JP7214367B2 - Carrying case for ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe carrying case and an ultrasonic probe holder.

In recent years, a portable tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been put on the market. A tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has an ultrasonic probe and a device body such as a tablet-type information terminal. Therefore, the amount of heat accumulated in the ultrasonic probe increases due to the heat generated by the circuit during scanning. For this reason, for example, when scanning a plurality of patients continuously, it is necessary to increase the interval between scans in order to dissipate the heat accumulated in the ultrasonic probe in one scan. less time available for subsequent scans of the next patient.

In addition, since the device body of the tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic device is small and lightweight, there is no place where an ultrasonic probe or the like can be installed. For this reason, it is necessary to separately secure a place for placing an ultrasonic probe or the like during non-scanning.

Therefore, when an ultrasonic examination is performed using a tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it may not be possible to ensure the convenience of the examination.

JP-A-2004-283494

An object of the present embodiment is to improve the convenience of examination when ultrasonic examination is performed using a tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

The ultrasonic probe carrying case includes a first holding portion and a heat radiating portion. The first holder is thermally conductive and receives heat from the ultrasonic probe it accommodates. The heat radiating section receives and diffuses the heat from the first holding section.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a carrying case according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which various holders are taken out from the carrying case shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of the ultrasonic probe and the device body shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of each item housed in the carrying case according to the first embodiment when being carried. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the carrying case shown in FIG. 4 taken along line A-A'. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the arrangement of the items housed in the carrying case according to the first embodiment when heat is released. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of each item housed in the carrying case according to the second embodiment when being carried. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the carrying case shown in FIG. 7 taken along the line B-B'. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the items housed in the carrying case according to the third embodiment when being carried. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the arrangement of the objects housed in the carrying case according to the third embodiment during heat dissipation. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a lid portion of a carrying case according to another embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining how a carrying case according to another embodiment is installed with respect to a bedside rail.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
An ultrasonic probe carrying case according to the first embodiment (in the following description, the "ultrasonic probe carrying case" will simply be referred to as the "carrying case") is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a carrying case 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which various holders are taken out from the carrying case shown in FIG. 1. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the carrying case 1 according to the first embodiment has a housing portion 11 and a lid portion 12 . The housing portion 11 and the lid portion 12 are connected by hinges H11 and H12. The lid portion 12 is provided so as to rotate around the O-axis with respect to the housing portion 11 so as to be openable and closable. The housing section 11 has a probe holder 111 , a probe holder 112 , an apparatus body holder 113 and a radiator plate 114 . The probe holder 111, the probe holder 112, and the device main body holder 113 accommodate the ultrasonic probe 21, the ultrasonic probe 22, and the device main body 3, respectively. The probe holder 111 , the probe holder 112 , and the device main body holder 113 are provided so as to be individually attachable to and detachable from the carrying case 1 . For convenience of explanation, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the height direction, width direction, and depth direction of the accommodating portion 11 are defined as the X-axis direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction, respectively.

The probe holder 111 accommodates the ultrasonic probe 21 . The probe holder 111 has a HEAD holding portion 1111 that holds a probe body (also referred to as HEAD) portion of the ultrasonic probe 21 and a holder body portion 1112 . The HEAD holding part 1111 radiates heat of the ultrasonic probe 21 . Specifically, the HEAD holder 1111 receives heat from the ultrasonic probe 21 and transmits the heat to the radiator plate 114 . The material of the HEAD holding part 1111 is, for example, thermal conductivity capable of receiving the heat of the ultrasonic probe 21 and transmitting it to the radiator plate 114, shape retention properties for holding the ultrasonic probe 21, and impact resistance to the ultrasonic probe 21. It has shock absorption that can protect against In addition, it is preferable that the material of the HEAD holding part 1111 should be easy to clean, for example, in consideration of contamination of body fluids during examination. Examples of the material used for the HEAD holding portion 1111 include silicon resin. As the material used for the HEAD holding portion 1111, silicon resin or the like mixed with powdered aluminum may be used in order to increase thermal conductivity. Moreover, the HEAD holding part 1111 has a space formed corresponding to the shape of the probe main body so that the probe main body of the ultrasonic probe 21 can be installed. Also, the HEAD holding portion 1111 is an example of the first holding portion described in the claims.

The holder main body 1112 is made of a cushioning material such as urethane. The holder body portion 1112 has a space formed corresponding to the shape of the HEAD holding portion 1111 so that the HEAD holding portion 1111 can be fitted therein. Moreover, the holder main body part 1122 has a space capable of accommodating a cable part of the ultrasonic probe 21 that connects the probe main body of the ultrasonic probe 21 and the apparatus main body 3 .

