JP6294067B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus acquires biological information of a subject by transmitting an ultrasonic wave into the subject using an ultrasonic probe and receiving a reflected wave thereof. In addition, various types of ultrasonic probes have been developed depending on the diagnosis target region and the use of the subject.

  The ultrasonic probe includes a probe head in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged, and a cable connected to the probe head. A connector having a predetermined number of terminals is provided at the end of the cable. The ultrasonic probe is configured to be electrically connectable to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body through this connector.

  When the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body are electrically connected by the connector, the signal path of the ultrasonic probe and the signal path of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body are electrically connected. The signal path transmits and receives a drive signal for driving the ultrasonic transducer in the ultrasonic probe from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body and receives an echo signal from the ultrasonic transducer main body at the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. A signal path and an identification signal path for sending a probe identification signal (probe ID signal) of several bits representing the type (probe ID) of the ultrasonic probe from the ultrasonic probe to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body are included.

  Usually, ultrasonic transducers are assigned to a smaller number of ultrasonic transducer terminals than the number of terminals of the connector, and probe IDs are assigned to probe ID terminals other than the ultrasonic transducer terminals.

  The identification signal path connected to the probe ID terminal of the connector is electrically opened or grounded in the ultrasonic probe. When the ultrasonic probe is connected, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body measures a voltage change for each identification signal path, and identifies a probe ID represented by a combination pattern of open or ground (high or low).

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body detects that the connection with the ultrasonic probe has been made by identifying the probe ID. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body detects the connection with the ultrasonic probe in this way, and starts transmission of a drive signal based on the drive method corresponding to the identified probe ID.

  Further, as described above, there are various types of ultrasonic probes depending on the diagnosis target region and application of the subject. Some types of ultrasonic probes require cleaning such as disinfection before and after use for hygiene purposes. Thereby, the connector is frequently inserted and removed. Each time the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body is inserted / removed, it identifies the probe ID and detects whether or not the connection with the ultrasonic probe has been made.

JP 2002-172116 A

  When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body detects the connection with the ultrasonic probe by identifying the probe ID, it is necessary to measure the voltage change of all the probe ID terminals. Therefore, the measurement time (expected time) for performing this measurement may be set in advance. Thereby, a long time is required for this measurement in order to detect the connection with the ultrasonic probe. Further, when the measurement time is not set, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body performs voltage change measurement a plurality of times to identify the probe ID. As a result, it took a long time to perform the measurement several times in order to detect the connection with the ultrasonic probe.

  In addition, even when the probe ID terminal is connected and the probe ID is identified, there are cases where other terminals such as the ultrasonic transducer terminal are not connected. In this case, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body detected connection of the ultrasonic probe (determined that it was connected) even though there was an unconnected terminal. However, since there are unconnected terminals, the ultrasonic probe does not function in this state. The operator later recognized that the ultrasonic probe was not functioning by displaying an error on the display unit or the like. At this time, the operator had to repeatedly insert and remove the connector until all the terminals were connected. This operation is a time-consuming and troublesome operation.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can easily detect an electrical connection with an ultrasonic probe.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the embodiment, the ultrasonic probe having a first connector having a plurality of first connection terminals are arranged in a square shape, a plurality of second connecting terminals are arranged in a square shape 2 An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a main body that transmits ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe to the subject via the fitted first connector and second connector, and a detection terminal; And a detection unit. The detection terminals are provided at the two corners sandwiching the central part in the array among the plurality of first connection terminals and the plurality of second connection terminals, and near the midpoint of the side part in the array , The first connector and the second connector face each other when they are fitted. When detecting the electrical connection of the detection terminal, the detection unit determines that the electrical connection between the first connector and the second connector is normal.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. The schematic diagram showing the outline of the ultrasound diagnosing device of embodiment. The schematic diagram showing the outline of the ultrasound diagnosing device of embodiment. The schematic diagram showing the outline of the ultrasound diagnosing device of embodiment. The schematic diagram showing the outline of the ultrasound diagnosing device of embodiment. The flowchart showing operation | movement of the ultrasonic diagnosing device of embodiment. The schematic diagram showing the outline of the ultrasound diagnosing device of embodiment. The schematic diagram showing the outline of the ultrasound diagnosing device of embodiment. The schematic diagram showing the outline of the ultrasound diagnosing device of embodiment. The schematic diagram showing the outline of the ultrasound diagnosing device of embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
[Constitution]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe 1 and a main body 2.

