WO2013100245A1

WO2013100245A1 - Cover-type tester, channel correcting method and ultrasonic device using same

Info

Publication number: WO2013100245A1
Application number: PCT/KR2012/000025
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김희원
Original assignee: 알피니언메디칼시스템 주식회사
Priority date: 2011-12-30
Filing date: 2012-01-02
Publication date: 2013-07-04
Also published as: KR101568767B1; KR20130078408A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a channel correcting method and to an ultrasonic device using same, wherein the channel correcting method includes the steps of: generating an ultrasonic signal for each channel and receiving an echo signal from the reflection of the generated ultrasonic signal after inserting a probe into a cover-type tester; confirming whether the strength and phase of the echo signal meet a uniformity condition for each channel; and creating compensation data for compensating for the intensity and phase for each channel in order to meet the uniformity condition.

Description

Cover type tester, channel correction method and ultrasonic device using the same

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a cover type tester, a channel correction method, and an ultrasonic device using the same. In more detail, for example, a cover type tester, a channel correction method, and a method for improving the quality of an image obtained by compensating a channel so as to satisfy a uniformity of components such as signal strength and phase for each channel of a transducer in an ultrasonic device It relates to the ultrasonic device used.

The contents described in the following sections provide background information related to the embodiments of the present invention, but it does not constitute a prior art.

Recently, the rapid development of electronics and signal processing, especially digital signal processing technology has a significant impact on the field of image diagnostic equipment. The imaging device is a flower of the medical diagnostic device in that it can be seen without cutting the inside of the human body. X-ray diagnostics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostics, ultrasonic diagnostics, etc. are used for the imaging device, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Among them, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus has the advantage of being able to make a real-time diagnosis and having a very low price at the expense of resolution. Accordingly, the ultrasound imaging apparatus has become an essential diagnostic device in almost all medical fields such as internal medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, urology, ophthalmology, radiology, and the demand is rapidly increasing.

The frequency of ultrasound, which is mainly used in the ultrasound imaging apparatus, is from several MHz to several tens of MHz. As ultrasound passes through the human body, the speed changes with the medium, and the amount of attenuation also changes. On the other hand, the ultrasound image is basically composed of the reflected wave generated at the interface consisting of different media.

A transducer used in an ultrasound imaging apparatus is combined with a plurality of channel elements to form a probe, and the probe is used to detect an image according to variations in intensity and phase of a signal of each channel of the transducer element. The quality is different. When manufacturing multi-channel transducers, if the difference between the intensity and phase uniformity between the channels is more than a certain level, the product is processed by defective processing, but there may be some errors even if it comes out as a finished product. In addition, if the ultrasonic device is used for a long time, the physical alignment of each channel may be different, and an error may occur in the signal component generated for each channel, which may cause a problem of deterioration of the generated image.

The present invention compensates for errors caused by the difference between the signal strength and the propagation time between signals in the use of an ultrasonic transducer composed of a plurality of channels, thereby improving the quality and uniformity of the image of the ultrasonic medical device including the final HIFU. The main purpose is to secure uniformity.

In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasound device, Transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting an ultrasound to the object and receives the ultrasonic echo signal reflected from the object; A uniformity checking unit for checking whether a component of the echo signal satisfies a uniformity condition for each channel; And a compensation information generator configured to generate compensation data for compensating the components of the signal for each channel so as to satisfy the uniformity condition.

The component of the echo signal may be the intensity or phase of the echo signal.

The compensation data may be a compensation value for compensating a deviation from the average value based on the average value of the intensity of the echo signal for each channel or the average value of the phase of the echo signal.

The compensation information generator may store the compensation data in a table form having a compensation value for each channel.

The transmitter / receiver may further include a compensator configured to generate an ultrasound in which the intensity or phase of the signal is corrected with reference to the compensation data for each channel.

The transceiver may further include a compensation unit configured to transmit an ultrasound signal to an object, receive an echo signal reflected from the object, and compensate the signal strength and phase with respect to the echo signal with reference to the compensation data for each channel.

The ultrasonic apparatus may further include a predetermined input apparatus, and operate the ultrasonic apparatus when an input is received by the input apparatus.

The ultrasonic apparatus may cause the ultrasonic apparatus to operate whenever power is supplied.

The ultrasonic device may be operated by inserting a probe of the ultrasonic device into the cover type tester.