The probe holder 112 accommodates the ultrasound probe 22 . The probe holder 112 has a HEAD holding portion 1121 that holds the probe body portion of the ultrasonic probe 22 and a holder body portion 1122 . The HEAD holding part 1121 radiates heat of the ultrasonic probe 22 . Specifically, the HEAD holder 1121 receives heat from the ultrasonic probe 22 and transfers it to the radiator plate 114 . The material of the HEAD holding part 1121 is, for example, thermal conductivity capable of receiving the heat of the ultrasonic probe 22 and transmitting it to the radiator plate 114, shape retention properties for holding the ultrasonic probe 22, and impact resistance to the ultrasonic probe 22. It has shock absorption that can protect against In addition, it is preferable that the material of the HEAD holding part 1121 should be easy to clean, for example, in consideration of contamination of body fluids during examination. Examples of materials used for the HEAD holding portion 1121 include silicone resin. As the material used for the HEAD holding portion 1121, silicon resin or the like mixed with powdered aluminum may be used in order to increase thermal conductivity. Also, the HEAD holding part 1121 has a space formed corresponding to the shape of the probe main body so that the probe main body of the ultrasonic probe 22 can be installed. Also, the HEAD holding portion 1121 is an example of the first holding portion described in the claims.

The holder main body 1122 is made of a cushioning material such as urethane. The holder main body 1122 has a space formed corresponding to the shape of the HEAD holding portion 1121 so that the HEAD holding portion 1121 can be fitted therein. Moreover, the holder main body part 1122 has a space capable of accommodating a cable part of the ultrasonic probe 22 that connects the probe main body of the ultrasonic probe 22 and the device main body 3 .

The device body holder 113 accommodates the device body 3 . The device main body holder 113 has a space that can accommodate the device main body 3 . The device body holder 113 is made of a cushioning material such as urethane. As a result, the housed device main body 3 can be protected from impact. Note that the device main body holder 113 may have a structure capable of accommodating an AC adapter that supplies power to the device main body 3 .

The heat sink 114 receives and diffuses heat from the probe holder 111 or the probe holder 112 . That is, the heat sink 114 radiates heat transferred from the probe holder 111 or the probe holder 112 to the outside of the carrying case 1 . The material of the heat sink 114 has thermal conductivity capable of diffusing heat received from, for example, the probe holder 111 or the probe holder 112, and is lightweight enough to carry the carrying case 1 without being a burden. Materials used for the heat sink 114 include, for example, aluminum and copper. From the viewpoint of lightness, it is preferable to use aluminum. The radiator plate 114 according to the first embodiment is provided so as to cover the entire inner bottom surface (a surface parallel to the XY plane) of the surfaces forming the space for storing the objects in the storage unit 11 . By extending the heat sink 114 widely in the carrying case 1 in this manner, the heat diffusion efficiency can be enhanced. Moreover, the heat sink 114 is an example of the heat sink described in the claims.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the carrying case 1 has a handle H2. The handle H2 has a structure that allows it to be hung on a wall near the sickbed, or a predetermined protrusion provided on a shelf or the like, for example. Also, for example, the user can carry the carrying case 1 by gripping the handle H2.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the carrying case 1 has stoppers 131 and 132 . By the stoppers 131 and 132, the rotation angle range about the O-axis during the opening/closing operation of the lid portion 12 with respect to the accommodating portion 11 is limited to a predetermined angle, for example, 90 degrees.

Next, the functional configuration of the ultrasonic probe housed in the carrying case 1 and the device main body will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of the ultrasonic probe 21 and the apparatus main body 3 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic probe 21 accommodated in the carrying case 1 and the apparatus main body 3 are connected by wired communication and/or wireless communication. Note that the ultrasonic probe 22 shown in FIG. 1 can be connected to the apparatus main body 3 by wired communication and/or wireless communication instead of the ultrasonic probe 21. FIG. Also, the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 22 is similar to that of the ultrasonic probe 21 .

The ultrasonic probe 21 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic probe 21 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 211, a transmission circuit 212, a transmission/reception control circuit 213, a transmission delay circuit 214, a pulser 215, a transmission/reception switch 216, a low noise amplifier (LNA) 217, and a time gain controller. (TGC: Time Gain Controller) 218 , delay addition circuit 219 , reception circuit 220 , and communication interface 221 .

A plurality of ultrasonic transducers 211 are provided in a head portion, which is one end portion of the ultrasonic probe 21 . The plurality of ultrasonic transducers 211 are arranged, for example, in a two-dimensional matrix. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers 211 are divided into a plurality of sub-arrays, for example, in the lateral direction and the elevation direction. A sub-array represents, for example, each group obtained by dividing all of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 211 into a predetermined number of ultrasonic transducers 211 . For the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 121, the transmission/reception control circuit 213 sets the delay amount of each element, and the ultrasonic waves generated based on the drive signal are transmitted to the subject at timing according to the delay amount.

