Ultrasonic system for checking ox gall

Abstract

This invention discloses a dedicated ultrasound system for bezoar examination, belonging to the field of livestock breeding testing technology. The dedicated ultrasound system for bezoar examination includes a main unit, a bezoar-specific probe, a puncture needle, a bezoar puncture frame, and a dedicated bezoar system. The bezoar-specific probe is electrically connected to the main unit and is used to emit and receive ultrasonic waves and transmit ultrasonic signals to the main unit. The bezoar puncture frame is fixed to the bezoar-specific probe and is used to limit the angle and path of the puncture needle. The puncture needle is adapted to the bezoar puncture frame and is used for puncture operation under ultrasonic guidance. The dedicated bezoar system is connected to the main unit and is used for ultrasonic image processing, bezoar feature recognition, and data recording. All components work together to achieve the detection, evaluation, and auxiliary acquisition of live bezoar. This invention aims to solve the problems of existing bezoar detection technologies, such as single detection method, insufficient live monitoring capability, low imaging accuracy, lack of dedicated auxiliary components, and low level of intelligence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of livestock breeding and testing technology, and in particular to a special ultrasonic system for examining bezoar. Background Technology

[0002] Calculus bezoar is the dried gallstone of bovine animals. As a traditional and precious Chinese medicinal material, it possesses various effects such as clearing the mind, resolving phlegm, opening the orifices, cooling the liver, calming wind, and detoxifying. It has extremely high medicinal and economic value in the pharmaceutical field. With the development of artificial cultivation technology for calculus bezoar and the scarcity of natural calculus bezoar, early detection, dynamic monitoring, maturity assessment, and safe harvesting of calculus bezoar have become increasingly important, directly affecting the yield, quality, and economic benefits of calculus bezoar farming.

[0003] Currently, the detection of bezoar mainly relies on two methods: traditional anatomical examination and conventional ultrasound examination. Anatomical examination is a destructive method that can only be performed after slaughter, making it impossible to dynamically monitor bezoar in a live animal. This is insufficient to meet the real-time tracking needs of bezoar formation and growth during artificial bezoar cultivation, and also leads to a waste of livestock resources. Conventional ultrasound examination often uses ultrasound equipment designed for humans. The probes of these devices are not adapted to the physiological characteristics of the bovine body, such as body shape and gallbladder location, making it difficult to fit against the right flank of the abdominal wall. The ultrasound penetration depth and imaging accuracy are insufficient, making it impossible to clearly obtain the echo characteristics of bezoar within the gallbladder and accurately distinguish it from the gallbladder wall, bile, and other foreign objects.

[0004] Meanwhile, existing ordinary ultrasound equipment lacks a dedicated image processing system for bezoar detection, making it impossible to automatically identify bezoar characteristic areas, accurately measure bezoar parameters (such as diameter and volume), and determine bezoar maturity. It relies on the operator's experience for subjective judgment, which has a large error margin. In the process of injecting bacteria, implanting implants, and sampling suspected bezoars in live animals, there is a lack of dedicated puncture guidance devices. The puncture angle and path are difficult to control precisely, which can easily lead to puncture deviation, damage to the cattle's gallbladder and surrounding tissues, increase the risk of infection, and affect the normal growth of bezoar and the health of the cattle.

[0005] In summary, existing bezoar detection technologies suffer from drawbacks such as limited detection methods, insufficient live animal monitoring capabilities, low imaging accuracy, lack of dedicated auxiliary components, and low levels of intelligence. These shortcomings fail to meet the practical needs of large-scale bezoar farming, artificial cultivation, and precise detection. There is an urgent need for an ultrasound system specifically designed for bezoar examination, adapted to bovine physiological characteristics, and equipped with precise imaging, intelligent identification, and safe puncture guidance functions to address the aforementioned problems in existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing bezoar detection technologies, such as limited detection methods, insufficient live monitoring capabilities, low imaging accuracy, lack of dedicated auxiliary components, and low level of intelligence. Therefore, this invention proposes a dedicated ultrasound system for bezoar examination.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A dedicated ultrasound system for examining bezoar includes a main unit, a bezoar-specific probe, a puncture needle, a bezoar puncture frame, and a dedicated bezoar system. The bezoar-specific probe is electrically connected to the main unit and is used to transmit and receive ultrasound waves and transmit ultrasound signals to the main unit. The bezoar puncture frame is fixed to the bezoar-specific probe and is used to limit the angle and path of the puncture needle. The puncture needle is adapted to the bezoar puncture frame and is used for puncture operations under ultrasound guidance. The dedicated bezoar system is connected to the main unit and is used for ultrasound image processing, bezoar feature recognition, and data recording. All components work together to achieve the detection, evaluation, and auxiliary acquisition of live bezoar.

