as a limited range in which an image can be acquired and a complicated circuit.

  To deal with this problem, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which a plurality of element arrays are arranged in a cylindrical shape at equal intervals and rotated.

JP-A-63-70159

  However, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the rotational speed is increased, the position of the element at the time of transmission and the position of the element at the time of reception are changed. As a result, image data is lost and image degradation occurs. There are problems such as.

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic measurement apparatus, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, and the like that can perform appropriate ultrasonic measurement according to the rotation of the rotary ultrasonic probe.

  One aspect of the present invention is a rotating member rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis, and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the rotating member with a longitudinal direction of the rotating member as a scanning direction; A rotary ultrasonic probe having a detection unit that detects rotation of the rotating member around the rotation axis, a transmission unit that performs ultrasonic transmission processing, a reception unit that performs ultrasonic echo reception processing, and A processing unit that performs image data generation processing based on a reception signal from the reception unit, and the processing unit controls the transmission unit based on a detection result of rotation of the rotating member in the detection unit. Related to ultrasonic measurement equipment.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices arranged on the outer peripheral surface of a rotating member can be transmitted and received while rotating around a predetermined rotation axis, a simple configuration Ultrasonic measurement can be performed in a wide measurement range using the ultrasonic transducer device. Furthermore, since the detection unit can detect the rotation of the rotation member and the processing unit can control the transmission unit based on the detection result, it is possible to perform an appropriate ultrasonic measurement according to the rotation of the rotation member. .

  In the aspect of the invention, the processing unit may perform a process of controlling a pulse repetition frequency of the ultrasonic wave of the transmission unit based on the detection result of the rotation of the rotating member.

  In this way, the processing unit can appropriately control the ultrasonic pulse repetition frequency of the transmission unit according to the rotation speed of the rotating member.

  In the aspect of the invention, the processing unit may perform a process of increasing the pulse repetition frequency as the rotational speed increases based on a detection result of the rotational speed of the rotating member.

  In this way, when the rotational speed of the rotating member is fast, it is possible to prevent image data from being lost by increasing the pulse repetition frequency.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the number of transmissions per frame is N, the angular velocity of rotation of the rotating member is ω, the length from the rotating shaft to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member is R, and the plurality of ultrasonic waves When the length in the slice direction of each transducer device is W and the pulse repetition frequency is PRF, the processing unit controls the pulse repetition frequency so that PRF> N × ω × R / W. Processing may be performed.

  In this way, when the angular velocity of rotation of the rotating member changes, the pulse repetition frequency can be appropriately controlled according to the angular velocity.

  In the aspect of the invention, the processing unit may perform a process of controlling the number of transmissions per frame of the transmission unit based on the detection result of the rotation of the rotating member.

  In this way, the processing unit can appropriately control the number of transmissions per frame of the transmission unit according to the rotation speed of the rotating member.

  In the aspect of the invention, the processing unit may perform a process of reducing the number of transmissions per frame as the rotational speed increases based on a detection result of the rotational speed of the rotating member.

  In this way, when the rotational speed of the rotating member is high, it is possible to prevent image data from being lost by reducing the number of transmissions per frame.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the number of transmissions per frame is N, the angular velocity of the rotating member is ω, the length from the rotating shaft to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member is R, and the plurality of ultrasonic transformers When the length in the slice direction of each of the reducer devices is W and the pulse repetition frequency of the transmission unit is PRF, the processing unit is configured so that N <PRF × W / (ω × R) You may perform the process which controls the frequency | count of per transmission.

  In this way, when the angular velocity of rotation of the rotating member changes, the number of transmissions per frame can be appropriately controlled according to the angular velocity.

  In the aspect of the invention, the processing unit may be configured to obtain image data of a first scan frame image acquired when the rotation direction of the rotation member is the first rotation direction, and the rotation direction of the rotation member. A process of generating image data of one scan frame image based on the image data of the second scan frame image acquired in the case of the second rotation direction which is the opposite direction of the first rotation direction; You may go.

  In this way, a high-accuracy ultrasonic image can be obtained over a wide range by performing measurement by reciprocating the rotary ultrasonic probe within the measurement target range.

  Another aspect of the present invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging apparatus that includes any of the ultrasonic measurement apparatuses described above and a display unit that displays display image data.

1A and 1B are basic configuration examples of an ultrasonic transducer element. The structural example of an ultrasonic transducer device and a flexible substrate. A basic configuration example of a rotary ultrasonic probe. The detailed structural example of a rotation type ultrasonic probe. The detailed structural example of a rotating member side contact terminal and a shaft part side contact terminal. The detailed structural example of a rotating member side contact terminal. Inside of a detailed configuration example of a rotary ultrasonic probe. Part of the detailed configuration example of the rotary ultrasonic probe. 3 is a detailed configuration example of a detection unit and a connection unit of a rotary ultrasonic probe. FIG. 10A illustrates a configuration example of a slit plate included in the detection unit. FIG. 10B illustrates an example of a detection signal output from the detection unit. 2 is a basic configuration example of an ultrasonic measurement apparatus and an ultrasonic imaging apparatus. FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are diagrams for explaining missing image data. FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B, and FIG. 13C are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the rotational speed of the rotary ultrasonic probe and the positional change of the ultrasonic transducer device. 14A and 14B are diagrams for explaining control of the pulse repetition frequency. FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining control of the number of transmissions per frame. FIGS. 16A and 16B are examples of control of the number of transmissions per frame. FIGS. 17A and 17B are examples of flowcharts of ultrasonic measurement processing according to the first configuration example of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus. FIGS. 18A, 18 </ b> B, and 18 </ b> C are diagrams illustrating processing for generating one scan frame image based on two image data having different rotation directions. An example of the flowchart of the ultrasonic measurement process by the 2nd structural example of an ultrasonic measurement apparatus. The figure explaining the production | generation of the C mode image by an ultrasonic measuring device. FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B are specific configuration examples of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims, and all the configurations described in the present embodiment are indispensable as means for solving the present invention. Not necessarily.