A backing member (not shown) used for efficient transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves is arranged on the back surface of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 211 . In addition, a lens member (not shown) that serves as an acoustic lens and is used to improve contact with the living body is arranged on the front surface of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 211 (the surface opposite to the backing member). It is The plurality of ultrasonic transducers 211 , backing member, and lens member serve as heat generating sources in the ultrasonic probe 21 .

A transmission circuit 212, a transmission/reception control circuit 213, a transmission delay circuit 214, a pulser 215, a transmission/reception switch 216, a low noise amplifier 217, a time gain controller 218, a delay addition circuit 219, and a reception circuit 220 are included in the ultrasonic probe 21. For example, it is provided on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) (not shown). This FPGA is a particularly large source of heat generation in the ultrasonic probe 21 .

Here, in the ultrasonic probe 21, one channel is assigned to one ultrasonic transducer 211, for example. The ultrasonic probe 21 has, for example, a transmission delay circuit 214, a pulser 215, a transmission/reception switch 216, a low noise amplifier 217, and a time gain controller 218 for each channel. Further, the ultrasonic probe 21 has, for example, a transmission/reception control circuit 213 and a delay addition circuit 219 for each subarray. One or a plurality of ASICs are provided for the ultrasonic probe 21 .

The transmission circuit 212 has a pulsar circuit and the like. The transmission circuit 212 repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency (PRF: Pulse Repetition Frequency) under the control of the apparatus main body 3 , and transmits the generated rate pulses to the transmission/reception control circuit 213 . output to

The transmission circuit 212 outputs the amplitude value of the drive signal output by the pulser 215 to the transmission/reception control circuit 213 under the control of the apparatus main body 3 . Further, the transmission circuit 212 outputs the delay amount of the reflected wave signal processed in the delay addition circuit 219 to the transmission/reception control circuit 213 under the control of the apparatus main body 3 .

The transmission/reception control circuit 213 controls transmission/reception of ultrasonic waves. The transmission/reception control circuit 213 receives, for example, the rate pulse output from the transmission circuit 212 and sends the received rate pulse to the transmission delay circuit 214 . The transmission/reception control circuit 213 also receives the delay time of the reflected wave signal output from the transmission circuit 212 and sets the delay time of the received reflected wave signal to the delay addition circuit 219 .

The transmission delay circuit 214 supplies, from the transmission circuit 212, the delay time for each ultrasonic transducer 211 necessary for focusing the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic transducers 211 into a beam and determining the transmission directivity. given for the rate pulse applied. For example, the transmission delay circuit 214 gives a delay time set for each channel to the rate pulse output from the transmission/reception control circuit 213 , and outputs the rate pulse given the delay time to the pulsar 215 . The delay time given to the rate pulse is controlled by the transmission/reception control circuit 213. FIG.

A pulser 215 generates a drive signal with a predetermined amplitude value. For example, the pulsar 215 generates a drive signal at timing based on the rate pulse output from the transmission delay circuit 214 and outputs the generated drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer 211 . The amplitude value of the generated drive signal is controlled by the transmission/reception control circuit 213 .

The transmission/reception switch 216 selectively switches the connection destination of the ultrasonic transducer 211 to either one of the pulser 215 and the low noise amplifier 217 . When the transmission/reception switch 216 is connected to the pulser 215 , the transmission/reception switch 216 transmits the driving signal output from the pulser 215 to the ultrasonic transducer 211 . On the other hand, when the transmission/reception switch 216 is connected to the low noise amplifier 217 , the transmission/reception switch 216 outputs the reflected wave signal transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer 211 to the low noise amplifier 217 .

Here, the rate pulse that causes the pulser 215 to generate the drive signal originates from the transmission circuit 212 . Also, the reflected wave signal output to the low noise amplifier 217 is received by the receiving circuit 220 as will be described later. That is, the transmission/reception switch 216 selectively switches the connection destination of the ultrasonic transducer 211 included in the ultrasonic probe 21 from options including the transmission circuit 212 and the reception circuit 220 . Note that the transmission/reception switch 216 is an example of a switching circuit.

When the low-noise amplifier 217 receives a reflected wave signal from the ultrasonic transducer 211 via the transmission/reception switch 216, it amplifies the received reflected wave signal with a preset gain, and transmits the amplified reflected wave signal to the time gain controller. 218.

Time gain controller 218, for example, has an internal memory. This internal memory stores in advance a plurality of types of functions that correspond to the elapsed time from the transmission of the ultrasonic waves and the gain. Upon receiving the control signal output from the transmission/reception control circuit 213, the time gain controller 218 selects the function indicated by the received control signal from among the functions stored in the internal memory. Then, when the time gain controller 218 receives the reflected wave signal transmitted from the low noise amplifier 217, the selected function is used to change the gain corresponding to the elapsed time from the transmission of the ultrasonic wave, and the reflected wave signal is reflected. amplifies the wave signal. The time gain controller 218 outputs the amplified reflected wave signal to the delay addition circuit 219 .

