Ultrasonic device and control method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an ultrasonic device and a control method thereof, wherein the ultrasonic device includes: a transmitter configured to generate and output a transmission signal; an ultrasonic probe configured to convert the transmission signal output from the transmitter into an ultrasonic signal and transmit the ultrasonic signal to a target object, and receive an echo signal reflected from the target object and output a reception signal based on the echo signal; a transmission / reception switch configured to attenuate the transmission signal output from the transmitter and output the attenuated transmission signal, and output the reception signal output from the ultrasonic probe; and a receiver configured to receive the output attenuated transmission signal and the output reception signal, and detect transmission waveform information based on the attenuated transmission signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic device and a control method thereof, wherein the ultrasonic device determines in real time whether the ultrasonic device operates normally by detecting a waveform of a transmission signal generated from the ultrasonic device. Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasound device for determining whether the ultrasound device is operating normally by detecting the waveform of a transmitted signal. The ultrasound device is a device for obtaining an internal image of a subject by radiating an ultrasound signal that has been generated from a transducer of an ultrasound probe through the skin of the subject's body toward a target site inside the subject and receiving information about the ultrasound signal (ultrasound echo signal) from the subject.

[0003] Ultrasonic devices have the following advantages: high safety without radiation exposure compared to X-ray diagnostic devices; performing display in real time; being inexpensive compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); and being mobile, and therefore, are widely used in the field of medical diagnosis. Summary of the invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic device and a control method thereof, wherein the ultrasonic device is capable of detecting a transmission waveform without an additional reception channel when detecting a waveform of a transmission signal output by the ultrasonic device.

[0005] Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0006] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound device, which includes: a transmitter, configured to generate and output a transmission signal; an ultrasound probe, configured to convert the transmission signal output from the transmitter into an ultrasound signal and transmit the ultrasound signal to a target object, and receive an echo signal reflected from the target object and output a reception signal based on the echo signal; a transmit / receive switch, configured to attenuate the transmission signal output from the transmitter and output the attenuated transmission signal, and output the reception signal output from the ultrasound probe; and a receiver, configured to receive the output attenuated transmission signal and the output reception signal, and detect transmission waveform information based on the attenuated transmission signal.

[0007] The transmission / reception switch may include: a switch module configured to block the transmission signal from being transmitted to the receiver and to allow the reception signal to be transmitted to the receiver; and a resistor element configured to attenuate the transmission signal.

[0008] The switch module may include a diode bridge switchable between a first state and a second state.

[0009] The switch module may prevent the transmission signal from being transmitted to the receiver by applying a reverse bias current to the diode bridge in a first state, and may allow the reception signal to be transmitted to the receiver by applying a forward bias current to the diode bridge in a second state.

[0010] The switch module may include at least one switch switchable between a first state and a second state.

[0011] The switch module may control the at least one switch to operate in one of a short circuit state and an open circuit state to prevent the transmission signal from being transmitted to the receiver in the first state and to allow the transmission signal to be transmitted to the receiver in the second state.

[0012] The transmit / receive switch can be configured to: disable the switch module in a first time period so that the transmit signal is attenuated by the resistor element and is sent to the receiver; and enable the switch module in a second time period so that the receive signal is sent to the receiver through the switch module, wherein the first time period is a time period in which the transmitter outputs the transmit signal, and the second time period is a time period in which the ultrasound probe outputs the receive signal.

[0013] The attenuated transmit signal may have a voltage as defined by Equation 1, wherein the voltage of the attenuated transmit signal falls within an input range of the receiver:

[0014] [Formula 1]

[0015]

[0016] In formula 1, V′ s represents the voltage of the attenuated transmission signal, V s represents the voltage of the transmitted signal, R in represents the input impedance of the receiver, and R s Indicates the resistance value of the resistor element.

[0017] The transmission waveform information may include at least one of a waveform of the transmission signal, an amplitude of the transmission signal, and information on a generation time of the transmission signal based on a synchronization signal.

[0018] The ultrasound apparatus may further include a display and a controller configured to store reference waveform information according to a transmission condition and compare the detected transmission waveform information with the reference waveform information.

[0019] When the detected transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information, the controller may control the display to notify a user of an abnormality or stop operating the ultrasound apparatus.

[0020] When the detected transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information, the controller may correct a transmission signal corresponding to the detected transmission waveform information.

[0021] The controller may compare transmission waveform information corresponding to the corrected transmission signal with the reference waveform information.

[0022] When the transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information, the controller may control the display to notify a user of an abnormality or stop operating the ultrasound apparatus.

[0023] The controller may control the display to display the detected transmission waveform information.

[0024] One end of the transmission / reception switch may be connected to the transmitter and the ultrasound probe, and an opposite end of the transmission / reception switch may be connected to the receiver.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling an ultrasonic device including an ultrasonic probe and a transmit / receive switch, the method comprising: receiving a transmit signal output from a transmitter and a receive signal output from the ultrasonic probe by controlling the transmit / receive switch; outputting the transmit signal attenuated by a resistor element by controlling the transmit / receive switch; outputting the receive signal through a switch module by controlling the transmit / receive switch; receiving the output attenuated transmit signal and the output receive signal by controlling the receiver; and detecting transmit waveform information based on the attenuated transmit signal by controlling the receiver.

[0026] The method may include: disabling the switch module in a first time period so that the transmission signal is attenuated by the resistor element and is sent to the receiver; and enabling the switch module in a second time period so that the reception signal is sent to the receiver through the switch module, wherein the first time period may be a time period in which the transmitter outputs the transmission signal, and the second time period may be a time period in which the ultrasound probe outputs the reception signal.

[0027] The attenuated transmit signal may have a voltage as defined by Equation 1, wherein the voltage of the attenuated transmit signal falls within an input range of the receiver:

[0028] [Formula 1]

[0029]

[0030] In formula 1, V′ s represents the voltage of the attenuated transmission signal, V s represents the voltage of the transmitted signal, R in represents the input impedance of the receiver, and R s Indicates the resistance value of the resistor element.

[0031] The transmission waveform information may include at least one of a waveform of the transmission signal, an amplitude of the transmission signal, and information on a generation time of the transmission signal based on a synchronization signal.

[0032] The method may further include: storing reference waveform information according to a transmission condition; and comparing the detected transmission waveform information with the reference waveform information.

[0033] The method may include: when the detected transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information, controlling a display to notify a user of an abnormality; and stopping the operation of the ultrasound apparatus.

[0034] The method may include correcting a transmission signal corresponding to the detected transmission waveform information when the detected transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information.

[0035] The method may include comparing transmission waveform information corresponding to the corrected transmission signal with the reference waveform information.

[0036] The method may include controlling the display to notify a user of an abnormality or stopping the operation of the ultrasound apparatus when the transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information.

