JP5286618B2 - Portable ultrasound imaging system for animals - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus for animals, which is suitable for diagnosing the animal on the site of breeding such as a stable, and is excellent in operability at the time. <P>SOLUTION: This apparatus 1 is provided with an ultrasonic probe 31, an apparatus main body 2 housing an image processing means 15, a display device 19, an input device 16 and a signal transmission cable 41 for connecting the ultrasonic probe 31 and the apparatus main body 2, etc. The ultrasonic probe 31 is provided with an ultrasonic vibrator 32 for transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving the reflected waves. The signal transmission cable 41 includes a non-curled cord part 42 extending from the ultrasonic probe 31 and a flexible curled cord part 43 provided on the side closer to the apparatus main body 2 than the non-curled cord part 42. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus for animals, and more particularly to improvement of a signal transmission cable extending from the ultrasonic probe.

Conventionally, in a medical field, an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is used for various purposes (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). A general ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus includes an apparatus main body having a display device, an operation switch, an image processing apparatus, and the like, and an ultrasonic probe is connected to the apparatus main body via a signal transmission cable. The ultrasonic probe has a pulse-driven ultrasonic transducer. This ultrasonic transducer receives the reflected wave after transmitting the ultrasonic wave to the person to be inspected, and outputs the acquired reflected wave signal to the apparatus main body side via the signal transmission cable. An image processing apparatus provided in the apparatus main body generates an ultrasonic image by performing a predetermined calculation based on the reflected wave signal, and the display device displays the ultrasonic image. Further, a straight cord (in other words, a non-curl cord that is not spirally wound) is generally used as the signal transmission cable.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-192030 (see FIG. 6) JP 2000-107176 A (see FIG. 2)

  By the way, this type of diagnostic device is basically intended for diagnosis on humans, but in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for diagnosis on animals such as cows, pigs, horses, dogs and cats. It's getting on. However, at present, an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus specialized for animals has not been practically used yet, and an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus for humans has to be used as it is. Moreover, the diversion of such a device has the following problems.

  Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging equipment for human beings is generally large, heavy, and stationary, so it is not suitable for applications such as moving the equipment in stables where animals are kept, making it practical. poor.

  Also, when using the device in a treatment room or hospital room, it is not necessary to lengthen the cable so much, but when using the device in a stable, the cable should be lengthened to some extent in consideration of operability. It is necessary to keep. However, if the cable is lengthened, the weight increases accordingly, and not only does it become difficult for the operator to operate the ultrasonic probe, but the overall weight of the device also increases, making it unsuitable for carrying.

  In addition, since there is a fence in the stable, there is a possibility that a long cable may be hooked, and there is also a problem that a long cable hanging on the ground may be dragged or stepped on, so that the operability is poor. Of course, such hooking of the cable may cause a failure or breakage of the apparatus.

  Therefore, a measure was taken to use a curled cord instead of a straight cord so that the entire cable is stretchable and the cable can be stretched longer than usual when necessary. However, with this measure, the cable becomes quite heavy, which adversely affects operability and portability. In addition, since the curl cord has a spring-like structure, vibration may occur in the portion of the curd cord, which may cause an unexpected unpleasant movement, which is not desirable from the viewpoint of operability. In addition, if the curled cord is employed in the stationary apparatus, there is a drawback that the cable pulls the apparatus and moves when the cable is operated as being stretched.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is suitable for diagnosing animals at breeding sites such as stables, and has excellent operability at that time. Is to provide.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive studies. As a result, although the curled cord is used for the cable, it is not used for the entire cable, but is intentionally used only for a part. And arrived at the idea of leaving some straight cable (non-curl cord). In other words, even by using a curl cord for a part of the cable, it is possible to give a certain degree of stretchability, and if necessary, the cable length can be made longer than usual. In addition, according to this configuration, the weight does not increase as much as when the entire curl cord is used. Further, in the case of adopting this configuration, the optimum arrangement mode of the curled cord portion and the non-curled cord portion has been examined, and it is preferable that the curled cord portion is provided closer to the apparatus body than the non-curled cord portion. Newly discovered. For example, when the arrangement mode opposite to this is adopted, the curled cord portion having springiness is close to the ultrasonic probe side, and thus the movement range during operation is increased. Therefore, vibration is likely to be generated in the corresponding portion, and it is easy to make an unexpected movement due to the vibration. Therefore, a decrease in operability is inevitable. On the other hand, if the above preferred arrangement mode is adopted, the moving distance during operation becomes relatively small. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of vibration in the part and maintain good operability. Therefore, the inventors of the present application have been able to conceive the following invention as a result of further intensive studies based on such novel findings.