When the delay addition circuit 219 receives the reflected wave signal of each channel output from the time gain controller 218, the delay addition circuit 219 applies a delay amount necessary to determine the reception directivity to the reflected wave signal of each channel. to run. Then, the delay addition circuit 219 performs addition processing for adding the reflected wave signals of each channel after the delay processing, and outputs the reflected wave signals after the addition processing to the reception circuit 220 . This addition process is performed on the channels within the subarray. That is, the delay addition circuit 219 synthesizes (delays addition processing) the reflected wave signals of each channel in the subarray for each subarray.

The receiving circuit 220 is a processor that performs various processing on the reflected wave signals received by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 211 and generates received signals (echo signals). The receive circuit 220 has an A/D converter and a receive beamformer. When the receiving circuit 220 receives the reflected wave signal output from the delay adding circuit 219, first, the A/D converter converts the reflected wave signal into digital data. Subsequently, the reception circuit 220 performs phasing addition processing on the converted digital data for each channel by the reception beamformer. As a result, a received signal is generated in which the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized. The receiving circuit 220 transmits the generated received signal to the device main body 3 via the communication interface 221 .

Of the circuits included in the ultrasonic probe 21 described above, the transmission circuit 212 and the reception circuit 220 generate a particularly large amount of heat during scanning.

The device body 3 is, for example, a tablet-type information terminal or the like. The device body 2 may be a notebook PC (Personal Computer) or the like. The device body 3 has a processing circuit 31 , an internal storage circuit 32 , an image memory 33 , an image database 34 , a display 35 , an input interface 36 and a communication interface 38 .

The processing circuit 31 is, for example, a processor that functions as the core of the device body 3 . The processing circuit 31 executes the operation program stored in the internal storage circuit 32 to realize functions corresponding to the operation program. Specifically, the processing circuit 31 has a signal processing function 311 , an image generation function 312 , a display control function 313 and a system control function 314 .

The signal processing function 311 is a function of performing various signal processing on the reception signal generated by the reception circuit 220 of the ultrasound probe 21 .

For example, by executing the signal processing function 311, the processing circuit 31 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic amplification processing, etc. on the reception signal received from the reception circuit 220 of the ultrasonic probe 21 via the communication interface 38, Data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity is represented by brightness of luminance is generated. The generated B-mode data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as B-mode RAW data on ultrasonic scanning lines distributed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally.

In addition, the processing circuit 31 analyzes the received signal received from the receiving circuit 220 of the ultrasonic probe 21, for example, calculates the moving speed of the moving object (blood or tissue) at each of a plurality of sample points in the region of interest, Generate Doppler data based on the calculated velocity. The generated Doppler data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as Doppler RAW data on ultrasound scanning lines distributed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally.

The image generation function 312 is a function capable of generating various ultrasonic image data based on data generated by executing the signal processing function 311 . By executing the image generation function 312, the processing circuitry 31 generates B-mode image data representing the forms of structures within the subject P, for example, based on the B-mode RAW data stored in the RAW data memory. The B-mode image data has pixel values (brightness values) that reflect characteristics of the ultrasonic probe such as sound wave convergence, sound field characteristics of ultrasonic beams (for example, transmission/reception beams), and the like. For example, in B-mode image data, the vicinity of the focus of the ultrasound has relatively higher brightness than the non-focus portion.

Further, the processing circuit 31 generates Doppler image data representing information of a moving body based on the Doppler RAW data stored in the RAW data memory. Doppler image data is velocity image data, variance image data, power image data, or image data combining these.

Further, the processing circuit 31 performs RAW-voxel conversion including interpolation processing considering spatial position information on B-mode RAW data or Doppler RAW data stored in the RAW data memory, for example. , to generate volume data consisting of the desired range of voxels.

The display control function 313 is a function for displaying various ultrasound images on the display 35 . By executing the display control function 313 , the processing circuit 31 causes the display 35 to display an ultrasonic image based on various ultrasonic image data generated by the image generating function 312 , for example.

Here, the processing circuit 31 generally converts (scan-converts) a scanning line signal train of ultrasonic scanning into a scanning line signal train of a video format typified by television and the like, and converts the ultrasonic image for display. Generate data. Specifically, the processing circuit 31 generates ultrasonic image data for display by performing coordinate transformation according to the scanning mode of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 21 .

The processing circuit 31 may also perform various processes such as dynamic range, luminance (brightness), contrast, γ-curve correction, and RGB conversion on the generated various ultrasonic image data for display. Further, the processing circuit 31 may add supplementary information such as character information of various parameters, scales, and body marks to the generated various kinds of ultrasonic image data for display.

Note that the processing circuit 31 may generate a user interface (GUI: Graphical User Interface) for an operator (for example, an operator) to input various instructions through the input interface 26 and cause the display 35 to display the GUI. . As display 35, for example, a CRT display, liquid crystal display, organic EL display, LED display, plasma display, or any other display known in the art can be used as appropriate.

