Veterinary electrocardiographic signal acquisition apparatus, electrocardiographic function examination method, and ultrasonic device

Abstract

The present application provides a veterinary electrocardiographic signal acquisition apparatus, an ultrasonic device, and a veterinary electrocardiographic function examination method. The veterinary electrocardiographic signal acquisition apparatus comprises: a fixing assembly, capable of forming a wearing space for allowing a paw of an animal to enter, and fixing the paw of the animal after the paw of the animal enters; and an electrically conductive assembly, comprising an electrode arranged within the wearing space, wherein the electrode is used for being in contact with a paw pad on the paw of the animal after the paw of the animal enters the wearing space so as to acquire an electrocardiographic signal of the animal. The veterinary electrocardiographic signal acquisition apparatus is more friendly and convenient for both animals and medical staff.

Description

Veterinary ECG signal acquisition device, ECG function examination method and ultrasound equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical equipment, and in particular to a veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device, an ultrasonic device, and a veterinary electrocardiogram function testing method. Background Art

[0002] When collecting medical data, such as electrocardiograms, from furry animals in animal healthcare services, medical staff need to establish a stable connection between a conductive product and the animal's skin. This process is often cumbersome, requiring partial shaving of the animal's hair, then securing the conductive product to the animal's skin to establish a connection. Finally, a wire is used to connect the conductive product fixed to the animal's skin to the medical device, completing the preparations for data collection. This entire process is time-consuming and laborious, and the partial shaving of the animal's hair detracts from its appearance, making this method often unpopular with animal owners.

[0003] To address the impact of shaving an animal's hair, medical staff sometimes adhere hydrogel electrodes directly to the animal's hair. After soaking the hair with the hydrogel, they use wires to connect the conductive product fixed to the animal's body to the medical device, completing the preparation for data collection. The problems with this method are: 1. Some animal hair may stick to the electrodes, causing severe pain when the electrodes are removed; 2. The animal hair adhering to the electrodes significantly reduces the frequency of use of the electrodes, increasing their cost.

[0004] It can be seen that the market urgently needs a product that is not only friendly enough to animals without causing pain, but also fast, reliable in operation and friendly to animal medical staff. Technical issues

[0005] The main technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide a veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device that is friendly and convenient to both animals and medical staff, as well as an ultrasonic device using the veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device and a veterinary electrocardiogram function examination method. Technical Solutions

[0006] According to the first aspect, an embodiment provides a veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device, comprising:

[0007] A fixing component capable of forming a wearing space for an animal's paw to be inserted into and fixing the animal's paw after the paw is inserted into the wearing space;

[0008] The conductive component includes an electrode arranged in the wearing space, and the electrode is used to contact the paw pad on the animal's paw after the animal's paw is inserted into the wearing space to collect the animal's electrocardiogram signal.

[0009] According to a second aspect, an embodiment provides an ultrasound device comprising:

[0010] monitor;

[0011] Ultrasound probe;

[0012] a transmitting circuit, used for stimulating the ultrasonic probe to transmit ultrasonic waves to the animal;

[0013] a receiving circuit, configured to control the ultrasonic probe to receive the ultrasonic echo to obtain the ultrasonic echo signal;

[0014] The aforementioned veterinary ECG signal acquisition device;

[0015] A processor is used to obtain an electrocardiogram waveform of the animal based on the collected electrocardiogram signal of the animal; and to generate an ultrasonic image of the animal based on the echo signal, and output the electrocardiogram waveform and the ultrasonic image to the display for display.

[0016] According to the third aspect, an embodiment provides a veterinary electrocardiogram function test method, comprising:

[0017] The electrocardiographic signals of an animal are collected using a veterinary electrocardiographic signal collection device, wherein the veterinary electrocardiographic signal collection device includes a fixing component and a conductive component, the fixing component can form a wearing space for the animal's paw to be inserted into and fix the animal's paw after the animal's paw is inserted into the wearing space, and the conductive component includes an electrode disposed in the wearing space, the electrode being configured to contact a paw pad on the animal's paw after the animal's paw is inserted into the wearing space to collect the animal's electrocardiographic signals;

[0018] obtaining an electrocardiogram waveform of the animal according to the electrocardiogram signal;

[0019] transmitting ultrasonic waves toward the animal;

[0020] receiving the ultrasonic echo to obtain the ultrasonic echo signal;

[0021] generating an ultrasonic image of the animal based on the echo signal;

[0022] The electrocardiogram waveform and the ultrasound image of the animal are displayed simultaneously. Beneficial effects

[0023] According to the veterinary ECG signal acquisition device of the above embodiment, it itself has a fixing component, which can form a wearing space for fixing the animal's paw. The animal's paw can be fixed by inserting it into the wearing space without the need for an additional fixing device, which is convenient for medical personnel to operate.

