WO2014142365A1

WO2014142365A1 - Ultrasonic probe

Info

Publication number: WO2014142365A1
Application number: PCT/KR2013/001950
Authority: WO
Inventors: 이민환
Original assignee: 알피니언메디칼시스템 주식회사
Priority date: 2013-03-11
Filing date: 2013-03-11
Publication date: 2014-09-18
Also published as: KR101510679B1; KR20140111543A

Abstract

The present invention provides an ultrasonic medical device including: a plurality of probes which transmit/receive ultrasonic waves; an activation signal transmitting unit which is provided to each of the plurality of probes and transmits an activation signal for activating each of the plurality of the probes; and a control unit which receives the activation signal and activates a probe corresponding to the activation signal.

Description

Ultrasonic probe

Embodiments of the present invention relate to ultrasonic probes. More particularly, the present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe installed in an ultrasonic medical device and provided with an activation means.

The contents described in this section merely provide background information on the embodiments of the present invention and do not constitute a prior art.

An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus, which is an example of an ultrasound medical apparatus, is an apparatus for diagnosing a subject, for example, an inspected subject, by imaging an inside of a subject's body using ultrasound.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a main display capable of imaging the inside of a subject's body and a control panel in which the inspector changes a condition of the ultrasound diagnosis according to the subject's physical condition or inputs a test result of the subject.

In an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a probe is used to image the inside of a subject's body. The probe generates ultrasonic waves to irradiate the inside of the subject's body, receives reflected ultrasonic waves, converts them into electrical signals, and delivers an image image signal to a main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

There are various types of probes. For example, there are various types of probes designed in a form suitable for the purpose according to heart, blood vessel and micro tissue, abdomen, obstetrics and the like.

The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a cradle for mounting a probe. The cradle is equipped with a variety of probes for different purposes. Select and activate specific probes according to the needs.

However, in the conventional art, in order to select a specific probe, a control panel located on the main body of an ultrasound medical device must be operated, and even if a probe is to be changed during diagnosis, the control panel must be operated manually, which is very troublesome for the examiner. There is.

In addition, in the related art, a plurality of probes connected to a single ultrasound medical device is difficult to distinguish in a dark room environment, and it is also possible to distinguish between activated and deactivated probe (s) used in the device. There is a difficult discomfort.

The present invention has been made to improve the prior art as described above.

As a problem to be solved by the present invention, a probe having a new structure capable of immediately activating a selected probe among a plurality of probes mounted on an ultrasonic medical device without manipulation of a control panel of an equipment main body is required.

There is also a need for an ultrasonic medical device including the probe described above.

The object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

One embodiment of the invention a plurality of probes for transmitting and receiving ultrasound; An activation signal transmitter installed in each of the plurality of probes and transmitting an activation signal for activating each of the plurality of probes; And a controller configured to receive the activation signal and activate a probe corresponding to the activation signal.

And, an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of outputting the activation signal from the activation signal transmitter attached to the surface of the probe; Receiving, by the controller of an ultrasound medical apparatus, the activation signal; And the controller activating the probe.

In addition, an embodiment of the present invention, a probe attached to the ultrasonic medical device, the transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasound; An activation signal transmitter for transmitting an activation signal to be recognized by the ultrasonic medical device; And it provides a probe for ultrasound medical apparatus comprising a transmission medium for transmitting the activation signal transmitted from the activation signal transmitting unit to the ultrasound medical device.

According to this embodiment, the selected probe can be immediately activated without manipulation of the control panel of the main body of the ultrasound medical apparatus.

In addition, the indicator through which the LED backlight light is transmitted, the user can easily recognize the desired probe in the dark room.

In addition, the activated probe is changed from the display color of the indicator to distinguish it from the inactivated probes.

1 shows an ultrasonic probe which is an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 illustrates an ultrasound medical apparatus to which ultrasound probes are connected, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of activating an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a circuit diagram illustrating a plurality of ultrasonic probes connected to a main body.

6 is a block diagram showing a step of activating the ultrasonic probe.

With reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail embodiments of the present invention. As the inventive concept allows for various changes and numerous modifications, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals are used for similar elements. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of the structure is shown to be larger than the actual size for clarity of the invention, or to reduce the actual size to understand the schematic configuration.