[0037] The method may include: controlling the display to display the detected transmission waveform information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] These and / or other aspects of the present invention will become apparent and more readily understood through the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 is a control block diagram illustrating an ultrasound apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 is an external view showing an ultrasound apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0041] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing a conventional ultrasonic apparatus.

[0042] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a conventional ultrasound apparatus for acquiring a transmission waveform.

[0043] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an ultrasound apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 6 is a diagram for describing the flow of a transmission signal in a transmission period according to the embodiment.

[0045] Figure 7 is a diagram for describing the flow of a reception signal in a reception period according to the embodiment.

[0046] Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of an ultrasonic apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 9 is another circuit diagram of the ultrasound apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0048] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an ultrasound apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0049] Fig.11 is a diagram for describing a transmission period and a reception period according to an embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B is a diagram showing a transmission waveform according to an embodiment.

[0051] Fig.13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an ultrasound apparatus according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same elements. All elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure will not be described, and the description of content well known in the art or the description of the content overlapping each other in the embodiment will be omitted. The term used in the entire specification (such as, "~ parts", "~ modules", "~ members", "~ blocks", etc.) can be implemented in software and / or hardware, and multiple "~ parts", "~ modules", "~ members" or "~ blocks" can be implemented in a single element, or a single "~ parts", "~ modules", "~ members" or "~ blocks" may include multiple elements.

[0053] It will be further understood that the term "connected" or its derivatives refer to both direct and indirect connections, and that an indirect connection includes a connection through a wireless communication network.

[0054] It will be further understood that when the terms "include" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, the terms list the existence of the recorded features, numbers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0055] In addition, it will be further understood that when a signal or data is transmitted, sent or transferred from an "element" to "another element", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, it does not exclude the other element through which the signal or data between the element and the other element passes.

[0056] Although terms “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” etc. may be used to describe various components, the terms do not limit the corresponding components but are used merely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0057] As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0058] The reference numerals used for the method steps are only used for convenient explanation and do not limit the order of the steps. Therefore, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the recorded order can be practiced in other ways.

[0059] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ultrasound apparatus and a control method thereof according to an aspect will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 is a control block diagram showing an ultrasound apparatus according to an embodiment, Figure 2 is an external view of the ultrasound apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the embodiment, the ultrasound device 100 includes: a transmitter 110 for outputting a transmission signal to be converted into an ultrasound signal in an ultrasound probe 120; an ultrasound probe 120 for transmitting an ultrasound signal to a target object, receiving an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the target object and outputting a reception signal based on the ultrasound echo signal; a transmission / reception switch 140 for attenuating the transmission signal and transmitting the transmission signal while transmitting an unattenuated reception signal; a controller 150 for controlling the operation of internal components of the ultrasound device 100; an input 160; and a display 170.

[0062] The transmitter 110 may output a transmission signal for obtaining a frame of an ultrasound image. The transmission signal output by the transmitter 110 may correspond to an electrical signal. The frame of the ultrasound image may include an A-mode (amplitude mode) frame, a B-mode (brightness mode) frame, a C-mode (color mode) frame, a D-mode (Doppler mode) frame, an E-mode (elastic imaging mode) frame, an M-mode (motion mode) frame, an elastic image frame, etc.

[0063] Specifically, the transmitter 110 may output a transmission signal according to a control signal of the controller 150. The transmitter 110 may output the transmission signal with a time delay set with reference to a synchronization signal having a pulse repetition frequency (PRF). Therefore, the transmission signal generated by the transmitter 110 may be a pulse having a PRF.

[0064] The transmitter 110 may have a plurality of transmission channels for outputting a plurality of transmission signals. Specifically, the transmitter 110 may have a plurality of transmission channels respectively connected to a plurality of transducers on the ultrasound probe 120, and each transmission signal may be transmitted to the transducer through a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission channels.

[0065] The transmission signal of the transmitter 110 may be provided using a high voltage signal. Specifically, the voltage of the transmission signal may have a maximum level of 200 Vp-p. Compared with the transmission signal of the transmitter 110, the reception signal output by the ultrasound probe 120 based on the ultrasound echo signal reflected from the target object corresponds to a low voltage signal. Therefore, in general, the receiver 130 of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may use the range of the voltage of the reception signal of the ultrasound probe 120 as an input range.

[0066] The ultrasonic probe 120 is a part that contacts the surface of the body of the target object or is inserted into the body, and is configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. Specifically, the ultrasonic probe 120 converts the transmission signal into an ultrasonic signal according to the transmission signal provided from the transmitter 110, transmits the ultrasonic wave to the inside of the target object, receives the ultrasonic echo signal reflected from a specific position in the target object, converts the ultrasonic echo signal into a reception signal (the reception signal is an electrical signal), and transmits the reception signal to the receiver 110.

[0067] To this end, the ultrasonic probe 120 may include a transducer and a MUX circuit. The transducer may include a plurality of elements that vibrate to convert an electrical signal into an ultrasonic wave or convert an ultrasonic wave into an electrical signal. The plurality of elements may be arranged on one side of a housing of the ultrasonic probe. Specifically, a plurality of transducers may be arranged in a direction parallel to an opening provided on one side of the housing so that ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received through the opening. The ultrasonic probe 120 may use a transducer to convert a transmission signal into an ultrasonic signal or to convert an ultrasonic echo signal into a reception signal.

[0068] The transducer of the ultrasonic probe 120 may be implemented as a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer using a piezoelectric effect. To this end, the transducer may include a piezoelectric material or a piezoelectric film. When an alternating current is applied to the piezoelectric material or the piezoelectric film from an internal power storage device such as a battery or an external power supply device, the piezoelectric material or the piezoelectric film vibrates at a predetermined frequency, thereby generating an ultrasonic wave having a predetermined frequency corresponding to the vibration frequency.

[0069] On the other hand, when an ultrasonic echo signal of a predetermined frequency reaches the piezoelectric material or piezoelectric film, the piezoelectric material or piezoelectric film vibrates according to the frequency of the echo ultrasonic wave that has reached the piezoelectric material or piezoelectric film, and the piezoelectric material or piezoelectric film outputs an alternating current corresponding to the vibration frequency.

[0070] The transducer of the ultrasound probe 120 may be implemented as other types of transducers, for example, a magnetostrictive ultrasound transducer utilizing the magnetostrictive effect of a magnet, or a capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (cMUT) utilizing the vibration of hundreds or thousands of micromachined films to receive and transmit ultrasound waves.

[0071] Each of the plurality of transducers of the ultrasound probe 120 may be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of transmission channels of the transmitter 110 to receive a transmission signal output from the transmitter 110. Each of the plurality of transducers of the ultrasound probe 120 may also be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of reception channels of the receiver 130 to transmit a reception signal to the receiver 130.