1. Ultrasonic Transducer Element FIGS. 1A and 1B show a basic configuration example of the ultrasonic transducer element 10 (thin film piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer element). The ultrasonic transducer element 10 includes a vibration film 50 and a piezoelectric element unit 20. The piezoelectric element unit 20 includes a lower electrode 21, a piezoelectric film 30, and an upper electrode 22. In addition, the ultrasonic transducer element 10 of this embodiment is not limited to the structure of FIG. 1 (A) and FIG. 1 (B), a part of the component may be omitted or replaced with another component, Various modifications such as adding other components are possible.

  FIG. 1A is a plan view of the ultrasonic transducer element 10 formed on the substrate 60 (silicon substrate) as seen from a direction perpendicular to the substrate on the element forming surface side. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along A-A ′ of FIG.

  The lower electrode 21 (first electrode layer) is formed, for example, as a metal thin film on the vibration film 50. The lower electrode 21 may be a wiring that extends to the outside of the element formation region and is connected to the adjacent ultrasonic transducer element 10 as shown in FIG.

The piezoelectric film 30 (piezoelectric layer) is formed of, for example, a PZT (lead zirconate titanate) thin film, and is provided so as to cover at least a part of the lower electrode 21. The material of the piezoelectric film 30 is not limited to PZT. For example, lead titanate (PbTiO ₃ ), lead zirconate (PbZrO ₃ ), lead lanthanum titanate ((Pb, La) TiO ₃ ), etc. May be used.

  The upper electrode 22 (second electrode layer) is formed of, for example, a metal thin film, and is provided so as to cover at least a part of the piezoelectric film 30. The upper electrode 22 may be a wiring that extends to the outside of the element formation region and is connected to the adjacent ultrasonic transducer element 10 as shown in FIG.

The vibration film 50 (membrane) is provided so as to close the opening 45 by a two-layer structure of, for example, a SiO ₂ thin film and a ZrO ₂ thin film. The vibration film 50 supports the lower electrode 21, the piezoelectric film 30 and the upper electrode 22, and can vibrate according to the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric film 30 to generate ultrasonic waves.

  The opening 45 is disposed in the substrate 60. The cavity region 40 by the opening 45 is formed by etching by reactive ion etching (RIE) or the like from the back surface (surface on which no element is formed) side of the substrate 60. The resonance frequency of the ultrasonic wave is determined by the size of the vibration film 50 that can be vibrated by the formation of the cavity region 40, and the ultrasonic wave is directed to the piezoelectric film 30 side (from the back to the front in FIG. 1A). Radiated.

  The lower electrode 21 of the ultrasonic transducer element 10 is formed by the first electrode layer, and the upper electrode 22 is formed by the second electrode layer. Specifically, the portion of the first electrode layer covered with the piezoelectric film 30 forms the lower electrode 21, and the portion of the second electrode layer covering the piezoelectric film 30 forms the upper electrode 22. . That is, the piezoelectric film 30 is provided between the lower electrode 21 and the upper electrode 22.

  The piezoelectric film 30 expands and contracts in the in-plane direction when a voltage is applied between the lower electrode 21 and the upper electrode 22, that is, between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The ultrasonic transducer element 10 uses a monomorph (unimorph) structure in which a thin piezoelectric element portion 20 and a vibration film 50 are bonded together. When the piezoelectric element portion 20 expands and contracts in a plane, the bonded vibration film 50 is bonded. Warping occurs because the dimensions remain the same. Therefore, by applying an AC voltage to the piezoelectric film 30, the vibration film 50 vibrates in the film thickness direction, and ultrasonic waves are emitted by the vibration of the vibration film 50. The voltage applied to the piezoelectric film 30 is, for example, 10 to 30 V, and the frequency is, for example, 1 to 10 MHz.

  The driving voltage of the bulk ultrasonic transducer element is about 100 V from peak to peak, whereas the driving voltage is low in the thin film piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer element as shown in FIGS. The voltage can be reduced from the peak to about 10 to 30 V from the peak.

  The ultrasonic transducer element 10 also operates as a receiving element that receives an ultrasonic echo that is returned when the emitted ultrasonic wave is reflected by an object. The vibration film 50 is vibrated by the ultrasonic echo, pressure is applied to the piezoelectric film 30 by this vibration, and a voltage is generated between the lower electrode 21 and the upper electrode 22. This voltage can be taken out as a received signal.

2. Ultrasonic Transducer Device FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the ultrasonic transducer device 310 and the flexible substrates 390a and 390b of this embodiment. The ultrasonic transducer device 310 includes a substrate 60 having a plurality of openings 45 arranged in an array, the ultrasonic transducer element 10 provided in each opening of the plurality of openings 45, a transmission terminal group 312 and a reception terminal group. 314, drive electrode lines DL1 to DL12 and common electrode lines CL1 to CL3. Note that the ultrasonic transducer device 310 and the flexible substrates 390a and 390b of the present embodiment are not limited to the configuration of FIG. 2, and some of the components are omitted, replaced with other components, or other configurations. Various modifications such as adding elements are possible.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic transducer elements 10 are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 12 columns. The ultrasonic transducer element 10 can be configured as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, but is not limited thereto. Further, the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer elements 10 is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, it may be arranged in a matrix of m rows and n columns (m and n are integers of 2 or more), or may be a one-dimensional arrangement (linear arrangement) of 1 row and n columns, for example.

  The drive electrode lines DL1 to DL12 are arranged on the substrate 60 along the Y direction (slice direction). Each of the drive electrode lines DL1 to DL12 is connected to one of the upper electrode and the lower electrode of the ultrasonic transducer element 10 in the corresponding column. For example, the drive electrode line DL2 is connected to the lower electrode (or upper electrode) of the three ultrasonic transducer elements 10 in the second row. One end of the drive electrode lines DL1 to DL12 is connected to transmission signal terminals T1 to T12 included in the transmission terminal group 312 and the other end is connected to reception signal terminals R1 to R12 included in the reception terminal group 314.

  The common electrode lines CL1 to CL3 are arranged on the substrate 60 along the X direction (scanning direction). Each of the common electrode lines CL1 to CL3 is connected to an electrode that is not connected to the drive electrode lines DL1 to DL12 among the upper electrode and the lower electrode of the ultrasonic transducer element 10 in the corresponding row. For example, the common electrode line CL2 is connected to the upper electrodes (or lower electrodes) of the 12 ultrasonic transducer elements 10 in the second row. One end of the common electrode lines CL1 to CL3 is commonly connected to the common voltage terminal C1 included in the transmission terminal group 312 and the common voltage terminal C3 included in the reception terminal group 314, and the other end is connected to the transmission terminal group 312. The common voltage terminal C2 included and the common voltage terminal C4 included in the reception terminal group 314 are connected in common.