In addition, terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components herein should not be limited by terms such as first and second. Terms such as first and second are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. On the other hand, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms such as those defined in the commonly used dictionaries should be construed as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the related art, and shall not be construed in ideal or excessively formal meanings unless expressly defined in this application. Do not.

1 is a view showing an ultrasonic probe 10 which is an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasound medical apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 illustrates an ultrasound medical apparatus 100 to which ultrasound probes 10 are connected, which is an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of activating the ultrasonic probe 10, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

The ultrasound medical apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of probes 10, an activation signal transmitter 20, and a controller 40.

Each probe 10 may transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The probe 10 includes a transducer (not shown) and converts an electrical signal into an ultrasonic wave through the transducer to irradiate the ultrasonic wave, and receives the ultrasonic wave reflected by the test object and returns the electrical signal to contain the image information. Transfer to the main body of the ultrasonic medical device 100.

The activation signal transmitter 20 is installed in the probe 10 and transmits an activation signal for activating the probe 10.

Two of the features of the embodiment of the present invention is that the activation signal transmitting unit 20 for transmitting an activation signal for activating the probe 10 is provided in each of the plurality of probes 10 and thereby the ultrasonic medical device ( The user of 100 may directly activate the probe 10 through the probe 10.

In the related art, a button is installed in the probe 10, but the button is not for activating the probe 10 but for performing a specific function of the probe 10.

However, in the ultrasound medical apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, since a means for activating the probe 10 itself is installed in the probe 10, a specific probe 10 is selected and used from among the various probes 10. Provide convenience to the user.

The activation signal transmitter 20 is installed in the probe 10. According to an embodiment, it may be installed in the pro part. In this case, for example, the probe 10 may be activated by lifting or shaking the probe 10 from the holder 50. Of course, in addition to this, there may be various input methods for operating the activation signal transmitter 20 installed in the probe 10.

The activation signal transmitter 20 may be installed on the surface of the probe 10 according to an embodiment. For example, the activation signal transmitter 20 may be installed on the outer surface of the cover of the probe 10 so that the user can operate the activation signal transmitter 20 naturally and conveniently while holding the probe 10. To do this. Therefore, it is preferable that the activation signal transmitter 20 is installed at a position that is easy for the user to operate by hand among the covers of the probe 10.

The activation signal transmitter 20 may be based on various methods, such as a button method, a tact switch method, a capacitive touch method, or a thermal sensing method. For example, it can be designed in a variety of ways that can be manipulated by hand to send an activation signal.

These schemes are already known techniques and therefore their detailed description is omitted.

How the probe 10 is activated will be described.

Ultrasound medical apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main body, the control unit 40 may be disposed in the main body. The controller 40 may be connected to the activation signal transmitter 20 in a wired or wireless manner to activate the probe 10 by receiving an activation signal transmitted from the activation signal transmitter 20. In some embodiments, the activation signal transmitter 20 and the controller 40 may be electrically connected to each other by a conductive wire.

For example, when the user operates the activation signal transmitter 20 of the probe 10 to transmit the activation signal, the control unit 40 disposed on the main body of the ultrasound medical apparatus 100 transmits the activation signal through the probe 10. ) Will be activated.

There are several types of probes 10. For example, there are various types of probes 10 designed in a form suitable for the purpose according to heart, blood vessel and micro tissue, abdomen, obstetrics and the like. In order to diagnose a specific part of a subject, a specific probe 10 should be selected and used.

One ultrasound medical apparatus 100 is used after mounting a plurality of probes 10 having a number of different functions. For example, the probe 10 having various kinds of functions as described above is mounted on the holder 50 and the corresponding probe 10 is activated and used according to a necessary use.

However, in the related art, in order to select a specific probe 10, a control panel positioned on the main body of the ultrasound medical apparatus 100 must be operated, and the control panel is manually changed even when the probe 10 is to be changed during the diagnosis. It is very cumbersome for the user because it has to be operated.

Ultrasound medical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used because the user can operate the activation signal transmitter 20 installed in the probe 10 itself to select a specific probe 10 in accordance with the user's doctor This simple and time-saving ultrasound diagnosis can be saved.