[0009] Preferably, the bezoar-specific probe is a low-frequency convex array probe, designed according to the bovine body shape and gallbladder location, which can fit the right flank abdominal wall of the bovine body, and is used to accurately penetrate bovine tissue and obtain the echo characteristics of bezoar in the gallbladder.

[0010] Preferably, the host is a core control unit that integrates ultrasonic signal processing, image display and parameter adjustment functions. It can receive ultrasonic signals transmitted by the bezoar-specific probe and convert them into real-time images, and can adjust the ultrasonic frequency to optimize the imaging effect.

[0011] Preferably, the puncture needle is a slender metal needle whose length and diameter are adapted to the thickness of the abdominal wall and the depth of the gallbladder of the cow. The needle tip is sharp and sterile, and it is used for the injection of bacterial strains, implantation of implants, and live puncture sampling of suspected bezoar during artificial bezoar cultivation.

[0012] Preferably, the bezoar puncture frame is used to ensure that the puncture needle accurately enters the target position along the guide line in the ultrasound image, avoiding puncture deviation that could damage the gallbladder and surrounding tissues, and improving the safety and accuracy of the puncture.

[0013] Preferably, the bezoar-specific system is image processing software with bezoar feature recognition, parameter measurement, image storage and analysis functions, which can automatically mark the bezoar area in the ultrasound image and generate a test report.

[0014] Preferably, the parameter measurement function includes bezoar diameter measurement and volume estimation, which can calculate the proportion of bezoar in the gallbladder volume and help determine the maturity of bezoar.

[0015] Preferably, the system operation includes a detection preparation step: fixing the cow in position, cleaning the skin on the right side of the cow's flank and applying a coupling agent to enhance ultrasound transmission.

[0016] Preferably, when the system is running, the bezoar-specific system can identify and mark the strong echo areas of bezoar in the ultrasound image, and at the same time observe the adhesion between bezoar and the gallbladder wall, and assess whether bezoar is fully formed and whether it has calcified.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a special ultrasound system for bezoar examination, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. This invention solves the problem of poor compatibility of existing ordinary ultrasound equipment. By designing a low-frequency convex array probe specifically for bezoar, which fits the physiological characteristics of the right flank abdominal wall of the bovine body, the ultrasound penetration depth and imaging accuracy are improved. It can clearly obtain the echo characteristics of bezoar in the gallbladder, accurately distinguish bezoar from the gallbladder wall, bile and other foreign objects, and provide reliable imaging support for the accurate detection of bezoar. It overcomes the shortcomings of blurry imaging and difficulty in identification when human ultrasound equipment is used to detect bezoar in bovine bodies.

[0019] 2. This invention enables live dynamic monitoring of bezoar, replacing the traditional destructive dissection and testing method. It can track the formation process and growth status of artificially cultivated bezoar in real time, and complete early detection and maturity assessment of bezoar without slaughtering cattle, avoiding waste of breeding resources and reducing breeding costs. At the same time, it provides real-time data reference for the cultivation of artificially cultivated bezoar, helping to improve the yield and quality of bezoar.

[0020] 3. This invention improves the intelligence and accuracy of bezoar detection. By setting up a dedicated bezoar image processing system, it can automatically identify bezoar characteristic areas in ultrasound images, accurately measure the diameter of bezoar, estimate its volume and proportion of gallbladder volume, and automatically generate test reports. This eliminates the reliance on operator experience, reduces subjective judgment errors, and ensures the consistency and reliability of test results.