(Ultrasonic probe 1)
The ultrasonic probe 1 transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject based on the drive signal from the transmission unit 7. The ultrasonic probe 1 receives a reflected wave from the subject. The ultrasonic probe 1 uses a one-dimensional array probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a line in the scanning direction, or a two-dimensional array probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged. It is done. The ultrasonic probe 1 may be a mechanical one-dimensional array probe that swings a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a line in the scanning direction in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction. There are various types of ultrasonic probe 1 such as a sector probe, a linear probe, and a convex probe. Moreover, the ultrasonic probe 1 having a shape designed according to the examination site may be used. For example, the ultrasonic probe 1 receives a pulse signal as a drive signal from the transmission unit 7, converts the pulse signal into an acoustic signal by an ultrasonic transducer, and transmits the acoustic signal to the subject. The ultrasonic probe 1 receives a reflected wave from the subject with an ultrasonic transducer, converts it into an electrical signal (echo signal), and outputs it to the receiving unit 8.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 has a probe head 3 and a first connector 4a. The probe head 3 and the first connector 4a are electrically connected by a cable. The probe head 3 is provided with the plurality of ultrasonic transducers described above.

(Main part 2)
The main body 2 transmits ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe 1 to the subject via the fitted first connector 4a and second connector 4b. The main body 2 includes a second connector 4b, a detection unit 5, an identification unit 6, a transmission unit 7, a reception unit 8, a signal processing unit 9, an image generation unit 10, a display control unit 11, And a system control unit 12.

(First connector 4a)
The first connector 4a is configured by arranging a plurality of first connection terminals that can be electrically connected to the main body 2 by fitting with the second connector 4b. A plurality of detection terminals are provided at the peripheral edge in this arrangement.

(Second connector 4b)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b. The second connector 4b is configured by arranging a plurality of second connection terminals T2 that can be electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe 1 by being fitted to the first connector 4a. The first connector 4a is configured by arranging a plurality of male connection terminals T1 in a fitting portion. The second connector 4b is configured by arranging a plurality of female connection terminals T2 in the fitting portion. The plurality of connection terminals T1 and the plurality of connection terminals T2 are a detection terminal for the detection unit 5 to determine electrical connection between the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b, and an identification unit 6 is an ultrasonic probe. 1 includes a probe identification terminal for identifying one probe type, and a transmission / reception terminal for transmitting and receiving a drive signal and an echo signal between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body 2. The connection terminal T1 arranged in the first connector 4a may be a female type, and the connection terminal T2 arranged in the second connector 4b may be a male type.

  The detection terminal is provided at a peripheral portion of the array of the plurality of first connection terminals T1 and the array of the plurality of second connection terminals T2 among the plurality of first connection terminals T1 and the plurality of second connection terminals T2. It is done. The detection terminals face each other when the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are fitted. In addition, the detection terminals are provided across the central portion in these arrays. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are viewed from the direction D1. The detection terminal is provided at a position where the other first connection terminal T1 and second connection terminal T2 (probe identification terminal, transmission / reception terminal) are electrically connected as a whole when the detection terminal is electrically connected. It is done. For example, the arrangement of the first connection terminals T1 and the arrangement of the second connection terminals T2 are configured by arranging the first connection terminals T1 and the second connection terminals T2 in a square shape. The detection terminals have four corners (first connector 4a: corner P1, corner P2, corner P3, and corner P4. Second connector 4b: corner P5, corner P6). , Corner P7 and corner P8.). When the four corners of the first connector 4a and the four corners of the second connector 4b are electrically connected, an arrangement of the first connection terminals T1 and an arrangement of the second connection terminals T2 are obtained. It can be determined that the whole is electrically connected.

