KR20240071209A - Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including wireless probe and operating method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit, a recognition unit that recognizes a wireless probe connectable to the ultrasound diagnosis device using a wireless communication method of the communication unit, and an array of the recognized wireless probes. And a display unit that displays preset information, and a control unit that is paired with the wireless probe selected by a user input for selecting one of the displayed preset information and controls the wireless probe to be activated. It is characterized by

Description

Ultrasound diagnostic device including wireless probe and operating method thereof {ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS INCLUDING WIRELESS PROBE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic device and operating method including a wireless probe, and more specifically, to an ultrasonic diagnostic device and operating method including a wireless probe capable of selecting a preset of connectable wireless probes prior to pairing with a wireless probe. will be.

Ultrasound imaging refers to sending high-frequency sound waves from the surface of the human body to the inside of the body and then imaging the sound waves reflected from the inside. Ultrasound examination provides ultrasound images in real time. From the conventional analog method to the digital method, there is a change from a 2-dimensional ultrasound diagnostic device to a 3-dimensional and 4-dimensional ultrasound diagnostic device that includes the passage of time. Recently, 4-dimensional ultrasound examination that even expresses the movement of 3-dimensional images is also used. It is becoming.

An ultrasound diagnostic device is a device that irradiates an ultrasound signal generated from a transducer of a probe to an object and receives information on the echo signal reflected from the object to obtain an image of the area inside the object. Diagnostic devices have the advantage of being more stable than diagnostic devices using X-rays and being able to display images in real time, so they are widely used along with other imaging diagnostic devices. In particular, ultrasonic diagnostic devices are widely used in various diagnostic processes because they are safer than other diagnostic devices because they have higher accuracy and there is no risk of radiation exposure to the human body.

Recently, in order to improve the operability of ultrasonic probes by eliminating the communication cable that transmits and receives ultrasonic image data between the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic device, or by eliminating the inconvenience caused by the communication cable, it is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device through wireless communication. Wireless Pro is being developed.

In existing ultrasound diagnosis devices, in order to pair wireless probes, the user searches for the wireless probe he or she wants to use, selects the corresponding wireless probe, transmits a pairing signal to the ultrasound diagnosis device, and then pairs are established. Next, the paired wireless probe is preset. Diagnosis was made by selecting from (preset).

The present invention provides a variety of presets that can be used in the pairing process of a wireless probe, and allows pairing by selecting a preset, thereby facilitating the pairing process. An ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe and a method of operating the same. The purpose is to provide.

An ultrasound diagnostic device including a wireless probe according to the present invention includes a communication unit, a recognition unit that recognizes a wireless probe that can be connected using the wireless communication method of the communication unit, and an array and preset information display for the recognized wireless probes. It is paired with the wireless probe selected by a user input for selecting one of the displayed preset information, and a control portion that controls the wireless probe to be activated.

Specifically, the wireless probe may be one or more.

Specifically, one or more array and preset information may be displayed on the wireless probe.

Specifically, the information may include characters representing the wireless probe.

Specifically, the information may include letters or figures representing the shape of the wireless probe.

Specifically, the information may include letters or figures representing a preset of the wireless probe.

Specifically, when there are a plurality of wireless probes, the display unit may display the distance relationship between the wireless probes and the ultrasound diagnosis device in relative positions.

Specifically, the display unit may display connection information with the paired wireless probe.

Specifically, the communication unit may receive ultrasound image data input from the paired wireless probe.

Specifically, when the wireless probe and the ultrasound diagnosis device are paired, a preset notification may be output.

Specifically, the communication unit uses wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association), and BLE. (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet, Wibro), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX), SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol), WiGig (Wireless Gigabit Allicance, WiGig) ) and wireless communication methods including RF communication can be used.

A method of operating an ultrasound diagnostic device including a wireless probe according to the present invention includes the steps of recognizing a connectable wireless probe using a wireless communication method, displaying array and preset information of the recognized wireless probe, Receiving a user input for selecting one of the displayed preset information, pairing with the wireless probe having the selected information, and controlling the wireless probe to be activated.

Specifically, pairing with the wireless probe may include transmitting and receiving a pairing signal with the wireless probe using the wireless communication method.

Specifically, it may include displaying connection information with the paired wireless probe.

Specifically, the wireless probe may be one or more.

Specifically, one or more array and preset information may be displayed on the wireless probe.

Specifically, the information may include characters representing the wireless probe.

Specifically, the information may include letters or figures representing the shape of the wireless probe.

Specifically, the information may include letters or figures representing a preset of the wireless probe.

Specifically, when there are a plurality of wireless probes, the method may include displaying a distance relationship between the wireless probes and the ultrasound diagnosis device as a relative position.

Specifically, it may include receiving ultrasound image data input from the paired wireless probe.

Specifically, when the wireless probe and the ultrasound diagnosis device are paired, the step of outputting a preset notification may be included.

Specifically, the communication unit uses wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association), and BLE. (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet, Wibro), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX), SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol), WiGig (Wireless Gigabit Allicance, WiGig) ) and wireless communication methods including RF communication can be used.

Specifically, the preset information may include parameter information.

The ultrasonic diagnosis device including a wireless probe and its operating method according to the present invention can improve the pairing process of the wireless probe.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4 (a) to (c) are perspective views of an ultrasound diagnosis device 200 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 5 (a) to (c) are perspective views of an ultrasound diagnosis device 500 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of an ultrasound diagnosis device 600 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating preset information of an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a pairing process with a wireless probe by the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a pairing process with a wireless probe by the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a pairing process with a wireless probe by an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining preset information of an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to another embodiment of the present invention.

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

Throughout this specification, when a part is said to be “connected” to another part, this includes not only direct connection but also indirect connection, and indirect connection refers to connection through a wireless communication network. Includes.

