JP2024112599A - Ultrasound diagnostic device and expansion connector - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To quickly deal with an abnormality that occurs in an expansion connector that connects an ultrasound probe to an apparatus main body. [Solution] An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an apparatus main body and an expansion connector. The apparatus main body has a connector port. The expansion connector is connected to the connector port and connects an ultrasound probe to the apparatus main body. The expansion connector includes an abnormality detection unit and an abnormality notification unit. The abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality that occurs in the expansion connector. The abnormality notification unit notifies the apparatus main body of the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an ultrasound diagnostic device and an expansion connector.

Conventionally, in ultrasound diagnostic devices such as hand-carry type ultrasound diagnostic devices, probe port expansion boards have been used to increase the number of probe ports to which ultrasound probes are connected. In addition, in ultrasound diagnostic devices, probe port conversion boards have been used to connect and use ultrasound probes that correspond to probe ports with a different shape from the probe port of the device body to the device body.

In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce the size and cost of ultrasound diagnostic devices by reducing the number of probe ports on the device body. However, even for compact ultrasound diagnostic devices, some users may require an increase in the number of probe ports. In response to this demand, compact ultrasound diagnostic devices respond to user demands by connecting an extension board to the probe port on the device body.

The expansion board and conversion board are parts that are sensitive to noise as the ultrasonic transmission pulse and echo data pass through them. For this reason, the expansion board and conversion board always operate in slave mode during ultrasonic transmission and reception by stopping the bus for communication with the device body and by stopping the clock signal within the expansion board and conversion board. When a fault occurs in the expansion board or conversion board, the device body cannot directly know the fault state. For this reason, the device body has had to collect fault information on the expansion board and conversion board by polling (i.e., monitoring) through the communication bus.

However, in the past, it took time for the device itself to recognize a fault and take emergency action, such as stopping ultrasonic transmission, after the fault occurred.

JP 2010-46120 A

One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings attempt to solve is to quickly deal with an abnormality that occurs in the expansion connector that connects the ultrasound probe to the device body. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings attempt to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems that correspond to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems.

An ultrasound diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes a device body and an expansion connector. The device body has a connector port. The connector is connected to the connector port and connects an ultrasound probe to the device body. The expansion connector includes an abnormality detection unit and an abnormality notification unit. The abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality that occurs in the expansion connector. The abnormality notification unit notifies the device body of the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an extension board in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the extension board in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an extension board in an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the extension board in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an extension board in an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the extension board in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a correspondence table between types of abnormality and notification methods used to explain an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment.

Below, an embodiment of an ultrasound diagnostic device and an expansion connector will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components that have substantially the same functions and configurations will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be given only when necessary.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment includes ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C, an extension board 3, an input interface 4, an output interface 5, and a device body 6. The extension board 3 is an example of an extension connector. The extension board 3 is also called a probe adapter. The extension board 3, the input interface 4, and the output interface 5 are communicatively connected to the device body 6. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C are connected to the device body 6 via the extension board 3. The ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C may be directly connected to the device body 6.

The ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C are devices that transmit ultrasonic waves to the subject P and receive reflected waves (echoes) of the ultrasonic waves from the subject P in order to obtain an ultrasonic image of the subject P. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the number of ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C is three. The number of ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C is not limited to three, and can be changed in various ways depending on the number of probe ports described below.

The ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C each have a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers convert a drive signal (electrical signal) transmitted from the device body 6 into ultrasonic waves and transmit the converted ultrasonic waves to the subject P. The ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C also receive ultrasonic waves (reflected waves) reflected by the subject P and convert them into electrical signals. That is, the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C scan the subject with ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves from the subject. The transducers are provided with electrodes for inputting the drive signal and the electrical signal of the reflected waves. The transducers may be made of, for example, PZT (lead zirconate titanate) and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). For example, an acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens are disposed on the surface of the transducer. For example, a backing material is disposed on the back of the transducer. The acoustic matching layer is also called a λ/4 layer, and is a layer for efficiently transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by reducing the impedance difference between the transducer and the living body. The acoustic lens is a structure for reducing friction with the surface of the living body during examination and for converging the ultrasonic beam to improve slice resolution. The backing material is a structure for absorbing ultrasonic waves in the rear direction and shortening the pulse width of ultrasonic waves in the forward direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C are detachably connected to the extension board 3. The ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C may also be detachably connected to the device main body 6.

When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected successively by discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the tissues of the subject P, and are received as reflected wave signals by the multiple transducers of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surfaces where the ultrasonic waves are reflected. When the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the surface of a moving blood flow, heart wall, etc., the reflected wave signal undergoes a frequency shift due to the Doppler effect depending on the velocity component of the moving body in the direction of ultrasonic transmission.

The ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C may be, for example, any of linear, sector, convex, and radial beam scanning ultrasonic probes. In addition, the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C may be a 1D array probe that scans the subject P in two dimensions, or a 3D probe that scans the subject P in three dimensions, i.e., a mechanical 4D probe or a 2D array probe.

The extension board 3 connects the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C to the device main body 6. The extension board 3 has multiple connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c to which connectors 20a, 20b, and 20c provided on the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C are connected. The extension board 3 also has a connector 3d that can be connected to multiple connector ports 61A, 61B, and 61C provided on the device main body 6. The extension board 3 connects the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C to the device main body 6 by being connected to any of the connector ports 61A, 61B, and 61C of the device main body 6. The connectors 20a, 20b, and 20c are examples of second connectors.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the expansion board 3 in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the connector ports 3a, 3b, 3c and the connector 3d, the expansion board 3 further includes a switching circuit 31, a memory circuit 32, an oscillation circuit 33, and a processing circuit 34. The oscillation circuit 33 is an example of a clock generation unit. The switching circuit 31, the memory circuit 32, the oscillation circuit 33, and the processing circuit 34 are connected via a bus 7.