[0072] The ultrasonic probe 120 is connected to the main body 101 via a cable 180 or using a wireless communication network to receive various signals required for controlling the ultrasonic probe 120 from a transmitter 110 built into the main body 101, or to send a receiving signal corresponding to an ultrasonic echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 120 to a receiver 130 built into the main body 101.

[0073] The receiver 130 may receive a received signal output from the ultrasound probe 120 to detect an ultrasound image. Specifically, the receiver 130 may include an amplifier for amplifying an input signal, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting the input signal into a digital signal, and a digital signal processor. The receiver 130 amplifies the received signal, converts the received signal into a digital signal, and processes the received signal to detect an ultrasound image. That is, the receiver 130 converts a plurality of received signals received through the plurality of receiving channels into digital signals, receives the plurality of received signals in digital form and focuses the plurality of received signals in digital form, and detects an ultrasound image using the plurality of received and focused received signals.

[0074] Since the receiver 130 is configured to receive and process the received signal output from the ultrasonic probe 120, the voltage input range of the receiver 130 generally adopts the voltage range of the received signal. Therefore, it is difficult for the receiver 130 to receive the high voltage transmission signal output from the transmitter 110 without distortion. In addition, when receiving a high voltage transmission signal that exceeds the input range of the receiver, the receiver may be damaged. Therefore, in a conventional ultrasonic device, a switch is provided between the transmitter and the receiver to prevent the high voltage transmission signal output from the transmitter from being transmitted to the receiver, thereby minimizing the transmission of the transmission signal to the receiver.

[0075] The transmit / receive switch 140 still includes a conventional switch, but a resistor element is added to attenuate the transmit signal output from the transmitter 110 and transmit the attenuated transmit signal to the receiver 130. The transmit / receive switch 140 can attenuate the transmit signal output from the transmitter 110 and transmit the attenuated signal to the receiver 130, and can transmit the receive signal output from the ultrasound probe 120 to the receiver 130 without attenuation. Since the transmit signal is attenuated and transmitted to the receiver 130, the receiver 130 can receive the transmit signal without distortion, and the receiver 130 is prevented from being damaged.

[0076] Specifically, in a transmission period in which the transmitter 110 outputs a transmission signal, the transmission / reception switch 140 attenuates the transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter 110 and transmits the attenuated transmission signal to the receiver 130. The transmission signal is attenuated so as not to exceed the input range of the receiver 130.

[0077] In addition, in the reception period in which the ultrasound probe 120 outputs the reception signal, the transmission / reception switch 140 may transmit the reception signal received from the ultrasound probe 120 to the receiver 130 without attenuation. As described above, since the receiver 130 may receive the reception signal without attenuation, the reception performance of the ultrasound apparatus 100 is not degraded.

[0078] The transmission / reception switch 140 includes a switch module for blocking a transmission signal from being transmitted to the receiver 130 and allowing a reception signal to be transmitted to the receiver 130 , and a resistor element for attenuating the transmission signal.

[0079] The transmit / receive switch 140 operates to disable the switch module during a transmit period when the transmitter 110 outputs a transmit signal, so that the transmit signal is attenuated by the resistor element and is transmitted to the receiver 130, and the transmit / receive switch 140 operates to enable the switch module during a receive period when the ultrasound probe 120 outputs a receive signal, so that the receive signal is transmitted to the receiver 130 through the switch module without attenuation.

[0080] According to the operation of the transmission / reception switch 140 as described above, the receiver 130 may receive the attenuated transmission signal and the non-attenuated reception signal.

[0081] In addition, the receiver 130 may detect transmission waveform information based on the attenuated transmission signal. The transmission waveform information is information about the transmission signal output from the transmitter 110, and may include at least one of the waveform of the transmission signal, the amplitude of the transmission signal, and information about the generation time of the transmission signal based on the synchronization signal.

[0082] The controller 150 may control operations of internal components of the ultrasound apparatus 100. Specifically, the controller 150 may control the transmitter 110 to output a transmission signal according to a transmission condition, and may control the ultrasound probe 120 to output a reception signal based on the transmission signal.

[0083] In addition, the controller 150 may control the transmit / receive switch 140 to enable or disable the switch module between a transmit period for outputting a transmit signal and a receive period for outputting a receive signal, and may control the receiver 130 to receive the receive signal and the attenuated transmit signal.

[0084] The controller 150 may control the display 170 to display an ultrasound image acquired based on a reception signal and transmission waveform information acquired based on a transmission signal to inform a user, and may receive a transmission status from the user through the inputter 160 and store the received transmission status.

[0085] The controller 150 may store a plurality of pieces of reference waveform information respectively corresponding to a plurality of transmission conditions, and compare the detected transmission waveform information with reference waveform information having the same transmission condition as that of the detected transmission waveform information.

[0086] The controller 150 may continuously check whether the ultrasound apparatus 100 operates normally based on the comparison result. When the detected transmission waveform information and the reference waveform information do not match each other, the controller 150 controls the display 170 to notify the user of the abnormality and stops the operation of the ultrasound apparatus 100.

[0087] In addition, when the detected transmission waveform information and the reference waveform information do not match each other, the controller 150 may correct the transmission signal corresponding to the detected transmission waveform information. Specifically, the controller 150 may control the transmitter 110 to output a transmission signal having the same waveform as the reference waveform corresponding to the transmission condition of the transmission signal. The transmitter 110 may adjust the voltage gain of the transmission signal or adjust the output delay time of the transmission signal based on the control of the controller 150 to correct the transmission signal so that the transmission signal has the same waveform as the reference waveform corresponding to the transmission condition.

[0088] The controller 150 may compare the transmission waveform information corresponding to the corrected transmission signal with the reference waveform information. When the transmission waveform information corresponding to the corrected transmission signal and the reference waveform information do not match each other, the controller 150 controls the display 170 to notify the user of the abnormality and stop the operation of the ultrasound apparatus 100.

[0089] The input device 160 may receive commands from the user for starting diagnosis, selecting a diagnosis area, selecting a diagnosis type, and selecting a mode of an ultrasound image. Specifically, the input device 160 may receive a transmission status for a transmission signal output by the transmitter 110 from the user, and may transmit the transmission status to the transmitter 110 through the controller 150.

[0090] The transmission condition may vary according to the diagnosis area, the diagnosis type, the mode of the ultrasound image, etc., and may generally include the amplitude size of the transmission signal, the frequency of the transmission signal, and the generation time of the transmission signal based on the synchronization signal.

