Ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic imaging device and control method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic imaging device, and a control method thereof. The ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic imaging device, and the control method thereof can effectively and quickly determine whether a disinfectant remains in the ultrasonic probe or whether the ultrasound is operating normally without changing the structure of the ultrasonic imaging device. The ultrasonic imaging device according to an embodiment includes: a main body including at least one slot connected to a connector; a display disposed on the main body; and a controller configured to output a warning message to the display when the connector and the slot are connected and the current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe is outside a predetermined reference range, and the controller is composed of at least one processor included in the main body.

Description

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0035732, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on March 24, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic imaging device, and a control method thereof, which are configured to determine whether a disinfectant remains in the ultrasonic probe. Background Art

[0003] The probe of an ultrasonic diagnostic device directly contacts the affected part of an object to perform a diagnosis / test.

[0004] Disinfection of the probe is necessary because if there is contamination of the probe or skin diseases of the test object, it may cause another object to be infected. According to sterilization and disinfection, the ultrasonic probe is cleaned with a liquid disinfectant. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic device also undergoes inspection of the sterilization / disinfectant, and after disinfection, the user performs an examination on the object.

[0005] In addition, high-level disinfection and sterilization are crucial for ultrasonic probes, and thus guiding rules are constantly formulated and supplemented. For the disinfection of ultrasonic probes, hospitals usually use simple and time-saving machine cleaning.

[0006] Recently, many products having a structure with connected connector terminals have been widely used. If the ultrasonic probe is placed in a hospital sterilizer for cleaning, the disinfectant may penetrate and remain in the connector of the ultrasonic probe. In this case, when the user fails to recognize it and uses it, overcurrent / overvoltage occurs due to a short circuit between the ultrasonic probe and the portable device, which may cause a failure.

[0007] In addition, the imaging performance of these ultrasonic probes deteriorates significantly.

[0008] Therefore, in order to prevent this phenomenon, a technique for determining whether a disinfectant or the like remains in the ultrasonic probe is required. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure provides an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic imaging device, and a control method thereof, which can effectively and quickly determine whether a disinfectant remains in the ultrasonic probe or whether the ultrasound is operating normally without changing the structure of the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0010] Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic imaging device, the ultrasonic imaging device including: a main body including at least one slot connected to a connector; a display disposed on the main body; and a controller configured to output a warning message to the display when the connector and the slot are connected and the current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe is outside a predetermined reference range, and the controller is composed of at least one processor included in the main body.

[0011] The controller may be configured to: when the identification current of the ultrasonic probe is outside a predetermined reference range, output a warning message to the display.

[0012] The controller may be configured to: when the test current of the elements of the ultrasonic probe is outside a predetermined reference range, output a warning message to the display.

[0013] The main body may include an overcurrent protection circuit, and the controller may be configured to: when the current flowing from the ultrasonic probe to the overcurrent protection circuit is outside a predetermined reference range, output a warning message to the display.

[0014] The current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe can be used as a test signal for self-diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe.

[0015] The controller may be configured to: when the current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe is within a predetermined failure range, determine that a failure has occurred in the connector, and output a warning message corresponding to the failure of the connector to the display.

[0016] The ultrasonic probe may be provided as an insertable probe.

[0017] The ultrasonic probe may include its own display, and the controller may be configured to output the warning message to the own display.

[0018] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a control method for an ultrasonic imaging device, the ultrasonic imaging device including an ultrasonic probe, a display, and a main body, the ultrasonic probe including a connector, the display being disposed on the main body, the main body including at least one slot connected to the connector, the method including: when the connector and the slot are connected and the current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe is outside a predetermined reference range, outputting a warning message to the display.

[0019] The outputting of the warning message may include: when the identification current of the ultrasonic probe is outside a predetermined reference range, outputting a warning message to the display.

[0020] The output warning message may include: when the test current of the elements of the ultrasonic probe is outside a predetermined reference range, outputting a warning message to the display.

[0021] The main body may include an overcurrent protection circuit, and the output warning message may include: when the current flowing from the ultrasonic probe to the overcurrent protection circuit is outside a predetermined reference range, outputting a warning message to the display.

[0022] The current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe can be used as a test signal for self-diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe.

[0023] The output warning message may include: when the current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe is within a predetermined failure range, determining that a failure has occurred in the connector and outputting a warning message corresponding to the failure of the connector to the display.

[0024] The ultrasonic probe may be set as an insertion type probe.

[0025] The ultrasonic probe may include its own display, and the output warning message may include: outputting the warning message to the own display.

[0026] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe includes: a probe power supply; a connector connected to another device; its own display; and at least one processor configured to, when the current flowing through the connector by receiving power from the power supply is outside a predetermined reference range, output a warning message to the own display.

[0027] When the connector is at least connected to another device, the probe power supply can be charged by the power supplied by the other device, and the ultrasonic probe transmits and receives ultrasonic signals.

[0028] The at least one processor may be configured to: when a self-diagnosis command is input by a user, control the probe power supply to supply current to the connector. Description of the Drawings

[0029] These aspects and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent and easier to understand through the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a view showing the appearance of an ultrasonic imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 is a control block diagram of an ultrasonic imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3AIt is a control block diagram specifically showing the configuration of the main body of an ultrasonic imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3B It is a control block diagram of an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4 It is a view showing the cleaning of an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 It is a schematic circuit diagram of an overcurrent protection circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 It is a graph showing the current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe and a predetermined reference range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7 It is a view showing a warning message output on the display of an ultrasonic imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 8 It is a view showing an in-built display included in the ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 9 It is a view for showing the operations related to the connector of the ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 10 It is a flowchart according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0041] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. All elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure will not be described, and descriptions of content well known in the art or content repeated in the embodiments will be omitted. Terms used throughout the specification (such as, "~ component", "~ module", "~ member", "~ block", etc.) can be implemented in software and / or hardware, and multiple "~ components", "~ modules", "~ members" or "~ blocks" can be implemented in a single element, or a single "~ component", "~ module", "~ member" or "~ block" can include multiple elements.

[0042] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly or indirectly connected to the other element, where indirect connection includes "connection" via a wireless communication network.

[0043] In addition, when a component "includes" or "contains" an element, unless there is a specific description to the contrary, the component may also include other elements without excluding other elements.

[0044] In addition, when stating that a layer is "on" another layer or substrate, the layer can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or a third layer can be provided therebetween.

[0045] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these terms should not be limited thereby. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0046] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms are also intended to include the plural forms.

[0047] The use of identification codes is for convenience of description and is not intended to show the order of each step. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, each step can be implemented in an order different from the shown order.

[0048] Hereinafter, the operating principles and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 is a view showing the appearance of an ultrasonic imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a control block diagram of an ultrasonic imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a control block diagram specifically showing the configuration of the main body of the ultrasonic imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Referring to Figure 1 , the ultrasonic imaging device 1 may include: an ultrasonic probe P configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to an object, receive ultrasonic echo signals from the object, and convert the received ultrasonic echo signals into electrical signals; and a main body M connected to the ultrasonic probe P, having an input unit 540 and a display 550 and configured to display ultrasonic images. The ultrasonic probe P can be connected to the main body M of the ultrasonic imaging device 1 through a cable 5 to receive various signals required to control the ultrasonic probe P or transmit an analog signal or a digital signal corresponding to the ultrasonic echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe P to the main body M. However, the embodiments of the ultrasonic probe P are not limited thereto, and the ultrasonic probe P can be implemented as a wireless probe to transmit and receive signals through a network formed between the ultrasonic probe P and the main body M.

[0051] The cable 5 can be connected to the ultrasonic probe P at one end, and a connector 6 can be provided at the other end. The connector 6 is connected to or separated from the slot 7 of the main body M. The main body M and the ultrasonic probe P can exchange control commands or data using the cable 5. For example, when the user inputs information related to the focal depth, the size or shape of the aperture, or the steering angle through the input device 40, this information is sent to the ultrasonic probe P through the cable 5 and thus used by the beamforming device (not shown). Optionally, when the ultrasonic probe P is implemented as a wireless probe as described above, the ultrasonic probe P is connected to the main body M through a wireless network instead of being connected to the main body M through the cable 5. Even when the main body M is connected to the main body M through a wireless network, the main body M and the ultrasonic probe P can still exchange the above control commands or data. As Figure 2 shown, the main body M can include a controller 500, an image processor 530, an input device 540, and a display 550.

[0052] The controller 500 can control the overall operation of the ultrasonic imaging device 1. Specifically, the controller 500 can generate control signals for controlling each component of the ultrasonic imaging device 1 (for example, Figure 2 the transmitter 100, the T / R switch 10, the receiver 200, the image processor 530, the display 550, etc. shown in Figure 2 and the ultrasonic imaging device 1 shown in Figure 3), and can control the operation of the above components. In

[0053] the ultrasonic imaging device 1 shown in Figure 3, the transmit / receive beamformer is included in the ultrasonic probe P instead of being included in the main body M, but the transmit / receive beamformer can be included in the main body M instead of being included in the ultrasonic probe P.

[0054] The transducer array TA can be configured to be included in the main body M or the ultrasonic probe P.

[0055] In addition, by generating control commands for the respective components of the ultrasonic imaging device 1 according to the instructions or commands of the user input via the input device 540, the controller 500 can control the ultrasonic imaging device 1.

[0056] The image processor 530 can generate an ultrasonic image of the target part inside the object based on the ultrasonic signals focused by the receiver 200.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, the image processor 530 may include an image forming device 531, a signal processor 533, a scan converter 535, a memory 537, and a volume rendering device 539.

[0058] The image forming device 531 may generate a coherent two-dimensional (2D) image or three-dimensional (3D) image of a target portion inside an object based on the ultrasonic signals focused by the receiver 20.

[0059] The signal processor 533 may convert information about the coherent image generated by the image forming device 531 into ultrasonic image information according to a diagnostic mode (such as, brightness mode (B-mode) or Doppler mode (D-mode)). For example, when the diagnostic mode is set to the B-mode, the signal processor 533 may perform analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion processing, etc., and generate ultrasonic image information of the B-mode image in real time. Optionally, when the diagnostic mode is set to the D-mode, the signal processor 533 may extract information about phase changes from the ultrasonic signals, calculate information about blood flow corresponding to each point of the cross-sectional image (such as, velocity, power, and distribution), and generate ultrasonic image information of the D-mode image in real time.

[0060] The scan converter 535 may convert the converted ultrasonic image information received from the signal processor 533 and the converted ultrasonic image information stored in the memory 537 into a general video signal for the display 550, and send the converted signal to the volume rendering device 539.

[0061] The memory 537 may temporarily or non-temporarily store the ultrasonic image information converted by the signal processor 533.

[0062] The volume rendering device 539 may perform volume rendering based on the video signal received from the scan converter 535, correct the rendered image information to generate a final result image, and send the generated result image to the display 550.

[0063] The inputter 540 allows a user to input commands related to the operation of the ultrasonic imaging device 1. The user may input or set the following items, etc. through the inputter 540: an ultrasonic diagnosis start command; a diagnostic mode selection command for selecting the B-mode, motion mode (M-mode), D-mode, elastography mode (E-mode), or 3D mode; region of interest (ROI) setting information including the size and position of the ROI.

[0064] The B-mode image may refer to an image showing a cross-section inside an object, and distinguishes a portion with a strong echo signal from a portion with a weak echo signal by modulating brightness. The B-mode image is generated based on information obtained from dozens to hundreds of scan lines.

[0065] The M-mode may refer to an image representing the change over time of biometric information (e.g., brightness information) on a specific part (M-line) in a cross-sectional image (B-mode image). Generally, the B-mode image and the M-mode image are simultaneously displayed on one screen to allow the user to accurately diagnose by comparing and analyzing the two types of data.

[0066] The D-mode image may refer to an image of a moving object obtained through the Doppler effect, in which the frequency of the sound emitted from the moving object changes. The mode using the Doppler effect can be further classified into a power Doppler imaging (PDI) mode, a color flow (S-flow) mode, and a directional power Doppler imaging (DPDI) mode.

[0067] The PDI-mode image may refer to an image representing the angle or the number of structures of the Doppler signal (the number of red blood cells in the blood). In the PDI mode, there is no aliasing signal due to the low sensitivity to the incident angle, and the image attenuation caused by noise is reduced. In addition, since the reflected Doppler energy is recorded, the PDI mode is very sensitive, enabling the detection of small blood vessels and blood flow with a low flow rate.

[0068] The S-flow mode can provide a power image (PDI) representing the power of the Doppler signal in a 2D distribution and a velocity image representing the velocity of the Doppler signal in a 2D distribution. The S-flow image can not only visualize the blood flow in real time but also represent a wide range of blood flow states from high-speed blood flow in large blood vessels to low-speed blood flow in small blood vessels.

[0069] The DPDI-mode image may refer to a directional image representing information related to the direction of the Doppler signal in a 2D distribution in the PDI mode. Therefore, the DPDI mode can detect information about blood flow more accurately than the PDI mode. Additionally, an M-mode image can be generated in the D mode.

[0070] The E-mode may refer to a method of obtaining an ultrasound elastography image by using elastography. In this regard, elastography refers to the analysis of the following phenomenon: the elasticity of tissue decreases in a hard structure such as a malignant mass, and thus the degree of tissue deformation caused by pressure decreases. The ultrasound elastography image is an image that quantitatively represents the stiffness of tissue. Specifically, the E-mode has been widely used in the diagnosis of cervical cancer, breast cancer, or prostate cancer.

[0071] The 3D-mode image may refer to an image representing a geometric configuration or a space including X, Y, and Z values respectively representing depth, width, and height, or a series of images indicating a stereoscopic sensation as a 3D shape or providing a stereoscopic effect. For example, the user can display the facial shape of a fetus by using the stereoscopic effect of the 3D mode and provide the facial shape to the parents of the fetus.

[0072] Additionally, the operations of the present disclosure can be performed in an ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) image obtained by entering the UCA image mode, but the present disclosure is not limited to the corresponding mode, and as long as the image of the object is derived based on the difference in image signals, the present disclosure is not restricted.

[0073] The ultrasound imaging device 1 can operate in a B-mode for obtaining tissue images, a low-voltage B-mode for simultaneously obtaining contrast agent images and tissue images, a contrast agent image mode for obtaining contrast agent images, and a contrast agent image mode before administering the contrast agent.

[0074] The contrast agent image described herein can be defined as a technique for imaging by using the characteristic that the echo signal reflected from the microbubbles constituting the ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) is displayed as a strong signal compared to general tissues. Its detailed description will be provided later.

[0075] The inputter 540 can include various devices (such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a tablet computer, or a touch screen module) that allow a user to input data, instructions, and commands.

[0076] The display 550 can display menus or information required for ultrasound diagnosis, ultrasound images obtained during the ultrasound diagnosis process, etc. The display 550 can display an ultrasound image of a target part inside the object generated by the image processor 530. The ultrasound image displayed on the display 550 can be a B-mode ultrasound image, an E-mode ultrasound image, or a 3D ultrasound image. The display 550 can display various ultrasound images obtained according to the above modes.

[0077] The display 550 can be implemented using various known displays such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) and a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0078] As Figure 2 shown, the ultrasound probe P can include a transducer array TA, a T / R switch 10, a transmitter 100, and a receiver 200. The transducer array TA can be provided at one end of the ultrasound probe P. The ultrasound transducer array TA can refer to a one-dimensional (1D) or two-dimensional (2D) array of a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements 60. When the ultrasound transducer array TA oscillates by a supplied pulse signal or alternating current, ultrasound is generated. The generated ultrasound can be sent to a target part inside the object. In this case, the ultrasound generated by the ultrasound transducer array TA can also be sent to a plurality of target parts inside the object. In other words, the generated ultrasound can be multi-focused and sent to a plurality of target parts.

[0079] The ultrasound generated by the ultrasound transducer array TA can be reflected by a target portion inside the object and then return to the ultrasound transducer array TA. The ultrasound transducer array TA can receive the ultrasound echo signal that returns after being reflected by the target portion. When the ultrasound echo signal reaches the ultrasound transducer array TA, the ultrasound transducer array TA can oscillate at a predetermined frequency corresponding to the frequency of the ultrasound echo signal and output an alternating current having a frequency corresponding to the oscillation frequency. Accordingly, the ultrasound transducer array TA can convert the received ultrasound echo signal into an electrical signal. Since each ultrasound transducer element in the ultrasound transducer element 60 can output an electrical signal by receiving the ultrasound echo signal, the ultrasound transducer array TA can output electrical signals of a plurality of channels.

[0080] The ultrasound transducer can be implemented using a magnetostrictive ultrasound transducer that utilizes the magnetostrictive effect of a magnetic material, a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer that utilizes the piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric material, or a capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (cMUT) that receives ultrasound by oscillating hundreds or thousands of micromachined thin films. Additionally, any other type of transducer capable of generating ultrasound based on an electrical signal or generating an electrical signal based on ultrasound can also be used as the ultrasound transducer.

[0081] For example, the transducer element 60 can include a piezoelectric vibrator or a thin film. When an alternating current is supplied from a power source, the piezoelectric vibrator or the thin film vibrates at a predetermined frequency according to the supplied alternating current and generates ultrasound having a predetermined frequency according to the vibration frequency. Conversely, when an ultrasound echo signal having a predetermined frequency reaches the piezoelectric vibrator or the thin film, the piezoelectric vibrator or the thin film vibrates according to the ultrasound echo signal and outputs an alternating current having a frequency corresponding to the vibration frequency.

[0082] The transmitter 100 can apply a transmit pulse to the transducer array TA to control the transducer array TA to transmit an ultrasound signal to a target portion inside the object. The transmitter 100 can include a transmit beamformer and a pulse generator. The transmit beamformer 110 can generate a transmit signal pattern according to a control signal of the controller 500 of the main body M and output the transmit signal pattern to the pulse generator 120. The transmit beamformer 110 can generate the transmit signal pattern based on the time delay value of each ultrasound transducer element of the ultrasound transducer elements 60 constituting the transducer array TA calculated by the controller 500 and transmit the generated transmit signal pattern to the pulse generator 120.

[0083] The receiver 200 can perform predetermined processing on the ultrasound echo signal received by the transducer array TA and perform receive beamforming. The receiver 200 can include a receive signal processor and a receive beamformer.

[0084] The receiver 200 can perform image processing and signal processing after receiving a signal from the transducer. The electrical signal converted by the transducer array TA is input to the received signal processor. The received signal processor can amplify the electrical signal converted from the ultrasonic echo signal before processing the electrical signal or performing time delay processing on the electrical signal, and can adjust the gain or compensate for attenuation according to the depth. More specifically, the received signal processor can include a low noise amplifier (LNA) for reducing the noise of the electrical signal received from the ultrasonic transducer array TA and a variable gain amplifier (VGA) for controlling the gain value according to the input signal. The VGA can be, but is not limited to, a time gain compensator (TGC) for compensating the gain according to the distance from the focus.

[0085] The receive beamformer can perform beamforming on the electrical signal received from the received signal processor. The receive beamformer increases the intensity of the signal received from the received signal processor by superposition. The electrical signal beamformed by the receive beamformer is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter and sent to the image processor 530 of the main body M. When the main body M includes an A / D converter, the analog signal beamformed by the receive beamformer can also be sent to the main body M and converted into a digital signal in the main body M.

[0086] In addition, the main body can include at least one slot, and at least one slot is connected to a connector connected to the probe.

[0087] Optionally, the receive beamformer can be a digital beamformer. The digital beamformer can include a memory for sampling and storing the sampled signal of the analog signal, a sampling period controller for controlling the sampling period, an amplifier for adjusting the sample size, an anti-aliasing low-pass filter for preventing aliasing before sampling, a band-pass filter for selecting the desired frequency band, an interpolation filter for increasing the sampling rate while performing beamforming, a high-pass filter for removing the direct current (DC) component or low-frequency band signal, etc.

[0088] In addition, when the connector and the slot are connected and the current flowing out of the acoustic probe is outside a predetermined reference range, the controller can output a warning message to the display.

[0089] When the identification current of the ultrasonic probe is outside a predetermined reference range, the controller can output a warning message to the display.

[0090] In addition, the identification current for identifying the probe can represent the current of the ID for identifying the probe.

[0091] Furthermore, when the test current of the elements of the ultrasonic probe is outside a predetermined reference range, the controller can output a warning message to the display.

[0092] The test current can represent the current for determining the failure of the elements of the transducer of the probe.

[0093] In addition, an overcurrent protection circuit included in the main body can be used to determine that the above current is included within a predetermined range. Additionally, when the current flowing from the ultrasonic probe to the overcurrent protection circuit is outside the predetermined reference range, the controller can output a warning message to the display.

[0094] In addition, the current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe used in the above operation can be used as a test signal for self-diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe.

[0095] Specifically, when the test current of the elements of the ultrasonic probe is outside the predetermined reference range, the controller can output a warning message to the display.

[0096] In addition, if the current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe is included within a predetermined fault range, the controller can determine that a fault has occurred in the connector.

[0097] In addition, in this case, the controller can output a warning message corresponding to the fault of the connector to the display.

[0098] Figure 3B is a control block diagram of an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] The above ultrasonic probe can be set as an insertable probe.

[0100] The ultrasonic probe itself includes its own display 100P, and the controller can output a warning message to the own display 100P.

[0101] Specifically, the probe can include its own display and a probe power supply 300P capable of applying a test current to the probe.

[0102] In addition, the ultrasonic probe can include at least one processor 200P, which outputs a warning message to the own display when the test current generated based on the power supplied to the power supply exceeds a predetermined range.

[0103] Specifically, the ultrasonic probe includes its own display, and the controller can output a warning message to the own display.

[0104] In addition, the power supply included in the probe can be charged by the power supplied by another device when the connector is at least connected to another device, and the ultrasonic probe transmits and receives ultrasonic signals.

[0105] Furthermore, when the user inputs a self-diagnosis command, at least one processor 200P can control the power supply to supply current to the connector.

[0106] The controller can be implemented using a memory (not shown) and a processor (not shown). The memory (not shown) stores data related to algorithms for controlling the operation of components of the ultrasonic imaging device or programs for running the algorithms, and the processor (not shown) performs the above operations by using the data stored in the memory. In this case, the memory and the processor can be implemented as separate chips. Optionally, the memory and the processor can be implemented as a single chip.

[0107] can correspond to Figure 3A and Figure 3B add or remove at least one component according to the performance of the components of the ultrasonic imaging device shown. Additionally, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components can be changed to correspond to the performance or structure of the system.

[0108] Figure 4 is a view showing the cleaning of an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] Referring to Figure 4 , after the probe is used and diagnosed, disinfection / sterilization (such as cleaning with a disinfectant) is performed, and the probe may malfunction in the form of corrosion, precipitation, intrusion, and deformation.

[0110] Additionally, although Figure 4 shows the operation of the probe P being set in the disinfectant and disinfected, the connector 6 provided in the probe can also be disinfected together with the probe.

[0111] Additionally, the connector 6 can be arranged to be connected to the switch box of the main body.

[0112] If disinfectant remains, the connector 6 of the probe may malfunction due to current supply when connected to the main body.

[0113] Even when disinfecting in this way, the present disclosure can detect the remaining disinfectant. The operation will be described in detail below.

[0114] Figure 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of an overcurrent protection circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a graph showing the current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe and a predetermined reference range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 shows a circuit for self-diagnosis of the probe.

[0116] Figure 5 shows the current 5S sent from the receiving element 5R of the probe.

[0117] The current transmitted from the probe can be used as a test signal for the receiving element 5R. Specifically, the current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe can be used as a test signal for self-diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe.

[0118] Specifically, the ultrasonic imaging device may further include an overcurrent protection circuit 5C for testing the normal operation of the ultrasonic probe.

[0119] When the current flowing from the ultrasonic probe to the overcurrent protection circuit is outside a predetermined reference range, the controller provided in the ultrasonic imaging device may output a warning message to the display.

[0120] On the other hand, the ultrasonic imaging device may compare the magnitudes of the currents for which the operation has been obtained.

[0121] Specifically, referring to Figure 6 , when the probe is not connected, the controller may determine that the current flows through the ultrasound like R1.

[0122] On the other hand, if the ultrasound is operating normally, the current may flow in the same form as R2. That is, when the current flows like R1 or the current flows like R2, it can be determined that the probe is operating normally.

[0123] That is, when the current flows through the probe like R1 and R2, it can be determined that even the probe that has been disinfected has no residual disinfectant and is operating normally.

[0124] In addition, when the current received from the probe flows like R3, the controller of the imaging device may determine that the probe is not operating normally.

[0125] In addition, when the current flows below R3 while driving the probe, the controller of the imaging device may determine that the probe is not operating normally.

[0126] Therefore, if the drive current of the probe falls within the region of Z6, it can be determined that the probe is operating normally.

[0127] In addition, according to an embodiment, the controller may determine the region of Z6 as a predetermined reference range.

[0128] That is, the controller may determine the current flow based on a normal probe and may pre-determine the current when the probe fails.

[0129] On the other hand, if the current received from the probe is between normal flow and failure, the controller may determine that the probe is operating normally.

[0130] The normal operation of the probe may mean that there is almost no residual disinfectant in the probe.

[0131] Alternatively, if the probe cannot operate properly, it may mean that a large amount of residual disinfectant remains in the probe. Therefore, in such a case, the controller may display a warning message on the display.

[0132] Alternatively, Figure 5 and Figure 6 the operations described in are only one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the operation of determining the predetermined reference area is not limited thereto.

[0133] Figure 7 is a view showing a warning message output on the display of an ultrasonic imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a view showing an in-probe own display included in an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] Referring to Figure 7 , when the current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe is outside the predetermined reference range, the controller according to the embodiment may output a warning message M7 to the display.

[0135] Alternatively, referring to Figure 8 , such a warning message may be output by the in-probe own display 100P provided in the probe itself.

[0136] Alternatively, the probe may include an in-probe own display 100P and a probe power supply capable of applying a test current to the probe.

[0137] Alternatively, the ultrasonic probe may include at least one processor that outputs a warning message to the in-probe own display 100P when a test current generated based on the power supplied to the power supply exceeds a predetermined range.

[0138] Specifically, the ultrasonic probe includes an in-probe own display 100P, and the controller may output a warning message to the in-probe own display.

[0139] Alternatively, in addition to the warning message being output by the controller provided in the main body on the in-probe own display provided in the probe, the warning message may also be output by a processor provided in the probe itself on the in-probe own display provided in the probe.

[0140] Specifically, when a self-diagnosis command is input by the user, at least one processor provided in the ultrasonic probe may control the probe power supply provided in the ultrasonic probe to supply current to the connector.

[0141] The processor provided in the ultrasonic probe may determine based on this whether disinfectant remains in the ultrasonic probe.

[0142] Alternatively, according to an embodiment, when disinfectant remains in the probe, the controller may display an "X" on the in-probe own display of the probe.

[0143] In addition, according to another embodiment, when disinfectant remains in the probe and needs to be checked, the controller can display "?" on the probe's own display.

[0144] In this way, the probe can determine whether disinfectant remains in the probe itself without connecting the connector to the main body.

[0145] In addition, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The output format of the warning message shown is only an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the format of the message is not limited thereto.

[0146] Figure 9 is a view for showing operations related to the connector of the ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0147] When the current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe P is within a predetermined fault range, the controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can determine that a fault has occurred in the connector.

[0148] Specifically, the ultrasonic probe can be provided with a connector 6 connected to the main body, and the connector can include pins PP connected to the main body. In addition, if the connector pins (PP) are bent or damaged, the current flowing through the probe may be within the fault range.

[0149] In addition, the predetermined fault range can be determined to be a range numerically corresponding to the above reference range, but can be defined as the range of current for detecting faults in the connector 6 of the probe.

[0150] In addition, as described above, if the current received from the probe falls within the fault range, the controller can output a warning message corresponding to the connector fault to the display.

[0151] Figure 10 is a flowchart according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] Referring to Figure 10 , the probe and the main body (1001) can be connected through the corresponding connector and slot. In addition, if the identification current of the recognized probe is not within the reference range, the ultrasonic imaging device can output a warning message to the display (1004).

[0153] On the other hand, if the identification current flowing out of the ultrasound is within the reference range but the test current for checking the ultrasound probe is not within the reference range, the controller can output a warning message through the display (1004).

[0154] In addition, the disclosed exemplary embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, the instructions may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0155] The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium may include all kinds of recording media storing commands interpretable by a computer. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable recording medium may be, for example, ROM, RAM, magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage device, etc.

[0156] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced in other forms than the above-described embodiments without changing the technical concept or essential features of the present disclosure. The above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0157] According to the embodiments, the ultrasound probe, the ultrasound imaging device, and the control method thereof can effectively and quickly determine whether a disinfectant remains in the ultrasound probe or whether the ultrasound is operating normally without changing the structure of the ultrasound imaging device.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic imaging device, comprising: An ultrasonic probe, including a connector; A main body, including at least one slot connected to the connector; A display, disposed on the main body; And A controller configured to output a warning message to the display based on at least one current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe when the connector and the slot are connected, wherein the controller consists of at least one processor included in the main body, wherein the controller is configured to: When the current for identifying the ID of the ultrasonic probe is outside a predetermined reference range, output a warning message for notifying the residue of the disinfectant to the display; and When the current for determining a failure of an element of the transducer of the ultrasonic probe is within a predetermined failure range, output a warning message for notifying a failure of the connector to the display.

2. The ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The main body includes an overcurrent protection circuit, and the controller is configured to: when identifying the ID of the ultrasonic probe and the current flowing from the ultrasonic probe to the overcurrent protection circuit is outside the predetermined reference range, output a warning message for notifying the residue of the disinfectant to the display.

3. The ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe is used as a test signal for self-diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe.

4. The ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The ultrasonic probe is provided as an insertion-type probe.

5. The ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The ultrasonic probe includes a self-owned display, and The controller is configured to output the warning message to the self-owned display.

6. A control method for an ultrasonic imaging device, the ultrasonic imaging device including an ultrasonic probe, a display, and a main body, the ultrasonic probe including a connector, the display being disposed on the main body, the main body including at least one slot connected to the connector, the method comprising: When the connector and the slot are connected, output a warning message to the display based on at least one current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe, wherein the outputting of the warning message includes: When the current for identifying the ID of the ultrasonic probe is outside a predetermined reference range, output a warning message for notifying the residue of the disinfectant to the display; and When the current for determining a failure of an element of the transducer of the ultrasonic probe is within a predetermined failure range, output a warning message for notifying a failure of the connector to the display.

7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein, The main body includes an overcurrent protection circuit, and wherein the outputting of the warning message includes: When identifying the ID of the ultrasonic probe and the current flowing from the ultrasonic probe to the overcurrent protection circuit is outside the predetermined reference range, output a warning message for notifying the residue of the disinfectant to the display.

8. The control method according to claim 6, wherein, The current flowing out of the ultrasonic probe is used as a test signal for self-diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe.

9. The control method according to claim 6, wherein, The ultrasonic probe is provided as an insertion-type probe.

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