The bus 7 is composed of, for example, a plurality of signal lines (not shown). Of the plurality of signal lines constituting the bus 7, some of the signal lines are used for communication between the expansion board 3 and the device main body 6. The communication between the expansion board 3 and the device main body 6 may be bidirectional. Of the plurality of signal lines constituting the bus 7, some of the other signal lines may be used for transmitting drive signals and reflected wave signals of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C.

The bus 7 is, for example, a serial communication bus such as SPI, I2C, RS232, RS422/RS485, etc. Without being limited thereto, for example, the bus 7 may be an Ethernet or parallel communication bus.

The switching circuit 31 switches between the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C used for scanning (i.e., transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves). The switching circuit 31 switches between the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C used for scanning by switching the connection between the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c and the connector 3d. The switching circuit 31 is, for example, a relay.

The memory circuit 32 is a non-transient storage device that stores various information, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical disk, a solid state drive (SSD), and an integrated circuit storage device. The memory circuit 32 stores, for example, a control program that controls the expansion board 3 and various data used to execute the control program. The memory circuit 32 may be a drive device that reads and writes various information between a portable storage medium such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), and a flash memory, or a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM), in addition to an HDD or SSD, or an internal memory of an FPGA or PLD. Basically, it is preferable that the memory circuit 32 of the expansion board 3 is lightweight and the clock can be stopped.

The oscillator circuit 33 generates a clock signal used for communication between the expansion board 3 and the device main body 6 via the bus 7. For example, the clock signal generated by the oscillator circuit 33 is used to notify the device main body 6 of an abnormality that occurs in the expansion board 3, which will be described later.

The processing circuit 34 is a circuit that controls the operation of the expansion board 3. For example, the processing circuit 34 includes a probe identification information notification function 341, a switching control function 342, an abnormality detection function 343, an abnormality notification function 344, and a clock generation control function 345. The abnormality detection function 343 is an example of an abnormality detection unit. The abnormality notification function 344 is an example of an abnormality notification unit. The clock generation control function 345 is an example of a clock generation control unit.

Here, for example, the processing functions executed by the probe identification information notification function 341, the switching control function 342, the abnormality detection function 343, the abnormality notification function 344, and the clock generation control function 345, which are components of the processing circuit 34 shown in FIG. 2, are recorded in the memory circuit 32 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 34 is, for example, a processor, or an FPGA or PLD. The processing circuit 34 realizes the function corresponding to each program read by reading each program from the memory circuit 32 and executing it. In other words, the processing circuit 34 in the state in which each program is read has each function shown in the processing circuit 34 in FIG. 2. Basically, an FPGA or PLD that operates without a clock is preferred over a processor for the processing circuit of the extension board 3.

Note that, although FIG. 2 shows a case where each of the processing functions of the probe identification information notification function 341, the switching control function 342, the abnormality detection function 343, the abnormality notification function 344, and the clock generation control function 345 is realized by a single processing circuit 34, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 34 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may realize each processing function by executing each program. Furthermore, each processing function possessed by the processing circuit 34 may be realized by being appropriately distributed or integrated into a single or multiple processing circuits.

The probe identification information notification function 341 notifies the device main body 6 of the identification information (i.e., probe ID) of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, 2C connected to the device main body 6 by the switching circuit 31. The identification information of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, 2C may be, for example, the product numbers of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, 2C, the type of the shape of the vibration array, and the type of the beam scanning method, but is not limited to these. For example, when the device main body 6 operates as a master and the extension board 3 operates as a slave, the probe identification information notification function 341 notifies the device main body 6 of the identification information of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, 2C connected to the device main body 6 in accordance with an instruction from the device main body 6.

The switching control function 342 controls the switching of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C by the switching circuit 31. For example, when the device main body 6 operates as a master and the expansion board 3 operates as a slave, the switching control function 342 controls the switching circuit 31 to connect one of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C corresponding to the connector port 3a, 3b, or 3c selected by the device main body 6 to the transmission/reception circuit 63 according to an instruction from the device main body 6.

The abnormality detection function 343 detects an abnormality (i.e., a fault) that occurs in the extension board 3. For example, an abnormality that occurs in the extension board 3 may include an abnormality (hereinafter referred to as a Probe High Voltage Error) in which the high voltage supplied to the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c selected by the device main body 6 exceeds a reference voltage (upper limit). The high voltage is a voltage supplied to the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C to increase the acoustic power of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C. An abnormality that occurs in the extension board 3 may also include an abnormality (hereinafter referred to as a P5V Over-Current) in which the applied current by the 5V battery supplied to the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c selected by the device main body 6 exceeds an upper limit. An abnormality that occurs in the extension board 3 may also include an abnormality (hereinafter referred to as a Probe Change) in which the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C have changed in the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c selected by the device main body 6. Furthermore, the abnormality occurring in the extension board 3 may include an abnormality (hereinafter referred to as Probe No Exist) in which the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c to which the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C are not connected are selected by the device main body 6. Furthermore, the abnormality occurring in the extension board 3 may include an abnormality (hereinafter referred to as Relay Fault) in which a relay (switching circuit 31) is connected to the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c to which the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C are not connected.

The abnormality detection function 343 detects abnormalities that occur in the extension board 3, for example, by independently monitoring the operating status of the extension board 3 without relying on instructions from the device main body 6.

For example, the expansion board 3 operates as a slave until an abnormality in the expansion board 3 is detected by the abnormality detection function 343, and when an abnormality in the expansion board 3 is detected, the expansion board 3 operates as a master.

The abnormality notification function 344 notifies the device main body 6 of an abnormality detected by the abnormality detection function 343. In the first embodiment, the abnormality notification function 344 notifies the device main body 6 of the abnormality through the bus 7. The abnormality notification includes notification of information identifying the type of abnormality. The information identifying the type of abnormality is, for example, generated by the abnormality detection function 343 and stored in the memory circuit 32. The abnormality notification function 344 reads the information identifying the type of abnormality from the memory circuit 32 and notifies the device main body 6. The abnormality notification function 344 performs one of the operations as the master of the expansion board 3 by independently notifying the device main body 6 of the abnormality without following an instruction from the device main body 6.