[0091] The display 170 may display the ultrasound image and the transmission waveform information according to the control signal of the controller 150. In addition, the display 170 may notify the user that the ultrasound apparatus 100 is abnormal based on the comparison result of the transmission waveform information with the reference waveform information. The display 170 may display the ultrasound image and the ultrasound waveform information at the same time, and may display only the ultrasound image or the transmission waveform information according to the user's selection.

[0092] Reference Figure 2 According to the embodiment, the ultrasound device 100 includes an ultrasound probe 120, a main body 101, an input 160 and a display 170. The ultrasound probe 120 is used to send an ultrasound signal to a target object, receive an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the target object, and convert the received ultrasound echo signal into an electrical signal.

[0093] The ultrasound probe 120 may be connected to the body 101 through the cable 180 to receive various signals required for controlling the ultrasound probe 120 , or may transmit a reception signal corresponding to an ultrasound echo signal received by the ultrasound probe 120 to the body 101 .

[0094] The reception signal may be one of an analog signal or a digital signal converted from an ultrasound echo signal into an electrical signal by the ultrasound probe 120 .

[0095] At least one female connector 195 may be provided at one side of the body 101. The female connector 190 may be physically connected to the male connector 190 provided at one end of the cable 180.

[0096] However, the embodiment of the ultrasound probe 120 is not limited thereto, and the ultrasound probe 120 may be wirelessly connected to the body 101. In this case, the ultrasound probe 120 may be implemented as a wireless probe and transmit and receive signals through a network formed between the ultrasound probe 120 and the body 101. In addition, a plurality of ultrasound probes 120 may be connected to a single body 101.

[0097] A plurality of casters 103 for moving the ultrasound apparatus 100 may be provided at a lower portion of the main body 101. A user may use the plurality of casters 103 to fix or move the ultrasound apparatus 100. Such an ultrasound apparatus 100 is referred to as a cart-type ultrasound apparatus.

[0098] The operation panel 105 may be provided on the front surface of the body 101. The operation panel 105 may include an inputter 160 for receiving a user's input, and the user may input commands for starting diagnosis, selecting a diagnosis area, selecting a diagnosis type, and a mode of an ultrasound image through the inputter 160.

[0099] The display 170 may be disposed at an upper portion of the body 101. The display 170 may be implemented using at least one of a display panel such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED).

[0100] In addition, the display 170 may include two or more displays, and the displays may display different images simultaneously. For example, one display may display a 2D ultrasound image, and another display may display a 3D ultrasound image. Alternatively, one display may display a B-mode image, and another display may display a contrast agent image. Alternatively, one display may display an ultrasound image, and another display may display waveform information of a transmission signal.

[0101] The display 170 may display an ultrasound image based on a reception signal received from the ultrasound probe 120 , and may display waveform information of a transmission signal based on the transmission signal.

[0102] A user (including a medical practitioner) may perform diagnosis of a specific disease using the ultrasound image displayed on the display 170 , and may change the position for which the ultrasound image is acquired according to the disease to be diagnosed.

[0103] In addition, users (including medical practitioners) can use the waveform information of the transmission signal displayed on the display 170 to determine whether the ultrasound device is operating normally, and can protect patients from abnormal operation of the ultrasound device 100 and reduce the probability of misdiagnosis.

[0104] At least one probe holder for mounting the ultrasonic probe 120 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the body 101. Therefore, when the ultrasonic probe 120 is not used, the user may hold the ultrasonic probe 120 on the probe holder.

[0105] The body 101 may include a transmitter 110, a receiver 130, a transmit / receive switch 140, and a controller 150 built in the body 101. The transmitter 110, the receiver 130, the transmit / receive switch 140, and the controller 150 may include at least one memory for storing a program for performing operations of the ultrasound apparatus 100 and at least one processor for executing the stored program. The transmitter 110, the receiver 130, the transmit / receive switch 140, and the controller 150 may use separate memories and processors, or may share memories and processors.

[0106] Meanwhile, the appearance of the ultrasound apparatus 100 according to the embodiment is not limited to Figure 2 When the ultrasound apparatus can be provided as a portable device, the main body 101 can have a form such as a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet PC, etc., and an ultrasound image can be generated by connecting the ultrasound probe 120 to the main body 101.

[0107] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing a conventional ultrasonic device, Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a conventional ultrasound apparatus for acquiring a transmission waveform.

[0108] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The conventional ultrasound device includes a transmitter 10, an ultrasound probe 20, an amplifier 31, an ADC 32 and a digital signal processor 33, and also includes a receiver 30 and a transmit / receive switch 40. The transmitter 10 is used to output a transmit signal to be converted into an ultrasound signal, the ultrasound probe 20 is used to transmit the ultrasound signal to a target object, convert the ultrasound echo signal reflected from the target object into a receive signal and output the receive signal, the receiver 30 is used to receive the receive signal and acquire an ultrasound image, and the transmit / receive switch 40 is used to block the transmit signal and send the receive signal.

[0109] The transmit / receive switch 40 of the conventional ultrasound apparatus prevents the transmit signal output from the transmitter 10 from being received by the receiver 30. Specifically, in the transmit period in which the transmitter 10 outputs the transmit signal, the transmit / receive switch 40 connects the transmitter 10 to the ultrasound probe 20, thereby transmitting the high voltage transmit signal output from the transmitter 10 to the ultrasound probe 20, while also completely isolating the receiver 30 from the high voltage transmit signal.

[0110] In addition, in a reception period in which the ultrasound probe 20 outputs a reception signal, the transmission / reception switch 40 connects the ultrasound probe 20 to the receiver 30 , thereby transmitting the reception signal supplied from the ultrasound probe 20 to the receiver 30 .

[0111] The transmit / receive switch 40 may include a diode bridge switchable between a first state and a second state. The transmit / receive switch 40 is operable to apply a reverse bias current to the diode bridge in the first state so that the transmit signal is blocked from being transmitted to the receiver 30, and the transmit / receive switch 40 is operable to apply a forward bias current to the diode bridge in the second state so that the receive signal is transmitted to the receiver 30.

[0112] In this way, the conventional ultrasound apparatus can prevent the transmission signal output from the transmitter 10 from being transmitted to the receiver 30. The transmission / reception switch 40 of the conventional ultrasound apparatus operates to prevent the high voltage transmission signal output from the transmitter 10 from being transmitted to the receiver 30, thereby preventing the high voltage transmission signal from damaging the receiver 30 that only processes low voltage signals, and only transmits the low voltage reception signal reflected from the human body to the receiver 30.

[0113] Therefore, the conventional ultrasound apparatus cannot check the waveform of the transmission signal in real time using the receiver 30 , and thus requires a separate reception circuit having the same number of attenuation circuits and ADCs as the number of transmission channels of the transmitter 10 .

