KR20120090470A - Portable ultrasonic waves diagnosis apparatus using mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A portable diagnosis apparatus of ultrasonic waves using a mobile terminal is provided to minimize a volume by arranging a doppler signal processing unit in the mobile terminal in the form of an application. CONSTITUTION: An amplification probe(100) generates ultrasonic signals and transmits the ultrasonic signals. The amplification probe amplifies by receiving the ultrasonic signals reflected from an object. A probe signal transmitting unit(200) supplies power for driving the amplification probe. A mobile terminal receives the ultrasonic signals through the probe signal transmitting unit. A doppler signal processing unit(400) extracts video signals and cardiac sound signals from the amplified ultrasonic signals which are received through the probe signal transmitting unit.

Description

Portable Ultrasonic Diagnostic Device Using Mobile Device {PORTABLE ULTRASONIC WAVES DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS USING MOBILE TERMINAL}

The present invention relates to a portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly, a signal processing means for extracting an image and an audio from an amplification probe that generates an ultrasound signal, sends it to an object such as a mother, and receives an ultrasound signal reflected from the object. After the exclusion, it is configured to amplify and transmit the received ultrasonic signal itself, and is provided in a mobile terminal equipped with data processing means such as a smartphone or a tablet PC (tablet PC), the Doppler signal receiving the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the amplification probe By extracting and expressing voice signals and ultrasound image signals such as the fetal heart sound included in the Doppler signal, the processing unit minimizes the volume of the amplification probe and greatly improves portability. With streamlined housing The present invention relates to a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal that can be used more conveniently by general users who are not familiar with the use of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

In general, ultrasonic devices are non-destructive and bloodless, and there is no danger of X-ray exposure. Therefore, ultrasonic devices are used as diagnostic devices in various fields such as underwater detectors, stratum detectors, and ultrasonic probes. In the medical field, such as the examination of the fetus implanted in the womb of the doctor and to determine the internal state of the body is increasingly being used.

Ultrasonic waves are sound waves of 20 kHz or more higher than the human audible frequency.They have high frequency and short wavelength to obtain directional sound speeds. Accurate measurement is possible, and the use in the diagnosis of the body in the medical field is increasing.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes ultrasonic wave oscillation means for generating and emitting ultrasonic waves, ultrasonic wave receiving means for receiving ultrasonic waves reflected after being emitted to an object such as a mother, and analyzing the information included in the received ultrasonic signals. It was common to include both a signal converting means for converting a signal by a transducer to generate a signal, and an output means such as a speaker, a monitor, or a printing device for outputting an ultrasonic signal converted into an audio signal or a video signal. .

Accordingly, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus was inevitably large in size and expensive, and for this reason, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus was recognized to be provided only in a hospital and the like which can be used more than the apparatus possessed by an individual. It became.

However, in recent years, there is no fear of injury such as burns when using an ultrasound diagnostic device, there is no danger of X-ray exposure, and thus the safety of use is high. Attempts are being made to manufacture portable ultrasound diagnostics so that a patient may not have to go directly to a hospital in a remote location, to have an ultrasound diagnosis at home or in their current location, and then send it to a hospital in a remote location for a quick and accurate diagnosis. have.

Accordingly, conventionally, as disclosed in Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2008-0045480, a video or audio signal is generated from a probe having a lens that emits an ultrasonic signal to a body, and an ultrasonic signal received by the probe. There has been proposed a portable ultrasonic device composed of a main body for the display.

In addition, as disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-0900758, an ultrasonic probe for generating and oscillating an ultrasonic signal and receiving a reflected ultrasonic signal, and converting the ultrasonic signal received from the ultrasonic probe into a digital signal to extract the heart rate In addition, a childbirth monitoring device has been proposed that can directly convert a heartbeat signal and a video signal after frequency multiplication.

However, such a conventional portable ultrasound device and delivery monitoring device is configured to simply reduce the existing large ultrasound device, and to transmit a video signal or audio signal generated by signal processing in the portable ultrasound device to the outside hospital, etc. It further discloses that the module is further configured to generate and oscillate ultrasonic signals in the ultrasonic apparatus itself, and receive ultrasonic signals reflected from the body, as well as video signals and audio signals to be obtained from the received ultrasonic signals. All of them are configured to be generated directly converted by the ultrasonic device has a problem that can not only be greatly limited in the reduction of the overall volume.

