JPH11299781A - Adapter for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment and ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an adapter for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment and an ultrasonic diagnostic equipment to prevent an ultrasonic probe from breakage and a patient from receiving an electric shock by more securely identifying the kind of an ultrasonic probe based on a probe ID and the electric condition of a characteristic signal line when the ultrasonic probe is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment main body. SOLUTION: When an ultrasonic probe 20 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment main body using an adapter for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe 20 is detected from the electric condition of a probe ID generating part 21 in a probe ID identifying part 31. The characters of the ultrasonic probe 20 is detected from the electric condition of a characteristic signal line 22 in the probe ID detecting part when the probe ID and the characteristics of the ultrasonic probe do not agree with, a control part makes the transmit-receive part 44 not actuated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for connecting an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject such as a patient to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus,
Various ultrasonic probes have been developed depending on the site to be diagnosed of a subject such as a patient and the application.

[0003] An ultrasonic probe is basically composed of a probe head in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged, and a cable connected to the probe head. Are provided. The ultrasonic probe is detachable from the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body by this connector,
This makes it possible to easily replace the ultrasonic probe.

However, since the shape and the number of pins of the connector are different depending on the type of the ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe is connected to the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via the connector in some ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses. In some cases, it was not possible.

When connecting an ultrasonic probe having a different connector shape or a different number of pins to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, a drive pulse signal is applied from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body to the ultrasonic transducer in the ultrasonic probe, and the ultrasonic pulse is applied. A transmission / reception signal line for receiving the echo signal from the ultrasonic transducer in the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, and a probe identification number (probe ID) indicating the type of the ultrasonic probe from the ultrasonic probe. A probe ID line to be sent to the apparatus main body must be electrically connected between the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. Therefore, it is necessary to use an ultrasonic diagnostic device adapter having two connectors connectable to the ultrasonic probe side and the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body side, respectively.

[0006]

By the way, there are various driving systems for the ultrasonic probe according to the kind thereof, and the switching of the driving system is performed based on a signal of several bits indicating the probe ID. . That is, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus,
The type of the ultrasonic probe connected via the connector is determined based on the probe ID assigned to the ultrasonic probe, and the ultrasonic probe is driven by a suitable driving method based on the determination result.

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

[0008] Since the plurality of probe ID lines connected to the probe ID pins of the connector are electrically open or grounded in the ultrasonic probe, the probe ID is used when the ultrasonic probe is connected. Each probe ID line is represented by a combination pattern of high or low (H or L) obtained by pulling up one of two kinds of electrical states of open or ground. Therefore, if a contact failure occurs in the connector when the ultrasonic probe is connected, there is a possibility that a probe ID line is erroneously recognized as H even though it is actually L.

As a result, the type of the ultrasonic probe connected to the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is erroneously recognized, and the ultrasonic probe is driven by an erroneous driving method. Therefore, as described below, there is a possibility that the ultrasonic probe may be damaged or a patient may be harmed by electric shock or the like.

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of characteristic signal lines of various ultrasonic probes.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, a resonance probe formed by connecting a resonance coil 2 to an ultrasonic vibrator 1 in parallel is a non-resonance probe having no resonance coil 2 provided therein. When driving by mistake, the pulse voltage of the driving pulse signal for driving the ultrasonic transducer of the non-resonant probe is higher than that of driving the resonant probe. Applied,
As a result, the resonance coil 2 is burned.

Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B, a probe with an impedance converter, which is configured by connecting an impedance converter 3 to an ultrasonic transducer 1 in series, is provided with the impedance converter 3. Mistakenly as a probe without bias (impedance converter 3
In this case, the impedance converter 3 is destroyed.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG.
In a multiplane transesophageal (TEE) probe, a potentiometer 4 is used to detect the rotation angle of the ultrasonic transducer.
The potentiometer 4 is assigned to the same connector pin as the connector pin assigned to the vibrator in the above-described resonance probe or the like. Therefore, if the multi-plane transesophageal probe is mistakenly driven as a normal electronic probe not provided with the potentiometer 4, a high voltage is applied to the potentiometer 4 and the potentiometer 4 is destroyed.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG.
In an annular probe, an ultrasonic transducer is connected to a motor (M) 5
The motor 5 is assigned to the same connector pin as the connector pin assigned to the ultrasonic transducer in the non-resonant probe or the like as described above, similarly to the multi-plane transesophageal probe. ing. Therefore, if the annular probe is mistakenly driven as a normal electronic probe not provided with the motor 5, a high voltage is applied to the motor 5 and the motor 5 is broken.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method for connecting an ultrasonic probe having a different connector shape, a different number of pins, and the like to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. By identifying the type of the ultrasonic probe to be connected based on the probe ID assigned to the ultrasonic probe and the electrical state of the characteristic signal line unique to the ultrasonic probe, the type of the ultrasonic probe is incorrectly recognized. It is an object of the present invention to provide an adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which can reduce damage to an ultrasonic probe due to an erroneous driving method and prevent harm such as electric shock to a patient.

