KR102665895B1 - Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and operating method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An ultrasound diagnostic device comprising: a high voltage power supply; a transmission circuit that receives power from the high-voltage power supply, generates a pulse that generates ultrasonic waves, and applies it to a probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic device; According to the execution of the shear wave mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, the power is supplied from the high voltage power source to charge electric energy, and based on the electric energy, the shear wave mode power used to generate a shear wave to the transmission circuit is supplied. power circuit; and according to execution of the shear wave mode, controlling the power circuit to supply the shear wave mode power, and controlling the high voltage power source and the power circuit so that insufficient power of the shear wave mode power is supplied from the high voltage power source to the transmission circuit. It may include a processor that

Description

Ultrasound diagnostic device and its operating method {ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND OPERATING METHOD FOR THE SAME}

It relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic device and its operating method.

An ultrasound diagnosis device irradiates an ultrasound signal generated from a transducer of a probe to an object, receives information from the signal reflected from the object, and provides information about the area inside the object (for example, soft tissue or blood flow). Get at least one video.

The ultrasonic diagnostic device can generate pulses without distortion by controlling a power circuit that reduces the load on the high-voltage power source and supplying the power necessary for shear wave generation to the transmission circuit according to the execution of the shear wave mode.

Additionally, the power circuit is designed in the form of a board, so it can be mounted on an ultrasound diagnosis device without a power circuit.

Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium is provided that records a program for executing a method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic device on a computer.

According to one side, high voltage power supply; a transmission circuit that receives power from the high-voltage power supply, generates a pulse that generates ultrasonic waves, and applies it to a probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic device; According to the execution of the shear wave mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, the power is supplied from the high voltage power source, the capacitor is charged with electric energy, and the shear wave is used to generate a shear wave in the transmission circuit based on the charged electric energy. A power circuit that supplies mode power; and a processor that controls the power circuit to supply the shear wave mode power in accordance with execution of the shear wave mode, and controls the high voltage power supply so that insufficient power of the shear wave mode power is supplied from the high voltage power source to the transmission circuit. An ultrasonic diagnostic device is provided.

As the shear wave mode power is supplied from the power circuit to the transmission circuit, when the electrical energy charged in the power circuit decreases, the processor controls the power circuit and the high voltage power to control the power supply from the high voltage power. The insufficient power can be controlled to increase, and the shear wave mode power can be controlled to be constantly supplied from the power circuit to the transmission circuit.

The power circuit includes a capacitor that charges the electrical energy to supply the shear wave mode power; a constant current circuit connected to the high voltage power source and supplying the electric energy to supply the shear wave mode power to the capacitor; a first switch that controls connection between the constant current circuit and the capacitor; And it may include a second switch that controls the connection between the capacitor and the transmission circuit.

Upon execution of the shear wave mode, the processor turns on the first switch to connect the constant current circuit to the capacitor, and turns off the second switch to disconnect the capacitor from the transmission circuit. The power circuit can be controlled to charge the capacitor with the electrical energy based on the current supplied from the constant current circuit.

The processor turns off the first switch to disconnect the constant current circuit and the capacitor, turns on the second switch, controls the power circuit to connect the capacitor and the transmission circuit, and charges the capacitor. Based on the electrical energy generated, the shear wave mode power can be supplied to the transmission circuit.

The power circuit may further include a discharge circuit that discharges the electrical energy charged in the capacitor.

The discharge circuit includes a third switch that controls the connection between the capacitor and the ground, and when the shear wave mode ends or the operation of charging the electric energy in the capacitor is not performed, the processor, the third switch By turning on the switch, the discharge circuit can be controlled so that the capacitor is connected to the ground, so that the electric energy charged in the capacitor is discharged.

The transmission circuit may generate a pulse that generates the shear wave using the shear wave mode power source and apply it to the probe.

The processor may control the probe to transmit the shear wave to the object, receive an echo signal of the shear wave reflected from the object, calculate the propagation speed of the shear wave, and generate an elastic image.

The processor controls the power circuit so that the electric energy charged in the power circuit is supplied to the transmission circuit, according to execution of the shear wave mode, and according to execution of a mode other than the shear wave mode, the power circuit The power circuit can be controlled so that the charged electrical energy is not supplied to the transmission circuit.

According to another aspect, in a method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device that generates a shear wave, the power supplied from a high-voltage power source in the ultrasonic diagnostic device is controlled to charge a capacitor as the shear wave mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic device is executed, controlling a power circuit in the ultrasonic diagnostic device to supply shear wave mode power used to generate the shear wave to a transmission circuit in the ultrasonic diagnostic device based on electrical energy; According to execution of the shear wave mode, controlling the high voltage power supply so that insufficient power of the shear wave mode power supply is supplied to the transmission circuit; and controlling the pulse generating the transverse wave using the shear wave mode power source to generate the pulse, and controlling the transmission circuit so that the pulse is applied to a probe in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. provided.

According to another aspect, in a computer-readable recording medium containing a program for executing a method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device that generates a shear wave, the method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic device includes executing a shear wave mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic device. Accordingly, the power supplied from the high-voltage power source in the ultrasonic diagnostic device is controlled to be charged with electrical energy, and the shear wave mode power used to generate the shear wave to the transmission circuit in the ultrasonic diagnostic device is supplied based on the electrical energy. controlling the power circuit within the ultrasonic diagnostic device to be as capable as possible; According to execution of the shear wave mode, controlling the high voltage power supply so that insufficient power of the shear wave mode power supply is supplied to the transmission circuit; and controlling the transverse wave mode power source to generate a pulse that generates the transverse wave, and controlling the transmission circuit to apply the pulse to a probe in the ultrasonic diagnostic device.

The invention may be readily understood by combination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, where reference numerals refer to structural elements.
Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
Figures 2 (a) to (c) are diagrams showing an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process of controlling a power circuit in an ultrasound diagnosis device so that a capacitor in the power circuit is charged with electrical energy for supplying shear wave mode power to a transmission circuit, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a process of controlling a power circuit in an ultrasonic diagnostic device so that shear wave mode power is supplied to a transmission circuit using electrical energy charged in a capacitor in the power circuit, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating shear wave mode power supplied to a transmission circuit when the shear wave mode is executed in an ultrasound diagnosis device, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating power supplied to a transmission circuit in an ultrasound diagnosis device in a mode other than a shear wave mode, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8 illustrates a distorted pulse generated in the ultrasonic diagnostic device as the shear wave mode is executed without a power circuit in the ultrasonic diagnostic device, according to one embodiment.
FIG. 9 illustrates a distortion-free pulse generated in an ultrasonic diagnostic device when a power circuit is installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic device and a shear wave mode is executed, according to one embodiment.
FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining a process in which electric energy charged in a capacitor in a power circuit of an ultrasound diagnosis device is discharged, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasound diagnostic device that generates shear waves, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasound diagnostic device that generates shear waves, according to another embodiment.

