Ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic system, and method for controlling an ultrasonic probe

Abstract

The present invention provides an ultrasound probe, an ultrasound system, and a control method for the ultrasound probe that can ensure sufficient battery charge during ultrasound examinations while maintaining the lifespan of the built-in battery of the ultrasound probe. [Solution] The ultrasonic probe has a transducer array (11) and a built-in battery (19) and is wirelessly connected to an ultrasonic device body (3). The ultrasonic probe comprises a power control unit that controls the on and off states of the ultrasonic probe's power supply and a charge control unit (17) that charges the built-in battery (19) using power supplied from outside the ultrasonic probe. The charge control unit (17) charges the built-in battery (19) at different charge levels depending on the on and off states of the power supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasound probe with a built-in battery, an ultrasound system including the ultrasound probe with a built-in battery, and a control method for the ultrasound probe with a built-in battery.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, ultrasound examinations have been performed in which an ultrasound image representing a tomographic plane inside a subject is captured using a so-called ultrasound probe, and the inside of the subject is inspected based on the captured ultrasound image. In order to smoothly perform such ultrasound examinations, ultrasound probes with built-in batteries, such as the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, have been developed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In general, it is known that repeating charging the built-in battery of an ultrasound probe up to its specific full charge capacity, that is, charging to full capacity, shortens the service life of the built-in battery of the ultrasound probe, in other words, the chargeable capacity of the built-in battery decreases. Conversely, it is known that if charging is stopped before the built-in battery reaches full capacity, the service life of the built-in battery tends to be maintained for a long time even after repeated charging. However, if the built-in battery is not sufficiently charged in order to maintain a long service life of the built-in battery, there is a risk that the remaining level of the built-in battery will become insufficient during an ultrasound examination.

[0005] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems of the conventional approach, and aims to provide an ultrasound probe, an ultrasound system, and a control method for the ultrasound probe that can ensure sufficient battery charge during ultrasound examinations while maintaining a long battery life for the ultrasound probe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above objective can be achieved with the following configuration. [1] An ultrasonic probe having a transducer array and a built-in battery and being wirelessly connected to the main body of an ultrasonic device, A power control unit that controls the on and off states of the ultrasonic probe, A charging control unit that charges the built-in battery using power supplied from outside the ultrasonic probe. Equipped with, The charging control unit is an ultrasonic probe that charges the built-in battery at different charge levels depending on whether the power is on or off. [2] The ultrasonic probe according to [1], wherein the charging control unit charges the built-in battery at a predetermined first charging level when the power is off, and charges the built-in battery at a charging level lower than the first charging level when the power is on. [3] An image acquisition unit that acquires an ultrasonic image by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves using a transducer array, A wireless communication circuit that wirelessly transmits ultrasound images acquired by the image acquisition unit to the ultrasound device body. Equipped with, The ultrasonic probe described in [2], wherein the charging control unit charges the built-in battery at different charging levels depending on whether it is connected to the ultrasonic device body via a wireless communication circuit or not. [4] The ultrasonic probe according to [3], wherein the charging control unit charges the built-in battery at a predetermined second charging level when disconnected, and charges the built-in battery at a third charging level lower than the second charging level when connected. [5] Equipped with a power receiving coil connected to the charging control unit, The ultrasonic probe according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the charging control unit charges the built-in battery using power supplied wirelessly from outside the ultrasonic probe via a power receiving coil. [6] An ultrasound probe as described in any of [1] to [5], The ultrasound device body is wirelessly connected to the ultrasound probe. An ultrasonic system equipped with [unspecified features]. [7] A control method for an ultrasonic probe comprising a transducer array, a built-in battery, a power control unit for controlling the on and off states of the ultrasonic probe's power supply, and a charging control unit for charging the built-in battery using power supplied from an external source, A control method for an ultrasonic probe that charges its built-in battery at different charge levels depending on whether the power is on or off. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention provides an ultrasound probe having a transducer array and a built-in battery and being wirelessly connected to the ultrasound device body, comprising a power control unit that controls the on and off states of the ultrasound probe's power supply, and a charging control unit that charges the built-in battery using power supplied from outside the ultrasound probe, wherein the charging control unit charges the built-in battery at different charge levels depending on the power on and off states, thereby extending the lifespan of the ultrasound probe's built-in battery and ensuring sufficient remaining charge of the built-in battery during ultrasound examinations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic system having an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention and an ultrasonic device body connected to the ultrasonic probe. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the transmitting and receiving circuit in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image generation unit in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]This flowchart shows the operation of the charging control unit in an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of this invention will be described based on the attached drawings. The following description of the constituent elements is based on a typical embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. In this specification, a numerical range represented by "~" means a range that includes the numbers written before and after "~" as the lower and upper limits, respectively. In this specification, “identical” and “same” include the range of error that is generally accepted in the art.