[0021] 4. This invention ensures the safety and accuracy of the puncture operation. By using a bezoar puncture frame in conjunction with a puncture needle adapted to the bovine body, the puncture angle and path can be precisely controlled, ensuring that the puncture needle enters the target position along the ultrasound-guided line. This effectively avoids damage to the bovine gallbladder and surrounding tissues caused by puncture deviation, reducing the risk of infection. It is suitable for the injection of bacterial strains and implantation of artificially cultivated bezoar, and also meets the needs of live sampling of suspected bezoar, taking into account both practicality and safety.

[0022] 5. The overall system of this invention is adapted to the actual scenarios of large-scale bezoar breeding and artificial cultivation. All components work together to integrate multiple functions such as detection, evaluation, and auxiliary collection. It is easy to operate and highly adaptable, which can greatly improve the efficiency of bezoar detection and cultivation, reduce labor costs, and help promote the standardized and large-scale development of bezoar breeding and pharmaceutical processing industries. It has significant economic and practical value. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is an overall flowchart of the ultrasound system for bezoar examination according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a detailed structural diagram of the front-end detection module of the ultrasound system for bezoar examination of the present invention (the left side shows the overall assembled state of the module, and the right side shows the disassembled state of the components).

[0025] Figure 3 This is a system operation flowchart of the ultrasound system for bezoar examination according to the present invention.

[0026] In the picture: 1. Bezoar puncture frame; 2. Puncture needle; 3. Bezoar-specific probe. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0028] This embodiment provides a special ultrasound system for bezoar examination, with a specific structure corresponding to that described in claims 1-9. The specific specifications, connection methods, and usage procedures of each component are as follows, enabling accurate detection, maturity assessment, and assisted puncture and collection of live bezoar, effectively solving problems such as poor compatibility, blurred imaging, and inaccurate puncture in the prior art.

[0029] 1. Component specifications and connection relationships:

[0030] The main unit is the core ultrasonic control device, featuring a portable design that integrates an ultrasonic signal processor, a 10.4-inch high-definition display screen, and a parameter adjustment panel. Its ultrasonic signal processing frequency range is 2-10MHz. It can receive analog ultrasonic signals transmitted from a bezoar-specific probe, and after filtering, amplification, and digital-to-analog conversion, convert them into clear real-time ultrasonic images displayed on the screen. The main unit has a probe interface, a data transmission interface, and a power interface on its side. The probe interface is electrically connected to the bezoar-specific probe via a dedicated cable. The data transmission interface can be connected to a computer terminal for exporting test images and reports. The power interface supports both DC power supply (suitable for mobile power supply scenarios in livestock farms) and AC power supply to meet the needs of different operating environments.

[0031] The bezoar-specific probe is a low-frequency convex array probe, corresponding to claim 2. The probe frequency is set to 2-5MHz, and the probe size is designed to fit the body size of adult cattle and calves. The probe surface has an arc-shaped structure, and the curvature fits the curve of the abdominal wall on the right side of the cattle's body. The probe shell is made of waterproof and corrosion-resistant medical-grade plastic material, with a smooth surface that is easy to clean. The effective detection depth of the probe is 5-20cm, which can accurately penetrate the abdominal wall, muscle layer, and gallbladder wall of the cattle, clearly capturing the echo signal of bezoar in the gallbladder and avoiding the imaging blurring problem caused by the large thickness of the cattle's body tissue.

[0032] The puncture needle, as described in claim 4, is made of 304 stainless steel and has a slender, hollow structure. It is 12cm long and 1.0mm in diameter. The needle tip is blunted (sharp and not easily damaging to tissues) and the surface is treated with a sterile coating, so it can be used directly for sterile puncture operations. The puncture needle is equipped with a non-slip hand grip at the tail end for easy handling and control by the operator. Its outer diameter is compatible with the puncture hole of the bezoar puncture frame, allowing it to be smoothly inserted into and fixed to the puncture frame.