  The transmission terminal group 312 includes transmission signal terminals T1 to T12 and common voltage terminals C1 and C2, and is provided on the first long side of the substrate 60. A transmission signal from a transmission unit 110 (FIG. 11) described later is input to the transmission signal terminals T1 to T12, and the input transmission signal is supplied to the ultrasonic transducer element 10 via the drive electrode lines DL1 to DL12. . A common voltage VCOM is supplied to the common voltage terminals C1 and C2. The common voltage VCOM may be a constant DC voltage, and may not be 0 V, that is, the ground potential (ground potential).

  The reception terminal group 314 includes reception signal terminals R <b> 1 to R <b> 12 and common voltage terminals C <b> 3 and C <b> 4, and is provided on the second long side facing the first long side of the substrate 60. The ultrasonic echo received by the ultrasonic transducer element 10 is converted into an electric signal by the ultrasonic transducer element 10, and this electric signal is received later through the drive electrode lines DL1 to DL12 and the reception signal terminals R1 to R12. Is output to the unit 120 (FIG. 11). A common voltage VCOM is supplied to the common voltage terminals C3 and C4.

  The ultrasonic transducer device 310 of the present embodiment can scan the emitted ultrasonic beam along the scan direction (X direction) by performing linear scanning. For example, in the first transmission period, the transmission unit 110 outputs the transmission signal only to the transmission signal terminal T1, and in the second transmission period after the first transmission period, the transmission unit 110 transmits the transmission signal only to the transmission signal terminal T2. Thereafter, the transmission signal is sequentially output from the transmission signal terminal T3 to the transmission signal terminal T12, so that the ultrasonic beam can be scanned along the scanning direction. By scanning the ultrasonic beam along the scanning direction in this way, the processing unit 130 (FIG. 11) described later can generate a one-scan frame image. One scan frame image is an ultrasonic image generated by one scan. For example, a one-scan frame image is an image (B-mode image) that two-dimensionally displays the luminance corresponding to the signal intensity of the ultrasonic echo, with the scan direction as the horizontal direction and the depth direction as the vertical direction.

  The flexible substrate 390a is a flexible substrate that connects the transmission terminal group 312 and the transmission unit 110, and includes a flexible substrate side transmission terminal group 392a. Each terminal of the flexible substrate side transmission terminal group 392a is connected to a corresponding terminal of the transmission terminal group 312. Each terminal of the flexible substrate side transmission terminal group 392a is connected to a corresponding terminal of the plurality of rotating member side transmission contact terminals 394a via a corresponding wiring provided on the flexible substrate 390a. As will be described later, the terminals of the plurality of rotating member side transmission contact terminals 394a are electrically connected to the transmission unit 110 by contacting the corresponding terminals of the plurality of shaft side transmission contact terminals 396a (FIG. 5). Connected to.

  The flexible substrate 390b is a flexible substrate that connects the reception terminal group 314 and the reception unit 120, and includes a flexible substrate side reception terminal group 392b. Each terminal of the flexible substrate side reception terminal group 392b is connected to a corresponding terminal of the reception terminal group 314. Each terminal of the flexible substrate side reception terminal group 392b is connected to a corresponding terminal of the plurality of rotating member side reception contact terminals 394b via a corresponding wiring provided on the flexible substrate 390b. As will be described later, the terminals of the plurality of rotating member side receiving contact terminals 394b are electrically connected to the receiving unit 120 by contacting the corresponding terminals of the plurality of shaft side receiving contact terminals 396b (FIG. 5). Connected to.

3. Rotating Ultrasonic Probe FIG. 3 shows a basic configuration example of the rotating ultrasonic probe 300 of this embodiment. The rotary ultrasonic probe 300 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices 310, a shaft part 320, a rotation member 330, a detection part 340, a connection part 360, and a grip part 302. Note that the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 of the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 3, and some of the components are omitted, replaced with other components, or other components are added. Various modifications are possible.

  The plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices 310 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 330 with the longitudinal direction of the rotating member 330 (the X direction in FIG. 3) as the scanning direction. Each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices 310 is arranged such that the ultrasonic wave emission surface faces the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 330 and the scanning direction is along the direction of the predetermined rotation axis AX. Further, the plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices 310 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 330 so as to be equidistant, for example.

  Then, by rotating the rotating member 330 around a predetermined rotation axis AX, the plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices 310 sequentially contact the subject one by one, and transmit ultrasonic waves and receive ultrasonic echoes. . Specifically, when the rotation member 330 rotates around the shaft portion 320, the plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices 310 rotate around the rotation axis AX, and the superposition positioned on the Z direction side with respect to the rotation axis AX. The acoustic transducer device 310 contacts the subject and transmits ultrasonic waves and receives ultrasonic echoes.

  By doing in this way, ultrasonic measurement can be easily performed in a wide measurement range using an ultrasonic transducer device constituted by a one-dimensional array or a small number of elements.

  The shaft part 320 is, for example, a cylindrical member, and a detection part 340 is provided on the inner peripheral part thereof. The shaft part 320 and the rotating member 330 are rotatably connected by a connecting part 360.

  The rotation member 330 is provided so as to cover at least a part of the shaft portion 320, and is rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis AX. The predetermined rotation axis AX is a central axis of the shaft portion 320, for example. By rotating the rotation member 330 around the rotation axis AX, the plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices 310 can rotate around the rotation axis AX.

  The detection unit 340 is, for example, a rotary encoder, and detects the rotation of the rotating member 330 around the rotation axis AX. The processing unit 130 (FIG. 11) described later controls the transmission unit 110 based on the detection result of the rotation of the rotation member 330 in the detection unit 340. A configuration example of the detection unit 340 will be described later.

  The connection part 360 has a bearing part, for example, and connects the axial part 320 and the rotation member 330 rotatably. A configuration example of the connecting portion 360 will be described later.

