KR20170065401A - Ultrasonic image apparatus and power management method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

In the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present invention, a transducer for outputting an ultrasonic wave for diagnosis of a target object; A pulse transmitter for transmitting a pulse signal for outputting ultrasonic waves to a transducer; A pulse receiver for receiving a feedback signal corresponding to a pulse signal transmitted from the transducer; A pulse power supply unit for supplying power to the pulse transmission unit; A control section for controlling the pulse power source section to control whether or not power is supplied to the pulse transmission section for at least a part of a reception section of a transmission section for transmitting a pulse signal and a reception section for receiving the feedback signal periodically, . Accordingly, by controlling power supply to the pulleys during at least a part of the period in which the feedback signal is received, the switching noise generated in the high-voltage conversion circuit can be reduced to improve the quality of the ultrasound image.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a power management method for an ultrasound imaging apparatus and an ultrasound imaging apparatus,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a power management method for an ultrasound imaging apparatus and an ultrasound imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to an ultrasound imaging apparatus for reducing noise of an ultrasound image and a power management method for the ultrasound imaging apparatus.

With the development of electronic technology, the application of electronic technology in the medical sector and the health care sector is gradually increasing. In particular, the need for a portable ultrasound device as a device for remote medical diagnosis and clinical ultrasound diagnosis is emerging.

The ultrasonic device requires a high-voltage conversion circuit to transmit a pulse for ultrasonic output, and the quality of the ultrasonic image can be deteriorated due to the switching noise generated here.

In the case of a conventional cart-type ultrasonic apparatus, a decoupling capacitor is added to solve EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) generated in a printed circuit board (PCB) It is common to reduce the noise of the ultrasound image.

However, in the case of a miniaturized and lightweight portable ultrasound device, there is a limitation in reducing the ultrasound image noise by a conventional method such as decoupling capacitor, isolation and shielding due to the limited PCB area, It is difficult to apply to a portable ultrasonic apparatus having a PCB having a small area because of its large size.

In addition, since the portable ultrasonic apparatus operates using a battery rather than an external power source, there is a limit in that the usable time is entirely determined by the power consumption of the apparatus.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus for reducing switching noise generated in a high-voltage conversion circuit and a power management method for an ultrasonic imaging apparatus.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a power management method for an ultrasound imaging apparatus and an ultrasound imaging apparatus for reducing power consumed in an ultrasound diagnosis.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising: a transducer for outputting ultrasonic waves for diagnosis of a target object; A pulse transmitter for transmitting a pulse signal for outputting ultrasonic waves to a transducer; A pulse receiver for receiving a feedback signal corresponding to a pulse signal transmitted from the transducer; A pulse power supply unit for supplying power to the pulse transmission unit; A control section for controlling the pulse power source section to control whether or not power is supplied to the pulse transmission section for at least a part of a reception section of a transmission section for transmitting a pulse signal and a reception section for receiving the feedback signal periodically, And an ultrasound imaging device. According to the embodiment of the present invention, when a pulse is transmitted for ultrasonic output and a reflected feedback signal is received, the power supply of the pulleys is controlled during at least part of the period in which the feedback signal is received, So that the quality of the ultrasound image can be improved. This also has the effect of reducing the power consumed in the ultrasonic diagnosis

The control section may control the pulse power source section to shut off the power supply to the pulse transmission section with respect to the entire reception section. Accordingly, by cutting off the power supply to the pulleys during the entire period in which the feedback signal for the pulse is received, the switching noise generated in the high voltage conversion circuit can be more effectively reduced .

Wherein the pulse power supply unit includes a switching unit for performing a switching operation for DC-DC conversion so that the pulse signal is outputted, and the control unit may stop the switching operation of the switching unit for at least a part of the reception period . Thus, during at least some periods of receiving the feedback signal, the switching operation of the DC-DC converter can be controlled to shut off the power supply to the pulleys.

Wherein the pulse power supply unit further includes a driving unit for controlling a switching operation of the switching unit according to an operation control signal, wherein the control unit controls the driving unit to cut off power supply to the pulse transmitting unit, It is possible to control the state of the operation control signal inputted to the control unit. Accordingly, the power supply to the pel can be cut off by controlling the enable signal input to the DC-DC converter to a low state during at least a part of the period in which the feedback signal is received.

Wherein the control unit includes a control switch for selectively supplying power to the pulse transmitting unit and the control unit switches the control switch to cut off power supply to the pulse transmitting unit for at least a part of the reception period Can be controlled. Thereby, during at least a part of the period in which the feedback signal is received, power supply to the pulleys can be cut off by turning on a switch provided in the DC-DC converter.

The control unit may stop the switching operation of the switching unit for a period in which the magnitude of the switching noise generated in the switching unit during the reception interval is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Accordingly, during a period during which the feedback signal is received, the switching noise generated in the DC-DC converter is measured at predetermined intervals, and the DC-DC converter is controlled so that power is not supplied to the pulser for a period in which the magnitude of the switching noise is equal to or greater than a predetermined value The switching operation can be controlled.

An ADC for performing analog-to-digital conversion on the feedback signal received from the transducer; And an ADC power supply unit for supplying power to the ADC. The controller may control the ADC power supply unit to cut off power supply to the ADC for at least a part of the reception interval other than the reception interval. Thus, only during the interval during which the feedback signal is received, the power consumed by supplying power to the ADC can be reduced.

Wherein the pulse power supply unit outputs a first control signal for controlling supply of power to the pulse transmitting unit and the ADC power supply unit outputs a second control signal for controlling power supply to the ADC, Signal and the second control signal may have opposite waveforms in at least a part of the reception period. Accordingly, during at least a part of the period in which the feedback signal is received, the power supply to the pulleys is interrupted and the control operation to supply the power to the ADC is performed, thereby reducing switching noise and power consumption.

Wherein the signal transmission / reception section further includes an intermediate section other than the transmission section and the reception section, and the control section controls the pulse power source section to block power supply to the pulse transmission section during at least a part of the intermediate section can do. As a result, power consumption can be reduced by cutting off power supply to the pulleys in a period where pulse transmission and feedback signal reception do not occur.

There is a predetermined guard time between the transmission period and the reception period and the control unit may control the pulse power supply unit to supply power to the pulse transmission unit during the protection period. Accordingly, power can be supplied to the pulser until the feedback signal is received after the transmission of the pulse, so that the transmission operation of the pulse can be stably completed.

The control unit may control the ADC power unit to supply power to the ADC prior to a start time of the reception interval. Accordingly, it is possible to supply power to the ADC ahead of the timing at which the feedback signal is received, so that the ADC can stably start operation in the receiving section.

The pulse receiving unit and the pulse power source unit may be disposed adjacent to each other. Accordingly, even when the circuit elements are disposed adjacent to each other on the PCB having the limited area, the switching noise generated in the high-voltage conversion circuit is reduced, and the quality of the ultrasound image generated by the received feedback signal can be improved.

And a battery for supplying a source power to the pulse power source unit. Accordingly, when a battery is used as a power source for ultrasonic output, the switching noise generated in the high voltage conversion circuit can be reduced to improve the quality of the ultrasound image.

The pulse power source unit may include a connection unit for receiving source power from an external power supply unit. Accordingly, even when a power supply for ultrasonic output is supplied from the outside, the switching noise generated in the high voltage conversion circuit is reduced, and the quality of the ultrasound image can be improved.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power management method for an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, comprising: transmitting a pulse signal for ultrasonic output by a pulse transmitter to a transducer for outputting ultrasonic waves for diagnosis of a target object; Receiving, by the pulse receiving section, a feedback signal corresponding to the pulse signal transmitted from the transducer; Controlling whether or not power is supplied to the pulse transmitting section for at least a part of the receiving section of the signal transmitting and receiving section in which the pulse section and the receiving section for periodically repeating the transmitting section for transmitting the pulse signal and the receiving section for receiving the feedback signal are repeated And the power management method of the ultrasound imaging apparatus including the ultrasound imaging apparatus. According to the embodiment of the present invention, when a pulse is transmitted for ultrasonic output and a reflected feedback signal is received, the power supply of the pulleys is controlled during at least part of the period in which the feedback signal is received, So that the quality of the ultrasound image can be improved. This also has the effect of reducing the power consumed in the ultrasonic diagnosis

And stopping power supply to the pulse transmitting unit for the entire reception period. Accordingly, by cutting off the power supply to the pulleys during the entire period in which the feedback signal for the pulse is received, the switching noise generated in the high voltage conversion circuit can be more effectively reduced .

