Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment and control method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an ultrasonic diagnostic device and a control method thereof. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: a plurality of channels configured to transmit and receive signals using a plurality of transducer elements included in a probe; a beamformer configured to perform beamforming on signals received from a preset number of active channels among the plurality of channels; a switch configured to connect the probe and the plurality of channels; and a controller configured to determine a faulty channel among the plurality of channels, compare whether the number of the plurality of channels is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of transducer elements, and control the switch based on the comparison result when the faulty channel is included in the active channels.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0168218 filed on December 16, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that receives an ultrasonic image from a probe and a control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Background Art

[0003] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus irradiates an ultrasound signal generated from a transducer of a probe to an object, receives information of the signal reflected from the object, and obtains at least one image of a portion inside the object (eg, soft tissue or blood flow).

[0004] When compared with other imaging devices such as X-ray devices, CT scanners, MRI, nuclear medicine diagnostic devices, etc., ultrasonic diagnostic equipment is compact, inexpensive, non-invasive and non-destructive, and is widely used for gynecological, cardiac, abdominal and urological diagnoses.

[0005] A probe, which includes a transducer for irradiating an object with an ultrasonic signal and receiving ultrasonic echo signals reflected from the object, can be connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic device. The ultrasonic diagnostic device includes a transceiver (hereinafter referred to as a channel) that transmits and receives signals to and from the connected probe. Conventional, general-purpose ultrasonic diagnostic devices use switches when the number of channels is smaller than the number of transducer elements. This means that, through a switching operation, the ultrasonic diagnostic device selectively connects signals received by multiple transducer elements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device and a control method thereof, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic device prevents a faulty channel from receiving an ultrasonic signal and further improves the image quality of an ultrasonic image by performing selective connection using a switch even when the number of channels is greater than the number of elements of the transducer.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a plurality of channels configured to transmit and receive signals using a plurality of transducer elements included in a probe; a beamformer configured to perform beamforming on signals received from a preset number of active channels among the plurality of channels; a switch configured to connect the probe and the plurality of channels; and a controller configured to determine a faulty channel among the plurality of channels, compare whether the number of the plurality of channels is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of transducer elements, and control the switch based on the comparison result when the faulty channel is included in the active channels.

[0008] The controller may be configured to select at least one spare channel among the spare channels other than the active channel among the plurality of channels, and change the faulty channel to the selected channel.

[0009] The controller may be configured to determine a plurality of channels corresponding to at least one transducer element among the plurality of transducer elements, and when a fault channel is included in the determined plurality of channels, change the fault channel to at least one channel among the determined plurality of channels.

[0010] The controller may be configured to determine a free channel based on a difference between the number of the plurality of channels and the number of the plurality of transducer elements.

[0011] When the active channels include the fault channel, the controller may be configured to change the fault channel to the idle channel.

[0012] The controller may be configured to control the switch so that the active channel and a spare channel other than the active channel receive a signal received by at least one transducer element of the plurality of transducer elements.

[0013] Each of the plurality of channels may include: a transmitter configured to transmit a pulse signal to the probe; and a receiver configured to receive the signal transmitted from the probe.

[0014] The controller may be configured to control the transmitter to transmit the pulse signal to the receiver, compare the waveform obtained from the beamformer with a previously stored normal waveform, and determine the faulty channel based on a comparison result.

[0015] The ultrasonic diagnostic equipment may further include: a signal generator configured to generate a pulse wave signal, and the controller may be configured to control the signal generator to send the pulse wave signal to the receivers of the multiple channels, compare the data obtained from the beamformer with previously stored normal data, and determine the faulty channel based on the comparison result.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control method for an ultrasonic diagnostic device includes a plurality of channels, a switch configured to connect a probe and the plurality of channels, and a beamformer configured to perform beamforming on signals received from a preset number of active channels among the plurality of channels. The method includes: determining a faulty channel among the plurality of channels; comparing whether the number of the plurality of channels is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of transducer elements of the probe; and controlling the switch based on a comparison result when the faulty channel is included in the active channels.

