KR20240030834A - Method for obtaining a plurality of ultrasound image through a plurality of ultrasound probe connected to an ultrasound diagnositc apparatus, an ultrasound diagnositc apparatus and an adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of acquiring a plurality of ultrasound images through a plurality of probes connected to an ultrasound diagnosis device includes assigning a plurality of first channels among the plurality of channels to a first connector of the first probe; assigning a plurality of second channels among the plurality of channels to a second connector of a second probe; and generating a first ultrasound image based on processing the first ultrasound data acquired through the plurality of first channels, and generating a first ultrasound image based on processing the second ultrasound data obtained through the plurality of second channels. 2. It includes generating an ultrasound image.

Description

Method for acquiring multiple ultrasound images through a plurality of probes connected to an ultrasound diagnostic device, ultrasound diagnostic device and adapter AND AN ADAPTER}

The disclosed invention relates to a method of acquiring a plurality of ultrasound images through a plurality of probes connected to an ultrasound diagnosis device, an ultrasound diagnosis device, and an adapter therefor.

The ultrasound diagnostic device irradiates ultrasonic signals generated from the transducer of an ultrasound probe from the body surface of the subject toward the target area in the body, and receives information on the ultrasonic signal (ultrasound echo signal) reflected from the subject. This is a device that obtains images of the internal parts of an object.

Ultrasound diagnostic devices are widely used in the field of medical diagnosis because they are more stable than X-ray imaging devices because they are not exposed to radiation, can display images in real time, and are cheaper and more portable than magnetic resonance imaging devices.

Meanwhile, the ultrasound diagnosis device is provided with a plurality of slots to which the connector of the ultrasound probe is connected, but the user can only check the ultrasound image acquired from one ultrasound probe connected to any one of the plurality of slots.

One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a method of acquiring a plurality of ultrasound images through a plurality of probes connected to an ultrasound diagnosis device and displaying the plurality of ultrasound images.

A method according to an aspect of the disclosed invention includes a method of acquiring a plurality of ultrasound images through a plurality of probes connected to an ultrasound diagnosis device, wherein a plurality of first channels among a plurality of channels of the ultrasound diagnosis device are selected from the first probe. Assigning to a first connector; assigning a plurality of second channels among the plurality of channels to a second connector of a second probe; and generating a first ultrasound image based on processing the first ultrasound data acquired through the plurality of first channels, and generating a first ultrasound image based on processing the second ultrasound data obtained through the plurality of second channels. 2. It may include generating an ultrasound image.

Additionally, generating the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image may include operating the first probe and the second probe along a plurality of scan lines.

In addition, the plurality of scan lines includes a plurality of first scan lines corresponding to the first probe and a plurality of second scan lines corresponding to the second probe, and the first probe and the second probe are connected to each other. The operating step includes sequentially operating the first transducer of the first probe along the plurality of first scan lines and sequentially operating the second transducer of the second probe along the plurality of second scan lines. It may include a step of doing so.

In addition, the step of operating the first transducer and the second transducer includes operating the first transducer according to a first scan line adjacent to the second scan line among the plurality of first scan lines. It may include adjusting an aperture corresponding to the first scan line adjacent to the second scan line so that the second transducer is not operated.

In addition, the step of operating the first transducer and the second transducer includes operating the second transducer according to a second scan line adjacent to the first scan line among the plurality of second scan lines. It may include adjusting an aperture corresponding to a second scan line adjacent to the first scan line so that the first transducer is not operated.

In addition, the method further includes the step of multiplexing signals transmitted and received through the plurality of first channels when the number of the plurality of first channels is less than the number of piezoelectric elements of the first probe. can do.

Additionally, the method may further include displaying the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image on at least one display of the ultrasound diagnosis device in real time.

In addition, the at least one display includes a first display, and the step of displaying the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image on the at least one display in real time includes displaying the first ultrasound image on the first display. and displaying the second ultrasound image on the remaining area of the first display.

Additionally, the method includes determining whether the first probe is in contact with the object based on the first ultrasound data; determining whether the second probe is in contact with the object based on the second ultrasound data; and displaying only the first ultrasound image in all areas of the first display in real time based on the determination that the first probe is in contact with the object and the second probe is not in contact with the object. More may be included.

Additionally, the first probe and the second probe may be connected to one slot of the ultrasound diagnosis device through an adapter.

An ultrasound diagnosis device according to one aspect of the disclosed invention includes a plurality of channels; slot; a first connector connected to the first probe; a second connector connected to the second probe; It includes a first port connected to the first connector, a second port connected to the second connector, and a connector connected to the slot, and a plurality of first channels among the plurality of channels are connected to the first connector. an adapter configured to allocate a plurality of second channels among the plurality of channels to the second connector; and generating a first ultrasound image based on processing the first ultrasound data acquired through the plurality of first channels, and generating a first ultrasound image based on processing the second ultrasound data obtained through the plurality of second channels. 2 It may include at least one processor that generates an ultrasound image.

Additionally, the at least one processor may sequentially operate the plurality of channels along a plurality of scan lines and operate the first probe and the second probe along the plurality of scan lines.

Additionally, the plurality of scan lines includes a plurality of first scan lines corresponding to the first probe and a plurality of second scan lines corresponding to the second probe, and the at least one processor is configured to The first transducer of the first probe may be sequentially operated along a first scan line, and the second transducer of the second probe may be sequentially operated along the plurality of second scan lines.

In addition, the at least one processor is configured to prevent the second transducer from operating when the first transducer is operated according to a first scan line adjacent to the second scan line among the plurality of first scan lines. The aperture corresponding to the first scan line adjacent to the second scan line can be adjusted.

In addition, the at least one processor is configured to prevent the first transducer from operating when the second transducer is operated according to a second scan line adjacent to the first scan line among the plurality of second scan lines. The aperture corresponding to the first scan line and the adjacent second scan line can be adjusted.

Additionally, the adapter may multiplex signals transmitted and received through the plurality of first channels when the number of the plurality of first channels is less than the number of piezoelectric elements of the first probe.

In addition, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus may further include at least one display, and the at least one processor may control the at least one display to display the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image in real time. there is.

In addition, the at least one display includes a first display, and the at least one processor configures the first display to display the first ultrasound image in one area and the second ultrasound image in the remaining area. You can control it.

In addition, the at least one processor determines whether the first probe is in contact with the object based on the first ultrasound data, and determines whether the second probe is in contact with the object based on the second ultrasound data. And, based on the determination that the first probe is in contact with the object and the second probe is not in contact with the object, the first display is controlled to display only the first ultrasound image in all areas in real time. You can.

An adapter according to one aspect of the disclosed invention includes a first port connected to a first connector of a first probe; a second port connected to the second connector of the second probe; and a connector connected to a slot of an ultrasound diagnosis device including a plurality of channels, wherein a plurality of first channels among the plurality of channels are assigned to the first connector, and a plurality of second channels among the plurality of channels. may be assigned to the second connector.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, an operator can diagnose an object using a plurality of ultrasound probes.

Additionally, according to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a plurality of ultrasonic probes may be connected to one slot.

Additionally, according to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a plurality of ultrasound images can be naturally displayed on the display.

Additionally, according to one aspect of the disclosed invention, an image acquired from an ultrasound probe that is not being used by an operator among a plurality of probes connected to an ultrasound diagnosis device may not be displayed on the display.

Additionally, according to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the operator can focus on only the images obtained from the ultrasonic probe being used.