This specification clarifies the scope of rights of the present invention, explains the principles of the present invention, and discloses embodiments so that those skilled in the art can practice the present invention. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in various forms.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. This specification does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and general content or overlapping content between the embodiments in the technical field to which the present invention pertains is omitted. The term 'part' (portion) used in the specification may be implemented as software or hardware, and depending on the embodiment, a plurality of 'portions' may be implemented as a single element (unit, element), or as a single 'portion'. It is also possible for 'boo' to contain plural elements. Hereinafter, the operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

In this specification, an image may include a medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, an ultrasonic imaging device, or an X-ray imaging device.

In this specification, an 'object' is something that is subject to photography and may include a person, an animal, or a part thereof. For example, the object may include a part of the body (organ, etc.) or a phantom.

Throughout the specification, “ultrasonic image” refers to an image of an object that is transmitted to the object and processed based on ultrasonic signals reflected from the object.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to an embodiment. The ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to one embodiment includes a probe 20, an ultrasound transceiver 110, a control unit 120, an image processor 130, a display unit 140, a storage unit 150, and a communication unit 160. ), and may include an input unit 170.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 100 can be implemented not only in a cart type but also in a portable form. Examples of portable ultrasound diagnostic devices include, but are not limited to, smart phones, laptop computers, PDAs, and tablet PCs that include probes and applications.

Probe 20 may include a plurality of transducers. A plurality of transducers may transmit ultrasonic signals to the object 10 according to a transmission signal applied from the transmitter 113. A plurality of transducers may receive ultrasonic signals reflected from the object 10 to form a received signal. Additionally, the probe 20 may be implemented integrally with the ultrasound diagnosis device 100, or may be implemented as a separate type connected to the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 in a wired or wireless manner. Additionally, the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 may include one or more probes 20 depending on the implementation type.

The control unit 120 controls the transmission unit 113 to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers in consideration of the positions and focal points of the plurality of transducers included in the probe 20.

The control unit 120 converts the received signal received from the probe 20 into analog-to-digital, considers the positions and focus points of the plurality of transducers, and sums the digitally converted received signals to generate ultrasonic data. ) is controlled.

The image processor 130 uses ultrasound data generated by the ultrasound receiver 115 to generate an ultrasound image.

The display unit 140 may display the generated ultrasound image and various information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis device 100. The ultrasound diagnosis device 100 may include one or more display units 140 depending on the implementation type. Additionally, the display unit 140 can be implemented as a touch screen by combining with a touch panel.

The control unit 120 may control the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 and signal flow between internal components of the ultrasound diagnosis device 100. The control unit 120 may include a memory that stores programs or data for performing the functions of the ultrasound diagnosis device 100, and a processor that processes the programs or data. Additionally, the control unit 120 may control the operation of the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 by receiving a control signal from the input unit 170 or an external device.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 100 includes a communication unit 160 and can be connected to an external device (e.g., server, medical device, portable device (smart phone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.)) through the communication unit 160. there is.

The communication unit 160 may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, and may include, for example, at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

The communication unit 160 receives control signals and data from an external device and transmits the received control signal to the control unit 120, allowing the control unit 120 to control the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to the received control signal. It is also possible.

Alternatively, it is possible for the control unit 120 to transmit a control signal to an external device through the communication unit 160, thereby controlling the external device according to the control signal from the control unit.

For example, the external device may process data from the external device according to a control signal from the control unit received through the communication unit.

A program capable of controlling the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 may be installed in the external device, and this program may include commands that perform some or all of the operations of the control unit 120.

The program may be pre-installed on an external device, or the user of the external device may download and install the program from a server that provides the application. A server that provides an application may include a recording medium on which the program is stored.

The storage unit 150 may store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasound diagnosis device 100, input/output ultrasound data, acquired ultrasound images, etc.

The input unit 170 may receive a user's input for controlling the ultrasound diagnosis device 100. For example, user input includes manipulating buttons, keypads, mice, trackballs, jog switches, knobs, etc., touching a touch pad or touch screen, voice input, motion input, and biometric information input ( For example, iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.), but is not limited thereto.

An example of the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to an embodiment will be described later through (a) to (c) of FIG. 2.

Figures 2 (a) to (c) are diagrams showing an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the ultrasound diagnosis devices 100a and 100b may include a main display unit 121 and a sub display unit 122. At least one of the main display unit 121 and the sub display unit 122 may be implemented as a touch screen. The main display unit 121 and the sub display unit 122 may display ultrasound images or various information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis devices 100a and 100b. In addition, the main display unit 121 and the sub-display unit 122 are implemented as touch screens and provide a GUI, so that data for controlling the ultrasound diagnosis devices 100a and 100b can be input from the user. For example, the main display unit 121 may display an ultrasound image, and the sub-display unit 122 may display a control panel for controlling the display of the ultrasound image in a GUI form. The sub-display unit 122 can receive data for controlling the display of images through a control panel displayed in GUI form. The ultrasound diagnosis devices 100a and 100b can control the display of ultrasound images displayed on the main display unit 121 using input control data.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 2, the ultrasound diagnosis device 100b may further include a control panel 165 in addition to the main display unit 121 and the sub-display unit 122. The control panel 165 may include buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, a knob, etc., and may receive data input for controlling the ultrasound diagnosis device 100b from the user. For example, the control panel 165 may include a Time Gain Compensation (TGC) button 171, a Freeze button 172, etc. The TGC button 171 is a button for setting the TGC value for each depth of the ultrasound image. Additionally, when the ultrasound diagnosis device 100b detects the Freeze button 172 input while scanning an ultrasound image, the frame image at that point in time can be displayed.

Meanwhile, buttons, trackballs, jog switches, knobs, etc. included in the control panel 165 may be provided as a GUI on the main display unit 121 or the sub display unit 122.