The clock generation control function 345 controls the generation of a clock signal by the oscillation circuit 33. For example, when an abnormality in the expansion board 3 is detected by the abnormality detection function 343, the clock generation control function 345 causes the oscillation circuit 33 to generate a clock signal used for the abnormality notification function 344 to notify the abnormality. The abnormality notification function 344 uses the clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit 33 to notify the abnormality through the bus 7. In the first embodiment, the abnormality notification by the abnormality notification function 344 includes notification of information identifying the type of abnormality. The clock generation control function 345 causes the oscillation circuit 33 to generate a clock signal independently of an instruction from the device main body 6 in order to notify the abnormality by the abnormality notification function 344. As a result, the clock generation control function 345 executes one of the operations as the master of the expansion board 3. The clock generation control function 345 causes the oscillation circuit 33 to stop generating a clock signal when the expansion board 3 ends its operation as the master. In addition, the clock generation control function 345 may cause the oscillator circuit 33 to generate a clock signal according to instructions from the device main body 6 even when the expansion board 3 operates as a slave.

Returning to FIG. 1, the input interface 4 accepts various instructions and information input operations from the operator. Specifically, the input interface 4 converts the input operations accepted from the operator into electrical signals and outputs them to the device body 6. For example, the input interface 4 is realized by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touch screen that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input circuit that uses an optical sensor, and a voice input circuit. Note that the input interface 4 is not limited to those that have physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the input interface 4 also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to a control circuit.

The output interface 5 outputs various types of information. For example, the output interface 5 includes a display. The display converts the information and image data sent from the device body 6 into an electrical signal for display and outputs it. The display is realized by an LCD monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, or the like. The output interface 5 may also include a speaker. The speaker outputs a predetermined sound, such as a beep, to notify the operator of the processing status of the device body 6.

The device main body 6 has connector ports 61A, 61B, and 61C, a switching circuit 62, a transmission/reception circuit 63, a memory circuit 64, an oscillation circuit 65, and a processing circuit 66. The oscillation circuit 65 is an example of a second clock generation unit.

The extension board 3 can be connected to the connector ports 61A, 61B, and 61C via the connector 3d. It is also possible to directly connect an ultrasonic probe to the connector ports 61A, 61B, and 61C. When the extension board 3 or an ultrasonic probe is connected to the connector ports 61A, 61B, and 61C, the connector ports 61A, 61B, and 61C notify the processing circuit 66 that the connector port 61A, 61B, and 61C or the ultrasonic probe is in a connected state. By connecting an extension board 3 to which multiple ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C are connected to one connector port 61A, 61B, and 61C, the number of ultrasonic probes that can be connected can be increased without increasing the number of connector ports 61A, 61B, and 61C of the device main body 6.

The switching circuit 62 switches the ultrasonic probe to be used for scanning among the ultrasonic probes connected to the device main body 6 directly or via the expansion board 3. The switching circuit 62 switches the connection between the connector ports 61A, 61B, 61C and the transmission/reception circuit 63, thereby switching the ultrasonic probe to be used for scanning. The switching circuit 62 is, for example, a relay.

The transmission/reception circuit 63 is a circuit that supplies drive signals to the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C under the control of the processing circuit 66. The transmission/reception circuit 63 is also a circuit that performs various processes on the reflected wave signals received by the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C to generate reflected wave data.

The transmission/reception circuit 63 drives the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C so that the desired ultrasonic pulses are transmitted according to the transmission conditions such as the pulse repetition frequency (PRF), transmission position information, transmission aperture, and transmission delay acquired from the processing circuit 66. For example, the transmission/reception circuit 63 has a pulse generator, a transmission delay unit, and a pulser. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at the pulse repetition frequency given by the processing circuit 66. The transmission delay unit also focuses the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C into a beam shape and provides each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator with a delay time for each transducer required to determine the transmission directivity. The pulser applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C at a timing based on the rate pulse to which the delay time is given. That is, the transmission delay unit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transducer surface by changing the delay time given to each rate pulse.

In addition, the transmission/reception circuit 63 generates reflected wave data (beam data) from the reflected wave signal (ultrasonic reception signal) received by the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, 2C according to reception conditions such as reception aperture information and reception delay acquired from the processing circuit 66. For example, the transmission/reception circuit 63 has a preamplifier, an A/D (Analog/Digital) converter, a reception delay unit, an adder, etc. The preamplifier amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel. The A/D converter A/D converts the amplified reflected wave signal. The reception delay unit provides the delay time required to determine the reception directivity. The adder performs addition processing of the reflected wave signal processed by the reception delay unit to generate reflected wave data. The addition processing of the adder emphasizes the reflected component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signal, and a comprehensive beam of ultrasonic transmission and reception is formed by the reception directivity and transmission directivity. The output signal from the transmission/reception circuit 63 can take a variety of forms, including a signal called an RF (Radio Frequency) signal that contains phase information, or amplitude information after envelope detection processing.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the transmission/reception circuit 63 is disposed in the device body 6. However, the transmission/reception circuit 63 is not limited to being disposed in the device body 6, and at least a portion of the transmission/reception circuit 63 may be disposed in the ultrasound probes 2A, 2B, and 2C.

The memory circuitry 64 is a non-transient storage device that stores various information, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical disk, a solid state drive (SSD), and an integrated circuit storage device. The memory circuitry 64 stores, for example, a control program that controls the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 and various data used to execute the control program. In addition to an HDD and an SSD, the memory circuitry 64 may be a drive device that reads and writes various information to and from portable storage media such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), and a flash memory, or a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM).