Figure 1 shows the appearance of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 shows the appearance of an adapter according to one embodiment.
Figure 3 shows an example of an adapter connected to an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
Figure 4 is a control block diagram of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
Figure 5 shows an example in which a plurality of channels are allocated to each of a plurality of probes when an adapter is connected to an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
Figure 6 is a control block diagram when an adapter is connected to an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method by which an ultrasound diagnosis device acquires a plurality of ultrasound images according to an embodiment.
Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining a plurality of scan lines and the corresponding aperture.
Figure 9 shows a transmission channel according to one embodiment transmitting an ultrasonic signal along one scan line.
FIG. 10 shows a receiving channel receiving an ultrasonic signal along one scan line according to an embodiment.
Figure 11 shows an example in which the aperture corresponding to one scan line is adjusted according to an embodiment.
FIG. 12 shows a transmission channel transmitting an ultrasonic signal along one scan line in the example shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 shows a receiving channel receiving an ultrasonic signal along one scan line in the example shown in FIG. 11.
Figure 14 shows another example in which the aperture corresponding to one scan line is adjusted according to one embodiment.
FIG. 15 shows a transmission channel transmitting an ultrasonic signal along one scan line in the example shown in FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 shows a receiving channel receiving an ultrasonic signal along one scan line in the example shown in FIG. 14.
Figure 17 shows an example in which a multiplexing function is installed in an adapter according to an embodiment.
Figure 18 shows an example in which a plurality of ultrasound images are displayed on the display of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 19 illustrates a situation in which a plurality of ultrasound images are displayed on the display of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment, but only one ultrasound image is displayed.
FIG. 20 illustrates a situation where only one ultrasound image is displayed on the display of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment, but then multiple ultrasound images are displayed.

The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and at the time of filing this application, there may be various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings in this specification.

Terms used herein are used to describe embodiments and are not intended to limit and/or limit the disclosed invention.

For example, herein, singular expressions may include plural expressions, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In addition, terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to express the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and one or more other features, The possibility of additional presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof is not excluded.

Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as “first”, “second”, etc. are used to distinguish one component from another component and do not limit the one component.

In this specification, the first probe and the second probe refer to different configurations having different bodies.

Additionally, terms such as "~unit", "~unit", "~block", "~member", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may mean at least one piece of hardware such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)/application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor. there is.

In this specification, “probe” means an “ultrasound probe” capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals.

In this specification, “image” may mean multi-dimensional data composed of discrete image elements. For example, the image may include, but is not limited to, a medical image (ultrasound image, CT image, MR image) of an object acquired by an ultrasound device, a CT device, or an MRI device.

In this specification, a subject may include a person, an animal, or a part of a person or an animal. For example, the object may include organs such as the liver, heart, uterus, brain, breast, abdomen, or blood vessels. Additionally, the object may include a phantom, and a phantom may refer to a substance with a volume very close to the density and effective atomic number of a living organism. For example, the phantom may be a spherical phantom with characteristics similar to the human body.

In this specification, an ultrasound image may refer to an image obtained by irradiating an ultrasound signal generated from a transducer of a probe to an object and receiving information about an echo signal reflected from the object. Additionally, ultrasound images can be implemented in various ways. For example, the ultrasound image may be at least one of an A-mode (amplitude mode) image, a B-mode (brightness mode) image, a C-mode (color mode) image, and a D-mode (Doppler mode) image. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasound image may be a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image.

Additionally, throughout the specification, the “operator” is a medical professional and may be a doctor, nurse, clinical pathologist, medical imaging expert, etc., and may be a technician who repairs a medical device, but is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols shown in the accompanying drawings may indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

Hereinafter, the operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 shows the appearance of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 according to one embodiment includes a main body 101 containing various components, a plurality of casters 103 for moving the main body 101, and a main body 101. It may include a control panel 105 and a display unit 160 that displays ultrasound images.

A plurality of casters 103 may be provided at the lower part of the main body 101 to move the ultrasonic diagnosis device 10. The user can fix or move the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 using the plurality of casters 103. Such an ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 is called a cart-type ultrasonic device.

However, the type of ultrasonic diagnosis device 10 is not limited to cart-type ultrasound, and the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 may be implemented not only in a cart type but also in a portable type. Examples of portable ultrasound devices include, but are not limited to, fax viewers, smart phones, laptop computers, PDAs, and tablet PCs.

The plurality of casters 103 may include electronic casters that operate by electrical signals. The electronic caster can provide driving force in the direction in which the user moves the main body 101, and can also be fixed according to the user's intention.

A control panel 105 may be provided on the front of the main body 101. An input device 190 that receives the user's input may be formed in the control panel 105, and the user can select a probe, start diagnosis, select a diagnosis area, select a diagnosis type, and select an ultrasound image through the input device 190. You can enter commands for mode selection, etc.

A display unit 160 may be provided on the upper part of the main body 101. The display unit 160 is implemented with at least one of various display panels, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel. It can be.

When the display unit 160 is configured as a touch screen, the display unit 160 may also be used as an input device 190. The touch screen can be configured to detect not only the touch input location and touched area, but also touch pressure. Additionally, the touch screen may be configured to detect not only direct touch (real-touch) but also proximity touch.

The display unit 160 may include at least one display. When the display unit 160 is composed of a plurality of displays, it is possible for each display to display different images simultaneously. For example, one display may display a 2D ultrasound image and the other display may display a 3D ultrasound image. Alternatively, one display may display a B-mode image and the other display may display a contrast agent image. Alternatively, one display may display an ultrasound image and the other display may display waveform information of a transmission signal.

According to one embodiment, one display may display the first ultrasound image obtained from the first probe (P1), and the other display may display the first ultrasound image obtained from the second probe (P2) different from the first probe (P1). 2 Ultrasound images can also be displayed.

An operator such as a doctor can diagnose a specific disease using the ultrasound image displayed on the display unit 160, and the area where the ultrasound image is acquired may vary depending on the disease to be diagnosed.

One or more probe holders for mounting a probe may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 101. Therefore, when the user is not using the probe, the user can store the probe by placing it in the probe holder.

The main body 101 may be provided with at least one slot 195 to which a probe can be connected.

There may be a plurality of at least one slot 195, and typically one probe may be connected to each of the plurality of slots 195.

At least one slot 195 may be a female connector and may be physically coupled to a connector provided at one end of the probe cable. However, the type of at least one slot 195 is not limited to this.

The connector provided at one end of the probe cable may be a male connector. However, the type of probe connector is not limited to this.

For example, when at least one slot 195 is a male connector, the connector provided at one end of the probe cable may be a female connector.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 10 may generate an ultrasound image based on ultrasound data acquired from a probe connected to at least one slot 195 and display the generated ultrasound image on the display unit 160.

For example, the operator can select one of a plurality of probes connected to the plurality of slots 195 using the input device 190 provided on the control panel 105, and the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 responds to the user input. Accordingly, an ultrasound image may be generated based on ultrasound data acquired from the selected probe.

Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, an adapter 20 to which a plurality of probes are connected may be fastened to at least one slot 195 instead of a single probe.

Figure 2 shows the appearance of an adapter according to one embodiment.

The adapter 20 according to one embodiment may include a plurality of ports 21 and 22 to which a plurality of probes P1 and P2 can be connected.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the adapter 20 includes two ports 21 and 22 to which two probes P1 and P2 can be connected, but the number of ports provided in the adapter 20 is based on this. It is not limited.

For example, the adapter 20 may include N ports to which N probes (N is a natural number of 2 or more) can be connected.

The adapter 20 may have a separate power source and may receive power from the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 based on being fastened to the slot 195 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, the adapter 20 according to one embodiment includes a main body 23, a first port 21 provided on the main body 23 and connected to the first probe P1, and the main body 23. It may include a second port 22 provided in and connected to the second probe P2.

The first port 21 may be connected to the connector of the first probe P1 (hereinafter referred to as 'first connector P12'), and the second port 22 may be connected to the connector of the second probe P2 (hereinafter referred to as 'first connector P12'). 2 connector (P22)').

Each of the plurality of ports 21 and 22 may be a female connector corresponding to the slot 195 provided in the ultrasound diagnosis device 10. However, if the probe's connector corresponds to a female connector, the port provided in the adapter 20 may be a male connector.

Each of the plurality of probes (P1, P2) includes a cable (P11, P21) and a cable (P11, P21) for transmitting an electrical signal to the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 or receiving an electrical signal from the ultrasound diagnosis device 10. It may include connected connectors (P12, P22).

For example, the first probe (P1) may include a first cable (P11) and a first connector (P12), and the second probe (P2) may include a second cable (P21) and a second connector (P22). may include.

The first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2) have distinct structures having different bodies, but may be different types of probes or may be the same type of probe.

For example, the first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2) are a linear probe, a convex probe, a sector probe, an endoscopic probe, and a probe type, respectively. It may be one of a vaginal probe, a transurethral probe, an insertable probe that can be inserted into a subject, a bi-plane probe, etc.