[0010] Embodiment Figure 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic system comprises an ultrasonic probe 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and an ultrasonic device body 3 that is wirelessly connected to the ultrasonic probe 1.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe 1 has a transducer array 11, to which a transmitting / receiving circuit 12, an image generation unit 13, and a wireless communication circuit 14 are sequentially connected. An ultrasonic transmitting / receiving control unit 15 is connected to the transmitting / receiving circuit 12. A communication control unit 16 is connected to the wireless communication circuit 14. The ultrasonic probe 1 also includes a charging control unit 17. A built-in battery 19 and a receiving coil 20 are connected to the charging control unit 17. A power supply unit 24 is connected to the built-in battery 19. A power supply control unit 25 is connected to the power supply unit 24. A power switch (SW) 21 is connected to the power supply control unit 25. Furthermore, a probe control unit 18 is connected to the image generation unit 13, wireless communication circuit 14, ultrasonic transmitting / receiving control unit 15, communication control unit 16, charging control unit 17, power supply unit 24, and power supply control unit 25.

[0012] The image acquisition unit 22 is configured by the transmission / reception circuit 12 and the image generation unit 13. Further, the probe processor 23 for the ultrasonic probe 1 is configured by the transmission / reception circuit 12, the image generation unit 13, the ultrasonic transmission / reception control unit 15, the communication control unit 16, the charging control unit 17, the probe control unit 18, the power supply unit 24, and the power supply control unit 25.

[0013] The ultrasonic apparatus main body 3 includes a wireless communication circuit 31, and a display control unit 32 and a monitor 33 are sequentially connected to the wireless communication circuit 31. A communication control unit 34 is connected to the wireless communication circuit 31. Further, an apparatus main body control unit 35 is connected to the wireless communication circuit 31, the display control unit 32, and the communication control unit 34. An input device 36 is connected to the apparatus main body control unit 35. Further, the ultrasonic apparatus main body 3 includes a built-in battery 37. Furthermore, the main body processor 38 for the ultrasonic apparatus main body 3 is configured by the display control unit 32, the communication control unit 34, and the apparatus main body control unit 35.

[0014] The transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 1 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional manner. Each of these ultrasonic transducers transmits ultrasonic waves in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the transmission / reception circuit 12, receives ultrasonic echoes from a subject, and outputs a signal based on the ultrasonic echoes. Each ultrasonic transducer is configured, for example, by forming electrodes at both ends of a piezoelectric body composed of a piezoelectric ceramic typified by PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), a polymer piezoelectric element typified by PVDF (Poly Vinylidene Di Fluoride), a piezoelectric single crystal typified by PMN-PT (Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate), or the like.

[0015] The image acquisition unit 22 configured by the transmission / reception circuit 12 and the image generation unit 13 acquires an ultrasonic image in which a tomographic plane inside the subject is imaged, by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic beams using the ultrasonic probe 1.

[0016] The transmitting / receiving circuit 12 transmits ultrasonic waves from the transducer array 11 and generates a sound line signal based on the received signal acquired by the transducer array 11, under the control of the probe control unit 18. As shown in Figure 3, the transmitting / receiving circuit 12 includes a pulser 41 connected to the transducer array 11, and an amplifier 42, an AD (Analog to Digital) converter 43, and a beamformer 44 connected sequentially in series from the transducer array 11.

