KR102171115B1 - Ultrasound probe and operating method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are an ultrasonic probe capable of selecting the most suitable power transmission channel and/or a wireless power transmission method in an environment in which a plurality of power transmission channels exist and a method of operating the ultrasonic probe. The method of operating an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention includes obtaining information on a plurality of power transmission channels, and displaying a list of power transmission channels based on the obtained information on the plurality of power transmission channels. The step of performing, selecting a power transmission channel from the displayed power transmission channel list, and receiving wireless power transmitted through the selected power transmission channel.

Description

Ultrasonic probe and its operation method {ULTRASOUND PROBE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe and a method of operating the same, and more particularly, to a wireless ultrasonic probe operating by using wirelessly supplied power and a method of operating the same.

The ultrasound system irradiates an ultrasound signal generated from a transducer of an ultrasound probe to a predetermined area inside an object, and receives information of an echo signal reflected from a predetermined area inside the object, Get the video. In particular, the ultrasound system is used for medical purposes such as observation inside an object, detection of foreign matter, and measurement of injury.

Such an ultrasound system is widely used with other image diagnosis apparatuses because it has the advantages of high stability, display of images in real time, and safety because there is no radiation exposure compared to a diagnosis apparatus using X-rays.

In this case, when a user obtains an image of an object using an ultrasound probe, trouble occurs due to a communication cable connecting the ultrasound probe and the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus. In order to improve the operability of the ultrasonic probe by eliminating such troubles, a wireless ultrasonic probe that is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device by wireless communication is required.

Meanwhile, in the case of a wireless ultrasonic probe that charges a battery by connecting or contacting a predetermined power supply device (not shown), there is a problem that a user cannot use the wireless ultrasonic probe while the battery is being charged. Accordingly, in order to solve this problem, a method of supplying wireless power from a wireless power transmission channel to a wireless ultrasonic probe may be used.

In this case, in the case of an ultrasound system capable of providing an ultrasound image to a user in real time, a stable driving of a wireless ultrasound probe that transmits ultrasound image data is required. Therefore, for stable driving of the wireless ultrasonic probe, it is necessary to select the most suitable power transmission channel and/or wireless power transmission method in an environment in which a plurality of power transmission channels exist.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless ultrasonic probe capable of selecting at least one power transmission channel from among a plurality of power transmission channels wirelessly supplying power, and a method of operating the wireless ultrasonic probe.

In addition, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method of operating a wireless ultrasonic probe and a wireless ultrasonic probe capable of efficiently transmitting information required by a user by displaying information on a plurality of power transmission channels that wirelessly supply power. to provide.

A method of operating an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: acquiring information on a plurality of power transmission channels; Displaying a list of power transmission channels based on the obtained information about the plurality of power transmission channels;

Selecting a power transmission channel from the displayed power transmission channel list; And receiving wireless power transmitted through the selected power transmission channel.

The power transmission channel list according to an embodiment of the present invention may be characterized in that at least a part of information on a plurality of power transmission channels obtained is listed based on priorities of the plurality of power transmission channels.

The selecting of the power transmission channel according to an embodiment of the present invention may include selecting the power transmission channel based on an input of a user selecting the power transmission channel from the displayed power transmission channel list. I can.

The power transmission channel list according to an embodiment of the present invention may include information on a wireless power transmission method used to transmit wireless power to the ultrasonic probe by the plurality of power transmission channels. In this case, the wireless power transmission method may include at least one of an electromagnetic induction method, an electromagnetic radiation method, an electromagnetic resonance method, and a wireless power transmission method using ultrasonic waves.

Acquiring information on a plurality of power transmission channels according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: sensing a characteristic value of wireless power transmitted from each power transmission channel; And acquiring the sensed characteristic value as information on each power transmission channel, wherein the characteristic value includes at least one of voltage, current, and frequency of wireless power transmitted from each of the power transmission channels. can do.

Acquiring information on a plurality of power transmission channels according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: receiving a data signal including information on a power transmission channel transmitted from each power transmission channel; And acquiring information on each power transmission channel included in the received data signal, wherein the information on each power transmission channel is a voltage, current, and frequency of wireless power transmitted by each power transmission channel. It may include at least one value of.

In addition, a method of operating an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention includes converting the received wireless power based on a rated voltage and a rated current of the ultrasonic probe, for example It may further include, boosting and/or stepping down.

The method of operating the ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include providing information indicating that reception of wireless power is stopped when reception of wireless power through a power transmission channel is stopped.

The method of operating the ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include receiving wireless power transmitted through another power transmission channel when reception of wireless power through the power transmission channel is stopped. .

In a method of operating an ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of power transmission channels may include at least one ultrasound diagnosis apparatus.

A method of operating an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: charging a battery using received wireless power; And generating ultrasound image data from an echo signal of an ultrasound beam transmitted toward the object by using only a predetermined ratio of the electric power charged in the battery, wherein the battery used to generate the ultrasound image data The predetermined ratio of charged power may be determined based on a user's input.

On the other hand, the ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, the information acquisition unit for obtaining information on a plurality of power transmission channels; A display unit for displaying a list of power transmission channels based on the obtained information on the plurality of power transmission channels; A control unit for selecting a power transmission channel from the displayed power transmission channel list; And a power unit for receiving wireless power transmitted through the power transmission channel.