The first probe P1 may include a transducer (hereinafter referred to as ‘first transducer P10’) for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals to the object, and the second probe P2 may transmit ultrasound signals to the object ob. It may include a transducer for transmitting and receiving (hereinafter referred to as 'second transducer (P20)').

The first transducer P10 and the second transducer P20 may each include an array in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements are regularly arranged.

That is, the first transducer P10 may include a plurality of first piezoelectric elements and the second transducer P20 may include a plurality of second piezoelectric elements.

Piezoelectric elements can mutually convert ultrasonic signals and electrical signals. As an example, the piezoelectric element may be implemented as a piezoelectric transducer (Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Transducer) using the piezoelectric effect. To this end, the piezoelectric element may include a piezoelectric material or a piezoelectric thin film. When alternating current is applied to a piezoelectric material or piezoelectric thin film from an internal storage device such as a battery or an external power supply, the piezoelectric material or piezoelectric thin film vibrates at a predetermined frequency, and ultrasonic waves of a predetermined frequency are generated according to the vibration frequency. .

Conversely, when an ultrasonic echo of a certain frequency reaches the piezoelectric material or piezoelectric thin film, the piezoelectric material or piezoelectric thin film vibrates according to the frequency of the echo ultrasonic wave that has arrived, and the piezoelectric material or piezoelectric thin film vibrates with an alternating current of a frequency corresponding to the vibration frequency. outputs.

In addition, the piezoelectric element is a magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducer element that uses the magnetostrictive effect of a magnetic material, or a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer element that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves using the vibration of hundreds or thousands of micromachined thin films. It is also possible to implement it by other piezoelectric elements such as transducer element (cMUT element).

A first transducer (P10) may be provided in the body of the first probe (P1), and a second transducer (P20) may be provided in the body of the second probe (P2).

The first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2) may each be connected to only one slot 195 among the plurality of slots 195 provided in the ultrasound diagnosis device 10.

That is, the first connector (P12) and the second connector (P22) cannot be connected to the single slot 195 of the ultrasonic diagnosis device 10 at the same time, and only one of the first connector (P12) or the second connector (P22) can be connected to the single slot 195 of the ultrasonic diagnosis device 10. This can be connected.

Meanwhile, the first connector P12 and the second connector P22 may be connected to the first port 21 and the second port 22 of the adapter 20 according to one embodiment, respectively. That is, the first connector P12 and the second connector P22 can be connected to the adapter 20 at the same time.

The adapter 20 according to one embodiment may include a connector 25 connected to at least one slot 195 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10.

The connector 25 of the adapter 20 may be similar in shape to the first connector P12 and the second connector P22. That is, the connector 25 is configured to be connected to the slot 195 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10.

If at least one slot 195 is a male connector, the connector 25 of the adapter 20 may be a female connector, and if at least one slot 195 is a female connector, the connector 25 of the adapter 20 may be a female connector. It may be a male connector.

The connector 25 of the adapter 20 is physically coupled to the slot 195 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 and can transmit and receive various electrical signals to and from the ultrasound diagnosis device 10.

Since a plurality of probes (P1, P2) can be connected to the adapter 20, as a result, a plurality of probes (P1, P2) can be connected to the single slot 195 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10.

Figure 3 shows an example of an adapter connected to an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, a first connector (P12) may be connected to the first port 21 of the adapter 20, and a second connector (P22) may be connected to the second port 22 of the adapter 20. there is. Additionally, the connector 25 of the adapter 20 may be connected to the slot 195.

Accordingly, the first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2) can be connected to the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 through a single slot 195.

In one embodiment, the first probe (P1) can exchange electrical signals with the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 through the first connector (P12), and the second probe (P2) can transmit and receive electrical signals through the second connector (P22). Electrical signals can be exchanged with the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10.

According to the present disclosure, a plurality of probes can be connected to one slot 195 provided in the ultrasound diagnosis device 10, and thus the number of slots 195 can be saved.

In addition, as will be described later, according to the present disclosure, a plurality of ultrasound images obtained from a plurality of probes connected to one slot 195 can be generated, so that the operator can generate a plurality of ultrasound images using the plurality of probes. Through observation, the subject can be diagnosed more closely.

Figure 4 is a control block diagram of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 according to one embodiment includes an ultrasound transmission/reception channel unit 115, an image processor 150, a communication unit 170, a display unit 160, a memory 180, and an input device. 190, and a control unit 185, and the various components described above may be connected to each other through a bus 186.

Meanwhile, an adapter 20 may be connected to the slot 195 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10, and a plurality of probes P1 and P2 may be connected to the adapter 20.

That is, when the adapter 20 to which a plurality of probes P1 and P2 are fastened is connected to the ultrasonic diagnosis device 10, the ultrasonic diagnosis device 10 may include a plurality of probes P1 and P2.

The ultrasonic transmission/reception channel unit 115 may include a plurality of transmission channels and a plurality of reception channels. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a plurality of transmission channels or a plurality of reception channels are collectively referred to as a plurality of channels.

The first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2) each transmit an ultrasound signal (transmission signal) to the object ob according to a driving signal applied from the ultrasound transmission/reception channel unit 115, and the object ( The ultrasonic signal (echo signal) reflected from ob) can be received.

In the drawing, the first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2) are shown as transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals toward the same object (ob), but depending on the operator's operation, the first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2) ), of course, can also transmit and receive ultrasonic signals toward a different object (ob).

As previously described, the first probe (P1) may include a first transducer (P10), the second probe (P2) may include a second transducer (P20), and the first transducer (P10) And the second transducer (P20) vibrates according to the electrical signal transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnosis device 10 and generates ultrasonic waves, which are acoustic energy.

The transmission channel unit 110 may include a plurality of transmission channels that supply driving signals to the first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2), and includes a pulse generator 112, a transmission delay unit 114, and a pulsar 116. The pulse generator 112 generates pulses to form transmission ultrasonic waves according to a predetermined pulse repetition frequency (PRF, Pulse Repetition Frequency), and the transmission delay unit 114 determines the transmission directionality. A delay time can be applied to the pulse. Each pulse to which a delay time is applied may respectively correspond to a plurality of piezoelectric elements included in the probes P1 and P2.

That is, the transmission channel unit 110 may be provided with a plurality of transmission channels connected to the first piezoelectric elements included in the first transducer (P10) and the second piezoelectric elements included in the second transducer (P20). and transmit signals to the piezoelectric elements through each of a plurality of transmission channels.

According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of transmission channels may correspond to at least one piezoelectric element. For example, one transmission channel among a plurality of transmission channels may transmit a transmission signal to one or more piezoelectric elements.

The pulser 116 may apply a driving signal (or driving pulse) to the probes P1 and P2 with timing corresponding to each pulse to which a delay time is applied.

The receiving channel unit 120 may include a plurality of receiving channels for generating ultrasonic data by processing ultrasonic signals (echo signals) received from the probes P1 and P2, and may include an amplifier 122 and an analog digital converter (ADC). It may include a converter (Analog Digital converter) 124, a reception delay unit 126, and a summing unit 128. The amplifier 122 amplifies the echo signal for each receiving channel, and the ADC 124 converts the amplified echo signal into analog-digital. The reception delay unit 126 applies a delay time for determining reception directionality to the digitally converted echo signal, and the summing unit 128 sums the echo signals processed by the reception delay unit 126. Generate ultrasound data. Meanwhile, the receiving channel unit 120 may not include the amplifier 122 depending on its implementation type. That is, when the sensitivity of the probes P1 and P2 is improved or the number of processing bits of the ADC 124 is improved, the amplifier 122 may be omitted.

The image processing unit 150 may generate an ultrasound image through a scan conversion process on the ultrasound data generated by the ultrasound transmission/reception channel unit 115.

Meanwhile, the ultrasound image is not only a gray scale ultrasound image obtained by scanning the object (ob) in A mode (amplitude mode), B mode (brightness mode), and M mode (motion mode), but also the Doppler effect ( It may be a Doppler image that represents a moving object (ob) using the Doppler effect. Doppler images include blood flow Doppler images (also called color flow images) showing blood flow, tissue Doppler images showing tissue movement, and spectral Doppler images showing the moving speed of the object (ob) in waveforms. It can be included.