[0017] The pulser 41 includes, for example, multiple pulse generators and supplies drive signals to multiple ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11, adjusting the delay amount, so that the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the multiple ultrasonic transducers form an ultrasonic beam, based on a transmission delay pattern selected according to control signals from the ultrasonic transmission control unit 15 and the probe control unit 18. In this way, when a pulsed or continuous wave voltage is applied to the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11, the piezoelectric material expands and contracts, generating pulsed or continuous wave ultrasonic waves from each ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic beam is formed from the combined wave of these ultrasonic waves.

[0018] The transmitted ultrasonic beam is reflected from a target, such as a part of the subject, and propagates toward the transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 1. The ultrasonic echo propagating toward the transducer array 11 is received by each ultrasonic transducer that makes up the transducer array 11. At this time, each ultrasonic transducer that makes up the transducer array 11 expands and contracts upon receiving the propagating ultrasonic echo, generating a received signal which is an electrical signal, and outputs these received signals to the amplification unit 42.

[0019] The amplification unit 42 amplifies the signals input from each ultrasonic transducer constituting the transducer array 11 and transmits the amplified signals to the AD conversion unit 43. The AD conversion unit 43 converts the signals transmitted from the amplification unit 42 into digital received data. The beamformer 44 performs so-called receive focus processing by adding each received data received from the AD conversion unit 43 with a corresponding delay. Through this receive focus processing, each received data converted by the AD conversion unit 43 is phase-corrected and added together, and a sound ray signal with a focused ultrasonic echo is obtained.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the image generation unit 13 has a configuration in which a signal processing unit 45, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter) 46, and an image processing unit 47 are connected in series in sequence.

[0021] The signal processing unit 45 receives the sound line signal from the transmitting / receiving circuit 12, corrects for attenuation due to distance according to the depth of the ultrasonic reflection position using the sound velocity value set by the probe control unit 18, and then performs envelope detection processing to generate a B-mode image signal, which is tomographic image information of the tissue within the subject.

[0022] The DSC46 converts the B-mode image signal generated by the signal processing unit 45 into an image signal that follows the scanning method of a normal television signal (raster conversion). The image processing unit 47 performs various necessary image processing, such as gradation processing, on the B-mode image signal input from the DSC 46, and then sends it to the wireless communication circuit 14. The B-mode image signal processed by the image processing unit 47 is called an ultrasonic image.

[0023] The ultrasonic transmission / reception control unit 15 controls the transmission / reception circuit 12 to transmit and receive ultrasound according to the transmission / reception conditions defined in the transducer array 11. The defined transmission / reception conditions may include, for example, the ultrasound transmission pattern, the ultrasound transmission focus position, the reception focus position, the display depth of the ultrasound image, and the gain and dynamic range conditions of the received signal.

[0024] The wireless communication circuit 14 is a circuit that wirelessly transmits ultrasonic images acquired by the image acquisition unit 22 to the ultrasonic device main unit 3, and transmits and receives other necessary information to and from the ultrasonic device main unit 3 via wireless communication.

[0025] The communication control unit 16 controls the transmission and reception of information with the ultrasound device body 3 via the wireless communication circuit 14. The communication control unit 16 can cause the wireless communication circuit 25 to, for example, transmit and receive information for the ultrasound probe 1 to wirelessly connect with the ultrasound device body 3, and transmit ultrasound images to the ultrasound device body 3.

[0026] The power supply unit 24 converts the power supplied from the built-in battery 19 into a voltage that matches the voltage of each part of the ultrasonic probe 1, such as the transducer array 11, the transmitting and receiving circuit 12, the image generation unit 13, the wireless communication circuit 14, the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving control unit 15, and the communication control unit 16, and supplies it to the user.

[0027] The power switch (power SW) 21 is a switch for turning the power supply unit 24 on or off. The power switch 21 is operated, for example, by the user. Information indicating an instruction to turn the power supply unit 24 on and information indicating an instruction to turn the power supply unit 24 off, which are input via the power switch 21, are sent to the power control unit 25.