[0024] A conductive component is provided in the wearing space, which can directly contact the animal's paw pad. On the one hand, since the animal's paw pad itself has exposed skin, it is not necessary to shave all the hair on the paw pad to collect the animal's electrocardiogram signal. On the other hand, since the wearing space fixes the animal's paw, there is no need to use glue to bond the conductive component and the animal's paw, which is more friendly to the animal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the inner and outer sides of a wearing space in one embodiment;

[0026] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an electrocardiogram signal acquisition device for animals according to an embodiment;

[0027] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device;

[0028] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a veterinary ECG signal acquisition device according to another embodiment;

[0029] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a veterinary ECG signal acquisition device when the fixing component is a clamping claw structure;

[0030] FIG6 is another schematic diagram of the veterinary ECG signal acquisition device when the fixing component is a clamping claw structure;

[0031] FIG7 is a side view of the veterinary ECG signal acquisition device when the fixing component is a clamping claw structure;

[0032] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the veterinary ECG signal acquisition device when the component strap is fixed;

[0033] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of an ultrasonic device according to an embodiment;

[0034] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of an ECG module according to an embodiment;

[0035] FIG11 is a flow chart of a method for examining veterinary electrocardiogram function according to an embodiment;

[0036] 100. Fixing components;

[0037] 110, first splint;

[0038] 111, first handheld end; 112, first movable end; 113, first boss; 114, first guide plate;

[0039] 120, second splint;

[0040] 121, second handheld end; 122, second movable end; 123, second boss; 124, second guide plate;

[0041] 130, rotation axis;

[0042] 140. Reset torsion spring;

[0043] 150, straps;

[0044] 151. First connecting portion; 152. Second connecting portion;

[0045] 200, conductive components;

[0046] 210, electrode;

[0047] 212, support portion; 214, contact surface; 216, raised portion;

[0048] 220, conductive buttons;

[0049] 300, wearing space;

[0050] 400. Claw.

[0051] 1000. Ultrasonic equipment;

[0052] 1100, ultrasonic probe;

[0053] 1200. Veterinary ECG signal acquisition device;

[0054] 1300, transmit / receive selection switch;

[0055] 1310, transmitting circuit; 1320, receiving circuit; 1330, beamforming module;

[0056] 1400, processor;

[0057] 1500, memory;

[0058] 1600, display;

[0059] 1700, ECG module;

[0060] 1710 , data acquisition circuit; 1720 , microcontroller; 1730 , rechargeable battery. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0061] The present invention will be further described in detail below by means of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are numbered with associated similar elements. In the following embodiments, many detailed descriptions are provided to enable the present application to be better understood. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that some of the features may be omitted in different circumstances, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, some operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid the core portion of the present application being overwhelmed by excessive descriptions, and for those skilled in the art, it is not necessary to describe these related operations in detail. They will fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and the general technical knowledge in the art.

[0062] In addition, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification may be combined in any appropriate manner to form various embodiments. Furthermore, the steps or actions in the method description may be reordered or adjusted in a manner readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various sequences in the specification and drawings are provided solely for the purpose of clearly describing a particular embodiment and are not intended to be mandatory, unless otherwise specified.

[0063] Component numbers used herein, such as "first" and "second," are used solely to distinguish the components being described and do not convey any sequential or technical meaning. References to "connection" and "coupling" herein, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (couplings).

[0064] The term "animal" as used herein refers to any animal having a paw 400, including but not limited to felines, canines, and bears. An animal's paw 400 typically includes a hairy area and a hairless area, with the paw pad on the animal's paw 400 typically being hairless. For example, a common pet cat has a "paw pad" underneath its paw 400, which is not covered with hair.

[0065] The inside or inner side referred to in this application refers to the direction from the outside of the wearing space 300 to the inside of the wearing space 300 after the wearing space 300 is formed. The outside or outer side referred to in this application refers to the direction from the inside of the wearing space 300 to the outside of the wearing space 300 after the wearing space 300 is formed. For example, in Figure 1, the direction indicated by the solid arrow is the inside, and the direction indicated by the dotted arrow is the outside.