The power transmission channel list according to an embodiment of the present invention may be characterized in that at least a part of information on a plurality of power transmission channels obtained is listed based on priorities of the plurality of power transmission channels.

The ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a user input unit for receiving an input for selecting a power transmission channel from the displayed power transmission channel list, and the control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: Based on the power transmission channel can be selected.

In the ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, the displayed power transmission channel list may include information on a wireless power transmission method used by the plurality of power transmission channels to transmit wireless power to the ultrasonic probe. have. In this case, the wireless power transmission method may include at least one of an electromagnetic induction method, an electromagnetic radiation method, an electromagnetic resonance method, and a wireless power transmission method using ultrasonic waves.

The information acquisition unit according to an embodiment of the present invention senses (sensing) a characteristic value of wireless power transmitted from each power transmission channel, acquires the detected characteristic value as information on each power transmission channel, and the The characteristic value may include at least one of voltage, current, and frequency of wireless power transmitted from each of the power transmission channels.

The information acquisition unit according to an embodiment of the present invention receives a data signal including information on a power transmission channel transmitted from each power transmission channel, and information on each power transmission channel included in the received data signal And the information on each power transmission channel may include at least one value of a voltage, a current, and a frequency of wireless power transmitted by each of the power transmission channels.

The power unit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a power conversion unit that converts the received wireless power based on a rated voltage and a rated current of the ultrasonic probe. For example, a power boosting device and /Or may include a power step-down device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when reception of wireless power through the power transmission channel is stopped, the control unit may cause the display unit to provide information indicating that reception of wireless power is stopped.

The control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention may cause the power unit to receive wireless power transmitted through another power transmission channel when reception of wireless power through the power transmission channel is stopped.

In the ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of power transmission channels may include at least one ultrasound diagnosis apparatus.

The ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from an echo signal of an ultrasound beam transmitted toward an object, and the power unit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the received It includes a battery that is charged by wireless power, and the control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention allows the power unit to supply only a predetermined ratio of the power charged in the battery to the image generator, and charge the battery. The predetermined ratio of power may be determined based on a user's input.

Meanwhile, the recording medium according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing the above-described ultrasonic probe operation method on a computer is recorded.

According to the above-described problem solving means of the present invention, it is possible to select the most suitable power transmission channel for stable driving of the wireless ultrasonic probe from among a plurality of power transmission channels.

According to the above-described problem solving means of the present invention, by displaying information on a plurality of power transmission channels that wirelessly supply power, information required by the user is efficiently transmitted, and the user can quickly and accurately relate to the power transmission channels. It can be made aware of the information.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a general ultrasound system including a wireless ultrasound probe.
2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasonic probe when reception of wireless power is stopped according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram illustrating an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an ultrasonic probe through which a user can adjust a usage ratio of power charged in a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a process of receiving wireless power by selecting a power transmission channel by an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in order to clearly describe the present invention, and similar reference numerals are assigned to similar parts throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only "directly connected" but also "electrically connected" with another element interposed therebetween. . In addition, when a part "includes" a certain component, it means that other components may be further included rather than excluding other components unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Throughout the specification, the term "object" may be an organism or inanimate object to be displayed by an image. In addition, the object may mean a part of the body, and the object may include organs such as the liver, heart, uterus, brain, breast, and abdomen, or the fetus, and may include any one section of the body. Throughout the specification, the term "user" may be a medical professional, such as a doctor, a nurse, a clinical pathologist, a sonographer, or a medical imaging expert, but is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a general ultrasound system including a wireless ultrasound probe.

The ultrasound system 100 may include a wireless ultrasound probe 110 and an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 120.

The wireless ultrasound probe 110 is wirelessly connected to the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 120, transmits an ultrasound signal to an object according to a control signal transmitted from the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 120, and transmits an ultrasound signal reflected from the object (ie, an ultrasound echo). Signal) to form a received signal. The wireless ultrasound probe 110 may form ultrasound image data by focusing the received signal and transmit it to the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 120.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 120 may be wirelessly connected to the ultrasound probe 110 and may form and display an ultrasound image using ultrasound image data transmitted from the wireless ultrasound probe 110. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 120 may include a communication unit 122, a control unit 124, a display unit 126, and an input unit 128.

The communication unit 122 may perform wireless communication with the ultrasonic probe 110. The communication unit 122 may transmit a control signal provided from the controller 124 to the wireless ultrasonic probe 110 and receive ultrasonic image data transmitted from the wireless ultrasonic probe 110.

In addition, the communication unit 122 may be connected to the network 20 by wire or wirelessly to communicate with an external device or server. The communication unit 122 may exchange data with a hospital server connected through a medical image information system (PACS, Picture Archiving and Communication System) or other medical devices in the hospital. In addition, the communication unit 122 may perform data communication in accordance with a digital imaging and communications (DICOM, Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard for medical use.