[0028] The power control unit 25 controls the ON and OFF states of the power supply unit 24. The power control unit 25 turns the power supply unit 24 ON or OFF based on information input, for example, from the power switch 21. Hereafter, the ON state of the power supply unit 24 will be referred to as the ON state of the ultrasonic probe 1's power, and the OFF state of the power supply unit 24 will be referred to as the OFF state of the ultrasonic probe 1's power.

[0029] The receiving coil 20 receives power supplied from an external wireless charger by sensing the magnetic field emitted from the wireless charger. The receiving coil 20 also emits a response signal in response to a search signal transmitted from the wireless charger.

[0030] The built-in battery 19 of the ultrasound probe 1 supplies power to the power supply unit 24. The built-in battery 19 is charged by receiving power from an external wireless charger, for example, via the power receiving coil 20. Various types of batteries can be used as the built-in battery 19, but for example, a so-called lithium-ion battery can be used.

[0031] Incidentally, the higher the voltage used for charging, the more rapidly the built-in battery 19 can be charged to a larger capacity. On the other hand, if the built-in battery 19 is repeatedly charged to its inherent capacity, i.e., fully charged, using a high charging voltage, the lifespan of the built-in battery 19 may be shortened, meaning that the capacity that can be charged at one time may decrease. A situation in which the built-in battery 19 is charged multiple times in a short period of time is, for example, during an ultrasound examination, while the ultrasound probe 1 is powered on, the user alternately uses the ultrasound probe 1 with the built-in battery 19 charged and with the charge released.

[0032] Furthermore, when the ultrasonic probe 1 is powered on, it may generate heat due to its operation. In addition, the ultrasonic probe 1 may also generate heat due to rapid charging of the built-in battery 19, and if the built-in battery 19 supplies a large amount of power while the ultrasonic probe 1 is powered on, the built-in battery 19 will generate even more heat. Therefore, for example, if the built-in battery 19 is rapidly charged while the ultrasonic probe 1 is powered on, the temperature of the built-in battery 19 is likely to be high due to three factors, such as the operation of the ultrasonic probe 1, rapid charging, and a combination of these. It is known that maintaining the built-in battery 9 at a high temperature, for example, above 40°C, is one of the factors that shortens the lifespan of the built-in battery 19.

[0033] Furthermore, one situation in which the built-in battery 19 maintains a stable charge for a sufficient amount of time is, for example, when no ultrasound examination is being performed on the subject. When no ultrasound examination is being performed on the subject, the ultrasound probe 1 is often turned off in order to reduce power consumption of the built-in battery 19.

[0034] Therefore, the charging control unit 17 charges the built-in battery 19 using power supplied from outside the ultrasonic probe 1 via the power receiving coil 20, and charges the built-in battery 19 at different charging levels depending on whether the ultrasonic probe 1 is powered on or off. For example, the charging control unit 17 can charge the built-in battery 19 at a predetermined first charging level when the ultrasonic probe 1 is powered off, and charge the built-in battery 19 at a charging level lower than the first charging level when the ultrasonic probe 1 is powered on. Here, the charging level refers to at least one of the charging voltage and the charging current.

[0035] This reduces the number of charging cycles at high charge levels, extending the lifespan of the built-in battery 19 of the ultrasound probe 1, while ensuring sufficient remaining charge for the built-in battery 19 during ultrasound examinations. Furthermore, since the built-in battery 19 is charged at a charge level lower than the first charge level when the ultrasound probe 1 is powered on, the adverse effects on the lifespan of the built-in battery 19 due to temperature rise can be reduced.