The probe 10 may include an indicator 30 that uses an LED as a light source. The indicator 30 has a display color. When the probe 10 is activated, the display color may be changed to indicate an activated state. For example, when the user activates the probe 10 by activating the activation signal transmitter 20, the indicator 30 may be interlocked to change the display color so that the user may recognize that the probe 10 is activated.

The indicator 30 serves to identify the specific probe 10 itself among the various probes 10. Ultrasound medical apparatus 100 is generally used in the dark room to obtain a clear image. However, it is difficult to select the required probe among several probes in the dark room. In particular, when the plurality of probes 10 are mounted on the ultrasound medical apparatus 100.

However, the probe 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment has an advantage of easy identification because the indicator 30 may be installed inside the LED light to check the model name through irradiation of the LED light.

In particular, the LED lighting has a high illumination intensity, very high discrimination, and can have a variety of display colors, good aesthetics, there is an advantage that can be applied to a variety of applications.

In addition, as described above, since the indicator 30 informs the activation state of the probe 10, the user may immediately know whether the selected probe 10 is activated, and the activated probe 10 may indicate the indicator 30. ) Display color is changed, there is an advantage that it is easy to distinguish from the deactivated probe (10).

The probe 10 may further include a switch unit capable of performing a function of the ultrasound medical apparatus 100. For example, the user may use the ultrasound medical apparatus 100 through an interface such as a control panel or a pedal of the ultrasound medical apparatus 100 in addition to the activation signal transmitter 20. Some of the functions that can be operated through the interface may be probed. These functions can be used by replacing the switch unit provided in (10) and manipulating the switch unit.

According to the exemplary embodiment, the switch unit may be configured by a button method, a tact switch method, a capacitive touch method, or a thermal sensing method.

According to the exemplary embodiment, a freeze function or a capture function that can be generally used in the ultrasound medical apparatus 100 may be replaced by a switch unit. The freeze function may be, for example, a function of stopping an image screen generated from an echo signal of ultrasonic waves displayed on the display unit of the ultrasound medical apparatus 100, and the capture function may be, for example, a function of storing the image.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of activating an ultrasound probe 10 includes outputting an activation signal from an activation signal transmitter 20 attached to a surface of the probe 10 (S100), of the ultrasound medical apparatus 100. The control unit 40 may include receiving the activation signal (S200) and the control unit 40 activating the probe 10 (S300).

The controller 40 may include a signal receiver to receive the activation signal.

An embodiment of the ultrasound medical apparatus 100 according to the present invention is a medical apparatus 100 that may include a structure having the above-described probes 10 and the controller 40. The medical device 100 to which the probes 10 and the control unit 40 of the above-described embodiment may be applied may be any type. For example, the ultrasonic residual device may transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to obtain an image image of a related part. Since the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 itself is known in the art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, the probe 10 attached to the ultrasonic medical device 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is the transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasound, the activation signal for transmitting the activation signal to be recognized by the ultrasonic medical device 100 It may include a transmission medium for transmitting the activation signal transmitted from the bride 20 and the activation signal transmitting unit 20 to the ultrasound medical apparatus (100). Here, the activation signal may be an electrical signal, and the transmission medium may be a conductor for transmitting the electrical signal.

5 is a circuit diagram showing a plurality of ultrasonic probes connected to a main body according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the step of activating the ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 (a) shows probe 1 connected to port 1, FIG. 5 (b) shows probe 2 connected to port 2, and FIG. 5 (c) shows probe 3 connected to port 3. . Here,

ports

1, 2, and 3 represent portions where the

probes

1, 2, and 3 are hardware-connected to the ultrasonic medical device. In addition,

channels

1, 2, and 3 represent portions where the

probes

1, 2, and 3 are software-connected with the ultrasonic medical device.

5 and 6, when the ultrasonic probe is connected to the main body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the connected ultrasonic probes transmit their own identification signals to the main body. Thereby, the main body recognizes that the ultrasonic probe is connected. Referring to FIG. 5, probes 1, 2, and 3 are connected to the