  The grip portion 302 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion 320 and supports the shaft portion 320 so that the rotating member 330 can rotate. In the state where a part of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 330 is in close contact with the subject, a force in the moving direction (for example, the Y direction) perpendicular to the rotating shaft direction is applied to the shaft portion 320 via the grip portion 302, thereby 330 rotates. That is, the user holds the grip portion 302 and rotates the rotating member 330 in a state in which a part of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 330 is in close contact with the subject, whereby the plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices 310 are rotated about the rotation axis AX. The rotary ultrasonic probe 300 can be moved in the slicing direction (Y direction) while being rotated around.

  The rotary ultrasonic probe 300 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic measurement apparatus main body by a cable 350.

  Thus, according to the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 of the present embodiment, the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 is moved in the slicing direction while rotating the plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices 310 around the rotation axis AX. Sound wave measurements can be made. By doing so, a plurality of B-mode images in a wide range can be easily acquired using an ultrasonic transducer device having a simple configuration.

  FIG. 4 shows a detailed configuration example of the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view (front view) of the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 viewed from the Y direction side. 4 includes an ultrasonic transducer device 310, a shaft portion 320, a rotating member 330, a detecting portion 340, a connecting portion 360, an acoustic member 304, a reinforcing member 370, circuit boards 380a and 380b, a flexible substrate. Substrates 390a and 390b are included. Note that the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 of the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 4, and some of the components are omitted, replaced with other components, or other components are added. Various modifications are possible.

  Since the ultrasonic transducer device 310, the shaft portion 320, the rotating member 330, the detecting portion 340, and the connecting portion 360 have been described with reference to FIG. 3, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The reinforcing member 370 is a member that reinforces the strength of the ultrasonic transducer device 310 and is bonded to the back surface (the surface on which the opening 45 is provided) of the substrate 60 of the ultrasonic transducer device 310.

  The circuit boards 380 a and 380 b are provided on the inner peripheral portion of the shaft portion 320. At least a part of the transmission unit 110 is provided on the circuit board 380a, and at least a part of the reception unit 120 is provided on the circuit board 380b. By providing at least a part of the transmission unit 110 and at least a part of the reception unit 120 in the rotary ultrasonic probe 300, the wiring connecting the ultrasonic transducer device 310, the transmission unit 110, and the reception unit 120 is shortened. Therefore, efficient transmission / reception processing can be performed.

  The circuit boards 380a and 380b are respectively connected to a plurality of shaft side transmission contact terminals 396a and a plurality of shaft side reception contact terminals 396b provided on the inner periphery of the shaft 320.

  The flexible substrates 390a and 390b connect the ultrasonic transducer device 310 and the plurality of rotating member side contact terminals 394a and 394b, respectively. Specifically, the flexible substrate 390a connects the transmission terminal group 312 (FIG. 2) and the plurality of rotating member side transmission contact terminals 394a, and the flexible substrate 390b includes the reception terminal group 314 (FIG. 2) and the plurality of transmission terminal groups. The rotating member side receiving contact terminal 394b is connected.

  The acoustic member 304 is, for example, an acoustic matching layer or an acoustic lens, and is provided so as to cover the ultrasonic emission surface of the ultrasonic transducer device 310. At least a part of the surface of the acoustic member 304 that faces the surface that contacts the ultrasonic transducer device 310 is exposed from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 330.

  FIG. 5 shows a detailed configuration example of the rotating member side contact terminals 394a and 394b and the shaft side contact terminals 396a and 396b.

  The plurality of rotating member side contact terminals 394a and 394b are provided on the surface of the reinforcing member 370 opposite to the surface on which the ultrasonic transducer device 310 is provided. The plurality of rotating member side transmission contact terminals 394a are connected to the ultrasonic transducer device 310 via the flexible substrate 390a. The plurality of rotating member side receiving contact terminals 394b are connected to the ultrasonic transducer device 310 via the flexible substrate 390b.

  The plurality of shaft side contact terminals 396 a and 396 b are provided on the inner peripheral portion of the shaft portion 320, and at least a part of each terminal is exposed from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 320. The plurality of shaft side transmission contact terminals 396a are electrically connected to the circuit board 380a, and the plurality of shaft side reception contact terminals 396b are electrically connected to the circuit board 380b.

  When the rotating member 330 rotates around the rotation axis AX, the rotating member side contact terminals 394a and 394b corresponding to any one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices 310 are the shaft portion side contact terminals 396a and 396b. Contact with. By doing so, the ultrasonic transducer device 310 located on the subject direction (Z direction) side with respect to the rotation axis AX is electrically connected to the transmission unit 110 and the reception unit 120, and can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. it can.

  FIG. 6 shows a detailed configuration example of the plurality of rotating member side contact terminals 394a and 394b. The plurality of rotating member side transmission contact terminals 394a are connected to the ultrasonic transducer device 310 via the flexible substrate 390a. The plurality of rotating member side receiving contact terminals 394b are connected to the ultrasonic transducer device 310 via the flexible substrate 390b.

  FIG. 7 shows the inside of a detailed configuration example of the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view (side view) of the inside of the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 as seen from the −X direction side.

  As shown in FIG. 7, for example, eight ultrasonic transducer devices 310 are provided on the rotating member 330. When the rotating member 330 rotates around the rotation axis AX, the ultrasonic transducer device 310 on the subject direction (Z direction) side with respect to the rotation axis AX is electrically connected to the transmission unit 110 and the reception unit 120. It is connected and can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves.

  FIG. 8 shows a part of a detailed configuration example of the rotary ultrasonic probe 300. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by A1 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the ultrasonic transducer device 310 is positioned on the subject direction (Z direction) side with respect to the rotation axis AX, the rotation member side contact terminals 394a and 394b and the shaft side contact terminals 396a, 396b contacts each other.

  In FIG. 9, the detailed structural example of the detection part 340 and the connection part 360 of the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 of this embodiment is shown. The detection unit 340 is a rotary encoder, and includes light emitting units 342a and 342b, light receiving units 344a and 344b, and a slit plate 346. The coupling part 360 includes a bearing part 362.

  The light emitting units 342a and 342b are light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes (LED), and the light receiving units 344a and 344b are light receiving elements such as photodiodes (PD). The light receiving units 344a and 344b detect the light emitted from the light emitting units 342a and 342b and passed through the slit provided in the slit plate 346, and output a detection signal to the processing unit 130 as a detection result. The slit plate 346 is fixed to the bearing portion 362 and can rotate around the shaft portion 320 together with the bearing portion 362. A configuration example of the slit plate 346 will be described later.