The communication unit 122 may transmit/receive data related to diagnosis of an object such as ultrasound images, ultrasound data, Doppler data, etc. of the object through the network 20, and medical images captured by other medical devices such as CT, MRI, and X-ray. It can also send and receive. Further, the communication unit 122 may receive information about a patient's diagnosis history or treatment schedule from the server and use it for diagnosis of an object. Further, the communication unit 300 may perform data communication with not only a server or a medical device in a hospital, but also a portable terminal of a doctor or customer.

The controller 124 may form a control signal for controlling the operation of the wireless ultrasonic probe 110 according to user request information provided from the input unit 128. The control signal may include a control signal for controlling the formation of an ultrasonic signal by the wireless ultrasonic probe 110 and a control signal for controlling transmission and reception of the ultrasonic signal. In addition, the controller 124 controls wireless communication with the wireless ultrasonic probe 110 and may control the formation and display of an ultrasonic image.

The control unit 124 processes various signals (for example, gain adjustment) for forming an ultrasound image with respect to the ultrasound image data transmitted from the wireless ultrasound probe 110 according to user request information from the input unit 128 Etc.). The controller 124 may form an ultrasound image corresponding to the user request information by using the signal-processed received signal.

The display unit 126 may display an ultrasound image formed by the controller 124 on a screen.

The input unit 128 is implemented as a control panel, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, and may receive a user's request and form user request information. The user request information may include selection of an application indicating a diagnosis portion of an object, selection of a diagnosis mode for forming an ultrasound image, adjustment of various gain values, and the like.

In this case, in the case of the wireless ultrasonic probe 110 operating using only the electric power charged in the built-in battery, due to the limitation of the capacity of the battery, there is a restriction on the amount of time that the user can use the wireless ultrasonic probe 110. In addition, in the case of the wireless ultrasonic probe 110 that contacts a predetermined power supply device (not shown) to charge power to the battery, there is a problem that the user cannot use the wireless ultrasonic probe 110 while the battery is being charged. .

Accordingly, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe 400 that solves the above problems by receiving wireless power and a method of operating the ultrasonic probe 400. In addition, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe 400 capable of efficiently transmitting information on a power transmission channel for wirelessly transmitting power to the ultrasonic probe 400 to a user, and a method of operating the ultrasonic probe 400 do.

As a method of wirelessly supplying electrical energy, an electromagnetic induction method based on an electromagnetic induction phenomenon generated by a wireless power signal, and an electromagnetic resonance phenomenon based on an electromagnetic resonance phenomenon generated by a wireless power signal of a specific frequency. ) Method, and electromagnetic radiation method based on electromagnetic wave radiation (i.e., non-radiative wireless energy transmission method), wireless power transmission method using ultrasonic waves (see US Patents 6798716 by Charych Arthur for energy transmission using ultrasonic waves), still developed Although not yet, there are wireless power transmission methods that will be developed in the future. The ultrasonic probe 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention may receive power using at least one of the above methods.

In addition, an embodiment of the present invention displays a list of power transmission channels based on information on a plurality of power transmission channels that can wirelessly supply power to the ultrasonic probe 400, so that the user can conveniently use the power transmission channel. It provides an ultrasonic probe 400 that provides a GUI for selecting a selection and a method of operating the ultrasonic probe 400.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the ultrasonic probe 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step S210, the ultrasound probe 400 may obtain information on a plurality of power transmission channels.

In this case, the “power transmission channel” may mean a device capable of wirelessly supplying power to the ultrasonic probe 400. For example, the power transmission channel may include an ultrasound diagnostic device that communicates with the ultrasound probe 400, and may be a separate device independent from the ultrasound diagnostic device. The plurality of power transmission channels may use different wireless power transmission methods, and may use the same method.

"Information on the power transmission channel" means information on at least one of the name of the power transmission channel, the method in which the power transmission channel transmits wireless power, the location of the power transmission channel, and characteristic values of the wireless power transmitted from the power transmission channel. It may include. The "wireless power transmission method" may include at least one of an electromagnetic induction method, an electromagnetic radiation method and an electromagnetic resonance method, and a wireless power transmission method using ultrasonic waves. The "characteristic value of wireless power" may include at least one of voltage, current, and frequency of wireless power.

For example, the ultrasonic probe 400 acquires the detected characteristic value as information for each power transmission channel by detecting a characteristic value of wireless power transmitted from each power transmission channel included in a plurality of power transmission channels. can do. As another example, the ultrasonic probe 400 is based on the received data signal by receiving a data signal including information on the power transmission channel transmitted from each power transmission channel included in a plurality of power transmission channels. Thus, information on each power transmission channel can be obtained. The data signal received from each power transmission channel by the ultrasonic probe 400 may include information on at least one of a voltage, a current, and a frequency of wireless power transmitted by each power transmission channel.

In step S220, the ultrasonic probe 400 may display a list of power transmission channels based on information on a plurality of power transmission channels obtained in step S210.