Wherein the pulse power supply unit includes a switching unit for performing a switching operation for DC-DC conversion so that the pulse signal is output, and stopping the switching operation of the switching unit for at least a part of the reception period have. Thus, during at least some periods of receiving the feedback signal, the switching operation of the DC-DC converter can be controlled to shut off the power supply to the pulleys.

Wherein the pulse power supply unit further includes a driving unit for controlling a switching operation of the switching unit in accordance with an operation control signal, And controlling the state of the control signal. Accordingly, the power supply to the pel can be cut off by controlling the enable signal input to the DC-DC converter to a low state during at least a part of the period in which the feedback signal is received.

Wherein the switching unit includes a control switch for selectively allowing power supply to the pulse transmitting unit and controlling the control switch to cut off power supply to the pulse transmitting unit for at least a part of the receiving period . Thereby, during at least a part of the period in which the feedback signal is received, power supply to the pulleys can be cut off by turning on a switch provided in the DC-DC converter.

Performing an analog-to-digital conversion on the feedback signal received from the transducer by an ADC; And stopping power supply to the ADC for at least a part of the interval other than the reception interval by the ADC power supply unit. Thus, only during the interval during which the feedback signal is received, the power consumed by supplying power to the ADC can be reduced.

The pulse receiving unit and the pulse power source unit may be disposed adjacent to each other. Accordingly, even when the circuit elements are disposed adjacent to each other on the PCB having the limited area, the switching noise generated in the high-voltage conversion circuit is reduced, and the quality of the ultrasound image generated by the received feedback signal can be improved.

And a battery for supplying a source power to the pulse power source unit. Accordingly, when the battery is used as the power source for the ultrasonic output, power consumption can be reduced by controlling power supply to the pulleys during the reception period of the feedback signal.

As described above, according to the present invention, in the ultrasound imaging apparatus, by controlling power supply to the pulses during the reception period of the feedback signal, the switching noise generated in the high-voltage conversion circuit is reduced to improve the quality of the ultrasound image There is an effect that can be.

Further, according to the present invention, in the ultrasound imaging apparatus, there is an effect that the power consumption can be reduced by controlling power supply to the pulleys during the reception period of the feedback signal.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 shows an example of a configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus in which switching noise occurs in the prior art.
8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus for reducing switching noise according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a DC-DC converter for power supply control according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a DC-DC converter for power supply control according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a diagram illustrating waveforms of control signals of the pulse power source unit and the ADC power source unit in the pulse transmission period and the reception period according to the embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a diagram illustrating waveforms of control signals of the pulse power source unit and the ADC power source unit in the pulse transmission period and the reception period according to the embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a diagram illustrating waveforms of control signals of the pulse power source and the ADC power source in the pulse transmission period and the reception period according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an example of waveforms of a control signal and a switching signal of a pulse power source in a transmission interval and a reception interval of a pulse through a plurality of channels according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 illustrates an example of quality change of an ultrasound image by switching noise removal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.
16 is a flowchart illustrating a power management method of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a flowchart illustrating a power management method of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a flowchart illustrating a power management method of an ultrasound imaging apparatus 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 skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly illustrate the present invention, parts not related to the description are omitted, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, the features of each component included in the ultrasound imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1, an ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pulse power supply unit 11, a pulse transmitting / receiving unit 12, a transducer 13, a controller (not shown) 14, an analog-digital converter (ADC) power supply unit 15, an ADC 16, an image processing unit 17, and a communication unit 18, and may further include a storage unit 19. At this time, the pulse transmitting / receiving unit 12 includes the configurations of the pulse transmitting unit 121 and the pulse receiving unit 122. [ The ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention can communicate with an external display device 20 through a communication unit 18.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention may further include a light source (not shown). As an example, at least one light source for generating light of a specific wavelength may be used as the light source. As another example, a plurality of light sources for generating light of different wavelengths may be used as the light source. The wavelength of the light generated in the light source can be selected in consideration of the target in the object. Such a light source may be realized by a semiconductor laser (LD), a light emitting diode (LED), a solid laser, a gas laser, an optical fiber, or a combination thereof.

The configuration included in the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be implemented by including other additional configurations.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention is a medical apparatus that transmits an ultrasound signal from a body surface of a target body toward a predetermined tissue in the body and uses the information of the ultrasound feedback signal reflected from the tissue in the body, Means an apparatus for obtaining an image of blood flow. Specifically, when the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 transmits ultrasound in the range of several to several hundreds of MHz to a specific site within the patient's body, the ultrasound is partially reflected from the layers between different tissues. Ultrasound is reflected in anatomical entities with varying density within the body, such as blodd cells in blood plasma, small tissues in organs, and the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 may be implemented in various forms. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 10 may be implemented as a mobile terminal or a fixed terminal. When the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 is implemented as a mobile terminal, the ultrasound image generated by the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 may be transmitted to the connected display apparatus 20 to display the ultrasound image. In this case, the connected display device 20 may be a smart phone, a tablet, a smart TV, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant assistant or the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasound imaging device 10 can exchange medical image data with other medical devices in a hospital server or a hospital connected through a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). In addition, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 can perform data communication with a server or the like according to a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device 20 connected to the ultrasound imaging device 10 may include a touch screen. The touch screen may be configured to detect a touch input location, a touched area, and a touch input. In addition, the touch screen can be configured to detect not only a real-touch but also a proximity touch. Herein, the direct touch refers to a touch (eg, a pointing device, a stylus, a haptic pen, an electronic pen, or the like) actually provided to the user's body (eg, a finger) Quot; is referred to as " touched ". The proximity touch refers to a case where the user's body or touch tool is not actually touched on the screen but is approached at a predetermined distance from the screen (for example, when the detectable distance is 30 mm or less).

The ultrasonic imaging apparatus (10) of the present invention outputs an ultrasonic wave for diagnosis of a target object (21) through a transducer (13). To this end, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 transmits a pulse signal for outputting an ultrasonic wave to the transducer 13, and receives a feedback signal corresponding to the pulse signal transmitted from the transducer 13. At this time, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 includes a pulse transmitting unit (not shown) for transmitting a pulse to at least a part of a receiving section of a transmitting / receiving section for transmitting a pulse signal and a receiving section for receiving a feedback signal periodically 121 to be supplied with power.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, in transmitting a pulse for ultrasonic output and receiving a reflected feedback signal, by controlling the power supply to the pulleys transmitting pulses for at least a part of the period of receiving the feedback signal, There is an advantage that the switching noise generated in the conversion circuit is reduced to improve the quality of the ultrasound image. This also has the effect of reducing the power consumed in the ultrasonic diagnosis

The transducer 13 outputs an ultrasonic wave for diagnosis of the object 21. [ The transducer 13 transmits ultrasonic waves to the object 21 and receives a feedback signal of ultrasonic waves reflected from the object 21 as a portion that contacts the object 21.

In one embodiment, the transducer 13 includes a transducer array in which a plurality of elements for converting an ultrasonic wave and an electric signal into each other are arranged in a predetermined form. The transducer array may include a plurality of piezoelectric elements as a plurality of elements. The plurality of piezoelectric elements may be formed by dividing the piezoelectric material into a plurality of parts. For example, the piezoelectric material may be manufactured by dicing a long piezoelectric material, or by pressing a piezoelectric material with a metal mold. have. The piezoelectric material may be a piezoelectric ceramic, a single crystal, a composite piezoelectric material in which the material and the polymer are combined, or the like.

The plurality of elements may be arranged in a linear array or in a convex array. Further, the plurality of elements may be arranged in a two-layer structure, that is, a bi-layer structure or a multilayer structure (phased array). The array form of the plurality of elements may be variously set according to the intention of the designer, and a cover covering the plurality of elements may be provided on the upper part of the arranged elements.

The transducer 13 may be, for example, a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer using a piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric material, a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer for converting an ultrasonic wave and an electric signal into a change in electrostatic capacitance , cMUT), a magnetic micromachined ultrasonic transducer (mMUT) that transforms ultrasonic waves and electric signals with a change in magnetic field, an optical ultrasonic detector ) Can be used as the ultrasonic transducer.

The case where the transducer 13 includes a plurality of elements arranged one-dimensionally on a plane perpendicular to the ultrasonic propagation direction is referred to as a one-dimensional transducer array. The one-dimensional transducer array may be a linear array or a convex array. One-dimensional transducer arrays are advantageous because they are easy to manufacture and have low manufacturing cost.