That is, the invention according to claim 1 is an ultrasonic probe provided with an ultrasonic transducer that transmits an ultrasonic wave to an animal to be examined and receives a reflected wave thereof, and an ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic probe. An apparatus main body containing image processing means for generating an ultrasonic image by calculating based on the reflected wave signal of the apparatus, and installed in front of the apparatus main body to display the ultrasonic image generated by the image processing means An input device having a plurality of switches for inputting various instructions of an operator to the image processing means, and a signal transmission cable for connecting the ultrasonic probe and the device main body, signal transmission cable, the main non-coiled cord extending from an ultrasound probe, which can also be stretchable provided closer to the apparatus body than the main non-coiled cord portion A steel cord portion, while being configured to include said device is provided on a side closer to the body the device sub-non coiled cord portion connected fixed to the main body than the curl cord portion, exposed to the outside of the device body The curled cord portion in the contracted state is shorter than the main non-curled cord portion, and the curled cord portion in the stretched state has a length of the main non-curled portion. A portable type characterized in that it is longer than the length of the cord portion, and the length of the sub non-curled cord portion is shorter than the length of the curled cord portion in the compressed state and the length of the main non-curled cord portion. The gist of the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus for animals.

  Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since it is not a stationary type but a portable type, it is suitable for a purpose of moving with a device at a breeding site such as a stable, and practical use in such a purpose. Improves. In addition, as a result of a part of the cable that can be expanded and contracted, the length of the cable can be made longer than usual by extending the cable as necessary, which is suitable for use in breeding sites such as stables. In addition, the curled cord part is usually shortened and shortened, so that it is possible to prevent the cable from being caught, dragged, stepped on, etc., and to avoid an increase in weight as when the entire curled cord is used. it can. The above contributes to improvement in operability. Further, by providing the curl cord portion closer to the apparatus main body than the non-curl cord portion, occurrence of vibration in the curl cord portion can be minimized. This also contributes to improved operability.

In the above invention, the length of the curled cord portion in the contracted state is equal to or shorter than the length of the main non- curled cord portion, and the length of the curled cord portion in the stretched state is the main non- curled length. It has long than the length of the curl cord portion.

Therefore, according to the above-described invention, the length of the curled cord portion in the contracted state is equal to or shorter than the length of the main non- curled cord portion, so that the cable is provided with elasticity to a part of the cable. It is possible to reliably avoid an increase in weight. Further, if the length of the curled cord portion in the retracted state is made longer than the length of the main non- curled cord portion, the possibility that the curled cord portion is located at the lowermost portion when the cable hangs increases. Since the curled cord portion has irregularities, if the curled portion touches the ground and is dragged, dirt easily adheres. On the other hand, according to the configuration of the present invention, the curled cord portion is less likely to be located at the lowermost portion even when it hangs down, and instead, the main non- curled cord portion having almost no irregularities is likely to be located at the lowermost portion. Therefore, even if the cable is dragged by touching the ground, dirt is less likely to adhere.

The gist of the invention described in claim 2 is that, in claim 1 , the length of the main non- curl cord portion is not less than 20 cm and not more than 40 cm.

Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, as a result of setting the length of the main non- curl cord portion within the above range, for example, the operator grasps the ultrasonic probe and passes the ultrasonic wave from between the fences to the abdomen of the animal. When a probe is applied, the length can be made suitable for work. That is, when the length is less than 20 cm, it is difficult to extend the ultrasonic probe to the animal to be inspected. In this case, if the extension is forced, the cable may be disconnected. On the other hand, when the length is more than 40 cm, it is relatively easy to extend the ultrasonic probe to the animal to be inspected, but another problem such as excessive cable being easily caught on the fence may occur.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect , the apparatus main body has a vertically long shape that can be held by an operator, and a base end portion of the signal transmission cable is formed on the apparatus main body. Its gist is that it is connected and fixed to the upper surface or the rear upper region.

Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the vertically long shape having such a size is excellent in portability and practicality. In addition, since the cable connection and fixing position is the upper or rear upper area of the main unit, even when the cable length is increased to some extent, the position of the bottom of the hanging cable can be increased, and the cable can be dragged and stepped on. Etc. can be reliably prevented. In addition, the cable does not get in the way when you hold it vertically or when you look at the display device on the front. The above contributes to further improvement in operability.

As described above in detail, according to the inventions described in claims 1 to 3 , a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus for animals that is suitable for diagnosing an animal at a breeding site such as a stable and has excellent operability at that time. Can be provided.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a portable animal ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of the diagnostic apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the diagnostic apparatus 1 roughly includes an apparatus body 2, an ultrasonic probe 31, and a signal transmission cable 41 that connects them to each other.

  The apparatus main body 2 is a case made of metal or synthetic resin that can be held by an operator. Specifically, the apparatus main body 2 has a vertical dimension of about 25 cm to 30 cm, a horizontal dimension of about 15 cm to 20 cm, and a thickness. It has a vertically long shape with a dimension of about 5 cm to 7 cm. Moreover, since the weight of the apparatus body 2 is 1.5 kg to 2.0 kg and is relatively light, the operator can carry it without difficulty.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a display device 19 for displaying an abdominal tomographic image (ultrasonic image 19 a) is disposed in the upper half area of the front surface 2 a of the apparatus main body 2. In addition to this, the display device 19 may be set to display various types of information such as probe type, focus information, display depth range, and time. As a suitable display device 19, for example, a color display such as an LCD or a CRT can be cited. Of course, a monochrome display can be used instead of the color display. An input device 16 used for inputting requests and instructions from the user, inputting various parameters, and turning on / off the power source is disposed in the lower area of the display device 19 on the front surface 2a of the apparatus main body 2. Yes. The input device 16 of the present embodiment is configured by arranging a plurality of flat type push switches 16a having almost no irregularities in a horizontal row. The number and layout of the switches 16a are not limited and can be arbitrarily changed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultrasonic probe 31 is a member that is easy to grip by an operator and is formed in a substantially T shape, and has an ultrasonic transducer 32 at the tip thereof. Is provided with a plurality of transducer groups. The ultrasonic probe 31 is arranged so that the tip thereof is in contact with the abdomen of the animal that is the inspection target A1, and in this state, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received. The ultrasonic probe 31 of the present embodiment is a linear probe for performing linear electronic scanning, and scans 3.5 MHz ultrasonic waves in a straight line. Instead of the linear probe, a convex probe formed by arranging a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 32 in a fan shape may be used. When a convex probe is used, an image with a wide field of view can be obtained.

  The signal transmission cable 41 of the present embodiment connects the ultrasonic probe 31 and the apparatus main body 2 and has a structure in which several tens of wires are covered with a flexible resin layer. The signal transmission cable 41 transmits a pulse signal for driving the ultrasonic oscillator 32 from the apparatus main body 2 side to the ultrasonic probe 31 side, or transmits a reflected wave signal acquired by the ultrasonic transducer 32 to the ultrasonic probe. This is a path for transmission from the apparatus 31 side to the apparatus body 2 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the signal transmission cable 41 of this embodiment includes both non-curl cord portions 42 and 44 and a curl cord portion 43. The main non-curl cord portion 42 has a so-called straight cord shape that is not spirally wound, and is connected to the base end portion so as to extend from the ultrasonic probe 31. The main non-curl cord portion 42 is formed so as to be bendable but not stretchable. On the side closer to the apparatus body 2 than the main non-curl cord portion 42, a curl cord portion 43 is provided continuously to the main non-curl cord portion 42. The curl cord portion 43 is wound in a spiral shape having a diameter of about 30 mm, and is therefore bendable and extendable. A sub non-curl cord portion 44 is provided continuously to the curl cord portion 43 on the side closer to the apparatus body 2 than the curl cord portion 43. The sub non-curl cord portion 44 is sufficiently shorter than the length of the main non-curl cord portion 42 (about 30 cm in this embodiment), and is about a fraction of the length (about 7 cm in this embodiment). Yes. The base end portion of the sub non-curl cord portion 44 (that is, the base end portion of the signal transmission cable 41) is connected and fixed to the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2. Although not shown, the base end portion may be connected and fixed to the upper back region.