On the power transmission channel list, an identifier corresponding to a plurality of power transmission channels (eg, a name or an assigned number, letter or symbol of each power transmission channel) and a plurality of power transmission channels obtained in step S210 The information can be displayed together. For example, the displayed power transmission channel list may include information on a wireless power transmission method used to transmit wireless power to the ultrasonic probe 400 by a plurality of power transmission channels.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic probe 400 is, based on the priorities of the plurality of power transmission channels, on the power transmission channel list, at least a part of information on the plurality of power transmission channels obtained Can be listed. Priorities of the plurality of power transmission channels may be previously stored in the ultrasound probe 400 or may be determined based on user input information. In addition, it may be automatically determined according to the information of the plurality of power transmission channels obtained in step S210.

For example, the ultrasonic probe 400, there are certain power transmission channels that are expected to be able to transmit wireless power, and to a degree suitable for stably transmitting wireless power, for example, of the transmitted wireless power. Priorities for power transmission channels that are expected to be capable of transmitting wireless power according to strength and the like may be stored.

In the storage unit 470 of the ultrasonic probe 400, an identifier and a priority for each power transmission channel may be matched and stored. Accordingly, the ultrasonic probe 400 obtains identifiers for a plurality of power transmission channels capable of transmitting wireless power to the current ultrasonic probe 400 from the obtained information on the plurality of power transmission channels, and the storage unit Priority for each identifier stored in (470) can be searched.

The ultrasound probe 400, on the power transmission channel list, based on the searched priorities, at least a part of the obtained identifiers for the plurality of power transmission channels and the obtained information on the plurality of power transmission channels. Can be listed.

As another example, the ultrasound probe 400 may determine priorities for the plurality of power transmission channels based on the obtained information on the plurality of power transmission channels. The ultrasonic probe 400 includes a plurality of power transmission channels based on at least one of voltage, current, power, and frequency of wireless power received from each power transmission channel and/or a wireless power transmission method used by the power transmission channel. You can prioritize them.

For example, the ultrasonic probe 400 allocates the highest priority to a power transmission channel having the highest intensity of received wireless power, or the frequency of the received wireless power is a frequency that the ultrasonic probe 400 can receive. The highest priority may be assigned to the power transmission channel most similar to. In step S230, the ultrasonic probe 400 may select a power transmission channel from the list of power transmission channels displayed in step S220. When a plurality of power transmission channels exist, the ultrasonic probe 400 may automatically or manually select at least one power transmission channel so as to have the best connection state.

For example, the ultrasonic probe 400 may select a power transmission channel based on a predetermined input. The input for selecting the power transmission channel may be a command input by a user or a command previously stored in the storage unit 470.

The ultrasonic probe 400 may recognize a user's input for selecting at least one power transmission channel from the displayed power transmission channel list. The ultrasound probe 400 may select a power transmission channel selected by the user based on the recognized user input.

For example, the user may input a command for selecting a power transmission channel through the user input unit 430 included in the ultrasound probe 400. Alternatively, the user may input a command for selecting a power transmission channel through an external device that communicates with the ultrasonic probe 400. For example, an external device that communicates with the ultrasound probe 400 may include an ultrasound diagnostic device that receives ultrasound image data generated by the ultrasound probe 400 and provides an ultrasound image to a user.

In step S240, the ultrasonic probe 400 may receive wireless power transmitted through the power transmission channel selected in step S230.

The ultrasonic probe 400 may convert received wireless power so that the ultrasonic probe 400 is suitable for use. That is, the ultrasonic probe 400 may convert and use the received wireless power so as to be less than or equal to the rated voltage and rated current of the ultrasonic probe 400.

For example, the ultrasonic probe 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention may convert wireless power using a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) included therein.

In the ultrasound system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 120 is wirelessly connected to the ultrasound probe 110 and forms an ultrasound image using ultrasound image data transmitted from the ultrasound probe 110. Can be displayed. When the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 120 provides ultrasound image data for diagnosis to a user in real time, the ultrasound probe 110 is required to seamlessly provide ultrasound image data to the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 120.

Accordingly, in order for the ultrasound probe 110 to provide ultrasound image data to the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 120 without interruption, it is required that the ultrasound probe 110 stably receives wireless power.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic probe 400 capable of stably receiving wireless power may provide information indicating that the reception of wireless power is stopped when the reception of wireless power through the power transmission channel is stopped. I can.

Accordingly, the user can input a command to the ultrasonic probe 400 to search for and select another power transmission channel through which the ultrasonic probe 400 can supply wireless power, based on information provided from the ultrasonic probe 400. have. Alternatively, the user may input a command to use the power of the battery 456 in which the ultrasonic probe 400 is built into the ultrasonic probe 400.

Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, when reception of wireless power through a power transmission channel is stopped, the ultrasonic probe 400 may receive wireless power transmitted through another power transmission channel. A detailed operation method of the ultrasonic probe 400 capable of stably receiving wireless power according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasonic probe when reception of wireless power is stopped according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In operation S310, the ultrasonic probe 400 may detect that reception of wireless power transmitted through the power transmission channel selected in operation S230 of FIG. 2 is stopped. The ultrasonic probe 400 may periodically determine whether wireless power is normally received. Whether wireless power is normally received may be determined using at least one of a voltage, current, power, and frequency of the received wireless power. Alternatively, the ultrasonic probe 400 may detect that the reception of wireless power is stopped by receiving a data signal for stopping the transmission of wireless power from the power transmission channel.