The oscillator circuit 65 generates a clock signal used for communication between the device main body 6 and the expansion board 3 via the bus 7. The clock signal generated by the oscillator circuit 65 is used, for example, when the device main body 6 operates as a master, to recognize the identification information of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C and to switch between the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C by the switching circuit 31.

The processing circuit 66 is a circuit that controls the operation of the entire ultrasound diagnostic device 1 in response to an electrical signal input from the input interface 4 by an input operation. For example, the processing circuit 66 includes a transmission/reception control function 661, a signal processing function 662, an ultrasound image generation function 663, a probe identification function 664, a probe identification information display function 665, a probe switching instruction function 666, an abnormality response processing function 667, and a clock generation control function 668.

Here, for example, the processing functions executed by the components of the processing circuit 66 shown in FIG. 1, such as the transmission/reception control function 661, the signal processing function 662, the ultrasound image generation function 663, the probe identification function 664, the probe identification information display function 665, the probe switching instruction function 666, the abnormality response processing function 667, and the clock generation control function 668, are recorded in the memory circuit 64 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 66 is, for example, a processor. The processor constituting the processing circuit 66 realizes the function corresponding to each program read out by reading out each program from the memory circuit 64 and executing it. In other words, the processing circuit 66 in a state in which each program has been read out has each function shown in the processing circuit 66 in FIG. 1.

1 shows a case where each of the processing functions, ie, the transmission/reception control function 661, the signal processing function 662, the ultrasound image generation function 663, the probe identification function 664, the probe identification information display function 665, the probe switching instruction function 666, the abnormality response processing function 667, and the clock generation control function 668, is realized by a single processing circuit 66, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 66 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute each program to realize each processing function. Furthermore, each processing function possessed by the processing circuit 66 may be realized by being appropriately distributed or integrated into a single or multiple processing circuits.

The transmission/reception control function 661 controls the transmission and reception of ultrasound by the transmission/reception circuitry 63. The transmission/reception control function 661 generates a pulse repetition frequency according to the image mode, number of beams, frame rate, diagnostic depth, etc. input from the input interface 4 by an input operation, and provides the generated pulse repetition frequency to the transmission/reception circuitry 63 as a transmission condition together with the transmission position information, transmission aperture, transmission delay, etc. stored in the memory circuitry 64. The transmission/reception control function 661 also provides the reception conditions, such as the reception aperture information and reception delay, stored in the memory circuitry 64, to the transmission/reception circuitry 63.

The signal processing function 662 performs signal processing on the reflected wave data received by the transmission/reception circuit 63. For example, the signal processing function 662 performs filtering on the reflected wave data according to the digital filter processing conditions stored in the memory circuit 64.

The ultrasound image generating function 663 acquires an ultrasound image of the subject P based on the ultrasound reflected from the subject P. Specifically, the ultrasound image generating function 663 receives reflected wave data from the ultrasound probes 2A, 2B, and 2C via the transmission/reception circuit 63, and generates an ultrasound image based on the received reflected wave data (i.e., the filtered reflected wave data).

For example, the ultrasound image generating function 663 performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, etc. on the reflected wave data to generate data (B-mode data) in which the signal strength is expressed by the brightness of luminance. The ultrasound image generating function 663 also performs frequency analysis on the velocity information from the reflected wave data, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and generates data (Doppler data) in which moving body information such as velocity, dispersion, and power is extracted for multiple points. The ultrasound image generating function 663 can also process both two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional reflected wave data. That is, the ultrasound image generating function 663 generates two-dimensional B-mode data from the two-dimensional reflected wave data, and generates three-dimensional B-mode data from the three-dimensional reflected wave data. The ultrasound image generating function 663 also generates two-dimensional Doppler data from the two-dimensional reflected wave data, and generates three-dimensional Doppler data from the three-dimensional reflected wave data.

Then, the ultrasonic image generating function 663 generates an ultrasonic image from the generated data. For example, the ultrasonic image generating function 663 generates a two-dimensional B-mode image in which the intensity of the reflected wave is expressed by brightness from the two-dimensional B-mode data. Also, for example, the ultrasonic image generating function 663 generates a two-dimensional Doppler image in which blood flow information is visualized from the two-dimensional Doppler data. The two-dimensional Doppler image is velocity image data representing the average velocity of the blood flow, variance image data representing the variance value of the blood flow, power image data representing the power of the blood flow, or image data combining these. Also, the ultrasonic image generating function 663 generates a color Doppler image in which blood flow information such as the average velocity, variance value, and power of the blood flow is displayed in color as the Doppler image, or generates a Doppler image in which one blood flow information is displayed in grayscale. Also, for example, the ultrasonic image generating function 663 can generate an M-mode image from the time series data of the B-mode data on one scanning line. Also, the ultrasonic image generating function 663 can generate a Doppler waveform in which the velocity information of the blood flow and tissue is plotted along a time series from the Doppler data.

The probe identification function 664 identifies the type of ultrasonic probe connected to the connector ports 61A, 61B, 61C of the device main body 6 and the connector ports 3a, 3b, 3c of the extension board 3. In the example shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the probe identification function 664 acquires the identification information of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, 2C notified from the probe identification information notification function 341 of the extension board 3, and identifies the type of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, 2C based on the acquired identification information. Note that, when the type of ultrasonic probe connected to the connector ports 3a, 3b, 3c, 61A, 61B, 61C is known, the probe identification function 664 may identify the type of ultrasonic probe connected to the device main body 6 based on the connection state of the connector ports 3a, 3b, 3c, 61A, 61B, 61C.

The probe identification information display function 665 displays the identification information of the ultrasound probes 2A, 2B, and 2C identified by the probe identification function 664 on the output interface 5 (i.e., the display).

