Ultrasonic scanning module and ultrasonic scanning device

Abstract

Disclosed is an ultrasonic scanning module comprising: a housing which comprises an upper cover and on which a body part is mounted on the upper cover; an inner box which is installed inside the housing and moves in the X-axis direction by means of a drive part so as to perform scanning of the body part; a track device which has a track surface connected to both ends of the inner box in the X-axis direction so as to move together with the inner box inside the housing and support the upper cover against the pressure of the body part; and a filler which fills the inner space of the housing. The inner box comprises: an inner housing which accommodates an electric wire therein; and an ultrasonic transducer which is installed on the top surface of the inner housing and is connected to the electric wire. According to the present invention, ultrasonic scanning of the body part is possible through the ultrasonic transducer arranged in the state in which the body part is supported through the inner box and the track surface.

Description

Ultrasonic scanning module and ultrasonic scanning device

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasound scanning module and an ultrasound scanning device, and more particularly, to a module for scanning a body part using ultrasound and a scanning device including the same.

[0002] Breast cancer is a common cancer in Western countries, and among Korean women, it is a common cancer, along with cervical and stomach cancers. X-rays are typically used as the primary screening tool to diagnose breast cancer. While widely used due to their ease of diagnosis, X-rays have the disadvantage of lower diagnostic yields in cases of dense breast tissue. In particular, Korean women have denser breast tissue than Western women, making X-rays less effective and prone to misdiagnosis.

[0003] In recent years, ultrasound examinations have been introduced and used in place of X-rays. Ultrasound examinations are free of radiation risks, and improvements in image processing technologies, such as 3D imaging, have made it possible to diagnose small tumors. Conventional ultrasound examinations involve the subject standing, with the examiner holding the ultrasound probe and moving it across the examination area.

[0004] However, the examination method using a handheld ultrasound probe is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and is highly inefficient for group examinations. Furthermore, the examination process is not only physically demanding for the examiner but can also cause embarrassment to the examinee. Furthermore, since the examiner manually moves the ultrasound probe, only the examiner knows the location of the subject, which can lead to inaccurate results when recorded. Furthermore, the examination process relies heavily on the examiner's subjective assessment, and unless the examiner is highly skilled, reliability is low. Furthermore, while the ultrasound probe must be in perfect contact with the subject for an accurate examination, a gap may form between the probe and the subject, resulting in highly inaccurate diagnostic results. In particular, when examining in a standing position, supporting the lower part of the breast and applying pressure from the upper part can cause the subject to experience pain and thus avoid the examination.

[0005] In addition, when taking ultrasound measurements in a lying or supine position, the examination procedure becomes complicated, reducing the efficiency of the examination device, and the subject becomes tired as he or she undergoes the examination in an uncomfortable position.

[0006] In addition to diffusion loss, transmission loss, and scattering attenuation, ultrasound tends to be attenuated in air. This means that the air gap between the ultrasonic probe and the object being examined can act as an acoustic impedance, hindering the transmission of acoustic energy from the ultrasonic probe.

[0007] To prevent attenuation of ultrasound waves by air gaps, an ultrasonic mediator can be used as a filler. In this case, even when a non-electrolyte is used as the ultrasonic mediator, electronic devices such as circuits must be isolated and protected from the ultrasonic mediator. However, conventional techniques have limited the ability to shield the electronic devices within a scanning device from the ultrasonic mediator.

[0008] As a technology related to the present invention, the ultrasonic inspection device for a deformable object disclosed in the Korean Patent Gazette discloses an ultrasonic inspection device including a support frame, a movable means, a driving means, and an ultrasonic probe. This related technology has a disadvantage in that ultrasonic waves are attenuated due to a gap between the ultrasonic probe and the body, even when a contact medium such as gel is applied to the body being inspected.

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic scanning module including an inner box capable of protecting an ultrasonic transducer from an ultrasonic medium and controlling its movement, and an ultrasonic scanning device including the same.

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic scanning module including an inner box equipped with ultrasonic elements arranged in a single row and a control unit capable of efficiently controlling the movement of the inner box, and an ultrasonic scanning device including the inner box.