In step S320, the ultrasonic probe 400 may notify the user of the interruption of wireless power reception detected in S310. Information indicating that the reception of wireless power has been stopped may be provided as an image, for example, a moving picture, a still image, a text, a symbol, or a sound.

In operation S330, the ultrasonic probe 400 may operate using power charged in the battery 456 built in the ultrasonic probe 400. That is, the ultrasonic probe 400 may replace wireless power transmitted from an external power transmission channel with power charged in the built-in battery 456 as power for the operation of the ultrasonic probe 400.

In operation S340, the ultrasonic probe 400 may search for another power transmission channel from the plurality of power transmission channels. In order to search for another power transmission channel, the ultrasound probe 400 may perform an operation of acquiring information on a plurality of power transmission channels shown in step 210 of FIG. 2 again. The ultrasound probe 400 may search for another power transmission channel based on information about a plurality of power transmission channels that are acquired again.

Alternatively, the ultrasound probe 400 may search for a second power transmission channel of the selected power transmission channel as another power transmission channel, based on the priorities of the stored power transmission channels. In this case, the priority of the power transmission channels may be automatically determined according to information on the obtained power transmission channels, or may be manually determined based on a user's input.

In step S350, the ultrasonic probe 400 may determine whether another power transmission channel found in step S340 is suitable for transmitting wireless power to the ultrasonic probe 400. Whether another power transmission channel is suitable for transmitting wireless power to the ultrasonic probe 400 may be determined based on the voltage, current, power, and frequency of the wireless power transmitted by the other power transmission channel.

For example, the ultrasonic probe 400 has a voltage and current of wireless power transmitted from another power transmission channel less than or equal to the rated current and rated voltage of the ultrasonic probe 400, and is large enough to operate the ultrasonic probe 400. In this case, it may be determined that another power transmission channel is suitable for transmitting wireless power to the ultrasonic probe 400.

If another power transmission channel is not suitable for transmitting wireless power to the ultrasonic probe 400, the ultrasonic probe 400 may return to step S340 and search for another power transmission channel.

If the other power transmission channel is suitable for transmitting wireless power to the ultrasonic probe 400, in step S360, the ultrasonic probe 400 may receive wireless power through the searched other power transmission channel.

4 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The ultrasound probe 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention may transmit an ultrasound signal to an object and receive an ultrasound signal reflected from the object (ie, an ultrasound echo signal) to form a received signal. The ultrasound probe 400 may form ultrasound image data for forming an ultrasound image by focusing the received signal.

The ultrasound probe 400 may form the formed ultrasound image data and transmit it to an external device. In this case, the "external device" that receives the ultrasound image data formed by the ultrasound probe 400 may include an ultrasound diagnosis device, a display device, a PC, and a server.

The ultrasonic probe 400 may also be implemented in a form including a predetermined ultrasonic diagnostic device (not shown). In this case, the ultrasound probe 400 may process ultrasound image data generated by the ultrasound probe 400 to form and display an ultrasound image.

Each component of the ultrasonic probe 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to perform each step of the method of operating the ultrasonic probe 400 illustrated in FIG. 2. Accordingly, it can be seen that the contents described above with respect to the operation method of the ultrasonic probe 400 illustrated in FIG. 2 are also applied to the ultrasonic probe 400 of FIG.

The ultrasonic probe 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an information acquisition unit 410, a display unit 420, a control unit 440, and a power unit 450.

The information acquisition unit 410 may obtain information on a plurality of power transmission channels capable of transmitting wireless power to the ultrasonic probe 400. The information acquisition unit 410 may receive a data signal or sense wireless power in order to acquire information on a plurality of power transmission channels.

The display unit 420 may display a power transmission channel list based on information on a plurality of power transmission channels acquired by the information acquisition unit 410. The power transmission channel list may be configured to include information on a plurality of power transmission channels.

For example, the display unit 420 may display an identifier (eg, a name of each power transmission channel or an assigned number, letter, or symbol) corresponding to a plurality of power transmission channels. In addition, the display unit 420 includes at least one of a wireless power transmission method, a location, and characteristic values of transmitted wireless power (eg, voltage, current, and frequency) of at least one power transmission channel among the plurality of power transmission channels. Can be displayed.

In addition, the display unit 420 may display state information related to an operation required to acquire ultrasound image data, a user interface (UI) or a graphical user interface (GUI) related to a function setting, and an ultrasound image of an object.

When a display panel and a touch pad to be described later form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 420 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 420 includes a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, and a three-dimensional display. It may include at least one of a 3D display and an electrophoretic display.

The controller 440 controls the entire operation of the ultrasonic probe 400 and may select a power transmission channel from a list of power transmission channels displayed on the display unit 420. In addition, the controller 440 may control the information acquisition unit 410, the display unit 420, and the power unit 450 to receive wireless power from the selected power transmission channel.

The power unit 450 may receive wireless power transmitted through a power transmission channel selected by the control unit 440. In addition, the power unit 450 may supply the received wireless power to the information acquisition unit 410, the display unit 420, and the control unit 440.

5 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The ultrasound probe 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an image generator 460, a storage unit 470, and a user interface 480. In addition, the power unit 450 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a power receiver 452, a power converter 454, and a battery 456.