[0033] The bezoar puncture frame, as described in claim 5, is made of lightweight aluminum alloy and can be detachably fixed to the side of the bezoar-specific probe via a snap-fit ​​structure. The puncture frame is equipped with an adjustable puncture guide channel with an angle adjustment range of 0-30°. The inner diameter of the guide channel matches the outer diameter of the puncture needle (1.0 mm). A positioning scale is provided at the end of the channel to precisely limit the insertion depth of the puncture needle, ensuring that the puncture needle enters the target position in the gallbladder along the guide line in the ultrasound image and avoiding puncture deviation.

[0034] The bezoar-specific system described in claims 6 and 7 is a dedicated image processing software integrated into the host computer, electrically connected to the host's signal processor. It includes a bezoar feature recognition algorithm, a parameter measurement module, an image storage module, and a report generation module. The bezoar feature recognition algorithm can automatically identify strong echo regions of bezoar in ultrasound images, distinguishing bezoar from the gallbladder wall, bile, and foreign objects within the gallbladder (such as gallstone fragments), with an accuracy rate of no less than 95%. The parameter measurement module can automatically measure the maximum and minimum diameters of the bezoar, estimate its volume using the spherical volume formula (based on the bezoar's approximate spherical structure), and calculate the proportion of bezoar to the gallbladder volume, displaying this information synchronously on the ultrasound image to assist operators in judging the bezoar's maturity. The image storage module can store at least 1000 ultrasound images and corresponding measurement data, supporting categorized queries by cattle number and testing date. The report generation module can automatically generate a testing report containing the bezoar's location, size, volume, maturity assessment, and testing date, which can be exported via a data transmission interface.

[0035] 2. System Usage Flow

[0036] The usage procedure of the special ultrasound system for bezoar examination described in this embodiment corresponds to claims 8 and 9, and is as follows:

[0037] Step 1: Test preparation. As described in claim 8, the cattle to be tested are fixed on a special restraint frame to keep them standing and expose the right flank abdominal wall. The skin in this area is cleaned with warm water to remove hair and dirt. After the skin is dry, an ultrasound coupling agent is evenly applied (to enhance ultrasound transmission efficiency and reduce air interference between the skin and the probe).

[0038] Step 2: Equipment debugging. Turn on the main unit power, adjust the ultrasound frequency to 3MHz (to meet the penetration requirements of adult bovine tissue), connect the bezoar-specific probe to the main unit, start the bezoar-specific system, and enter the bezoar detection mode; insert the puncture needle into the guide channel of the bezoar puncture frame, fix it firmly, adjust the puncture angle of the puncture frame to 15° (the puncture angle for conventional bezoar detection), and complete the equipment debugging.

[0039] Step 3: Ultrasonic detection and feature recognition. The operator holds a bezoar-specific probe with a fixed puncture frame, places the probe against the right flank of the cow's abdomen, and slowly moves the probe while observing the ultrasound image on the main unit's display screen. The bezoar-specific system automatically identifies and marks the strong echo areas of bezoar in the ultrasound image, simultaneously measures the maximum and minimum diameters and volume of the bezoar, calculates the proportion of bezoar in the gallbladder volume, and displays it in real time on the right side of the image. The operator can fine-tune the probe position and ultrasound frequency through the parameter adjustment panel to ensure clear imaging. At the same time, the operator observes the adhesion between the bezoar and the gallbladder wall to assess whether the bezoar is fully formed and whether there is calcification (calcified areas appear as extremely strong echoes with acoustic shadowing).

[0040] Step 4: Puncture procedure (as needed). If it is necessary to inject bacteria for artificial bezoar cultivation, implant, or take a live sample of suspected bezoar, the operator will adjust the angle of the puncture frame and the position of the probe according to the marked position in the ultrasound image to ensure that the puncture guide line is aligned with the target position. Holding the end of the puncture needle, the operator will slowly push the puncture needle and insert it along the guide channel. The insertion depth will be controlled according to the positioning scale on the puncture frame (the normal insertion depth is 8-10cm). After the puncture is in place, the bacteria injection, implant, or sampling operation will be completed. After the operation is completed, the puncture needle will be slowly withdrawn and the puncture site will be disinfected.

[0041] Step 5: Data recording and report generation. After the detection and puncture operation is completed, the ultrasound images and measurement data are saved through the image storage module of the bezoar-specific system, and the cattle number and detection date are marked. The report generation module is started to automatically generate the test report, which can be exported to the computer terminal through the data transmission interface for subsequent bezoar breeding tracking or test archiving.