(Detector 5)
When detecting the electrical connection of the detection terminal, the detection unit 5 determines that the electrical connection between the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b is normal. The state in which the electrical connection between the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b is normal means that the arrangement of the first connection terminals T1 and the arrangement of the second connection terminals T2 are entirely electrically. It is in a connected state.

  The detection unit 5 includes a detection circuit (described later) and a measurement unit 51. The detection circuit is configured such that the detection terminals are connected in series when the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are fitted, and a predetermined voltage is applied between the start end and the end end. The measuring unit 51 measures the voltage. The detection unit 5 detects the electrical connection of the detection terminals when the voltage measured by the measurement unit 51 changes.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of the detection circuit. The detection terminal S1 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P1. The detection terminal S2 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P2. The detection terminal S3 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P3. The detection terminal S4 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P4. The detection terminal S5 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P5. The detection terminal S6 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P6. The detection terminal S7 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P7. The detection terminal S8 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P8. The detection circuit is configured such that opposing detection terminals are connected in series. Opposing detection terminals are a pair of detection terminals that are electrically connected when the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are connected. When the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are electrically connected normally, the detection terminal S1 and the detection terminal S6 are electrically connected, and the detection terminal S4 and the detection terminal S7 are electrically connected. The detection terminal S3 and the detection terminal S8 are electrically connected, and the detection terminal S2 and the detection terminal S5 are electrically connected. In addition, on the main body 2 side, the detection terminal S6 is electrically connected to the measurement unit 51, the detection terminal S7 and the detection terminal S8 are electrically connected to each other, and the detection terminal S5 is grounded. The detection terminal S6 is connected to the positive power supply V and the resistor R. In addition, on the ultrasonic probe 1 side, the detection terminal S1 and the detection terminal S4 are electrically connected to each other, and the detection terminal S2 and the detection terminal S3 are electrically connected to each other. The measuring unit 51 measures the voltage at the detection terminal S6. When the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are not connected, the voltage measured by the measurement unit 51 is an open voltage (high voltage).

  When the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are electrically connected normally, the opposing detection terminals are connected in series. Thereby, the circuits from the measurement unit 51 to the detection terminal S6, the detection terminal S1, the detection terminal S4, the detection terminal S7, the detection terminal S8, the detection terminal S3, the detection terminal S2, and the detection terminal S5 are grounded. Therefore, when the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are connected, the voltage measured by the measurement unit 51 is the ground voltage (low voltage). As described above, when the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are connected, the voltage measured by the measurement unit 51 changes from the open voltage to the ground voltage. When detecting the change in voltage, the detection unit 5 detects that the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body unit 2 are electrically connected. When detecting this connection, the detection unit 5 outputs a detection signal indicating that the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body unit 2 are electrically connected to the identification unit 6.

  In addition, a pair of detection terminals S1 and S6, a pair of detection terminals S4 and S7, a pair of detection terminals S3 and S8, and a pair of detection terminals S2 and S5, which are opposite detection terminals. Among these, in one or more pairs, when the opposing detection terminals are not electrically connected, the voltage measured by the measurement unit 51 is an open circuit voltage. At this time, the detection unit 5 does not detect the connection between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body unit 2. Therefore, a detection signal indicating that the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body 2 are electrically connected is not output.

  When the detection unit 5 detects that the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body unit 2 are electrically connected and then the connector is disconnected, the voltage measured by the measurement unit 51 changes from the ground voltage to the open voltage. To do. When detecting the voltage change, the detection unit 5 detects that the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body unit 2 are not connected. When detecting the unconnected state, the detecting unit 5 outputs a detection signal indicating that the unconnected state is detected to the system control unit 12.

  Here, an example in which the positive power source V is connected to the detection terminal S6 has been described, but a negative power source may be connected instead of the positive power source V. In this case, the open circuit voltage is low and the ground voltage is high.