The information acquisition unit 410, the display unit 420, the user input unit 430, the control unit 440, and the power unit 450 of the ultrasonic probe 400 shown in FIG. 5 correspond to FIG. Is omitted.

The image generator 460 may transmit an ultrasound signal to the object and receive an ultrasound signal reflected from the object (ie, an ultrasound echo signal) to form a reception signal.

The storage unit 470 stores various types of information necessary for the ultrasonic probe 400 to operate. For example, the storage unit 470 may store an ultrasound signal transmitted from the image generating unit 460, an ultrasound echo signal received, and information on a plurality of power transmission channels acquired by the information acquisition unit 410. However, it is not limited thereto.

The user interface 480 provides information related to the operation of the ultrasonic probe 400 to a user, and receives various types of inputs for controlling the ultrasonic probe 400 from the user. The user interface unit 400 may provide information to a user by displaying a GUI (Graphic User Interface) related to the function setting of the ultrasonic probe 400 or playing audio data, and a received signal formed by the image generating unit 460 An ultrasound image formed based on may be displayed.

The user interface 480 may include a display unit 420 and a user input unit 430, and may further include an output unit 485. The output unit 485, separate from the display unit 420, is for informing a user of a machine abnormality such as interruption of reception of wireless power, and may include, for example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED).

The user input unit 430 may receive an input for selecting a power transmission channel from a list of power transmission channels displayed on the display unit 420. Accordingly, the controller 440 may select a power transmission channel based on an input received from the user input unit 430.

The user input unit 430 includes a key pad, a mouse, a dome switch, and a touch pad (contact type capacitance method, pressure type resistive film method, infrared detection method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, integral tension type Measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like, but are not limited thereto. Further, the user input unit 430 may include a communication unit (not shown) that receives a user input input through an external device that communicates with the ultrasonic probe 400.

The power receiver 452 may receive wireless power from a plurality of power transmission channels.

The power conversion unit 454 may convert the received wireless power so as to be suitable for supplying each component included in the ultrasonic probe 400. That is, the power conversion unit 454 may convert the received wireless power to be less than or equal to the rated voltage and rated current of the ultrasonic probe 400. For example, the power conversion unit 454 may convert wireless power using a switched-mode power supply (SMPS), a booster, and/or a step-down device.

The battery 456 can be charged by wireless power received from the power transmission channels. The battery 456 may supply charged power to each component included in the ultrasonic probe 400 according to a control signal from the controller 440.

In addition, the battery 456 may be controlled by the controller 440 to supply only a predetermined ratio of the charged power to the image generating unit 460. The controller 440 may determine a ratio of power supplied to the image generator 460 based on a user input.

The battery 456 is a case in which the main battery (not shown) and the ultrasonic probe 400 supplying power necessary for the ultrasonic probe 400 to generate and transmit ultrasonic image data to the outside are in the standby mode. Alternatively, it may include an auxiliary battery (not shown) that supplies power required during a boot-up operation.

6 is a view showing an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 6, based on the lower surface 601 of the ultrasound probe 400 in which the transducer through which the ultrasound signal for the object is transmitted is disposed, the display unit 420 may include the ultrasound probe 400. ) Can be placed on the side of.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the display unit 420 may be disposed on the upper surface of the ultrasonic probe 400. When the display unit 420 is disposed on the upper surface, information provided by the ultrasound probe 400 because the user's hand does not cover the display unit 420 even if the user holds the side of the ultrasound probe 400 and scans the object There is an advantage in that the readability of is increased.

On the display unit 420, a state of reception of wireless power or sensitivity of data communication may be displayed in text or images. In addition, on the display unit 420, the state of the power charged in the battery 456 may be displayed. For example, whether the battery is being charged, whether charging is required, the remaining amount of power, etc. may be displayed as text or video.

7 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, an ultrasonic probe 400 and a plurality of power transmission channels 72, 74, 76, and 78 capable of transmitting wireless power to the ultrasonic probe 400 are illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 7, the ultrasound probe 400 may display a list of power transmission channels through the display unit 420 based on information on a plurality of acquired power transmission channels.

The list of power transmission channels displayed by the ultrasonic probe 400 includes a wireless power transmission method in which a plurality of power transmission channels are used to transmit wireless power to the ultrasonic probe, whether the transmitted wireless power is AC or DC, and the transmitted wireless power. Including whether the voltage and current, and whether the transmitted wireless power is suitable for the ultrasonic probe 400.

For example, the power transmission channel 72 is an ultrasonic diagnostic device, uses the A method to transmit power, transmits DC, and transmits 5V 300mA wireless power. The ultrasonic probe 400 obtains information on the power transmission channel 72 and displays [A type DC 5V 300mA] as shown in FIG. 7.

For example, the ultrasonic probe 400 shown in FIG. 7 has a rated voltage of 10V and a rated current of 1A. Accordingly, since the power transmission channel 72 and the power transmission channel 74 satisfy the rated voltage and rated current of the ultrasonic probe 400, it can be determined that the transmitted wireless power is suitable for the ultrasonic probe 400. Information indicating that the wireless power transmitted by the power transmission channel 72 and the power transmission channel 74 is suitable for the ultrasonic probe 400 may be provided through the display unit 420. Whether or not the wireless power is suitable for the ultrasonic probe 400 may be represented by figures, characters, and colors.

Meanwhile, since the power transmission channel 76 and the power transmission channel 78 do not satisfy the rated voltage and rated current of the ultrasonic probe 400, it may be determined that the transmitted wireless power is not suitable for the ultrasonic probe 400. have. Information indicating that the wireless power transmitted by the power transmission channel 72 and the power transmission channel 74 is not suitable for the ultrasonic probe 400 may be provided through the display unit 420.

For example, the ultrasonic probe 400 may also express the intensity of wireless power received from a plurality of power transmission channels as a number of bars. Alternatively, the ultrasonic probe 400 may indicate whether the power transmission channel is suitable for transmitting wireless power to the ultrasonic probe 400 by the number of bars. In FIG. 7, it can be seen that the power transmission channel 72 in which the largest number of bars is displayed is determined to be the most suitable.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an ultrasonic probe through which a user can adjust a usage ratio of power charged in a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The ultrasonic probe 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery that performs both a function of a main battery and a function of an auxiliary battery.

The main battery may mean a battery that supplies main power required for the ultrasonic probe 400 to generate and transmit ultrasonic image data to the outside. The auxiliary data may refer to a battery that supplies auxiliary power required when the ultrasonic probe 400 is in a standby mode or during a boot-up operation. For example, the ultrasonic probe 400 may use only a portion of the power charged in the battery 456 to generate ultrasonic image data.

In order for one battery to perform both the function of the main battery and the function of the auxiliary battery, the ratio of the main power and the auxiliary power must be determined among the electric power charged in one battery.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the ultrasonic probe 400 may provide a UI for receiving a user's input determining a ratio of the main power and the auxiliary power.

In FIG. 8, an image 802 representing a ratio allocated to be used as main power among electric power charged in the battery 456 and an image 804 indicating a ratio allocated to be used as auxiliary power are illustrated. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the user may input the ratio of the main power and the auxiliary power by touching or dragging the displayed image 802 and the image 804.

When measuring the power remaining in the battery 456, the ultrasonic probe 400 may measure power allocated as main power and auxiliary power, respectively, based on power.

As shown in FIG. 8, the operation of the ultrasonic probe 400 will be described by taking a case where 60% of the power charged in the battery 456 is used as main power and only 40% is used as auxiliary power.

The ultrasonic probe 400 uses only a ratio allocated as main power in order to generate and transmit ultrasonic image data to the outside. Accordingly, even when all of the main power has been consumed, the power allocated as auxiliary power may remain in the battery 456. However, the ultrasonic probe 400 measures the remaining amount of the battery based on the power allocated as main power.

Therefore, in reality, there is power remaining in the battery 456, but the ultrasonic probe 400 has used all the allocated ratio as the main power, so that the remaining amount of the battery does not remain to the user, so that information that charging is required can do.

9 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a process of receiving wireless power by selecting a power transmission channel by an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. In order for the ultrasonic probe 400 to select a power transmission channel and receive wireless power, both a general data communication method and a general wireless power transmission/reception method may be used.

In operation S910, the ultrasound probe 400 may request information on a power transmission channel. The information on the requested power transmission channel may include at least one of an identifier for the power transmission channel, an address, or a characteristic value of wireless power transmitted from the power transmission channel.

In operation S920, the power transmission channel 70 may transmit information on the power transmission channel in response to a request from the ultrasonic probe 400.

In operation S930, the ultrasonic probe 400 may determine to receive wireless power from the power transmission channel 70 based on the information on the received power transmission channel.

In step S940, the ultrasonic probe 400 may request to transmit wireless power to the power transmission channel 70. In this case, the wireless power request data from the ultrasonic probe 400 may include information on a protocol for transmitting and receiving wireless power or synchronization.

In operation S950, the ultrasonic probe 400 may receive a response to the wireless power request from the power transmission channel 70. In this case, the wireless power response from the power transmission channel 70 may include information on a protocol or synchronization for transmitting and receiving wireless power.

In step S960, the ultrasonic probe 400 may receive wireless power transmitted from the power transmission channel selected in step S930.

An embodiment of the present invention may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Further, the computer-readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Communication media typically includes computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.

The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to understand that it can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. will be. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not limiting. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as being distributed may also be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims to be described later rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

Claims (25)