[0042] 3. Description of the effects of the example

[0043] The ultrasound system for examining bezoar described in this embodiment uses a dedicated low-frequency convex array probe that conforms to the physiological characteristics of the bovine body, solving the problems of poor compatibility and blurry imaging of existing human ultrasound equipment. It can clearly display the detailed features of bezoar in the gallbladder. The dedicated bezoar system enables automatic identification and parameter measurement of bezoar, eliminating the reliance on operator experience and controlling the measurement error within 5%. With the cooperation of the puncture frame and the dedicated puncture needle, the puncture accuracy rate reaches over 98%, effectively avoiding puncture damage and reducing the risk of infection.

[0044] This embodiment enables dynamic monitoring of live bezoar, allowing for early detection, growth status tracking, and maturity assessment of bezoar without slaughtering cattle. It is suitable for large-scale artificial bezoar cultivation farms and natural bezoar screening scenarios. The operation is convenient and efficient, significantly reducing breeding costs and increasing bezoar yield and quality, fully meeting the practical needs outlined in the background art and demonstrating the beneficial effects of this invention.

[0045] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A special ultrasound system for examining bezoar, characterized in that, The system includes a main unit, a bezoar-specific probe, a puncture needle, a bezoar puncture frame, and a bezoar-specific system. The bezoar-specific probe is electrically connected to the main unit and is used to emit and receive ultrasonic waves and transmit ultrasonic signals to the main unit. The bezoar puncture frame is fixed to the bezoar-specific probe and is used to limit the angle and path of the puncture needle. The puncture needle is adapted to the bezoar puncture frame and is used for puncture operation under ultrasonic guidance. The bezoar-specific system is connected to the main unit and is used for ultrasonic image processing, bezoar feature recognition, and data recording. All components work together to achieve the detection, evaluation, and auxiliary acquisition of live bezoar.

2. The ultrasound system for examining bezoar according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bezoar-specific probe is a low-frequency convex array probe, designed according to the bovine body shape and gallbladder location. It can fit against the right flank of the bovine body to accurately penetrate bovine tissue and obtain the echo characteristics of bezoar in the gallbladder.

3. The ultrasound system for examining bezoar according to claim 1, characterized in that, The host is the core control unit, which integrates ultrasonic signal processing, image display and parameter adjustment functions. It can receive ultrasonic signals transmitted by the bezoar-specific probe and convert them into real-time images, and can adjust the ultrasonic frequency to optimize the imaging effect.

4. The ultrasound system for bezoar examination according to claim 1, characterized in that, The puncture needle is a slender metal needle whose length and diameter are adapted to the thickness of the abdominal wall and the depth of the gallbladder of the cow. The needle tip is sharp and sterile. It is used for the injection of bacterial strains, implantation of implants, and live puncture sampling of suspected bezoars during artificial bezoar cultivation.

5. The ultrasound system for bezoar examination according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bezoar puncture frame is used to ensure that the puncture needle accurately enters the target position along the guide line in the ultrasound image, avoiding puncture deviation and damage to the gallbladder and surrounding tissues, and improving the safety and accuracy of puncture.

6. The ultrasound system for bezoar examination according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bezoar-specific system is image processing software with bezoar feature recognition, parameter measurement, image storage and analysis functions. It can automatically mark the bezoar area in ultrasound images and generate a test report.

7. The ultrasound system for bezoar examination according to claim 6, characterized in that, The parameter measurement functions include measuring the diameter and estimating the volume of bezoar, which can calculate the proportion of bezoar in the gallbladder volume and help determine the maturity of bezoar.

8. The ultrasound system for bezoar examination according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system includes a detection preparation step during operation: fixing the cow in position, cleaning the skin on the right side of the cow's flank and applying coupling agent to enhance ultrasound transmission.

9. The ultrasound system for examining bezoar according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the system is running, the bezoar-specific system can identify and mark the strong echo areas of bezoar in ultrasound images, and can also observe the adhesion between bezoar and the gallbladder wall, and assess whether bezoar is fully formed and whether it has calcified.

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