The system control function 314 is a function for controlling basic operations such as input/output and transmission/reception of ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. By executing the system control function 314, the processing circuit 31 receives, for example, input of start instructions for starting various imaging modes and various control parameters required for execution of the imaging modes. Various imaging modes include, for example, B mode and Doppler mode. The processing circuit 31 transmits, for example, the received imaging mode and various control parameters necessary for executing the imaging mode to the ultrasonic probe 21 as an ultrasonic control signal via the communication interface 38 .

The signal processing function 311, the image generation function 312, the display control function 313, and the system control function 314 may be incorporated as a control program, or may be a circuit that the processing circuit 31 can refer to in the processing circuit 31 itself or the device main body 3. As such, a dedicated hardware circuit capable of executing each function may be incorporated.

The internal storage circuit 32 has, for example, a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a processor-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. The internal storage circuit 32 stores a control program for realizing ultrasonic wave transmission/reception, a control program for performing image processing, a control program for performing display processing, and the like. The internal storage circuit 32 also stores control programs for realizing various functions according to the present embodiment. In addition, the internal storage circuit 32 stores diagnostic information (for example, patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), a diagnostic protocol, a body mark generation program, a conversion table that presets the range of color data used for imaging for each diagnostic site, and the like. data group. In addition, the internal storage circuit 32 may store an anatomical diagram, such as an atlas, regarding the structure of internal organs. Note that the program may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium, distributed, read out from the non-transitory storage medium, and installed in the internal storage circuit 32, for example.

Further, the internal storage circuit 32 stores various ultrasonic image data generated by executing the image generation function 312 according to a storage operation input via the input interface 36 . Note that the internal storage circuit 32 may store various ultrasonic image data generated by executing the image generation function 312, including the operation order and operation time, according to the storage operation input via the input interface 36. good.

The image memory 33 has, for example, a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a processor-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. The image memory 33 stores image data for display generated by executing the image generation function 312 . The image memory 33 stores image data corresponding to a plurality of frames immediately before the freeze operation input via the input interface 36 . The image data stored in the image memory 33 is displayed continuously (cine display), for example. The image data stored in the image memory 33 is, for example, image data representing an image actually displayed on the display device 50 . The images include images based on ultrasound image data acquired by ultrasound scanning, and medical images acquired by other modalities such as CT image data, MR image data, X-ray image data, and PET image data. May contain images based on data.

The image memory 33 can also store data generated by executing the signal processing function 311 . The B-mode data or Doppler data stored in the image memory 33 can be called up by the operator after diagnosis, for example, and becomes ultrasonic image data for display via the processing circuit 31 .

The image database 34 stores image data transferred from an external device. For example, the image database 34 acquires and stores past image data relating to the same patient acquired in past medical examinations from an external device. Past image data includes ultrasound image data, CT (Computed Tomography) image data, MR (Magnetic Resonance) image data, PET (Positron Emission Tomography)-CT image data, PET-MR image data and X-ray image data. be Also, past image data is stored as, for example, volume data and rendering image data.

The image database 34 may store desired image data by reading image data recorded on a recording medium such as MO, CD-R, and DVD.

The display 35 is connected to the processing circuit 31 and outputs signals supplied from the processing circuit 31 . The display 35 is implemented by, for example, a display. The display displays, for example, an ultrasound image based on ultrasound image data, a GUI for accepting various operations from the operator, and the like, based on instructions from the processing circuit 31 .

The input interface 36 receives various instructions from the operator. The input interface 36 includes, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touch pad, touch panel, and the like.

The input interface 36 is connected to the processing circuit 31 via, for example, a bus, converts an operation instruction input by an operator into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuit 31 .

The communication interface 38 performs data communication with the ultrasonic probe 21 .

Note that the device main body 3 may be connected to an external device via a predetermined network or the like, and may have a communication interface for performing data communication with the external device. The external device is, for example, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) database which is a system for managing data of various medical images, a database of an electronic medical chart system which manages electronic medical charts attached with medical images, and the like. In addition, the external device is, for example, an X-ray CT device, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a nuclear medicine diagnostic device, an X-ray diagnostic device, etc. Various medical image diagnostic devices other than the ultrasonic diagnostic device according to the present embodiment is. The standard for communication with the external device may be any standard, for example, DICOM.

Next, the arrangement of each item housed in the carrying case 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of each item housed in the carrying case according to the first embodiment when being carried. In FIG. 4, the accommodating portion 11 of the carrying case 1 is viewed from the positive direction of the Z-axis with the cover portion 12 opened.

