Patent Translate Powered by EPO and Google Notice This translation is machine-generated. It cannot be guaranteed that it is intelligible, accurate, complete, reliable or fit for specific purposes. Critical decisions, such as commercially relevant or financial decisions, should not be based on machine-translation output. DESCRIPTION JP2007289555 The present invention provides a highly reliable ultrasonic probe that does not interfere with diagnosis or operation by detecting positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 due to an impact or the like during handling. A back electromotive force monitoring circuit monitors a back electromotive force of a drive motor. After the back electromotive force is detected, the attention of the examiner can be called up by displaying the positional deviation, and the inspection can be continued without any trouble in the operation by returning the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 to the normal position. [Selected figure] Figure 1 Ultrasound probe [0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe, for example, to an ultrasonic probe used in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for obtaining an image in a subject using ultrasonic waves. [0002] Conventionally, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1 below, an arbitrary tomographic pattern is generated by electronic scanning of the array direction of the ultrasonic transducers and mechanical scanning that moves or swings in a direction orthogonal to the electronic scanning direction. Medical ultrasonic probes capable of constructing images and stereo images are known. [0003] 13-04-2019 1 FIG. 5 is a view showing the configuration of the above-described conventional ultrasonic probe. In FIG. 5, an ultrasonic transducer assembly 101 configured to include a plurality of arranged ultrasonic transducers (not shown) is integrally attached to an arm 105, and an arm 105 has an oscillating shaft 106. Are integrally connected at both ends of the The rocking shaft 106 is rotatably supported by a rocking bearing 107 assembled to the base 104, and further, a first pulley 108, a belt 109, and a second structure integrally assembled to the rocking shaft 106. It is engaged with the motor output shaft 112 of the drive motor 111 via the pulley 110. The origin detector 116 includes a transmitter 116a fixed to the arm 105 and swinging with the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101, and a receiver 116b for receiving a signal from the transmitter 116a. The receiver 116b is electrically connected to the origin detector 117. To detect the origin of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101. The acoustic window 103 has a bell shape and is disposed so as to cover the outer side of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101, and a liquid acoustic transmission medium is enclosed inside the acoustic window 103. [0004] In the above configuration, according to the drive control command issued from storage unit 115 storing the contents of input unit 114 and input unit 114 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, drive motor 111 is driven via drive / control circuit 113. The ultrasonic transducer assembly 101 can be rocked about the rocking shaft 106 by reverse rotation driving. Therefore, the electronic scan for the plurality of ultrasonic transducers constituting the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101, and the mechanical scan by the oscillation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101 around the oscillation axis 106, can be arbitrary in the subject. It is possible to acquire tomographic images and stereoscopic images of Furthermore, a tomographic image at a desired position in real time is obtained by rotating the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101 about the swinging axis 106 to an arbitrary position and holding the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101 at the rotation destination position. You can get Japanese Examined Patent Publication 7-38851 [0005] However, in such a conventional ultrasonic probe, when acquiring a tomographic image in a fixed 13-04-2019 2 position in real time, the position is different from the desired position due to the positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly due to an impact or the like during handling. There is a problem that a tomogram at a position can be obtained. For example, the ultrasonic probe is brought into contact with a non-specimen, the position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly is fixed, a tomographic image of a desired position is acquired, and then the ultrasonic probe is operated to operate the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body. Such a problem occurs when, for example, the object is accidentally hit against a nearby object or the impact upon placing the ultrasonic probe is strong when the object is removed from the non-specimen. At this time, it was necessary to make sure that the examiner did not notice and continued the examination. Also, even if the examiner notices that the image has changed, in order to return to the image of the normal position, input again to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and position the ultrasonic transducer assembly in the original position. It had to be fixed, and there was a problem that a series of tasks would be hindered. [0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and in the case of raising the position while holding the ultrasonic transducer assembly in a desired position, the positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly can be reliably made. An object of the present invention is to provide a reliable ultrasonic probe that can be detected. [0007] In the ultrasonic probe according to the present invention, an ultrasonic transducer assembly in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves are arrayed, and a direction orthogonal to the array direction of the ultrasonic transducers in the ultrasonic transducer assembly And a home position detection means for detecting a home position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, and when the ultrasonic transducer assembly is held at a desired position, the back movement of the drive motor is performed. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is configured to detect misalignment of the ultrasonic transducer assembly by monitoring and detecting power. [0008] With this configuration, when the ultrasonic transducer assembly is fixed at an arbitrary position and a desired tomographic image is acquired in real time, positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly occurs and the position at which the tomographic image is acquired changes. Also, misalignment of the ultrasonic transducer assembly can be detected. [0009] 13-04-2019 3 The ultrasonic probe according to the present invention is configured to detect displacement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly and to notify occurrence of displacement. [0010] With this configuration, even if the position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly is shifted due to an impact or the like at the time of handling and the position to obtain the tomographic image is changed, it is surely notified to the examiner that the position to obtain the tomographic image has changed. Can. [0011] In the ultrasonic probe according to the present invention, the positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly is detected, and the ultrasonic probe is configured to return to the holding position before the positional deviation. [0012] With this configuration, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is automatically returned to the original holding position even if the position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly is shifted due to an impact or the like at the time of handling and the position for acquiring a tomographic image changes. Since the original regular tomogram can be displayed, there is no hindrance to the work of the examiner. [0013] In the ultrasonic probe according to the present invention, the positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly is detected and returned to the holding position before the positional deviation, and the positional deviation is detected using the back electromotive force of the drive motor. Detecting the direction. [0014] According to this configuration, it is possible to detect the misregistration direction at low cost without adding a special part. [0015] In the ultrasonic probe according to the present invention, the positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly is detected and returned to the holding position before the positional deviation, and the positional deviation is detected using the back electromotive force 13-04-2019 4 of the drive motor. The amount is detected. [0016] According to this configuration, the amount of misalignment can be detected inexpensively without adding a special part. [0017] As described above, according to the present invention, the positional displacement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly is detected by monitoring and detecting the back electromotive force of the drive motor when holding the ultrasonic transducer assembly in a desired position. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a highly reliable ultrasound probe that can reliably detect even if a displacement occurs from the holding position and the tomographic image changes. [0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [0019] FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of an ultrasound probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic probe shown in FIG. 1 includes an ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (not shown) are arranged, and the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 is configured to focus ultrasonic waves. A lens that mechanically determines, a back cushioning material that suppresses the transmission of ultrasonic waves to the back surface in the direction of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a matching layer that matches acoustic impedance (both not shown), and an ultrasonic transducer A connecting member 2 for transmitting and receiving electrical signals is integrally assembled with the ultrasonic transducer. [0020] 13-04-2019 5 The acoustic window 3 has a bell shape and is disposed so as to surround from the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving side of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1, the inside is filled with a liquid acoustic transmission medium (not shown), and the outside is a non-specimen Contact. As a result, the ultrasonic waves transmitted and received by the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 are efficiently transmitted between the object through the acoustic transmission medium and the member of the acoustic window 3 without passing through the air layer. [0021] The base 4 is a support member that supports each component so that each component is at a desired position. Further, the base 4 cooperates with the acoustic window 3 to fill and seal the acoustic transmission medium in a sealed state. [0022] The arm 5 is integrally coupled inside the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 to support the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1. A rocking shaft 6 serving as a rocking center of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 is integrally formed with the arm 5 and rotatably held by a rocking bearing 7 assembled to the base 4. Further, the rocking shaft 6 is engaged with the motor output shaft 12 of the drive motor 11 through a first