Additionally, the terms used herein are used to describe embodiments and are not intended to limit and/or limit the disclosed invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. The existence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not excluded in advance.

In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as “first”, “second”, etc. used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms It is used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a first component may be named a second component without departing from the scope of the present invention, and similarly, the second component may also be named a first component.

Additionally, in this specification, expressions such as “first,” “second,” or “1-1” are exemplary terms used to refer to different components, objects, images, pixels, or patches. Accordingly, expressions such as “first,” “second,” or “1-1” do not indicate the order or priority between components.

Additionally, terms such as "~unit", "~unit", "~block", "~member", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one hardware such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) / application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor. there is.

The codes attached to each step are used to identify each step, and these codes do not indicate the order of each step. Each step is performed differently from the specified order unless a specific order is clearly stated in the context. It can be.

Additionally, images herein may include medical images acquired by medical imaging devices such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, computed tomography (CT) devices, ultrasonic imaging devices, or X-ray imaging devices, and ultrasound images. In addition to ultrasound, medical images of other modalities may be provided or controlled.

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

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

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, ultrasound images are not only gray-scale ultrasound images scanned of the object according to A mode (amplitude mode), B mode (brightness mode), and M mode (motion mode), but also Doppler images of the movement of the object. It can be expressed.

A mode is the most basic form of ultrasound image display method and displays the intensity of reflected sound as amplitude on the time (distance) axis. When the reflected sound is strong, the amplitude is high, and when the reflected sound is weak, the amplitude is low. It is advantageous for measuring distance, but it does not require a transducer. This mode is currently rarely used because the image changes even if the direction is slightly different.

M mode is a variation of A mode and is a mode that displays the distance of a moving reflector as a change in time. A region of interest (ROI) in a 2D image is designated as an M line to display changes over time in that area. It is mainly used to observe heart valves, and can also record fetal heart sounds, but recently. It is being largely replaced by the Doppler method.

B mode is a method of displaying reflected sounds as the brightness of dots and is currently used in most ultrasound diagnostic equipment. The brightness of each dot is proportional to the amplitude of the reflected signal, and recently provides a brightness level of 256 or more. It is also a mode that displays organ movements in real time. The mode called 2D mode, which stands for B (brightness) mode, displays the cross-sectional image of the object in black and white shades on the screen in real time, and is the most commonly used mode.

In addition, Doppler mode is a mode that measures blood flow by generally detecting the flow of red blood cells in blood vessels. It uses the principle that the wavelength becomes shorter when red blood cells approach the probe and becomes longer when they move away, and is used as a method of displaying blood flow. Accordingly, there are color Doppler, pulse wave Doppler (PW), continuous wave Doppler (CW), etc. Doppler images may include blood flow Doppler images (also called color Doppler images) showing blood flow, tissue Doppler images showing tissue movement, and spectral Doppler images showing the moving speed of the object as a waveform. there is.

In addition, as a complex mode, there is a mode that displays other modes based on 2D by applying two or three modes to one image at the same time, and a 3D mode that displays a three-dimensional image.

In the B-mode processing process, B-mode components are extracted and processed from ultrasound data, and in the image generation process, an ultrasound image in which the signal intensity is expressed as brightness is generated based on the B-mode components extracted in the B-mode processing process. can do. In the Doppler processing process, Doppler components are extracted from ultrasound data, and in the image generation process, a Doppler image expressing the movement of the object 10 in color or waveform can be generated based on the extracted Doppler components.

In the image generation process, a two-dimensional ultrasound image or a three-dimensional image of the object can be generated, and an elastic image that images the degree of deformation of the object 10 according to pressure can also be generated. Furthermore, various additional information can be expressed as text or graphics on the ultrasound image. Meanwhile, the generated ultrasound image can be stored in memory.

In the process of measuring an object in an ultrasound image, a measurement tool for measuring the object may be determined, and one of a plurality of measurement tools may be selected based on user input.

For example, a measurement tool selection menu may be provided to select one of a plurality of measurement tools, and the measurement tool selection menu may be displayed along with the ultrasound image on one screen. Additionally, the measurement tool selection menu may be displayed on a separate screen from the touch screen on which the ultrasound image is displayed.

Additionally, one of the plurality of measurement tools may be determined based on a user input for selecting one of the plurality of measurement items to be measured. Measurement items may include, but are not limited to, length, area, or angle.

Upon receiving a user input for selecting one of the measurement items, a predetermined measurement tool may be determined in response to the selected measurement item.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additionally, in a system comprised of a server and a client device, the program may include the storage medium of the server or the storage medium of the client device. Alternatively, if there is a third device (smart phone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.) in communication connection with the server or client device, the program product may include the storage medium of the third device. Alternatively, the program may include the S/W program itself transmitted from the server to the client device or a third device, or from the third device to the client device.

In this case, one of the server, the client device, and the third device may execute the program and perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments. Alternatively, two or more of a server, a client device, and a third device may execute the program and perform the methods according to the disclosed embodiments in a distributed manner.

For example, a server (eg, a cloud server or an artificial intelligence server, etc.) may execute a program stored in the server and control a client device connected to the server to perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments.

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

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 may include a wireless probe 20 and an ultrasound system 40.

The wireless probe 20 may include a transmitter 113, a transducer 117, a receiver 115, a control unit 118, and a communication unit 119. In FIG. 2, the wireless probe 20 is shown as including both the transmitting unit 113 and the receiving unit 115. However, depending on the implementation form, the wireless probe 20 includes only a portion of the transmitting unit 113 and the receiving unit 115. may include, and some of the components of the transmitter 113 and the receiver 115 may be included in the ultrasound system 40. Alternatively, the wireless probe 20 may further include an image processing unit 130.