[0114] Reference Figure 4 In order to check the waveform of the transmission signal by a conventional ultrasonic device, it is necessary to divide the voltage of the transmission signal at the output terminal of each transmission channel of the transmitter 10 using a resistor to reduce the voltage level, and then convert the transmission signal into a digital signal using an amplifier 51 and an ADC 52.

[0115] Thus, in order to check the waveform of the transmission signal by the conventional ultrasound apparatus, the ultrasound apparatus needs to include not only the existing amplifier 31 and the existing ADC 32 on the receiver 30, but also an additional receiving circuit 50 including an amplifier 51 and an ADC 52 for each transmission channel. In the case where the amplifier 51 and the ADC 52 are added for each transmission channel, the reception channels are doubled and thus the circuit size is increased.

[0116] Instead of having an additional amplifier 51 and an additional ADC 52 for each transmission channel, when a single amplifier and a single ADC connected to all transmission channels can be provided, the transmission channels need to be enabled one by one when detecting the waveform of the transmission signal, which makes it difficult to detect the waveform of the transmission signal in real time. Such a configuration can be used only to determine whether the pulser of each transmission channel is operating normally for manufacturing or service purposes.

[0117] In addition, when a circuit for detecting the waveform of a transmission signal is not provided within the ultrasonic apparatus, the ultrasonic apparatus needs to have a separate measuring device outside the ultrasonic apparatus.

[0118] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an ultrasound apparatus according to an embodiment, Figure 6 is a diagram for describing the flow of a transmission signal in a transmission period according to an embodiment, Figure 7 is a diagram for describing the flow of a reception signal in a reception period according to the embodiment.

[0119] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The transmit / receive switch 140 may be connected to the transmitter 110, the ultrasound probe 120, and the receiver 130. Specifically, one end of the transmit / receive switch 140 may be connected to the transmitter 110 and the ultrasound probe 120, and the other end of the transmit / receive switch 140 may be connected to the receiver 130.

[0120] The transmission / reception switch 140 may include a switch module 141 and a resistor element 143. The switch module 141 and the resistor element 143 may be arranged in parallel with each other, and may be connected to the transmitter 110, the ultrasound probe 120, and the receiver 130.

[0121] Compared with the transmission / reception switch 40 of the conventional ultrasound apparatus, the transmission / reception switch 140 may further include a resistor element 143 , and the switch module 141 of the transmission / reception switch 140 functions as the transmission / reception switch 40 of the conventional ultrasound apparatus.

[0122] Specifically, the switch module 141 may be used to block the transmission signal output from the transmitter 110 while also transmitting the reception signal output from the ultrasound probe 120 to the receiver 130. The resistor element 143 of the transmission / reception switch 140 is disposed between corresponding terminals of the transmitter 110 and the receiver 130 to attenuate the voltage level of the transmission signal according to the input range of the receiver 130.

[0123] The transmit / receive switch 140 is operable to disable the switch module 141 during a transmit period when the transmitter 110 outputs a transmit signal so that the transmit signal is attenuated through the resistor element 143 and the attenuated transmit signal is sent to the receiver 130, and to enable the switch module 141 during a receive period when the ultrasound probe 120 outputs a receive signal so that the receive signal is sent to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141 without attenuation.

[0124] Reference Figure 6, in a transmission period in which the transmitter 110 transmits a transmission signal, the transmission signal is transmitted to the ultrasound probe 120 , and is transmitted to the receiver 130 while being attenuated by the resistor element 143 of the transmission / reception switch 140 .

[0125] Specifically, in a transmission period in which the transmitter 110 transmits a transmission signal, the transmission signal may be transmitted to the ultrasound probe 120. Since the resistor element 143 has a greater resistance value than the impedance of the transmission circuit including the ultrasound probe 120 and the cable 180, the transmission performance of the ultrasound apparatus 100 is not affected.

[0126] The transmission signal transmitted to the ultrasound probe 120 may be converted into an ultrasound signal by the transducer of the ultrasound probe 120. The converted ultrasound signal is transmitted from the ultrasound probe 120 to the target object and is reflected by the target object to form an ultrasound echo signal.

[0127] In a transmission period in which the transmitter 110 transmits a transmission signal, the transmission signal may be transmitted to the receiver 130 through the resistor element 143. The transmission signal transmitted to the receiver 130 is a signal transmitted through the resistor 143, and is in a state of being attenuated according to a ratio of an input impedance of the receiver 130 to the resistor element 143. Specifically, as shown in Formula 1, a voltage level of the transmission signal transmitted to the receiver 130 may be attenuated according to a ratio of an input impedance of the receiver 130 to the resistor element 143.

[0128] [Formula 1]

[0129]

[0130] In Equation 1, V′ s Represents the voltage of the attenuated transmitted signal, V s Represents the voltage of the transmitted signal, R in represents the input impedance of the receiver 130, R s ∥ represents the resistance value of the resistor element 143. The resistance value of the resistor element 143 may be set so that the voltage level of the transmission signal does not exceed the input range of the receiver 130.

[0131] The transmission signal output from the transmitter 110 may be transmitted to the transmission / reception switch 140. According to an embodiment, the transmission / reception switch 140 may disable the switch module 141 so that the transmission signal passes through the resistor element 143 connected in parallel with the switch module 141. The state in which the switch module 141 is disabled may represent a disconnection state in which the transmitter 110 is not connected to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141, so that both the transmission signal and the reception signal are blocked.

[0132] Therefore, the transmission signal may be transmitted to the receiver 130 only when attenuated by the resistor element 143 without passing through the switch module 141. In addition, when the switch module 141 is disabled, the transmission signal that has not been attenuated may be completely blocked from being transmitted to the receiver 130.

[0133] The receiver 130 may receive the transmission signal attenuated by the resistor element 143 of the transmission / reception switch 140. The receiver 130 may process the attenuated transmission signal through an existing amplifier and an existing ADC without an additional amplifier and an additional ADC.

[0134] The attenuated transmission signal is amplified by the amplifier of the receiver 130, converted into a digital signal by the ADC of the receiver 130, and analyzed by the digital signal processor of the receiver 130. Therefore, the receiver 130 can obtain transmission waveform information based on the attenuated transmission signal. This configuration still uses the existing reception signal path of the receiver 130 without requiring an additional reception channel.

[0135] Reference Figure 7 In a reception period in which the ultrasound probe 120 outputs a reception signal, the reception signal may be transmitted to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141 of the transmission / reception switch 140 .

[0136] Specifically, in the reception period in which the ultrasound probe 120 outputs the reception signal, the reception signal may be transmitted from the ultrasound probe 120 to the transmission / reception switch 140. The reception signal transmitted to the transmission / reception switch 140 may be transmitted to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141 of the transmission / reception switch 140 without being attenuated.