pulley 8, a belt 9 and a second pulley 10 integrally assembled to the rocking shaft 6. The drive motor 11 is electrically connected to the drive / control circuit 13 incorporated in the ultrasonic probe or the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, and the contents of the input unit 14 and the input section 14 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body are The drive 13-04-2019 6 motor 11 is operated in accordance with a drive control command issued from the storage unit 15 stored. [0023] The origin detector 16 comprises a transmitter 16a fixed to the arm 5 and swinging with the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1, and a receiver 16b receiving a signal from the transmitter 16a. The receiver 16b is electrically connected to an origin detector circuit 17 configured in the ultrasonic probe or the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. [0024] The drive motor 11 is connected to a back electromotive force monitoring and detection circuit 18 configured in the ultrasonic probe or the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, and further connected to the display device 19 configured in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. ing. [0025] Next, the operation of the ultrasonic probe configured as described above will be described. When the examiner acquires a tomographic image of a desired position of a subject in real time, the acoustic window 3 of the ultrasound probe is brought into contact with the subject, and the input unit 14 configured in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body The examiner inputs a drive control command from the input and causes the drive and control circuit 13 to drive the drive motor 11 to pass through the motor output shaft 12, the second pulley 10, the belt 9, the first pulley 8 and the swing shaft 6. The ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 is moved to a desired position. After the movement is completed, the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 is held, for example, by the holding torque of the drive motor 11, and a tomographic image is acquired by electronic scanning of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1. 13-04-2019 7 [0026] After the acquisition of the tomogram, for example, when the desired region calculation is performed on the acquired tomogram in place, the ultrasound probe is once separated from the subject and does not disturb the operation. It is necessary to put an ultrasound probe on the spot. At this time, when a strong impact is given to the ultrasonic probe such as applying an impact when the ultrasonic probe is accidentally hit or placed around, the swinging shaft 6 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 by the impact is When the rotational torque at the center exceeds the torque for holding the ultrasonic transducer assembly, misalignment of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 occurs. [0027] At this time, the motor output shaft 12 is also rotated via the belt 9 or the like, and the relative position of the coil and magnet (both not shown) formed inside the drive motor 11 changes. As a result, the magnetic flux linked to the coil also changes, and a back electromotive force is generated at both ends of the coil of the drive motor 11 in proportion to the time change rate of the change of the magnetic flux. By detecting this back electromotive force with, for example, a back electromotive force monitoring and detection circuit 18 configured by a comparator or the like, it is possible to detect that the positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 has occurred. [0028] In response to the detection of the back electromotive force, the display device 19 connected to the back electromotive force monitoring / detection circuit 18 may notify, for example, the examiner that the ultrasonic assembly 1 has been displaced. it can. 13-04-2019 8 Therefore, even if the examiner brings the ultrasonic probe into contact with the subject at the same position next time the ultrasonic probe is brought into contact with the subject, the positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 It can be reliably recognized that the tomographic image to be acquired has changed due to the occurrence. In addition, it is possible to be aware of the influence of the impact upon handling on the ultrasound probe and to draw attention so as not to give an impact upon subsequent handling. [0029] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, in response to the detection of the back electromotive force by the back electromotive force monitoring and detection circuit 18, a drive command is issued to the drive and control circuit 13 and the origin detector 16 and the origin detection circuit 17 are origin. The ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 can be returned to the origin by operating until it detects. Further, the position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 input to the input unit 14 by the examiner is stored in the storage unit 15 so that storage is performed by a drive control instruction given from the storage unit 15 to the drive and control circuit 13 after returning to the origin. By operating the drive motor 11 to the position stored in the unit 15, the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 can be returned to the normal position before the impact is applied. [0030] FIG. 2 schematically shows the position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 from displacement due to impact to return, where (a) shows the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 held in the normal position, (b ) Shows a state of being displaced from the holding position by impact, (c) shows a state of returning to the origin, and (d) shows a state of returning to the normal position. As described above, even