[0036] Furthermore, the charging control unit 17 can charge the built-in battery 19 at different charging levels depending on whether the ultrasonic probe 1 is wirelessly connected to the ultrasonic device body 3 via the wireless communication circuit 14 (connected state) or not (disconnected state). The charging control unit 17 can determine that the ultrasonic probe 1 is less likely to be used in the disconnected state than in the connected state, and for example, charge the built-in battery 19 at a predetermined second charging level in the disconnected state, and charge the built-in battery 19 at a third charging level lower than the second charging level in the connected state. Also, since the power consumption of the ultrasonic probe 1 is higher in the connected state than in the disconnected state, the lifespan of the built-in battery 19 can be extended by further lowering the charging level. Note that the first charging level when the ultrasonic probe 1 is powered off can be set to be higher than the second charging level in the connected state.

[0037] The wireless communication circuit 31 of the ultrasound device body 3 is a circuit that receives ultrasound images and the like from the ultrasound probe 1 via wireless communication and transmits and receives necessary information, such as information for wirelessly connecting the ultrasound device body 3 with the ultrasound probe 1, via wireless communication.

[0038] The communication control unit 34 controls the transmission and reception of information with the ultrasonic probe 1 via the wireless communication circuit 31. The communication control unit 34 can cause the wireless communication circuit 31 to perform tasks such as receiving ultrasonic images from the ultrasonic probe 1 and transmitting and receiving information for the ultrasonic device body 3 to wirelessly connect with the ultrasonic probe 1.

[0039] The display control unit 32 performs predetermined processing on the ultrasound image received from the ultrasound probe 1 under the control of the main unit control unit 35 and displays it on the monitor 33.

[0040] The monitor 33 displays ultrasound images and the like received from the ultrasound probe 1 under the control of the display control unit 32, and has a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display).

[0041] The input device 36 is for the user to perform input operations and consists of devices such as a keyboard, mouse, trackball, touchpad, and touch sensor placed on top of the monitor 33.

[0042] The built-in battery 37 of the ultrasound device body 3 supplies power to the entire ultrasound device body 3. The built-in battery 37 is charged by an external power supply device (not shown) which is connected to an AC power supply C having a specified voltage value and consists of a so-called AC adapter (Alternating Current Adapter), etc. Various types of batteries can be used as the built-in battery 37, but for example, a lithium-ion battery can be used.

[0043] In this embodiment, each process in the probe processor 23 and the main processor 38 is executed on any computer. Alternatively, any computer may execute these processes using a hardware processor, a software program, or a combination thereof. In that case, the processor is configured to work in cooperation with the program to execute the various processes in this embodiment and can function as a unit or means in this embodiment. Furthermore, the execution order of the processes by the processor is not limited to the order described and may be changed as appropriate. Any computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer designed for a specific application, a workstation, or any other system capable of executing each process.

[0044] The probe processor 23 and the main processor 38 may be composed of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, the probe processor 23 and the main processor 38 may be composed of hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or other programmable logic devices, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other dedicated circuits for executing specific processes, GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or NPU (Neural Processing Unit). Furthermore, the type of hardware may be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a certain processor, these multiple hardware components may reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Also, in any embodiment, the order of each process performed by the probe processor 23 and the main processor 38 is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate. The hardware is composed of electrical circuits (circuitry) that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0045] Furthermore, the program may be firmware or software such as microcode. Alternatively, the program may be, for example, a set of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform its respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-temporary computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage). The program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located on physically separate devices. Program code or code segments may represent any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or instructions, data structures, or program statements. Program code or code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0046] Next, an example of the appearance of an ultrasonic system will be described. The ultrasonic system may include a holding stand having a main body holder for holding the ultrasonic device body 3 and a probe holder for holding the ultrasonic probe 1. The probe holder holds the ultrasonic probe 1 in an upright position, for example.

[0047] The probe holder can incorporate a probe charger for charging the ultrasonic probe 1. The probe charger may have, for example, a transmitting coil that emits a magnetic field to supply power to the ultrasonic probe 1, and the transmitting coil and the receiving coil 20 of the ultrasonic probe 1 are positioned facing each other when the ultrasonic probe 1 is held in the probe holder. The probe charger is electrically connected to the ultrasonic device body 3 via wiring located on the holding stand, and when the ultrasonic probe 1 is held in the probe holder, power can be supplied to the ultrasonic probe 1 from the built-in battery 37 of the ultrasonic device body 3 via the probe charger.