Further, a plurality of elements of the transducer 13 may be arranged two-dimensionally on a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of ultrasonic waves, which is referred to as a two-dimensional transducer array. The two-dimensional transducer array may be a linear array or a curved array. The two-dimensional transducer array appropriately delays the input time of signals input to the respective elements, thereby transmitting the ultrasonic waves to the object 21 along an external scan line. Then, a plurality of feedback signals are used to obtain a stereoscopic image. Accordingly, the two-dimensional transducer array can be more easily implemented in the three-dimensional stereoscopic image.

The transducer array generates an ultrasonic signal in accordance with the control signal, and irradiates the generated ultrasonic signal into the object 21. And detects or detects an ultrasound feedback signal reflected from a specific tissue (for example, a lesion) in the target body 21. The ultrasonic waves thus reflected cause the transducer 13 to vibrate, and the transducer 13 outputs electrical pulses corresponding to these vibrations. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 generates an ultrasound image signal by the electrical pulses thus output, processes the ultrasound image signal, and displays the ultrasound image through the display device 20 connected to the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 . In displaying ultrasound images, when anatomical tissues have different ultrasonic reflection characteristics, for example, in an ultrasound image of a brightness mode, each of the anatomical tissues has a different brightness value.

The pulse transmitting and receiving unit 12 includes a pulse transmitting unit 121 and a pulse receiving unit 122 capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the transducer 13. The pulse transmitting unit 121 transmits a pulse signal for outputting an ultrasonic wave to the transducer 13 and the pulse receiving unit 122 receives a feedback signal corresponding to the pulse signal transmitted from the transducer 13. [

In one embodiment, the pulse transmitting / receiving unit 12 may be implemented as an AFE in which the pulse transmitting unit 121 and the pulse receiving unit 122 are combined into one. In another embodiment, the pulse transmitting / receiving unit 12 may be realized by separately separating the pulse transmitting unit 121 and the pulse receiving unit 122. The pulse transmitting and receiving unit 12 of the present invention performs the operations of the pulse transmitting unit 121 and the pulse receiving unit 122 independently of whether the pulse transmitting unit 121 and the pulse receiving unit 122 are hardware- . ≪ / RTI >

The pulse transmitting unit 121 is implemented as a pulser that transmits a pulse, which is an electrical signal, to the transducer 13. [ When the pulse transmitting section 121 transmits a pulse signal to the transducer 13, the transducer 13 outputs the ultrasonic wave corresponding to the pulse signal to the object 21. At this time, the transducer 13 transmits the electric signal into which the ultrasonic feedback signal received from the object 21 is converted, to the pulse receiving unit 122. [ That is, the pulse receiving unit 122 receives the electric signal of the ultrasonic feedback signal corresponding to the transmitted pulse signal from the transducer 13. [

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pulse transmitting and receiving unit 12 includes a multi-channel transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals through a plurality of channels. The pulse transmitting and receiving unit 12 may be implemented as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) such as a 64 channel transceiver or a 128 channel transceiver. The ASIC refers to an integrated circuit for ordering for a user to use for a specific purpose, and in one embodiment of the present invention, the ASIC operates as an AFE (Analog Front-end).

In one embodiment, the pulse transmitting unit 121 and the pulse receiving unit 122 included in the pulse transmitting / receiving unit 12 may be implemented as one ASIC. In another embodiment, the pulse transmitting unit 121 and the pulse receiving unit 122 may be implemented as separate ASICs.

The pulse power supply unit 11 supplies power to the pulse transmission unit 121. The pulse power supply unit 11 includes a power supply input unit (not shown) for receiving the source power, a rectifying smoothing unit (not shown) for rectifying and smoothing the input power supply and outputting the level of the voltage output by the rectifying smoother, And a power conversion unit (not shown) for converting and supplying power to the pulse transmitting unit 121. [

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the power input unit may receive source power from a battery accommodated in an inner space of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10. In another embodiment, the power input unit may receive source power from an external power supply (not shown). In this case, the power input unit can receive the source power from an external power supply through a connection unit (not shown).

In one embodiment, the power input unit may further include a power filter unit for filtering input source power to remove noise.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rectifying and smoothing unit rectifies and smoothes the filtered source power inputted from the power input unit and outputs the filtered power. The rectifying and smoothing section rectifies the current output from the power input section to convert the alternating current into direct current. The rectifying and smoothing portion can include the configuration of a bridge diode, through which the current can be rectified.

The rectifying and smoothing unit may include a smoothing capacitor for rectifying the current output through the power input unit and smoothing the output DC voltage. The rectifying and smoothing part boosts the voltage charged in the smoothing capacitor to improve the power factor of the pulse power supply part 13.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the power conversion section converts the level of the voltage output by the rectifying and smoothing section and supplies power to the pulse transmitting / receiving section (12). At this time, the power conversion section can supply power to the pulse transmission section 121, respectively.

The power conversion section may be implemented, for example, by including a DC-DC converter that converts the level of the DC voltage output by the rectifying smoothing section and outputs a DC voltage of another level.

9, the DC-DC converter 90 of the power conversion section includes a DC / DC controller 92, a switching element (FET) 93, an inductor 94, And may include a configuration of a diode 95.

The switching element (FET) 93 performs a switching operation for DC-DC conversion so that the pulse signal Tx is output to the pulse transmitting section 121 and, for example, the pulse signal Tx of + Or a pulse signal Tx of -40 V can be output.

The DC-DC controller 92, in one embodiment, controls the switching operation of the switching element 93 in accordance with the operation control signal 91, and the operation control signal 91 can be implemented, for example, as an enable signal . For example, the state of the operation control signal 91 may be set high to enable the switching operation of the switching element 93 to be performed, and as another example, the state of the operation control signal 91 may be set to low So that the switching operation of the switching element 93 can be stopped.

10, the DC-DC converter 100 includes a DC-DC controller 101, a switching element (FET) 102, a control switch 103, an inductor 104 and a diode 105. In the embodiment shown in FIG. Here, the switching element (FET) 102 performs a switching operation for DC-DC conversion so that the pulse signal Tx is outputted to the pulse transmitting section 121, and for example, a pulse signal of +40 V Tx) or a pulse signal Tx of -40 V can be output.

The control switch 103 is configured to selectively supply power to the pulse transmitting section 121 and can be switched to the On or Off state.

In one embodiment, the DC-DC controller 101 can turn off the control switch 103 so that power is supplied to the pulse transmitting unit 121. [ That is, the control switch 103 can be turned off to turn on the power supply operation to the pulse transmitting section 121. As another example, the DC-DC controller 101 may turn on the control switch 103 so that power supply to the pulse transmitting section 121 is interrupted. That is, the control switch 103 can be turned on to turn off the power supply operation to the pulse transmitting section 121.

As described above, the pulse power supply unit 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention can configure the power supply circuit in the form of FIG. 9 or 10 in order to supply power to the pulse transmitting unit 121. Also, the method of implementing the power supply circuit of the pulse power supply unit 11 is not limited to this, and can be implemented in various forms.

The control unit 14 controls whether or not the power to the pulse transmitting unit 121 is supplied to at least a part of the reception period of the signal transmission / reception period in which the transmission interval for transmitting the pulse signal and the reception interval for receiving the feedback signal are periodically repeated And controls the pulse power supply unit 11.

In one embodiment, the control unit 14 may control the pulse power supply unit 11 to block the power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 121 with respect to the entire reception period in which the feedback signal is received. As shown in FIG. 11, by disabling the pulse power source control signal 113 for the whole of the reception section 116 in which the feedback signal 112 as the pulse reception signal is received, the pulse transmission section 121 ) Can be cut off. 9, the DC-DC controller 92 adjusts the state of the operation control signal 91 to a low state to disable the pulse power source control signal 113, The switching operation of the element 93 can be stopped. As another method of disabling the pulse power supply control signal 113, the DC-DC controller 101 may control the power supply to the pulse transmission unit 121 to be cut off, (103) can be turned on.

The control unit 14 may control the pulse power supply unit 11 to cut off the power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 121 for a part of the reception period 116 in which the feedback signal is received. 12, by disabling the pulse power supply control signal 113 during a part of the reception period 116 in which the feedback signal 112 as the pulse reception signal is received, the pulse transmission unit 121 ) Can be cut off.