The probe switching instruction function 666 instructs switching of the ultrasonic probe to be used for scanning among the ultrasonic probes connected to the connector ports 61A, 61B, and 61C of the device main body 6 and the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c of the extension board 3 according to an electrical signal input from the input interface 4 by an input operation. Specifically, the probe switching instruction function 666 outputs an instruction signal instructing switching of the ultrasonic probe to the switching circuit 62 of the device main body 6 and the processing circuit 34 of the extension board 3. The switching circuit 62 switches the ultrasonic probe connected to the transmission/reception circuit 63 according to the instruction signal from the probe switching instruction function 666. The switching control function 342 of the processing circuit 34 of the extension board 3 switches the ultrasonic probe connected to the transmission/reception circuit 63 to the switching circuit 31 according to the instruction signal from the probe switching instruction function 666.

When the abnormality notification function 344 notifies the abnormality of the extension board 3, the abnormality response processing function 667 performs abnormality response processing to deal with the abnormality depending on the type of abnormality. For example, for an abnormality of a high urgency, the abnormality response processing function 667 stops ultrasonic transmission to the extension board 3 and stops the power supply to the extension board 3 as abnormality response processing. On the other hand, for an abnormality of a relatively low urgency, the abnormality response processing function 667 performs a warning display process as abnormality response processing. By performing abnormality response processing, it is possible to prevent breakdowns and malfunctions of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

The clock generation control function 668 controls the generation of a clock signal by the oscillation circuit 65. For example, when the device main body 6 operates as a master, the clock generation control function 668 causes the oscillation circuit 65 to generate a clock signal. When the device main body 6 operates as a slave, the clock generation control function 668 causes the oscillation circuit 65 to stop generating a clock signal.

Next, an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the extension board 3 in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the series of steps shown in the flowchart in FIG. 3 are repeated as necessary.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, during normal operation when no abnormality is detected in the expansion board 3, the expansion board 3 operates as a slave (step S1).

For example, under normal circumstances, the probe identification information notification function 341 of the extension board 3 notifies the identification information of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C connected to the device body 6 in accordance with an instruction from the probe identification function 664 of the device body 6. The identification information of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C is notified to the device body 6 through the bus 7 by communication using a clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit 65 of the device body 6 (i.e., clock-synchronous communication). The clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit 65 of the device body 6 is not limited to being used, and for example, the clock generation control function 345 of the extension board 3 may cause the oscillation circuit 33 to generate a clock signal under the control of the device body 6. That is, the identification information of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C may be notified to the device body 6 by communication using the clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit 33.

Also, under normal circumstances, for example, the switching control function 342 of the extension board 3 controls the switching circuit 31 to connect the ultrasonic probe 2A, 2B, 2C selected by the probe switching instruction function 666 to the transmission/reception circuit 63 in accordance with an instruction from the probe switching instruction function 666 of the device body 6. The control of the switching circuit 31 is performed, for example, by communication using a clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit 65 of the device body 6. The control of the switching circuit 31 may also be performed by communication using a clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit 33 of the extension board 3 under the control of the device body 6.

When there is an access from the device main body 6 through the bus 7, the clock generation control function 345 of the extension board 3 may determine whether or not to generate a clock signal based on the content of the access, and may cause the oscillation circuit 33 to generate a clock signal when it is determined that a clock signal is necessary. Then, when the access ends, the clock generation control function 345 may cause the oscillation circuit 33 to stop generating a clock signal. For example, when the content of the access is an instruction to switch the connection of the ultrasound probes 2A, 2B, and 2C, the clock generation control function 345 may determine that a clock signal needs to be generated and cause the oscillation circuit 33 to generate a clock signal. On the other hand, when the content of the access is to read the status information of the extension board 3, the clock generation control function 345 may determine that a clock signal does not need to be generated and may not generate a clock signal.

Next, the abnormality detection function 343 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the extension board 3 (step S2). For example, when the high voltage supplied to the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c selected by the probe switching instruction function 666 of the device main body 6 exceeds the reference voltage, the abnormality detection function 343 determines that a Probe High Voltage Error has occurred as an abnormality. Also, when the applied current from the 5V battery supplied to the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c selected by the probe switching instruction function 666 of the device main body 6 exceeds the upper limit value, the abnormality detection function 343 determines that a P5V Over-Current has occurred as an abnormality. Also, when the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C have changed in the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c selected by the probe switching instruction function 666 of the device main body 6, the abnormality detection function 343 determines that a Probe Change has occurred as an abnormality. Furthermore, when the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c to which the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C are not connected are selected by the probe switching instruction function 666 of the device main body 6, the abnormality detection function 343 determines that a Probe No Exist has occurred as an abnormality. Furthermore, when a relay (switching circuit 31) is connected to the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c to which the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C are not connected, the abnormality detection function 343 determines that a Relay Fault has occurred as an abnormality. The abnormality detection function 343 generates information that identifies the type of abnormality detected, and stores the generated information in the memory circuit 32.

If an abnormality occurs (i.e., if an abnormality is detected) (step S2: Yes), the expansion board 3 switches from slave to master (step S3). On the other hand, if no abnormality occurs (step S2: No), the expansion board 3 continues to operate as a slave (step S1).

After the expansion board 3 switches to the master, the clock generation control function 345 of the expansion board 3 causes the oscillator circuit 33 of the expansion board 3 to generate a clock signal (step S4). At this time, the clock signal is generated independently by the expansion board 3, without being instructed by the device main body 6.

After the clock signal is generated, the abnormality notification function 344 of the expansion board 3 notifies the device main body 6 of the abnormality and information identifying the type of abnormality via the bus 7 by communication using the clock signal (step S5). For example, the abnormality notification function 344 notifies the device main body 6 of the occurrence of an abnormality and information indicating whether the abnormality that has occurred is a Probe High Voltage Error, P5V Over-Current, Probe Change, Probe No Exist, or Relay Fault. In response to the abnormality notification by the abnormality notification function 344, the device main body 6 performs abnormality response processing.