(Identification part 6)
The identification unit 6 measures the voltage of the probe identification terminal and identifies the type of the ultrasonic probe 1 based on the measured voltage. Further, the identification unit 6 identifies the type of the ultrasonic probe 1 when receiving a detection signal indicating detection of connection from the detection unit 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the identification circuit. On the ultrasonic probe 1 side, the identification circuit is grounded or released for each probe identification terminal (E1, E2,... En). On the main body side, the identification circuit is connected to positive power sources (V1, V2,... Vn) and resistors (R1, R2,... Rn) for each probe identification terminal (F1, F2,... Fn). . When the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are connected, in the identification circuit, opposite probe identification terminals are connected to form an identification signal path. Each identification signal path is electrically open or grounded. The identification unit 6 measures the voltage for each identification signal path, and identifies the probe ID represented by the combination pattern of open or ground (high or low). The probe ID expressed in this way corresponds to a signal expressed by the number of bits n corresponding to the number of identification signal paths. The number of bits n (number of identification signal paths) of the probe ID may be set as appropriate, for example, “11”. The identification unit 6 outputs a control signal representing the identified probe type to the system control unit 12.

  Although an example in which a positive power source is connected to the probe identification terminal has been described here, a negative power source may be connected instead of the positive power source. In this case, the open circuit voltage is low (low), and the ground voltage is high (high).

(Transmitter 7)
The transmission unit 7 supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 1 and transmits ultrasonic waves that have been beam-formed (transmission beam-formed) to a predetermined focal point. For example, the transmission unit 7 receives a control signal representing an ultrasonic transmission condition from the system control unit 12 and outputs a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 1 based on the transmission condition represented by the control signal. The transmission condition includes the voltage and frequency of the drive signal. Also, the transmission conditions are different for each probe type.

(Receiver 8)
The receiving unit 8 receives an echo signal from the ultrasonic probe 1. The receiving unit 8 performs a delay process on the received echo signal to convert the analog echo signal into a phased (received beamformed) digital signal. For example, the reception unit 8 includes a preamplifier circuit (not shown), an A / D converter, a reception delay circuit, and an adder. The preamplifier circuit amplifies the echo signal output from each ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe 1 for each reception channel. The A / D converter converts the amplified echo signal into a digital signal. The reception delay circuit gives a delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity to the echo signal converted into the digital signal. The adder adds echo signals given delay times. By the addition, a reception signal in which the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized is obtained. The receiving unit 8 outputs the obtained received signal to the signal processing unit 9.

(Signal processing unit 9)
The signal processing unit 9 has a B-mode processing unit (not shown). The B mode processing unit receives the reception signal from the reception unit 8 and images the amplitude information of the reception signal. For example, the B mode processing unit performs band pass filter processing on the received signal. The B-mode processing unit detects the envelope of the received signal, and performs compression processing by logarithmic conversion on the detected data.

  Further, the signal processing unit 9 may include a CFM (Color Flow Mapping) processing unit (not shown). The CFM processing unit images the blood flow information distribution. Blood flow information includes speed, variance, power, and the like. The blood flow information is represented as hue information, for example.

  Further, the signal processing unit 9 may include a Doppler processing unit (not shown). The Doppler processing unit obtains Doppler shift frequency components by phase detection of the received signal, and generates Doppler frequency distribution data representing the blood flow velocity by performing FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing.

  The signal processing unit 9 outputs a reception signal (ultrasonic raster data) subjected to signal processing to the image generation unit 10.

(Image generation unit 10)
The image generation unit 10 generates ultrasonic image data based on the received signal (ultrasonic raster data) after the signal processing received from the signal processing unit 9. For example, the image generation unit 10 has a DSC (Digital Scan Converter) (not shown). The image generation unit 10 converts the received signal after the signal processing represented by the signal line of the scanning line into image data represented by the display coordinate system (scan conversion processing). For example, the image generation unit 10 generates B-mode image data representing the morphology of the tissue of the subject as ultrasound image data by performing scan conversion processing on the reception signal that has been subjected to signal processing by the B-mode processing unit. . The image generation unit 10 outputs the ultrasonic image data to the display control unit 11.

(Display control unit 11)
The display control unit 11 receives the ultrasonic image data from the image generation unit 10 and causes the display unit 13 to display an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data.

(System control unit 12)
The system control unit 12 controls the operation of each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The system control unit 12 stores in advance a computer program for executing the function of each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The system control unit 12 implements the above functions by executing these computer programs. For example, the system control unit 12 receives a control signal indicating the probe type from the identification unit 6 and outputs a control signal based on the probe type to the transmission unit 7. Further, when the system control unit 12 receives from the detection unit 5 a detection signal indicating that the unconnected state has been detected, the system control unit 12 invalidates the probe type and stops outputting the drive signal.

(Display unit 13)
The display unit 13 displays an ultrasonic image. For example, the display unit 13 includes a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

(Operation unit 14)
In response to an operation by the user, the operation unit 14 inputs signals and information corresponding to the contents of the operation to each unit of the apparatus. For example, the operation unit 14 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

[Operation]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment.

(S001)
The measurement unit 51 measures the voltage of the detection circuit.

(S002)
When the voltage measured by the measurement unit 51 changes from the open voltage to the ground voltage, the detection unit 5 detects that the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body unit 2 are electrically connected. At this time, the detection unit 5 outputs a detection signal indicating that the connection has been detected to the identification unit 6 (proceeds to step S003). When the voltage measured by the measuring unit 51 does not change from the open voltage to the ground voltage, the process returns to step S001.

(S003)
The identification unit 6 identifies the type of the ultrasonic probe 1 when receiving a detection signal indicating detection of connection from the detection unit 5. At this time, the identification unit 6 measures the voltage of the probe identification terminal and identifies the type of the ultrasonic probe 1 based on the measured voltage. The identification unit 6 outputs a control signal representing the identified probe type to the system control unit 12.

(S004)
When the voltage measured by the measurement unit 51 changes from the ground voltage to the open voltage, the detection unit 5 detects that the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body unit 2 are not connected. At this time, the detection unit 5 outputs a detection signal indicating that an unconnection has been detected to the system control unit 12 (proceeds to step S007). When the voltage measured by the measurement unit 51 does not change from the ground voltage to the open voltage, the process proceeds to step S005.

(S005)
The system control unit 12 receives a control signal indicating the probe type from the identification unit 6 and outputs a control signal based on the probe type to the transmission unit 7. The transmission unit 7 outputs a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 1 based on the transmission condition represented by the control signal received from the system control unit 12. The ultrasonic probe 1 transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject based on the drive signal from the transmission unit 7.

(S006)
When the voltage measured by the measurement unit 51 changes from the ground voltage to the open voltage, the detection unit 5 detects that the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body unit 2 are not connected. At this time, the detection unit 5 outputs a detection signal indicating that an unconnection has been detected to the system control unit 12 (proceeds to step S007). When the voltage measured by the measuring unit 51 does not change from the ground voltage to the open voltage, the operation is terminated.

(S007)
When the system control unit 12 receives from the detection unit 5 a detection signal indicating that a non-connection has been detected, the system control unit 12 invalidates the probe type and stops outputting the drive signal. Then, the process returns to step S001.