Referring to (c) of FIG. 2, the ultrasound diagnosis device 100c can also be implemented as a portable device. As an example of the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 100c,

There may be a smart phone, a laptop computer, a PDA, a tablet PC, etc. that include a probe and an application, but the device is not limited thereto.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 100c includes a probe 20 and a main body 40, and the probe 20 may be connected to one side of the main body 40 by wire or wirelessly. The main body 40 may include a touch screen 145. The touch screen 145 can display ultrasound images, various information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis device, and a GUI.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may include a high-voltage power source 310, a transmission circuit 330, a power circuit 320, and a processor 340. However, not all of the illustrated components are essential components. The ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 300 may be implemented with more components than the illustrated components, and the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 300 may be implemented with fewer components than the illustrated components. The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 shown in FIG. 3 may correspond identically to the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 shown in FIG. 1 . Below we will look at the above components.

The high voltage power source 310 may supply power to the power circuit 320 and the transmission circuit 330. The power circuit 320 may receive power from the high-voltage power source 310 and charge electrical energy as the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 executes the shear wave mode. The power circuit 320 may supply transverse wave mode power used to generate transverse waves to the transmission circuit 330 based on electrical energy. Additionally, the transmission circuit 330 may receive power from the high-voltage power source 310, generate pulses to generate ultrasonic waves, and apply the generated pulses to a probe (not shown) within the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300.

For example, the power circuit 320 may include a capacitor, a constant current circuit, a first switch, and a second switch. The capacitor can charge electrical energy to supply shear wave mode power. Here, one side of the capacitor may be connected to the high voltage power source 310, and the other side of the capacitor may be connected to the ground. The constant current circuit is connected to the high voltage power source 310 and can supply electrical energy to supply shear wave mode power to the capacitor. The first switch may control the connection between the constant current circuit and the capacitor. The second switch may control the connection between the capacitor and the transmission circuit 330. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the power circuit 320-1 is connected and disposed between the (+) terminal of the high voltage power supply 310 and the (+) terminal of the transmission circuit 330. You can. Additionally, the power circuit 320-2 may be connected and disposed between the (-) terminal of the high voltage power source 310 and the (-) terminal of the transmission circuit 330.

The processor 340 may control the power circuit 320 that supplies shear wave mode power according to execution of the shear wave mode. Additionally, the processor 340 may control the high voltage power source 310 so that transverse wave mode power is supplied from the high voltage power source 310 to the transmission circuit 330. For example, the processor 340 may control the high voltage power source 310 so that insufficient shear wave mode power is supplied from the high voltage power source 310 to the transmission circuit 330 .

As the power circuit 320 supplies shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330, the electrical energy charged in the capacitor in the power circuit 320 may be reduced. The processor 340 may control the power circuit 320 and the high voltage power source 310 to increase the insufficient power of the shear wave mode power supplied from the high voltage power source 310. As the electrical energy charged in the power circuit 320 decreases, the processor 340 reduces the amount of the shear wave mode power supplied from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330 by reducing the amount of power. The high voltage power source 310 and the power circuit 320 can be controlled to increase so that insufficient power of the shear wave mode power supply is supplied to the transmission circuit 330. The processor 340 may control the supply of shear wave mode power to fill the capacitor with reduced electrical energy by controlling the power circuit 320 and the high voltage power source 310. That is, the processor 340 can control the shear wave mode power to be constantly supplied from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330.

The processor 340 may control the power circuit 320 to charge the capacitor with electrical energy based on the current supplied from the constant current circuit. Specifically, the processor 340 turns on the first switch to connect the constant current circuit to the capacitor, and turns off the second switch to control the power circuit 320 to disconnect the capacitor and the transmission circuit 330. You can. The process of controlling the power circuit 320 so that the capacitor within the power circuit 320 is charged with electrical energy is explained in FIG. 4.

The processor 340 may control the power circuit 320 to supply shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330 based on the electrical energy charged in the capacitor in the power circuit 320. Specifically, the processor 340 turns off the first switch to block the connection between the constant current circuit and the capacitor, and turns on the second switch to control the power circuit 320 to connect the capacitor and the transmission circuit 330. . The process of controlling the power circuit 320 so that shear wave mode power is supplied to the transmission circuit 330 using electrical energy in the capacitor within the power circuit 320 is explained in FIG. 5.

Additionally, the power circuit 320 may further include a discharge circuit that discharges the electric energy charged in the capacitor within the power circuit 320. The discharge circuit may include a third switch that controls the connection between the capacitor and ground.

When the shear wave mode ends or the capacitor is not charged with electrical energy, the processor 340 may control the discharge circuit to connect the capacitor to the ground by turning on the third switch. That is, the processor 340 may control the discharge circuit so that the electrical energy charged in the capacitor is discharged. The process of discharging the electric energy charged in the capacitor in the power circuit 320 is explained in FIGS. 10 and 11.

The transmission circuit 330 may supply a driving signal to a probe (not shown) and may include a pulse generator, a transmission delay unit, and a pulser. The pulse generator may generate pulses to form transmitted ultrasonic waves according to a predetermined pulse repetition frequency (PRF, Pulse Repetition Frequency). The transmission delay unit may apply a delay time to the pulse to determine transmission directionality. Each pulse to which a delay time is applied may correspond to a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators included in a probe (not shown). The pulser can apply a driving signal (or driving pulse) to a probe (not shown) at a timing corresponding to each pulse to which a delay time is applied. The transmission circuit 330 may generate a pulse that generates a transverse wave using transverse wave mode power. The transmission circuit 330 may apply the generated pulse to a probe (not shown). The processor 340 may control a probe (not shown) so that transverse waves are transmitted to the object.

In addition, the transmission circuit 330 can generate ultrasonic data by processing an echo signal received from a probe (not shown), and includes an amplifier, an analog digital converter (ADC), a reception delay unit, and a summation unit. can do. The amplifier amplifies the echo signal for each channel, and the ADC can convert the amplified echo signal into analog-digital. The reception delay unit may apply a delay time for determining reception directionality to the digitally converted echo signal, and the summation unit may generate ultrasound data by summing the echo signals processed by the reception delay unit. The transmission circuit 330 may obtain ultrasound data of the object by receiving an echo signal of a shear wave reflected from the object. The processor 340 may use ultrasound data obtained by receiving an echo signal of a shear wave reflected from an object to calculate the speed of propagation of the shear wave and generate an elastic image based on the calculated speed of the propagation.