According to FIG. 4, the carrying case 1 has, for example, all of the probe holder 111, the probe holder 112, and the device main body holder 113 attached during transportation. The carrying case 1 accommodates the ultrasonic probe 21, the ultrasonic probe 22, and the device main body 3 by, for example, a probe holder 111, a probe holder 112, and a device main body holder 113, respectively.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the carrying case shown in FIG. 4 taken along line A-A'. According to FIG. 5, the heat accumulated in the probe main body portion of the ultrasonic probe 21 is transferred to the radiator plate 114 via the HEAD holding portion 1111 . The heat transferred to the radiator plate 114 is radiated from the radiator plate 114 to the outside of the carrying case 1 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the items housed in the carrying case 1 according to the first embodiment during heat dissipation. The time of heat dissipation represents the time provided between scans to dissipate the heat accumulated in the ultrasonic probe in one scan, for example, when scanning a plurality of patients continuously. During heat radiation, the lid portion 12 of the carrying case 1 is opened. In the following description, it is assumed that the ultrasonic probe 21 is used to continuously scan a plurality of patients. In FIG. 6, the accommodating portion 11 of the carrying case 1 is viewed from the positive direction of the Z-axis with the cover portion 12 opened.

According to FIG. 6, the carrying case 1 has, for example, a probe holder 111 and a probe holder 112 mounted thereon during heat dissipation. The carrying case 1 accommodates the ultrasonic probe 21 and the ultrasonic probe 22 by, for example, a probe holder 111 and a probe holder 112, respectively. At this time, the carrying case 1 does not contain the device main body holder 113 and the device main body 3 . Since the device main body holder 113 and the device main body 3 are not accommodated, for example, heat transferred from the ultrasonic probe 21 to the heat dissipation plate 114 via the HEAD holding portion 1111 is transferred to the outside of the carrying case 1 at the time of heat dissipation. Heat is easily dissipated.

According to the first embodiment, the carrying case 1 accommodates the ultrasonic probe 21, accommodates the probe holder 111 that dissipates heat held by the ultrasonic probe 21, and the ultrasonic probe 22, and contains the ultrasonic probe It has a probe holder 112 that dissipates the heat held by 21 .

Further, the carrying case 1 has a heat sink 114 that radiates heat radiated from the probe holder 111 or the probe holder 112 to the outside of the carrying case 1 .

As a result, for example, when scanning a plurality of patients continuously, it is possible to shorten the interval for radiating the heat accumulated in the ultrasonic probe in one scan. Also, it becomes possible to secure a place for placing the ultrasonic probe.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the case where the ultrasonic probe is accommodated in the carrying case has been described. Here, ultrasound scanning requires placing a gel between the ultrasound probe and the patient's skin to act as a coupling agent. In the second embodiment, a carrying case that can accommodate an ultrasonic probe and a gel container that accommodates gel will be described.

The appearance of the carrying case according to the second embodiment is the same as the appearance of the carrying case 1 shown in FIGS.

Next, the arrangement of each item housed in the carrying case according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the items housed in the carrying case 1A according to the second embodiment when being carried. In FIG. 7, the storage portion 11 of the carrying case 1A is viewed from the positive direction of the Z-axis with the cover portion 12 opened.

According to FIG. 7, the carrying case 1A has, for example, all of the probe holder 111, the gel holder 115, and the apparatus main body holder 113 attached during transportation. The carrying case 1A accommodates the ultrasonic probe 21, the gel container 41 containing the gel, and the apparatus main body 3 by, for example, a probe holder 111, a gel holder 115, and an apparatus main body holder 113, respectively.

At this time, the heat sink 114 A shown in FIG. 7 receives heat from the probe holder 111 and transfers the received heat to the gel holder 115 . The material of the heat radiating plate 114A has, for example, thermal conductivity capable of diffusing heat received from the probe holder 111, and lightness that does not become a burden when carrying the carrying case 1A. Materials used for the heat sink 114A include, for example, aluminum and copper. From the viewpoint of lightness, it is preferable to use aluminum. The radiator plate 114A according to the second embodiment is arranged so as to cover a region R71 in which the probe body portion of the ultrasonic probe 21 is housed and a region R72 in which the gel container 41 is housed in the inner bottom surface of the housing portion 11. is provided. Thereby, the heat sink 114A can efficiently transmit the heat received from the ultrasonic probe 21 via the probe holder 111 to the gel holder 115, compared to the case where the entire inner bottom surface of the housing portion 11 is covered. Moreover, the heat sink 114A is an example of the heat sink described in the claims.

The gel holder 115 has a gel container holding portion 1151 that holds the gel container 4 and a holder body portion 1152 . The gel container holding part 1151 holds the gel container 4 lying down, for example. The gel container holding part 1151 receives heat transferred from the ultrasonic probe 21 via, for example, the probe holder 111 and the radiator plate 114A. For example, the gel container holding part 1151 transfers the received heat to the gel container 4 . This makes it possible to raise the temperature of the gel contained in the gel container 4 . The material of the gel container holding part 1151 has, for example, thermal conductivity capable of transferring heat received from the radiator plate 114A to the gel container 4, shape retention properties for holding the gel container 4, and protection of the gel container 4 from impact. It has possible shock absorption. In addition, it is preferable that the material of the gel container holding part 1151 should be washable, for example, in consideration of contamination of body fluids during examination. Examples of the material used for the gel container holding portion 1151 include silicone resin. As the material used for the gel container holding portion 1151, silicon resin or the like mixed with powdered aluminum may be used in order to increase thermal conductivity. The gel container holding part 1151 has a space formed corresponding to the shape of the gel container 4 so that the gel container 4 can be installed. Also, the gel container holding portion 1151 is an example of the second holding portion described in the claims.