Then, the abnormality detection function 343 judges whether the abnormality has been resolved (step S6). If the abnormality has been resolved (step S6: Yes), the abnormality notification function 344 notifies the device main body 6 of the resolution of the abnormality via the bus 7 (step S7). On the other hand, if the abnormality has not been resolved (step S6: No), the abnormality notification function 344 repeats notifying the device main body 6 of the abnormality (step S5). At this time, if the same abnormality notification is sent to the device main body 6 indefinitely, it may cause a load on the processing circuit 66 and cause it to lock up, so the abnormality notification function 344 notifies when a different type of abnormality occurs, but does not notify when the same type of abnormality occurs.

After being notified that the abnormality has been resolved, the clock generation control function 345 of the expansion board 3 causes the oscillator circuit 33 to stop generating the clock signal (step S8).

After stopping the generation of the clock signal, the expansion board 3 switches to a slave (step S9).

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the device main body 6 in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the series of steps shown in the flowchart in Figure 4 are repeated as necessary.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the device main body 6 normally operates as the master when no abnormality is detected in the expansion board 3 (step S21).

For example, in normal operation, the probe identification function 664 of the device body 6 outputs an instruction to the extension board 3 requesting the identification information of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C, and acquires the identification information responded to from the extension board 3. At this time, the clock generation control function 668 of the device body 6 causes the oscillator circuit 65 to generate a clock signal. The probe identification function 664 acquires the identification information of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C from the extension board 3 by communication using the clock signal generated by the oscillator circuit 65. As described above, the probe identification function 664 may acquire the identification information of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C using the clock signal generated by the oscillator circuit 33 of the extension board 3 under the control of the device body 6. Then, the probe identification function 664 identifies the types of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C connected to the extension board 3 based on the identification information of the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C acquired from the extension board 3. The probe identification information display function 665 of the device main body 6 displays the identification information of the ultrasound probes 2A, 2B, and 2C acquired by the probe identification function 664 on the output interface 5.

In addition, during normal operation, the probe switching instruction function 666 of the device main body 6 outputs an instruction signal to the processing circuit 34 of the extension board 3 to instruct switching of the ultrasonic probe according to an electrical signal input from the input interface 4 by an input operation. By outputting the instruction signal, the switching control function 342 of the extension board 3 controls the switching circuit 31 to connect the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C according to the instruction signal to the transmission/reception circuit 63. At this time, the clock generation control function 668 of the device main body 6 causes the oscillation circuit 65 to generate a clock signal. The probe switching instruction function 666 switches between the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C by communication using the clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit 65 (i.e., transmission of an instruction signal). As described above, the probe switching instruction function 666 may switch between the ultrasonic probes 2A, 2B, and 2C by communication using the clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit 33 of the extension board 3 under the control of the device main body 6.

Next, the processing circuit 66 of the device main body 6 determines whether the master operation has ended (step S22). If the master operation has ended (step S22: Yes), the device main body 6 switches to a slave (step S23). On the other hand, if the master operation has not ended (step S22: No), the device main body 6 continues to operate as a master (step S21).

After the device main body 6 is switched to the slave, the abnormality handling function 667 of the device main body 6 receives an abnormality notification from the extension board 3 and performs an abnormality handling process according to the type of abnormality (step S24). For example, when the abnormality handling function 667 is notified of Probe High Voltage Error, Probe Change, Probe No Exist, or Relay Fault as an abnormality of the extension board 3, the abnormality handling process may, for example, stop ultrasonic transmission to the extension board 3 or stop power supply to the extension board 3. The details of the abnormality handling process may differ depending on the type of abnormality. On the other hand, when the abnormality handling function 667 is notified of P5V Over-Current as an abnormality of the extension board 3, the abnormality handling process may display a warning via the output interface 5. Also, when the abnormality handling function 667 is notified of P5V Over-Current as an abnormality of the extension board 3, the abnormality handling process may disable the current supply to the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c in which the abnormality is detected (5V Enable Off).

After performing the abnormality response processing, the abnormality response processing function 667 determines whether or not the extension board 3 has notified the user that the abnormality has been resolved (step S25). If the user has been notified that the abnormality has been resolved (step S25: Yes), the abnormality response processing function 667 ends the abnormality response processing (step S26). On the other hand, if the user has not been notified that the abnormality has been resolved (step S25: No), the abnormality response processing function 667 repeats the abnormality response processing (step S24).

After the abnormality response process is completed, the device main body 6 judges whether there is master operation (step S27). If there is master operation (step 27: Yes), the device main body 6 operates as a master (step S21). If there is no master operation (step 27: No), the device main body 6 remains a slave, receives an abnormality notification, and performs abnormality response process (step S24).

As described above, in the first embodiment, the abnormality detection function 343 detects an abnormality that occurs in the extension board 3. In addition, the abnormality notification function 344 notifies the device main body 6 of the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection function 343.

As a result, compared to the conventional method of detecting an abnormality in the extension board 3 by polling the device main body 6, the extension board 3 can quickly detect its own abnormality and notify the device main body 6. By being able to quickly notify the device main body 6 of an abnormality in the extension board 3, the device main body 6 can quickly deal with the notified abnormality.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the notification of an abnormality by the abnormality notification function 344 includes notification of information that identifies the type of abnormality.

As a result, the device main body 6 that has been notified of an abnormality does not need to perform processing to identify the type of abnormality after the abnormality notification, and can quickly perform abnormality response processing according to the type of abnormality. In addition, since a dedicated signal line for notifying the type of abnormality is not required, the number of parts can be reduced.

In the first embodiment, the oscillator circuit 33 of the extension board 3 generates a clock signal used to notify of an abnormality. The clock generation control function 345 controls the generation of the clock signal by the oscillator circuit 33.

This allows the expansion board 3 to quickly notify of abnormalities using its own clock signal.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the abnormality detection function 343 notifies the user of an abnormality, including notification of information identifying the type of abnormality, via the bus 7 for communication between the expansion board 3 and the device main body 6.