The data processing unit 140 may process ultrasound data.

The B-mode processing unit 141 extracts and processes B-mode components from ultrasonic data. The image generator 155 may generate an ultrasound image in which the signal intensity is expressed as brightness based on the B-mode component extracted by the B-mode processor 141.

Likewise, the Doppler processing unit 142 extracts Doppler components from ultrasound data, and the image generator 155 creates a Doppler image (e.g., a Doppler image expressing the movement of the object ob in color or waveform) based on the extracted Doppler components For example, color flow images, etc.) can be generated.

The image generator 155 can generate a 3D ultrasound image through a volume rendering process for volume data, and can also generate an elastic image that images the degree of deformation of the object ob according to pressure.

Furthermore, the image generator 155 may express various additional information in text or graphics on the ultrasound image. Meanwhile, the generated ultrasound image may be stored in the memory 180.

The image generator 155 may generate a first ultrasound image based on processing the ultrasound signal received through the first probe (P1), and may generate the first ultrasound image by processing the ultrasound signal received through the second probe (P2). Based on this, a second ultrasound image can be generated.

The first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image generated through the image generator 155 may be output to the display unit 160.

For example, the display unit 160 may output the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image simultaneously.

The communication unit 170 is connected to the network 30 by wire or wirelessly and communicates with an external device or server. The communication unit 170 can exchange data with a hospital server connected through a medical imaging information system (PACS, Picture Archiving and Communication System) or with other medical devices within the hospital. Additionally, the communication unit 170 can communicate data according to the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard.

The communication unit 170 can transmit and receive data related to the diagnosis of the object ob, such as ultrasound images, ultrasound data, and Doppler data of the object ob, through the network 30, and can transmit and receive data related to the diagnosis of the object ob, such as CT, MRI, and X-ray. Medical images captured by the device can also be transmitted and received. Furthermore, the communication unit 170 may receive information about the patient's diagnosis history or treatment schedule from the server and use it to diagnose the object ob. Furthermore, the communication unit 170 may perform data communication not only with servers or medical devices within the hospital, but also with portable terminals of doctors or patients.

Additionally, the communication unit 170 may transmit the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image to an external device through the network 30. At this time, the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image may be treated as one image and transmitted to an external device.

The communication unit 170 is connected to the network 30 by wire or wirelessly and can exchange data with the server 32, the medical device 34, or the portable terminal 36. The communication unit 170 may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, and may include, for example, a short-range communication module 171, a wired communication module 172, and a mobile communication module 173. You can.

The short-range communication module 171 refers to a module for short-distance communication within a predetermined distance. Short-distance communication technologies according to an embodiment of the present invention include wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, zigbee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), ultra wideband (UWB), and infrared communication ( There may be (IrDA, infrared Data Association), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), etc., but it is not limited to these.

The wired communication module 172 refers to a module for communication using electrical signals or optical signals, and wired communication technologies according to one embodiment include pair cable, coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, ethernet cable, etc. This may be included.

The mobile communication module 173 transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signal may include various types of data according to voice call signals, video call signals, or text/multimedia message transmission and reception.

The memory 180 stores various information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis device 10. For example, the memory 180 may store medical data related to the diagnosis of the object ob, such as input/output ultrasound data and ultrasound images, and may also store algorithms or programs performed within the ultrasound diagnosis device 10. there is.

The memory 180 may be implemented with various types of storage media, such as flash memory, hard disk, and EEPROM. Additionally, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 may operate a web storage or cloud server that performs a memory storage function on the web.

The input device 190 refers to a means for a user to input data for controlling the ultrasound diagnosis device 10. The input device 190 may include hardware components such as a keypad, mouse, touchpad, trackball, and jog switch, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the input device 190 may include a fingerprint recognition sensor and recognize the user's fingerprint. In addition, the input device 190 may further include various components such as an electrocardiogram measurement module, a respiration measurement module, a voice recognition sensor, a gesture recognition sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a depth sensor, and a distance sensor. In particular, the touch pad may also include a touch screen that forms a layer structure with the display unit 160 described above.

At this time, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can display an ultrasound image in a predetermined mode and a control panel for the ultrasound image on the touch screen. And the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 can detect the user's touch gesture on the ultrasound image through the touch screen.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is physically equipped with some buttons frequently used by users among the buttons included in the control panel of a general ultrasound device, and the remaining buttons are provided with a graphical user interface (GUI). ) can be provided through a touch screen.

The control unit 185 generally controls the operation of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10. That is, the control unit 185 controls the control between the probes P1 and P2 shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic transmission/reception channel unit 115, the image processing unit 150, the communication unit 170, the memory 180, and the input device 190. Movement can be controlled.

The control unit 185 may include at least one memory storing a program for performing operations described later and at least one processor executing the stored program. The ultrasonic transmission/reception channel unit 115, image processing unit 150, and control unit 185 may use separate memories and processors, or may share memory and processors.

Some of the probes (P1, P2), ultrasonic transmission/reception channel unit 115, image processing unit 150, display unit 160, communication unit 170, memory 180, input device 190, and control unit 185, or All may operate by software modules, but are not limited thereto, and some of the above-described configurations may operate by hardware. Additionally, at least some of the ultrasonic transmission/reception channel unit 115, image processing unit 150, and communication unit 170 may be included in the control unit 185, but are not limited to this implementation form.

The probe connected to the slot 195 transmits probe identification information (e.g., identification number information, probe type information, etc.) to the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 through a cable, and the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 transmits the probe identification information. Based on this, a user interface for selecting a probe is provided on the display unit 160. Accordingly, the operator can select the probe he or she wishes to use through the user interface, and an image generated based on the ultrasonic signal obtained from the selected probe is output on the display unit 160.

Meanwhile, according to the prior art, only one probe can be connected to one slot provided in an ultrasound diagnosis device, so a plurality of channels form a corresponding relationship with a plurality of piezoelectric elements provided in one probe.

According to the present disclosure, since a plurality of probes P1 and P2 are connected to one slot 195, a plurality of channels 110 and 120 are connected to a plurality of piezoelectric elements provided in each of the plurality of probes P1 and P2. There is a need to form an appropriate correspondence relationship.

To this end, the adapter 20 according to one embodiment transmits identification information of the adapter 20 to the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 based on the connector 25 being connected to the slot 195 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10. You can.

As an example, the identification information of the adapter 20 may include identification number information of the adapter 20 and/or identification information of each of the plurality of probes P1 and P2 connected to the adapter 20.

Figure 5 shows an example in which a plurality of channels are allocated to each of a plurality of probes when an adapter is connected to an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of channels 110 and 120 included in the ultrasonic transmission and reception channel unit 115 may be respectively assigned to the connectors P12 and 22 of the probes P1 and P2 connected to the adapter 20. .

For example, if the number of channels is (n+1) and there are two connectors (P12, P22) of the probes (P1, P2) connected to the adapter 20, each probe (P1, P2 ), {(n+1)/2} channels can be assigned to the connectors (P12, P22) (n is a natural number, for example, 191). However, depending on the number of piezoelectric elements provided in each probe, a different number of channels may be allocated to each port of the adapter 20.

Among the plurality of channels, a plurality of first channels may be assigned to the first connector (P12) of the first probe (P1), and among the plurality of channels, a plurality of second channels may be assigned to the second connector (P2) of the second probe (P2). P22).

The plurality of first channels correspond to channels that are continuously adjacent to each other, and the plurality of second channels also correspond to channels that are continuously adjacent to each other.

For example, the first plurality of channels may include channels 0 to m, and the second plurality of channels may include channels m+1 to channel n (m is a natural number smaller than n).

At this time, channels with numbers adjacent to each other mean channels adjacent to each other. For example, channel m refers to a channel adjacent to channel m+1.

As a specific example, assuming that the first probe (P1) includes 96 piezoelectric elements, the second probe (P2) includes 96 piezoelectric elements, and the plurality of channels of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 is 192, Each of the 96 piezoelectric elements of the first probe (P1) may correspond to channels 0 to 95, and each of the 96 piezoelectric elements of the second probe (P2) may correspond to channels 96 to 191.

Meanwhile, as will be explained later, when the first probe P1 has more than 96 piezoelectric elements, one channel can correspond to a plurality of piezoelectric elements through the multiplexing function of the adapter 20.