In addition, in recent years, as disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0704792, instead of attaching a separate communication module for communication with a hospital or a doctor to an ultrasound device, an ultrasound scanner is attached to a mobile communication terminal to separate a hospital or a doctor. There has been proposed a technology related to an ultrasound image transmission system and a method using a mobile communication terminal capable of transmitting an ultrasound image signal of a patient to the patient.

However, even in an ultrasound image transmission system using such a mobile terminal, the probe that oscillates and receives an ultrasound signal, that is, a scanner, converts the ultrasound signal into an image signal or an audio signal, and then transmits it to the mobile terminal for display. It was only proposed to be configured to transmit back to the hospital using a communication network.

Therefore, while conventionally pursuing miniaturization in order to enhance the portability of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, ultrasonic waves are applied to prevent distortion due to interference of peripheral signals that may be involved in signal transmission due to the weak ultrasonic signals reflected from the body. The first probe or scanner to be received is converted to a stable image signal or an audio signal that can be easily visually confirmed by the user or doctor of the ultrasound diagnosis device and is less affected by the distortion caused by the surrounding signal. There is a problem that restricts the miniaturization of the diagnostic apparatus itself.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is an amplification probe for generating and emitting an ultrasonic signal and receiving an ultrasonic signal reflected from the body, and converts the reflected ultrasonic signal into a video signal or an audio signal that can visually check the internal state of the object. By physically separating the Doppler signal processing unit and installing the Doppler signal processing unit in the form of an application in a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet PC (tablet PC) equipped with a communication unit, a display unit, and a data processing unit. Portable ultrasound diagnostic device using a mobile terminal that significantly reduces the volume and forms an outer housing of the volume-reduced probe that has a narrow, streamlined shape to minimize the grip and slip of the user. In providing .

A portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal for achieving the above object comprises: an amplification probe for generating and emitting an ultrasonic signal, receiving and amplifying an ultrasonic signal reflected from an object, and then transmitting the amplified ultrasonic signal; A probe signal transmitter for supplying power for driving the amplification probe and transferring an amplified ultrasonic signal transmitted from the amplification probe; A mobile terminal provided with an output means and a data processing means for receiving an ultrasonic signal through the probe signal transmitter and outputting an image signal extracted from the received ultrasonic signal; And a Doppler signal processor installed in the mobile terminal and extracting an image signal and a heart sound signal from the amplified ultrasound signal received through the probe signal transmitter.

In this case, the amplification probe, the ultrasonic oscillator for generating an ultrasonic signal; A lens for emitting an ultrasound signal generated by the ultrasound oscillator to an object such as a body part; An ultrasound receiver configured to receive an ultrasound signal reflected after being emitted to the object; A signal amplifying unit for amplifying a raw signal itself, which is an ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving unit; And a housing formed of a streamlined shape of a grip portion which wraps around the user so as to form a contour of the amplification probe and prevents slipping during operation while improving a user's grip.

In addition, the probe signal transmission unit is composed of a probe connection cable consisting of a cable extending from one end of the amplification probe and coupled to the data terminal provided in the mobile terminal, the other end of the probe connection cable is a data terminal or USB of the mobile terminal It is characterized in that the coupling means coupled to the terminal is provided.

In addition, the probe signal transmission unit is composed of a wireless communication module capable of transmitting and receiving wireless data between the amplification probe and the mobile terminal, the wireless communication module is provided in the amplification probe for wirelessly transmitting the ultrasonic signal amplified by the signal amplification unit And a wireless receiving module provided in the mobile terminal and receiving an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the wireless transmitting module and transmitting the ultrasonic signal to a Doppler signal processor.

The Doppler signal processor may include: an ultrasound image frame display unit configured to display a basic frame on the display means for displaying an ultrasound image by activating an application installed in the mobile terminal; An original signal receiver configured to receive a Doppler signal, which is a raw signal transmitted to a data terminal through the probe connection cable; A heart sound converting unit sampling and multiplying the Doppler signal at a predetermined period to extract a voice signal such as a fetal heart rate; And an image converter configured to extract internal image information of the object based on the reflection information of the ultrasonic signal included in the Doppler signal and to display it on the ultrasound image frame.