  In the bearing portion 362, the inner ring is fixed to the shaft portion 320, and the outer ring rotates together with the rotating member 330. The rotation member 330 is fixed to the outer ring of the bearing portion 362 and can rotate around the shaft portion 320, that is, around the rotation axis AX together with the outer ring of the bearing portion 362.

  FIG. 10A illustrates a configuration example of the slit plate 346 included in the detection unit 340. Slit plate 346 has a plurality of A-phase slits SLTa and a plurality of B-phase slits SLTb. The light receiving unit 344a detects light emitted from the light emitting unit 342a and passed through the A-phase slit SLTa. The light receiving unit 344b detects light emitted from the light emitting unit 342b and passed through the B-phase slit SLTb. In the A-phase slit SLTa and the B-phase slit SLTb, the phases of two detection signals (A-phase detection signal and B-phase detection signal) output from the light receiving units 344a and 344b when the slit plate 346 rotates are ¼. It is provided so as to be shifted by a period. By doing so, the processing unit 130 can identify the rotation direction of the slit plate 346.

  FIG. 10B shows an example of a detection signal output from the detection unit 340. When the rotation direction of the slit plate 346 is the first rotation direction, the phase of the A-phase detection signal is advanced by ¼ (TA / 4) of the period TA from the B-phase detection signal. On the other hand, when the rotation direction of the slit plate 346 is the second rotation direction, the phase of the A-phase detection signal is delayed by ¼ (TA / 4) of the period TA from the B-phase detection signal.

  The processing unit 130 obtains the rotational speed information of the slit plate 346 by counting the pulses of the detection signal, and further detects the phase difference between the A phase detection signal and the B phase detection signal to thereby rotate the slit plate 346. Can be identified. Since the rotation member 330 rotates together with the slit plate 346, the processing unit 130 can acquire the rotation speed information of the rotation member 330 and further identify the rotation direction of the rotation member 330 in this way.

4). Ultrasonic Measuring Device FIG. 11 shows a basic configuration example of the ultrasonic measuring device 100 and the ultrasonic imaging device 400 of the present embodiment. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus 100 includes a rotary ultrasonic probe 300, a transmission unit 110, a reception unit 120, and a processing unit 130. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus 400 includes an ultrasonic measurement apparatus 100 and a display unit 410. Note that the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 100 and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 400 of the present embodiment are not limited to the configuration in FIG. 11, and some of the components are omitted, replaced with other components, or other components Various modifications, such as adding, are possible.

  Since the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 has already been described, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The transmission unit 110 performs ultrasonic transmission processing. Specifically, the transmission unit 110 outputs a transmission signal (drive signal) to the rotary ultrasonic probe 300, and any one of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices 310 included in the rotary ultrasonic probe 300. A transmission signal, which is an electrical signal, is converted into an ultrasonic wave, and the ultrasonic wave is emitted to an object. At least a part of the transmission unit 110 may be provided on a circuit board 380 a included in the rotary ultrasonic probe 300.

  The receiving unit 120 performs ultrasonic echo reception processing. Specifically, any one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices 310 included in the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 converts an ultrasonic echo from the object into an electrical signal. Then, the reception unit 120 performs reception processing such as amplification, detection, A / D conversion, and phase alignment on the reception signal (analog signal) that is an electrical signal from the ultrasonic transducer device 310, and the signal after the reception processing The received signal (digital data) is output to the processing unit 130. At least a part of the receiving unit 120 may be provided on the circuit board 380b included in the rotary ultrasonic probe 300.

  The processing unit 130 performs image data generation processing based on the reception signal from the reception unit 120. Further, the processing unit 130 controls the transmission unit 110 based on the detection result of the rotation of the rotating member 330 in the detection unit 340. Specifically, the processing unit 130 performs processing for controlling the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of the transmission unit 110 or the number of transmissions per frame based on the detection result of the rotation of the rotating member 330. More specifically, the processing unit 130 performs processing for increasing the pulse repetition frequency as the rotational speed increases based on the detection result of the rotational speed of the rotating member 330. Alternatively, the processing unit 130 performs a process of reducing the number of transmissions per frame as the rotational speed increases based on the detection result of the rotational speed of the rotating member 330. The control process of the transmission unit 110 by the processing unit 130 will be described in detail later.

  The pulse repetition frequency is a value representing the frequency of repetition of transmission of ultrasonic pulses during a period in which an image of one frame is acquired. That is, it is the reciprocal of the cycle of repeating the transmission of ultrasonic pulses in the period for acquiring an image of one frame. A plurality of ultrasonic pulses may be transmitted in one transmission period. In this case, the pulse repetition frequency is a value representing the frequency of repetition of the transmission period of the ultrasonic pulse in the period for acquiring the image of one frame, and the transmission period of the ultrasonic pulse in the period for acquiring the image of one frame. It is the reciprocal of the cycle of. The ultrasonic pulse is, for example, a sine wave pulse, a rectangular wave pulse, or a triangular wave pulse. Further, the ultrasonic pulse may be a one-cycle pulse, a 1 / 2-cycle pulse, a 2 / 3-cycle pulse, or the like.

  An image of one frame is an ultrasonic image acquired by one scan. For example, the scan direction is a horizontal direction and the depth direction is a vertical direction, and the luminance corresponding to the signal intensity of the ultrasonic echo is 2 It is an image (B mode image) displayed in a two-dimensional manner.

  The display unit 410 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays display image data from the processing unit 130.

  FIGS. 12A, 12 </ b> B, and 12 </ b> C are diagrams for explaining missing image data in a rotary ultrasonic probe that does not perform control processing according to the rotation speed, as a comparative example.

  FIG. 12A shows the timing at which ultrasonic waves are emitted from one ultrasonic transducer device 310 that is in contact with the subject. FIG. 12B shows the timing at which the ultrasonic echo returned due to the reflected ultrasonic wave being reflected by the object.