[0066] The most important concept of this application is that it utilizes the structural characteristics of an animal's paw 400. After securing the animal's paw 400, the conductive component 200 contacts the paw pad to collect the animal's ECG signal. On the one hand, animals often have difficulty fully complying with human instructions. By securing the animal's paw 400 with the securing component 100 before collecting ECG signals, it is possible to prevent inaccurate or failed signal collection caused by the animal's random movement, and to quickly secure the animal without the need for other auxiliary equipment. On the other hand, the paw pad is a naturally hairless area of ​​the animal, so shaving the animal's hair can be reduced or eliminated when collecting ECG signals. This also reduces or eliminates the need for conductive adhesive, avoiding damage to the animal and allowing for better animal cooperation.

[0067] Please refer to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , which provides a veterinary ECG signal acquisition device, including a fixing component 100 and a conductive component 200 .

[0068] The fixing assembly 100 can form a wearing space 300 for inserting an animal's paw 400. Once inserted, the animal's paw 400 can be secured in the wearing space 300. In some embodiments, one side of the wearing space 300 has an opening through which the animal's paw 400 can be inserted. In other embodiments, the wearing space 300 can have two or more openings, allowing the animal's paw 400 to enter the wearing space 300 through any one of the openings, while also allowing a portion of the paw 400 to extend out of the wearing space 300 through other openings.

[0069] In some embodiments, the conductive assembly 200 includes an electrode 210 disposed within the wearing space 300. The electrode 210 is configured to contact the paw pad on the animal's paw 400 after the animal's paw 400 is inserted into the wearing space 300, thereby collecting the animal's electrocardiographic (ECG) signals. Specifically, the electrode 210 can directly contact the animal's hairless area while maintaining contact with the hairless area via the fixing assembly 100, thereby collecting the animal's ECG signals.

[0070] In some embodiments, the structure of the electrode 210 itself is no different from a common electrode 210. For example, the electrode 210 may be a conductor in a circular, square, or other shape. The conductor includes but is not limited to metal, conductive foam, and the like.

[0071] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3 , the electrode 210 includes several raised portions 216 for contacting the animal's paw pad. In daily life, if the hair on some animals' paws 400 is not maintained for a long time, it may cover a portion of the paw pad. By providing several raised portions 216, the electrode 210 can achieve better contact with the paw pad without being affected by the hair. Furthermore, continuing with the example of a pet cat, the paw pad of a pet cat includes multiple paw pads, which are similar to the five fingers of a human, with gaps between the paw pads. When the electrode 210 includes raised portions 216, some of the raised portions 216 can also enter the gaps between the paw pads to further contact the animal's skin. This not only increases the contact area with the animal within the limited wearing space 300, but also provides a non-slip effect, making the contact more stable. For example, the raised portions 216 embedded in the gaps between the paw pads can further prevent the animal's paw 400 from shifting or sliding. The above-mentioned raised portion 216 is set according to the structural characteristics of the animal's claw 400. Even if there is a raised structure set on the electrode 210 in other technical fields, it is not for adapting to the animal's claw 400, and it will not play a role in improving the contact effect and preventing slipping. It can be said that this is one of the unique designs of the veterinary ECG signal acquisition device of this application.

[0072] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG4 , the electrode 210 includes a support portion 212 whose bottom end is connected to the fixing assembly 100 . The top of the support portion 212 has a contact surface 214 , which is used to contact the animal's paw pad. At least the contact surface 214 on the support portion 212 is electrically conductive. The support portion 212 is configured to deform along the height direction of the support portion 212 under the action of an external force, so that the contact surface 214 moves closer to or further away from the inner wall of the wearing space 300 . It will be appreciated that the deformable support portion 212 can better accommodate claws 400 of different sizes. For example, when a larger claw 400 is to be inserted into the wearing space 300 , the support portion 212 can be pressed downward to accommodate the larger claw 400 . In some embodiments, the support portion 212 is a hollow structure made of a flexible material. For example, the center of the support portion 212 is hollowed out, and the exterior is thin-walled. The flexible material allows the support portion 212 to deform at least in the height direction. The hollow structure not only facilitates deformation of the support portion 212, but also reduces the weight of the support portion 212. The support portion 212 can also be conductive or insulating. In some embodiments, the support portion 212 is an arc-shaped structure, and the support portion 212 protrudes toward the fixing assembly 100 connected to the bottom end of the support portion 212, forming an arc-shaped support structure to better support the animal's claw 400.

[0073] In some embodiments, the shape of the contact surface 214 is also specially designed. Specifically, the contact surface 214 is configured to be wavy, and the direction of the waves on the contact surface 214 is configured to be perpendicular to the direction in which the animal's claw 400 extends. Taking Figure 7 as an example, in Figure 7, the direction of the waves is parallel to the paper surface, while the direction in which the animal's claw 400 extends is perpendicular to the paper surface. When the animal's claw 400 presses down in the middle, the middle support portion 212 is recessed downward. Due to the gaps between the waves, the waves on both sides of the claw 400 will deflect toward the claw 400 as shown by the arrows in Figure 7 and contact the claw pad. Ultimately, the waves on both sides close to the claw 400 will "roll up" the claw 400, thereby forming better contact with the claw pad.