[effect]
The effect of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment will be described. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a connector and a detection unit 5. The connector is configured by arranging a plurality of connection terminals that can be electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe 1, and a plurality of predetermined detection terminals are provided at the peripheral edge of the array. The detection unit 5 detects that the ultrasonic probe 1 is connected when a predetermined detection terminal is connected. Further, the predetermined detection terminals are provided so as to face each other through the central portion in the array. The array is configured by connecting terminals arranged in a square shape, and the predetermined detection terminals are provided at four corners in the square array. Moreover, the detection part 5 has the detection circuit comprised so that the opposing detection terminal may be connected in series, and the measurement part 51 which measures the voltage of a detection circuit and detects a connection based on the measured voltage. . The plurality of connection terminals include a plurality of probe identification terminals different from the detection terminals, measure the voltages of the plurality of probe identification terminals, and identify the identification unit 6 that identifies the type of the ultrasonic probe 1 based on the measured voltages. Also have. The detection unit 5 outputs a detection signal to the identification unit 6 when detecting the connection, and the identification unit 6 identifies the type of the ultrasonic probe 1 when receiving the detection signal. As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided with the detection terminal for detecting the electrical connection with the ultrasonic probe 1 at the position of the combined connection terminal that is connected when the connectors are connected as a whole. Connector. Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus identifies the type of the ultrasonic probe 1 using a probe identification terminal different from the detection terminal after the electrical connection with the ultrasonic probe 1 is detected using the detection terminal. To do. Thereby, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can easily detect an electrical connection with the ultrasonic probe 1 can be provided.

<Modification 1>
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this modification is different from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the first embodiment in the position where the detection terminal is arranged. Hereinafter, items different from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be mainly described. In addition, description of matters similar to those of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment may be omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b of this modification. The first connector 4a is configured by arranging a plurality of connection terminals T1. This arrangement is configured by connecting terminals T1 arranged in a square shape. The predetermined detection terminals are provided at two corners (corner part P9 and corner part P10) through the center part in a square array. The second connector 4b is configured by arranging a plurality of connection terminals T2. This arrangement is configured by connecting terminals T2 arranged in a square shape. The predetermined detection terminals are provided in two corner portions (corner portion P11 and corner portion P12) sandwiching the center portion in a square array.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the detection circuit of this modification. The detection terminal S9 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P9. The detection terminal S10 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P10. The detection terminal S11 is a detection terminal provided at the corner P11. The detection terminal S12 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P12. The detection circuit is configured such that opposing detection terminals are connected in series. Opposing detection terminals are a pair of detection terminals that are electrically connected when the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are connected. When the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are electrically connected normally, the detection terminal S9 and the detection terminal S11 are electrically connected, and the detection terminal S10 and the detection terminal S12 are electrically connected. Connected. In addition, on the main body 2 side, the detection terminal S11 is electrically connected to the measurement unit 51, and the detection terminal S12 is grounded. The detection terminal S11 is connected to the positive power supply V and the resistor R. In addition, on the ultrasonic probe 1 side, the detection terminal S9 and the detection terminal S10 are electrically connected to each other in advance. The measuring unit 51 measures the voltage at the detection terminal S11.

  For example, depending on the dimensions of the connector and the arrangement of the connection terminals, when the detection terminals provided at the two diagonal corners sandwiching the center portion are connected, other connection terminals (probe identification terminals) , Transmission / reception terminals) may be connected as a whole. Therefore, the electrical connection between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body 2 may be detected by the configuration of the connector and the detection circuit in this modification.