  The position of the ultrasonic transducer device 310 is moved by rotation during the time from when the ultrasonic wave is emitted until the ultrasonic echo returns. When the moving speed or rotational speed of the rotary ultrasonic probe is high, the ultrasonic transducer device 310 may be separated from the subject as shown in FIG. In such a case, since the ultrasonic transducer device 310 cannot receive the ultrasonic echo, the processing unit 130 cannot generate at least a part of the ultrasonic image data.

  FIG. 12C shows a case where ultrasonic images (B-mode images) FR1 to FR4 are to be acquired while moving the rotary ultrasonic probe in the Y direction. When the rotation speed is high, part of the image data may be lost like the ultrasonic image FR1, or all of the image data may be lost like the ultrasonic image FR3.

  In order to prevent such loss of image data, it is necessary to make the time for acquiring one frame image shorter than the time during which one ultrasonic transducer device 310 is in contact with the subject. In other words, it is necessary to complete transmission / reception for acquiring one frame image within the time when one ultrasonic transducer device 310 is in contact with the subject. Assuming that the number of transmissions per frame is N and the repetition period of transmission and reception is T, the time for acquiring one frame image is given by N × T. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce either one or both of the number of transmissions N per frame and the repetition period T of transmission / reception as the rotation speed increases.

  FIGS. 13A, 13 </ b> B, and 13 </ b> C are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the rotational speed of the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 and the positional change of the ultrasonic transducer device 310. When the radius of the outer periphery of the rotating member 330 is R and the angular velocity (rotational speed) of the rotating member 330 is ω, the moving speed V of the rotating ultrasonic probe 300 is given by V = R × ω. The length of the ultrasonic transducer device 310 in the slice direction is W.

  At time t = 0, as shown in FIG. 13A, one end of the ultrasonic transducer device 310 is in contact with the subject. At time t = (1/2) × W / V, the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 moves in the Y direction by W / 2, and the central portion of the ultrasonic transducer device 310 contacts the subject. At time t = W / V, the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 moves in the Y direction by W from the position at t = 0, and the other end of the ultrasonic transducer device 310 moves away from the subject.

In actual ultrasonic measurement, a pressure (pressing pressure) generated by pressing the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 is applied to the subject, so that a certain degree of dent is generated on the subject surface. Due to the formation of the dent, the entire emission surface of the ultrasonic transducer device 310 can contact the subject for a certain period of time. As can be seen from FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C, the time during which the entire emission surface is in contact with the subject is considered to be shorter than t = W / V. Therefore, it is necessary to make the time N × T for acquiring one frame image shorter than W / V.
That is, it is necessary to satisfy the following inequality.
N × T <W / V (1)
Here, if the moving speed V = R × ω is substituted into the formula (1), the following formula is obtained.
N × T <W / (R × ω) (2)
Further, when the equation (2) is arranged using the pulse repetition frequency PRF = 1 / T, the following equation is obtained.
PRF> N × ω × R / W (3)
Further, the following equation is obtained from the equation (3).
N <PRF × W / (ω × R) (4)

  As described above, in order to prevent the loss of image data, the processing unit 130 sets at least one of the pulse repetition frequency PRF and the number of transmissions N per frame so as to satisfy Expression (3) or Expression (4). Need to control. As can be seen from Equation (3), the processing unit 130 needs to perform processing for increasing the pulse repetition frequency PRF as the angular velocity ω increases. Further, it is necessary to perform a process of reducing the number of transmissions N per frame as the angular velocity ω increases.

  FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are diagrams for explaining the control of the pulse repetition frequency PRF by the processing unit 130. When the rotation speed is slow, as shown in FIG. 14A, since the time N / PRF for acquiring one frame image can be increased, the processing unit 130 uses a low pulse repetition frequency PRF. be able to. On the other hand, when the rotational speed is fast, as shown in FIG. 14B, the processing unit 130 increases the pulse repetition frequency PRF in order to shorten the time N / PRF for acquiring one frame image.

  FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining the control of the number of transmissions N per frame by the processing unit 130. When the rotation speed is slow, as shown in FIG. 15A, the time N / PRF for acquiring one frame image can be increased, so that the processing unit 130 can transmit N times of transmissions per frame. Can be set to a large value NA. On the other hand, when the rotation speed is fast, as shown in FIG. 15B, in order to shorten the time N / PRF for acquiring one frame image, the processing unit 130 transmits the number N of transmissions per frame. Is set to a small value NB (NA> NB).

  FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B show an example of control of the number of transmissions N per frame by the processing unit 130. As described above, the ultrasonic transducer device 310 of the present embodiment can scan the outgoing ultrasonic beam along the scan direction (X direction) by performing linear scanning.

  When the rotation speed is slow, as shown in FIG. 16A, in the first transmission period, the transmission unit 110 outputs a transmission signal to the transmission signal terminal T1, and the second transmission after the first transmission period. In the transmission period, the transmission unit 110 outputs a transmission signal to the transmission signal terminal T2, and thereafter, sequentially outputs the transmission signal from the transmission signal terminal T3 to the transmission signal terminal T12, thereby acquiring one frame image. On the other hand, when the rotation speed is high, as shown in FIG. 16B, in the first transmission period, the transmission unit 110 outputs a transmission signal to the transmission signal terminal T2, and the first transmission period after the first transmission period. In the transmission period 2, the transmission unit 110 outputs a transmission signal to the transmission signal terminal T4, and thereafter outputs the transmission signal only to the even-numbered transmission signal terminal, thereby halving the number of transmissions N per frame. One frame image can be acquired.

  FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are examples of flowcharts of ultrasonic measurement processing according to the first configuration example of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. The flow shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B is executed by the processing unit 130. In the first configuration example, the processing unit 130 controls the pulse repetition frequency PRF or the number of transmissions N per frame based on the rotation speed detection result.

  When the pulse repetition frequency PRF is controlled based on the detection result of the rotation speed, as shown in FIG. 17A, first, the processing unit 130 rotates based on the detection result of the rotation of the detection unit 340. A process for detecting the rotational speed of the member 330 is performed (step S11). Next, the processing unit 130 sets a pulse repetition frequency PRF based on the detection result of the rotation speed (step S12). Specifically, the pulse repetition frequency PRF is set so as to satisfy Equation (3).

  Subsequently, the processing unit 130 performs transmission / reception processing based on the set pulse repetition frequency PRF (step S13). Next, one frame image data generation processing is performed based on the received signal (step S14). Then, the process returns to step S11, and the process for acquiring the next one-frame image data is repeated.