In another embodiment, the control unit 14 controls the pulse transmission unit 121 to cut off the power supply to the pulse transmission unit 121 for the transmission period during which the pulse signal is transmitted and the intermediate period other than the reception period for receiving the feedback signal, (11) can be controlled. 13, even in the intermediate section 119, which is a section other than the transmission section 115 in which the pulse transmission signal 111 is transmitted and the reception section 116 in which the feedback signal 112 is received, The power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 121 can be cut off by disabling the signal 113. [

As described above, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention reduces the switching noise generated in the high-voltage conversion circuit by blocking the power supply to the whole or part of the reception period of the feedback signal Thereby improving the quality of the ultrasound image and reducing power consumption.

Meanwhile, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention can reduce the power consumption by controlling the power supply to the ADC 16 as well as the pulse transmitting unit 121.

An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 16 performs analog-to-digital conversion on the feedback signal received from the transducer 13. That is, when the pulse transmitting section 121 transmits a pulse signal to the transducer 13, the pulse receiving section 122 receives the feedback signal corresponding to the transmitted pulse signal from the transducer 13 and outputs it to the ADC 16 And the ADC 16 can analog-to-digital convert the output feedback signal to form a digital signal.

The ADC power supply unit 15 supplies power to the ADC 16. The ADC power supply unit 15 includes an ADC power supply input unit (not shown) for receiving the source power, an ADC rectification smoothing unit (not shown) for rectifying and smoothing the input source power, and an ADC rectifying smoothing unit (Not shown) that converts the level of the voltage output by the ADC 16 and supplies power to the ADC 16. [

The ADC power input unit can receive the source power from the battery accommodated in the inner space of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10. As another example, the ADC power input unit may receive source power from an external power supply (not shown). The ADC power input unit may further include an ADC power filter unit that filters input source power to remove noise.

The ADC rectifying and smoothing section rectifies and smoothes the filtered source power inputted from the ADC power input section and outputs it. The ADC rectifying and smoothing section rectifies the current output from the ADC power input section to convert the alternating current into a direct current. The ADC rectification smoothing section can include the configuration of a bridge diode, through which the current can be rectified.

The ADC rectifying and smoothing unit may include a smoothing capacitor for smoothing the DC voltage output by rectifying the current output through the ADC power input unit. The ADC rectification smoothing section boosts the voltage charged in the smoothing capacitor to improve the power factor of the ADC 16. [

The ADC power conversion section converts the level of the voltage output by the ADC rectifying and smoothing section and supplies power to the ADC (16). The ADC power conversion unit may include a DC-DC converter (not shown) that converts the level of the DC voltage output by the ADC rectifying and smoothing unit and outputs a DC voltage of another level, for example.

According to the above-described configuration, the ADC power supply unit 15 supplies the power to the ADC 16. In one embodiment, the ADC power supply unit 15 may include an ADC switching unit (not shown) for performing a switching operation for controlling the power supply to the ADC 16. For example, the ADC switching unit may be implemented as a switching element (FET) of a DC-DC converter that converts the level of the voltage to supply power to the ADC 16, A switching operation for conversion can be performed.

In one embodiment, the ADC power supply unit may further include an ADC driver (not shown) for controlling the switching operation of the ADC switching unit in accordance with the operation control signal. At this time, the operation control signal may be implemented as an enable signal, for example. For example, the ADC driving unit may be implemented by a DC-DC controller (not shown) included in the DC-DC converter, and may control the switching operation of the switching element in accordance with the operation control signal. That is, the switching operation of the switching device may be performed by adjusting the state of the operation control signal to high, or the switching operation of the switching device may be stopped by adjusting the state of the operation control signal to low.

As another example, the ADC switching unit may include an ADC control switch for selectively allowing power supply to the ADC 16. [ As an example, the DC-DC controller may turn off the ADC control switch to be powered by the ADC 16, or may turn the ADC control switch on so that the power supply to the ADC 16 is interrupted.

The control unit 14 controls the ADC power supply unit 15 to block the supply of power to the ADC 16 for at least a section other than the reception period.

In one embodiment, the control unit 14 may control the ADC power supply unit 15 to block power supply to the ADC 16 for a period other than the reception period in which the feedback signal is received. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, by disabling the ADC power control signal 114 for a period other than the reception period 116 in which the feedback signal 112 as the pulse reception signal is received The power supply to the ADC 16 can be cut off. This allows the ADC 16 to operate only during the reception interval 116 during which the ADC 16 performs the analog-to-digital conversion, thereby increasing the power supply efficiency.

The control unit 14 can control the ADC power supply unit 15 to supply power to the ADC 16 in preference to the start time of the reception interval. 11 to 13, the ADC power control signal 114 is enabled for a predetermined guard period, which is a section between the transmission period 115 and the reception period 116, So that the ADC 16 is driven in advance to perform the operation.

As described above, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention allows power to be supplied to the ADC 16 during a reception period of the feedback signal, and supplies power to the ADC 16 during a period other than the reception period The power consumption is reduced and the switching noise is reduced to improve the quality of the ultrasound image.

The image processing unit 17 generates an ultrasound image signal based on the feedback signal received through the transducer 13. In one embodiment, the image processing unit 17 may support a plurality of modes and may generate an ultrasound image corresponding to each mode.

The types of ultrasound images include a brightness mode image in which the magnitude of an ultrasound feedback signal reflected from a target object is expressed by brightness, a Doppler mode in which a target object image is displayed in a spectral form using a Doppler effect, An M mode mode image showing the movement of the object with time at a predetermined position, an elastic mode image showing the reaction difference when applying pressure to the object and not applying the pressure, and a Doppler effect, And a C mode (color mode) image in which the speed of a moving object is represented in color using a moving object. In addition, the types of ultrasound images can be classified into 1D, 2D, 3D, and 4D modes according to the displayed dimension.

In one embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 may include a configuration of the storage unit 19. [ The storage unit 19 is a memory provided inside the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 and may be implemented as a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 19 stores the ultrasound image data and the ultrasound image data generated by the image processing unit 17. The data stored in the storage unit 19 is not limited to the embodiment of the present invention and may store all data related to generation, output and management of the ultrasound image.

The communication unit 18 communicates with an external display device 20 and can communicate with an external display device 20 by a wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The control unit 14 may transmit the ultrasound image signal generated by the image processing unit 17 to the external display device 20 through the communication unit 18. Accordingly, the ultrasound image generated through the diagnosis of the target object in the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 can be displayed through a display device such as a connected smart phone or tablet.

Meanwhile, the configuration of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in other electronic apparatuses. That is, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention can be applied to a portable electronic apparatus using a battery as a power source, such as a stylus pen. In the case of a stylus pen, a charging battery is incorporated as an input tool for a display. When a voltage higher than a supply voltage of the battery is required for outputting an input signal, the high- It is possible to reduce the switching noise generated in the display device.

And a battery for supplying a source power to the pulse power source unit. Accordingly, when the battery is used as the power source for the ultrasonic output, power consumption can be reduced by controlling power supply to the pulleys during the reception period of the feedback signal.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 includes a pulse power supply unit 11, a pulse transmission / reception unit 12, a transducer 13, a control unit 14, an ADC power supply unit 15, an ADC 16, And a communication unit 18. At this time, the pulse transmitting / receiving unit 12 includes the configurations of the pulse transmitting unit 121 and the pulse receiving unit 122. [ The ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can communicate with an external display device 20 through a communication unit 18. [ Each constituent element of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of FIG. 2 is the same as each constituent element of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, so a detailed description will be omitted and only differences will be described.

In one embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 may allow the display apparatus 20 to perform an image processing function of generating an ultrasound image signal based on a feedback signal received through the transducer 13. [ That is, the control unit 14 may control the communication unit 18 to transmit the digital-converted ultrasonic feedback signal through the ADC 16 to the display device 20. The display device 20 can generate a feedback signal received from the ultrasound imaging device 10 as an ultrasound image corresponding to a B mode, a C mode, a Doppler mode, or the like. In this case, the display device 20 may include an image processing unit that supports each mode.

The control unit 14 may control the pulse power supply unit 11 to interrupt the power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 12 for at least a part of the reception period in which the feedback signal is received. Further, the control unit 14 may control the ADC power supply unit 15 to block the supply of power to the ADC 16 for at least some intervals other than the reception period for receiving the feedback signal. Accordingly, the switching noise generated in the high-voltage conversion circuit is reduced to improve the quality of the ultrasound image, and the power consumption is reduced.

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 includes a pulse power supply unit 11, a pulse transmitting / receiving unit 12, a transducer 13, a controller 14, an ADC power unit 15, an ADC 16, An image processing unit 17, and a display unit 171. At this time, the pulse transmitting / receiving unit 12 includes the configurations of the pulse transmitting unit 121 and the pulse receiving unit 122. [ Each constituent element of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of FIG. 3 is the same as each constituent element of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, so that a detailed description will be omitted and only differences will be described.