That is, the adapter 20 is connected to the slot 195 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 including a plurality of channels, and serves to allocate a plurality of channels to the plurality of probes P1 and P2.

Figure 6 is a control block diagram when an adapter is connected to an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2) are connected to the adapter 20 and the adapter 20 is connected to the slot 195 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10, ultrasound Among the plurality of channels (e.g., channels 0 to channel n) of the diagnostic device 10, the first channels (e.g., channels 0 to channel m) are the first transducer (P10) included in the first probe (P1). It is connected to the first piezoelectric elements constituting the, and a plurality of second channels (e.g., channel m+1 to channel n) among the plurality of channels use the second transducer (P20) included in the second probe (P2). It can be connected to the second piezoelectric elements constituting the device.

In one embodiment, a plurality of channels may perform transmission and reception operations according to a plurality of scan lines.

The scan direction of the plurality of scan lines may be, for example, a direction from channel 0 to channel n.

According to a plurality of scan lines, the first transducer P10 of the first probe P1 may operate first, and then the second transducer P20 of the second probe P2 may operate.

Additionally, depending on the scan settings of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10, one scan line may be operated at a time, but a plurality of scan lines may be operated simultaneously.

In this case, the scan direction of the plurality of scan lines having one sequence may be from channel 0 to channel m, and the scan direction of the plurality of scan lines having another sequence may be from channel m+1. It can have a direction toward channel n.

Meanwhile, one scan line and a plurality of channels may be mapped according to the aperture settings of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10.

For example, five channels may be mapped to one scan line, but the number of channels mapped to one scan line is not limited to this.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method by which an ultrasound diagnosis device acquires a plurality of ultrasound images according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 may receive recognition information of the adapter 20 (1100).

A first probe (P1) and a second probe (P2) may be connected to the adapter 20, and the connector 25 of the adapter 20 may be fastened to the slot 195 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10. Based on this, the adapter 20 can transmit the recognition information of the adapter 20 to the ultrasound diagnosis device 10.

As described above, the recognition information of the adapter 20 may include identification number information stored in the memory of the adapter 20.

According to various embodiments, the recognition information of the adapter 20 includes the identification information of the first probe (P1) received from the first probe (P1) through the first port 21 and the first probe (P1) received through the second port 22. It may further include identification information of the second probe (P2) received from the second probe (P2).

The adapter 20 may allocate a plurality of first channels among the plurality of channels of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 10 to the first connector P12 (1200).

Additionally, the adapter 20 may allocate a plurality of second channels among the plurality of channels of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 10 to the second connector P22 (1300).

The meaning of assigning a plurality of first and second channels to the first and second connectors (P12 and P22) is that the piezoelectric elements included in each of the plurality of first and second channels and the first and second transducers (P10 and P20) It means connecting them.

According to various embodiments, when a third probe is further connected to the adapter 20, the adapter 20 allocates a plurality of first channels among the plurality of channels of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 to the first connector P12, and , a plurality of second channels may be allocated to the second connector P22, and a plurality of third channels may be allocated to the third connector of the third probe.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 10 may operate the first probe P1 and the second probe P2 by operating a plurality of channels according to a plurality of scan lines (1400).

Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining a plurality of scan lines and the corresponding aperture.

Referring to FIG. 8, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 includes a plurality of first scan lines corresponding to the first probe P1, a second probe P2, and A plurality of corresponding second scan lines can be identified.

For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 10 identifies a plurality of first scan lines corresponding to a plurality of first channels (e.g., channels 0 to channels m) among the plurality of scan lines, and identifies a plurality of first scan lines (e.g., channels 0 to : A plurality of second scans corresponding to channels m+1 to channel n) can be identified.

As a simple example, when there are 16 scan lines, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 may determine the eight scan lines at the front as the first scan lines and the remaining eight scan lines as the second scan lines. there is.

In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 operates a plurality of channels sequentially from the initial scan-line to the final scan-line, as if operating a single probe. You can do it.

That is, the sequence of the plurality of scan lines can be set in a direction from channel 0 to channel n. Assuming that there are 16 scan lines, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 can scan the object ob according to scan lines 1 to 16.

In another embodiment, based on receiving the recognition information of the adapter 20, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 may change the sequence of a plurality of scan lines to operate a plurality of probes.

For example, in order to operate two probes simultaneously, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 operates a plurality of channels sequentially from the initial scan-line to the middle scan-line. At the same time, multiple channels can be operated sequentially from the middle scan-line to the final scan-line.

Assuming that there are 16 scan lines, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 scans the object ob according to scan lines 1 to 8 and simultaneously scans the object ob according to scan lines 9 to 16. can be scanned. In this way, when the first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2) are simultaneously driven according to a plurality of scan lines through a plurality of different sequences, the frame rate of the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image may increase. You can.

The first transducer (P10) may include a plurality of first piezoelectric elements (P10-1, P10-2, P10-3, ??, P10-a, P10-b, P10-c), and a second The transducer P20 may include a plurality of second piezoelectric elements (P20-1, P20-2, P20-3, ??, P20-a, P20-b, and P20-c).

Depending on the model of the first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2) connected to the adapter 20, the number of the first plurality of piezoelectric elements and the number of the plurality of second piezoelectric elements may be the same or different from each other. You may.

When scanning an object ob according to one scan line, multiple channels may be driven. That is, when scanning the object ob along one scan line, a plurality of piezoelectric elements may transmit an ultrasonic signal toward the object ob and receive an ultrasonic signal reflected from the object ob.

Figure 9 shows a transmission channel according to one embodiment transmitting an ultrasonic signal along one scan line.

In Figure 9, the first transducer (P10) transmits an ultrasonic signal according to the first scan line corresponding to the first probe (P1), but this is the same as the ultrasonic signal transmission operation of the second probe (P2). do.

The transmission channel unit 110 may perform transmission beamforming.

The distances between the plurality of piezoelectric elements (P10-1, P10-2, P10-3, P10-4, and P10-5) and the focus (F) are different. Therefore, the transmission channel unit 110 simultaneously transmits ultrasonic signals transmitted from each piezoelectric element (P10-1, P10-2, P10-3, P10-4, and P10-5) to the focus (F) on the transmission scan line. A transmission beam can be generated by adding a time delay so that it can reach the beam. If the width of the ultrasound beam is narrowed by focusing the ultrasound signal, lateral direction resolution can be improved.

The transmission channel unit 110 may include a pulse generator 112 and a transmission delay unit 114.

The pulse generator 112 generates pulses according to a control signal from the controller 185. For example, the pulse generated by the pulse generator 112 may be a pulse with a repetition frequency (PRF, Pulse Repetition Frequency). The pulse generated by the pulse generator 112 is input to the transmission delay unit 114.

The transmission delay unit 114 delays each pulse output from the pulse generator 112 by a predetermined time and outputs it. The transmission delay unit 114 may include a plurality of delay elements d1 to d5, and the plurality of delay elements d1 to d5 may be respectively connected to the piezoelectric elements P10-1 to P10-5.

Each of the plurality of delay elements (d1 to d5) and the plurality of piezoelectric elements (P10-1 to P10-5) corresponds to a transmission channel.

The delay time of each delay element (d1 to d5) is determined according to the distance between each piezoelectric element (P10-1 to P10-5) and the focus (F). That is, when ultrasonic signals transmitted from piezoelectric elements (P10-1, P10-5) that are far from the focus (F) reach the focus (F), they are transmitted from other piezoelectric elements (P10-2 to P10-4). The second delay elements d2 to fourth delay elements d4 delay the input pulse for a predetermined time and output it so that the ultrasonic waves reach the focus F. That is, the pulser 116 outputs a pulse delayed by the transmission delay unit 114.

As described above, the ultrasonic waves transmitted through the first transducer P10 are reflected by the object ob and are re-incident to the first transducer P10. When the ultrasonic signal reflected from the object ob is received in this way, each piezoelectric element (P10-1 to P10-5) outputs an echo signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic signal. The echo signal output in this way is input to the receiving channel unit 120.

In this way, there may be multiple transmission channels operating according to one transmission scan line. That is, there may be a plurality of transmission channels corresponding to the piezoelectric elements P10-1 to P10-5.