The present invention physically separates an amplification probe that generates, emits, and receives an ultrasonic signal, and a Doppler signal processor that extracts an image signal or an audio signal from the reflected ultrasonic signal, and implements each of them separately. By installing a microprocessor as a data processing means such as a smartphone or a tablet PC (tablet PC), it is possible to minimize the volume of the probe itself by installing the application in a portable terminal capable of data conversion processing.

In addition, the present invention has the advantage that can be greatly improved the usability of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by forming a housing of the amplification probe in a narrow streamline to improve the use and operation convenience of the general user.

1 is a block diagram of a portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
2 is a block diagram of a portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exemplary photograph showing a second embodiment of the amplification probe housing according to the present invention.
Figure 4 is an exemplary photograph showing a third embodiment of the amplification probe housing according to the present invention.
5 is an exemplary photograph showing a fourth embodiment of an amplification probe housing according to the present invention.
Figure 6 is an exemplary photograph showing a fifth embodiment of the amplification probe housing according to the present invention.
7 is a system configuration showing that performing a general diagnosis using a portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
8 is a system diagram showing the emergency diagnosis using a portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a block diagram of a portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a block diagram of a portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

1 and 2, a portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal according to the present invention generates and emits an ultrasound signal, receives and amplifies an ultrasound signal reflected from an object, and then transmits the amplified ultrasound signal itself. An amplification probe 100, a probe signal transmitter 200 for supplying power for driving the amplification probe and transmitting an amplified ultrasonic signal transmitted from the amplification probe, and an ultrasonic signal transmitted through the probe signal transmitter The mobile terminal 300 is provided with an output means for outputting an image signal, etc. acquired in the mobile terminal, and a Doppler signal for extracting an image signal and a heart sound signal from the amplified ultrasonic signals installed in the mobile terminal and received through the probe signal transmitter. It is configured to include a processing unit (400).

The amplification probe 100 is an ultrasonic oscillator 120 for generating an ultrasonic signal, a lens 110 for emitting to an object, such as a body part to be irradiated by the ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic oscillator, and after being emitted to the object An ultrasonic receiver 130 for receiving the reflected ultrasonic signal, a signal amplifier 140 for amplifying the original signal (raw signal) itself, which is the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiver, and sliding during operation while improving the grip feeling of the user It is configured to include a housing 150 made of a narrow streamline to prevent the.

In this case, the ultrasonic oscillator 120 and the ultrasonic receiver 130 is configured in the form of a miniaturized like a conventional portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the lens 110 is the ultrasound of the upper abdomen or various body parts according to the main use of the user The flat straight lens used for the surface or the surface may be configured in various ways, such as an elliptical lens having a constant curvature.

The signal amplification unit 140 does not convert the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiver into an image signal or an audio signal, and distorts the raw signal, which is the ultrasonic signal itself received by the ultrasonic receiver, by a peripheral signal and the like. It is configured to include an amplifier that is amplified so that it can be safely transmitted to the Doppler signal processing unit physically separated and installed in the mobile terminal without being lost in attenuation during data transmission.

In addition, hereinafter, the ultrasonic signal reflected from the object and received by the ultrasonic receiver, and then amplified by the signal amplification unit is an original signal including information for identifying an internal state of the object, which is referred to as a Doppler signal. The description will be made by distinguishing the ultrasound signal that is first emitted from the oscillator and does not include information on the internal state of the object.

In addition, the housing 150 is exposed to the outside only a few operation buttons 160 to enable convenient and easy operation of the general user, as shown in Figure 2, the grip that the user is held for the ultrasound diagnosis It is formed more narrowly than other parts, and the overall appearance is preferably formed in a streamlined shape that fits in the user's hand.

At this time, the housing 150 is formed in a cylindrical bar shape as a whole, and a lens 110 for emitting an ultrasonic signal in contact with the object is provided at one end of the cylindrical bar, and the user grips the lens while the user grips the narrow grip part. After touching the body part of the body, it can be used to rub and use it as a circle. In this case, it is preferable that the rubber pad 170 is further provided with a narrow grip to prevent the user's hand from slipping.