In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention, in the ultrasonic device, by transmitting the ultrasound is corrected to the component of the signal with reference to the compensation data for each channel to the object and receives the ultrasonic echo signal reflected from the object A transceiver for operating to form a received signal; And an image processor configured to form an image based on the received signal and to output the image through the provided display unit.

In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention, in the ultrasonic apparatus, transmits an ultrasonic signal to an object, receives an echo signal reflected from the object, and with respect to the echo signal by referring to the compensation data for each channel A transceiver for operating to form a received signal with a corrected component; And an image processor configured to form an image based on the received signal and to output the image through the provided display unit.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for calibrating a channel by an ultrasound apparatus, the method comprising: transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal for generating an ultrasonic signal for each channel and receiving an echo signal reflected; A uniformity checking step of checking whether the intensity and phase of the echo signal satisfy the uniformity condition for each channel; And a compensation information generating step of generating compensation data for compensating intensity and phase for each channel to satisfy the uniformity condition.

In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for calibrating a channel by an ultrasound apparatus, and transmits an ultrasound to which an intensity and a phase of a signal are corrected with reference to compensation data for each channel to an object, Receiving and transmitting the reflected ultrasonic echo signal to form a received signal; And an image processing step of allowing an image to be formed based on the received signal and outputting the image through the provided display unit.

In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for calibrating a channel by an ultrasound apparatus, by transmitting an ultrasound signal to an object, receiving an echo signal reflected from the object, and referring to compensation data for each channel. Transmitting / receiving to form a received signal whose signal strength and phase are corrected with respect to the echo signal; And an image processing step of allowing an image to be formed based on the received signal and outputting the image through the provided display unit.

In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention, the cover type tester for testing the ultrasonic transducer, the cover for covering the ultrasonic transducer; A reflection plate inside the cover; And an acoustic coupling part attached to the opening side of the cover from the reflection plate.

Here, the thickness of the acoustic coupling portion can be made uniform.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the quality of an image obtained by compensating a channel to satisfy uniformity of components such as signal strength and phase for each channel of the transducer may be improved.

In addition, the present invention can be applied even if the tolerance between the channels of the transducer is large, so that the manufacturing yield of the transducer is improved, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the transducer and the manufacturing cost of the ultrasonic apparatus, thereby ultimately reducing the medical expenses of the user. There is.

The user's satisfaction is increased because the image quality of the ultrasound system can compensate for changes that can occur over time for each transducer.

It also has the side effect of extending the normal service life by always protecting the lens surface of the transducer, the weakest part of the transducer.

Among the materials used in the design of the transducer, the sound absorbing layer is excellent in sound absorbing function, but the present invention can compensate for this even in the case of a material whose geometry is severely changed by the surrounding environment.

In addition, there is an effect of compensating to some extent the uniformity of products whose characteristics are changed by time and surrounding environment among materials used for manufacturing the transducer.

In addition, there is an advantage that it can be easily compensated by applying it to a transducer using a piezo-electric material as a single crystal (Simgle Crystal), which is easy to occur variation by channel of the transducer.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasound apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

2 is a view showing a lid-type tester according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a diagram illustrating the transceiver 110 in detail.

4 is a diagram illustrating a transmitter / receiver 110 including a compensator 113 at a Tx terminal of an ultrasonic signal.

5 is a diagram illustrating a transmitter / receiver 110 including

compensation units

513 and 515 at an Rx terminal of an echo signal.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a channel correction method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as much as possible even though they are shown in different drawings. In addition, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related well-known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the component of this invention, terms, such as 1st, 2nd, A, B, (a), (b), can be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the nature, order or order of the components are not limited by the terms. If a component is described as being "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected to or connected to that other component, but there may be another configuration between each component. It is to be understood that the elements may be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasound apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for acquiring an image by generating an ultrasound signal from a transducer including a plurality of channels, for example, an ultrasound generator 140. , The transmitter / receiver 110, the uniformity checker 120, and the compensation information generator 130 may be configured. Here, each component included in the ultrasound apparatus 100 is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present embodiment, and those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains may have essential characteristics of an embodiment of the present invention. Various modifications and variations will be possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

The ultrasound apparatus 100 covers the cover type tester 200 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention on the transducer of the ultrasound apparatus 100 and performs a uniformity test. The uniformity test may be performed every time the ultrasonic apparatus 100 is turned on, and the ultrasonic apparatus 100 further includes a predetermined input device 150 to receive input from the input device 150. In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may be operated.