  Further, the length of the curled cord portion 43 in the retracted state is shorter than the length of the main non-curled cord portion 42 (about 30 cm in the present embodiment) (about 12 cm in the present embodiment). ) Is set. On the other hand, since the length of the curled cord portion 43 in the stretched state is 100 cm or more, it is longer than the length of the main non-curled cord portion 42. In other words, the length of the signal transmission cable 41 of the present embodiment is about 50 cm in the normal state, and is about 150 cm in the extended state.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the curled cord portion 43 is not positioned at the lowermost portion L1 of the cable, and the main non-curled cord portion 42 having almost no irregularities is positioned instead. Further, the position of the lowermost portion L1 of the cable is not so low, and is a position that is high to some extent far from the ground.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a circuit board (not shown) is accommodated in the apparatus main body 2. On the circuit board, a controller 10, a pulse generation circuit 11, a transmission circuit 12, a reception circuit 13, signal processing are provided. A circuit 14, an image processing circuit 15, a memory 17, a storage device 18, and a sensitivity characteristic correction circuit 21 are arranged. A battery (not shown) for supplying power to each circuit is housed in a lower region inside the apparatus main body 2.

  The controller 10 is a microcomputer configured to include a known central processing unit (CPU), and executes a control program using the memory 17 to control the entire apparatus centrally. The control program includes a program for various measurements and a program for displaying a tomographic image (ultrasonic image 19a). The pulse generation circuit 11 operates in response to a control signal from the controller 10, generates a pulse signal having a predetermined period, and outputs the pulse signal to the transmission circuit 12.

  The transmission circuit 12 includes a plurality of delay circuits (not shown) corresponding to the number of elements of the ultrasonic transducer 32 in the ultrasonic probe 31. The transmission circuit 12 outputs a driving pulse delayed according to each ultrasonic transducer 32 based on the pulse signal output from the pulse generation circuit 11. The delay time of each drive pulse is set so that the ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic probe 31 is focused at a predetermined irradiation point.

  The reception circuit 13 includes a signal amplification circuit, a delay circuit, and a phasing addition circuit (not shown). In this receiving circuit 13, each reflected wave signal (echo signal) received by each ultrasonic transducer 32 in the ultrasonic probe 31 is amplified, and a delay time considering reception directivity is added to each reflected wave signal. After that, phasing addition is performed. By this addition, the phase difference between the reception signals of the ultrasonic transducers 32 is adjusted.

  The signal processing circuit 14 includes a logarithmic conversion circuit, an envelope detection circuit, an A / D conversion circuit, and the like (not shown). The logarithmic conversion circuit in the signal processing circuit 14 logarithmically converts the reflected wave signal, and the envelope detection circuit detects the envelope of the output signal of the logarithmic conversion circuit. The A / D conversion circuit converts the analog signal output from the envelope detection circuit into a digital signal.

  The sensitivity characteristic correction circuit 21 is provided between the signal processing circuit 14 and the image processing circuit 15 and automatically corrects the sensitivity characteristic in advance by processing the digital signal before image processing. The corrected signal is output to the image processing circuit 15. The automatic sensitivity characteristic correction by the sensitivity characteristic correction circuit 21 is not particularly essential in the present embodiment, and may be omitted.

  The image processing circuit 15 performs image processing based on the digital signal output from the sensitivity characteristic correction circuit 21 to generate image data of a tomographic image (B mode image). Specifically, the image processing circuit 15 performs luminance modulation processing to generate ultrasonic image data with luminance corresponding to the amplitude (signal intensity) of the reflected wave signal. The ultrasonic image data generated by the image processing circuit 15 is sequentially stored in the memory 17. Based on the ultrasonic image data for one frame stored in the memory 17, the tomographic image (ultrasonic image 19a) is displayed two-dimensionally on the display device 19 in black and white.

  The storage device 18 is, for example, a magnetic disk device or an optical disk device, and the storage device 18 stores a control program and various data. The controller 10 transfers programs and data from the storage device 18 to the memory 17 in accordance with instructions from the input device 16 and sequentially executes them. Note that the program executed by the controller 10 may be a program stored in a storage medium such as a memory card, a flexible disk, or an optical disk, or a program downloaded via a communication medium. Use.