Meanwhile, as the shear wave mode is executed in the ultrasound diagnosis device 300, the processor 340 may control the power circuit 320 so that the electric energy charged in the power circuit 320 is supplied to the transmission circuit 330. . On the other hand, as a mode other than the shear wave mode is executed in the ultrasound diagnosis device 300, the processor 340 operates the power circuit 320 to prevent the electrical energy charged in the power circuit 320 from being supplied to the transmission circuit 330. can be controlled.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may further include memory (not shown). The memory (not shown) may store software or computer programs related to the operation method of the ultrasound diagnosis device 300. For example, the memory (not shown) may include instructions for controlling the high-voltage power source 310, power circuit 320, and transmission circuit 330 in the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 to generate shear waves.

For a specific example, the commands control the power supplied from the high-voltage power source 310 to be charged with electrical energy according to the execution of the shear wave mode of the ultrasound diagnosis device 300, and transmit it to the transmission circuit 330 based on the electrical energy. Instructions for controlling the power circuit 320 so that the shear wave mode power is supplied, instructions for controlling the high voltage power supply 310 so that insufficient power of the shear wave mode power is supplied to the transmission circuit 330 according to the execution of the shear wave mode, and shear wave mode power. It may include commands that control the generation of pulses that generate transverse waves using mode power and control the transmission circuit 330 so that the pulses are applied to a probe (not shown) in the ultrasound diagnosis device 300. The processor 340 may control the operation of the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 by executing instructions stored in memory (not shown).

The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 is equipped with a central operation processor and can comprehensively control the operations of the high-voltage power source 310, the power circuit 320, the transmission circuit 330, and the processor 340. The central operation processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that the present embodiment may be implemented with other types of hardware.

Meanwhile, the operation of the high-voltage power source 310, power circuit 320, transmission circuit 330, and processor 340 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 is a computer read operation that stores instructions or data executable by a computer or processor. It can be implemented in the form of a possible storage medium. It can be written as a program that can be executed on a computer, and can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that operates such a program using a computer-readable storage medium. Such computer-readable storage media include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD+Rs, CD-RWs, CD+RWs, and DVD-ROMs. , DVD-Rs, DVD+Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD+RWs, DVD-RAMs, BD-ROMs, BD-Rs, BD-R LTHs, BD-REs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, magneto-optical data storage devices, An optical data storage device, hard disk, solid-state disk (SSD), and capable of storing instructions or software, associated data, data files, and data structures, and providing instructions or software to a processor or computer so that the processor or computer can execute the instructions. It can be any device capable of providing software, associated data, data files, and data structures.

Hereinafter, various operations or applications performed by the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 will be described, and without specifying any of the components among the high-voltage power supply 310, power circuit 320, transmission circuit 330, and processor 340, the present invention will be described. The content to the extent that a person skilled in the art of the invention can clearly understand and anticipate can be understood as a typical implementation, and the scope of the invention is not limited by the name of a specific configuration or physical/logical structure. That is not the case.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process of controlling a power circuit in an ultrasound diagnosis device so that a capacitor in the power circuit is charged with electrical energy for supplying shear wave mode power to a transmission circuit, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the power circuit 320 may include a capacitor 401, a constant current circuit 402, a first switch 403, and a second switch 404. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the power circuit 320 may include other elements in addition to those shown in FIG. 4.

Meanwhile, when the operation mode of the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 is executed in the shear wave mode, the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 can charge the power circuit 320 with electrical energy to supply shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330. there is. At this time, if the capacitor 401 is quickly charged with electrical energy, an overload may occur in the high-voltage power supply 310, so the power circuit 320 supplies electricity to the capacitor 401 using the constant current circuit 402. You can recharge energy. The constant current circuit 402 is a circuit in which a constant current always flows regardless of the value of the voltage applied to both ends of the constant current circuit 402. Although the detailed configuration diagram of the constant current circuit 402 is not shown in FIG. 4, the constant current circuit 402 may be implemented with a certain transistor.

As shown in FIG. 4, the capacitor 401 can charge electrical energy to supply shear wave mode power. Here, one side of the capacitor 401 may be connected to the high voltage power source 310, and the other side of the capacitor may be connected to the ground. The constant current circuit 402 is connected to the high voltage power source 310 and can supply electrical energy to the capacitor 401 to supply shear wave mode power. The first switch 403 can control the connection between the constant current circuit 402 and the capacitor 401. The second switch 404 may control the connection between the capacitor 401 and the transmission circuit 330.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the power circuit 320-1 may be connected and disposed between the (+) terminal of the high voltage power source 310 and the (+) terminal of the transmission circuit 330. Additionally, the power circuit 320-2 may be connected and disposed between the (-) terminal of the high voltage power source 310 and the (-) terminal of the transmission circuit 330.

The power circuit 320 turns on the first switch 403 to connect the constant current circuit 402 to the capacitor 401, and turns off the second switch 404 to connect the capacitor 401 and the transmission circuit 330. The connection can be blocked. The capacitor 401 can charge electrical energy based on the current supplied from the constant current circuit 402. Specifically, as the shear wave mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 300 is executed, the high voltage source may supply electrical energy to the capacitor 401 through the constant current circuit 402 in the power circuit 320. The power circuit 320 may charge the capacitor 401 with an amount of charge based on the current supplied from the constant current circuit 402 within the power circuit 320. At this time, the capacitor 401 may be charged with an amount of charge in proportion to the capacity of the capacitor 401. Meanwhile, the capacitor 401 shown in FIG. 4 is shown as a single capacitor 401, but the capacitor 401 may represent an equivalent capacitor 401 for a plurality of capacitors 401.

Additionally, while the capacitor 401 is charged with electrical energy, the high voltage power source 310 may supply power to the transmission circuit 330. Specifically, while the capacitor 401 is charged with electrical energy, as shown in FIG. 4, the (+) terminal of the transmission circuit 330 is connected to the (+) terminal of the high voltage power supply 310, and the transmission circuit ( The (-) terminal of 330) is connected to the (-) terminal of the high voltage power supply 310, so that the high voltage power supply 310 can supply the power required by the transmission circuit 330 to the transmission circuit 330.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a process of controlling a power circuit in an ultrasonic diagnostic device so that shear wave mode power is supplied to a transmission circuit using electrical energy charged in a capacitor in the power circuit, according to an embodiment.

When the electric energy charging in the capacitor 401 in the power circuit 320 is completed, the power circuit 320 supplies transverse wave mode power used to generate a transverse wave to the transmission circuit 330 based on the charged electric energy. You can. That is, the power circuit 320 may control elements within the power circuit 320 so that the operation of the power circuit 320 is changed from an electric energy charging operation to a shear wave mode power supply operation.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the power circuit 320 turns off the first switch 403 to block the connection between the constant current circuit 402 and the capacitor 401, and turns on the second switch 404. Thus, the capacitor 401 and the transmission circuit 330 can be connected. According to the operation control of the first switch 403 and the second switch 404, the power circuit 320 can supply shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330 based on the electrical energy charged in the capacitor 401. .