Cover type tester according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover 210 for covering the ultrasonic transducer, the reflecting plate 220 located inside the cover 210 and the reflecting plate 220 in the direction of the opening side of the cover 210 It may be configured to include an acoustic coupling portion 230 to be attached.

The cover 210 may be made of a material having elasticity, the reflector 220 may be made of stainless steel, and the material of the acoustic coupling part 230 may be a gel type material, but the present invention is limited thereto. It can be made of various materials.

3 is a diagram illustrating the transceiver 110 in detail.

The transmitter / receiver 110 transmits the ultrasound generated from the ultrasound generator 140 to the object (when performing the uniformity test, it means to transmit the ultrasound to the reflector 220 of the tester) and echo echo reflected from the object. Receiving a signal (in the case of performing a uniformity test, the echo signal received from the reflector 220 of the tester) to operate to form a received signal. For example, the transceiver 110 operates to transmit a diagnostic ultrasound to obtain a B-mode image (or a C-mode image) to an object, and receive an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the object to form a received signal.

Meanwhile, the transceiver 110 includes a probe that operates to transmit and receive ultrasound, and a beamformer 111 that operates to perform transmission focusing and reception focusing of the ultrasound. Here, the probe includes a plurality of 1D (Dimension) or 2D Array Transducer (112) or the like. The probe transmits the focused ultrasound beam along the transmission scanline to the object (not shown) by appropriately delaying the input time of the pulses input to each transducer. Meanwhile, the ultrasonic echo signals reflected from the object are input to the transducers 112 with different reception times, and each transducer 112 outputs the input ultrasonic echo signals to the beamformer 111. The beam former 111 focuses the ultrasonic waves to a specific position by adjusting the driving timing of each transducer 112 in the probe when the probe transmits ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic echo signal reflected from the object is transmitted to each transducer 112 of the probe. Considering that the time to reach a) is different, a time delay is added to each ultrasonic echo signal of the probe and transmitted to the signal focusing unit 114 to focus the ultrasonic echo signal.

The transceiver 110 transmits an ultrasonic wave to the reflector 220 and receives an ultrasonic echo signal reflected from the reflector 220. The uniformity checker 120 determines whether a component of the echo signal satisfies the uniformity condition for each channel. Check whether or not.

In this case, the component of the echo signal may include an intensity of the echo signal, a phase, and the like.

Whether the intensity of the echo signal satisfies the uniformity condition determines whether the intensity of the received signal is equal for each channel.

The compensation information generating unit 130 generates compensation data for compensating the components of the signal for each channel so as to satisfy the uniformity condition when the strength of the received signal is not equal for each channel. In this case, the compensation data may generate compensation data according to a magnitude deviating from the average value of the intensity of the echo signal for each channel. In addition, compensation data may be generated as a compensation value for compensating a deviation from the average value centering on the average value of the phase of the echo signal. In addition, both the compensation data for the strength of the echo signal and the compensation data for the phase of the echo signal may be generated.

Such compensation data may be stored in a table form having a compensation value for each channel.

For example, when the average value of each channel of the strength of the echo signal is 10 and the received signal strength of the channel 1 is 9, the compensation data becomes 1 in relation to the strength of the channel 1. Also in the case of phase, if the phase of the received signal is 80 degrees on average, but the phase of channel 1 is 90 degrees, the compensation data of 10 is stored in relation to the phase of channel 1.

As such, when the compensation data is stored, the ultrasound apparatus may transmit an ultrasound and acquire an image using the stored compensation data.

When the compensation data is stored, the ultrasound apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention transmits ultrasound or receives reflected waves to an object (for example, the object may be a human body to diagnose using ultrasound) using the compensation data. Image can be obtained by using compensation data.

The transmitter / receiver 110 may further include

compensation units

113 and 115 that generate ultrasonic waves whose strength and / or phase of the signal are corrected with reference to compensation data for each channel.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the compensator 113 receives an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic generator 140 and generates an ultrasonic signal whose intensity or phase is corrected for each channel with reference to compensation data for each channel, thereby generating a beamformer ( 111). For example, when compensating for the intensity of an echo signal, when the compensation data value of channel 1 is 1, when an ultrasonic wave is generated with an intensity of 10 on average, the signal is amplified by 1 for channel 1 Occurs. When the compensation unit 113 compensates for the phase, when the compensation data related to the phase of the channel 1 is 10, the compensation unit 113 delays by 10 ° to generate an ultrasonic signal.

In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 4, the compensation unit 115 receives an ultrasonic signal generated from the beamformer 111 and generates an ultrasonic signal whose intensity or phase is corrected for each channel by referring to the compensation data for each channel. It may also transmit to transducer 112.