2 is a first embodiment of various embodiments of a narrow streamlined housing, and a plurality of general users who are not familiar with the use of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 will use the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It describes the various housings made by adopting ergonomic shapes so that they can be used without discomfort or inconvenience of operation.

Figure 3 is an exemplary photograph showing a second embodiment of the amplification probe housing according to the present invention, Figure 4 is an exemplary photograph showing a third embodiment of the amplification probe housing according to the present invention, Figure 5 is an amplification according to the present invention 6 is an exemplary photograph showing a fourth embodiment of a probe housing, and FIG. 6 is an exemplary photograph showing a fifth embodiment of an amplifying probe housing according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the second embodiment of the amplification probe housing 150 according to the present invention, the lens 110 is installed to face in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing. Configured to achieve.

At this time, the lower portion of the inclined portion for the installation of the lens functions as a grip portion, it is possible to prevent the user's hand from slipping excessively when caught by the inclined portion. In this case, the user may naturally use the '┏' shaped lens to contact the body part of the object in a circular shape while lightly holding the grip part that is the inclined portion of the housing.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the third to fifth embodiments of the amplification probe housing according to the present invention have a straight cylindrical shape installed at one end of the housing 150 such that the lens 110 faces the longitudinal direction of the housing. Consisting of the lens, one end of the housing, which is installed in the lens, extends in the width direction of the housing, unlike the other part, and is configured to form a wide '⊥' shape as a whole.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 representing the third embodiment, the rear portion of one end of the housing in which the lens is installed may be configured to form a narrow grip while making a steep inclination. As shown in FIG. 6 representing the fifth embodiment, the rear portion of one end of the housing in which the lens is installed may be formed more convex than the portion in which the lens is installed, and then may be configured to form a smooth inclined grip portion.

In this case, as in the third and fourth embodiments, when the rear portion of one end of the housing forms a steep inclination to form a narrow grip part, the user's hand holding the housing may be prevented from being pushed further toward the lens by the steep inclination. As in the fifth embodiment, when one end of the housing is convex, a smooth inclination is formed, and when the concave grip part is formed, the user's hand can be prevented from being pushed toward the lens by the convexly protruding portion. In addition, the entire amplification probe can be formed in a smooth curve to improve aesthetics and contribute to the user's mental stability.

In addition, the housing 150 has an operation button 160 protruding out of the housing so that the user can easily perform an operation such as oscillation of the ultrasonic signal and storage of the reflected ultrasonic signal while the user is holding or wrapping the housing. It is preferable to comprise more.

At this time, the operation button 160 is preferably formed in the grip portion where the user's hand is mainly located when using the diagnostic device.

In addition, the operation button 160 may be configured to include a plurality of buttons, etc. for various operations of the portable ultrasound diagnostic device, so as to minimize the volume by minimizing the function made in the amplification probe 100, the The operation button 160 is a power button for controlling the power supply on / off the amplification probe, a play / stop button for controlling the emission of the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic oscillator, and a signal transmitted from the amplification probe to the Doppler signal processor It is preferable to include only an image storage button for generating a storage signal of the ultrasound image image to be displayed after being processed to improve the ease of operation.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 2 showing the first embodiment, the operation button 160 may be configured to be arranged side by side on the grip part, as shown in FIG. 4 showing the third embodiment. The play / stop button and the image save button used to operate the amplification probe are arranged on the side of the housing, and the power button is arranged to be located at the other end of the housing away from other buttons so as to prevent accidental depression of the amplification probe. May be

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 representing the fourth embodiment, the operation buttons 160 are arranged side by side on the side of the grip to minimize the movement of the user's finger to press the operation buttons. Of course, it may be configured to facilitate the use of an experienced user.

In addition, the housing 150 is further provided with a rubber pad 170 surrounding the grip portion of the user's hand to hold or grasp the housing as shown in Figures 2 and 5 to use the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus This will improve the ease of use for unfamiliar end users.

The probe signal transmitter 200 may be configured as a probe connection cable 210 made of a cable extending from one end of the amplification probe and coupled to a data terminal provided in the mobile terminal, as well as the amplification probe and the mobile. It may be configured as a wireless communication module (230,240) capable of transmitting and receiving wireless data between terminals.