[0016]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: an ultrasonic probe for transmitting / receiving an ultrasonic wave to / from a subject; In an adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for connecting to a diagnostic apparatus main body, detecting means for detecting a characteristic of the ultrasonic probe from an electrical state of a characteristic signal line of the ultrasonic probe, and a probe I of the ultrasonic probe
Identification means for detecting the type of the ultrasonic probe by detecting D and outputting the identification result to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body; and collation for collating the detection result of the detection means with the identification result of the identification means. Means, and output means for outputting a probe ID detected by the identification means to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body based on the result of the comparison by the comparison means.

In the adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the matching result between the detection result of the detection means and the identification result of the identification means matches. Only in this case, the output means outputs a probe ID to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic probe which transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a subject by using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter; In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus connected to the diagnostic apparatus main body, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter includes a detecting unit configured to detect a characteristic of the ultrasonic probe from an electrical state of a characteristic signal line of the ultrasonic probe, An identification unit that detects a probe ID of an ultrasonic probe to identify a type of the ultrasonic probe, and outputs the identification result to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body; a detection result of the detection unit and an identification result of the identification unit; And an output unit that outputs the probe ID detected by the identification unit to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body based on the comparison result of the comparison unit. And wherein the door.

[0019] In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the fourth aspect of the present invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein: when the detection result of the detection means matches the identification result of the identification means in the collating means. Only the output means outputs a probe ID to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic probe which transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a subject by using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter; In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter,
Detecting means for detecting the characteristics of the ultrasonic probe from the electrical state of the characteristic signal line of the ultrasonic probe; detecting the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe to identify the type of the ultrasonic probe; First identification means for outputting a result to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, first collation means for collating the detection result of the detection means with the identification result of the first identification means, and the first collation Output means for outputting a probe ID detected by the first identification means to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body based on a result of matching by the means,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body includes a second identification unit that identifies a type of the ultrasonic probe from a probe ID output from the output unit, an identification result of the first identification unit, and the second identification unit. And a control unit for controlling the driving of the ultrasonic probe based on the comparison result of the second matching unit.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the invention according to the sixth aspect is characterized in that the first collating means detects the detection result of the detection means and the identification result of the first identification means. The output means outputs the probe ID to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body only when the IDs match.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the second aspect of the present invention provides the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the identification result of the first identification unit and the second
If the identification result of the identification means does not match, the control means stops driving control of the ultrasonic probe.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the ultrasonic probe is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the adapter 30 for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes:
It is used for connecting the ultrasonic probe 20 to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40.

The ultrasonic probe 20 includes the ultrasonic probe 2
A probe ID generating unit 21 for generating a probe ID indicating the type of 0, a characteristic signal line unit 22 having at least one characteristic signal line corresponding to the type of the ultrasonic probe 20, and a A plurality of ultrasonic transducers 23a, 23b,..., 23n for transmitting sound waves and receiving reflected waves from the subject as echo signals.

As described above, the probe ID generating section 21 is provided with a plurality (here, four) of probe ID lines having one of two kinds of open or grounded electrical states. The probe ID uniquely assigned to the acoustic probe 20 is expressed by a combination pattern of high or low (H or L) corresponding to the electrical state of each probe ID line.

The characteristic signal line section 22 has at least one characteristic signal line peculiar to the ultrasonic probe 20, and identifies the type of the ultrasonic probe 20 from the electrical state of the characteristic signal line. Becomes possible. For example, in the case of a resonance probe, as shown in FIG. 1A, since the resonance coil 2 is provided on the characteristic signal line, it is possible to identify the type of the ultrasonic probe 20 from this electrical state. it can.