[0048] Next, the operation of the charging control unit 17 in the ultrasonic probe 1 of the embodiment of the present invention will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0049] In step S1, the charging control unit 17 determines whether or not the built-in battery 19 of the ultrasonic probe 1 needs to be charged. The charging control unit 17 can determine that charging is necessary if the built-in battery 19 becomes ready for charging, for example, by detecting the connection status between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the charger for the ultrasonic probe 1. The charging control unit 17 can also determine that charging is necessary if the ultrasonic probe 1 is connected to the charger. Furthermore, the charging control unit 17 can determine that charging is unnecessary if the ultrasonic probe 1 is not connected to the charger.

[0050] As long as it is determined in step S1 that the built-in battery 19 of the ultrasound probe 1 does not require charging, the process of step S1 is repeated. If it is determined in step S1 that the built-in battery 19 of the ultrasound probe 1 requires charging, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0051] In step S2, the charging control unit 17 determines whether the power supply of the ultrasonic probe 1 is on or off. If it is determined in step S2 that the power supply of the ultrasonic probe 1 is off, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0052] In step S3, the charging control unit 17 charges the built-in battery 19 of the ultrasonic probe 1 at a first charging level L1. Charging at the first charging level L1 is, for example, charging at a high charging voltage such as 4.2V, which can charge the built-in battery 19 to its maximum capacity. When the ultrasonic probe 1 is powered off, for example, once a day, such as at night when the user is not using the ultrasonic probe 1, the built-in battery 19 is often charged stably for a sufficient amount of time, so the number of charging cycles is often small. Also, when the ultrasonic probe 1 is powered off, there is no heat generated by the operation of the ultrasonic probe 1, so the temperature of the built-in battery 19 does not rise as easily compared to when the ultrasonic probe 1 is powered on. Therefore, in step S3, the built-in battery 19 can be charged to its maximum capacity while maintaining a long lifespan for the built-in battery 19.

[0053] If it is determined in step S2 that the ultrasonic probe 1 is powered on, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the charging control unit 17 determines whether the ultrasonic probe 1 is disconnected from the ultrasonic device body 3 by referring to information on the connection status between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the ultrasonic device body 3 transmitted and received by the wireless communication circuit 14. If it is determined in step S4 that the ultrasonic probe 1 is disconnected from the ultrasonic device body 3, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0054] In step S5, the charge control unit 17 charges the built-in battery 19 of the ultrasound probe 1 with a second charge level L2, which is lower than the first charge level L1 in step S3, for example, a charging voltage of 4.1V. When the ultrasound probe 1 is powered on but not connected to the ultrasound device body 3, for example, it is often immediately before or after the ultrasound probe 1 is used for an ultrasound examination of a subject. Therefore, when the ultrasound probe 1 is not connected, for example, the frequency of charging the built-in battery 19 may be higher compared to when the ultrasound probe 1 is powered off, and the remaining charge of the built-in battery 19 reaches the maximum capacity corresponding to the charge level being used more often. Also, when the ultrasound probe 1 is powered on, the power consumption is higher compared to when it is powered off, and the temperature of the built-in battery 19 tends to rise. By charging the built-in battery 19 of the ultrasound probe 1 with a second charge level L2, which is lower than the first charge level L1, the lifespan of the built-in battery 19 can be extended even if the frequency of charging the built-in battery 19 is higher compared to when the ultrasound probe 1 is powered off.