The holder main body 1152 is made of a cushioning material such as urethane. The holder main body 1152 has a space formed corresponding to the shape of the gel container holding part 1151 so that the gel container holding part 1151 can be fitted.

Also, the HEAD holding portion 1111 and the radiator plate 114A are an example of the ultrasonic probe holder described in the claims.

8 is a cross-sectional view of the carrying case shown in FIG. 7 taken along the line B-B'. According to FIG. 8, heat transferred from the ultrasonic probe 21 through the radiator plate 114A is transferred to the gel container 4 through the gel container holding portion 1151. As shown in FIG.

According to the second embodiment, the carrying case 1A accommodates the ultrasonic probe 21, the probe holder 111 that dissipates the heat of the ultrasonic probe 21, and the gel that dissipates the heat radiated from the probe holder 111. It has a heat sink 114A and a gel holder 115 that transmit to the gel container 4 that is connected.

Since gels used for ultrasound scanning usually come into contact with the skin of the patient, they need to be warmed from around room temperature to around the patient's body temperature so as not to cause discomfort to the patient upon contact. According to the carrying case 1A according to the second embodiment, for example, the heat accumulated in the ultrasonic probe 21 during scanning can be transferred to the gel container 4 via the probe holder 111, the radiator plate 114A, and the gel holder 115. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the patient from feeling discomfort during scanning. Also, the heat accumulated in the ultrasonic probe 21 during scanning can be effectively used to raise the temperature of the gel contained in the gel container 4 .

(Third Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the case where the ultrasonic probe 21 and the gel container 4 are housed in the carrying case 1A and the heat accumulated in the ultrasonic probe 21 is used to raise the temperature of the gel container 4 during heat dissipation has been described. In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which the gel container is not housed in the carrying case when being carried, but is housed in the carrying case only when radiating heat, and the heat accumulated in the ultrasonic probe raises the temperature of the gel container. .

The appearance of the carrying case according to the third embodiment is the same as the appearance of the carrying case 1 shown in FIGS.

Next, the arrangement of each item housed in the carrying case according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the items housed in the carrying case 1B according to the third embodiment when being carried. In FIG. 9, the accommodating portion 11 of the carrying case 1B is viewed from the positive direction of the Z-axis with the cover portion 12 opened.

As shown in FIG. 9, the arrangement of the items housed in the carrying case 1B according to the third embodiment when being carried is the same as that of the items housed in the carrying case 1 according to the first embodiment. It is the same as the placement when carrying.

At this time, the heat sink 114B shown in FIG. 9 receives heat from the probe holder 111 or the probe holder 112 and diffuses it. The material of the radiator plate 114B has, for example, thermal conductivity capable of diffusing the heat received from the probe holder 111, and lightness that does not become a burden when carrying the carrying case 1B. Examples of materials used for the heat sink 114B include aluminum and copper. From the viewpoint of lightness, it is preferable to use aluminum. The radiator plate 114B according to the third embodiment has a region R91 in which the probe main body portion of the ultrasonic probe 21 and the probe main body portion of the ultrasonic probe 22 are accommodated in the inner bottom surface of the housing portion 11, and the device main body 3. It is provided so as to cover a partial area R92 of the accommodated area. As a result, for example, heat transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 21 is efficiently transmitted to the gel container 41 as compared with the case where the entire inner bottom surface of the housing portion 11 is covered. Moreover, the heat sink 114B is an example of the heat sink described in the claims.

10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the arrangement of the items housed in the carrying case 1B according to the third embodiment during heat dissipation. In FIG. 10, the accommodating portion 11 of the carrying case 1 is viewed from the positive direction of the Z-axis with the cover portion 12 opened.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the carrying case 1B for heat dissipation, the device main body holder 113 is removed and the gel holder 115 is accommodated so as to come into contact with the area R92 covered with the heat sink 114B. As a result, the heat accumulated in the ultrasonic probe 21 is transmitted to the gel holder 115 via the radiator plate 114B. The heat transferred to the gel holder is transferred to the gel container 4 . Also, the HEAD holding portion 1111 or HEAD holding portion 1121 and the radiator plate 114B are examples of the ultrasonic probe holder described in the claims.

According to the third embodiment, since the gel holder 115 is housed in the carrying case 1B only during heat dissipation, the space corresponding to the gel holder 115 can be used for other purposes, such as housing the ultrasonic probe 22.