The adapter 30 for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus detects the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe 20 from the electrical state of the probe ID line of the probe ID generator 21 and identifies the type of the ultrasonic probe 20. 31
A probe characteristic detecting unit 32 for detecting characteristics of the ultrasonic probe 20 from an electrical state of a characteristic signal line of the characteristic signal line unit 22 of the ultrasonic probe 20; an ultrasonic probe 20 and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 A transmission / reception signal line 33 for transmitting / receiving a drive pulse signal or an echo signal between the ultrasonic probe 20 and the probe characteristic signal corresponding to the type of the ultrasonic probe 20 identified by the probe ID identification unit 31 and detected by the probe characteristic detection unit 32 A collating unit 34 for collating a probe characteristic signal indicating the characteristic of the ultrasonic probe 20 with
A probe ID corresponding to the signal indicating the result of the verification by the verification unit 34
A gate unit 35 for outputting the probe ID output from the identification unit 31 to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40, a probe-side connector 50 connectable to the ultrasonic probe 20 side,
An apparatus main body side connector 60 connectable to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 side.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the probe ID identifying section of the adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the probe ID identification unit 31 includes, for example, four probe ID lines I of the probe ID generation unit 21.
A power supply line 31d connected to a power supply (not shown) for applying a predetermined voltage V for detecting electrical states of D1, ID2, ID3, and ID4, respectively;
1, R2, R3, R4 and probe ID line ID1,
An ID detection unit 3 that recognizes the electrical states of ID2, ID3, and ID4 as H or L, and detects the probe ID by using the recognition result as a combination pattern of 0 and 1, for example.
1a, and a signal conversion unit 31b that generates a probe characteristic signal corresponding to the type of the ultrasonic probe 20 based on the probe ID detected by the ID detection unit 31a.

When the ultrasonic probe 20 is connected to the probe-side connector 50 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device adapter 30, the resistors R1, R
2, a current flows through R3 and R4. Therefore, the ID detection unit 31a determines the probe ID lines ID1, ID2, ID3, and I of the probe ID generation unit 21.
The electrical state of D4 is detected and recognized as H or L. In FIG. 3, since the probe ID lines ID1 and ID3 are grounded and the probe ID lines ID2 and ID4 are open, as shown in FIG. 4, the probe ID lines ID1 and ID3 are L and the probe ID line I
D2 and ID4 are each recognized as H, and for example, "0101" which is a combination pattern of 0 and 1 is obtained as the probe ID. Probe I obtained
D is output to the gate unit 35.

The signal conversion unit 31b is connected to the ultrasonic probe 20
Has a table 31c storing probe characteristic signals corresponding to the types of I.
The probe ID detected by the D detection unit 31a is converted into a corresponding probe characteristic signal and output to the collation unit 34 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a probe feature detecting unit of the adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The probe characteristic detecting section 32 shown in FIG. 5 is for applying a predetermined voltage V in order to detect the electrical state of the characteristic signal line 22b of the characteristic signal line section 22, for example, where the resonance coil 22a is provided. A feature detection unit 32b that detects an electrical state of a power supply line 32a connected to a power supply (not shown), a resistor R5, and a characteristic signal line 22b, and outputs a probe characteristic signal based on the detection result.
And is constituted by. Note that the feature detection unit 32b
Is a characteristic table 3 storing probe characteristic signals indicating characteristics of the ultrasonic probe 20 in correspondence with, for example, voltage values.
2c.

When the ultrasonic probe 20 is connected to the probe-side connector 50 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter 30, a current flows through the resistor R5 by the voltage V of the power supply line 32a. Therefore, the characteristic detecting unit 32 b detects the electrical state of the characteristic signal line 22 b of the characteristic signal line unit 22 and detects the characteristic of the ultrasonic probe 20. In FIG. 5, the resonance coil 22a is provided on the characteristic signal line 22b, and its DC resistance is almost zero. Therefore, the voltage detected by the characteristic detection unit 32b is smaller than the voltage V of the power supply line 32a. Become. Therefore, the feature detecting unit 32b outputs a probe feature signal corresponding to the detected voltage value to the matching unit 34 with reference to the feature table 32c.

As described above, whether the ultrasonic probe 20 is a resonance probe or a non-resonance probe can be identified by detecting the presence or absence of a resonance coil.

The detection of other characteristics of the ultrasonic probe is performed as follows.

For example, in the case of a probe with an impedance converter, it is necessary to operate the impedance converter. Therefore, whether or not the connected ultrasonic probe 20 is a probe with an impedance converter is determined by a characteristic signal line. It can be identified by monitoring the current of a certain power supply line.

For example, in the case of a multi-plane transesophageal probe, since a potentiometer having a predetermined resistance value is provided, the connected ultrasonic probe 2
Whether 0 is a multiplane transesophageal probe or an electronic probe can be identified by detecting the electrical state of a signal line (characteristic signal line) provided with a potentiometer.