if the positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 occurs, it can be automatically returned to the original position, so that the examiner has generated the positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly due to the impact. Work can be continued with the same operation as when there is no state. [0031] 13-04-2019 9 As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the ultrasonic transducer assembly is held at a desired position, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is monitored by monitoring and detecting the back electromotive force of the drive motor. Since the positional deviation is detected, it is possible to detect that the position to acquire the tomographic image has changed due to the positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly at low cost without adding a special part. [0032] Furthermore, since the positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly can be notified, it is possible to surely notify the examiner that the position to acquire the tomographic image has changed, and for the handling of the ultrasonic probe. You can call attention. [0033] Furthermore, since the ultrasonic transducer assembly is configured to return to the holding position before the positional deviation in response to the positional deviation, the ultrasonic transducer assembly automatically returns to the original holding position, and the original normal position is restored. The tomogram can be displayed, and the examiner can continue the operation without any trouble as in the state where the positional deviation has not occurred. [0034] Thus, it is possible to provide an excellent ultrasonic probe which does not affect diagnosis and operation even when it is subjected to an impact during handling. [0035] Next, a second embodiment of the ultrasound probe according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a view showing the configuration of an ultrasound probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [0036] 13-04-2019 10 Here, the back electromotive force monitoring and detection circuit 18 monitors the back electromotive force of the coils of at least two phases which are not reverse phase of the drive motor 11 and the detected back electromotive force is compared in phase by the phase comparison circuit 20 Are configured to be By this configuration, the phase of the back electromotive force of each coil can be detected by the rotation direction of the drive motor 11. Therefore, the displacement direction of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 can be detected, and the drive direction for returning can be determined. Furthermore, the level comparison circuit 21 and the counter 22 are connected to the back electromotive force monitoring and detecting circuit 18 so as to detect and count the zero cross point of the back electromotive force of the coil. With this configuration, it is possible to detect the rotation angle of the drive motor 11 with the basic rotation angle depending on the number of magnetic poles of the drive motor 11 as the resolution. Therefore, the basic rotation angle of the drive motor 11 can be determined as the resolution for the amount of drive for returning. FIG. 4 shows an example in which a two-phase stepping motor is used as the drive motor 11, and shows the back electromotive force waveform of the A-phase coil and the B-phase coil when the ultrasonic transducer assembly 1 is displaced due to impact. There is. Here, (a) and (b) are back electromotive force waveforms in the case where positional deviation occurs in the opposite direction. Here, the basic rotation angle of the drive motor 11 is 1.8 °, and the positional deviation can be detected with this resolution. FIG. 4 shows an example in which a 28.8 ° positional deviation occurs. [0037] As described above, according to the ultrasonic probe of the second embodiment of the present invention, the direction of misalignment is detected using the back electromotive force of the drive motor, and the back electromotive force of the drive motor is Since the position shift amount is detected using this, it is possible to determine the return direction and the return amount after the position shift inexpensively without adding a special part. [0038] As described above, the ultrasonic probe according to the present invention has the excellent effect of being able to detect the positional deviation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly due to the impact due to handling and not causing any trouble in diagnosis or operation, The present 13-04-2019 11 invention is useful as an ultrasonic probe or the like used in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for obtaining an image in a subject using ultrasonic waves. [0039] The block diagram of the ultrasonic probe in the 1st embodiment of the present invention The operation explanatory view of the ultrasonic probe in the 1st embodiment of the present invention The ultrasonic probe in the 2nd embodiment of the present invention Design diagram of the feeler Operation explanatory view of the ultrasonic probe in the second embodiment of the present invention Internal detailed view of the conventional ultrasonic probe Explanation of sign [0040] 1,101 ultrasonic transducer assembly 2,102 connecting member 3,103 acoustic window 4,104 base 5,105 arm 6,106 oscillating shaft 7,107 oscillating bearing 8,108 first pulley 9,109 belt 10, 110 Second pulley 11, 111 Drive motor 12, 112 Motor output shaft 13, 113 Drive and control circuit 14, 114 Input unit 15, 115 Memory unit 16, 116 Origin detector 16a, 116a Transmitter 16b, 116b Reception Section 17, 117 Origin detector 18 Counter electromotive force monitor and detector 19 Display 20 Phase comparator 21 Level comparator 22 Counter 13-04-2019 12
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