The probe connection cable 210 is composed of a flexible cable having one end connected to the amplification probe and the other end coupled to the data terminal or the USB terminal of the mobile terminal. 3 to 6 illustrate that the coupling means 220 is formed as a USB terminal. However, the coupling means 220 may be formed as a data terminal having a suitable pin structure according to the type and device type of the mobile terminal.

In this case, the probe connection cable 210 transmits the power supplied from the mobile terminal to the amplification probe through the data terminal or the USB terminal to enable the operation of the amplification probe 100 such as the oscillation of an ultrasonic signal, and the amplification. The amplified ultrasound signal transmitted from the probe, that is, the Doppler signal is transmitted to the Doppler signal processor 400 provided in the mobile terminal to express a diagnosis result.

The wireless communication module may include a wireless transmission module 230 provided in the amplification probe to wirelessly transmit the ultrasonic signal amplified by the signal amplification unit, and an ultrasonic signal provided in the mobile terminal to be transmitted from the wireless transmission module. It is configured to include a wireless receiving module 240 for receiving and transmitting to the Doppler signal processor.

In this case, the wireless transmission module and the wireless reception module may be configured as a Bluetooth module that enables data transmission and reception by Bluetooth, which is a short-range wireless communication, as well as data transmission and reception through various wireless Internet communication networks such as Wi-Fi or 3G network. This can be configured in a variety of communication modules possible.

The mobile terminal 300 receives a Doppler signal, which is an amplified ultrasound signal transmitted from the probe signal transmitter, and generates a microprocessor as a data processing means capable of processing the Doppler signal, and processing the Doppler signal. Display means 310 for outputting the video signal, output means 340 such as a speaker for outputting an audio signal such as a fetal heart sound generated by processing the Doppler signal, and an image signal or audio extracted from the Doppler signal Communication means 330 for transmitting a signal to a hospital server or a doctor's client terminal of a remote place through a communication network, and input means for inputting additional information such as the date of diagnosis or the object of diagnosis to the video signal or audio signal It consists of a mobile IT terminal.

Accordingly, the mobile terminal 300 is a smartphone or Tablet PC (tablet PC) capable of data transmission by means of data processing means and mobile communication is enhanced by wireless communication methods such as wireless Internet, Wi-Fi, and 3G. ) Or PMP (Portable multimedia player / Portable Media Player) or the like.

The Doppler signal processor 400 is composed of an application installed in the mobile terminal, and an image signal or audio for visually or audibly confirming diagnosis contents from a raw signal, that is, an amplified ultrasound signal, that is, a Doppler signal. Configured to extract the signal.

The Doppler signal processor 400 is an ultrasound image frame display unit 410 for displaying the basic frame for displaying the ultrasound image to the display means by activating the application installed on the mobile terminal, and to the data terminal through the probe connection cable An original signal receiver 420 for receiving a Doppler signal, which is a raw signal transmitted, and sampling the Doppler signal at regular intervals and generating a voltage and a current corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency constituting the Doppler signal. A heart sound converting unit 430 for extracting a voice signal such as a beat rate, and an image converting unit extracting the internal image information of the object based on the reflection information of the ultrasonic signal included in the Doppler signal and displaying it on the ultrasound image frame ( 440).

In this case, the ultrasound image frame display unit 410 expresses the ultrasound image frame by activation of the Doppler signal processing unit, which is an application installed in the mobile terminal 300, which is a separate activation icon provided in the mobile terminal 300. It is preferably configured to be activated by the selection signal of.

The original signal receiving unit 420 amplifies the ultrasonic signal reflected from the object and receives the Doppler signal itself, which is a raw signal transmitted, and then, in the heart sound converting unit 430 and the image converting unit 440. Each can be converted and output through a display means, a speaker, etc., so that a general user can easily check the diagnosis result.

As such, unlike the conventional portable ultrasound apparatus, the Doppler signal processor 400 is configured to receive the original signal itself, process the data, and then display the original signal, thereby providing a control unit for performing signal processing on the probe itself. Remarkably reducing the volume of the probe while minimizing the distortion of the output image or audio signal can be made a precise diagnosis.