Further, for example, in the case of an annular probe, since a motor for rotating the ultrasonic transducer is provided, it is determined whether the ultrasonic probe 20 is an annular probe or an electronic probe. It can be identified by detecting the presence or absence of the coil of the motor.

The collating section 34 collates the probe characteristic signal A output from the probe ID identifying section 31 with the probe characteristic signal B output from the probe characteristic detecting section 32,
A signal indicating the comparison result is output to the gate unit 35.

That is, when the probe characteristic signal A and the probe characteristic signal B match, a coincidence signal indicating the coincidence is output to the gate unit 35. On the other hand, if the probe characteristic signal A and the probe characteristic signal B do not match, a mismatch signal indicating that they do not match is output to the gate unit 35.

The gate section 35 outputs the probe ID output from the probe ID identifying section 31 to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 via the apparatus main body side connector 60 according to the signal output from the collating section 34. Specifically, the matching unit 34
Is output from the probe ID identification unit 31 to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 via the apparatus main body-side connector 60, and the matching unit 34 outputs a mismatch signal. In this case, the probe ID output from the probe ID identification unit 31 is not output to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body 40 has a probe ID
A probe ID identification unit 4 that detects the probe ID output from the identification unit 31 and identifies the type of the ultrasonic probe 20
1, a collating unit 42 for collating the probe characteristic signal output from the probe ID identifying unit 31 with the probe characteristic signal output from the probe ID identifying unit 41, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 A transmission / reception unit 44 that performs transmission processing of a drive pulse signal, reception processing of an echo signal, and the like between the ultrasonic probe 20 and the ultrasonic probe 20 via the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter 30 transmits and receives the drive pulse signal and the echo signal. And transmission / reception signal line 45, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display or a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying an ultrasonic image or the like obtained based on the echo signal
And the like, and a display unit 46 composed of the above.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the probe ID identification section 41 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the probe ID identification section 41 includes a signal conversion section 41a having the same function as the signal conversion section 31b of the probe ID identification section 31. Signal converter 4
1a has a table 41b storing probe characteristic signals corresponding to the type of the ultrasonic probe 20,
With reference to the table 41b, the probe ID output from the gate unit 35 is converted into a corresponding probe characteristic signal and output to the matching unit 42.

The collating unit 42 detects the probe characteristic signal A output from the signal converting unit 31b of the probe ID identifying unit 31.
And the probe characteristic signal C output from the signal conversion unit 41a of the probe ID identification unit 41, and outputs a signal indicating the result of the comparison to the control unit 43.

That is, when the probe characteristic signal A and the probe characteristic signal C match, a matching signal indicating that they match is output to the control unit 43. On the other hand, when the probe characteristic signal A and the probe characteristic signal C do not match, a mismatch signal indicating that they do not match is output to the control unit 4.
3 is output.

The control unit 43 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and the like (not shown), controls the operation of the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and operates the transmission / reception unit 44 in accordance with a signal output from the collation unit 42. Perform control.

That is, when a match signal is output from the matching unit 42, the control unit 43 determines that the type of the ultrasonic probe 20 is correctly identified, and drives the ultrasonic probe 20 by a suitable driving method. The transmitting and receiving unit 44 is operated as described above. On the other hand, when the mismatch signal is output from the matching unit 42, the control unit 43 determines that the type of the ultrasonic probe 20 is not correctly identified, and does not operate the transmitting / receiving unit 44 so as not to drive the ultrasonic probe 20. .

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the transmitting / receiving section of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, a transmitting / receiving unit 44 transmits a driving pulse signal to the ultrasonic probe 23 to drive the ultrasonic probe 20 connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter 30. And a receiving unit that receives an echo signal from the ultrasonic probe 20 to obtain an ultrasonic image.

The transmitting section includes a clock generator 70, a rate pulse generator 71, transmission delay circuits 72a, 72b,.
, 72n, and pulsars 73a, 73b, ..., 7
3n. According to the clock signal from the clock generator 70, the rate pulse generator 71 outputs a rate pulse signal for determining the transmission time of ultrasonic waves (for example, the number of transmissions per second). The rate pulse signal output from the rate pulse generator 71 is delayed by a time necessary for determining the directivity of the ultrasonic wave in the transmission delay circuits 72a, 72b,. , 73n are supplied as trigger pulse signals. Pulsa 73a, 73b, ..., 7
3n is the ultrasonic transducer 23 of the ultrasonic probe 20 via the high voltage switch circuit 74 in synchronization with the trigger pulse signal.
, 23n are individually applied with high-voltage drive pulse signals. Ultrasonic transducers 23a, 23b, ...
, 23n vibrate according to the applied drive pulse signal to generate ultrasonic waves. The generated ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the subject.