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasound scanning module capable of outputting an ultrasound image that is seamlessly connected through a single continuous movement, and an ultrasound scanning device including the same.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, an ultrasonic scanning module is disclosed, which comprises: a housing including an upper cover, on which a body part is placed; an inner box installed inside the housing, which moves in the X-axis direction by a driving unit and performs scanning of the body part; a track device having a track surface connected to both ends of the inner box in the X-axis direction, which moves together with the inner box inside the housing and supports the upper cover against the pressure of the body part; and a filler that fills the internal space of the housing; and the inner box includes: an inner housing that stores a wire therein; an ultrasonic transducer installed on a top surface of the inner housing and connected to the wire; and a control circuit electrically connected to the wire.

[0013] Additionally, the ultrasonic scanning module may be configured such that the ultrasonic transducer includes a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged in a single row in the Y-axis direction from the center of the length in the X-axis direction of the inner box.

[0014] Additionally, the ultrasonic scanning module may be configured such that the upper cover is formed of a material capable of transmitting ultrasonic waves.

[0015] Additionally, the ultrasonic scanning module may be configured such that the upper cover is formed of polymethylpentene (TPX) resin.

[0016] Additionally, the ultrasound scanning module may be configured such that the housing further includes a pad disposed on the upper cover to support a body part.

[0017] Additionally, the ultrasonic scanning module is characterized in that the filler is an ultrasonic medium of a non-conductive liquid.

[0018] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, an ultrasonic scanning device is disclosed, which comprises a housing including an upper cover and a body part placed on the upper cover; an inner box installed inside the housing and moving in the X-axis direction by a driving unit to scan the body part; a track device having a track surface connected to the inner box so as to move together with the inner box and support the housing against the pressure of the body part; a filler filling the internal space of the housing; a driving unit moving the inner box in the X-axis direction; and a control unit controlling the scanning of the inner box, wherein the inner box comprises an inner housing storing a wire therein; and an ultrasonic transducer installed on a top surface of the inner housing and connected to the wire.

[0019] In addition, the ultrasonic scanning device may be configured such that the driving unit further includes a power device that moves the inner box in the X-axis direction; and a linear movement module that guides the movement of the inner box in the X-axis direction.

[0020] Additionally, the ultrasonic scanning device may be configured such that the control unit controls scanning of the power unit and the ultrasonic transducer so that scanning is performed only in the uniform motion section of the inner box.

[0021] Additionally, the ultrasonic scanning device may be configured so that the control unit collects scanning information to be used in the main scanning through high-speed pre-scanning compared to the main scanning.

[0022] Additionally, the ultrasound scanning device may be configured such that the control unit determines an effective scanning area overlapping a body part among scannable areas based on scanning information.

[0023] In addition, the ultrasonic scanning device may be configured such that the control unit controls the scanning length in the X-axis direction and the scanning width in the Y-axis direction based on scanning information so that the main scanning is performed only within the effective scanning area.

[0024] In addition, the ultrasonic scanning device includes an ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic element arranged in a row in the Y-axis direction from the center of the inner box to form a plurality of channels, and the control unit can be configured to determine a time for driving the ultrasonic transducer according to a scanning length and to determine the number of channels for performing scanning according to a scanning width.

[0025] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the “Specific Details for Carrying Out the Invention” and the attached “Drawings.”

[0026] The advantages and / or features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear with reference to the various embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings.

[0027] However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and each embodiment disclosed in this specification is provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is defined only by the scope of each claim of the claims.

[0028] According to the present invention, ultrasound scanning of a body part is possible while the scanning surface is supported from pressure of the body part by the inner box and the orbital surface.

[0029] Additionally, since a single row of ultrasonic transducers is used, a seamless ultrasound image can be generated.

[0030] Additionally, prescanning can minimize the time spent pressing on body parts by completing scanning in the shortest possible time.

[0031] Additionally, the scanning width and scanning length can be efficiently controlled depending on the size of the body part to be examined.

[0032] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram of an ultrasonic inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram of an EL arm of an ultrasonic inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram of a scanning device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a scanning device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of an inner box and a driving device included in a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 is an exemplary diagram of an inner box according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 is an exemplary diagram of an inner box according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of a driving device included in a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a scanning method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 11 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a scanning method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the terms or words used in this specification should not be interpreted as being unconditionally limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, and that the inventor of the present invention may appropriately define and use the concepts of various terms in order to explain his or her invention in the best possible manner, and further, that these terms or words should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0044] That is, it should be noted that the terms used in this specification are only used to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to specifically limit the contents of the present invention, and that these terms are defined in consideration of various possibilities of the present invention.

[0045] Additionally, it should be noted that in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning, and similarly, even if expressed in plural, may include a singular meaning.