5 is a diagram illustrating a transmitter / receiver 110 including

compensation units

513 and 515 at an Rx terminal of an echo signal.

The transceiver 110 further includes a

compensator

513 and 515 for transmitting an ultrasonic signal to the object, receiving an echo signal reflected from the object, and compensating the signal strength and phase with respect to the echo signal by referring to compensation data for each channel. It may include.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the compensator 513 receives an echo signal reflected from an object from the transducer 112 and generates a signal whose intensity or phase is corrected for each channel with reference to compensation data for each channel, thereby generating a beam. Send to the former 111. For example, when compensating for the intensity of an echo signal, when the compensation data value of channel 1 is 1, when an ultrasonic wave is generated with an intensity of 10 on average, the signal is amplified by 1 for channel 1 Occurs. When the compensation unit 113 compensates for the phase, when the compensation data related to the phase of the channel 1 is 10, the compensation unit 113 delays by 10 ° to generate an ultrasonic signal.

In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 5, the compensation unit 515 receives an echo signal generated from the beamformer 111 and generates an ultrasonic signal whose intensity or phase is corrected for each channel by referring to compensation data for each channel. It may be transmitted to the signal focusing unit 114.

As such, when the

compensators

513 and 515 are included in the Rx terminal of the echo signal, the

compensators

513 and 515 compensate for satisfying the uniformity condition between channels by adjusting the amplification degree of the echo signal for each channel. Can be.

That is, in the case of using the present invention, in general, in order to reduce errors caused by ultrasonic waves radiated to the back side of the transducer channel, a sound absorbing layer is often attached to the back side of the transducer. In many cases, the deformation of these materials also affects the physical arrangement of the transducer's channel (ie, the transducer's geometry), which can increase the transmission and reception error of the ultrasonic signal. In this case, sending an ultrasonic device to the factory every time to calibrate it causes considerable inconvenience for the user. Therefore, when compensating a signal using the compensation data of the present invention, it is also possible to use such a sound absorbing layer.

In addition, as in the embodiment of the present invention, when the ultrasonic device itself has a compensation function, piezo-electric material (Piezo-electric Material) as a single crystal (Simgle Crystal) that is likely to occur variation (variation) for each channel of the transducer The advantage of applying this to the transducer using the advantage is that there is an advantage.

In addition, the image processor (not shown) to form an image based on the received signal received from the transceiver 110, and outputs the image through the provided display unit.

As shown in Figure 6, the channel correction method according to an embodiment of the present invention, generating an ultrasonic signal for each channel and transmitting and receiving step (S610) for receiving the reflected echo signal, the intensity and phase of the echo signal for each channel is uniform A uniformity checking step (S620) of checking whether the sex condition is satisfied and a compensation information generating step (S630) of generating compensation data for compensating intensity and phase for each channel to satisfy the uniformity condition.

After the compensation data is generated, a compensation step (S640) of transmitting the ultrasound to which the intensity and phase of the signal is corrected to the object with reference to the compensation data for each channel may be included.

In addition, after the compensation data is generated, a compensation step (S650) of compensating the signal strength and phase with respect to the echo signal with reference to the compensation data for each channel may be included.

Here, the transmitting and receiving step (S610) corresponds to the operation of the transmitting and receiving unit 110, the uniformity checking step (S620) corresponds to the operation of the uniformity checking unit 120, and the compensation information generating step (S630) generates the compensation information. Corresponding to the operation of the unit 130, the compensation step (S640) corresponds to the operation of the

compensation unit

113, 115, the compensation step (S650) corresponds to the operation of the compensation unit (513, 515) Omit.

The matters described in the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the correction in the medical ultrasound system but may be applied to various ultrasound devices.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and changes without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention but to describe the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

As described above, the present invention is useful because it has an effect of enhancing the quality of an image obtained by compensating a channel so as to satisfy the uniformity of components such as signal strength and phase for each channel of the transducer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority pursuant to U.S. Patent Act No. 119 (a) (35 USC § 119 (a)) for patent application No. 10-2011-0147340, filed in Korea on December 30, 2011. All content is incorporated by reference in this patent application. In addition, if this patent application claims priority for the same reason for countries other than the United States, all its contents are incorporated into this patent application by reference.