  Next, the operation of the diagnostic apparatus 1 will be briefly described. First, the controller 10 operates the pulse generation circuit 11 to start transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 31. Specifically, the pulse generation circuit 11 operates in response to a control signal output from the controller 10, and a pulse signal having a predetermined cycle is supplied to the transmission circuit 12. In the transmission circuit 12, a drive pulse having a delay time corresponding to each ultrasonic transducer 32 is generated based on the pulse signal, and this drive pulse signal is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe 31 via the signal transmission cable 41. Supplied. Thereby, each ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 32 of the ultrasonic probe 31 vibrates, and the ultrasonic wave generated there is irradiated toward the inspection object. A part of the ultrasonic wave propagating in the examination object is reflected by a tissue boundary surface having different acoustic impedance and received by the ultrasonic probe 31. At this time, the reflected wave is converted into an electric signal (reflected wave signal) by each ultrasonic transducer 32 of the ultrasonic probe 31. Then, the reflected wave signal reaches the receiving circuit 13 via the signal transmission cable 41, is amplified there, and is input to the signal processing circuit 14. After this, the reflected wave signal reaches the image processing circuit 15 via the signal processing circuit 14 and the sensitivity characteristic correction circuit 21, where ultrasonic image data of a tomographic image (ultrasonic image 19a) is generated. Yes.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) Since the diagnostic device 1 has a size, shape, and weight that can be held by an operator, it is not a stationary type but a portable type (handy type). Therefore, it becomes a thing suitable for the use which moves with the diagnostic apparatus 1 in breeding sites, such as stables, and the utility in such a use improves.

  (2) In the diagnostic apparatus 1, a main non-curl cord part 42 extending from the ultrasonic probe 31, and a telescopic curl cord part 43 provided closer to the apparatus body 2 than the main non-curl cord part 42. The signal transmission cable 41 comprised including is adopted. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, part of the cable 41 can be expanded and contracted. As a result, the cable length can be made longer than usual by extending the cable 41 as necessary, which is suitable for use in breeding sites such as stables. It should be noted that the curled cord portion 43 is normally shortened and shortened, so that the cable 41 can be prevented from being caught, dragged, or stepped on. In addition, the weight does not increase as much as when curled all. Further, by providing the curl cord portion 43 closer to the apparatus body 2 than the main non-curl cord portion 42, the occurrence of vibrations in the curl cord portion 43 can be minimized. From the above, it is possible to realize the diagnostic device 1 that is excellent in operability when diagnosing an animal at a breeding site such as a stable.

  (3) In the signal transmission cable 41 of the present embodiment, the length of the curled cord portion 43 in the retracted state is shorter than the length of the main non-curled cord portion 42. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid an increase in the weight of the cable 41 while imparting stretchability to a part of the cable 41. Further, in the case of this signal transmission cable 41, even when it hangs down, the main non-curl cord portion 42 is located at the lowermost portion L1, so that even if it is dragged by touching the ground, there is an advantage that dirt does not easily adhere. . The above also contributes to improvement of practicality and operability.

  (4) The signal transmission cable 41 of the present embodiment has a proximal end portion connected and fixed to the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2. Therefore, even when the cable length is increased to some extent, the position of the lowermost portion L1 of the cable 41 that hangs down can be increased, and the cable 41 can be reliably prevented from being dragged or stepped on. In addition, the cable 41 does not get in the way even when held vertically or when viewing the display device 19 on the front surface 2a. The above has contributed to the further improvement of operativity.

  (5) In the signal transmission cable 41 of the present embodiment, the sub non-curl cord portion 44 is continuously provided on the side closer to the device body 2 than the curl cord portion 43, and the sub non-curl cord portion 44 is the device body 2. Connection is fixed against. Further, the length of the sub non-curl cord portion 44 is shorter than the length of the curl cord portion 43 in the retracted state, and is shorter than the length of the main non-curl cord portion 42. If the curl cord portion 43 is directly connected and fixed to the apparatus main body 2, the curl cord portion 43 is greatly bent, and a repulsive force of the spring is generated accordingly, and the operability may be lowered. On the other hand, when the curled cord portion 43 is connected and fixed via the short sub non-curled cord portion 44, the degree of bending of the curled cord portion 43, which may cause a decrease in operability, is reduced.