As the shear wave mode is executed in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 300, when the shear wave mode power is initially supplied to the transmission circuit 330, the electrical energy charged in the capacitor 401 is sufficient, so the power supplied from the power circuit 320 is sufficient. A pulse without distortion can be generated in the transmission circuit 330 using only shear wave mode power. However, as time passes, the electrical energy charged in the capacitor 401 decreases, and the power supplied per unit time from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330 also decreases, so the power supplied from the power circuit 320 A pulse without distortion cannot be generated in the transmission circuit 330 using only shear wave mode power. Therefore, as the electrical energy charged in the capacitor 401 decreases, the high voltage power supply 310 provides additional power equivalent to the reduced amount of power supplied per unit time from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330. 330) can be controlled to be supplied.

That is, when the power circuit 320 performs an operation of supplying shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330, the power circuit 320 supplies shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit based on the electrical energy charged in the capacitor 401. It can be supplied as (330). In addition, as time passes, when the power supplied per unit time from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330 decreases, the high voltage power supply 310 provides shear wave mode power based on the electrical energy charged in the capacitor 401. The insufficient power can be controlled to be supplied to the transmission circuit 330. For example, the high voltage power source 310 may supply insufficient shear wave mode power to the capacitor 401 in the power circuit to charge the energy reduced in the capacitor 401. The power circuit 320 may control the shear wave mode power to be constantly supplied from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330 based on the recharged electrical energy.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the operation of the power circuit 320 and the high voltage power source 310 so that shear wave mode power is constantly supplied from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330.

In addition, when the transverse wave mode power supplied to the transmission circuit 330 is supplied from the power circuit 320 and the high voltage power source 310, the capacity is smaller than when it is supplied only from the power circuit 320 or the high voltage power source 310. Capacitor 401 may be used. As a smaller capacitance capacitor 401 is used, the volume or area occupied by the capacitor 401 decreases, so the volume or area of the power circuit 320 can be reduced.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating shear wave mode power supplied to a transmission circuit when the shear wave mode is executed in an ultrasound diagnosis device, according to an embodiment.

As the shear wave mode power is supplied from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330, the electrical energy charged in the power circuit 320 may be reduced. If the electrical energy charged in the power circuit 320 decreases, the power circuit 320 may not be able to consistently supply shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330. That is, as a predetermined time elapses, the shear wave mode power that can be supplied per unit time from the power circuit 320 gradually decreases, so the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 cannot supply power from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330. The power circuit 320 and the high-voltage power source 310 can be controlled so that the insufficient power is supplied from the high-voltage power source. Specifically, as the electrical energy charged in the capacitor is consumed and the charged electrical energy decreases, the impedance of the capacitor may increase. As the impedance of the capacitor increases, the electrical energy supplied from the high voltage power source 310 to the power circuit 320 may decrease. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 300 supplies shear wave mode power from the high voltage power source 310 to the transmission circuit 330 as much as the insufficient shear wave mode power that prevents the power circuit 320 from supplying shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330. The high voltage power source 310 and the power circuit 320 can be controlled to supply insufficient power.

As the high-voltage power supply 310 additionally supplies insufficient power of the shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330, the power circuit 320 can consistently supply shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330. In other words, the sum of the current supplied from the high voltage power source 310 and the current supplied from the capacitor 401 in the power circuit 320 is the current supplied to the transmission circuit 330, and the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 is connected to the transmission circuit 330. The operation of the power circuit 320 and the high voltage power supply 310 can be controlled so that the current supplied to 330 is constant.

As shown in FIG. 6, the current (①) supplied from the high voltage power supply 310 to the transmission circuit 330 and the current (②) supplied from the capacitor 401 in the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330. The sum of can be the value of the final current (③) supplied to the transmission circuit 330. Referring to the graph of FIG. 6, the current (②) supplied from the capacitor 401 in the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330 is the final current (③) supplied to the transmission circuit 330 and the high voltage power supply ( It can be calculated from the area created by the difference in the current (①) supplied from 310) to the transmission circuit 330. As the shear wave mode power is constantly and stably supplied to the transmission circuit 330, the waveform 610 for the push pulse applied to generate the shear wave in the transmission circuit 330 can be obtained without distortion, and the push pulse Measurement according to the pulse The waveform 620 for the pulse can also be acquired without distortion.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating power supplied to a transmission circuit in an ultrasound diagnosis device in a mode other than a shear wave mode, according to an embodiment.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may acquire ultrasound images according to multiple modes of operation. For example, the plurality of modes may include A mode (amplitude mode), B mode (brightness mode), C mode (color mode), D mode (Doppler mode), M mode (motion mode), and shear wave mode. , it can be understood by those skilled in the art that other modes may be included.

For example, as B mode is executed in the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300 may extract B-mode components from ultrasound data and generate an ultrasound image in which signal intensity is expressed as luminance. On the other hand, as the shear wave mode is executed in the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300 may generate an elastic image by calculating the speed of propagation of the shear wave from ultrasound data.

When the ultrasonic diagnostic device 300 operates in a shear wave mode and when it operates in a mode other than the shear wave mode, the power required by the transmitting circuit 330 for a predetermined time is different, so the ultrasonic diagnostic device 300 ) can control the operation of the power circuit 320 depending on whether the shear wave mode is executed.

Specifically, in order to generate a shear wave, a high voltage is required for a predetermined short period of time, so when the shear wave mode is executed in the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300, the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 uses the electrical energy charged in the power circuit 320. The operation of the power circuit 320 can be controlled so that it is supplied to the transmission circuit 330. On the other hand, when a mode other than the shear wave mode is executed in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 300, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 300 turns on the power circuit 320 to prevent the electric energy charged in the power circuit 320 from being supplied to the transmission circuit 330. ) operation can be controlled.

When a mode other than the shear wave mode is executed in the ultrasound diagnosis device 300, as shown in FIG. 7, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 operates according to a path to which the high voltage power source 310 and the transmission circuit 330 are connected. , the necessary power can be supplied to the transmission circuit 330. The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the power circuit 320 to turn off the first switch 403 of the power circuit 320 so that the capacitor 401 is not charged with electrical energy. Additionally, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the power circuit 320 by turning off the second switch 404 so that the electric energy charged in the capacitor 401 is not supplied to the transmission circuit 330. That is, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 can be controlled to supply necessary power to the transmission circuit 330 only from the high voltage power source 310.