The controller 14 may be configured to display the ultrasound image on the basis of the ultrasound image signal generated by the image processor 17 and to display the ultrasound image on the display unit 171. In this case, It is possible to control the display section 171 to display it. That is, the ultrasound image generated by the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 may not be displayed through an external display device but may be provided with a display unit 171 in the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 itself to directly display the ultrasound image . Accordingly, it is convenient for the user to simultaneously perform the ultrasonic diagnosis and the confirmation of the ultrasonic image through the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10.

The control unit 14 may control the pulse power supply unit 11 to interrupt the power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 12 for at least a part of the reception period in which the feedback signal is received. Further, the control unit 14 may control the ADC power supply unit 15 to block the supply of power to the ADC 16 for at least some intervals other than the reception period for receiving the feedback signal. Accordingly, the switching noise generated in the high-voltage conversion circuit is reduced to improve the quality of the ultrasound image, and the power consumption is reduced.

4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 includes a pulse power supply unit 11, a pulse transmission / reception unit 12, a transducer 13, a control unit 14, an ADC power supply unit 15, an ADC 16, And a connection portion 181. At this time, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 may be connected to the display device 20 through a connection unit 181. For example, the connection unit 181 may be implemented as a USB jack capable of connecting an external device. Each component of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of FIG. 4 is the same as each component of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, so that a detailed description will be omitted and only differences will be described.

In one embodiment, the ultrasound imaging device 10 may be connected to an external display device 20, such as a computer, a notebook computer, or the like through a connection unit 181 by wire. In this case, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 may perform an image processing function for generating an ultrasound image signal on the display device 20 based on a feedback signal received through the transducer 13. That is, the control unit 14 can transmit the digital-converted ultrasound feedback signal through the ADC 16 to the display device 20 through the connection unit 181. [ The display device 20 can generate the ultrasound image corresponding to the B mode, the C mode, the Doppler mode, and the like by the feedback signal received from the ultrasound imaging device 10 through the connection part 181. [ In this case, the display device 20 may include an image processing unit that supports each mode.

5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 includes a pulse power supply unit 11, a pulse transmission / reception unit 12, a transducer 13, a control unit 14, an ADC power supply unit 15, an ADC 16, And a communication unit 18. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 can communicate with the display device 20 through the communication unit 18. [ Each component of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of FIG. 5 is the same as each component of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted and only differences will be described.

In one embodiment, the pulse power supply unit 11 and the ADC power supply unit 15 can receive source power from an external power supply 30. In this case, it is possible to supply the power more stably in terms of power supply time as compared with the case where the source power is supplied from the battery provided in the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10. [

6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 includes a transducer 13, a transducer connector 61, a pulse power source unit 11, a pulse transmitting / receiving unit 12, an ADC power source unit 15, an ADC 16, a processor 141, a processor power supply 142, a USB connection unit 63, a battery charging unit 64, a memory 66 and a communication unit 67. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention may be provided as a portable device rather than a cart device of a large size. In addition, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention may be provided with a battery device to receive source power.

The transducer 13 outputs an ultrasonic wave for diagnosis of a target object. The transducer 13 is a portion that contacts the object, transmits the ultrasonic wave to the object, and receives the ultrasonic wave feedback signal reflected from the object. In one embodiment, the transducer 13 includes a transducer array in which a plurality of elements for converting an ultrasonic wave and an electric signal into each other are arranged in a predetermined form. The transducer array generates an ultrasonic signal in accordance with the control signal, and irradiates the generated ultrasonic signal into the object. And receives or detects an ultrasound feedback signal reflected from a specific tissue (e.g., a lesion) within the object. The ultrasonic waves thus reflected cause the transducer 13 to vibrate, and the transducer 13 outputs electrical pulses corresponding to these vibrations. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 generates an ultrasound image signal by using the electrical pulses thus output.

The pulse transmission / reception unit 12 includes a pulse transmission unit (not shown) and a pulse reception unit (not shown) capable of transmitting and receiving signals through the plurality of channels with the transducer 13. The pulse transmitting and receiving unit 12 may be implemented as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) such as a 64 channel transceiver or a 128 channel transceiver. The pulse transmitting section transmits a pulse signal for outputting ultrasonic waves to the transducer 13 and the pulse receiving section receives a feedback signal corresponding to the pulse signal transmitted from the transducer 13. [ The pulse transmitting unit and the pulse receiving unit may be provided as one ASIC, or may be respectively provided as separate ASICs.

A transducer connector (61) connects the transducer (13) and the pulse transmitting / receiving section (12). The pulse transmitting section transmits a pulse signal for outputting ultrasonic waves to the transducer 13 through the transducer connector 61. [ The pulse receiving section receives the feedback signal corresponding to the pulse signal transmitted from the transducer 13 through the transducer connector 61. [ In one embodiment, the transducer connector 61 may be configured to be exposed externally, wherein the transducer 13 may be configured to be removable by the transducer connector 61.

The pulse power supply unit 11 supplies power to the pulse transmission unit. The pulse power supply unit 11 includes a DC-DC converter that performs DC-DC conversion so that a pulse signal is output. In one embodiment, the pulse power supply unit 11 may include two DC-DC converters for outputting pulse signals Tx of different voltages to generate a transmission ultrasonic wave having a pulse waveform of a predetermined amplitude. For example, the pulse power supply section 11 may include a first DC-DC converter and a second DC-DC converter, and each of the first DC-DC converter and the second DC-DC converter may generate a pulse signal Tx of a different voltage Can be output. The first DC-DC converter can perform a switching operation for DC-DC conversion and output a pulse signal Tx of +40 volts (V). Also, the second DC-DC converter can perform a switching operation for DC-DC conversion and output a pulse signal Tx of -40 volts (V). Accordingly, the pulse transmitting section 121 outputs a pulse signal Tx of +40 volts (V) and a pulse signal Tx of -40 volts (V) received from the first DC-DC converter and the second DC- Thereby generating a transmission ultrasonic wave having a pulse waveform of a predetermined amplitude and outputting it to the transducer 13.

The pulse power supply unit 11 may include a switching unit for performing a switching operation for DC-DC conversion so that a pulse signal is output. For example, the switching unit may be implemented by a switching element (FET) provided in a DC-DC converter. The pulse power supply unit 11 may further include a driver for controlling a switching operation of the switching unit according to an operation control signal. For example, the driving unit may be implemented by a DC-DC controller provided in the DC-DC converter. Further, the switching unit may include a control switch for selectively allowing power supply to the pulse transmitting unit. For example, the control switch may be provided at the front end of the switching element (FET) in the DC-DC converter to control the switching of the switching element (FET) to operate or stop.

The processor 141 performs control for each of the components in the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10. The processor 141 may be implemented including at least one process module. The processor 141 can receive power through the processor power unit 142. [

The processor 141 may control the pulse power supply unit 11 to control whether or not power is supplied to the pulse transmitting unit for at least a part of the reception period in which the feedback signal corresponding to the transmitted pulse signal is received. That is, the power supply to the pulse transmission unit is interrupted during the reception period in which the feedback signal for generating the ultrasound image is received, thereby reducing the switching noise generated in the high-voltage conversion circuit, thereby improving the quality of the ultrasound image.

In one embodiment, the processor 141 may interrupt the power supply to the pulse transmission section by stopping the switching operation of the switching section of the pulse power supply section 11, for at least a part of the reception section. For example, the processor 141 may cut off the power supply to the pulse transmitting unit by adjusting the state of the operation control signal input to the driving unit to low for at least a part of the receiving period. As another example, the processor 141 may turn off the power supply to the pulse transmitting section by turning on the control switch for at least a part of the receiving section.

As one embodiment, the processor 141 may control the pulse power supply unit 11 to block the power supply to the pulse transmission unit with respect to the entire reception period of the feedback signal. Accordingly, power is not supplied to the pulse transmitting unit throughout the entire receiving period in which the feedback signal is received, so that the switching noise is not affected in generating the ultrasound image.

In another embodiment, the processor 141 may stop the switching operation of the switching unit during a period in which the magnitude of the switching noise generated in the switching unit during the reception period of the feedback signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. That is, in the reception period of the feedback signal, the switching noise generated in the switching unit of the pulse power source unit 11 is measured at a predetermined interval, and the power is not supplied to the pulse transmission unit for the interval in which the measured switching noise is greater than a predetermined value can do. Thus, it is possible to efficiently control power supply to the pulse transmitting section by detecting a reception section in which switching noise is largely generated.