The transducer 117 may include a plurality of transducers. A plurality of transducers may transmit ultrasonic signals to the object 10 according to a transmission signal applied from the transmitter 113. A plurality of transducers may receive ultrasonic signals reflected from the object 10 to form a received signal.

The control unit 118 controls the transmission unit 113 to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers, considering the positions and focal points of the plurality of transducers.

The control unit 118 converts the received signal received from the transducer 117 into analog-to-digital, considers the positions and focus points of the plurality of transducers, adds the digitally converted received signals, and generates ultrasonic data. 115) is controlled. Alternatively, when the wireless probe 20 includes the image processor 130, an ultrasound image can be generated using the generated ultrasound data.

The communication unit 119 may wirelessly transmit the generated ultrasound data or ultrasound image to the ultrasound system 40 through a wireless network. Alternatively, the communication unit 119 may receive control signals and data from the ultrasound system 40.

Additionally, the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 may include one or more wireless probes 20 depending on the implementation type.

The ultrasound system 40 may receive ultrasound data or ultrasound images from the wireless probe 20 . The ultrasound system 40 may include a control unit 120, an image processing unit 130, a display unit 140, a storage unit 150, a communication unit 160, and an input unit 170.

The image processing unit 130 uses ultrasound data received from the wireless probe 20 to generate an ultrasound image.

The display unit 140 may display an ultrasound image received from the wireless probe 20, an ultrasound image generated by the ultrasound system 40, and various information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis device 100. The ultrasound diagnosis device 100 may include one or more display units 140 depending on the implementation type. Additionally, the display unit 140 can be implemented as a touch screen by combining with a touch panel.

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

The ultrasound system 40 includes a communication unit 160 and can be connected to an external device (e.g., server, medical device, portable device (smart phone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.)) through the communication unit 160. .

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additionally, in a system comprised of a server and a client device, the program may include the storage medium of the server or the storage medium of the client device. Alternatively, if there is a third device (smart phone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.) in communication connection with the server or client device, the program product may include the storage medium of the third device. Alternatively, the program may include the S/W program itself transmitted from the server to the client device or a third device, or from the third device to the client device.

In this case, one of the server, the client device, and the third device may execute the program and perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments. Alternatively, the client device may perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments via the server.

Alternatively, two or more of a server, a client device, and a third device may execute the program and perform the methods according to the disclosed embodiments in a distributed manner.

For example, a server (eg, a cloud server or an artificial intelligence server, etc.) may execute a program stored in the server and control a client device connected to the server to perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments.

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

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 includes a probe 20, an ultrasound transceiver 110, a control unit 120, an image processor 130, a display unit 140, an input unit 170, and a storage unit. It may include (150) and a communication unit (160).

The probe 20 according to one embodiment may include a plurality of transducers. A plurality of transducers may be arranged in two dimensions to form a two-dimensional transducer array.

For example, the two-dimensional transducer array may include a plurality of sub-arrays including a plurality of transducers arranged in a first direction in a second direction different from the first direction.

Additionally, the ultrasonic transceiver 110 may include an analog beamformer 116a and a digital beamformer 116b. In FIG. 3, the ultrasonic transceiver unit 110 and the probe 20 are shown as separate components. However, the probe 20 according to one embodiment may have some or all of the configuration of the ultrasonic transceiver unit 110, depending on the implementation type. It can be included. for example,

The probe 20 may include one or both of an analog beamformer 116a and a digital beamformer 116b.

The control unit 120 may calculate a time delay value for digital beamforming for each sub-array for each of the plurality of sub-arrays included in the two-dimensional transducer array. Additionally, the control unit 120 may calculate a time delay value for analog beamforming for each transducer included in one of the plurality of sub-arrays.

The control unit 120 operates the analog beamformer 116a and the digital beamformer ( 116b) can be controlled.

Additionally, the controller 120 may control the analog beamformer 116a to sum up the signals received from a plurality of transducers for each sub-array according to the time delay value for analog beamforming. Additionally, the control unit 120 may control the ultrasonic transceiver unit 110 to convert the summed signal for each sub-array to analog to digital. Additionally, the control unit 120 may control the digital beamformer 116b to generate ultrasound data by summing the digitally converted signals according to a time delay value for digital beamforming.

The image processing unit 130 generates an ultrasound image using the generated ultrasound data.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additionally, in a system comprised of a server and a client device, the program may include the storage medium of the server or the storage medium of the client device. Alternatively, if there is a third device (smart phone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.) in communication connection with the server or client device, the program product may include the storage medium of the third device. Alternatively, the program may include the S/W program itself transmitted from the server to the client device or a third device, or from the third device to the client device.

In this case, one of the server, the client device, and the third device may execute the program and perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments. Alternatively, two or more of a server, a client device, and a third device may execute the program and perform the methods according to the disclosed embodiments in a distributed manner.

For example, a server (eg, a cloud server or an artificial intelligence server, etc.) may execute a program stored in the server and control a client device connected to the server to perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments.

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

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

Figures 4 (a) to (c) are perspective views of an ultrasound diagnosis device 200 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B , the ultrasound diagnosis devices 200a and 200b may include a main display unit 221 and a sub-display unit 222. One of the main display unit 221 and the sub display unit 222 may be implemented as a touch screen. The main display unit 221 and the sub display unit 222 may display ultrasound images or various information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis devices 200a and 200b. In addition, the main display unit 221 and the sub-display unit 222 are implemented as touch screens and provide a GUI, so that data for controlling the ultrasound diagnosis devices 200a and 200b can be input from the user. For example, the main display unit 221 may display an ultrasound image, and the sub-display unit 222 may display a control panel for controlling the display of the ultrasound image in a GUI form. The sub-display unit 222 can receive data for controlling the display of images through a control panel displayed in GUI form. The ultrasound diagnosis devices 200a and 200b can control the display of ultrasound images displayed on the main display unit 221 using input control data.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 4 , the ultrasound diagnosis device 200b may further include a control panel 265 in addition to the main display unit 221 and the sub-display unit 222. The control panel 265 may include buttons, trackballs, jog switches, knobs, etc., and may receive data input for controlling the ultrasound diagnosis device 200b from the user. For example, the control panel 265 may include a Time Gain Compensation (TGC) button 271, a Freeze button 272, etc. The TGC button 271 is a button for setting the TGC value for each depth of the ultrasound image. Additionally, when the ultrasound diagnosis device 200b detects the Freeze button 272 input while scanning an ultrasound image, the frame image at that point in time can be displayed.