[0137] The transmission / reception switch 140 may be operated to enable the switch module 141 so that the reception signal is transmitted to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141 without attenuation. The state in which the switch module 141 is enabled may represent a state in which the transmission signal is blocked and the reception signal is passed.

[0138] Since the resistance value of the resistor element 143 is greater than the impedance when the switch module 141 is enabled, the reception performance of the ultrasound apparatus 100 is not affected. Therefore, the reception signal can be transmitted to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141 without being attenuated by the resistor element 143.

[0139] The receiver 130 may receive the unattenuated received signal through the switch module 141 of the transmit / receive switch 140. The receiver 130 may process the received signal through the amplifier and the ADC. The received signal is amplified by the amplifier of the receiver 130, converted into a digital signal by the ADC of the receiver 130, and analyzed by the digital signal processor of the receiver 130. Accordingly, the receiver 130 may obtain an ultrasound image through the received signal.

[0140] Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of an ultrasonic device according to an embodiment, Fig. 9 is another circuit diagram of the ultrasound apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0141] Reference Figure 8 , the ultrasound apparatus 100 includes a transmitter 110, an ultrasound probe 120, a receiver 130, and a transmission / reception switch 140. The transmission / reception switch 140 includes a switch module 141, a resistor element 143, a first switch 145A, and a second switch 145B.

[0142] The switch module 141 may include a diode bridge switchable between a first state and a second state. The switch module 141 is configured to: in the first state, apply a reverse bias current to the diode bridge to prevent the transmission signal from being transmitted to the receiver 130; and in the second state, apply a forward bias current to the diode bridge to transmit the reception signal to the receiver 130.

[0143] To this end, the controller 150 may control the voltage source of the switch module 141 to apply a reverse bias current or a forward bias current to the diode bridge.

[0144] The resistor element 143 may be arranged in parallel with the switch module 141 and connected to the transmitter 110, the ultrasound probe 120, and the receiver 130. Specifically, one end of the resistor element 143 is connected to the diode bridge, the transmitter 110, and the ultrasound probe 120, and the other end of the resistor element 143 is connected to the diode bridge and the receiver 130. The resistor element 143 may be provided between the transmitter 110 and the receiver 130 to attenuate the voltage level of the transmission signal according to the input range of the receiver 130.

[0145] The transmit / receive switch 140 operates as follows: disabling the switch module 141 during a transmit period when the transmitter 110 outputs a transmit signal, so that the transmit signal is attenuated by the resistor element 143 and is transmitted to the receiver 130; and enabling the switch module 141 during a receive period when the ultrasound probe 120 outputs a receive signal, so that the receive signal is transmitted to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141 without attenuation.

[0146] The first switch 145A and the second switch 145B of the transmission / reception switch 140 are operable to switch between disabling the switch module 141 and enabling the switch module 141 .

[0147] Specifically, the first switch 145A and the second switch 145B are disconnected during the transmission period when the transmitter 110 outputs the transmission signal, that is, the switch module 141 is disabled. Accordingly, the transmission signal and the reception signal may not be transmitted to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141.

[0148] In addition, the first switch 145A and the second switch 145B may be short-circuited in the reception period when the ultrasound probe 120 outputs the reception signal, that is, the switch module 141 is enabled. Accordingly, the transmission signal is blocked from being transmitted to the receiver 130, and the reception signal is transmitted to the receiver 130.

[0149] Reference Fig. 9 , the ultrasound apparatus 100 includes a transmitter 110 , an ultrasound probe 120 , a receiver 130 , and a transmission / reception switch 140 . The transmission / reception switch 140 includes a switch module 141 and a resistor element 143 .

[0150] The switch module 141 may include switches S1, S2, and S3 that can be switched between a first state and a second state. The switch module 141 may control each of the switches S1, S2, and S3 to operate in one of an open state and a short circuit state. In addition, the switches S1, S2, and S3 of the switch module 141 may be controlled by the controller 150.

[0151] The switch module 141 can be operated as follows: in a first state, at least one of the switches S1 and S3 is adjusted to be disconnected, so that the transmitter 110 is not connected to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141, thereby preventing the transmission signal from being sent to the receiver 130; and, in a second state, the switches S1 and S3 are adjusted to be short-circuited and S1 is adjusted to be disconnected, so that the transmitter 110 is connected to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141, thereby sending the reception signal to the receiver 130.

[0152] Despite Fig. 9 The switch module 141 shown in FIG. 1 is shown to have three switches S1 , S2 , and S3 , but the disclosed embodiments are described for illustrative purposes and not for limiting purposes.

[0153] The transmit / receive switch 140 operates as follows: disabling the switch module 141 during a transmit period when the transmitter 110 outputs a transmit signal, so that the transmit signal is attenuated by the resistor element 143 and is transmitted to the receiver 130; and enabling the switch module 141 during a receive period when the ultrasound probe 120 outputs a receive signal, so that the receive signal is transmitted to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141 without attenuation.

[0154] In the disabled state of the switch module 141, at least one switch is adjusted so that the transmitter 110 is not connected to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141, and in the enabled state, at least one switch is adjusted so that the transmission signal is blocked from being sent to the receiver 130, and the reception signal is sent to the receiver 130.

[0155] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an ultrasound apparatus according to an embodiment, Fig.11 is a diagram for describing a transmission period and a reception period according to an embodiment, Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B is a diagram showing a transmission waveform according to an embodiment.

[0156] Reference Fig.10 , the ultrasound apparatus 100 according to the embodiment may check whether the current period is a transmission period (1000). In the transmission period, the transmitter 110 of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may output a transmission signal. In addition, according to the embodiment, the transmission period may include a period in which a synchronization signal is output, wherein the synchronization signal serves as a reference for outputting the transmission signal.

[0157] When the current period is a transmission period in which the transmitter 110 outputs a transmission signal (“Yes” branch of 1000 ), the ultrasound apparatus 100 may disable the switch module 141 of the transmission / reception switch 140 ( 1010 ).

[0158] Specifically, when it is confirmed that the ultrasound apparatus 100 is in the transmission period, the controller 150 of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may control the switch module 141 to be disabled. The disabled state of the switch module 141 may represent a state in which the transmitter 110 is not connected to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141.

[0159] Reference Fig.11 , the transmitter 110 may output the transmission signal with a time delay set based on a synchronization signal having a pulse repetition frequency (PRF). In the case where the transmission period 1110 includes a period in which the synchronization signal is output and a period in which the transmission signal is output, the switch module 141 of the transmission / reception switch 140 may be disabled.

[0160] When the switch module 141 is disabled, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may receive the transmission signal attenuated by the resistor element 143 (1020). Specifically, the transmission signal output from the transmitter 110 may be received by the receiver 130 while being attenuated by the resistor element 143 of the transmission / reception switch 140. The voltage level of the attenuated transmission signal may be a voltage level attenuated so as not to exceed the input range of the receiver 130.