FIG. 8 illustrates a distorted pulse generated in the ultrasonic diagnostic device as the shear wave mode is executed without a power circuit in the ultrasonic diagnostic device, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 does not include a power circuit 320 that supplies shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330 when the shear wave mode is executed. When the shear wave mode is executed in the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300 without the power circuit 320, a distorted pulse is generated in the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300.

As shown in FIG. 8, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 can generate a shear wave by focusing ultrasound waves and generating a long burst Tx. However, by generating the long burst Tx, the high voltage power supply 310 in the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may be overloaded and the pulse waveform 810 for the long burst Tx may be distorted. If distortion occurs in the pulse waveform, an abnormal transverse wave is generated in the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300, the transverse wave may not be generated properly, and the distortion of the waveform may act as noise.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, distortion of the measurement waveform 820 may be a phenomenon that occurs when the pulse waveform 810 is generated and measurement Tx is performed before the load in the ultrasound diagnosis device is restored to the normal state. . Therefore, noise is also generated in the measurement waveform 820 observed by the ultrasound diagnosis device 300, the operation speed of the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 slows down, and the quality of the ultrasound image generated by the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 also deteriorates. do. Due to the distorted waveform, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 cannot accurately diagnose the object. Therefore, a power circuit 320 is needed to reduce the load on the high voltage power source 310 and generate an undistorted pulse waveform for the long burst Tx.

Meanwhile, the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 8 may be substantially the same as the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 7 that operates in the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 300 as a mode other than the shear wave mode is executed in the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 300. Accordingly, the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 8 may be a circuit diagram suitable when a mode other than the shear wave mode is executed in the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300.

FIG. 9 illustrates a distortion-free pulse generated in an ultrasonic diagnostic device when a power circuit is installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic device and a shear wave mode is executed, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 includes a power circuit 320 that supplies shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330 when the shear wave mode is executed. When the shear wave mode is executed in the ultrasound diagnosis device 300, a pulse without distortion is generated in the ultrasound diagnosis device 300.

Meanwhile, the power circuit 320 shown in FIG. 9 may be designed to be detachable. Therefore, the circuit diagram of FIG. 8 can be supplemented by additionally installing the power circuit 320 in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the power circuit 320-1 may be connected and disposed between the (+) terminal of the high voltage power source 310 and the (+) terminal of the transmission circuit 330. Additionally, the power circuit 320-2 may be connected and disposed between the (-) terminal of the high voltage power source 310 and the (-) terminal of the transmission circuit 330.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 can generate a shear wave by focusing ultrasound waves and generating a long burst Tx. The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 can reduce the load on the high-voltage power source 310 by controlling the power circuit 320 so that shear wave mode power is supplied from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330. In this case, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the high voltage power source 310 so that insufficient shear wave mode power is supplied from the high voltage power source 310 to the transmission circuit 330.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 controls the power circuit 320 and the high-voltage power source 310 to provide a constant supply of shear wave mode power from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330, thereby providing a pulse waveform for long burst Tx. (910) This can be generated without distortion. Additionally, noise can be reduced in other pulses 920 observed by the ultrasound diagnosis device 300, and the quality of ultrasound images can also be improved.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining a process in which electric energy charged in a capacitor in a power circuit of an ultrasound diagnosis device is discharged, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the electrical energy charged in the capacitor 401 in the power circuit 320 is not discharged and continues to remain in the capacitor 401, the high voltage power source 310 of the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 There may be a continuous load, and the lifespan of the capacitor 401 may be shortened. Accordingly, the power circuit 320 of the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 may further include a discharge circuit 405 that discharges the electric energy charged in the capacitor 401 in the power circuit 320. When the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 is terminated normally or abnormally, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may discharge the electric energy charged in the capacitor 401 through the discharge circuit 405. In addition, if the ultrasonic diagnostic device 300 does not operate in the shear wave mode, the ultrasonic diagnostic device does not charge the capacitor 401 with electrical energy, but discharges the electrical energy remaining in the capacitor 401 through the discharge circuit 405. You can do it.

The discharge circuit 405 may include a third switch 406 that controls the connection between the capacitor 401 and the ground. Additionally, a constant current circuit 407 may be further included between the third switch 406 and the ground. The power circuit 320 including the discharge circuit 405 shown in FIG. 10 is only an example, and the discharge circuit 405 may include other elements in addition to the elements shown in FIG. 10 according to the present disclosure. This is understandable from a technician's perspective.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 10, the third switch 406 that controls the connection between the capacitor 401 and the ground may be connected to a node between the first switch 403 and the second switch 404.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the shear wave mode is terminated or the operation to charge electrical energy in the capacitor 401 is not performed, the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 turns on the third switch 406 so that the capacitor 401 is grounded. The discharge circuit 405 can be controlled to be connected to so that the electric energy charged in the capacitor 401 is discharged. In this case, the first switch 403 and the second switch 404 in the power circuit 320 are turned off so that the capacitor 401 is not charged with electrical energy, and the electrical energy charged in the capacitor 401 is not transmitted to the transmission circuit. It is not even supplied as (330). That is, the electrical energy remaining in the capacitor 401 can be discharged through the ground. The constant current circuit 407 in the discharge circuit 405 in the power circuit 320 generates a constant current from the capacitor 401 to the ground regardless of the electrical energy remaining in the capacitor 401 or the value of the voltage applied to the capacitor 401. By controlling the flow, the electrical energy remaining in the capacitor 401 can be discharged.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasound diagnostic device that generates shear waves, according to an embodiment.

In step S1210, as the shear wave mode is executed in the ultrasound diagnosis device 300, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 supplies the shear wave mode power used to generate the shear wave to the transmission circuit 330. ) can control the power circuit 320 within.

Specifically, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the power circuit 320 so that the power supplied from the high-voltage power source 310 within the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 charges the capacitor within the power circuit 320 with electrical energy. . The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the power circuit 320 to supply shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330 within the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 based on the electrical energy charged in the capacitor.

In step S1220, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the high voltage power source 310 so that insufficient shear wave mode power is supplied to the transmission circuit 330. Specifically, as the shear wave mode power is supplied from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330, the electrical energy charged in the power circuit 320 may be reduced. As the electrical energy charged in the power circuit 320 decreases, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 experiences a shortage of shear wave mode power to the extent that the shear wave mode power supplied from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330 is reduced. The high voltage power source 310 can be controlled to increase the size of the power source. That is, the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 may control the supply of shear wave mode power to fill the capacitor with reduced electrical energy by controlling the power circuit 320 and the high voltage power source 310. The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the power circuit 320 and the high voltage power source 310 so that shear wave mode power is constantly supplied from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330.