[0046] Throughout this specification, whenever a component is described as "including" another component, it may mean that the component may further include any other component, rather than excluding any other component, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0047] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "inside or connected to" another component, it should be understood that the component may be installed in direct connection with or in contact with the other component, may be installed spaced apart from the other component by a certain distance, and if installed spaced apart from the other component by a certain distance, there may be a third component or means for fixing or connecting the component to the other component, and the description of this third component or means may be omitted.

[0048] On the other hand, if a component is described as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that no third component or means exists.

[0049] Likewise, other expressions that describe the relationship between components, such as "between" and "directly between", or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", should be interpreted as having the same meaning.

[0050] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms “one side,” “the other side,” “one side,” “the other side,” “first,” “second,” etc. in this specification, if used, are used to clearly distinguish one component from another component, and that the meaning of the component is not limited by such terms.

[0051] In addition, terms related to position, such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., in this specification, if used, should be understood to indicate relative positions of the corresponding components in the corresponding drawings, and unless absolute positions are specified for these positions, these position-related terms should not be understood to refer to absolute positions.

[0052] In addition, in this specification, when specifying the drawing numbers for each component of each drawing, the same component has the same drawing number even if the component is shown in a different drawing, that is, the same reference number indicates the same component throughout the specification.

[0053] In the drawings attached to this specification, the size, position, connection relationship, etc. of each component constituting the present invention may be described with some exaggeration, reduction, or omission in order to sufficiently clearly convey the idea of ​​the present invention or for convenience of explanation, and therefore the proportions or scales may not be strict.

[0054] In addition, in the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of a configuration that is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, for example, a known technology including a prior art, may be omitted. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the relevant drawings.

[0055] In the XYZ coordinate axes shown in Fig. 1, the X-axis direction is set as the width direction of the ultrasonic inspection device (10), the Y-axis direction is set as the thickness direction, and the Z-axis direction is set as the height direction.

[0056] In addition, the X-axis direction becomes the longitudinal direction of scanning performed by the ultrasonic scanning device (100) included in the ultrasonic inspection device (10), and the Y-axis direction becomes the width direction of scanning.

[0057] An ultrasonic inspection device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an ultrasonic scanning device (100), and the ultrasonic scanning device (100) is configured to include an ultrasonic scanning module (110).

[0058] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram of an ultrasonic inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, an ultrasonic inspection device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a stand (400), an L-arm (300) coupled to the front of the stand (400), and an ultrasonic generation module (440) coupled to the rear of the stand (400). The L-arm (300) may be coupled to a guide curtain (420) formed on the stand (400). Gel holders (430) may be attached to both sides of the stand (400).

[0060] The stand (400) includes a stand housing (410) and a stand body (not shown) therein. The stand body may include a central processing unit or computer that processes ultrasound images using a program.

[0061] The stand (400) includes a plurality of casters (not shown) coupled to the bottom surface, and can be configured in a portable form that can be freely moved using these.

[0062] The EL arm (300) has a function of performing scanning while compressing the body part to be examined. For example, the EL arm (300) has a function of providing a floor on which a breast is placed, compressing the placed breast from above, and performing ultrasound scanning of the breast along the bottom surface on which the breast is placed while the breast is compressed. The EL arm (300) can be raised and lowered in the Z-axis direction with respect to the stand (400) and rotated about the Y-axis.

[0063] The actuating means for providing driving force for the Z-axis translational movement of the ELAm (300), i.e., for lifting, may be composed of a vertical linear actuator (not shown), such as a chain transmission mechanism, a lead screw linear actuator, a belt driven linear actuator, or a rack and pinion actuator, mounted within the stand (400).

[0064] The operating means that provides driving force for the Y-axis rotational movement of the ELAM (300) may be composed of a rotary actuator (not shown), such as an electric motor or pneumatic motor, mounted within the stand (400).

[0065] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram of an EL arm of an ultrasonic inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, the ELAM (300) may include an ELAM main body (210), an ultrasonic scanning device (100), and a compression assembly (310) coupled to the ELAM main body (210). The ultrasonic scanning device (100) and the ELAM main body (210) may form a gantry (200).

[0067] The compression assembly (310) may be composed of a compression unit (320) and a user interface (330). The compression assembly (310) may be coupled to the front of the ELAM body (210) so as to be capable of translational movement in the Z-axis direction with respect to the ELAM body (210).

[0068] The compression unit (320) may be configured to include a compression paddle (321) that compresses a body part and an actuator (323) that drives the compression paddle (321).