Meanwhile, buttons, trackballs, jog switches, knobs, etc. included in the control panel 265 may be provided as a GUI on the main display unit 221 or the sub display unit 222.

Referring to (c) of FIG. 4, the ultrasound diagnosis device 200c can also be implemented as a portable device. Examples of the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 200c may include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, laptop computer, PDA, or tablet PC including a probe and an application.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 200c includes a probe 20 and a main body 240, and the probe 20 may be connected to one side of the main body 240 by wire or wirelessly. The main body 240 may include a touch screen 245. The touch screen 245 can display ultrasound images, various information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis device, and a GUI.

Figures 5 (a) to (c) are perspective views of an ultrasound diagnosis device 500 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 5, an ultrasonic diagnostic device used indoors or an indoor ultrasonic diagnostic device 500 generally refers to a non-portable ultrasound diagnostic device used for ultrasound diagnosis, and this ultrasonic diagnostic device 500 ) is also called cart base equipment. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 500 does not necessarily have to be used only indoors, but for convenience, it will be referred to as an indoor ultrasonic diagnostic device 500.

The indoor ultrasound diagnosis device 500 may have a portable docking unit 580 connected to the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 400, and the portable docking unit 580 of the indoor ultrasound diagnosis device 500 used in the present invention. All components except are commonly used, so detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Unlike the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 400, the indoor ultrasound diagnosis device 500 has fewer constraints in terms of size, weight, and power consumption, so it can be developed with diverse diagnostic items and high performance. If the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 400 is mounted on the indoor ultrasound diagnosis device 500, the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 400 can be used with high performance. However, the position where the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 400 is mounted on the indoor ultrasound diagnosis device 500 can be any location that is convenient for the user to use the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 400 and the indoor ultrasound diagnosis device 500 at the same time. There are no restrictions anywhere and it is not limited by (a) in Figure 5. Furthermore, the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 400 may be connected to the indoor ultrasound diagnosis device 500 through a wire or integrated connection.

Referring to Figures 5 (a) and (b), the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 400 of Figure 5 (a) may correspond to the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 201 of Figure 5 (b).

It may be formed integrally with a probe (not shown) including a plurality of transducer elements. Specifically, the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 400 is connected to the indoor ultrasound diagnosis device 500 using a wireless or wired communication method (including USB (Universal Serial Bus)) and provides ultrasound images to the user using received ultrasound image data. refers to the device provided. As an example, the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 400 may be a smart device that downloads and installs an application on a smartphone, etc.

Specifically, the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 400 may be a device that is connected to the indoor ultrasound diagnosis device 500 through wired or wireless communication and provides ultrasound images to the user using received ultrasound image data.

As an example, the wireless communication method may include at least one short-range data communication method including a 60 GHz (mmWave) wireless local area network (WLAN). Wireless local area network (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), wireless broadband Internet (Wibro), microwave access (WiMAX) ), the Worldwide Interoperability Shared Radio Access Protocol (SWAP), the Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig), and radio frequency (RF) communications.

Figure 5(b) illustrates an ultrasound diagnosis system in which a portable ultrasound diagnosis device 201 is connected to a cart-based ultrasound diagnosis device 500.

The cart-based ultrasound diagnosis device 500 can be connected to the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 201 using the wireless communication method described above. Specifically, the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 201 may be equipped with at least one wireless communication module (not shown) for performing at least one of the wireless communication methods described above. Furthermore, the portable docking unit 580 of the cart-based ultrasound diagnosis device 500 may include at least one wireless communication module (not shown) for performing wireless communication with the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 201.

At this time, the wireless communication module in the cart-based ultrasound diagnosis device 500 may be a module for performing communication according to at least one of the wireless communication methods described above.

Figure 5(c) illustrates an ultrasound diagnosis system in which a portable ultrasound diagnosis device 202 is connected to a cart-based ultrasound diagnosis device 500.

The portable ultrasound diagnosis device 202 may be coupled to the probe 301 through a probe port. The portable ultrasound diagnosis device 202 may generate an ultrasound image using an ultrasound image corresponding to the ultrasound signal received by the probe 301 and display it on the display unit.

The cart-based ultrasound diagnosis device 500 can be connected to the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 202 using the wireless communication method described above. The connection through wireless communication between the cart-based ultrasound diagnosis device 500 and the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 202 corresponds to the connection between the cart-based ultrasound diagnosis device 500 and the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 201, and a detailed description thereof. will be omitted.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic device that can be applied to at least one of the ultrasonic diagnostic devices mentioned above in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an ultrasound diagnosis device 600 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the ultrasound diagnosis device 600 uses a wireless communication method with a plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 including the first wireless probe 601 to the fourth wireless probe 604. can be connected In FIG. 6, the ultrasound diagnosis device 600 is shown as a cart type, but it can be implemented not only as a cart type but also as a portable type. The portable ultrasound diagnosis device can be implemented as a fax viewer (Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) viewer), HCU ( It may include, but is not limited to, handcarried cardiac ultrasound equipment, smart phones, laptop computers, PDAs, tablet PCs, etc.

In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device 600 is a device that generates an ultrasound image by processing ultrasound image data received from any one of a plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604, and displays the generated image. Alternatively, it may be a device that simply implements an image display function without a separate image processing function.