In addition, the Doppler signal processor 400 is not only configured to store the heart sound or image information transformed and extracted by the heart sound converting unit and the image converting unit in the memory 320, which is a storage means provided in the mobile terminal, and is pre-stored. The image comparator 450 may further include an image comparator 450 that reads an existing ultrasound image and compares the variation of the ultrasound image.

In this case, the image comparator 450 may be configured to express whether the ultrasound image signal is stored in advance and the ultrasound image signal read out side by side or sequentially, thereby confirming whether the user changes the two ultrasounds. After matching the image frames, the size of the object in the same position may be compared so as to easily recognize the degree of variability.

In addition, the Doppler signal processing unit 400 is a hospital server or the separation of the heart sound or video information converted by the heart sound conversion unit and the image conversion unit by the communication means 330, such as the wireless Internet provided in the mobile terminal or It is preferably configured to further include an image transmission unit 460 for transmitting to the client terminal, such as a doctor's smartphone.

In this case, the image transmission unit 460 may be configured to simply transmit only the ultrasound image, as well as the ultrasound image transmission to form a communication path with the doctor in charge to notify the results of the real-time diagnosis and professional review of the ultrasound image. It may be configured to receive.

Next, the operation of the portable ultrasound diagnosis apparatus using the mobile terminal according to the present invention configured as described above will be described.

7 is a system configuration diagram illustrating performing a general diagnosis using a portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal according to the present invention, Figure 8 is an emergency using a portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal according to the present invention System configuration diagram showing performing a diagnosis. 7 and 8 illustrate that the mobile terminal is configured as a smart phone, the present invention is not limited to the contents of the drawings, and the mobile terminal such as a Tablet PC (tablet PC) is freely connected to a communication network, and various data processing means are provided. Of course, it can be configured as a kind of mobile IT terminal.

Referring to FIG. 7, the portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using the mobile terminal according to the present invention removes the signal processing means for the voice or image conversion of the ultrasonic signal, thereby reducing the volume of the amplified probe 100 to the probe signal transmitter 200. After connecting to the smart phone 300 by), the lens is in contact with the body of the object to be diagnosed to obtain the reflection information of the ultrasonic signal.

In this case, the subject is not only a pregnant woman who can continuously monitor the growth and health of the fetus, a patient who can continuously monitor the progress of the lesion, or an elderly person who can continuously monitor the exacerbation of the elderly disease, It can be configured in a variety of ways, including the general public to check their health status.

Such a variety of people have been able to use it by realizing the miniaturization of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and by adopting an ergonomic housing shape to minimize the inconvenience of operation, many general users unfamiliar with the use of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus This is because they have resolved the objection that they have.

In addition, the reflected ultrasonic signal received from the object through the amplification probe is amplified by the amplification probe 100 and then the smartphone 300 through the probe signal transmission unit 200 in the form of a raw signal (raw signal) that is an ultrasonic signal ) Is extracted and converted into a video signal or an audio signal by the Doppler signal processor 400 provided in the smart phone and then output.

At this time, the video signal or the audio signal extracted and converted by the Doppler signal processor 400 is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal of the family or doctor in charge through the communication means 340 provided in the smart phone, a sense of bonding between the family In addition, they can continue to receive professional monitoring by their doctors without going to the hospital.

In addition, referring to FIG. 8, in taking emergency measures in an emergency, the ultrasound signal may be brought into contact with the amplified probe by contacting the wounded part of the emergency patient, instead of merely relying on the personal knowledge and experience of the rescuer performing emergency rescue. Acquisition and conversion of the Doppler signal processing unit provided in the smartphone to a video signal or an audio signal to transmit to a specialist in a remote place, so that the expert findings of the wounds of emergency patients and appropriate first aid method can be instructed do.

As such, by physically separating the amplification probe 100 that generates and emits an ultrasonic signal and receives the ultrasonic signal reflected from the body, and the Doppler signal processor 400 that extracts an image signal or an audio signal from the reflected ultrasonic signal. Implemented by separate means, the Doppler signal processor 400 can minimize the volume of the probe itself by installing in the form of an application on the smart phone 300 that already has a communication means, a display means and a data processing means. Will be.