[0161] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may detect the transmission waveform information through the attenuated transmission signal (1030). Specifically, the receiver of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may receive the attenuated transmission signal and analyze the attenuated transmission signal to detect the transmission waveform information. The receiver 130 amplifies the attenuated transmission signal through an amplifier, converts the attenuated transmission signal into a digital signal through an ADC, and analyzes the digital signal through a digital signal processor.

[0162] The transmission waveform information may include at least one of a waveform of a transmission signal, an amplitude of a transmission signal, a frequency of a transmission signal, and information about a generation time of a transmission signal based on a synchronization signal. The controller 150 of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may control the display 170 to display the detected transmission waveform information.

[0163] Reference Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B , the display 170 may display the detected transmission waveform information according to the embodiment. Fig. 12A The waveform of the transmission signal obtained by using the conventional transmission / reception switch 40 is shown. The conventional transmission / reception switch 40 is intended to block the transmission signal, and thus it is difficult to receive the transmission signal without distortion. Since the waveform of the transmission signal obtained by using the conventional transmission / reception switch 40 is distorted due to the blocking operation of the transmission / reception switch 40, the waveform of the transmission signal, the amplitude of the transmission signal, and the information on the generation time of the transmission signal based on the synchronization signal may not be recognized.

[0164] Fig. 12B The waveform of the transmission signal obtained using the transmission / reception switch 140 according to the embodiment is shown. The receiver 130 receives the transmission signal attenuated by the resistor element 143 of the transmission / reception switch 140, thereby being able to detect the waveform of the undamaged transmission signal, the amplitude and the frequency of the transmission signal.

[0165] Specifically, the user may recognize the amplitude of the transmission signal including the peak value of the voltage by using the waveform of the transmission signal acquired by the transmission / reception switch 140 according to the embodiment, and recognize information on the generation time of the transmission signal based on the synchronization signal.

[0166] In addition, users can identify the frequency of the transmitted signal by the change of the waveform over time. Users can check whether the voltage of the transmitted signal is within the expected range by the waveform and amplitude of the transmitted signal.

[0167] In addition, since the user can acquire not only the waveform of the transmission signal but also information on the generation time of the transmission signal based on the transmission synchronization signal, the transmission focus state is also recognized.

[0168] In this way, the ultrasound device 100 can measure the amplitude and transmission timing of the transmission signal for each transmission channel by analyzing the transmission signal in real time. Accordingly, the user of the ultrasound device 100 is protected from the heat generated from the surface of the ultrasound probe 120 due to the abnormal output of the transmission signal and the transient energy of the ultrasound signal radiated to the human body.

[0169] In addition, the performance of the ultrasound apparatus 100 is prevented from being degraded, which is caused when the transmission signal is transmitted in an unexpected manner, thereby preventing a diagnosis error or the like.

[0170] Refer again Fig.10 When the current period is not a transmission period in which the transmitter 110 outputs a transmission signal (the "No" branch of 1000), the ultrasound apparatus 100 may check whether the current period is a reception period (1040). In the reception period, the ultrasound probe 120 may output a reception signal based on an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the target object.

[0171] When the current period is a reception period in which the ultrasound probe 120 outputs a reception signal (“Yes” branch of 1040 ), the ultrasound apparatus 100 may enable the switch module 141 of the transmission / reception switch 140 ( 1050 ).

[0172] Specifically, when it is confirmed that the ultrasound apparatus 100 is in the receiving period, the controller 150 of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may control the switch module 141 to be enabled. The state in which the switch module 141 is enabled may represent a state in which the transmitter 110 is connected to the receiver 130 through the switch module 141. Specifically, when the switch module 141 is enabled, the switch module 141 operates to prevent the transmission signal from being transmitted to the receiver 130 and to allow the reception signal to be transmitted to the receiver 130.

[0173] Reference Fig.11 , the switch module 141 may be enabled in the reception period 1120 in which the ultrasound probe 120 outputs the reception signal. Specifically, in the case of the reception period 1120 instead of the transmission period 1110, the switch module 141 of the transmission / reception switch 140 may be enabled.

[0174] When the switch module 141 is enabled, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may receive a reception signal through the switch module 141 (1060). Specifically, the reception signal output from the ultrasound probe 120 may be received by the receiver 130 through the switch module 141 of the transmission / reception switch 140 without being attenuated.

[0175] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may detect an ultrasound image through the received reception signal (1070). Specifically, the receiver 130 of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may receive the attenuated transmission signal and analyze the attenuated transmission signal to detect transmission waveform information.

[0176] The receiver 130 amplifies the received signal through the amplifier, converts the amplified signal into a digital signal through the ADC, and analyzes the digital signal through the digital signal processor. Accordingly, the receiver 130 can detect an ultrasonic image based on the received signal. The controller 150 of the ultrasonic device 100 can control the display 170 to display the detected ultrasonic image.

[0177] Since the ultrasound apparatus 100 disables the switch module 141 in the transmission period and enables the switch module 141 in the reception period, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may perform transmission error detection in real time in the operation of the ultrasound apparatus 100 .

[0178] Fig.13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an ultrasound apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0179] Reference Fig.13 , the ultrasound apparatus 100 may detect the transmission waveform information through the attenuated transmission signal (1310). Specifically, the receiver 130 of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may receive the transmission signal output from the transmitter 110 and attenuated by the resistor element 143 of the transmission / reception switch 140.

[0180] The receiver 130 amplifies the attenuated transmission signal through an amplifier, converts the amplified transmission signal into a digital signal through an ADC, and analyzes the digital signal through a digital signal processor, thereby detecting transmission waveform information.

[0181] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may check whether the transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information according to the transmission condition (1320). Specifically, the controller 150 of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may receive the transmission waveform information acquired from the receiver 130, and determine whether the transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information according to the transmission condition. The controller 150 may compare the waveform of the transmission signal, the amplitude of the transmission signal, and the information on the generation time of the transmission signal based on the synchronization time with the reference waveform information.

[0182] Accordingly, the controller 150 of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may continuously check whether the ultrasound apparatus 100 operates normally based on the result of the comparison. Whether the ultrasound apparatus 100 operates normally is checked every time the transmission condition changes, so that stability can be ensured.

[0183] To this end, the controller 150 may store a plurality of pieces of reference waveform information respectively corresponding to a plurality of transmission conditions. The reference waveform information represents information on a transmission waveform expected by a user in a corresponding transmission condition.

[0184] The transmission condition may be input as a condition of a transmission signal expected by the user through the inputter 160. The transmission condition may vary according to a diagnosis area, a type of diagnosis, a mode for an ultrasound image, etc. In general, the transmission condition may include an amplitude of a transmission signal, a frequency of transmission, a generation time of a transmission signal based on a synchronization signal, etc.