FIG. 10 shows a receiving channel receiving an ultrasonic signal along one scan line according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the reception channel unit 120 includes a reception delay unit 126 and a summation unit 128. In addition, it is possible that the reception channel unit 120 further includes an amplifier 122 that receives the echo signal and performs amplification and gain correction. If the reception channel unit 120 is implemented with a digital beamformer, the analog- By further including a digital converter 124, it is possible to convert the amplified and gain-corrected analog echo signal into a digital echo signal.

The reception delay unit 126 may include a plurality of delay elements d1 to d5, and each of the delay elements d1 to d5 may be connected to a piezoelectric element P10-1 to P10-5.

Since the time for echo ultrasonic waves to reach each piezoelectric element (P10-1 to P10-5) is different, each delay element (d1 to d5) delays the input echo signal for a predetermined time to focus the echo signal and outputs it. do.

For example, the third delay element d3, to which the echo signal is input first, delays and outputs the input echo signal until the echo signal is input to the first delay element d1 and the fifth delay element d5. .

The summation unit 128 synthesizes the echo signals output from each delay element (d1 to d5). At this time, the summation unit 128 can synthesize the echo signals by applying a weight to each echo signal.

For example, the summing unit 128 may apply the highest weight to the echo signal received from the piezoelectric element P10-3 with the closest distance to the focus F.

The image processing unit 150 generates an ultrasound image based on the echo signal output from the receiving channel unit 120. For example, the image processing unit 150 generates at least one of an A-mode image, a B-mode image, a D-mode image, an E-mode image, a color Doppler image, and an M-mode image based on the echo signal. can be created.

In this way, there may be multiple reception channels operating according to one transmission scan line. That is, there may be a plurality of reception channels corresponding to each piezoelectric element (P10-1 to P10-5).

The number of channels (transmission channels or reception channels) operating according to one transmission scan line can be defined as an aperture. According to this aperture setting, when the transducer is operated according to one scan line, a plurality of piezoelectric elements transmit and receive ultrasonic signals.

Meanwhile, when ultrasonic signals are sequentially irradiated along a plurality of scan lines, the piezoelectric element included in the first transducer (P10) and the piezoelectric element included in the second transducer (P20) may operate simultaneously.

For example, when operating the transducers (P10, P20) according to the first scan line adjacent to the second scan line among the plurality of first scan lines, the first transducer (P10) and the second transducer (P20) can operate simultaneously.

That is, the plurality of channels corresponding to the first scan line adjacent to the second scan line may include a first channel and a second channel.

FIG. 11 shows an example in which the aperture corresponding to one scan line is adjusted according to an embodiment, and FIG. 12 shows an example in which the transmission channel transmits an ultrasonic signal along one scan line in the example shown in FIG. 11. 13 shows how the receiving channel receives an ultrasonic signal along one scan line in the example shown in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 11, when operating the first transducer (P10) according to the first scan line adjacent to the second scan line, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 operates the second transducer (P20) to prevent the second transducer (P20) from operating. The aperture corresponding to the first scan line adjacent to the scan line can be adjusted.

That is, when the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 operates the transducer according to the first scan line adjacent to the second scan line, it may not operate the second channel.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the piezoelectric elements corresponding to the first scan line adjacent to the second scan line are three first piezoelectric elements (P10-a, P10-b, and P10-c) and two second piezoelectric elements ( Assume that it includes P20-1 and P20-2).

Referring to FIG. 12, the plurality of transmission channels corresponding to the first scan line adjacent to the second scan line may include three first channels and two second channels.

The control unit 185 may operate only the transmission channel corresponding to the first channel and may not operate the transmission channel corresponding to the second channel.

For example, the control unit 185 may control the pulse generator 112 to generate only pulses transmitted to the first piezoelectric elements (P10-a, P10-b, and P10-c) in the transmission delay unit 114. You can.

The transmission delay unit 114 may delay each pulse output from the pulse generator 112 by a predetermined time and then output it. Accordingly, the pulser 116 can transmit delayed pulses only to the first piezoelectric elements (P10-a, P10-b, and P10-c).

Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit 185 may operate only the reception channel corresponding to the first channel and may not operate the reception channel corresponding to the second channel.

For example, the control unit 185 may control the switching element so that the echo signal obtained from the second piezoelectric elements P20-1 and P20-2 corresponding to the second channel is not received.

At this time, the switching element is not shown in the drawing, but may mean a switching element connecting each receiving channel and the summing unit 128.

Accordingly, only ultrasonic signals obtained from the first piezoelectric elements (P10-a, P10-b, and P10-c) can be transmitted to the summing unit 128, and as a result, the first piezoelectric elements (P10-a) , P10-b and P10-c) can only be transmitted to the image processor 150.

Meanwhile, when operating the transducers (P10, P20) according to a second scan line adjacent to the first scan line among a plurality of second scan lines, the first transducer (P10) and the second transducer (P20) are operated simultaneously. It can work.

FIG. 14 shows another example in which the aperture corresponding to one scan line is adjusted according to an embodiment, and FIG. 15 shows a transmission channel transmitting an ultrasonic signal along one scan line in the example shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 shows the receiving channel receiving an ultrasonic signal along one scan line in the example shown in FIG. 14.

Referring to FIG. 14, when operating the second transducer (P20) according to a second scan line adjacent to the first scan line, the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 operates the first transducer (P10) to prevent the first transducer (P10) from operating. The aperture corresponding to the second scan line adjacent to the scan line can be adjusted.

That is, when the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 operates the transducer according to the second scan line adjacent to the first scan line, it may not operate the first channel.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the piezoelectric elements corresponding to the second scan line adjacent to the first scan line are two first piezoelectric elements (P10-b and P10-c) and three second piezoelectric elements (P20-1, It is assumed that it includes P20-2 and P20-3).

Referring to FIG. 15, the plurality of transmission channels corresponding to the first scan line and the adjacent second scan line may include two first channels and three second channels.

The control unit 185 may operate only the transmission channel corresponding to the second channel and may not operate the transmission channel corresponding to the first channel.

For example, the control unit 185 may control the pulse generator 112 to generate only pulses transmitted to the second piezoelectric elements (P20-1, P20-2, and P20-3) in the transmission delay unit 114. You can.

The transmission delay unit 114 may delay each pulse output from the pulse generator 112 by a predetermined time and then output it. Accordingly, the pulser 116 can transmit delayed pulses only to the second piezoelectric elements (P20-1, P20-2, and P20-3).

Referring to FIG. 16, the control unit 185 may operate only the reception channel corresponding to the second channel and may not operate the reception channel corresponding to the first channel.

For example, the control unit 185 may control the switching element so that the echo signal obtained from the first piezoelectric elements P10-b and P10-c corresponding to the first channel is not received.

At this time, the switching element is not shown in the drawing, but may mean a switching element connecting each receiving channel and the summing unit 128.

Accordingly, only ultrasonic signals obtained from the second piezoelectric elements (P20-1, P20-2, and P20-3) can be transmitted to the summing unit 128, and as a result, the second piezoelectric elements (P20-1 , P20-2 and P20-3) can only be transmitted to the image processor 150.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the problem of generating abnormal ultrasound images by combining ultrasound data acquired from different probes.

Figure 17 shows an example in which a multiplexing function is installed in an adapter according to an embodiment.

Previously, an embodiment in which each of the first and second piezoelectric elements matched with one channel was described.

However, the sum of the total number of first piezoelectric elements included in the first transducer (P10) and the total number of second piezoelectric elements included in the second transducer (P20) is included in the ultrasonic transmission/reception channel unit 115. It may be more than the number of channels.

For example, the number of channels of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 is 192, the number of first piezoelectric elements provided in the first probe (P1) is 192, and the number of second piezoelectric elements provided in the second probe (P2) is 192. The number of elements may be 96.

Referring to FIG. 17, the adapter 20 according to one embodiment may include a multiplexer (Mux).

Specifically, the adapter 20 may include a multiplexer for multiplexing electrical signals transmitted and received through each of the plurality of ports 21 and 22. For example, the adapter 20 may include a first multiplexer for multiplexing electrical signals transmitted and received through the first port 21 and a second multiplexer for multiplexing electrical signals transmitted and received through the second port 22. there is.