Each of the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 may irradiate an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive an echo signal reflected from the object to form a received signal. Each of the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 may process received signals to generate ultrasound image data. The plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 may transmit generated ultrasound image data to the ultrasound diagnosis device 600.

In Figure 6, a total of four wireless probes (601, 602, 603, and 604) are shown, but this is an example and the number of wireless probes connected to the ultrasound diagnosis device 600 in the present invention is not limited to four. . Additionally, the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 may be wireless probes of different types and functions, but are not limited thereto.

A plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 may be wirelessly connected to the ultrasound diagnosis device 600 using a wireless communication method. Here, “connection” may mean that the ultrasound diagnosis device 600 is paired so that it can use at least one of the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 600 may display a user interface (UI) indicating status information of the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 through the display unit 630. In one embodiment, the display unit 630 displays the wireless communication frequency, connection type, supported applications, and wireless communication method of each of the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 wirelessly connected to the ultrasound diagnosis device 600. , a status information UI including at least one of communication status, battery charging information, remaining battery capacity, and available time may be displayed.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 600 displays the connection status of a plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 through the display unit 630, but is not limited to this.

As an embodiment, the display unit 630 includes a first UI 641 indicating a wireless communication connection status with the ultrasound diagnosis device 600, and a second UI 642 indicating a wireless pairing method for connecting to the ultrasound diagnosis device 600. , a third UI 643 indicating a communication method for transmitting and receiving ultrasound image data with the ultrasound diagnosis device 600, and a fourth UI 644 indicating the remaining battery level of the first wireless probe 601 or whether the battery is charged. You can. In addition, the display unit 630 may display a fifth UI 645 indicating identification information (id) of each of the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 wirelessly connected to the ultrasound diagnosis device 600. there is.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 600 is a device that generates an ultrasound image by processing ultrasound image data received from a plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604, and displays the generated image, or is a device that displays the generated image without a separate image processing function. It may be a device that simply implements an image display function.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 600 may include a communication unit 610, a control unit 620, and a display unit 630. The communication unit 610 can be simultaneously connected to a plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 using a wireless communication method.

The communication unit 610 may wirelessly receive status information of each of the plurality of paired wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 from the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604. The communication unit 610 may periodically receive status information of each of the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604, and periodically determine the status of each of the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604. .

Status information may include, for example, the wireless communication frequency, wireless communication connection type, executable application, wireless communication method, communication status, battery charging information, remaining battery level, and availability of each of the plurality of wireless probes (601, 602, 603, and 604). It can contain at least one of the times.

The control unit 620 can control the operations of the communication unit 610 and the display unit 630. Specifically, the control unit 620 wirelessly pairs a plurality of wireless probes (601, 602, 603, and 604) with the ultrasound diagnosis device 600, and status information of the plurality of paired wireless probes (601, 602, 603, and 604). The communication unit 610 can be controlled to receive wirelessly.

In addition, the control unit 620 generates a user interface (UI) indicating the status information of each of the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 received through the communication unit 610, and displays the generated UI on the display unit ( The display unit 630 can be controlled to display the display 630.

The display unit 630 graphically displays letters representing identification information (id) of each of the plurality of wireless probes (601, 602, 603, and 604) and the shape of each of the plurality of wireless probes (601, 602, 603, and 604). One thumbnail image can be displayed.

Each of the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 may irradiate an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive an ultrasonic echo signal reflected from the object to form a received signal. Each of the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 may process received signals to generate ultrasound image data. A plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 may be simultaneously and wirelessly connected to the ultrasound diagnosis device 600 through the communication unit 610. In one embodiment, the plurality of wireless probes 601, 602, 603, and 604 may wirelessly transmit generated ultrasound image data to the ultrasound diagnosis device 600 through the communication unit 610.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe includes a communication unit 710 and a wireless probe that can be connected using the wireless communication method of the communication unit 710. It includes a recognition unit 720 that recognizes 750, an array of recognized wireless probes 750, and a display unit 730 that displays preset information. In particular, it is paired with a wireless probe 750 selected by a user input of selecting one of the displayed preset information, and includes a control unit 740 that controls the wireless probe 750 to be activated. .

Conventionally, a connectable wireless probe must first be selected and paired, and then a preset to be used among the preset information of the paired wireless probe must be selected, a process of selecting pairing and preset information. Each of these had to proceed. In other words, after selecting and pairing the wireless probe you wanted to use, you had to select the array type on the wireless probe, and in the next step, the wireless probe was activated.

In contrast, in the present invention, one or more connectable wireless probes 750 are displayed along with selectable array and preset information. Accordingly, the user can select the required preset among the available presets. The present invention differs from the prior art in that the wireless probe 750 is paired and the wireless probe 750 is activated simply by selecting the preset the user wishes to use.

Specifically, in the present invention, the user selects a preset listed in the desired array type among the array types of the specific wireless probe 750, that is, by the user's one-time selection operation (preset selection). It is characterized in that the wireless probe 750 is ready for activation (freeze state) immediately after pairing is completed.

Even if the wireless probe 750 is paired, it does not mean that an ultrasound signal can be irradiated to the object using the wireless probe 750, so pairing and activation are different concepts.

Pairing means wirelessly connecting the wireless probe 750 and the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including the wireless probe using a wireless communication method, and activation means that the wireless probe 750 irradiates an ultrasound signal to an object and This means operating the wireless probe 750 to receive an ultrasonic echo signal reflected from the object.

A process of transmitting and receiving a pairing signal with the wireless probes 750 is performed using a wireless communication method. After pairing through the above process, a process of transmitting an activation signal to the paired wireless probe 750 is performed to transmit a pairing signal to the wireless probe 750. At 750, the activation preparation step is completed.