This allows for proper notification of abnormalities, including notification of information identifying the type of abnormality.

In the first embodiment, the clock generation control function 668 of the device main body 6 causes the oscillation circuit 65 to generate a clock signal when the device main body 6 operates as a master, and causes the oscillation circuit 65 to stop generating the clock signal when the device main body 6 operates as a slave. The device main body 6 operates as a master when there is a master operation, and operates as a slave when the master operation ends. In addition, before an abnormality is detected and after the abnormality is resolved, the extension board 3 operates as a slave, and after an abnormality is detected, the extension board 3 operates as a master until the abnormality is resolved.

This allows the expansion board 3 acting as the master to quickly notify of any abnormalities that occur on the expansion board 3, making it possible to more reliably deal with the abnormalities quickly.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment in which the extension board 3 performs an abnormality response process by itself will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the extension board 3 in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the second embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the processing circuit 34 of the extension board 3 in the second embodiment further has a power supply stop processing function 346. The power supply stop processing function 346 is an example of a power supply stop processing unit.

The power supply stop processing function 346 stops the power supply to the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c in which an abnormality has been detected. The power supply stop processing function 346 performs the process of stopping the power supply to the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c in which an abnormality has been detected independently of an instruction from the device main body 6.

An example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the extension board 3 in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the second embodiment. Specifically, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, after the abnormality detection function 343 notifies the abnormality (step S5), the power supply stop processing function 346 stops the power supply to the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c in which the abnormality is detected (step S10). The power supply stop processing may be, for example, a process of turning off a switch arranged on the power supply line between the power source and the connector port 3a, 3b, and 3c in which the abnormality is detected, but is not limited thereto.

In the second embodiment, the power supply stop processing function 346 of the expansion board 3 performs an abnormality response process by stopping the power supply to the connector ports 3a, 3b, and 3c in which an abnormality is detected.

This allows the expansion board 3 to handle the abnormality itself, making it possible to deal with the abnormality more quickly.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment in which the notification of an abnormality by the abnormality notification function 344 does not include notification of information identifying the type of abnormality will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the extension board 3 in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the third embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the processing circuit 34 of the extension board 3 in the third embodiment further has a signal line 8 for transmitting a signal to the device main body 6, a transmission stop request signal generating function 347, and a warning output request signal generating function 348.

When an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection function 343, the transmission stop request signal generation function 347 generates a transmission stop request signal that requests the stop of ultrasonic transmission according to the type of abnormality. For example, when the abnormality detection function 343 detects a Probe High Voltage Error, a Probe Change, a Probe No Exist, or a Relay Fault, the transmission stop request signal generation function 347 generates a transmission stop request signal. For these four types of abnormalities, a common abnormality response process of stopping ultrasonic transmission is performed by the abnormality response processing function 667 of the device main body 6. However, since the conditions for resolving the four types of abnormalities are different from one another, the conditions for canceling the stop of ultrasonic transmission are different for each of the four types of abnormalities. In other words, the details of the abnormality response process performed by the abnormality response processing function 667 differ for each of the four types of abnormalities.

When an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection function 343, the warning output request signal generation function 348 generates a warning output request signal that requests the output of a warning according to the type of abnormality. For example, when a P5V over-current is detected by the abnormality detection function 343, the warning output request signal generation function 348 generates a warning output request signal.

The abnormality notification function 344 notifies the device main body 6 of an abnormality by sending a transmission stop request signal or a warning output request signal to the device main body 6 through the signal line 8. The abnormality notification function 344 sends the transmission stop request signal or the warning output request signal to the device main body 6 without using a clock signal.

The abnormality response processing function 667 (information reading unit) reads information identifying the type of abnormality from the extension board 3 when a transmission stop request signal or a warning output request signal is transmitted. By reading the information identifying the type of abnormality, the abnormality response processing function 667 can perform appropriate abnormality response processing according to the type of abnormality that cannot be determined only by the transmission stop request signal or the warning output request signal. The information identifying the type of abnormality is, for example, information recorded in the memory circuit 32 by the abnormality detection function 343. The information identifying the type of abnormality is read via the bus 7 by communication using a clock signal. The clock signal is generated, for example, by the oscillation circuit 33 of the extension board 3. Not limited to this, the clock signal may be generated by the oscillation circuit 65 of the device main body 6. The abnormality response processing function 667 performs abnormality response processing according to the type of abnormality acquired. For example, when Probe High Voltage Error, Probe Change, Probe No Exist, or Relay Fault is acquired, the abnormality response processing function 667 stops transmitting ultrasonic waves until the extension board 3 notifies the elimination of each abnormality. In addition, if a P5V over-current is detected, the abnormality response processing function 667 displays a warning until the expansion board 3 notifies the system that the P5V over-current has been resolved.

Next, an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the third embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the extension board 3 in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a correspondence table between types of abnormality and notification methods used to explain an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the device main body 6 in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the third embodiment. In this example of operation, the extension board does not use the bus 7, and the device main body becomes the master and reads abnormality identification information via the bus 7, so that the device main body is always the master.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the third embodiment, the abnormality detection function 343 detects an abnormality in the expansion board 3, and the transmission stop request signal generation function 347 generates a transmission stop request signal, or the warning output request signal generation function 348 generates a warning output request signal in response to the abnormality detected in the expansion board 3 (step S11). The decision as to whether to generate a transmission stop request signal or a warning output request signal may be based on, for example, a correspondence table between abnormality types and signals as shown in FIG. 9. In the example shown in FIG. 9, if Probe High Voltage Error, Probe Change, Probe No Exist, or Relay Fault is detected, a transmission stop request signal is generated, and if P5V Over-Current is detected, a warning output request signal is generated.