  When controlling the number of transmissions N per frame based on the detection result of the rotation speed, first, as shown in FIG. 17B, the processing unit 130 is based on the detection result of the rotation of the detection unit 340. Then, the rotation speed detection process of the rotating member 330 is performed (step S21). Next, the processing unit 130 sets the number of transmissions N per frame based on the rotation speed detection result (step S22). Specifically, the number of transmissions N per frame is set so as to satisfy Equation (4).

  Subsequently, the processing unit 130 performs transmission / reception processing based on the set transmission count N per frame (step S23). Next, one frame image data is generated based on the received signal (step S24). Then, the process returns to step S21, and the process for acquiring the next one-frame image data is repeated.

  Note that the processing unit 130 may perform a process of setting both the pulse repetition frequency PRF and the number of transmissions N per frame based on the detection result of the rotation speed.

  Thus, according to the first configuration example of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the processing unit 130 determines the pulse repetition frequency PRF and the number of transmissions N per frame based on the detection result of the rotation speed. Since at least one of them can be controlled, it is possible to prevent image data from being lost even when the rotation speed is high.

  18A, 18B, and 18C show one scan frame based on two pieces of image data having different rotation directions according to the second configuration example of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. It is a figure explaining the process which produces | generates an image.

  According to the second configuration example, the processing unit 130 obtains the image data of the first scan frame image acquired when the rotation direction of the rotation member 330 is the right rotation direction (first rotation direction in a broad sense). And image data of one scan frame image acquired based on the image data of the second scan frame image acquired when the rotation direction of the rotation member 330 is the left rotation direction (second rotation direction in a broad sense). Can be generated.

  FIG. 18A shows a case where the rotation member 330 rotates to the right, and the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 performs measurement while moving from one end to the other end of the measurement target range. The processing unit 130 sequentially acquires from FR0a to FRka (k is a natural number) as a first scan frame image while the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 is moving. Each time the processing unit 130 acquires one first scan frame image, it saves it in the storage area of the corresponding memory number M. For example, the first scan frame image FR0a is stored in the storage area of the memory number M = 0, the first scan frame image FR1a is stored in the storage area of the memory number M = 1, and the first acquired first The scan frame image FRka is stored in the storage area of the memory number M = k.

  FIG. 18B shows a case where the rotating member 330 rotates counterclockwise and the rotating ultrasonic probe 300 performs measurement while returning from the other end to the other end of the measurement target range. The processing unit 130 sequentially acquires from FRkb to FR0b as the second scan frame image while the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 is moving. At this time, the processing unit 130 performs an averaging process on the first scan frame images FR0a to FRka and the second scan frame images FR0b to FRkb stored in the storage area of the memory number M = 0 to k. Then, the averaged image data is stored in the storage area of the memory number M = 0 to k. That is, as shown in FIG. 18C, the first scan frame images FR0a to FRka and the second scan frame images FR0b to FRkb are averaged in the storage area of the memory number M = 0 to k. Image data is saved. For example, the memory number M = 0 stores image data obtained by averaging the first scan frame image FR0a and the second scan frame image FR0b.

  Note that the process of generating the image data of one scan frame image based on the left rotation image data and the right rotation image data is not limited to the averaging process described above. Other image processing techniques may be used.

  Thus, according to the second configuration example of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, more accurate image data is obtained based on the image data acquired by the right rotation and the image data acquired by the left rotation. be able to. For example, the measurement is performed by rotating the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 rightward from one end to the other end of the measurement target range, and then rotating the left end from the other end to the other end and measuring while returning, that is, reciprocally measuring. Thus, an ultrasonic image with high accuracy can be obtained in a wide range.

  FIG. 19 is an example of a flowchart of ultrasonic measurement processing according to the second configuration example of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. The flow shown in FIG. 19 is executed by the processing unit 130.

  First, the processing unit 130 sets a memory number M for designating a storage area for storing image data to an initial value M = 0 (step S31).

  Next, the processing unit 130 performs a detection process of the rotation speed and the rotation direction of the rotation member 330 based on the rotation detection result of the detection unit 340 (step S32).

  Next, the processing unit 130 sets at least one of the pulse repetition frequency PRF and the number of transmissions N per frame based on the detection result of the rotation speed, and performs transmission / reception processing (step S33). Then, the processing unit 130 generates image data of one scan frame image (B mode image) based on the received signal (step S34).

  Next, the processing unit 130 determines whether or not the rotating member 330 is rotating based on the rotation detection result of the detecting unit 340 (step S35). If the rotating member 330 is rotating, the processing unit 130 determines whether the rotation direction is right rotation (step S36).

  When the rotation direction of the rotation member 330 is right rotation, the processing unit 130 adds 1 to the memory number M (step S37). When the rotation direction of the rotation member 330 is left rotation, the processing unit 130 subtracts 1 from the memory number M (step S38). When the rotating member 330 is not rotating, the processing unit 130 does not change the memory number M. That is, the memory number M is incremented in the case of right rotation, the memory number M is decremented in the case of left rotation, and the memory number M does not change when not rotating. In this way, the same memory number M can be specified for the right-rotated image data and the left-rotated image data acquired at the same measurement position (slice position).

  Next, the processing unit 130 determines whether image data is stored in the storage area designated by the memory number M (step S39). If the image data has already been stored, the processing unit 130 performs an averaging process between the already stored image data and the newly acquired image data (step S40). Then, the processing unit 130 stores the image data generated by the averaging process in the storage area of the memory number M (Step S41).

  When the image data is not stored in the storage area designated by the memory number M, the processing unit 130 stores the newly acquired image data in the storage area of the memory number M without performing the averaging process. (Step S41).

  In the flow shown in FIG. 19, when the rotation direction at the time of the first measurement is the left rotation, the memory number M becomes negative (step S38), but the processing unit 130 has a negative memory number M. Also, by making the storage areas correspond, processing can be executed without any problem.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining generation of a C-mode image by the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, the C-mode image is image data of n (n is an integer of 2 or more) 1 scan frame images (B-mode images) acquired while the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 is moving. It is an ultrasonic image regarding the cross section of the predetermined depth of the test object produced | generated based on. Specifically, the distance traveled by the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 from the acquisition of the first B-mode image data to the acquisition of the n-th B-mode image data is YD, and the ultrasonic transducer device 310 When the scan width is WS, the C-mode image is an ultrasonic image related to a cross section having a predetermined depth ZA with respect to a rectangular area having a long side length of YD and a short side length of WS, for example.