On the other hand, the receiving section includes preamplifiers 75a, 75
.., 75n, reception delay circuits 76a, 76b,.
.., 76n, adder 77, and received signal processing circuit 7
8. The ultrasonic wave transmitted toward the subject is reflected on a discontinuous surface of the acoustic impedance inside the subject, and is transmitted as an echo signal to the ultrasonic transducers 23 a and 23.
, 23n are vibrated. Thereby, weak electric signals are generated in the ultrasonic transducers 23a, 23b,..., 23n. This electric signal is supplied to a preamplifier 75a,
, 75n, and the reception delay circuit 76
After being delayed for a predetermined time at a, 76b, ..., 76n,
Addition is performed by the adder 77 to obtain one reception signal having reception directivity. This received signal is converted to a received signal processing circuit 78.
, Various ultrasonic images will be generated.

The display unit 46 displays the ultrasonic image generated by the reception signal processing circuit 78. When the control unit 43 receives a mismatch signal from the matching unit 42, the display unit 46
Probe I of the ultrasonic probe 20 connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter 30
A message indicating that D and its characteristics do not match and the type of the ultrasonic probe 20 is not correctly identified is displayed. As a result, it is possible to prompt an operator or the like that a contact failure of the connector has occurred.
Erroneous operation and electric shock of a patient or the like can be more reliably prevented.

Next, the operation of the adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the ultrasonic probe 20 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter 30, the probe ID identifying section 31
, The resistors R1, R2,
A current flows through R3 and R4. Therefore, probe I
In the ID detection unit 31a of the D identification unit 31, the probe ID line I of the probe ID generation unit 21 of the ultrasonic probe 20 is used.
The electrical state of D1, ID2, ID3, and ID4 is detected and recognized as H or L, and the recognition result is acquired as a probe ID. The acquired probe ID is output to the gate unit 35.

Thereafter, the signal conversion unit 31b converts the probe ID detected by the ID detection unit 31a into a corresponding probe characteristic signal by referring to the table 31c, and converts the probe ID into a corresponding probe characteristic signal.
4 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40.

When the ultrasonic probe 20 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter 30, the current V passes through the resistor R 5 by the voltage V of the power supply line 32 a of the probe characteristic detecting section 32. Flows. Therefore, the feature detection unit 32 of the probe feature detection unit 32
b, the characteristic signal line 2 of the characteristic signal line unit 22;
The electrical state (voltage value) of 2b is detected, and the characteristics of the ultrasonic probe 20 are detected. Further, the feature detection unit 32b outputs a probe feature signal corresponding to the detected voltage value to the matching unit 34 with reference to the feature table 32c.

In the collating section 34, the probe ID identifying section 31
Probe characteristic signal A output from the signal converter 31b
And the probe characteristic signal B output from the probe characteristic detecting unit 32. When the probe characteristic signal A and the probe characteristic signal B match, a coincidence signal indicating the coincidence is output to the gate unit 35, and when the probe characteristic signal A does not coincide with the probe characteristic signal B, ,
A mismatch signal indicating that they do not match is output to the gate unit 35.

In the gate section 35, when a match signal is output from the collation section 34, the probe ID output from the probe ID identification section 31 is output to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 via the apparatus main body side connector 60. When the mismatch signal is output from the matching unit 34, the probe ID output from the probe ID identification unit 31 is not output to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40.

As described above, when a contact failure occurs between the ultrasonic probe 20 and the ultrasonic diagnostic device adapter 30 in the probe connector 50, the probe ID is output to the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 40. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe 20 can be prevented from being driven.

Next, in the signal conversion section 41a of the probe ID identification section 41, the gate section 35 is referred to with reference to the table 41b.
Is converted into a probe characteristic signal and output to the matching unit 42.

In the collating section 42, the probe ID identifying section 31
Probe characteristic signal A output from the signal converter 31b
And the probe characteristic signal C output from the signal conversion unit 41a of the probe ID identification unit 41. When the probe characteristic signal A and the probe characteristic signal C match,
A match signal indicating that they match is output to the control unit 43. If the probe feature signal A and the probe feature signal C do not match, a mismatch signal indicating that they do not match is output to the control unit 43. You.