The adapter 20 allocates a plurality of first channels among the plurality of channels to the first connector P12 of the first probe P1, and assigns a plurality of second channels among the plurality of channels to the first connector P12 of the first probe P1. 2 Assigned to the connector (P22), if the number of the plurality of first channels is less than the number of first piezoelectric elements constituting the first transducer (P10), signals transmitted and received through the plurality of first channels can be multiplexed. there is.

Additionally, the adapter 20 may multiplex signals transmitted and received through a plurality of second channels when the number of the second channels is less than the number of second piezoelectric elements constituting the second transducer P20.

For example, even if the number of first channels is 96 and the number of first piezoelectric elements is 192, a result of 192 channels allocated to the first probe P1 can be obtained through a multiplexing operation. At this time, each of the plurality of first channels may be mapped to at least two first piezoelectric elements of the first probe P1.

The adapter 20 can obtain identification information of the probes P1 and P2 through the connectors P12 and P22 based on the probes P1 and P2 being connected to the ports 21 and 22, and the probe P1 , P2), the number of piezoelectric elements built into the probes P1 and P2 can be identified.

According to the present disclosure, various types of probes can be connected to the adapter 20 regardless of the number of channels built into the ultrasound diagnosis device 10.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the image processing unit 150 generates a first ultrasound image based on processing the first ultrasound data acquired through a plurality of first channels and the first ultrasound image obtained through a plurality of second channels. 2 A second ultrasound image may be generated based on processing the ultrasound data (1500).

The first ultrasound image refers to an image obtained from the first probe (P1), and the second ultrasound image refers to an image obtained from the second probe (P2).

According to the present disclosure, a plurality of probes (P1, P2) are connected to one slot 195 provided in the ultrasound diagnosis device 10, and different ultrasound images obtained from each of the plurality of probes (P1, P2) are transmitted in real time. It can be obtained.

Assuming that there are a total of 16 scan lines, the image corresponding to scan line 1 to scan line 8 is the first ultrasound image, and the image corresponding to scan line 9 to scan line 16 is the second ultrasound image, the first ultrasound image according to the scan direction Either the first ultrasound image or the second ultrasound image may be generated first. However, since it is generally expressed that one frame of image is acquired when scanning once along scan line 1 to scan line 16, the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image can be viewed as being acquired simultaneously in real time.

That is, one frame of ultrasound image may include a first ultrasound image and a second ultrasound image.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 10 may output the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image to the display unit 160 in real time.

The control unit 185 may control the display unit 160 to display the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image in real time (1600).

The display unit 160 may include at least one display.

When the display unit 160 includes one display (eg, a first display), the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image may be displayed together on the first display.

When the display unit 160 includes a plurality of displays (e.g., a first display and a second display), that is, when the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 includes a plurality of monitors, the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image are displayed. Images may be displayed on the first display and the second display, respectively.

However, the operator can use the input device 190 to select a display on which the first ultrasound image is displayed and a display on which the second ultrasound image is displayed.

That is, the control unit 185 may determine the display on which the first ultrasound image will be output and the display on which the second ultrasound image will be output based on the user input.

The control unit 185 may control the display unit 160 to display the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image in real time.

For example, based on displaying the first ultrasound image on the first display and receiving a user input for displaying the second ultrasound image on the second display, the controller 185 displays the first ultrasound image on the first display. The first display and the second display can be controlled to display the second ultrasound image on the second display.

In another embodiment, the display unit 160 includes only one display (e.g., a first display), or the display unit 160 includes a plurality of displays (e.g., a first display and a second display). When receiving a user input for displaying the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image on the first display, the control unit 185 may control the first display to display the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image in real time. there is.

Figure 18 shows an example in which a plurality of ultrasound images are displayed on the display of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18, the display unit 160 can display the first ultrasound image (Im1) and the second ultrasound image (Im2) in real time.

The control unit 185 may control the display unit 160 to display the first ultrasound image Im1 in one area R1 and display the second ultrasound image Im2 in the remaining area R2. At this time, the sizes of the first area R1 and the second area R2 may be the same.

According to various embodiments, the control unit 185 controls the first region R1 based on the number of first piezoelectric elements built in the first probe P1 and the number of second piezoelectric elements built in the second probe P2. ) and the size of the second region (R2) can also be determined.

For example, the control unit 185 may determine the size ratio of the first region R1 and the second region R2 based on the ratio of the number of first piezoelectric elements to the number of second piezoelectric elements.

According to the present disclosure, an operator can observe a plurality of ultrasound images (Im1, Im2) acquired from a plurality of probes (P1, P2) connected to one slot 195 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 in real time.

When both the first ultrasound image (Im1) and the second ultrasound image (Im2) are displayed on the display unit 160, the first ultrasound image (Im1) and the second ultrasound image (Im2) are displayed at a certain ratio due to size constraints of the display. It is necessary to reduce it to , or to crop part of the first ultrasound image (Im1) and the second ultrasound image (Im2).

The control unit 185 may reduce the first ultrasound image Im1 and the second ultrasound image Im2 by a preset ratio. The preset ratio may be set according to the size ratio of the first area (R1) and the second area (R2).

The controller 185 may crop part of the first ultrasound image Im1 and crop part of the second ultrasound image Im2.

For example, the control unit 185 crops the area corresponding to the scan lines on both sides of the first ultrasound image Im1 and crops the area corresponding to the scan lines on both sides of the second ultrasound image Im2. You can.

On the other hand, when the operator uses only one of the first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2), that is, only one of the first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2) contacts the object ob. In this case, there is no need to output the ultrasound image using only a partial area (R1 or R2) of the display unit 160.

Accordingly, the control unit 185 determines whether the first probe P1 and the second probe P2 are in contact with the object ob, and displays only the ultrasound image obtained from the probe in contact with the object ob. The display unit 160 can be controlled to do so.

The control unit 185 may determine whether the first probe P1 is in contact with the object ob based on first ultrasound data corresponding to the first ultrasound signal received from the plurality of first channels, and may determine whether the first probe P1 is in contact with the object ob. It may be determined whether the second probe P2 is in contact with the object ob based on second ultrasound data corresponding to the ultrasound signal received from the channel.

For example, if the average size of the ultrasound signals included in the first and second ultrasound data is less than or equal to a preset value, the controller 185 may determine that the first and second probes are not in contact with the object ob.

The control unit 185 controls all areas of the display unit 160 based on the determination that the first probe P1 is in contact with the object ob and the second probe P2 is not in contact with the object ob. The display unit 160 can be controlled to display only the first ultrasound image in real time.

Conversely, the control unit 185 controls the display unit 160 based on the determination that the second probe P2 is in contact with the object ob and the first probe P1 is not in contact with the object ob. The display unit 160 can be controlled to display only the second ultrasound image in all areas in real time.

FIG. 19 illustrates a situation in which a plurality of ultrasound images are displayed on the display of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment, but only one ultrasound image is displayed.

The operator may diagnose the object ob using both the first probe P1 and the second probe P2 and then stop using either the first probe P1 or the second probe P2. .

Accordingly, both the first probe (P1) and the second probe (P2) are in contact with the object ob, and then either the first probe (P1) or the second probe (P2) is in contact with the object ob. may be separated.

Referring to FIG. 19, the control unit 185 controls the display unit 160 to display the first ultrasound image Im1 in the first area R1 and the second ultrasound image Im2 in the second area R2. While controlling, the display unit displays only the first ultrasound image in real time in all areas (R1 and R2) after a preset time based on the determination that the second probe (P2) is not in contact with the object (ob). 160) can be controlled.

That is, the control unit 185 controls the display unit 160 to display the first ultrasound image Im1 in the first area R1 and the second ultrasound image Im2 in the second area R2. , Even if it is determined that the second probe P2 is not in contact with the object ob, the first ultrasound image Im1 is output to the first area R1 for a preset time and the first ultrasound image Im1 is output to the second area R2. 2 Ultrasound images (Im2) can be output.

At this time, the preset time can be set by the operator, for example, about 5 seconds.

An operator using a plurality of probes may separate the probes from the object ob simply to change the positions of the probes, and even in this case, if the layout of the display unit 160 is changed, it may cause inconvenience to the operator. . Accordingly, even if the second probe P2 is not in contact with the object ob, the second ultrasound image is output to the second area R2 for a preset time to prevent frequent changes in the layout of the display unit 160. It can be prevented.

FIG. 20 illustrates a situation where only one ultrasound image is displayed on the display of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment, but then multiple ultrasound images are displayed.

Referring to FIG. 20, while the control unit 185 controls the display unit 160 to display the first ultrasound image Im1 in all areas R1 and R2, the second probe P2 moves the object ob. The display unit 160 may be controlled to display the first ultrasound image Im1 in the first region R1 and the second ultrasound image Im1 in the second region R2 based on the determined contact.

Meanwhile, the first ultrasound image (Im1) and the second ultrasound image (Im2) may be different types of images. For example, the first ultrasound image (Im1) may be a color Doppler image, and the second ultrasound image (Im2) may be a B-mode image.

To this end, the operator can set the imaging mode of each of the plurality of probes (P1, P2) connected to the adapter 20 using the control panel 105.

Accordingly, processing methods for the first ultrasound data obtained from the first probe P1 and the second ultrasound data obtained from the second probe P2 may be different from each other.

As an example, the B-mode processing unit 141 may process first ultrasound data, and the Doppler processing unit 142 may process second ultrasound data.

Meanwhile, according to various embodiments, the adapter 20 may correspond to one component of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10. For example, at least one slot 195 among the plurality of slots 195 provided in the ultrasound diagnosis device 10 may correspond to a slot 195 equipped with the function of the adapter 20.

According to the present disclosure, an operator can simultaneously diagnose various parts of an object ob using a plurality of probes.

Additionally, according to the present disclosure, a plurality of probes can be connected to one slot 195 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 10.

Additionally, according to the present disclosure, a plurality of probes can be connected to one slot 195 without changing the hardware of the conventional ultrasound diagnosis device 10 and the probe.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. Instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may create program modules to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media storing instructions that can be decoded by a computer. For example, there may be read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage, etc.

Additionally, computer-readable recording media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves). This term refers to cases where data is semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and temporary storage media. It does not distinguish between cases where it is stored as . For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer where data is temporarily stored.

According to one embodiment, methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be included and provided in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities and can be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an application store (e.g. Play StoreTM) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (e.g. downloaded or uploaded) directly between smartphones) or online. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) is stored on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server. It can be temporarily stored or created temporarily.

As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings. A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

10: Ultrasound diagnostic device 20: Adapter
21: first port 22: second port
25: Connector of adapter 115: Ultrasonic transmission/reception channel unit
110: Transmission channel unit 120: Reception channel unit
150: image processing unit 160: display unit
185: Control unit 190: Input device
195: Slot P1: first probe
P10: First transducer P11: First cable
P12: first connector P2: second probe
P20: Second transducer P21: Second cable
P22: Second connector ob: Object

Claims (20)

In a method of acquiring a plurality of ultrasound images through a plurality of probes connected to an ultrasound diagnosis device,
assigning a plurality of first channels among the plurality of channels of the ultrasound diagnosis device to a first connector of a first probe;
assigning a plurality of second channels among the plurality of channels to a second connector of a second probe; and
A first ultrasound image is generated based on processing the first ultrasound data acquired through the plurality of first channels, and a second ultrasound image is generated based on processing the second ultrasound data obtained through the plurality of second channels. A method comprising: generating an ultrasound image. According to paragraph 1,
The step of generating the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image includes:
A method comprising: operating the first probe and the second probe along a plurality of scan lines. According to paragraph 2,
The plurality of scan lines are,
Comprising a plurality of first scan lines corresponding to the first probe and a plurality of second scan lines corresponding to the second probe,
The step of operating the first probe and the second probe is:
Operating the first transducer of the first probe sequentially along the plurality of first scan lines and sequentially operating the second transducer of the second probe along the plurality of second scan lines. How to. According to paragraph 3,
The step of operating the first transducer and the second transducer is:
When operating the first transducer according to a first scan line adjacent to the second scan line among the plurality of first scan lines, the first scan line adjacent to the second scan line is not operated so that the second transducer is not operated. A method including; adjusting the aperture corresponding to. According to paragraph 3,
The step of operating the first transducer and the second transducer is:
When operating the second transducer according to a second scan line adjacent to the first scan line among the plurality of second scan lines, a second scan line adjacent to the first scan line is used so that the first transducer is not operated. A method including; adjusting the aperture corresponding to. According to paragraph 1,
If the number of the plurality of first channels is less than the number of piezoelectric elements of the first probe, multiplexing signals transmitted and received through the plurality of first channels. According to paragraph 1,
The method further comprising displaying the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image on at least one display of the ultrasound diagnosis device in real time. In clause 7,
The at least one display includes a first display,
The step of displaying the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image on the at least one display in real time includes:
Displaying the first ultrasound image in one area of the first display and displaying the second ultrasound image in the remaining area of the first display. According to clause 8,
determining whether the first probe is in contact with an object based on the first ultrasound data;
determining whether the second probe is in contact with the object based on the second ultrasound data; and
Displaying only the first ultrasound image in all areas of the first display in real time based on the determination that the first probe is in contact with the object and the second probe is not in contact with the object; How to include it. According to paragraph 1,
The method wherein the first probe and the second probe are connected to one slot of the ultrasound diagnosis device through an adapter. In the ultrasonic diagnostic device,
multiple channels;
slot;
a first connector connected to the first probe;
a second connector connected to the second probe;
It includes a first port connected to the first connector, a second port connected to the second connector, and a connector connected to the slot, and a plurality of first channels among the plurality of channels are connected to the first connector. an adapter configured to allocate a plurality of second channels among the plurality of channels to the second connector; and
A first ultrasound image is generated based on processing the first ultrasound data acquired through the plurality of first channels, and a second ultrasound image is generated based on processing the second ultrasound data obtained through the plurality of second channels. An ultrasound diagnosis device comprising: at least one processor that generates an ultrasound image. According to clause 11,
The at least one processor,
Operating the plurality of channels sequentially along a plurality of scan lines,
An ultrasound diagnosis device that operates the first probe and the second probe along the plurality of scan lines. According to clause 12,
The plurality of scan lines are,
Comprising a plurality of first scan lines corresponding to the first probe and a plurality of second scan lines corresponding to the second probe,
The at least one processor,
An ultrasound diagnosis device that sequentially operates the first transducer of the first probe along the plurality of first scan lines and sequentially operates the second transducer of the second probe along the plurality of second scan lines. According to clause 13,
The at least one processor,
When operating the first transducer according to a first scan line adjacent to the second scan line among the plurality of first scan lines, the first scan line adjacent to the second scan line is not operated so that the second transducer is not operated. An ultrasonic diagnostic device that adjusts the corresponding aperture. According to clause 13,
The at least one processor,
When operating the second transducer according to a second scan line adjacent to the first scan line among the plurality of second scan lines, a second scan line adjacent to the first scan line is used so that the first transducer is not operated. An ultrasonic diagnostic device that adjusts the corresponding aperture. According to clause 11,
The adapter is,
An ultrasound diagnosis device that multiplexes signals transmitted and received through the plurality of first channels when the number of the plurality of first channels is less than the number of piezoelectric elements of the first probe. According to clause 11,
further comprising at least one display;
The at least one processor,
An ultrasound diagnosis device that controls the at least one display to display the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image in real time. According to clause 17,
The at least one display includes a first display,
The at least one processor,
An ultrasound diagnosis device that controls the first display to display the first ultrasound image in one area and the second ultrasound image in the remaining area. According to clause 18,
The at least one processor,
Determine whether the first probe is in contact with the object based on the first ultrasound data,
Determine whether the second probe is in contact with the object based on the second ultrasound data,
Ultrasound diagnosis for controlling the first display to display only the first ultrasound image in all areas in real time based on the determination that the first probe is in contact with the object and the second probe is not in contact with the object. Device. a first port connected to the first connector of the first probe;
a second port connected to the second connector of the second probe; and
It includes a connector connected to a slot of an ultrasound diagnosis device including a plurality of channels,
An adapter wherein a plurality of first channels among the plurality of channels are allocated to the first connector, and a plurality of second channels among the plurality of channels are allocated to the second connector.

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