[0185] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may be configured to correct a transmission signal corresponding to the detected transmission waveform information (1330) when the transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information ("Yes" branch of 1320). Specifically, when the detected transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information according to the transmission condition, the controller 150 of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may control the transmitter 110 to output a transmission signal having the same waveform information as the reference waveform information corresponding to the transmission condition.

[0186] The transmitter 110 can correct the transmission signal by adjusting the voltage gain or output delay time of the transmission signal based on the control of the controller 150 so that the transmission signal has the same waveform information as the reference waveform information corresponding to the transmission condition. Therefore, the plurality of transmission channels of the ultrasound apparatus 100 can output transmission signals having waveforms of uniform size between channels.

[0187] According to another embodiment, when the transmitted waveform information is different from the reference waveform information (“Yes” branch of 1320 ), the controller 150 of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may control the display 170 to notify the user of the abnormality and stop the operation of the ultrasound apparatus 100 .

[0188] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may check whether the corrected transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information according to the transmission condition (1340). Specifically, the controller 150 of the ultrasound apparatus 100 may receive the corrected transmission waveform information from the receiver 130, and determine whether the corrected transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information according to the transmission condition. Therefore, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may check whether the transmission signal output from the transmitter 110 is output according to the expected transmission condition.

[0189] When the corrected transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information according to the transmission condition (“Yes” branch of 1340 ), the ultrasound apparatus 100 may control the display 170 to notify the user of the abnormality and stop the operation of the ultrasound apparatus 100 ( 1350 ).

[0190] Specifically, the controller 150 of the ultrasound device 100 confirms that the ultrasound device 100 is operating abnormally when the waveform of the corrected transmission signal output from the transmitter 110 is different from the reference waveform according to the transmission condition, notifies the user of the abnormality of the ultrasound device 100 through the display 170, and stops the operation of the ultrasound device 100.

[0191] According to another embodiment, when the corrected transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information according to the transmission condition, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may correct the transmission signal corresponding to the corrected transmission waveform information again. Fig.13 An example is shown in which the process of correcting the transmission signal is performed once, however, the disclosed embodiment is only an example, and the process of correcting the transmission signal may be performed once or more times according to the user's setting.

[0192] As apparent from the above, the ultrasound apparatus and the control method thereof according to one aspect of the present disclosure can detect the waveform of the transmission waveform in real time using a reception channel for receiving a reception signal output from an ultrasound probe without using an additional reception channel.

[0193] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have not been described for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic device comprising: A transmitter configured to generate and output a transmission signal; an ultrasonic probe configured to: convert the transmission signal output from the transmitter into an ultrasonic signal and transmit the ultrasonic signal to a target object, and receive an echo signal reflected from the target object and output a reception signal based on the echo signal; a transmission / reception switch configured to: attenuate the transmission signal output from the transmitter and output the attenuated transmission signal, and output the reception signal output from the ultrasound probe; A receiver configured to: receive the output attenuated transmission signal and the output reception signal, and detect the transmission waveform information based on the attenuated transmission signal; a controller configured to compare the detected transmission waveform information with the reference waveform information and determine whether the ultrasound device is operating abnormally based on the comparison result, The transmit / receive switch includes: a switch module configured to prevent the transmit signal from being transmitted to the receiver and to allow the receive signal to be transmitted to the receiver; and a resistor element configured to attenuate the transmit signal.

2. The ultrasonic device according to claim 1, wherein: The switch module includes a diode bridge switchable between a first state and a second state.

3. The ultrasonic device according to claim 2, wherein: The switch module prevents the transmission signal from being transmitted to the receiver by applying a reverse bias current to the diode bridge in a first state, and allows the reception signal to be transmitted to the receiver by applying a forward bias current to the diode bridge in a second state.

4. The ultrasonic device according to claim 1, wherein: The switch module includes at least one switch capable of switching between a first state and a second state.

5. The ultrasonic device according to claim 4, wherein: The switch module controls the at least one switch to operate in one of a short circuit state and an open circuit state to prevent the transmission signal from being transmitted to the receiver in the first state and to allow the reception signal to be transmitted to the receiver in the second state.

6. The ultrasonic device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmit / receive switch is configured as: disabling the switch module in a first period so that the transmission signal is attenuated by the resistor element and transmitted to the receiver; and enabling the switch module in a second period so that the received signal is sent to the receiver through the switch module, The first time period is a time period during which the transmitter outputs the transmission signal, and the second time period is a time period during which the ultrasound probe outputs the reception signal.

7. The ultrasonic device according to claim 1, wherein: The attenuated transmit signal has a voltage as defined by Equation 1, where the voltage of the attenuated transmit signal falls within an input range of the receiver: [Formula 1] In formula 1, represents the voltage of the attenuated transmission signal, indicates the voltage of the transmitted signal, shows the input impedance of the receiver, and Indicates the resistance value of the resistor element.

8. The ultrasonic device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission waveform information includes at least one of a waveform of the transmission signal, an amplitude of the transmission signal, and information on a generation time of the transmission signal based on a synchronization signal.

9. The ultrasound device according to claim 1, further comprising a display, wherein: When the detected transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information, the controller controls the display to notify a user of an abnormality, stops operating the ultrasound apparatus, or corrects a transmission signal corresponding to the detected transmission waveform information.

10. The ultrasonic device according to claim 9, wherein: The controller compares transmission waveform information corresponding to the corrected transmission signal with the reference waveform information, and when the transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information, the controller controls the display to notify a user of an abnormality or stops operating the ultrasound apparatus.

11. A method of controlling an ultrasound device comprising an ultrasound probe, a transmit / receive switch and a receiver, the method comprising: receiving a transmission signal output from the transmitter and a reception signal output from the ultrasound probe by controlling the transmission / reception switch; outputting the transmission signal attenuated by the resistor element by controlling the transmission / reception switch; Outputting the received signal through a switch module by controlling the transmit / receive switch; receiving the output attenuated transmission signal and the output reception signal by controlling the receiver; detecting the transmission waveform information based on the attenuated transmission signal by controlling the receiver; comparing the detected transmission waveform information with pre-stored reference waveform information; as well as It is determined whether the ultrasound device is operating abnormally based on the comparison result.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: disabling the switch module in a first period so that the transmit signal is attenuated by the resistor element and transmitted to the receiver; as well as enabling the switch module in a second period so that the received signal is sent to the receiver through the switch module, The first time period is a time period during which the transmitter outputs the transmission signal, and the second time period is a time period during which the ultrasound probe outputs the reception signal.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: When the detected transmission waveform information is different from the reference waveform information, a display is controlled to notify a user of an abnormality or to stop operating the ultrasound apparatus.

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