ports

1, 2, and 3 of the main body, respectively, and transmit their identification signals SC1-6, L3-12, and E1-10 to the main body. . Referring to part A of FIG. 5, the ultrasonic probes connected to the main body are each attached with an indicator 30, and each of the ultrasonic probes receives a green signal from the main body so that the LED of the indicator 30 emits green color. In this case, when the green signal is emitted, the probes are in a wait mode. If the user presses the switch 20 attached to the probe 1, the probe 1 sends an activation signal to the main body. In addition, a blue signal is input from the main body so that the LED of the indicator 30 attached to the probe 1 emits blue color. The switch may be an activation signal transmitter 20. In addition, when the blue signal emits light, it indicates that the probe is in an active state.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the ultrasonic probes are respectively connected to a plurality of ports of the main body, the controller of the main body identifies the identification signals transmitted by the respective ultrasonic probes, and confirms that the probes are connected to the channels corresponding to the respective ports. And outputs a green signal. Subsequently, the control unit maintains the standby state if it does not detect the activation signal input by the user's manipulation of the activation signal transmitter 20. However, when the activation signal input is detected, the activated channel is activated and a blue signal is output to the detected channel. In addition, all channels other than the detected channel remain inactive and maintain a green signal output.

When the controller detects an activation signal input again, the controller maintains the current state if the detected activation signal comes from the currently activated probe. However, if the detected activation signal does not come from the currently activated probe, it activates a new detected channel and outputs a blue signal to the detected new channel. In addition, the remaining channels, except for the new channel detected with them, remain inactive and maintain a green signal output.

In the ultrasound medical device technology, when a plurality of ultrasound probes are connected to each port of the main body of the medical device, the user operates the control panel to move the cursor corresponding to the movement of the control panel on the monitor and the cursor on the display unit. A particular probe was selected from among the probes connected to each port shown. Therefore, the activation signal for activating the probe is not only transmitted and received between the probe and the control unit, but also transmitted and received between the control unit and the control panel. In order to select a desired probe, an image of the probes displayed on the display unit must be expressed. There was discomfort. However, in the ultrasonic medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the activation signal is not transmitted and received between the control unit and the control panel, and is transmitted and received only between the probe and the control unit. By such a difference, a user of the ultrasound medical apparatus may conveniently and quickly activate a specific probe among a plurality of ultrasound probes.

Although the detailed description of the present invention described above has been described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art or those skilled in the art will have the idea of the present invention described in the claims to be described later. It will be understood that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention.

(Explanation of the sign)

10: probe

20: activation signal transmitter

30: indicator

40: control unit

50: holder

100: ultrasonic medical device

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority pursuant to Article 119 (a) (35 USC § 119 (a)) of the Patent Application No. 10-2013-0025831 filed with Korea on March 11, 2013, All content is incorporated by reference in this patent application. In addition, if this patent application claims priority for the same reason for countries other than the United States, all its contents are incorporated into this patent application by reference.

Claims

A plurality of probes for transmitting and receiving ultrasound;

An activation signal transmitter installed in each of the plurality of probes and transmitting an activation signal for activating each of the plurality of probes; And

A controller configured to receive the activation signal and activate a probe corresponding to the activation signal;

Ultrasound medical device comprising a.
The method of claim 1,

The activation signal transmitter is an ultrasonic medical device, characterized in that installed on the surface of each of the plurality of probes.
The method of claim 2,

The activation signal transmitter is any one of a button method, a tact switch method, a capacitive touch method, a thermal sensing method.
The method of claim 1,

Each of the plurality of probes further comprises an indicator using an LED as a light source to recognize each of the plurality of probes.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The indicator may have a display color, but the display color is changed when each of the plurality of probes is activated.
The method of claim 1,

Each of the plurality of probes further comprises a switch unit capable of performing various functions of the ultrasonic medical device.
The method of claim 6,

The function may include a freeze function and a capture function.
The method of claim 1,

Ultrasound medical apparatus comprising a main body, wherein the control unit is installed in the main body.
The method of claim 1,

And the activation signal transmitter and the controller are connected by wire or wirelessly.
Outputting an activation signal at an activation signal transmitter attached to a surface of the probe;

Receiving, by the controller of an ultrasound medical apparatus, the activation signal; And

Activating the probe by the controller;

Ultrasonic probe activation method comprising a.
In the probe attached to the ultrasonic medical device,

A transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves;

An activation signal transmitter for transmitting an activation signal to be recognized by the ultrasonic medical device; And

A transmission medium for transmitting an activation signal transmitted from the activation signal transmitter to the ultrasound medical apparatus;

Ultrasound medical device probe comprising a.