An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 16 performs analog-to-digital conversion on the feedback signal received from the transducer 13. That is, when the pulse transmitting section transmits the pulse signal to the transducer 13, the pulse receiving section receives the feedback signal corresponding to the transmitted pulse signal from the transducer 13, outputs it to the ADC 16, May convert the output feedback signal into an analog-to-digital signal to form a digital signal.

The ADC power supply unit 15 supplies power to the ADC 16. The ADC power unit 15 may include an ADC switching unit for performing a switching operation for controlling power supply to the ADC 16. [ The ADC power unit 15 may further include an ADC driver for controlling the switching operation of the ADC switching unit in accordance with the operation control signal. In addition, the ADC switching unit may include a control switch for selectively allowing power supply to the ADC 16.

The processor 141 may control the ADC power supply unit 15 to block the power supply to the ADC 16 for at least a part of the interval other than the reception period of the feedback signal. That is, power is supplied to the ADC 16 during a reception period in which a feedback signal for generating an ultrasound image is received, and power consumed by cutting off power supply to the ADC 16 during at least a part of the reception interval There is a saving effect.

In one embodiment, the processor 141 may cut off the power supply to the ADC 16 by stopping the switching operation of the ADC switching unit for at least some intervals other than the reception period. For example, the processor 141 may turn off the power supply to the ADC 16 by adjusting the state of the operation control signal input to the ADC driver to low for at least a part of the reception period. As another example, the processor 141 may turn off the power supply to the ADC 16 by turning on the ADC control switch for at least a portion of the reception interval.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pulse receiving unit and the pulse power source unit 11 may be arranged so as to be adjacent to each other. For example, when the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention is implemented as a portable terminal, a pulse transmission / reception unit 12 and a pulse power supply unit 11 may be disposed adjacent to each other since a circuit must be implemented on a PCB having a small area . At this time, the pulse receiving unit receiving the feedback signal of the ultrasonic pulse is affected by generating the ultrasonic image due to the switching noise generated in the pulse power source unit 11. [ Therefore, by preventing the pulse power supply unit 11 from supplying power to the pulse transmitting unit while the pulse receiving unit receives the feedback signal, it is possible to reduce the influence of the switching noise in the generation of the ultrasonic image.

A battery charger 64 is configured to receive a battery that supplies source power to the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention. The battery accommodated in the battery charger 64 can supply power to the pulse power source unit 11, the ADC power source unit 15, and the processor power source unit 142. In addition, the battery may serve to supply power to all the components requiring power supply among the internal configurations of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10. [ There is an advantage that the power consumption by the battery can be reduced by cutting off the power supply to the pulse transmitting unit during the reception period in which the feedback signal is received.

The USB connector 63 connects the ultrasound imaging device 10 to an external device. The USB connection unit 63 may be implemented as a USB jack, for example. In one embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 may be connected to an external display device such as a computer, a notebook computer, or the like through a USB connection unit 63 by wire. In this case, the feedback signal of the ultrasonic wave digitally converted through the ADC 16 is transmitted to the display device through the USB connection unit 63, and the image processing function for generating the ultrasonic image signal can be performed in the display device.

The memory 66 stores the ultrasound image data generated by the ultrasound imaging apparatus 10 and the ultrasound image data. The memory 66 may be embodied as a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The data stored in the memory 66 is not limited to the embodiments of the present invention and may store all data related to generation, output, and management of the ultrasound image.

The communication unit 67 allows the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 to communicate with an external apparatus. For example, the communication unit 67 may be implemented as a Wi-Fi module, and may communicate with an external device via a Wi-Fi connection. In this case, the feedback signal of the ultrasonic wave digitally converted through the ADC 16 can be transmitted to an external display device via a Wi-Fi connection, and the image processing function for generating an ultrasonic image signal can be performed in the display device.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus in which switching noise occurs in the prior art. 7, in the conventional ultrasonic imaging apparatus, the pulse transmitting section 121 transmits a pulse signal to the transducer 13, and the pulse receiving section 122 corresponds to the pulse signal transmitted from the transducer 13 And receives a feedback signal. The ADC 16 converts the received feedback signal into a digital signal and transmits it to the process 141, which processes it to generate an ultrasound image. The ultrasound image generated by the processor 141 is displayed on the display 171 and provided to the user. At this time, the display 171 may be included in the ultrasound imaging apparatus or may be an external display apparatus connected to the ultrasound imaging apparatus.

The pulse power supply unit 11 according to the prior art causes the pulse transmitting unit 121 to transmit a pulse signal and the pulse receiving unit 122 to receive the feedback signal so that the power is continuously supplied to the pulse transmitting unit 121. [ In this case, the switching noise generated in the conversion circuit of the pulse power supply unit 11 may affect the feedback signal received by the pulse receiving unit 122, thereby degrading the quality of the ultrasound image generated.

The ADC power supply unit 15 according to the prior art causes the pulse transmitting unit 121 to transmit a pulse signal and the pulse receiving unit 122 to receive the feedback signal so that the power supply to the ADC 16 is continuously supplied. In this case, the ADC 16 performs the analog-to-digital conversion only while the feedback signal is received, but supplies power to the ADC 16 in all the intervals, which consumes unused power.

8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus for reducing switching noise according to an embodiment of the present invention. 8, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a transducer 13, a pulse transmitting unit 121, a pulse receiving unit 122, a pulse power source unit 11, an ADC 16, an ADC power source unit 15, A processor 141, and a display 171. The pulse transmitting section 121 transmits the pulse signal to the transducer 13 and the pulse receiving section 122 receives the feedback signal corresponding to the pulse signal transmitted from the transducer 13. [ The ADC 16 converts the received feedback signal into a digital signal and transmits it to the process 141, which processes it to generate an ultrasound image. The ultrasound image generated by the processor 141 is displayed on the display 171. [ At this time, the display 171 may be included in the ultrasound imaging apparatus or may be an external display apparatus connected to the ultrasound imaging apparatus.

The pulse power supply unit 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention causes the power supply to the pulse transmission unit 121 to be cut off when the pulse receiving unit 122 receives the feedback signal. Accordingly, the quality of the ultrasound image can be improved since the pulse receiving unit 122 is not influenced by the switching noise generated in the conversion circuit of the pulse power supply unit 11 while receiving the feedback signal.

The ADC power unit 15 according to the embodiment of the present invention allows the pulse receiving unit 122 to receive power from the ADC 16 when receiving the feedback signal. The ADC power supply unit 15 causes the power supply to the ADC 16 to be cut off at least in a section other than a period during which the feedback signal is received. Accordingly, since the power supply is cut off at least a part of the interval other than the interval during which the pulse receiving unit 122 receives the feedback signal, the power consumption is reduced.

9 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a DC-DC converter for power supply control according to an embodiment of the present invention. 9, the DC-DC converter 90 includes a DC / DC controller 92, a switching element (FET) 93, an inductor 94 and a diode 95 ≪ / RTI > The DC-DC converter 90 may be included in the pulse power source unit 11 or the ADC power source unit 15 in the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention.

The switching element (FET) 93 performs a switching operation for DC-DC conversion so that a pulse signal Tx is outputted to the pulse transmitting unit 121. [ For example, the switching element (FET) 93 can cause the switching operation to output a pulse signal Tx of + 40V or a pulse signal Tx of -40V. DC converter (not shown) for outputting a pulse signal Tx of +40 V and a second DC-DC converter (not shown) for outputting a pulse signal Tx of -40 V as an embodiment, The pulse transmitting section 12 generates a transmitting ultrasonic wave having a waveform of a predetermined amplitude by the +40 V pulse signal Tx and the -40 V pulse signal Tx provided from the first DC-DC converter and the second DC-DC converter .

The DC-DC controller 92, as an embodiment, can control the switching operation of the switching element 93 in accordance with the operation control signal (EN) The operation control signal may be embodied as an enable signal, for example. For example, the state of the operation control signal 91 may be set high to enable the switching operation of the switching element 93 to be performed, and as another example, the state of the operation control signal 91 may be set to low So that the switching operation of the switching element 93 can be stopped.

The DC-DC controller 92 according to the embodiment of the present invention adjusts the state of the operation control signal 91 to low during the reception period in which the feedback signal is received, Can be stopped. Accordingly, since power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 121 is interrupted during the reception period in which the feedback signal is received, the switching noise can be reduced and the quality of the ultrasound image can be improved.