[0074] In some embodiments, the plurality of raised portions 216 are located on the contact surface 214. When the contact surface 214 is wavy, the height of the raised portions 216 along the height direction of the support portion 212 is no less than the height of the wave crests of the contact surface 214, ensuring that the raised portions 216 can contact the claw pad, thereby fulfilling the function of the raised portions 216 described above. In some embodiments, the plurality of raised portions 216 are distributed over multiple wave crests of the contact surface 214. For example, in Figures 5 and 6, the contact surface 214 includes N waves, and the plurality of raised portions 216 are divided into N groups, each group including multiple raised portions 216. The multiple raised portions 216 in the same group are located on the same wave crest, and the multiple raised portions 216 in the same group are arranged perpendicular to the wave direction.

[0075] In addition to the wavy shape, the contact surface 214 may also have other shapes or structures. In some embodiments, the contact surface 214 is a curved surface, which may be a curved surface with a uniform curvature or a curved surface formed by splicing curved surfaces in different regions.

[0076] The following describes more specific structures of the fixing component 100 and the conductive component 200 in some embodiments with reference to Figures 5 to 8. It should be noted that the fixing component 100 and the conductive component 200 in Figures 5 to 8 are merely examples, and the fixing component 100 and the conductive component 200 protected by this application include but are not limited to the following examples.

[0077] In some embodiments, the fixing assembly 100 includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion, and a wearing space 300 is formed between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion can be moved relatively closer or farther apart to enlarge or reduce the wearing space 300, thereby better accommodating claws 400 of different sizes. For example, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the first fixing portion includes a first clamping plate 110, and the second fixing portion includes a second clamping plate 120. The first clamping plate 110 and the second clamping plate 120 are movably connected to open or close, that is, the first clamping plate 110 and the second clamping plate 120 form a clamping claw structure.

[0078] In Figures 5 to 7, the fixing assembly 100 includes, in addition to the first clamping plate 110 and the second clamping plate 120, a rotating shaft 130 and a return torsion spring 140 for movably connecting the first clamping plate 110 and the second clamping plate 120. The first clamping plate 110 includes a first handheld end 111 at one end and a first movable end 112 at the other end. The first clamping plate 110 has two first bosses 113 spaced apart between the first handheld end 111 and the first movable end 112. The first bosses 113 have a first rotation center hole in the middle for mounting the rotating shaft 130. The second clamping plate 120 includes a second handheld end 121 at one end and a second movable end 122 at the other end. The second clamping plate 120 has two second bosses 123 spaced apart between the second handheld end 121 and the second movable end 122. The second bosses 123 have a second rotation center hole in the middle for mounting the rotating shaft 130. When the first splint 110 and the second splint 120 are assembled, the side of the first splint 110 provided with the first boss 113 faces the side of the second splint 120 provided with the second boss 123 and are close to each other. After the first rotation center hole and the second rotation center hole are aligned, the rotation shaft 130 is inserted, and the first movable end 112 and the first handheld end 111 form a seesaw structure relative to the rotation shaft 130, and the second movable end 122 and the second handheld end 121 also form a seesaw structure relative to the rotation shaft 130. When the first handheld end 111 and the second handheld end 121 are close to each other, the first movable end 112 and the second movable end 122 move away from each other, and the wearing space 300 becomes larger accordingly. When the first handheld end 111 and the second handheld end 121 move away from each other, the first movable end 112 and the second movable end 122 move closer to each other, and the wearing space 300 becomes smaller accordingly.

[0079] The return torsion spring 140 is mounted on the rotating shaft 130 and applies a force to the first handheld end 111 and the second handheld end 121 to move them apart. In other words, without the application of external force, the first handheld end 111 and the second handheld end 121 are open, and the first movable end 112 and the second movable end 122 are closed. The user can press the first handheld end 111 and the second handheld end 121 to open the clamping jaws to allow the animal's claw 400 to be inserted. In other embodiments, other return structures besides the return torsion spring 140 may also be used, such as a telescopic return structure.

[0080] In addition, the first hand-held end 111 and the second hand-held end 121 are both in a fishtail shape, forming a smooth transition of the finger fitting opening. This structure is more suitable for users to hold, more ergonomic, and more user-friendly. Anti-slip protrusions are also provided on the outside of the first hand-held end 111 and the outside of the second hand-held end 121, making it easier to operate.