[0017] The controlling of the switch may include selecting at least one spare channel among the plurality of channels except the active channel; and changing the faulty channel to the selected channel.

[0018] The step of controlling the switch may include: determining a plurality of channels corresponding to at least one transducer element among the plurality of transducer elements; and when a fault channel is included in the determined plurality of channels, changing the fault channel to at least one channel among the determined plurality of channels.

[0019] The controlling of the switch may include determining an idle channel based on a difference between the number of the plurality of channels and the number of the plurality of transducer elements; and changing the faulty channel to the idle channel when the active channels include the faulty channel.

[0020] The controlling of the switch may include controlling the switch so that the active channel and a spare channel other than the active channel receive a signal received by at least one transducer element among the plurality of transducer elements.

[0021] Each of the plurality of channels may include: a transmitter configured to transmit a pulse signal to the probe; and a receiver configured to receive the signal transmitted from the probe.

[0022] The step of determining the faulty channel may include: transmitting the pulse signal to the receiver through the transmitter; comparing a waveform obtained from the beamformer with a previously stored normal waveform; and determining the faulty channel based on a comparison result.

[0023] The step of determining the faulty channel may include: generating a pulse wave signal; transmitting the pulse wave signal to the plurality of channels; comparing data obtained from the receivers of the plurality of channels through the beamformer with previously stored normal data; and determining the faulty channel based on a comparison result. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] These and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent and easier to understand through the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 is an external view of a probe comprising a one-dimensional array of transducer elements.

[0027] Figure 3is an external view of a probe comprising a two-dimensional array of transducer elements.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a control block diagram of a disclosed ultrasonic diagnostic device.

[0029] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating another operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a diagram for illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus determines a faulty channel.

[0032] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0033] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a control method of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0034] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] 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 the content repeated in content well known in the art or the embodiment will be omitted. The terms used throughout the specification, such as "part", "module", "component", "block" etc., can be implemented in software and / or hardware, and multiple "parts", "modules", "components" or "blocks" can be implemented in a single element, or a single "part", "module", "component" or "block" may include multiple elements.

[0036] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element, wherein the indirect connection includes “connection” via a wireless communication network.

[0037] In addition, when a component “includes” or “comprises” an element, unless there is a specific description contrary thereto, the component may further include other elements, rather than excluding other elements.

[0038] In addition, when it is stated that a layer is "on" another layer or substrate, the layer can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or a third layer may be disposed therebetween.

[0039] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, they should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0040] As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] The use of identification codes is for ease of description and is not intended to specify the order in which each step should be performed. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, each step may be performed in an order different from the order shown.

[0042] Hereinafter, operation principles and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may be connected to a probe P that transmits an ultrasonic signal to a subject, receives an ultrasonic echo signal from the subject, and converts the received ultrasonic echo signal into an electrical signal.

[0045] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may be connected to the probe 100 via a wired communication network or a wireless communication network. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may be a workstation having a display 50 and an input device 40.

[0046] The input device 40 can receive various control commands, such as commands for operating the connected probe P and operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to generate ultrasonic images. The input device 40 can be implemented using various hardware devices, such as a keyboard, a foot switch, or a foot pedal. For example, when the input device 40 is implemented as a keyboard, the keyboard may include at least one of switches, keys, a joystick, and a trackball. As another example, the keyboard can be implemented using software, such as a graphical user interface. In this case, the keyboard can be displayed on the second display 52. ​​The foot switch or foot pedal can be provided below the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, and the user can control the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 using the foot switch or foot pedal.

[0047] The display 50 may display an ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and various graphical user interfaces.

[0048] The display 50 according to an example may include a first display 51 and a second display 52 .

[0049] The ultrasound image displayed on the first display 51 may be a two-dimensional ultrasound image or a three-dimensional ultrasound image, and various ultrasound images may be displayed according to the operation mode of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1. In addition, the first display 51 may display not only a menu or guidance required for ultrasound diagnosis but also information on the operation status of the probe P.