In addition, the housing 150 of the amplified probe having a reduced volume is formed in a narrow streamline to minimize the grip and slip of the user, thereby improving the usability and convenience of the general user, thereby greatly improving the usability of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. As a result, it is possible to continuously monitor the health status of many users, thereby improving the health of users.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention.

100-Amplification Probe 110-Lens
120-Ultrasonic Oscillator 130-Ultrasonic Receiver
140-ultrasonic signal amplifier 150-housing
160-Button 170-Rubber Pad
200-probe signal transmission 210-probe connection cable
220-Coupling means 230-Wireless transmission module
240-Wireless receiving module 300-Mobile terminal
400-Doppler signal processor 410-Ultrasonic image frame display unit
420-Original signal receiver 430-Heart sound converter
440-Image Converter 450-Image Comparator
460-video transmitter

Claims (8)

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus,
An amplification probe that generates and emits an ultrasonic signal, receives and amplifies the ultrasonic signal reflected from the object, and then transmits the amplified ultrasonic signal;
A probe signal transmitter for supplying power for driving the amplification probe and transferring an amplified ultrasonic signal transmitted from the amplification probe;
A mobile terminal provided with an output means and a data processing means for receiving an ultrasonic signal through the probe signal transmitter and outputting an image signal extracted from the received ultrasonic signal; And
And a Doppler signal processor installed in the mobile terminal and extracting an image signal and a heart sound signal from the amplified ultrasound signal received through the probe signal transmitter. The method of claim 1,
The amplification probe,
An ultrasonic oscillator for generating an ultrasonic signal;
A lens for emitting an ultrasound signal generated by the ultrasound oscillator to an object such as a body part;
An ultrasound receiver configured to receive an ultrasound signal reflected after being emitted to the object;
A signal amplifying unit for amplifying a raw signal itself, which is an ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving unit;
A housing having an outer shape of the amplification probe and having a narrow grip portion wrapped around the user so as to prevent slipping during operation while improving the grip feeling of the user; And
Portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal, characterized in that it comprises a rubber pad to surround the grip portion of the outer peripheral surface to prevent slipping. The method of claim 2,
The probe signal transmitter comprises a probe connection cable 210 formed of a cable extending from one end of the amplification probe and coupled to a data terminal provided in the mobile terminal, and the other end of the probe connection cable is connected to a data terminal of the mobile terminal. Portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal, characterized in that the coupling means coupled to the USB terminal. The method of claim 2,
The probe signal transmitter comprises a wireless communication module capable of wireless data transmission and reception between the amplification probe and the mobile terminal, wherein the wireless communication module is provided in the amplification probe and wirelessly transmits the ultrasonic signal amplified by the signal amplifier. And a wireless receiving module provided in the mobile terminal and receiving the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the wireless transmission module and transmitting the ultrasonic signal to the Doppler signal processor. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The Doppler signal processor,
An ultrasound image frame display unit for displaying on the display means a basic frame for displaying an ultrasound image by activating an application installed in the mobile terminal;
An original signal receiver configured to receive a Doppler signal which is a raw signal transmitted through the probe signal transmitter;
Sampling the Doppler signal at regular intervals and generating a voltage and a current corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency constituting the Doppler signal to extract a voice signal such as a heart rate of the fetus; And
And an image converter configured to extract internal image information of the object based on the reflection information of the ultrasonic signal included in the Doppler signal and to display the image on the ultrasound image frame. The method of claim 5,
The Doppler signal processor may further include an image comparator configured to read an ultrasound image stored in a memory after being transformed and extracted by the image converter, and to compare the variation of the ultrasound image. Diagnostic device. The method of claim 6,
The image comparator compares the basic frames of the two ultrasound images, and compares the size of the object in the same position, the portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal, characterized in that configured to recognize the degree of variation. The method of claim 5,
The Doppler signal processor transmits the heart sound or image information, which is converted and extracted by the heart sound converting unit and the image converting unit, to a client terminal of a remote location by wireless communication methods such as wireless Internet, Wifi, and 3G provided in the mobile terminal. Portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a mobile terminal, characterized in that it further comprises a transmission unit.

Images