[0081] The first movable end 112 has two first guide plates 114 extending outward and spaced apart, and the second movable end 122 has a second guide plate 124 extending outward. As the first movable end 112 and the second movable end 122 approach each other, the first guide plates 114 and the second guide plates 124 can intersect with each other. The advantage of this design is that it can provide the clamping jaws with better guiding functions and higher reliability, and can increase the compatibility of the claw portion 400 with large animals. If sleeves are added to the first guide plates 114 and the second guide plates 124, the clamping space can be further expanded, making it suitable for even larger animals. In other embodiments, the first movable end 112 can also include two or more first guide plates 114, and / or the second movable end 122 can also include one or more second guide plates 124.

[0082] In Figures 5 to 7 , electrodes 210 are disposed on the inner sides of both the first and second clamping plates 110, 120. The upper and lower electrodes 210 are electrically conductive to each other. For example, when the first and second movable ends 112, 122 are closed, the electrodes 210 on both sides are in direct contact. In other embodiments, the electrode 210 may be disposed on only one of the first and second clamping plates 110, 120.

[0083] In some embodiments, the conductive assembly 200 further includes a signal transmission component, which is used to transmit the ECG signal collected by the electrode 210 to a medical device for further processing by the medical device. For example, the medical device can generate an electrocardiogram based on the ECG signal. For example, the signal transmission component in Figures 5 to 7 includes a conductive button 220, which has an opening on the first splint 110. One end of the conductive button 220 passes through the opening and is connected to the electrode 210, and the other end of the conductive button 220 is connected to the cable of the medical device, thereby transmitting the ECG signal to the medical device. The conductive button 220 has the characteristics of strong connection compatibility, easy material acquisition, and low cost.

[0084] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG8 , the fixing assembly 100 includes a strap 150, to which the electrode 210 is mounted. The strap 150 is used to enclose a wearing space 300, and the strap 150 has a first connecting portion 151 and a second connecting portion 152 that mates with the first connecting portion 151. When using this fixing assembly 100, the user can first align the electrode 210 with the pad on the animal's paw 400, then wrap the strap 150 around the animal's paw 400. After wrapping, the strap 150 is secured via the first connecting portion 151 and the second connecting portion 152. It will be appreciated that with this approach, the size of the wearing space 300 can be adjusted to accommodate paws 400 of varying sizes, and this approach also eliminates or reduces the need for conductive adhesive.

[0085] The first connection portion 151 and the second connection portion 152 are not necessarily located at the ends of the strap 150. For example, the first connection portion 151 or the second connection portion 152 can be located in the middle of the strap 150, or the first connection portion 151 and the second connection portion 152 can be located at the same position on the strap 150. That is, the first connection portion 151 and the second connection portion 152 are the same component, which can achieve self-locking. The following examples illustrate some embodiments of the first connection portion 151 and the second connection portion 152. The feasible first connection portion 151 and the second connection portion 152 in this application include but are not limited to the following examples.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 151 is the loop surface of Velcro, located on the inner side of the strap 150, while the second connecting portion 152 is the hook surface of the Velcro, located on the outer side of the strap 150. The loop surface and hook surface of the Velcro form a connection when in contact, and can only be separated by applying a certain force. Leveraging the characteristics of Velcro, after wrapping the strap 150 around the animal's paw 400, the first connecting portion 151 and the second connecting portion 152 are connected to secure the strap 150.

[0087] In other embodiments, at least one of the first connection portion 151 and the second connection portion 152 is adhesive, and the strap 150 is wrapped around the animal's paw 400 and then connected to the first connection portion 151 and the second connection portion 152 to fix the strap 150 through the adhesive.

[0088] In other embodiments, the first connecting portion 151 is a snap-fit ​​structure, and the second connecting portion 152 is a snap-fit ​​portion that cooperates with the snap-fit ​​structure. For example, the snap-fit ​​portion can be inserted into the snap-fit ​​structure to complete the connection with the snap-fit ​​structure. Both the snap-fit ​​structure and the snap-fit ​​portion are arranged on the strap 150.

[0089] In other embodiments, the first connecting portion 151 or the second connecting portion 152 may be part of the strap 150 itself. For example, the first connecting portion 151 may be a clamping device provided on the strap 150, having a clip through which the strap 150 passes. After the strap 150 is wrapped around the animal's paw 400, one end of the strap 150 is passed through the clip and the strap 150 is clamped to secure the strap. The position of the strap 150 clamped by the clip varies depending on the size of the animal's paw 400, so in this arrangement, the position of the second connecting portion 152 is not fixed.