[0050] The second display 52 may provide relevant information such as a menu for optimizing ultrasound images or auxiliary images, or may provide a graphical user interface to the user. When the second display 52 is used as the input device 40, a graphical user interface having the same shape as a button included in the input device 40 may be displayed on the second display 52.

[0051] On the other hand, the form of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is not necessarily limited to Figure 1 . For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be implemented in the form of a smartphone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, and a tablet PC. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be implemented in the form of a mobile terminal such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a watch attachable to the user's body, and a wearable terminal in the form of glasses.

[0052] The object may be a living body of a human or animal, or in vivo tissue such as blood vessels, bones, muscles, etc., but is not limited thereto, and may be any object as long as its internal structure can be imaged by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 .

[0053] The probe P may include a transducer E, a male connector C, and a cable B. The transducer E is arranged in a shell to irradiate ultrasound to an object, receive ultrasound echoes reflected from the object, and convert electrical pulse signals and ultrasound into each other. The male connector C is physically combined with the female connector 11 of the ultrasound diagnostic equipment 1 to send signals to and receive signals from the ultrasound diagnostic equipment 1. The cable B connects the ultrasound diagnostic equipment 1 and the probe P.

[0054] The transducer E can generate ultrasound according to the applied AC power. Specifically, the transducer E can receive AC power from a power storage device (e.g., a battery) inside the probe P. The vibrator (hereinafter, the transducer element) of the transducer E can generate ultrasound by vibrating according to the supplied AC power.

[0055] In addition, the transducer E receives a signal reflected by the object, that is, an ultrasonic echo. The transducer E converts the ultrasonic echo into an electrical signal. The ultrasonic echo has various frequency bands or energy intensities to generate various ultrasonic images according to the diagnosis mode.

[0056] The probe P transmits an analog signal or a digital signal converted from ultrasound by each element of the transducer E to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 through the cable B. On the other hand, the disclosed probe P does not necessarily need to be connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 through the cable B. The probe P and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can transmit and receive signals through wired communication or wireless communication.

[0057] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a probe selection assembly (PSA) board that receives a signal transmitted by a probe P. The PSA board may include a plurality of female connectors 11 so that a plurality of probes P can be connected, and may include a switch (10, see Figure 4 ) and multiple channels (20, see Figure 4 The PSA board sends the received signal to the beamformer 30 (see Figure 4 ). A detailed description of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described later with reference to other drawings.

[0058] Figure 2 is an external view of a probe comprising a one-dimensional array of transducer elements. Figure 3 is an external view of a probe comprising a two-dimensional array of transducer elements.

[0059] As above Figure 1 As described in , the probe P converts the pulse signal received from the subject into an ultrasonic signal, transmits the ultrasonic signal to a specific area inside the object, and receives the ultrasonic echo signal reflected from the specific area inside the object, converts the ultrasonic echo signal back into a pulse signal and transmits the pulse signal to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

[0060] The probe P may include a transducer element that converts an electrical pulse signal and an ultrasonic signal into each other so as to transmit the ultrasonic signal into the object. The transducer array is composed of a single transducer element or a plurality of transducer elements.

[0061] The transducer array may be a one-dimensional array or a two-dimensional array. In an embodiment, the transducer E may include: Figure 2 The one-dimensional transducer array shown.

[0062] Each of the transducer elements constituting the one-dimensional transducer array can convert an ultrasonic signal into an electrical signal, and conversely, each transducer element can convert an electrical signal into an ultrasonic signal. To this end, the transducer element can be a magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducer that uses the magnetostrictive effect of magnetic materials, a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer or a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) that uses the piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric materials, or a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) that uses the vibration of hundreds or thousands of micromachined films to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves.

[0063] In addition, if Figure 2As shown, the one-dimensional transducer array can be linearly aligned or convexly aligned. In both cases, the ultrasound probe P can operate according to the same operating principle. However, when the ultrasound probe P includes a convex convex transducer E, the ultrasonic waves irradiated from the transducer E can be in the shape of a sector, and therefore, an ultrasound image can also be created in the shape of a sector.

[0064] As another example, the transducer E may include Figure 3 The two-dimensional transducer array shown. When a two-dimensional transducer array is included, the interior of the object can be imaged in three dimensions. Furthermore, even if the transducer array of the probe P is arranged in one dimension, the probe P can mechanically move the one-dimensional transducer array and transmit ultrasonic echo signals capable of generating a three-dimensional ultrasonic image to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 by acquiring volume information of the interior of the object.

[0065] Each transducer element constituting the two-dimensional transducer array may be identical to a transducer element constituting the one-dimensional transducer array.

[0066] Furthermore, a two-dimensional transducer array may include a larger number of transducer elements than a one-dimensional transducer array.The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a plurality of channels 20 to receive signals transmitted by a large number of transducer elements.

[0067] Generally, when the number of channels is smaller than the number of transducer elements of the connected probe P, a conventional general-purpose ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus processes received signals by using the switch 10. However, the disclosed ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can perform signal processing through the switch 10 even when the number of channels is larger than the number of transducer elements of the connected probe P.

[0068] Figure 4 It is a control block diagram of a disclosed ultrasonic diagnostic device.

[0069] Reference Figure 4 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a switch 10 that connects channels with transducer elements, a plurality of channels 20 for transmitting and receiving signals using a plurality of transducer elements included in a probe, a beamformer 30 that beamforms signals received from a preset number of active channels among the plurality of channels 20, a signal processor 60 that generates an ultrasonic image through the signal delayed by the beamformer 30 and performs image processing, an input device 40 that receives input information from a user, a display 50 that displays an ultrasonic image and various user interfaces, and a controller 100 for controlling the above-mentioned construction and overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

[0070] The switch 10 may be provided on the PSA board and connect the plurality of channels 20 and the transducer elements, respectively. The switch 10 may be provided as a relay capable of mechanical separation, or may be provided as a semiconductor device performing electrical switching.

[0071] The channel 20 may include a transmitter 21 that transmits a pulse signal to the probe P and a receiver 22 that receives an electrical signal converted from an ultrasonic echo by the probe P. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may include a plurality of channels 20 each including a transmitter 21 and a receiver 22 .

[0072] Specifically, the transmitter 21 generates a pulse signal for controlling the probe P and transmits the pulse signal to the probe P through the cable B. In addition, the transmitter 21 may transmit the pulse signal to the receiver 22 to determine a faulty channel.

[0073] The receiver 22 may include a low noise amplifier (LNA) that amplifies the electrical signal transmitted from the probe P and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts the analog signal transmitted from the probe P into a digital signal.

[0074] The receiver 22 transmits the signal received from the probe P to the beamformer 30. In addition, the receiver 22 may transmit the pulse wave signal generated by the signal generator 70 to the beamformer 30 in order to determine a faulty channel.

[0075] The beamformer 30 is a device that performs an appropriate time delay on the irradiated ultrasound or the received ultrasound echo to simultaneously focus the ultrasound generated from the transducer elements of the probe P on the target point of the object, or to overcome the time difference between the ultrasound echo reflected from the target point of the object and reaching the transducer elements.

[0076] In order to improve the quality of ultrasound images, the signal processor 60 filters noise components from the digital reception focused beam, performs an envelope detection process that detects the strength of a reception signal based on the filtered reception focused beam, and generates ultrasound image data.

[0077] The signal processor 60 performs scan conversion for converting scan lines of ultrasound image data so that the ultrasound image data can be displayed on the display 50. The signal processor 60 also performs image processing such as B-mode image processing and Doppler image processing on the digital ultrasound image data based on the scan-converted digital ultrasound image data in order to display an ultrasound image of a type desired by a user.

[0078] The signal processor 60 processes the ultrasound image data in RGB and transmits it to the display 50 so that the image-processed digital ultrasound image data can be displayed as an ultrasound image.

[0079] The display 50 may display a generated ultrasound image and various information processed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1. According to the implementation type, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 may include one or more displays 51 and 52. In addition, the display 50 may be implemented as a touch screen combined with a touch panel.

[0080] The input device 40 receives control commands from the user. For example, the input device 40 may receive information about the number of transducer elements of the connected probe P. The input device 40 transmits the received information to the controller 100. Based on the received information, the controller 100 may compare the number of channels 20 with the number of transducer elements and control the switch 10.

[0081] The controller 100 is a processor that controls the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. For example, after receiving an ultrasonic echo signal reflected on an object from the probe P, the controller 100 may display an ultrasonic image generated by the beamformer 30 and the signal processor 60 through a display.

[0082] In the disclosed embodiment, the controller 100 compares whether the number of channels 20 is greater than or equal to the number of transducer elements. Among the multiple channels 20, there may be a faulty channel. When the number of multiple channels 20 is greater than the number of transducer elements, the controller 100 ensures connection with the probe P by connecting the transducer element to the remaining channels instead of the faulty channel. A detailed description of the control method of the controller 100 will be described later in the following figures.

[0083] The controller 100 may further include a ROM in which a control program for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is stored, and a RAM used as a storage area corresponding to various operations performed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. In addition, the controller 100 may be implemented as a graphics processing board including the above-mentioned processor, RAM, or ROM on a circuit board, and the processor, RAM, and ROM may be interconnected through an internal bus.

[0084] Signal generator 70 generates a pulse wave signal so that controller 100 can identify a faulty channel. The pulse wave signal generated by signal generator 70 is transmitted to all provided channels 20. Controller 100 can compare the waveforms transmitted from receivers 22 of all channels 20 via beamformer 30 with previously stored normal waveforms and identify a faulty channel based on the comparison result. A detailed description of how to identify a faulty channel will be described later with reference to other figures.

[0085] In addition, the disclosed ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may further include Figure 4 Other components not described in the drawings may be included, and the mutual positions of the components may be changed in response to the performance or structure of the system.

[0086] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0087] Reference Figure 5, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may be connected to a probe P including 192 transducer elements (E#1 to E#192). The disclosed ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may include more than or equal to 192 channels 20.

[0088] The ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 can set an active channel (active aperture) for every 66 of the 192 channels. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 does not receive ultrasonic echoes through all 192 transducer elements at once, but instead divides and receives ultrasonic echoes from a preset number of active channels. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 receives ultrasonic echoes from the first transducer element (E#1) to the 66th transducer element (E#66). The ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 also receives ultrasonic echoes from the second transducer element (E#2) to the 67th transducer element (E#67). The ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 also receives ultrasonic echoes from the third transducer element (E#3) to the 68th transducer element (E#68). In this way, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 receives ultrasonic echoes while sequentially changing the active channels among the multiple channels 20. Among the multiple channels 20, the remaining channels other than the active channels are called spare channels (idle apertures).

[0089] While sequentially receiving ultrasonic echoes, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can use the active channels corresponding to the 64th transducer element (E#64) to the 129th transducer element (E#129) to receive ultrasonic echoes. However, the 88th channel (CH#88), which receives ultrasonic echoes from the 88th transducer element (E#88), may be a faulty channel. Instead of receiving ultrasonic echoes from the 88th channel (CH#88), which is the faulty channel, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 connects at least one of the spare channels (e.g., the first channel (CH#1)) to the 88th transducer element (E#88). That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 connects the first channel CH#1 and the 88th transducer element E#88 through the switch 10. Thus, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can improve the quality of ultrasonic images.

[0090] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating another operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0091] Reference Figure 6 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may include a greater number of transducer elements than the number of connected probes P, that is, 192 or more channels 20. However, Figure 5 Differently, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may include an idle channel 23 for the fault channel.

[0092] Specifically, when the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 determines a faulty channel, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 may disconnect the faulty channel from the corresponding transducer element 23. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 may prevent channel loss by connecting the transducer element to an idle channel 23.

[0093] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may set idle channels 23 based on the difference between the number of provided channels 20 and the number of transducer elements of the connected probe P. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may make each idle channel 23 correspond to a plurality of transducer elements and prepare for a faulty channel.

[0094] like Figure 6 As shown, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may set the first idle channel 23-1 as an idle channel for the first transducer element (E#1), the second transducer element (E#2), the 64th transducer element (E#64), and the 65th transducer element (E#65). If the 64th channel (CH#64) is determined to be a faulty channel, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may connect the first idle channel 23-1 set as the idle channel for the 64th channel (CH#64) to the 64th transducer element (#64).

[0095] also, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The number of channels and transducer elements described in the foregoing are merely examples. That is, the disclosed ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 compares the number of transducer elements of the connected probe P with the number of channels 20, and changes the faulty channel to a spare channel or an idle channel when the number of channels 20 is greater than or equal to the number of transducer elements.

[0096] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a diagram for illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus determines a faulty channel.

[0097] First refer to Figure 7 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 sends a pulse signal to each channel 20 in order to determine whether the transmitter 21 has failed. Specifically, the controller 100 generates a pulse signal assigned to the first channel CH#1 and sends the pulse signal to the first channel CH#1. The transmitter 21 of the first channel CH#1 sends the received pulse signal to the receiver 22 of the first channel CH#1. The beamformer 30 acquires the data received from the receiver 22 of the first channel CH#1, that is, the pulse shape (or waveform). The controller 100 compares the pulse shape obtained from the beamformer 30 with the previously stored normal waveform, and determines whether the first channel CH#1 has failed based on the comparison result. If the acquired pulse shape does not match the normal waveform, the controller 100 may determine that the transmitter 21 of the first channel CH#1 is failed, and determine the first channel CH#1 as a failed channel.

[0098] Furthermore, after determining whether the first channel (CH#1) has failed, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 repeats the above-described operation for the second channel CH#2 and the third channel CH#3, and determines whether the channels have failed.

[0099] Reference Figure 8 , the controller 100 generates a pulse wave signal through the signal generator 70. The controller 100 sends the generated pulse wave signal to all receivers 22 of the plurality of channels 20. For example, Figure 8 As shown, controller 100 simultaneously transmits pulse wave signals to receivers 22 of the first channel (CH#1), the second channel (CH#2), and the third channel (CH#3). Beamformer 30 acquires data transmitted from receivers 22 of all channels 20. Controller 100 compares the acquired data with previously stored normal data. Based on the comparison results, controller 100 determines whether a fault exists.

[0100] also, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The above-described embodiment is merely an example for determining a faulty channel, and a faulty channel may be determined by another method.

[0101] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0102] Reference Figure 9 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 compares the number of transducer elements of the connected probe P with the number of channels 20. If the number of channels 20 is greater than or equal to the number of transducer elements, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 may improve a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) through a spare channel in addition to the active channel.

[0103] Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can receive ultrasound echoes from 66 active channels. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can connect channels other than the 64th channel (CH#64) to the 129th channel (CH#129) (i.e., the first channel (CH#1), the second channel (CH#2), the 191st channel (CH#191), and the 192nd channel (CH#192)) to the 64th transducer element (E#64) to the 129th transducer element (E#129). In other words, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can improve the SNR by corresponding one transducer element to one active channel and at least one spare channel, and controlling at least two or more channels to receive ultrasound echoes.

[0104] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a control method of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0105] Reference Figure 10 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 determines a faulty channel among the plurality of channels 20 ( 200 ).

[0106] The method of determining the faulty channel may be varied.

[0107] For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 transmits a pulse signal to the transmitter 21 of the channel 20 and controls the transmitter 21 to transmit the pulse signal to the receiver 22. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can determine whether the transmitter 21 has failed by comparing the data obtained from the receiver 22 through the beamformer 30 with a previously stored normal waveform. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can determine the failed channel by repeating the above operation for each channel.

[0108] As another example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 generates a pulse wave signal through the signal generator 70 and transmits the pulse wave signal to the receivers 22 of all channels 20. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can determine whether the receiver 22 has malfunctioned by comparing data acquired from the receiver 22 through the beamformer 30 with a previously stored normal waveform.

[0109] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is connected to the probe P ( 210 ), and compares the number of transducer elements with the number of channels 20 ( 220 ).