In the present invention, when the user selects a preset, pairing is performed by transmitting and receiving a pairing signal with the wireless probes 750 using a wireless communication method, and preparing for activation by transmitting an activation signal to the paired wireless probes 750. can all be completed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating preset information of an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Preset information according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a system preset containing parameters that are preset in the system and cannot be changed, or may be a user preset containing parameters arbitrarily set by the user.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing one wireless probe 750, and is an example in which the wireless probe 750 has three array types. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, among the various array types of the wireless probe 750, presets corresponding to the phased array type (PA3-8B) include Abdomen, Cardiac, TCD, Pediatric, etc. There may be.

In addition, presets corresponding to the convex array type (CA1-7A) may include Obstetrics, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Abdomen, Fetal Heart, Vascular, etc., and presets corresponding to the linear array type (LA2-9S) can be included. ) may include small parts, Vascular, Musculoskeletal, Pediatric, and Abdomen.

The preset shown in FIG. 8 is an example and is not limited to the information shown, and the preset information for each array type includes OB (OBstetrics), GYN (GYNecology) , Gynecology), PD (PeDiatrics), CS (ChestSurgery), RD (RaDiology), NS (NeuroSurgery), Abdomen, etc., and more detailed presets ) may also include information.

As an example, a user may wish to use an Abdomen of the Convex array type in the wireless probe 750 having three different arrays as shown in FIG. 8.

In this case, the user can select Abdomen among the listed presets of the Convex array type, and the wireless probe 750 is automatically paired by the above selection, and at the same time, the selected preset of the selected Convex array type is automatically paired. It can even be ready for activation so that it can be used as information.

After selecting the preset information of the desired array type, the user can immediately use the wireless probe 750 without any other process. After pairing the wireless probe, select an available array type, and select the preset ( This is different from the prior art in that a preset selection step must be completed, and then preparations for activation of the wireless probe are completed. In addition, as will be explained below, by displaying the relative distance and direction of the location of one or more wireless probes 750 from the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including the reference wireless probe, the user can move closer to the reference point. You can check the existing wireless probes 750 and easily select the wireless probe 750 with the necessary functions.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to the present invention may include a communication unit 710, a recognition unit 720, a display unit 730, and a control unit 740, and the communication unit 710 may include one or more The wireless probe 750 may be connected to the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe using a wireless communication method.

The communication unit 710 may wirelessly receive status information of the paired wireless probe 750 from the wireless probe 750. Depending on the embodiment, the status information may be periodically received to check the status of the wireless probe 750. It can be figured out.

The status information may include at least one of the wireless communication frequency of the wireless probe 750, wireless communication connection type, executable application, wireless communication method, communication status, battery charging information, remaining battery level, and available time. there is.

The recognition unit 720 may recognize the wireless probe 750 that can be connected to the ultrasound diagnosis device using the wireless communication method of the communication unit 710.

When the wireless probe 750 is located within a preset distance to the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe, the recognition unit 720 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe is The probe 750 can be recognized.

For example, when the wireless probe 750 includes an NFC communication module, the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including the wireless probe uses NFC communication when the distance to the wireless probe 750 is within a preset distance. The probe 750 can be recognized.

In another embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe is activated by a user input signal (probe information recognition method using RFID, etc.) through a user input device (button, etc.) mounted on the wireless probe 750. The wireless probe 750 can be recognized.

However, in the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe, the method of recognizing one or more wireless probes 750 is not limited to the method described above, and the method of recognizing the wireless probe 750 located within a preset distance is not limited.

The display unit 730 may display array and preset information of the wireless probe 750 recognized by the recognition unit 720.

The display unit 730 includes at least one of a CRT display, an LCD display, a PDP display, an OLED display, an FED display, an LED display, a VFD display, a Digital Light Processing (DLP) display, a flat panel display, a 3D display, and a transparent display. It may be composed of a physical device including one, but is not limited to this.

In one embodiment, the display unit 730 may be configured as a touch screen including a touch interface. When configured as a touch screen, the display unit 730 may be integrated with a touch pad to receive a user's touch input. .

In the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to the present invention, there may be one or more wireless probes 750 displayed on the display unit 730, and the display unit 730 may display the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe. All wireless probes 750 that can be connected to can be displayed.

In the conventional case, only the wireless probe closest in distance is displayed and the user is presented with only one wireless probe, so the user is not given the opportunity to select a wireless probe.

In contrast, in the present invention, it does not display only the closest wireless probe 750, but displays all wireless probes 750 that are located within a certain distance near the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe and are capable of pairing. In terms of technology, there is a difference in that it allows the user to select a wireless probe 750 located at a desired distance while having the necessary array among a plurality of wireless probes 750.

The wireless probe 750 may be displayed on the display unit 730 of the present invention, and one or more array and preset information may be displayed on the wireless probe 750, in the case where there are multiple wireless probes 750. , each wireless probe 750 may be displayed with one or more array and preset information. This will be explained through FIGS. 8 to 12.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a pairing process with a wireless probe 750 by an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In Figure 9, three wireless probes 750, Probe A, Probe B, and Probe C, are shown, and the array type and preset information of each wireless probe 750 are also shown.

That is, in the present invention, when each wireless probe 750 has more than one array, all plural array types can be displayed, and preset information for each array can be displayed together. The three wireless probes 750 shown in FIG. 9 each display two arrays.

As shown in FIG. 9, the information displayed on the display unit 730 may include Probe A, Probe B, and Probe C as characters representing the wireless probe 750, and a figure representing the array form of the wireless probe 750. may be included, and at the top of the above figure may also include letters indicating preset information of the wireless probe 750.

In FIG. 9 , as information representing the form of the wireless probe 750 array, shapes representing Linear, Curved (Convex), and Phased array are disclosed, respectively. Of course, the shape of the wireless probe 750 is not limited to the shape of the wireless probe 750 shown in FIG. 9, and the wireless probe 750 may have various shapes.