[Other embodiments]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, for example, the carrying case 1 has a handle H2 having a structure that can be hung on a wall near the sickbed, a shelf, or the like, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the carrying case may have a mounting mechanism that allows the carrying case to be mounted on structures such as bedside rails, walls, or shelves near the patient's bed. A carrying case according to another embodiment provided with an installation mechanism will be described below.

The appearance of carrying cases according to other embodiments is similar to the appearance of carrying case 1 shown in FIGS.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an installation mechanism provided on the lid portion 12C of the carrying case 1C according to another embodiment. According to FIG. 11, the lid portion 12C has mounting mechanisms H31 and H32. The installation mechanisms H31 and H32 have, for example, an L-shaped structure. This L-shaped structure is embedded in the lid portion 12C so as not to interfere with carrying. The installation mechanisms H31 and H32 can be pulled out by rotating them parallel to the YZ plane around the fulcrums F1 and F2 by a left and right opening method (double door opening).

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of how a carrying case 1C according to another embodiment is installed with respect to the bedside rail 5. As shown in FIG. According to FIG. 12, the installation mechanisms H31 and H32 are pulled out by the left and right open system. The installation mechanisms H31 and H32 shown in FIG. 12 are installed so as to sandwich the upper handrail portion of the bedside rail 5 . At this time, the back surface of the lid portion 12C is fixed to the back surface of the housing portion 11 by the stoppers H31 and H32, for example, in a state in which the lid portion 12C is opened 90 degrees from the closed state. Also, the lid portion 12C is supported by the second handrail portion of the bedside rail 5 from above. As a result, the carrying case 1C can be stably installed on the bedside rail 5. As shown in FIG. Also, the carrying case 1C can serve as a simple table on which the ultrasonic probe is placed, for example, during examination. Also, there is no need to separately secure a place for placing the carrying case 1C.

The installation mechanism of the carrying case 1C may have any shape and structure as long as it can be installed on a bedside rail, wall, shelf, or the like near the sickbed. Mounting mechanisms include, for example, those having structures such as handles, strings, or holes.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the signal processing function 311 and the image generation function 312 are included in the processing circuit 31 included in the device main body 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ultrasonic probe 21 or the ultrasonic probe 22 may have a processing circuit having functions similar to the signal processing function 311 and image generation function 312 . As a result, for example, it becomes unnecessary to install dedicated software for realizing the signal processing function 311 and the image generation function 312 in the device main body 3, and the versatility of the device main body 3 can be improved.

The term "processor" used in the above description is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a programmable logic device (for example , Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory circuit. Note that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, and may be configured as one processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize its function. good. Furthermore, a plurality of components in FIG. 2 may be integrated into one processor to realize its functions.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to improve the convenience of examination when ultrasonic examination is performed using a tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B, 1C... Carrying case 3... Apparatus body 4... Gel container 5... Bedside rail 11... Storage part 12, 12C... Lid part 21, 22... Ultrasonic probe 31... Processing circuit 32... Internal storage circuit 33 ... image memory 34 ... image database 35 ... display 36 ... input interface 38 ... communication interfaces 111, 112 ... probe holder 113, device main body holders 114, 114A, 114B ... radiator plate 115 ... gel holder 211 ... ultrasonic transducer 212 ... transmission circuit 213... Transmission/reception control circuit 214... Transmission delay circuit 215... Pulser 216... Transmission/reception switch 217... Low-noise amplifier 218... Time gain controller 219... Delay addition circuit 220... Reception circuit 221... Communication interface 311... Signal processing function 312... Image generation function 313... Display control function 314... System control function 1111, 1121... HEAD holding part 1151... Gel container holding part 1112, 1122, 1152... Holder body part

Claims (5)

A carrying case having a housing for housing an ultrasonic probe,
The accommodation unit is
a probe holder having a space corresponding to the shape of the ultrasonic probe and holding the ultrasonic probe housed in the space;
a heat radiating portion provided between the probe holding portion and an inner surface of the housing portion for radiating heat of the ultrasonic probe held by the probe holding portion;
The probe holding part and the heat radiation part contain a material having thermal conductivity,
Carrying case for ultrasonic probe. The heat radiation part is formed in a plate shape and is provided on the inner surface of the accommodation part,
The carrying case for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 1. The heat radiation part is provided so as to cover at least a part of the inner surface of the accommodation part,
The carrying case for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 2. The accommodation unit is
further comprising a gel container holding portion that accommodates the gel container,
The heat radiating part is configured to dissipate the gel container holding part and the gel container holding part from a position between the probe holding part and the inner surface of the holding part so as to transmit the heat received through the probe holding part to the gel container holding part. Provided over a position between the inner surface of the housing,
The ultrasonic probe carrying case according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The probe holding part contains silicone resin or silicone resin mixed with powdered aluminum,
The ultrasonic probe carrying case according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .

Images