In step S1230, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the transmission circuit 330 to generate a pulse that generates a shear wave using shear wave mode power. The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the transmission circuit 330 so that the generated pulse is applied to a probe within the ultrasound diagnosis device 300. The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control a probe to transmit shear waves to an object. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300 may receive an echo signal of a shear wave reflected from an object, calculate the speed of propagation of the shear wave, and generate an elastic image.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasound diagnostic device that generates shear waves, according to another embodiment.

In step S1310, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may determine an operation mode for generating ultrasound. If the operation mode of the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 300 is the shear wave mode, the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 300 may perform the operation according to step S1320. On the other hand, if the operation mode of the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 300 is not the shear wave mode, the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 300 may perform the operation according to step S1315.

In step S1315, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the power circuit 320 so that the electrical energy charged in the capacitor in the power circuit 320 is not supplied to the transmission circuit 330. Specifically, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may block the operation of the power circuit 320 so that the electric energy charged in the capacitor in the power circuit 320 is not supplied to the transmission circuit 330. In addition, when the capacitor in the power circuit 320 is not charged with electrical energy, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 connects the power circuit 320 to prevent the shear wave mode power from being supplied to the transmission circuit 330 through the power circuit 320. ) can be controlled.

Additionally, in step S1315, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the capacitor in the power circuit 320 not to be charged with electrical energy.

In step S1320, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the operation of elements in the power circuit 320 so that the power circuit 320 is charged with electrical energy. For example, the power circuit 320 may include a capacitor, a constant current circuit, a first switch, and a second switch. The capacitor can charge electrical energy to supply shear wave mode power. A constant current circuit can supply electrical energy to a capacitor to supply shear wave mode power. The first switch may control the connection between the constant current circuit and the capacitor. The second switch may control the connection between the capacitor and the transmission circuit 330. The ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 controls the power circuit 320 to connect the constant current circuit and the capacitor by turning on the first switch, and disconnects the capacitor and the transmission circuit 330 by turning off the second switch, thereby connecting the capacitor to the capacitor. Electrical energy can be charged.

In step S1325, the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 may check whether the capacitor in the power circuit 320 has been completely charged with electrical energy. When the capacitor is completely charged with electrical energy, the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 may perform the operation in step S1330. On the other hand, if the capacitor is not fully charged with electrical energy, the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 may perform the operation according to step S1320.

In step S1330, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300 may control the power circuit 320 to supply shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit 330 based on the electrical energy charged in the power circuit 320. For example, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 turns off the first switch to block the connection between the constant current circuit and the capacitor, and turns on the second switch to control the power circuit 320 to connect the capacitor and the transmission circuit 330. Thus, transverse wave mode power can be supplied to the transmission circuit 330. That is, the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 controls the operations of the first switch and the second switch so that the shear wave mode power is supplied to the transmission circuit 330 based on the electrical energy charged in the capacitor in the power circuit 320. can do.

According to step S1340, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300 may determine whether the shear wave mode of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300 has ended. Additionally, the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 may determine whether an operation in which electrical energy is charged is not performed in the power circuit 320. When the shear wave mode of the ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 is terminated and the power circuit 320 is not charged with electrical energy, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may perform the operation according to step S1350. Additionally, when the shear wave mode of the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 300 is terminated and the operation of charging electrical energy in the power circuit 320 is not performed, the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 300 may perform the operation according to step S1315. Additionally, if the shear wave mode of the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 300 has not ended, the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 300 may perform the operation according to step S1325.

In step S1350, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may control the power circuit 320 so that the electrical energy charged in the power circuit 320 is discharged. For example, the power circuit 320 may further include a discharge circuit that discharges the electric energy charged in the capacitor within the power circuit 320. The discharge circuit may include a third switch that controls the connection between the capacitor and ground. The ultrasonic diagnosis device 300 may control the discharge circuit by turning on the third switch to connect the capacitor to the ground so that the electric energy charged in the capacitor is discharged. That is, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may supply shear wave mode power from the power circuit 320 to the transmission circuit 330 and control the operation of the third switch to discharge remaining electrical energy.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 described above may be implemented with hardware components, software components, and/or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, devices and components described in embodiments may include, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable array (FPA), It may be implemented using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as a programmable logic unit (PLU), microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions.

A processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications that run on the operating system. Additionally, a processing device may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of software.

For ease of understanding, a single processing device may be described as being used; however, those skilled in the art will understand that a processing device includes multiple processing elements and/or multiple types of processing elements. It can be seen that it may include. For example, a processing device may include a plurality of processors or one processor and one controller. Additionally, other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are possible.

Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing unit to operate as desired, or may be processed independently or collectively. You can command the device.

Software and/or data may be used by any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium, or computer to be interpreted by or to provide instructions or data to a processing device. It can be embodied permanently or temporarily in a storage device. Software may be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. That is, software and/or data may be stored in one or more computer-readable recording media.

The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., singly or in combination. Program instructions recorded on the medium may be specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software.

Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magnetic media such as floptical disks. -Includes optical media (magneto-optical media) and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.

Examples of program instructions include machine language code, such as that produced by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, and vice versa.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described with limited examples and drawings, various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art from the above description. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components are used. Alternatively, appropriate results may be achieved even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent.

Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined by the claims and equivalents thereof as well as the claims described later.

Claims (20)