10 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a DC-DC converter for power supply control according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10, the DC-DC converter 100 includes a DC-DC controller 101, a switching element (FET) 102, a control switch 103, an inductor 104 and a diode diode 105 as shown in FIG. The DC-DC converter 100 may be included in the pulse power source unit 11 or the ADC power source unit 15 in the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention.

The switching element (FET) 102 performs a switching operation for DC-DC conversion so that the pulse signal Tx is output to the pulse transmitting section 121. For example, a pulse signal Tx of +40 V is generated by the switching operation, Or a pulse signal Tx of -40 V can be output. DC converter (not shown) for outputting a pulse signal Tx of +40 V and a second DC-DC converter (not shown) for outputting a pulse signal Tx of -40 V as an embodiment, The pulse transmitting section 12 generates a transmitting ultrasonic wave having a waveform of a predetermined amplitude by the +40 V pulse signal Tx and the -40 V pulse signal Tx provided from the first DC-DC converter and the second DC-DC converter .

The control switch 103 is configured to selectively supply power to the pulse transmitting section 121 and can be switched to the On or Off state.

In one embodiment, the DC-DC controller 101 turns off the control switch 103 so that the power is supplied to the pulse transmitting unit 121, or turns off the power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 121 103 can be turned on.

The DC-DC controller 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention may turn on the control switch 103 during the reception period in which the feedback signal is received to block the power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 12 have. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the switching noise during the reception period and improve the quality of the ultrasound image.

11 is a diagram illustrating waveforms of control signals of the pulse power source unit and the ADC power source unit in the pulse transmission period and the reception period according to the embodiment of the present invention. 11, the signal transmission / reception section of the ultrasound system includes a transmission section (Tx) 115 for transmitting a pulse signal, a reception section (Rx) 116 for receiving a feedback signal, a transmission section A predetermined pulse repetition time (PRT) 118 including a guard time 117 and an intermediate section 119 between the guard interval 117 and the guard interval 117 is periodically repeated.

The ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention disables the pulse power supply control signal 113 for the whole of the reception section 116 in which the feedback signal 112 as the pulse reception signal is received, ) Can be cut off. 9, the DC-DC controller 92 adjusts the state of the operation control signal 91 to a low state to disable the pulse power source control signal 113, The switching operation of the element 93 can be stopped. As another method of disabling the pulse power supply control signal 113, the DC-DC controller 101 may control the power supply to the pulse transmission unit 121 to be cut off, (103) can be turned on.

In this way, by disabling the pulse power supply control signal 113 for the entire reception section 116, the power supply to the pulse transmission section 121 can be cut off, thereby reducing the switching noise.

The ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention disables the ADC power control signal 114 for a section other than the reception section 116 in which the feedback signal 112 as the pulse reception signal is received The power supply to the ADC 16 can be cut off. Accordingly, the ADC 16 does not perform the operation in a section other than the reception section 116 in which the ADC 16 performs the analog-to-digital conversion, thereby reducing power consumption

The ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention may be configured such that power is supplied to the ADC 16 by enabling the ADC power control signal 114 prior to the start time of the reception section 116 by a predetermined time can do. That is, the ADC 16 is enabled by enabling the ADC power control signal 114 for a predetermined guard time 117, which is a section between the transmission period 115 and the reception period 116, May be supplied with power so as to be driven in advance to perform the operation.

In this way, power can be supplied to the ADC 16 during the reception interval, and power consumption to the ADC 16 can be cut off during the interval other than the reception interval, thereby reducing power consumption.

The pulse power supply control signal 113 for controlling the power supply to the pulse transmission unit 121 and the ADC power supply control signal 114 for controlling the power supply to the ADC 16 are all set to the same frequency Lt; / RTI > Accordingly, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus can reduce the switching noise that may be generated in the reception period of the feedback signal, thereby improving the quality of the ultrasound image and reducing power consumption.

12 is a diagram illustrating waveforms of control signals of the pulse power source unit and the ADC power source unit in the pulse transmission period and the reception period according to the embodiment of the present invention. 12, the signal transmitting / receiving section of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a transmitting section (Tx) 115 for transmitting a pulse signal, a receiving section (Rx) 116 for receiving a feedback signal, a transmitting section A predetermined pulse repetition time (PRT) 118 including a guard time 117 and an intermediate section 119 between the guard interval 117 and the guard interval 117 is periodically repeated.

The ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention can interrupt the power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 121 by disabling the pulse power source control signal 113 during a part of the reception period 116 receiving the feedback signal have. 9, the DC-DC controller 92 adjusts the state of the operation control signal 91 to a low state to disable the pulse power source control signal 113, The switching operation of the element 93 can be stopped. 10, the DC-DC controller 101 may turn on the control switch 103 so that the power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 121 is interrupted.

In one embodiment, the switching operation of the switching element 93 can be stopped for a period in which the magnitude of the switching noise generated in the switching element 93 in the reception section 116 of the feedback signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. That is, in the reception section 116 of the feedback signal, the switching noise generated in the switching element 93 of the pulse power supply unit 11 is measured at a predetermined interval, It is possible to prevent power from being supplied to the power supply 121. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently control power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 121 by detecting a part of the reception section 116 where a large switching noise is generated.

In this way, by disabling the pulse power supply control signal 113 during a certain period of the reception period 116, the power supply to the pulse transmission unit 121 is cut off, thereby reducing the switching noise.

13 is a diagram illustrating waveforms of control signals of the pulse power source and the ADC power source in the pulse transmission period and the reception period according to the embodiment of the present invention. 13, the signal transmission / reception section of the ultrasound system includes a transmission section (Tx) 115 for transmitting a pulse signal, a reception section (Rx) 116 for receiving a feedback signal, a transmission section A predetermined pulse repetition time (PRT) 118 including a guard time 117 and an intermediate section 119 between the guard interval 117 and the guard interval 117 is periodically repeated.

The ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention can interrupt the power supply to the pulse transmitting section 121 by disabling the pulse power source control signal 113 during the reception section 116 and the intermediate section 119. [ As a method for disabling the pulse power supply control signal 113, the DC-DC controller 92 may control the state of the operation control signal 91 to be low, , The DC-DC controller 101 can turn on the control switch 103 as shown in Fig.

Accordingly, during the reception section 116 and the intermediate section 119, power supply to the pulse transmission section 121 is cut off, thereby reducing switching noise and consuming power.

FIG. 14 is an example of waveforms of a control signal and a switching signal of a pulse power source in a transmission interval and a reception interval of a pulse through a plurality of channels according to an embodiment of the present invention. 14, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention transmits a pulse signal to a transducer 13 through a plurality of (N) channels and corresponds to a pulse signal from the transducer 13 And receives the feedback signal. In one embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus can transmit a pulse signal through a plurality of channels and receive a feedback signal by the configuration of a multi-channel transceiver included in the pulse transmitting / receiving unit 12 . For example, a multi-channel transceiver may be implemented as 64 channels, 128 channels, or the like, and may be implemented as an ASIC that operates with AFE (analog front-end).

In one embodiment, when a multi-channel transceiver is implemented in N channels, it transmits a channel 1 transmit pulse 142 over channel 1 and transmits a channel 2 transmit pulse over channel 2. This process is repeated to transmit the channel N transmit pulse 143 through the last channel N. [ At this time, a delay time of a predetermined interval may be applied between the continuous channel 1 transmission pulse 142 and the channel 2 transmission pulse. When transmission of the transmission pulse through the N channels is completed, the feedback signal corresponding to the transmission pulse is received through the same N channels.

In one embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present invention transmits a transmission pulse through a plurality of channels and receives a feedback signal. During reception of the feedback signal Rx, 114 to disable the power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 121. [ In this case, the pulse power supply switching signal 145 for controlling the switching operation of the pulse power supply unit 11 is disabled to correspond to the pulse power supply control signal 114 so that the switching operation of the pulse power supply unit 11 Stopped.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of quality change of an ultrasound image by switching noise removal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, (a) is an ultrasound image of a fetus by the ultrasound imaging apparatus of the prior art shown in FIG. 7, (b) is an ultrasound image of the fetus by the ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present invention .

(a) An image is an ultrasound image generated by continuously supplying power to a pulse transmitting unit (pulser) while transmitting a pulse signal and receiving a feedback signal. In this case, the ultrasound image of the fetus is unclear due to the influence of the switching noise generated in the switching circuit of the pulse power source during the reception of the feedback signal.