<Modification 2>
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this modification is different from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the first embodiment in the position where the detection terminal is arranged. Hereinafter, items different from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be mainly described. In addition, description of matters similar to those of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment may be omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b of this modification. The first connector 4a is configured by arranging a plurality of connection terminals T1. This arrangement is configured by connecting terminals T1 arranged in a square shape. The predetermined detection terminals are arranged at two corners (corner part P13 and corner part P14) sandwiching the center part in a square array and near the midpoints of the side parts (position P15 and position P16) in the array. Provided. The second connector 4b is configured by arranging a plurality of connection terminals T2. This arrangement is configured by connecting terminals T2 arranged in a square shape. The predetermined detection terminals are provided at two corners (corner part P17 and corner part P18) through the center part and in the vicinity of the midpoints of the side parts in the array (positions P19 and P20) in a square array. It is done.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the detection circuit of this modification. The detection terminal S13 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P13. The detection terminal S14 is a detection terminal provided at the corner P14. The detection terminal S15 is a detection terminal provided at the position P15. The detection terminal S16 is a detection terminal provided at the position P16. The detection terminal S17 is a detection terminal provided at the corner portion P17. The detection terminal S18 is a detection terminal provided at the corner P18. The detection terminal S19 is a detection terminal provided at the position P19. The detection terminal S20 is a detection terminal provided at the position P20. The detection circuit is configured such that opposing detection circuits are connected in series. Opposing detection terminals are a pair of detection terminals that are electrically connected when the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are connected. When the first connector 4a and the second connector 4b are electrically connected normally, the detection terminal S13 and the detection terminal S17 are electrically connected, and the detection terminal S14 and the detection terminal S18 are electrically connected. The detection terminal S15 and the detection terminal S19 are electrically connected, and the detection terminal S16 and the detection terminal S20 are electrically connected. In addition, on the main body 2 side, the detection terminal S17 is electrically connected to the measurement unit 51, the detection terminal S19 and the detection terminal S20 are electrically connected, and the detection terminal S18 is grounded. The detection terminal S17 is connected to the positive power supply V and the resistor R. In addition, on the ultrasonic probe 1 side, the detection terminal S13 and the detection terminal S15 are electrically connected in advance, and the detection terminal S14 and the detection terminal S16 are electrically connected. The measuring unit 51 measures the voltage at the detection terminal S17.

  For example, depending on the dimensions of the connector and the arrangement of the connection terminals, when the detection terminals provided at the two diagonal corners across the center and the middle point of the side in the arrangement are connected, etc. Connection terminals (probe identification terminal, transmission / reception terminal) may be connected as a whole. Therefore, the electrical connection between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the main body 2 may be detected by the configuration of the connector and the detection circuit in this modification.

<Effects common to the embodiments>
According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of at least one embodiment or modification described above, a plurality of connection terminals that can be electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe are arranged, and a predetermined portion is provided at a peripheral portion in this arrangement. By having a connector provided with a plurality of detection terminals and a detection unit for detecting that the ultrasonic probe is connected when a predetermined detection terminal is connected, electrical connection with the ultrasonic probe is simplified. Can be detected.

  Although several embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described, these embodiments and modifications are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Body part 3 Probe head 4a 1st connector 4b 2nd connector 5 Detection part 6 Identification part 7 Transmission part 8 Reception part 9 Signal processing part 10 Image generation part 11 Display control part 12 System control part 13 Display Part 14 Operation part 51 Measurement part

Claims (6)

An ultrasonic probe having a first connector in which a plurality of first connection terminals are arranged in a rectangular shape ;
A plurality of second connection terminals have a second connector arranged in a square shape, and an ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the ultrasonic probe to the subject via the fitted first connector and the second connector. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a main body part for transmitting
Among the plurality of first connection terminals and the plurality of second connection terminals, in the array , provided at two corners sandwiching the center portion, and near the midpoint of the side portion in the array , A detection terminal facing when the first connector and the second connector are fitted together;
An ultrasonic diagnosis comprising: a detection unit that determines that the electrical connection between the first connector and the second connector is normal when the electrical connection of the detection terminal is detected. apparatus. The detecting terminal, prior Symbol sequences, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that also provided on the other two corners. The detection unit includes a detection circuit configured such that the detection terminals are connected in series at the time of the fitting, and a predetermined voltage is applied between a start end and a termination end, and a measurement unit that measures the voltage. , when the voltage is changed, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that to detect the electrical connection of the detection terminals. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the start end and the end are detection terminals on the second connector side. The plurality of first connection terminals and the plurality of second connection terminals include a plurality of probe identification terminals different from the detection terminals,
The voltages of the plurality of the probe identification terminal measures, based on the measured voltage according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that it further comprises an identification portion for identifying a type of the ultrasound probe Ultrasound diagnostic device. When the detection unit determines that the electrical connection between the first connector and the second connector is normal, the detection unit outputs a detection signal to the identification unit;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the identification unit identifies a type of the ultrasonic probe when receiving the detection signal.

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