Additionally, in Figure 9, preset information includes Lung, OB, MSK, Abdomen, Cardiac, OB, and CV, but other information includes Vascular, Thyroid, Breast, Liver, Kidney, Pancreas, Gyn, Fetus HR, and Nerve. Additional information such as Arm, Nerve Leg, MSK CALC, etc. may be included.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 730 may display the distance relationship between the wireless probes 750 and the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including the wireless probe in relative positions.

When there are a plurality of wireless probes 750, the positional relationship between the plurality of wireless probes 750 and the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including the wireless probe can be displayed on the display unit 730, as shown in FIG. 9. As shown, the relative positions of the plurality of wireless probes 750 can be displayed based on the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including the wireless probe located at the center.

As shown in FIG. 9, Probe A is located at a certain distance from the center, Probe B is located in the opposite direction to Probe A, and Probe C is located in the opposite direction to Probe A based on the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe. It can be confirmed that Probe A and Probe B are located in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which they were placed.

Not only the relative position but also the distance between the ultrasonic diagnosis device 700 including the wireless probe of the present invention and the plurality of wireless probes 750 can be displayed relative to each other.

As shown in FIG. 9, it can be seen that Probe A is located at the farthest position from the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe located at the center, and Probe B is located at the closest position. The user may check the distance displayed on the display unit 730 and select the wireless probe 750 closest to the user's current location.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a pairing process with a wireless probe 750 by an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Unlike in FIG. 9, it can be seen in FIG. 10 that each of the three wireless probes 750 has two, one, and three arrays and presets.

Characters representing the name of the wireless probe 750 are not limited to those shown.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a pairing process with a wireless probe by the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including the wireless probe shown in FIG. 11 is under the same conditions and location as the wireless probes 750 in FIG. 10, but unlike in FIG. 10, the linear shape on the display unit 730 is [L. ], the curved (convex) shape is [C], and the phased array is [PA]. The difference is that the shape of the wireless probe 750 is expressed in letters rather than shapes.

In addition, although not shown in the drawing, the preset information of the wireless probe 750 can be displayed not as text, but as a figure having the meaning indicated by the information.

The display unit 730 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including the wireless probe of the present invention may display connection information with the paired wireless probe 750.

As an example, the display unit 730 displays at least one of the ID of the wireless probe 750, wireless communication frequency, connection type, supported application, wireless communication method, communication status, battery charging information, remaining battery amount, and available time. The included connection information can be displayed.

Additionally, when the wireless probe 750 and the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including the wireless probe are paired, a preset notification may be output.

Although not shown, the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe may further include a sound output unit, and the sound output unit may be configured to wirelessly connect the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe to the wireless probe 750. If so, a preset sound can be output.

Depending on the embodiment, the sound output unit may output different sounds according to the identification information of each of the plurality of wireless probes 750, and according to another embodiment, the preset notification may be in the form of a light instead of a sound. It could be output.

The control unit 740 of the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including the wireless probe of the present invention can control the operations of the communication unit 710 and the display unit 730.

Specifically, the control unit 740 wirelessly pairs the wireless probe 750 and the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including the wireless probe, and uses the communication unit 710 to wirelessly receive status information of the paired wireless probe 750. can be controlled.

In addition, the control unit 740 can control the wireless probe 750 to be in an activated state, and display the status information of the wireless probe 750 received through the communication unit 710 on the display unit 730. ) can be controlled.

The control unit 740 includes, for example, at least one of a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphic processing unit, random-access memory (RAM), and read-only memory (ROM). It may be composed of hardware modules that:

As an embodiment, the control unit 740 may be implemented as an application processor (AP), and the control unit 740 may also be implemented as a hardware component such as an FPGA or ASIC.

However, it is not limited to this, and the control unit 740 includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, properties, and May include scissors, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays and variables.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining preset information of an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing parameter information corresponding to preset information, showing one or more preset information included in each of a plurality of wireless probes 750 and parameter information included in each preset information. Additional information can be displayed.

FIG. 12 is an example in which parameter information included in 'OB' among the preset information included in the curved array type in Probe A among the plurality of wireless probes 750 is displayed together. As shown, parameter definitions may include harmonic, frequency, line density, etc.

In the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to the present invention, the user selects Harmonic as parameter information among OB preset information, and preparations for pairing and activation for the corresponding wireless probe 750 are completed. Therefore, the user can immediately use the wireless probe 750 according to the information.

In FIG. 12, only the parameter information included in the preset information (OB) for a specific type of array (curved array) is shown together. However, various types of arrays included in each wireless probe 750, In addition to one or more preset information included in each array, various parameter information included in each preset information may be displayed.

That is, not only the wireless probe 750 information (array type) and various preset information corresponding thereto, but also at least one parameter information corresponding to the preset information can be displayed.

Various parameter information included in each preset information may be listed together with the preset information, but according to another embodiment, the user may select specific preset information of the wireless probe 750. It can be displayed by the user's specification, such as by touching or clicking. However, the display method is not limited to this.

Parameter information included in each preset information includes frequency, dynamic range, frame average, reject level, gray map, and dynamic. DMR, Sound speed, Harmonic, Line Density, Focus Number, FSI (Full Spectrum Image), overall gain, depth, scan Area (Scan Area), edge enhancement (edge enhancement), power (Power), TGC line (Time Gain Compensation), etc. may be included.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 13, the method of operating the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe using a wireless communication method. Recognizing a connectable wireless probe 750, displaying the array and preset information of the recognized wireless probe 750, and receiving a user input for selecting one of the displayed preset information. , and pairing with a wireless probe 750 having selected information, and controlling the wireless probe 750 to be activated.