high voltage power;
a transmission circuit that receives power from the high-voltage power supply, generates a pulse that generates ultrasonic waves, and applies it to a probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic device;
According to the execution of the shear wave mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, the shear wave mode power supply is used to receive the power from the high voltage power source, charge electric energy, and generate a shear wave to the transmission circuit based on the charged electric energy. a power circuit that supplies; and
A processor that controls the power circuit to supply the shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit according to execution of the shear wave mode,
The processor,
An ultrasonic diagnostic device comprising a processor that controls the high-voltage power source and the power circuit to supply insufficient power of the shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit, in order to consistently supply power in the shear wave mode to the transmission circuit. According to paragraph 1,
As the shear wave mode power is supplied from the power circuit to the transmission circuit, when the electrical energy charged in the power circuit decreases,
The processor controls the power circuit and the high voltage power supply,
Controlling the insufficient power supplied from the high-voltage power supply to increase, and controlling the shear wave mode power to be constantly supplied from the power circuit to the transmission circuit. According to paragraph 1,
The power circuit is,
a capacitor that charges the electrical energy to supply the shear wave mode power;
a constant current circuit connected to the high voltage power source and supplying the electric energy to supply the shear wave mode power to the capacitor;
a first switch that controls connection between the constant current circuit and the capacitor; and
An ultrasound diagnosis device comprising a second switch that controls connection between the capacitor and the transmission circuit. According to paragraph 3,
Upon execution of the shear wave mode, the processor:
Turning off the first switch to disconnect the constant current circuit and the capacitor, and turning on the second switch to control the power circuit so that the capacitor and the transmission circuit are connected,
An ultrasound diagnosis device that causes the shear wave mode power to be supplied to the transmission circuit based on the electrical energy charged in the capacitor. According to paragraph 3,
The processor,
Controlling the power circuit to turn on the first switch to connect the constant current circuit to the capacitor, and turning off the second switch to block the connection between the capacitor and the transmission circuit,
An ultrasound diagnosis device that causes the electric energy to charge the capacitor based on the current supplied from the constant current circuit. According to paragraph 3,
The power circuit is,
An ultrasonic diagnostic device further comprising a discharge circuit that discharges electrical energy charged in the capacitor. According to clause 6,
The discharge circuit includes a third switch that controls the connection between the capacitor and ground,
When the shear wave mode ends or the operation of charging the electrical energy in the capacitor is not performed, the processor,
Turning on the third switch to control the discharge circuit so that the capacitor is connected to the ground,
An ultrasonic diagnostic device that causes the electrical energy charged in the capacitor to be discharged. According to paragraph 1,
The transmitting circuit is,
An ultrasound diagnosis device that generates a pulse that generates the shear wave using the shear wave mode power and applies it to the probe. According to clause 8,
The processor,
An ultrasound diagnosis device that controls the probe to transmit the transverse wave to an object, receives an echo signal of the transverse wave reflected from the object, calculates the speed of propagation of the transverse wave, and generates an elastic image. According to paragraph 1,
The processor,
According to execution of the transverse wave mode, controlling the power circuit so that the electric energy charged in the power circuit is supplied to the transmission circuit,
An ultrasound diagnosis device that controls the power circuit so that the electric energy charged in the power circuit is not supplied to the transmission circuit according to execution of a mode other than the shear wave mode. In a method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device that generates shear waves,
controlling power supplied from a high-voltage power source within the ultrasonic diagnostic device to be charged with electrical energy according to execution of the shear wave mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic device;
controlling a power circuit in the ultrasonic diagnostic device to supply shear wave mode power used to generate the shear wave to a transmission circuit in the ultrasonic diagnostic device based on the charged electrical energy;
Controlling the high voltage power supply and the power circuit to supply insufficient power of the shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit, in accordance with the execution of the shear wave mode, in order to constantly supply the power of the shear wave mode to the transmission circuit; and
A method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device, comprising controlling the pulse generating the shear wave using the shear wave mode power source and controlling the transmission circuit to apply the pulse to a probe in the ultrasonic diagnostic device. According to clause 11,
The step of controlling the high voltage power source and the power circuit to supply the insufficient power to the transmission circuit,
As the shear wave mode power is supplied from the power circuit to the transmission circuit, when the electrical energy charged in the power circuit decreases,
Controlling the insufficient power supplied from the high-voltage power source to increase, and controlling the power circuit and the high-voltage power source so that the shear wave mode power is constantly supplied from the power circuit to the transmission circuit. How it works. According to clause 11,
The power circuit is,
a capacitor that charges the electrical energy to supply the shear wave mode power;
a constant current circuit connected to the high voltage power source and supplying the electric energy to supply the shear wave mode power to the capacitor;
a first switch that controls connection between the constant current circuit and the capacitor; and
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device, including a second switch that controls connection between the capacitor and the transmission circuit. According to clause 13,
The step of controlling the power circuit so that the transverse wave mode power is supplied to the transmission circuit,
Turning off the first switch to block the connection between the constant current circuit and the capacitor, and turning on the second switch to control the power circuit so that the capacitor and the transmission circuit are connected. How it works. According to clause 13,
The step of controlling the power circuit so that the transverse wave mode power is supplied to the transmission circuit,
A method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device, comprising controlling the power circuit so that the electrical energy is charged in the capacitor. According to clause 15,
Controlling the power circuit so that the electrical energy is charged in the capacitor includes:
An ultrasound diagnosis device comprising the step of controlling the power circuit to connect the constant current circuit and the capacitor by turning on the first switch, and disconnecting the capacitor and the transmission circuit by turning off the second switch. How it works. According to clause 13,
The power circuit further includes a discharge circuit including a third switch that discharges the electrical energy charged in the capacitor and controls the connection between the capacitor and the ground,
The operation method of the ultrasonic diagnostic device is:
When the shear wave mode is terminated or the operation of charging the electrical energy in the capacitor is not performed, the third switch is turned on to connect the capacitor and the ground to discharge the electrical energy charged in the capacitor. A method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device, further comprising controlling a discharge circuit. According to clause 11,
Controlling the probe so that the transverse wave is transmitted to the object, receiving an echo signal of the transverse wave reflected from the object, calculating the speed of propagation of the transverse wave, and generating an elastic image of the ultrasound diagnosis device. How it works. According to clause 11,
The step of controlling the power circuit so that the shear wave mode power is supplied to the transmission circuit is:
Controlling the power circuit so that electrical energy charged in the power circuit is supplied to the transmission circuit according to execution of the shear wave mode; and
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnostic device, comprising controlling the power circuit so that electrical energy charged in the power circuit is not supplied to the transmission circuit when a mode other than the shear wave mode is executed. A computer-readable recording medium containing a program executing a method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device that generates shear waves, the method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic device comprising:
controlling power supplied from a high-voltage power source within the ultrasonic diagnostic device to be charged with electrical energy according to execution of the shear wave mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic device;
controlling a power circuit in the ultrasonic diagnostic device to supply shear wave mode power used to generate the shear wave to a transmission circuit in the ultrasonic diagnostic device based on the charged electrical energy;
Controlling the high voltage power supply and the power circuit to supply insufficient power of the shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit, in accordance with execution of the shear wave mode, to constantly supply the shear wave mode power to the transmission circuit; and
A computer-readable recording medium comprising controlling the transverse wave mode power source to generate a pulse generating the transverse wave and controlling the transmission circuit to apply the pulse to a probe in the ultrasonic diagnostic device.

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