  The processing unit 130 performs ultrasonic measurement while the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 is moving, so that, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, image data of one scan frame (image of a B-mode image) at different locations (slice positions). Data) BM1 to BM5 are acquired. The movement distance YA from the acquisition of the image data BM1 to the acquisition of the next image data BM2 is given by YA = R × θ. Here, R is a radius of the outer periphery of the rotating member 330, and θ is an arrangement angle pitch of the ultrasonic transducer device 310. Since the movement distance YA is constant, the processing unit 130 can specify the slice positions of the image data BM1 to BM5.

  Based on the image data of the portion corresponding to the depth ZA included in the image data BM1 to BM5, the processing unit 130 determines a predetermined value for a rectangular region having a long side length YD and a short side length WS. A C-mode image CM which is an ultrasonic image related to a cross section having a depth ZA can be generated. The user can set the depth ZA of the C-mode image CM.

  As described above, according to the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a simple ultrasonic configuration can be obtained by using a rotary ultrasonic probe including a plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices having a one-dimensional array or a small number of elements. A plurality of B-mode images in a wide range can be easily acquired using the acoustic transducer device. Furthermore, since at least one of the pulse repetition frequency and the number of transmissions per frame can be controlled based on the detection result of the rotation speed, it is possible to prevent image data from being lost even when the rotation speed is high. . Further, by performing image processing based on the image data acquired by the right rotation and the image data acquired by the left rotation, a highly accurate ultrasonic image can be obtained. As a result, it is possible to realize an ultrasonic measurement apparatus (ultrasonic image apparatus) that can generate a highly accurate C-mode image or the like in a wide measurement range.

4). Ultrasonic Image Device FIGS. 21A and 21B show a specific configuration example of the ultrasonic image device 400 of the present embodiment. FIG. 21A shows a portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus 400, and FIG. 21B shows a stationary ultrasonic imaging apparatus 400.

  Both the portable and stationary ultrasonic imaging apparatuses 400 include an ultrasonic measurement apparatus main body 102, a rotary ultrasonic probe 300, a cable 350, and a display unit 410. The rotary ultrasonic probe 300 includes an ultrasonic transducer device 310 and is connected to the ultrasonic measurement apparatus main body 102 by a cable 350. The display unit 410 displays display image data.

  At least a part of the transmission unit 110, the reception unit 120, and the processing unit 130 included in the ultrasonic measurement device 100 may be provided in the rotary ultrasonic probe 300 instead of the ultrasonic measurement device main body 102.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, a term described at least once together with a different term having a broader meaning or the same meaning in the specification or the drawings can be replaced with the different term in any part of the specification or the drawings. The configurations and operations of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus and the ultrasonic image apparatus are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

10 ultrasonic transducer elements, 20 piezoelectric elements,
21 first electrode layer (lower electrode), 22 second electrode layer (upper electrode),
30 piezoelectric film (piezoelectric layer), 40 cavity region, 45 opening, 50 vibration film,
60 substrates,
100 ultrasonic measurement device, 102 ultrasonic measurement device main body, 110 transmission unit,
120 receiving unit, 130 processing unit, 300 rotary ultrasonic probe, 302 gripping unit,
304 acoustic member, 310 ultrasonic transducer device, 320 shaft,
330 rotating member, 340 detector, 342a, 342b light emitter,
344a, 344b light receiving part, 346 slit plate, 350 cable, 360 connecting part,
362 bearing portion, 370 reinforcing member, 380a, 380b circuit board,
382 support member, 390a, 390b flexible substrate,
394a, 394b Rotating member side contact terminal, 396a, 396b Shaft side contact terminal,
400 Ultrasonic imaging device, 410 Display unit

Claims (9)

A rotation member rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis; a plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the rotation member with a longitudinal direction of the rotation member as a scanning direction; and the rotation axis of the rotation member A rotary ultrasonic probe having a detection unit for detecting rotation around, and
A transmission unit that performs ultrasonic transmission processing;
A receiving unit that performs ultrasonic echo reception processing;
A processing unit that performs image data generation processing based on a reception signal from the reception unit;
Including
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus, wherein the processing unit controls the transmission unit based on a detection result of rotation of the rotating member in the detection unit. In claim 1,
The processor is
An ultrasonic measurement apparatus that performs processing for controlling a pulse repetition frequency of an ultrasonic wave of the transmission unit based on the detection result of rotation of the rotating member. In claim 2,
The processor is
Based on the detection result of the rotation speed of the rotating member,
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus that performs a process of increasing the pulse repetition frequency as the rotation speed increases. In claim 3,
The number of transmissions per frame is N, the angular velocity of rotation of the rotating member is ω, the length from the rotating shaft to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member is R, and the slice direction of each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices Is W and the pulse repetition frequency is PRF,
The processor is
PRF> N × ω × R / W
An ultrasonic measurement apparatus that performs processing for controlling the pulse repetition frequency so that In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The processor is
An ultrasonic measurement apparatus that performs a process of controlling the number of transmissions per frame of the transmission unit based on the detection result of the rotation of the rotating member. In claim 5,
The processor is
Based on the detection result of the rotation speed of the rotating member,
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus, which performs a process of reducing the number of transmissions per frame as the rotation speed increases. In claim 6,
The number of transmissions per frame is N, the angular velocity of rotation of the rotating member is ω, the length from the rotating shaft to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member is R, and each slice of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer devices When the direction length is W and the pulse repetition frequency of the transmitter is PRF,
The processor is
N <PRF × W / (ω × R)
An ultrasonic measurement apparatus that performs a process of controlling the number of transmissions per frame so that In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
The processor is
The image data of the first scan frame image acquired when the rotation direction of the rotation member is the first rotation direction, and the rotation direction of the rotation member is a direction opposite to the first rotation direction. An ultrasonic measurement apparatus that performs processing for generating image data of one scan frame image based on image data of a second scan frame image acquired when the rotation direction is two. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays display image data.

Images