[0090] Referring to FIG9 , the present application further provides an ultrasound device 1000, which includes an ultrasound probe 1100, the above-mentioned veterinary ECG signal acquisition device 1200, a transmitting circuit 1310, a receiving circuit 1320, a processor 1400, and a display 1600. Furthermore, the ultrasound device 1000 may also include a transmit / receive selection switch 1300 and a beamforming module 1330. The transmitting circuit 1310 and the receiving circuit 1320 may be connected to the ultrasound probe 1100 via the transmit / receive selection switch 1300.

[0091] The ultrasound probe 1100 includes multiple transducer elements. These elements can be arranged in a row to form a linear array, or in a two-dimensional matrix to form a planar array. They can also form a convex array. The transducer elements are used to transmit ultrasonic waves in response to excitation electrical signals, or to convert received ultrasonic waves into electrical signals. Therefore, each transducer element can be used to convert electrical pulse signals into and from ultrasonic waves, thereby transmitting ultrasonic waves to the tissue of the target area of ​​the subject being tested and also receiving ultrasonic echoes reflected from the tissue. During ultrasonic testing, the transmit and receive sequences can be used to control which transducer elements are used to transmit and which are used to receive ultrasonic waves, or to control the time slots used to transmit and receive ultrasonic echoes. Transducer elements involved in ultrasonic transmission can be excited simultaneously by electrical signals, thereby transmitting ultrasonic waves simultaneously. Alternatively, transducer elements involved in ultrasonic beam transmission can be excited by multiple electrical signals separated by a certain time interval, thereby continuously transmitting ultrasonic waves separated by a certain time interval.

[0092] During ultrasound imaging, the transmitting circuit 1310 transmits a delayed, focused transmit pulse to the ultrasound probe 1100 via the transmit / receive selector switch 1300. The ultrasound probe 1100, stimulated by the transmit pulse, transmits an ultrasonic beam toward the tissue in the target area of ​​the subject being measured. After a certain delay, it receives the ultrasonic echo containing tissue information reflected from the tissue in the target area and reconverts the ultrasonic echo into an electrical signal. The subject being measured is an animal, such as a cat, dog, or rabbit. The receiving circuit 1320 receives the converted electrical signal generated by the ultrasound probe 1100, obtains ultrasonic echo signals, and transmits these ultrasonic echo signals to the beamforming module 1330. The beamforming module 1330 performs processing such as focusing delay, weighting, and channel summing on the ultrasonic echo signals before transmitting them to the processor 1400. The processor 1400 performs signal detection, signal enhancement, data conversion, and logarithmic compression on the ultrasonic echo signals to form an ultrasound image. The ultrasound image generated by the processor 1400 can be displayed on the display 1600 or stored in the memory 1500.

[0093] Optionally, the processor 1400 may be implemented as software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof, and may use one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more general-purpose integrated circuits, one or more microprocessors, one or more programmable logic devices, or any combination of the foregoing circuits and / or devices, or other suitable circuits or devices. Furthermore, the processor 1400 may control other components in the ultrasound apparatus 1000 to execute the corresponding steps of the methods described in various embodiments of this specification.

[0094] The veterinary ECG signal acquisition device 1200 is used to acquire ECG signals of animals, and then transmit the ECG signals to the ECG module 1700 for processing to obtain the animal's ECG waveform or electrocardiogram.

[0095] In some embodiments, the structural block diagram of the ECG module 1700 is shown in Figure 10. The electrodes 210 transmit the animal's ECG signal to the data acquisition circuit 1710. The animal's ECG signal can be an analog signal. The data acquisition circuit 1710 includes an amplification circuit, a filtering circuit, and an A / D circuit, etc., which use amplification, filtering and A / D conversion methods known in the art to convert the analog signal into a digital signal.

[0096] Data acquisition circuit 1710 processes the ECG signal to generate a digital data waveform, which is transmitted to microcontroller 1720 via an electrical connection between the data acquisition circuit 1710 and the microcontroller 1720. Microcontroller 1720 analyzes the digital waveform to identify certain digital waveform characteristics and threshold levels indicative of an abnormal condition in the animal. For example, microcontroller 1720 can be a processor, field programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), or other similar processing device. Furthermore, power can be supplied to ECG module 1700 by a rechargeable battery 1730, for example, a removable lithium-ion battery that can be removed to allow for replacement.

[0097] In some embodiments, the ultrasound device 1000 may not include the ECG module 1700 , and the veterinary ECG signal acquisition device 1200 directly transmits the ECG signal to the processor 1400 for processing. In other words, the processor 1400 can also implement the functions of the ECG module 1700 .

[0098] In some embodiments, the processor 1400 or the ECG module 1700 may generate an ECG waveform or an ECG based on the received ECG signal and display it on the display 1600 .

[0099] In some embodiments, display 1600 displays an electrocardiogram (ECG) of the animal based on the ECG signal in addition to the ultrasound image. This allows medical personnel to observe the ECG while viewing the ultrasound image, thereby better assessing the animal's condition. For example, a medical personnel may use ultrasound probe 1100 to transmit ultrasound waves to the animal's heart, thereby generating and displaying an ultrasound image of the heart and simultaneously displaying the animal's ECG waveform on display 1600.

[0100] The display 1600 is connected to the processor 1400. The display 1600 may be a touch screen display, a liquid crystal display, or the like. Alternatively, the display 1600 may be an independent display such as a liquid crystal display or a television, independent of the ultrasound device 1000. Alternatively, the display 1600 may be a display of an electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet computer. The number of displays 1600 may be one or more. For example, the display 1600 may include a main screen and a touch screen, with the main screen primarily used for display and the touch screen primarily used for human-computer interaction.

[0101] Display 1600 can display the ultrasound image and / or the electrocardiogram waveform obtained by processor 1400. Furthermore, display 1600 can provide a user with a graphical interface for human-computer interaction. One or more controlled objects can be set on the graphical interface, and the user can use a human-computer interaction device to input operating instructions to control these controlled objects, thereby performing corresponding control operations. For example, icons can be displayed on the graphical interface, and the human-computer interaction device can be used to operate these icons to perform specific functions, such as drawing a region of interest box on the ultrasound image.

[0102] Optionally, the ultrasound device 1000 may further include other human-computer interaction devices in addition to the display 1600, which are connected to the processor 1400. For example, the processor 1400 may be connected to the human-computer interaction device via an external input / output port. The external input / output port may be a wireless communication module, a wired communication module, or a combination of the two. The external input / output port may also be implemented based on USB, a bus protocol such as CAN, and / or a wired network protocol.

[0103] The human-computer interaction device may include an input device for detecting user input information. The input information may be, for example, a control instruction for the timing of ultrasonic transmission / reception, an operation input instruction for drawing a point, line, or frame on an ultrasonic image, or other instruction types. The input device may include one or a combination of a keyboard, a mouse, a scroll wheel, a trackball, a mobile input device (such as a mobile device with a touch screen display, a mobile phone, etc.), a multi-function knob, etc. The human-computer interaction device may also include an output device such as a printer.

[0104] The ultrasound device 1000 may further include a memory 1500 for storing instructions executed by the processor, storing received ultrasound echoes, storing ultrasound images, etc. The memory may be a flash memory card, a solid-state memory, a hard disk, etc. It may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory, a removable memory and / or a non-removable memory, etc.

[0105] It should be understood that the components included in the ultrasound device 1000 shown in FIG9 are merely illustrative, and the ultrasound device 1000 may include more or fewer components, which is not limited in this application.

[0106] Based on the above-mentioned veterinary ECG signal acquisition device, as shown in FIG11 , some embodiments of the present application further provide a veterinary ECG function examination method, including:

[0107] Step S100: Collect the animal's ECG signal using a veterinary ECG signal acquisition device. The structure of the veterinary ECG acquisition device in step S100 is not described in detail here. By using the veterinary ECG acquisition device, the animal can be better immobilized and damage to the animal can be avoided.

[0108] Step S200: Obtain an animal's ECG waveform based on the ECG signal. In some embodiments, electrocardiography can be used to generate the animal's ECG waveform. Electrocardiography is a method that displays the bioelectrical activity generated by cardiac excitation and examines cardiac function based on its characteristics and changes. Before the heart mechanically contracts, a weak electric current is generated in the myocardium. This current is transmitted throughout the body via body fluids. An electrocardiograph amplifies and records these weak potential changes on the human body surface, forming a continuous wave and segment, which is the electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform or electrocardiogram.

[0109] Step S300: transmitting ultrasonic waves to the animal.

[0110] Step S400: Receive ultrasonic echoes to obtain ultrasonic echo signals, and generate an ultrasonic image of the animal based on the echo signals. The ultrasonic image of the animal can be an ultrasonic image of a specific tissue of the animal, such as an ultrasonic image of the animal's stomach or heart.

[0111] Step S500: Simultaneously display the animal's electrocardiogram waveform and ultrasound image. Medical personnel can view the electrocardiogram while viewing the ultrasound image, thereby making a better judgment on the animal's condition.

[0112] The veterinary ECG signal acquisition device according to the above embodiment can easily fix the animal. At the same time, it utilizes the animal's natural hairless area, eliminates the need for shaving, and reduces or eliminates the use of conductive glue, thereby improving the animal's cooperation and being more animal-friendly.

[0113] The above specific examples are used to illustrate the present invention, which are only used to help understand the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, according to the concept of the present invention, the above specific embodiments can be modified.

Claims

1. A veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device, characterized in that, it includes: A fixing component capable of forming a wearing space for the claw of an animal to extend into, and fixing the claw of the animal after the claw of the animal extends into it; A conductive component including electrodes arranged in the wearing space, and the electrodes are used to contact the paw pads on the claws of the animal after the claws of the animal extend into the wearing space to acquire the electrocardiogram signal of the animal.

2. The veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode includes a plurality of conductive protrusions for contacting the paw pads of the animal.

3. The veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode includes a support portion whose bottom end is connected to the fixing component. The top end of the support portion has a contact surface for contacting the paw pad of the animal. At least the contact surface on the support portion can conduct electricity. The support portion is arranged to be deformable along the height direction of the support portion under the action of an external force, so that the contact surface approaches or moves away from the inner wall of the wearing space.

4. The veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support portion is an arc-shaped structure, the support portion is connected to the fixing component, and the support portion protrudes towards the fixing component.

5. The veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support portion is a hollow structure made of a flexible material.

6. The veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The contact surface is wavy, and the direction of the waves on the contact surface is set to be perpendicular to the direction in which the claw of the animal extends.

7. The veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to claim 6, characterized in that, A plurality of conductive protrusions for contacting the paw pads of the animal are arranged on the contact surface, and the height of the protrusions along the height direction of the support portion is not lower than the height of the wave crest of the contact surface.

8. The veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to claim 7, characterized in that, A plurality of the protrusions are distributed on multiple wave crests of the contact surface.

9. The veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The fixing component includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion. The wearing space is formed between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion can move relatively closer or relatively farther away from each other, so that the wearing space becomes larger or smaller.

10. The veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first fixing portion includes a first clamping plate, the second fixing portion includes a second clamping plate, and the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are movably connected to open or close.

11. The veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first splint includes a first movable end located at the end of the first splint, and the second splint includes a second movable end located at the end of the second splint. When the first splint and the second splint are closed, the first movable end and the second movable end approach each other. The first movable end has at least two first guide plates extending outwardly and spaced apart, and the second movable end has at least one second guide plate extending outwardly. During the process of the first movable end and the second movable end approaching each other, the first guide plates and the second guide plate can cross each other.

12. The veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fixing assembly includes a strap, the electrodes are mounted on the strap, the strap is used to enclose and form the wearing space, the strap has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion cooperating with the first connecting portion, and after the strap encloses and forms the wearing space, the first connecting portion is used to connect with the second connecting portion.

13. The veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to claim 12, characterized in that one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is the fuzzy surface of a magic tape, and the other of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is the hook surface of the magic tape; or at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion has adhesiveness, so that the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion can be adhered.

14. An ultrasonic device, characterized in that it includes: a display; an ultrasonic probe; a transmitting circuit for exciting the ultrasonic probe to emit ultrasonic waves to an animal; a receiving circuit for controlling the ultrasonic probe to receive the echo of the ultrasonic waves to obtain the echo signal of the ultrasonic waves; the veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a processor for obtaining the electrocardiogram waveform of the animal according to the acquired electrocardiogram signal of the animal; and generating the ultrasonic image of the animal according to the echo signal, and outputting the electrocardiogram waveform and the ultrasonic image to the display for display.

15. A method for checking the electrocardiogram function of a veterinary animal, characterized in that it includes: acquiring the electrocardiogram signal of an animal through a veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device, wherein the veterinary electrocardiogram signal acquisition device includes a fixing assembly and a conductive assembly, the fixing assembly can form a wearing space, the wearing space is used for the claw of the animal to extend into, and after the claw of the animal extends into, the claw of the animal is fixed, the conductive assembly includes electrodes arranged in the wearing space, and the electrodes are used to contact the paw pads on the claw of the animal after the claw of the animal extends into the wearing space to acquire the electrocardiogram signal of the animal; obtaining the electrocardiogram waveform of the animal according to the electrocardiogram signal; emitting ultrasonic waves to the animal; receiving the echo of the ultrasonic waves to obtain the echo signal of the ultrasonic waves; generating the ultrasonic image of the animal according to the echo signal; simultaneously displaying the electrocardiogram waveform and the ultrasonic image of the animal.

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