[0110] If the number of transducer elements is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of channels 20 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 controls the switch 10 like a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0111] If the number of transducer elements is smaller than the number of the plurality of channels 20 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 changes the faulty channel to an idle channel or a spare channel by controlling the switch 10 as described above ( 230 ).

[0112] For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may select at least one of spare channels other than the active channel among a plurality of channels and change the determined faulty channel to the selected channel.

[0113] As another example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 calculates the difference between the number of channels 20 and the number of transducer elements. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 selects a backup channel based on the calculated difference. If a faulty channel is determined to be present among the active channels, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 changes the faulty channel to an idle channel.

[0114] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0115] Reference Figure 11 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 compares the number of channels 20 with the number of transducer elements ( 300 ).

[0116] For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 may confirm the number of transducer elements of the connected probe P based on a control command input from the user. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 compares the number of transducer elements received from the input device 40 with the number of built-in channels 20 .

[0117] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 determines whether a fault channel is included in active channels ( 310 ).

[0118] If there is no faulty channel, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 repeatedly connects a channel other than the active channel (330), such as an idle channel or a spare channel. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may repeatedly connect one active channel and one spare channel to one transducer element. Thus, the disclosed ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can improve the SNR.

[0119] If a faulty channel is included, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 disconnects the faulty channel among active channels and the transducer element, and controls the switch 10 so that an idle channel or a spare channel and the transducer element are connected.

[0120] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the control method thereof according to the disclosed aspects can prevent a faulty channel from receiving an ultrasonic signal, and can further improve the image quality of an ultrasonic image by performing selective connection using switches even when the number of channels is greater than the number of elements of a transducer.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device comprising: a plurality of active channels configured to transmit and receive signals using a plurality of transducer elements included in the probe, each of the plurality of active channels being connected to each of the plurality of transducer elements; Multiple idle channels; a beamformer configured to perform beamforming on signals received from the plurality of active channels and the plurality of idle channels; a switch configured to connect the probe to the plurality of active channels and the plurality of idle channels; as well as a controller configured to determine a faulty channel among the plurality of active channels, and when the faulty channel connected to a first transducer element among the plurality of transducer elements is included in the plurality of active channels, control the switch so that the faulty channel is disconnected from the first transducer element and an idle channel among the plurality of idle channels that can be connected to the first transducer element is connected to the first transducer element, Each of the plurality of idle channels can be connected to at least two transducer elements of the plurality of transducer elements through operation of the switch.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, in, Each of the plurality of active channels and the plurality of idle channels comprises: a transmitter configured to transmit a pulse signal to the probe; and A receiver is configured to receive the signal transmitted from the probe.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, in, The controller is configured to control the transmitter to transmit the pulse signal to the receiver, compare the waveform obtained from the beamformer with a previously stored normal waveform, and determine the faulty channel based on a comparison result.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a signal generator configured to generate a pulse wave signal, The controller is configured to control the signal generator to transmit the pulse wave signal to the receivers of the plurality of active channels, compare the data obtained from the beamformer with previously stored normal data, and determine the faulty channel based on the comparison result.

5. A method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic device, the ultrasonic diagnostic device comprising: A plurality of active channels, a plurality of idle channels, a switch, and a beamformer, wherein the plurality of active channels are configured to transmit and receive signals using a plurality of transducer elements included in a probe, each of the plurality of active channels is connected to each of the plurality of transducer elements, and each of the plurality of idle channels is connectable to at least two transducer elements of the plurality of transducers, the switch is configured to connect the probe to the plurality of active channels and the plurality of idle channels, and the beamformer is configured to perform beamforming on signals received from the plurality of active channels and the plurality of idle channels, the method comprising: determining a failed channel among the plurality of active channels; and When a fault channel connected to a first transducer element among the plurality of transducer elements is included in the plurality of active channels, the switch is controlled so that the fault channel is disconnected from the first transducer element and an idle channel among the plurality of idle channels that is connectable to the first transducer element is connected to the first transducer element.

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