(b) The image is an ultrasound image generated by cutting off the power supply to the pulse transmitting section during the reception section for receiving the feedback signal by the ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present invention. In this case, by reducing the switching noise generated in the switching circuit of the pulse power supply during the reception of the feedback signal, the fetal ultrasound image shows a clearer form than the case (a).

Further, in generating the ultrasound image of (b), since the power to the pulse transmission unit is cut off during the reception period, less power can be consumed than the power consumed to generate the ultrasound image of (a). As described above, according to the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention, power supply to the pulleys is interrupted during the reception period of the feedback signal, thereby reducing the switching noise and improving the quality of the ultrasound image, .

16 is a flowchart illustrating a power management method of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 16, first, in operation S160, a pulse signal for ultrasonic output is transmitted to the transducer, and in operation S161, a feedback signal is received in response to the pulse signal transmitted from the transducer. During operation S160 and operation S161, in operation S162, it is controlled whether power is supplied to the pulse transmitting section 121 for at least a part of the section of the reception period of the feedback signal.

In performing the operation S162, the pulse power supply unit 11 includes a switching unit for performing a switching operation for DC-DC conversion so that a pulse signal is output, and the switching operation of the switching unit is stopped for at least a part of the reception period Operation. For example, the switching unit may be implemented by a switching element (FET) provided in a DC-DC converter.

In operation S162, the pulse transmitting unit 121 may transmit the pulse signal to the pulse transmitting unit 121 for at least a part of the receiving period, And controlling the state of the operation control signal input to the driving unit to interrupt the power supply to the driving unit. The operation control signal may be embodied as an enable signal, for example. For example, the driving unit may be implemented as a DC-DC controller that is provided in the DC-DC converter and controls the switching operation of the switching element (FET), and the state of the enable signal input to the DC- So that the switching operation of the switching element can be stopped.

In another embodiment, the switching unit includes a control switch for selectively allowing power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 121, wherein the operation S162 is a step of, for at least a part of the receiving period, And controlling the control switch to shut off the supply. For example, the control operation of the switching element (FET) can be stopped by turning on the control switch provided in the DC-DC converter during at least a part of the reception period.

As described above, according to the power management method of the ultrasound imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, power supply to the pearles is interrupted during at least a part of the reception period, thereby reducing the switching noise and improving the quality of the ultrasound image can do.

17 is a flowchart illustrating a power management method of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 17, first in step S170, a pulse signal for ultrasonic output is transmitted to the transducer, and in step S171, a feedback signal is received in response to the pulse signal transmitted from the transducer. While the operation S170 and the operation S171 are being performed, the power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 121 is cut off for the entire reception period of the feedback signal in operation S172. That is, power is supplied to the pulse transmitting unit 121 only during a transmission period for transmitting a pulse signal, and power supply to the pulse transmitting unit 121 can be interrupted during a reception period for receiving a feedback signal.

Particularly, when the reception period of the feedback signal is longer than the transmission period of the pulse signal, the supply of power to the whole of the reception period is interrupted, so that the reduction effect of the switching noise and the power consumption can be enhanced.

18 is a flowchart illustrating a power management method of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 18, first, in operation S180, a pulse signal for ultrasonic output is transmitted to the transducer 13, and in operation S181, a feedback signal is received in response to the pulse signal transmitted to the transducer 13 do. Next, in operation S182, analog-to-digital conversion is performed on the feedback signal received from the transducer 13. [ During the operation S180 to operation S182, the power supply to the ADC 16 is cut off for at least a section other than the reception section in operation S183.

In performing the operation S183, power is supplied to the ADC 16 only during the reception interval, and power is not supplied to the ADC 16 during the interval other than the reception interval. That is, the ADC 16 performs the analog-to-digital conversion on the received feedback signal, so that the ADC 16 can operate only in the reception period in which the feedback signal is received.

Thereby, there is an effect of reducing the power consumed by cutting off the power supply to the ADC 16 in at least some sections other than the reception section.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.

10: Ultrasonic imaging device
11: Pulse power section
12: Pulse transmission /
121: Pulse transmitter
122:
13: Transducer
14:
15: ADC power section
16: ADC
17:
171:
18:
181: Connection
19:
20: Display device
30: Power supply

Claims (22)

In the ultrasound imaging apparatus,
A transducer for outputting an ultrasonic wave for diagnosis of a target object;
A pulse transmitter for transmitting a pulse signal for outputting the ultrasonic wave to the transducer;
A pulse receiver for receiving a feedback signal corresponding to the transmitted pulse signal from the transducer;
A pulse power supply unit for supplying power to the pulse transmission unit;
Wherein the control unit controls the pulse transmission unit so as to control power supply to the pulse transmission unit for at least a part of the reception interval of the transmission interval in which the pulse signal is transmitted and the reception interval for receiving the feedback signal is periodically repeated, And a controller for controlling the ultrasound imaging apparatus. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit controls the pulse power supply unit to shut off the power supply to the pulse transmission unit with respect to the entire reception period. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the pulse power supply unit includes a switching unit for performing a switching operation for DC-DC conversion so that the pulse signal is output,
Wherein the control unit suspends the switching operation of the switching unit for at least a part of the reception period. The method of claim 3,
The pulse power supply unit may further include a driver for controlling the switching operation of the switching unit according to an operation control signal,
Wherein the control unit controls the state of an operation control signal input to the driving unit to interrupt power supply to the pulse transmitting unit for at least a part of the reception period. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the switching unit includes a control switch for selectively allowing power supply to the pulse transmitting unit,
Wherein the control unit controls the control switch to cut off power supply to the pulse transmitting unit for at least a part of the reception period. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the control unit stops the switching operation of the switching unit in a period in which the switching noise generated in the switching unit is greater than a predetermined value. The method according to claim 1,
An ADC for performing analog-to-digital conversion on the feedback signal received from the transducer;
And an ADC power supply unit for supplying power to the ADC,
Wherein the control unit controls the ADC power supply unit to cut off power supply to the ADC for at least a part of the reception period other than the reception period. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the pulse power supply unit outputs a first control signal for controlling power supply to the pulse transmission unit,
Wherein the ADC power unit outputs a second control signal for controlling power supply to the ADC,
Wherein the first control signal and the second control signal have opposite waveforms in at least a part of the reception period. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the signal transmission / reception section further includes an intermediate section other than the transmission section and the reception section,
Wherein the control unit controls the pulse power supply unit to shut off power supply to the pulse transmitting unit during at least a part of the intermediate period. The method according to claim 1,
There is a guard time between the transmission interval and the reception interval,
Wherein the control unit controls the pulse power unit to supply power to the pulse transmitting unit during the protection period. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the control unit controls the ADC power supply unit such that power is supplied to the ADC with a predetermined time prior to the start of the reception period. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the pulse receiving unit and the pulse power source unit are disposed adjacent to each other. The method according to claim 1,
And a battery for supplying source power to the pulse power source unit. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the pulse power supply unit includes a connection unit for receiving source power from an external power supply unit. A power management method of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus,
Transmitting a pulse signal for the ultrasonic output to a transducer for outputting an ultrasonic wave for diagnosis of a target object by a pulse transmitting unit;
Receiving, by the pulse receiving unit, a feedback signal corresponding to the transmitted pulse signal from the transducer;
A pulse power source unit for determining whether or not power is supplied to the pulse transmitting unit for at least a part of the receiving period of the transmitting period during which the pulse signal is transmitted and the receiving period during which the receiving period for receiving the feedback signal is periodically repeated, And controlling the power of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus. 16. The method of claim 15,
And stopping power supply to the pulse transmitting unit for the entire reception period. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the pulse power supply unit includes a switching unit for performing a switching operation for DC-DC conversion so that the pulse signal is output,
And stopping the switching operation of the switching unit for at least a part of the reception period. 18. The method of claim 17,
The pulse power supply unit may further include a driver for controlling the switching operation of the switching unit according to an operation control signal,
And controlling a state of an operation control signal input to the driving unit to interrupt power supply to the pulse transmitting unit for at least a part of the reception period. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the switching unit includes a control switch for selectively allowing power supply to the pulse transmitting unit,
And controlling the control switch to cut off power supply to the pulse transmitting unit for at least a part of the reception period. 16. The method of claim 15,
Performing an analog-to-digital conversion on the feedback signal received from the transducer by an ADC;
And blocking power supply to the ADC for at least a part of the reception period other than the reception period by the ADC power supply unit. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the pulse receiving unit and the pulse power source unit are disposed adjacent to each other. 16. The method of claim 15,
And a battery for supplying a source power to the pulse power source unit.

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