After the transmission stop request signal or warning output request signal is generated, the abnormality notification function 344 transmits the generated transmission stop request signal or warning output request signal to the device main body 6 via the signal line 8. By transmitting the transmission stop request signal or warning output request signal, the abnormality notification function 344 notifies the device main body 6 of the abnormality (step S12).

Also, as shown in FIG. 8, in the third embodiment, after notification that the abnormality has been resolved, the transmission stop request signal generation function 347 stops generating the transmission stop request signal, or the warning output request signal generation function 348 stops generating the warning output request signal (step S13).

As shown in FIG. 10, the abnormality response processing function 667 of the device main body 6 determines whether a transmission stop request signal or a warning output request signal has been received from the expansion board 3 while operating as a master (step S28). If a transmission stop request signal or a warning output request signal has been received (step S28: Yes), on the other hand, if neither a transmission stop request signal nor a warning output request signal has been received (step S28: No), the device main body 6 continues to operate as a master (step S21).

The abnormality response processing function 667 of the device main body 6 reads abnormality identification information that identifies the type of abnormality from the expansion board 3 through communication with the expansion board 3 that does not use a clock signal (step S29).

After reading the anomaly identification information, the anomaly response processing function 667 performs anomaly response processing according to the type of anomaly indicated in the anomaly identification information (step S24).

In the third embodiment, the abnormality notification function 344 notifies the device main body 6 of an abnormality that has occurred in the expansion board 3 by sending a transmission stop request signal or a warning output request signal through the signal line 8 to the device main body 6. Furthermore, the abnormality response processing function 667 of the device main body 6 reads abnormality identification information from the expansion board 3 when a transmission stop request signal or a warning output request signal is sent. Then, the abnormality response processing function 667 performs abnormality response processing according to the type of abnormality indicated in the read abnormality identification information. In the third embodiment as well, abnormalities in the expansion board 3 can be dealt with more quickly than in the past.

The term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Note that instead of storing a program in a memory circuit, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate the program into its circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuit. Note that the processor is not limited to being configured as a single processor circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its functions. Furthermore, the multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its functions.

According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to quickly respond to an abnormality that occurs in the connector that connects the ultrasound probe to the device body.

Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel apparatus and method described in this specification can be embodied in various other forms. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the forms of the apparatus and method described in this specification without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to include such forms and modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

1 Ultrasonic diagnostic device 2A, 2B, 2C Ultrasonic probe 20 Connector 3a, 3b, 3c Connector port 3 Expansion board 33 Oscillator circuit 343 Abnormality detection function 344 Abnormality notification function 345 Clock generation control function 346 Power supply stop processing function 347 Transmission stop request signal generation function 348 Warning output request signal generation function 6 Device main body 61A, 61B, 61C Connector port

Claims (14)

A device body having a connector port;
an expansion connector connected to the connector port, the expansion connector connecting an ultrasonic probe to the device body;
The expansion connector includes:
an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality occurring in the expansion connector;
and an abnormality notification unit that notifies the device body of the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit.
Ultrasound diagnostic equipment. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein the expansion connector is an expansion connector having a plurality of second connector ports to which a second connector provided on the ultrasound probe is connected. The ultrasound diagnostic device of claim 1, wherein the notification of the abnormality includes notification of information identifying the type of the abnormality. The expansion connector includes:
a clock generating unit that generates a clock signal used for notifying the abnormality;
a clock generation control unit that controls generation of the clock signal by the clock generating unit;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: the expansion connector further includes a bus for performing communication between the expansion connector and the device main body,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the abnormality notification unit notifies the abnormality through the bus. the expansion connector further includes a signal line for transmitting a signal to the device body,
3. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality notification unit notifies the device body of the abnormality by transmitting, via the signal line, a transmission stop request signal requesting stop of ultrasound transmission or a warning output request signal requesting output of a warning. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 6, wherein the device body includes an information reading unit that reads information identifying the type of abnormality from the expansion connector when the transmission stop request signal or the warning output request signal is transmitted. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 6, wherein the abnormality notification unit transmits the transmission stop request signal or the warning output request signal without using a clock signal. the abnormality detection unit is capable of detecting an abnormality occurring in the plurality of second connector ports as an abnormality occurring in the expansion connector,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the expansion connector further comprises a power supply stop processing unit that performs processing to stop the power supply to the second connector port in which the abnormality is detected. the expansion connector further includes a bus for performing communication between the expansion connector and the device main body,
5. The ultrasound diagnostic device of claim 4, wherein the clock generation control unit, when the device body accesses the connector through the bus, determines whether the clock signal is necessary, causes the clock generation unit to generate the clock signal if it is determined that the clock signal is necessary, and causes the clock generation unit to stop generating the clock signal when the access using the clock signal ends. The device body includes:
a second clock generating unit that generates a second clock signal used for communication with the expansion connector through the bus;
a second clock generation control unit that controls generation of the second clock signal by the second clock generating unit;
Equipped with
11. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second clock generation control unit causes the second clock generating unit to generate the second clock signal when the apparatus body operates as a master, and causes the second clock generating unit to stop generating the second clock signal when the apparatus body operates as a slave. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the abnormality includes at least one of the following: the voltage supplied to the connector port selected by the device body exceeds an upper limit; the current supplied to the selected connector port exceeds an upper limit; the ultrasound probe has been changed at the selected connector port; a connector port to which the ultrasound probe is not connected has been selected by the device body; and a relay has been connected to a connector port to which the ultrasound probe is not connected. the expansion connector operates as a slave before the abnormality is detected and after the abnormality is resolved, and operates as a master from when the abnormality is detected until when the abnormality is resolved;
5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus main body operates as a master before the abnormality is detected and after the abnormality is resolved, and operates as a slave from when the abnormality is detected until the abnormality is resolved. An extension connector that is connected to a connector port of a device body to connect an ultrasonic probe to the device body,
an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality occurring in the expansion connector;
and an abnormality notification unit that notifies the device body of the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit.
Expansion connector.