[0055] If it is determined in step S4 that the ultrasound probe 1 is connected to the ultrasound device body 3, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the charge control unit 17 charges the built-in battery 19 of the ultrasound probe 1 with a third charge level L3, which is lower than the second charge level L2 in step S5, for example, a charge voltage of 4.0V. When the ultrasound probe 1 is powered on and connected to the ultrasound device body 3, it is often, for example, while the ultrasound probe 1 is being used for an ultrasound examination of a subject. In this case, the built-in battery 19 may be charged frequently to prevent insufficient charge during the ultrasound examination, and the number of times the built-in battery 19 reaches its maximum capacity corresponding to the charge level being used increases. Also, because the ultrasound probe 1 is being used for an ultrasound examination, power consumption is higher compared to when the ultrasound probe 1 is not connected to the ultrasound device body 3, and the temperature of the built-in battery 19 tends to rise. By charging the built-in battery 19 with a third charge level L3 that is lower than the second charge level L2 in step S5, the lifespan of the built-in battery 19 can be extended even if the built-in battery 19 is charged frequently.

[0056] As described above, the operation of the charging control unit 17 reduces the number of charging cycles at high charge levels, thereby extending the lifespan of the built-in battery 19 of the ultrasound probe 1, while ensuring sufficient remaining charge of the built-in battery 19 during ultrasound examinations. Furthermore, since the built-in battery 19 is charged at a charge level lower than the first charge level when the ultrasound probe 1 is powered on, the adverse effects on the lifespan of the built-in battery 19 due to temperature rise can be reduced.

[0057] Although it is explained that the built-in battery 19 of the ultrasound probe 1 is charged by wireless charging, the built-in battery 19 can also be charged by wire. The charging method of the built-in battery 19 is not particularly limited.

[0058] Furthermore, although it is explained that the ultrasound probe 1 is equipped with an image generation unit 13, the ultrasound device body 3 can also be equipped with an image generation unit 13. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1 Ultrasonic probe, 3 Ultrasonic device main unit, 5 Holding stand, 11 Transducer array, 12 Transmit / receive circuit, 13 Image generation unit, 14 Wireless communication circuit, 15 Ultrasonic transmit / receive control unit, 16 Communication control unit, 17 Charging control unit, 18 Probe control unit, 19 Built-in battery, 20 Power receiving coil, 21 Power switch, 22 Image acquisition unit, 23 Probe processor, 31 Wireless communication circuit, 32 Display control unit, 33 Monitor, 34 Communication control unit, 35 Main unit control unit, 36 Input device, 37 Built-in battery, 38 Main unit processor, 41 Pulsar, 42 Amplifier unit, 43 AD conversion unit, 44 Beamformer, 45 Signal processing unit, 46 DSC, 47 Image processing unit.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe having a transducer array and a built-in battery, and wirelessly connected to the main body of an ultrasonic device, A power control unit that controls the on and off states of the ultrasonic probe, A charging control unit that charges the built-in battery using power supplied from outside the ultrasonic probe. Equipped with, The charging control unit charges the built-in battery of the ultrasonic probe at different charging levels depending on whether the power is on or off.

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the charging control unit charges the built-in battery at a predetermined first charging level when the power is off, and charges the built-in battery at a charging level lower than the first charging level when the power is on.

3. An image acquisition unit that acquires an ultrasonic image by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves using the transducer array, A wireless communication circuit that wirelessly transmits the ultrasonic image acquired by the image acquisition unit to the ultrasonic device body. Equipped with, The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein the charging control unit charges the built-in battery at different charging levels depending on whether it is in a connected state where it is wirelessly connected to the ultrasonic device body by the wireless communication circuit or in a disconnected state where it is not wirelessly connected.

4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, wherein the charging control unit charges the built-in battery at a predetermined second charging level when the device is disconnected, and charges the built-in battery at a third charging level lower than the second charging level when the device is connected.

5. The charging control unit is connected to a power receiving coil, The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the charging control unit charges the built-in battery using power supplied wirelessly from outside the ultrasonic probe via the power receiving coil.

6. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The ultrasonic device body is wirelessly connected to the ultrasonic probe. An ultrasonic system equipped with [unspecified features].

7. A control method for an ultrasonic probe comprising a transducer array, a built-in battery, a power control unit for controlling the on and off states of the ultrasonic probe's power supply, and a charge control unit for charging the built-in battery using power supplied from an external source, A control method for an ultrasonic probe that charges the built-in battery at different charge levels depending on whether the power supply is on or off.

Images