Claims

In a sheath tester for testing ultrasonic transducers,

A cover for covering the ultrasonic transducer;

A reflection plate inside the cover; And

An acoustic coupling part attached to the opening side of the cover from the reflection plate;

Cover type tester comprising a.
The method of claim 1,

The cover type tester, characterized in that the thickness of the acoustic coupling portion is uniform.
In the ultrasonic device,

Transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting the ultrasound to the object and receives the ultrasound echo signal reflected from the object;

A uniformity checking unit for checking whether a component of the echo signal satisfies a uniformity condition for each channel; And

Compensation information generation unit for generating compensation data to compensate the components of the signal for each channel to satisfy the uniformity conditions

Ultrasonic device comprising a.
The method of claim 3,

The component of the echo signal is characterized in that the echo signal strength (Sensitivity) or phase (Phase).
The method of claim 4, wherein

The compensation data,

And a compensation value for compensating for a deviation from the average value based on an average value of channel-specific echo signals or an average value of phases of the echo signals.
The method of claim 5,

The compensation information generator,

An ultrasound apparatus, characterized in that for storing the compensation data in the form of a table having a compensation value for each channel.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The transmitting and receiving unit further comprises a compensation unit for generating an ultrasonic wave in which the intensity or phase of the signal is corrected with reference to the compensation data for each channel.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The transmitting and receiving unit may further include a compensation unit configured to receive an echo signal reflected from the object and compensate the signal strength and phase with respect to the echo signal with reference to the compensation data for each channel.
The method of claim 3,

The ultrasonic apparatus further comprises a predetermined input device,

And an ultrasonic device to operate when an input is received by the input device.
The method of claim 3,

The ultrasonic device,

Ultrasonic device characterized in that the ultrasonic device to operate every time the power is supplied.
The method of claim 3,

The ultrasonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the probe of the ultrasonic apparatus is inserted into the lid tester of claim 1 to operate the ultrasonic apparatus.
In the ultrasonic device,

A transmitting / receiving unit configured to transmit ultrasonic waves whose components of signals are corrected with reference to compensation data for each channel to an object, and receive ultrasonic wave echo signals reflected from the object to form a received signal; And

An image processor for forming an image based on the received signal and outputting the image through the provided display unit.

Ultrasonic device comprising a.
In the ultrasonic device,

A transmitting / receiving unit configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object, receive an echo signal reflected from the object, and form a received signal in which components of the signal are corrected with respect to the echo signal with reference to compensation data for each channel; And

An image processor for forming an image based on the received signal and outputting the image through the provided display unit.

Ultrasonic device comprising a.
The method according to claim 12 or 13,

The component of the echo signal is characterized in that the echo signal strength (Sensitivity) or phase (Phase).
The method of claim 14,

The compensation data for each channel,

And an average value of the intensity of the echo signal for each channel and the average value of the phase of the echo signal.
In the method for calibrating the channel by the ultrasonic device,

Transmitting / receiving an ultrasonic signal for generating an ultrasonic signal for each channel and receiving an echo signal reflected;

A uniformity checking step of checking whether the intensity and phase of the echo signal satisfy the uniformity condition for each channel; And

Compensation information generation step of generating compensation data for compensating intensity and phase for each channel to satisfy the uniformity condition

Channel correction method comprising a.
The method of claim 16,

The compensation data,

And a compensation value for compensating a deviation from the average value based on the average value of the intensity of each echo signal for each channel and the average value of the phase of the echo signal.
The method of claim 16,

In the transmitting and receiving step, a channel correction method comprising the step of transmitting to the object the ultrasound is corrected signal strength and phase with reference to the compensation data for each channel.
The method of claim 16,

The transmitting and receiving step may include a compensating step of transmitting an ultrasonic signal to an object, receiving an echo signal reflected from the object, and compensating the signal strength and phase with respect to the echo signal with reference to the compensation data for each channel. Channel correction method.
In the method for calibrating the channel by the ultrasonic device,

Transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves whose intensity and phase have been corrected with reference to compensation data for each channel to an object, and receiving and transmitting an ultrasonic echo signal reflected from the object to form a received signal; And

An image processing step of forming an image based on the received signal and outputting the image through a provided display unit;

Channel correction method comprising a.
In the method for calibrating the channel by the ultrasonic device,

Transmitting / receiving an ultrasound signal to an object, receiving an echo signal reflected from the object, and transmitting / receiving an echo signal reflected from the object to form a received signal whose signal strength and phase are corrected with respect to the echo signal; And

An image processing step of forming an image based on the received signal and outputting the image through a provided display unit;

Channel correction method comprising a.