When the matching signal is output from the matching unit 42, the control unit 43 determines that the type of the ultrasonic probe 20 has been correctly identified, and drives the ultrasonic probe 20 by a suitable driving method. The transmitting and receiving unit 44 is operated as described above. On the other hand, when the mismatch signal is output from the collation unit 42, the contact failure between the ultrasonic diagnostic device adapter 30 and the ultrasonic diagnostic device body 40 in the device It is determined that the type of the probe 20 is not correctly identified, and the transmitting / receiving unit 44 is not operated so as not to drive the ultrasonic probe 20.

When the control section 43 receives the mismatch signal from the collation section 42, the display section 46 displays the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe 20 connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 40 by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter 30 and the probe ID. A message indicating that the characteristics do not match and the type of the ultrasonic probe 20 is not correctly identified is displayed. As a result, it is possible to urge the operator or the like to make a contact failure of the connector, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the malfunction of the ultrasonic probe 20 and the electric shock of the patient and the like.

[0063]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter used for connecting an ultrasonic probe having a different connector shape, a different number of pins, and the like to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. By identifying the type of the ultrasonic probe to be connected based on the probe ID assigned to the probe and the electrical state of the characteristic signal line unique to the ultrasonic probe, the false recognition rate of the type of the ultrasonic probe can be reduced. It is possible to prevent the ultrasonic probe from being damaged due to an erroneous driving method and from causing harm such as electric shock to a patient.

Further, by using the adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, there is no need to change the design of the ultrasonic probe or the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, so that the cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of characteristic signal lines of various ultrasonic probes.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an ultrasonic probe is connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a probe ID identification unit of the adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a probe I detected by a probe ID identification unit of the adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure showing an example of D.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a probe feature detecting unit of the adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a probe ID identification unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmission / reception unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Ultrasonic probe 21 Probe ID generation part 22 Characteristic signal line part 23a, 23b, 23n Ultrasonic transducer 30 Adapter for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 31 Probe ID identification part 32 Probe characteristic detection part 33, 45 Transmission / reception signal line 34, 42 Collation unit 35 gate unit 40 ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 41 probe ID identification unit 43 control unit 44 transmission / reception unit 46 display unit 50 probe side connector 60 device main body side connector

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter for connecting an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, wherein an electric signal line characteristic of the ultrasonic probe is electrically connected. Detecting means for detecting the characteristics of the ultrasonic probe from a state; identifying the type of the ultrasonic probe by detecting the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe; and outputting the identification result to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. Means, a collating means for collating the detection result of the detecting means with the identification result of the identifying means, and a probe ID detected by the identifying means based on the collating result of the collating means to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. An adapter for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: an output unit for outputting. 2. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the output unit outputs a probe ID to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body only when the detection result of the detection unit matches the identification result of the identification unit in the matching unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter according to claim 1. 3. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject is connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter is Detecting means for detecting the characteristics of the ultrasonic probe from the electrical state of the characteristic signal line of the ultrasonic probe, and detecting the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe to identify the type of the ultrasonic probe, Identification means for outputting an identification result to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body; collation means for collating the detection result of the detection means with the identification result of the identification means; and the identification means based on the collation result of the collation means Output means for outputting the probe ID detected in (1) to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. 4. The output means outputs a probe ID to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body only when the detection result of the detection means matches the identification result of the identification means in the matching means. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein 5. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject is connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus adapter is Detecting means for detecting the characteristics of the ultrasonic probe from the electrical state of the characteristic signal line of the ultrasonic probe, and detecting the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe to identify the type of the ultrasonic probe, A first identification unit that outputs an identification result to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body; a first comparison unit that compares a detection result of the detection unit with an identification result of the first identification unit; Output means for outputting a probe ID detected by the first identification means to the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus on the basis of the result of collation by the collation means; Second identification means for identifying the type of the ultrasonic probe from the probe ID output from the force means, and second identification means for comparing the identification result of the first identification means with the identification result of the second identification means. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a collating unit; and a control unit that controls the driving of the ultrasonic probe based on a collation result of the second collating unit. 6. The output unit outputs a probe ID to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body only when the detection result of the detection unit matches the identification result of the first identification unit in the first collation unit. 6. The output of claim 5,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to item 1. 7. When the identification result of the first identification unit and the identification result of the second identification unit do not match in the second comparison unit, the control unit stops driving control of the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: