Handheld ultrasonic equipment capable of realizing modularized probe replacement

By introducing general interface modules and RFID technology into palm ultrasonic devices, automatic identification and rapid replacement of probes are achieved, and the problem of insufficient device portability and adaptability is solved, and user experience and diagnostic efficiency are improved.

CN119112229APending Publication Date: 2024-12-13SHANGHAI SOUNDWISE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411146211.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-20
Publication Date
2024-12-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing handheld ultrasound equipment has shortcomings in portability, adaptability, user experience and equipment maintenance. The probe replacement process is complicated and it is difficult to meet the diverse medical needs.

Method used

A handheld ultrasonic device including a general interface module, an RFID tag, an RFID reader and a main control module was designed. The key information of the probe was stored through the RFID tag. The RFID reader automatically sets the scanning parameters to realize automatic identification and status monitoring of the probe. The spring lock and rotary lock mechanism are combined to achieve rapid replacement.

Benefits of technology

It improves the portability and adaptability of the equipment, simplifies the operation process, improves user experience and diagnostic efficiency, and reduces the complexity of equipment maintenance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides a handheld ultrasonic device capable of realizing modularized probe replacement, the handheld ultrasonic device comprises a device main body, the device main body is provided with a universal interface module, an RFID reader and a main control module, and the universal interface module is suitable for being electrically connected with a plurality of different types of probes; an RFID tag is arranged in the probe, and probe key information is stored in the RFID tag; the RFID reader is used for reading the RFID tag in the probe connected to the universal interface module so as to obtain key information of the probe; and the main control module is used for receiving the probe key information from the RFID reader, automatically setting scanning parameters according to the probe key information, and controlling the probe to execute a scanning task according to the automatically set scanning parameters. The automatic identification of the inserted probe is realized, the portability and adaptability of the equipment are improved, the operation process is simplified, and the user experience and the diagnosis efficiency are improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of handheld ultrasound equipment, and in particular to a handheld ultrasound equipment capable of realizing modular probe replacement. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasound equipment is widely used in medical diagnosis, especially in the fields of heart, abdomen, musculoskeletal, etc. However, traditional ultrasound equipment is usually bulky and inconvenient to carry, and the replacement of its probe and accessories is also cumbersome, which limits its application in many scenarios. With the development of medical technology, portable handheld ultrasound equipment has gradually attracted attention, but existing portable devices still have many shortcomings in modular design and are difficult to meet diverse medical needs.

[0003] First, lack of portability: Although existing handheld ultrasound devices are portable, the probe replacement process is complicated and requires professional operation.

[0004] Second, poor adaptability: Different medical applications require different types of probes, but existing equipment usually does not have the functions of quick replacement and automatic identification, which limits its scope of use.

[0005] Third, the user experience is poor: when replacing the probe of existing equipment, the device parameter settings need to be manually adjusted, which increases the difficulty and time cost of operation.

[0006] Fourth, the equipment maintenance is complicated: the status monitoring and maintenance of the probe are relatively cumbersome, which can easily affect the normal use of the equipment and the diagnostic accuracy. Summary of the invention

[0007] Based on the above problems, the present invention provides a handheld ultrasound device that realizes modular probe replacement, which only solves the technical problems of the complicated replacement process of portable ultrasound devices in the prior art.

[0008] A handheld ultrasound device for realizing modular probe replacement, the handheld ultrasound device comprising a device body, a universal interface module being arranged on the device body, and the universal interface module being suitable for connecting with a variety of different types of probes;

[0009] The probe is provided with an RFID tag which stores key information of the probe;

[0010] The device body is provided with an RFID reader and a main control module, and the RFID reader is connected to the main control module and the universal interface module respectively;

[0011] An RFID reader, used to read the RFID tag in the probe connected to the universal interface module, so as to obtain key information of the probe;

[0012] The main control module is used to receive key information of the probe from the RFID reader, automatically set scanning parameters according to the key information of the probe, and control the probe to perform the scanning task according to the automatically set scanning parameters.

[0013] Furthermore, the universal interface module and the probe are fixedly connected by a spring lock.

[0014] Further, the universal interface module and the probe are connected via a rotation locking mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, the main control module is also used to monitor the operating status of the probe in real time, and generate a prompt message when an abnormality is detected in the operating status of the probe.

[0016] Furthermore, the scanning parameters automatically set by the main control module include working mode, frequency and gain.

[0017] Furthermore, the operating status of the probe includes the connection status with the device body and the working status.

[0018] Furthermore, the key information of the probe includes the probe type, the probe specification and the probe model.

[0019] Furthermore, the probe key information also includes the probe's unique identifier, production date, and production batch.

[0020] Furthermore, the probe key information also includes the status information of the probe, and the status information of the probe includes the number of times it has been used, the date of the last calibration, and the current status.

[0021] Furthermore, when the probe is connected to the universal interface module, the RFID reader is triggered to start reading information through mechanical or electrical contacts.

[0022] The beneficial technical effect of the present invention is as follows: the present invention sets a radio frequency tag in the probe and sets a reader / writer on the device body, triggers the reader / writer to read and write radio frequency tag information when the universal interface of the probe and the device body is connected, obtains probe information, automatically sets parameters according to the obtained probe information, realizes automatic probe identification, improves the portability and adaptability of the device, simplifies the operation process, and improves user experience and diagnostic efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 The present invention is a schematic diagram of a module of a handheld ultrasound device for realizing modular probe replacement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0026] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but they are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0027] See also Figure 1 The present invention provides a handheld ultrasound device that realizes modular probe replacement. The handheld ultrasound device comprises a device body (1). The device body (1) is provided with a universal interface module (11). The universal interface module (11) is suitable for connecting with a plurality of different types of probes (2);

[0028] The probe (2) is provided with an RFID tag (21), and the RFID tag (21) stores key information of the probe;

[0029] An RFID reader (12) and a main control module (13) are provided on the device body (1), and the RFID reader (12) is connected to the main control module (13) and the universal interface module (11) respectively;

[0030] An RFID reader (12) is used to read an RFID tag (21) in a probe (2) connected to the universal interface module (11), thereby obtaining key information of the probe;

[0031] The main control module (13) is used to receive key information of the probe from the RFID reader (12), automatically set scanning parameters according to the key information of the probe, and control the probe (2) to perform a scanning task according to the automatically set scanning parameters.

[0032] The present invention sets a radio frequency tag in the probe and a reader / writer on the device body. When the universal interface of the probe and the device body is connected, the reader / writer is triggered to read and write the radio frequency tag information, obtain the probe information, and automatically set parameters according to the obtained probe information to realize automatic recognition of the probe, improve the portability and adaptability of the device, simplify the operation process, and improve the user experience and diagnosis efficiency.

[0033] Furthermore, the universal interface module (11) and the probe (2) are fixedly connected by means of a spring lock.

[0034] The probe (2) and the universal interface module (11) on the device body are quickly connected and disconnected by means of a spring lock.

[0035] Specifically, a card slot is designed at the universal interface module (11), and a locking hook and a spring are provided on the probe (2). The spring is connected to the locking hook and provides elastic force so that the locking hook can be locked into the card slot when the probe is inserted.

[0036] Connection process: When the probe is inserted into the universal interface module, the locking hook contacts the edge of the card slot. The probe continues to be pushed forward, and the locking hook is compressed (the spring contracts). When the locking hook is completely inserted into the card slot, the spring releases its elastic force, causing the locking hook to be inserted into the card slot, thereby fixing the probe.

[0037] Disconnection process: The user presses the lock release button on the probe. The button action causes the locking hook to be compressed again (the spring contracts again), the locking hook exits the card slot, and the probe can be easily pulled out.

[0038] Furthermore, the universal interface module (11) and the probe (2) are connected via a rotation locking mechanism.

[0039] The mechanical connection part of the universal interface module can be provided with an internal thread, and the mechanical connection part of the probe can be provided with an external thread. As the rotation proceeds, the internal thread and the external thread make the probe and the device body more and more tightly engaged together, and finally reach a fixed connection state. As another embodiment, the mechanical connection part of the universal interface module can be provided with an external thread, and the mechanical connection part of the probe can be provided with an internal thread, so that the probe and the device body can be fixedly connected by a rotation locking mechanism.

[0040] The spring lock and rotary lock mechanism are both quick connect / disconnect mechanical interface connection methods, which enable quick replacement of probes and devices. Combined with the automatic recognition function of the reader / writer, the portability and adaptability of the handheld ultrasound device are improved, the operation process is simplified, and the device can be adapted to different medical applications, improving user experience and diagnostic efficiency.

[0041] Universal interface module designs universal electrical interfaces to ensure that different probes and equipment bodies can automatically dock when connected, achieving rapid transmission of electrical signals. Develop a universal interface standard to ensure that different types of probes can be used interchangeably.

[0042] The universal interface standard includes designing a unified physical connection size for the probe to ensure compatibility of various types of probes. Standardized electrical connection interfaces are adopted, such as establishing electrical signal transmission standards to ensure signal transmission consistency between different probe modules and device bodies.

[0043] The design of electrical signal transmission standards includes standardized electrical interfaces, data transmission protocols, and electrical characteristics.

[0044] The interface type of the standardized electrical interface adopts a standardized electrical interface, such as a dedicated multi-pin interface, to ensure that each probe can be connected to the device body through a unified interface. The standardized electrical interface includes the formulation of a unified pin definition and the clarification of the function of each pin, including power supply, ground, data transmission and control signals. For example, the pin definition is shown in the following table:

[0045] Pin Number Functional Description 1 Positive power supply 2 Negative pole of power supply (ground) 3 Data transmission (TX) 4 Data transmission (RX) 5 Control signal 1 6 Control signal 2

[0046] The data transmission protocol includes the communication protocol and the letter protocol: adopting an efficient and stable communication protocol, such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), to ensure the reliability and consistency of data transmission. Specifically, the RFID reader is connected to the main control module of the device body through the SPI interface.

[0047] Furthermore, the main control module (13) is also used to monitor the operating status of the probe (2) in real time, and generate a prompt message when an abnormality is detected in the operating status of the probe (2).

[0048] Real-time monitoring of the status of the probe, such as connection status, working status, etc., to ensure the normal operation of the equipment.

[0049] Furthermore, the scanning parameters automatically set by the main control module (13) include working mode, frequency and gain.

[0050] Furthermore, the operating state of the probe (2) includes the connection state with the device body (1) and the working state.

[0051] Furthermore, the key information of the probe includes the probe type, the probe specification and the probe model.

[0052] Probe types include linear array probe, convex array probe, cardiac probe, abdominal probe, etc.

[0053] Specific specifications and model information, such as the probe's frequency range (e.g. 2-5MHz), number of array elements, scanning angle, etc.

[0054] Furthermore, the probe key information also includes the probe's unique identifier, production date, and production batch.

[0055] Each probe has a unique identifier for tracking and management. Production date and batch Production date and batch information for quality control and traceability.

[0056] Furthermore, the probe key information also includes the status information of the probe, and the status information of the probe includes the number of times it has been used, the date of the last calibration, and the current status.

[0057] Current status (such as normal, needs maintenance, damaged, etc.).

[0058] Furthermore, when the probe (2) is connected to the universal interface module (11), the RFID reader (12) is triggered through mechanical or electrical contacts to start reading information.

[0059] Triggering by mechanical or electrical contacts ensures that the reader starts working only after the probe or accessory is fully inserted and fixed to avoid misreading.

[0060] Specifically, the RFID tag is a high frequency (HF) or ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID tag to ensure the identification distance and speed. The RFID tag is encapsulated inside the probe to ensure that it is not easily damaged during use. Each RFID tag stores unique probe key information, including type, model and serial number. The reading distance of RFID technology is limited, especially high frequency (HF) or ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID tags, which are usually within the range of several centimeters to tens of centimeters. Therefore, the RFID reader uses a high frequency (HF) or ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID reader that matches the RFID tag. The RFID reader is installed near the universal interface module of the device body to ensure that the information in the RFID tag can be accurately read after the probe is connected.

[0061] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should be aware that all solutions obtained by equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made using the description and illustrations of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A handheld ultrasound device that realizes modular probe replacement, characterized in that: The handheld ultrasound device comprises a device body, on which a universal interface module is provided, and the universal interface module is suitable for connecting with a variety of different types of probes; The probe is provided with an RFID tag, and the RFID tag stores key information of the probe; The device body is provided with an RFID reader and a main control module, and the RFID reader is connected to the main control module and the universal interface module respectively; The RFID reader is used to read the RFID tag in the probe connected to the universal interface module, so as to obtain the key information of the probe; The main control module is used to receive the key information of the probe from the RFID reader, automatically set scanning parameters according to the key information of the probe, and control the probe to perform a scanning task according to the automatically set scanning parameters.

2. A handheld ultrasound device for realizing modular probe replacement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The universal interface module and the probe are fixedly connected by a spring lock.

3. A handheld ultrasound device for realizing modular probe replacement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The universal interface module and the probe are connected via a rotation locking mechanism.

4. A handheld ultrasound device for realizing modular probe replacement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The main control module is also used to monitor the operating status of the probe in real time, and generate prompt information when it is detected that the operating status of the probe is abnormal.

5. A handheld ultrasound device for realizing modular probe replacement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The scanning parameters automatically set by the main control module include working mode, frequency and gain.

6. A handheld ultrasound device for realizing modular probe replacement as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The operating state of the probe includes a connection state with the device body and a working state.

7. A handheld ultrasound device for realizing modular probe replacement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The key information of the probe includes the probe type, probe specification and probe model.

8. A handheld ultrasound device for realizing modular probe replacement as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The probe key information also includes a unique identifier, production date and production batch of the probe.

9. A handheld ultrasound device for realizing modular probe replacement as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The probe key information also includes the status information of the probe, and the status information of the probe includes the number of times it has been used, the last calibration date, and the current status.

10. The handheld ultrasound device for realizing modular probe replacement according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the probe is connected to the universal interface module, the RFID reader is triggered to start reading information through mechanical or electrical contacts.