In the present invention, the user enters (selects) the selected preset information and is simultaneously paired with the wireless probe 750 having the selected information, and the wireless probe 750 is activated. In the pairing step, It is significant in that it improves the inconvenience in the prior art, which requires separate preset selection and activation steps.

That is, in the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, when preset information selected by the user is received through user input, the wireless probe 750 with the selected information At the same time as pairing, the wireless probe 750 is ready for activation.

In the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of pairing with the wireless probe 750 includes transmitting and receiving a pairing signal with the wireless probe 750 using a wireless communication method. May include steps. The communication unit 710 can wirelessly receive status information of the paired wireless probe 750 from the wireless probe 750, and preparation for activation can be completed by transmitting an activation signal to the paired wireless probe 750. .

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 14, the method of operating the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to another embodiment of the present invention is to operate the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe using a wireless communication method. Recognizing a wireless probe 750 that can be connected to, displaying the array and preset information of the recognized wireless probe 750, and selecting one of the parameter information included in the displayed preset information. It may include receiving a user input, and controlling the wireless probe 750 with selected information to be paired and activated.

As explained through FIG. 12, preset information in the present invention may include parameter information, and the user may use preset information listed in the array type to be used in a specific wireless probe 750. You can select any one of a plurality of parameter information included in .

Parameter information may include harmonic, frequency, line density, etc., and various related elements in addition to the information listed in FIG. 12 may be included.

When the user selects parameter information, the preset information corresponding to the parameter information and the wireless probe 750 of a specific array type are paired, and the wireless probe 750 is paired according to the selected preset information and parameter information. The activation preparation state (freeze state) for operation of the wireless probe 750 is completed so that the ultrasonic signal can be irradiated to the object and the reflected ultrasonic echo signal can be received. Accordingly, the user can use the wireless probe 750 immediately after the above selection. The ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention has a paired wireless probe 750. An ultrasonic signal can be irradiated to an object and an ultrasonic echo signal reflected from the object can be received to form a received signal.

Additionally, it may include receiving ultrasound image data input from the paired wireless probe 750. The wireless probe 750 may generate ultrasound image data by image processing the received signal, and the wireless probe 750 may transmit the generated ultrasound image data to the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including the wireless probe through the communication unit 710. ) can be transmitted wirelessly.

The wireless probe 750 irradiates ultrasonic signals, generates image data, and the process of displaying this is the same as a general process in an ultrasonic device, so a detailed description will be omitted.

Since details related to each step have been sufficiently described in relation to the ultrasound diagnosis device 700 including a wireless probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, detailed description will be omitted.

As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings. A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

700: Ultrasound diagnostic device including a wireless probe
710: Department of Communications
720: Recognition unit
730: display unit
740: Control unit
750: wireless probe

Claims (23)

In the ultrasonic diagnostic device including a wireless probe,
Ministry of Communications;
a recognition unit that recognizes a wireless probe that can be connected using the wireless communication method of the communication unit;
a display unit that displays array and preset information of the recognized wireless probe; and
An ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, characterized in that it is paired with the wireless probe selected by a user input for selecting one of the displayed preset information, and includes a control unit that controls the wireless probe to be activated. .
According to paragraph 1,
An ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, characterized in that the wireless probe is one or more.
According to paragraph 1,
An ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, characterized in that one or more array and preset information are displayed on the wireless probe.
According to paragraph 1,
An ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, wherein the information includes characters representing the wireless probe.
According to paragraph 1,
An ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, wherein the information includes letters or figures representing the shape of the wireless probe.
According to paragraph 1,
An ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, wherein the information includes letters or figures representing a preset of the wireless probe.
The method of claim 1, wherein the display unit,
When there are a plurality of wireless probes, an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, characterized in that the distance relationship between the wireless probes and the ultrasound diagnosis device is displayed as a relative position.
The method of claim 1, wherein the display unit,
An ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, characterized in that it displays connection information with the paired wireless probe.
The method of claim 1, wherein the communication unit,
An ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, characterized in that it receives ultrasound image data input from the paired wireless probe.
According to paragraph 1,
An ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, characterized in that when the wireless probe and the ultrasound diagnosis device are paired, a preset notification is output.
The method of claim 1, wherein the communication unit,
Wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), IrDA (infrared Data Association), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet, Wibro), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX), SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol), WiGig (Wireless Gigabit Allicance, WiGig), and RF communication. An ultrasound diagnostic device including a wireless probe, characterized in that it uses at least one of wireless communication methods.
In a method of operating an ultrasound diagnostic device including a wireless probe,
Recognizing a connectable wireless probe using a wireless communication method;
displaying array and preset information of the recognized wireless probe;
Receiving a user input for selecting one of the displayed preset information; and
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, comprising pairing a wireless probe having the selected information and controlling the wireless probe to be activated.
According to clause 12,
The step of pairing with the wireless probe is,
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, comprising the step of transmitting and receiving a pairing signal with the wireless probe using the wireless communication method.
According to clause 12,
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, comprising displaying connection information with the paired wireless probe.
According to clause 12,
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, characterized in that the wireless probe is one or more.
According to clause 12,
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, characterized in that one or more array and preset information are displayed on the wireless probe.
According to clause 12,
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, wherein the information includes characters representing the wireless probe.
According to clause 12,
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, wherein the information includes letters or figures representing the shape of the wireless probe.
According to clause 12,
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, wherein the information includes letters or figures representing a preset of the wireless probe.
According to clause 12,
When there are a plurality of wireless probes, a method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, comprising displaying a distance relationship between the wireless probes and the ultrasound diagnosis device as a relative position.
According to clause 12,
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, comprising the step of receiving ultrasound image data input from the paired wireless probe.
According to clause 12,
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, comprising the step of outputting a preset notification when the wireless probe and the ultrasound diagnosis device are paired.
According to clause 12,
A method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device including a wireless probe, wherein the preset information includes parameter information.

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