  (6) For example, if there is a protrusion such as a sensitivity characteristic adjustment dial on the outer surface of the apparatus body 2, the dial may hit somewhere when moving, and the sensitivity characteristic setting may be distorted. If it becomes, workability | operativity will worsen. In this respect, in this diagnostic apparatus 1, instead of automatically correcting the sensitivity characteristic by the sensitivity characteristic correction circuit 21, a sensitivity adjustment dial that protrudes greatly on the outer surface of the apparatus body 2 is omitted. Therefore, since the sensitivity characteristic adjusted optimally is always maintained, workability | operativity improves reliably.

  In addition, you may change embodiment of this invention as follows.

  For example, like the diagnostic device 1 of another embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a cover 51 having elasticity such as a silicone resin may be provided on the outer surface of the device body 2. The cover 51 covers the upper surface, side surfaces, and lower surface of the apparatus main body 2, but exposes the front surface 2 a on which the display device 19 and the input device 16 are located. According to this structure, waterproofness and impact resistance can be improved without impairing operability. Moreover, it becomes difficult to slip when the operator holds the apparatus main body 2, and the diagnostic apparatus 1 can be used stably.

  Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the embodiments described above are listed below.

  (1) Calculation based on an ultrasonic probe provided with an ultrasonic transducer that transmits ultrasonic waves to an animal to be examined and receives the reflected waves, and an ultrasonic reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe An apparatus main body containing an image processing means for generating an ultrasonic image, a display device installed on the front surface of the apparatus main body to display the ultrasonic image generated by the image processing means, and the image An input device having a plurality of switches for inputting various instructions of the operator to the processing means, and a signal transmission cable for connecting the ultrasonic probe and the device main body, the signal transmission cable comprising the ultrasonic wave A main non-curl cord portion extending from the probe, a telescoping curl cord portion provided closer to the apparatus main body than the main non-curl cord portion, and the cap A sub non-curl cord portion provided on the side closer to the device main body than the cord portion and connected and fixed to the device main body, and the length of the curled cord portion in the compressed state is The length of the curled cord portion is shorter than the length of the main non-curled cord portion, the length of the curled cord portion in the stretched state is longer than the length of the main non-curled cord portion, and the length of the sub non-curled cord portion is the length of the curled cord. An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus for a portable animal, characterized in that the length of the part in a contracted state and the length of the main non-curl cord part are shorter.

  (2) In any one of claims 1 to 4 and (1), a resin cover is provided on the outer surface of the apparatus main body.

1 is a schematic front view showing a portable animal ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of the diagnostic apparatus. The schematic front view which shows the ultrasonic imaging diagnostic apparatus for portable animals of another embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Portable ultrasound imaging apparatus for animals 2 ... Apparatus main body 2a ... Front surface 15 ... Image processing circuit as an image processing means 16a ... Switch 16 ... Input device 19 ... Display apparatus 19a ... Ultrasonic image 31 ... Ultrasonic probe 32 ... ultrasonic transducer 41 ... signal transmission cable 42 ... (main) non-curl cord part 43 ... curl cord part A1 ... animal to be examined

Claims (3)

An ultrasonic probe provided with an ultrasonic transducer that transmits ultrasonic waves to an animal to be examined and receives the reflected waves;
An apparatus main body containing image processing means for generating an ultrasonic image by calculating based on an ultrasonic reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe;
A display device installed on the front surface of the apparatus main body to display the ultrasonic image generated by the image processing means;
An input device having a plurality of switches for inputting various instructions of the operator to the image processing means;
A signal transmission cable for connecting the ultrasonic probe and the apparatus main body,
The signal transmission cable includes a main non- curl cord portion extending from the ultrasonic probe, a telescoping curl cord portion provided closer to the apparatus body than the main non- curl cord portion, and a curl cord portion. And a sub non-curl cord portion provided on the side close to the apparatus main body and connected and fixed to the apparatus main body, and connected and fixed in a state exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body. The length of the cord portion in the contracted state is shorter than the length of the main non-curl cord portion, and the length of the curled cord portion in the stretched state is longer than the length of the main non-curl cord portion,
The length of the sub non-curl cord portion is shorter than the length of the curled cord portion in a compressed state and the length of the main non-curl cord portion. Diagnostic imaging device. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus for portable animals according to claim 1 , wherein the length of the main non- curl cord portion is 20 cm or more and 40 cm or less. The apparatus main body has a vertically long shape that can be held by an operator, and a base end portion of the signal transmission cable is connected and fixed to an upper surface or a rear upper area of the apparatus main body. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus for portable animals according to claim 1 or 2 .

Images