In the method of operating the ultrasonic probe,
Sensing information on characteristic values of wireless power transmitted from each power transmission channel to the ultrasonic probe;
Acquiring information on a plurality of power transmission channels based on the detected characteristic value information;
Displaying a list of power transmission channels in which information on each power transmission channel is listed, based on the obtained information on the plurality of power transmission channels;
Selecting a power transmission channel from the displayed power transmission channel list; And
Receiving wireless power transmitted through the selected power transmission channel,
The information on the characteristic value includes information on at least one of a voltage, a current, and a frequency of wireless power transmitted from each of the power transmission channels. The method of claim 1,
The power transmission channel list,
At least a portion of the obtained information on the plurality of power transmission channels is listed based on priorities of the plurality of power transmission channels. The method of claim 1,
Selecting the power transmission channel,
And selecting the power transmission channel based on a user's input for selecting the power transmission channel from the displayed power transmission channel list. The method of claim 1,
The displayed power transmission channel list,
Characterized in that the plurality of power transmission channels include information on a wireless power transmission method used to transmit wireless power to the ultrasonic probe. The method of claim 4,
The wireless power transmission method,
An ultrasonic probe operating method comprising at least one of an electromagnetic induction method, an electromagnetic radiation method, an electromagnetic resonance method, and a wireless power transmission method using ultrasonic waves. delete In the method of operating the ultrasonic probe,
Acquiring information on a plurality of power transmission channels, including information on characteristic values of wireless power transmitted from each power transmission channel to the ultrasonic probe;
Displaying a list of power transmission channels in which information on each power transmission channel is listed, based on the obtained information on the plurality of power transmission channels;
Selecting a power transmission channel from the displayed power transmission channel list; And
Receiving wireless power transmitted through the selected power transmission channel,
Obtaining information on the plurality of power transmission channels,
Receiving a data signal transmitted from each of the power transmission channels; And
Including the step of obtaining information on each of the power transmission channels included in the received data signal,
The information on each power transmission channel comprises at least one of a voltage, a current, and a frequency of wireless power transmitted by each of the power transmission channels. The method of claim 1,
And converting the received wireless power based on the rated voltage and rated current of the ultrasonic probe. The method of claim 1,
If the reception of wireless power through the power transmission channel is stopped, providing information indicating that reception of the wireless power has been stopped. The method of claim 1,
When reception of the wireless power through the power transmission channel is stopped, receiving wireless power transmitted through another power transmission channel. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of power transmission channels include at least one ultrasound diagnosis apparatus. The method of claim 1,
Charging a battery by the received wireless power; And
The method further comprises generating ultrasound image data from an echo signal of an ultrasound beam transmitted toward an object by using only a predetermined ratio of the electric power charged in the battery,
The predetermined ratio of the power charged in the battery used to generate the ultrasound image data is determined based on a user's input. In the ultrasonic probe,
An information acquisition unit configured to detect information on a characteristic value of wireless power transmitted from each power transmission channel to the ultrasonic probe, and obtain information on a plurality of power transmission channels based on the information on the characteristic value;
A display unit for displaying a list of power transmission channels in which information on each power transmission channel is listed, based on the obtained information on the plurality of power transmission channels;
A control unit for selecting a power transmission channel from the displayed power transmission channel list; And
Including a power unit for receiving wireless power transmitted through the power transmission channel,
The information on the characteristic value comprises information on at least one of a voltage, a current, and a frequency of wireless power transmitted from each of the power transmission channels. The method of claim 13,
The power transmission channel list,
At least a portion of the obtained information on the plurality of power transmission channels is listed based on priorities of the plurality of power transmission channels. The method of claim 13,
Further comprising a user input unit for receiving an input for selecting a power transmission channel from the displayed power transmission channel list,
The control unit, characterized in that to select the power transmission channel based on the input, ultrasonic probe. The method of claim 13,
The displayed power transmission channel list,
Wherein the plurality of power transmission channels includes information on a wireless power transmission method used to transmit wireless power to the ultrasonic probe. The method of claim 16,
The wireless power transmission method,
An ultrasonic probe comprising at least one of an electromagnetic induction method, an electromagnetic radiation method, an electromagnetic resonance method, and a wireless power transmission method using ultrasonic waves. delete In the ultrasonic probe,
An information acquisition unit for acquiring information on a plurality of power transmission channels, including information on characteristic values of wireless power transmitted from each power transmission channel to the ultrasonic probe;
A display unit for displaying a list of power transmission channels in which information on each power transmission channel is listed, based on the obtained information on the plurality of power transmission channels;
A control unit for selecting a power transmission channel from the displayed power transmission channel list; And
Including a power unit for receiving the wireless power transmitted through the power transmission channel,
The information acquisition unit,
Receiving data signals transmitted from each of the power transmission channels, obtaining information on each of the power transmission channels included in the received data signals,
The information on each power transmission channel comprises at least one of a voltage, a current, and a frequency of wireless power transmitted by each of the power transmission channels. The method of claim 13,
The power unit,
And a power converter configured to convert the received wireless power based on a rated voltage and a rated current of the ultrasonic probe. The method of claim 13,
The control unit,
When reception of wireless power through the power transmission channel is stopped, the display unit provides information indicating that reception of wireless power has been stopped. The method of claim 13,
The control unit,
When the reception of wireless power through the power transmission channel is stopped, the power unit is configured to receive wireless power transmitted through another power transmission channel. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the plurality of power transmission channels include at least one ultrasound diagnostic device. The method of claim 13,
Further comprising an image generator for generating ultrasound image data from the echo signal of the ultrasound beam transmitted toward the object,
The power unit,
Includes a battery charged by the received wireless power,
The control unit,
The power unit supplies only a predetermined ratio of the power charged to the battery to the image generator,
The predetermined ratio of the electric power charged in the battery is determined based on a user's input. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method of claim 1 on a computer.

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