[0069] The user interface (330) may be configured to include a user button (331) that receives input from the user for operating the ultrasonic inspection device (10), an LCD (333) that displays the status of the ultrasonic inspection device (10), and a manual operation unit (335) that can operate the pressure paddle (321).

[0070] The ultrasound scanning device (100) includes a housing (111), and the housing (111) may include an upper cover (112) and a lower cover (113). A body part, for example, a breast, may be placed on the upper cover (112). In addition, a compression paddle (321) may compress the breast placed on the upper cover (112).

[0071] The ultrasound scanning device (100) may be configured to include a pad (114) placed on the upper cover (112). The pad (114) has a function of preventing a gap between the body part and the upper cover (112).

[0072] Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram of a scanning device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a scanning device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 5, the upper cover (112) may include a contact surface (112a) formed on the outside and a scanning surface (112b) formed on the inside. A body part may be in contact with the contact surface (112a), and the ultrasonic transducer (140) may be configured to translate along the scanning surface (112b) within the housing (111). The contact surface (112a) and the scanning surface (112b) of the upper cover (112) are configured to remain horizontal.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper cover (112) may be formed of a material capable of transmitting ultrasonic waves, such as polymethylpentene (TPX) resin. TPX is a lightweight, high-temperature polyolefin with excellent acoustic and electrical properties. TPX is characterized by low moisture absorption and excellent chemical resistance. Due to its high dielectric strength and low dielectric constant, TPX can also be used in the head of an ultrasonic transducer (140).

[0077] The upper cover (112) may be deformed due to the weight applied by the body part due to its low hardness, but deformation can be prevented by supporting the upper cover (112) by forming a horizontal track surface with the inner box (130) and the extended track device (166).

[0078] Referring back to FIG. 2, the ELAM main body (210) may include an ELAM housing (211). An operating unit (215) and a handle (217) may be arranged on the surface of the ELAM housing (211). The operating unit (215) enables translational movement and rotational movement of the ELAM (300) to be controlled. A driving device may be installed inside the ELAM housing (211) to enable translational movement of the ELAM (300) in the Z-axis direction, translational movement in the X-axis direction, and rotational movement around the Y-axis.

[0079] Referring again to FIG. 3, the ultrasonic scanning device (100) includes a housing (111). The housing (111) includes an upper cover (112) and a lower cover (113). An ultrasonic scanning module (110) and a driving unit (160) may be installed in the internal space of the housing (111).

[0080] The driving unit (160) may be configured to include a power device (161), a track device (166), a linear movement module (170), and a cable assembly (180). A motor assembly (162), which is a component of the power device (161), is depicted in FIG. 3.

[0081] It may be configured to include an inner box (130) installed inside the housing (111), a track device (166), a pad (114) placed on the upper part of the housing (111), and a filler (not shown) filling the internal space of the housing (111).

[0082] The housing (111) may be composed of an upper cover (112) and a lower cover (113). A part of the scanning body, for example, a motor assembly (162) constituting the driving unit (160), may be positionally included in the ELAM main body (210). The scanning body may be composed to include an ultrasonic scanning module (110), a driving unit (160), and a control unit (190).

[0083] Referring again to FIG. 4, the ultrasonic scanning device (100) includes an ultrasonic scanning module (110), a driving unit (160), and a control unit (190), and the ultrasonic scanning module (110) includes a housing (111), a pad (114), a frame (120), and an inner box (130).

[0084] The inner box (130) can be configured to include an inner housing (131), an ultrasonic transducer (140), a wire (not shown), and a terminal (145).

[0085] The inner upper cover (132) and inner lower cover (133) constituting the inner housing (131) are depicted.

[0086] Referring again to FIG. 5, a cross-section formed when cutting A-A' shown in FIG. 3 vertically in the Z-axis direction is depicted. A housing (111), a pad (114), an inner box (130), a power device (161), an orbital device (166), and a linear movement module (170) constituting an ultrasonic scanning device (100) are depicted. The housing (111) and the inner box (130) are components of the ultrasonic scanning module (110), and the power device (161), the orbital device (166), and the linear movement module (170) are components of the driving unit (160).

[0087] The ultrasonic scanning device (100) may be configured to include an ultrasonic scanning module (110), a driving unit (160) for driving an inner box (130) included in the ultrasonic scanning module (110), and a control unit (190) (not shown) for controlling the inner box (130) and the driving unit (160). The control unit (190) may be included inside the ultrasonic inspection device (10), for example, inside the user interface (330) or the ELAM housing (211) depicted in FIG. 2.

[0088] An ultrasound scanning module (110) may be configured to include a housing (111) including an upper cover (112) having a contact surface (112a) that comes into contact with a body part to be examined and a scanning surface (112b) formed in the opposite direction to the contact surface (112a), an inner box (130) installed within the housing (111) so as to be able to move in parallel along the scanning surface (112b), and a filler (151) that fills the internal space of the housing other than the inner box (130).

[0089] Referring back to FIG. 5, the inner box (130) may be configured to include an ultrasonic transducer (140), a wire (not shown) electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and a terminal (145) electrically connected to the wire (not shown). The inner box (130) will be described in detail in FIG. 6.

[0090] Referring back to FIG. 5, the filler (151) is a liquid material that fills the space surrounding the inner box (130) within the housing (111), and is characterized by being a non-conductive liquid ultrasonic medium. As the inner box (130) including the ultrasonic transducer (140) moves in the X-axis direction, the ultrasonic transducer (140) included in the inner box (130) moves along the scanning surface (112b). Therefore, a gap may occur between the scanning surface (112b) and the input / output surface (146) of the ultrasonic transducer (140). The filler (151) has a function of filling the external space of the inner box (130) within the housing to close the gap between the input / output surface (146) of the ultrasonic transducer exposed on the upper surface (137) of the inner box (130) and the contact surface. Since the gap between the scanning surface and the input / output surface of the ultrasonic transducer is eliminated, the ultrasonic transducer (140) can output ultrasonic waves without attenuation energy and receive ultrasonic reflection waves that are reflected and returned.

[0091] The filler (151) may be a liquid, such as deionized water or a non-conductive liquid. The filler may be injected into the housing (111) through an inlet. The inlet may be positioned higher than the upper cover (112) of the housing (111). Accordingly, when air bubbles are generated in the filler (151) within the housing (111), their impact on the ultrasound image may be minimized.

[0092] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of an inner box and a driving device included in a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 6, the ultrasonic scanning device (100) may be configured to include a frame (120), a driving unit (160) coupled to the frame (120), and an inner box (130).

[0094] The driving unit (160) has a function of moving the inner box (130) in the X-axis direction. The driving unit (160) may be configured to include a power device (161), an orbital motion device (166), and a linear movement module (170). The power device (161) will be described later.

[0095] The track device (166) functions to form a support surface that extends parallel to the upper surface of the inner box (130) when the inner box (130) moves in the X-axis direction. Through this support surface, the upper cover in contact with the support surface can be supported against the pressure of a body part pressing the contact surface.

[0096] The track device (166) may be configured to include a pair of caterpillars (167a, 167b) and a pair of sliding plates (169a, 169b). One end of the caterpillars (167a, 167b) may be configured to be coupled to the connecting bodies (136a, 136b) at both ends of the inner box (139), and the other end may be configured to be coupled to the sliding plates (169a, 169b).

[0097] The caterpillar (167a, 167b) includes an upper track that is arranged flatly above, and a lower track that is arranged horizontally below the upper track and at a distance from the upper track. The upper surface of the upper track forms a horizontal plane at the same height as the upper surface of the inner box.

[0098] The sliding plates (169a, 169b) are arranged at the lower portion of the housing so as to be reciprocally movable along the X-axis. One end of the sliding plates (169a, 169b) is connected to each other by a hinge, and the other end can be connected to the caterpillar. By adjusting the gap between the sliding plates (169a, 169b), the upper track of the caterpillar can be kept flat.

[0099] The linear movement module (170) has a function of guiding the inner box (130) along a certain track when the inner box (130) moves in the X-axis direction by the power device (161). The linear movement module (170) may be configured to include linear movement rails (171a, 171b) coupled to the frame (120) and linear movement guides (173a, 173b) coupled to the inner box (130). Through the power of the power device (161), the linear movement guides (173a, 173b) coupled to the inner box (130) move in the X-axis direction along the linear movement rails (171a, 171b).

[0100] Figure 7 is an exemplary diagram of an inner box according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to Fig. 7, the interior of the inner box (130) is depicted.

[0102] The inner box (130) can be configured to include an inner housing (131) and an ultrasonic transducer (140).

[0103] The inner housing (131) may be configured to include an inner upper cover (132), an inner lower cover (133), and a gasket (134) coupled between the inner upper cover (132) and the inner lower cover (133). The inner housing (131) may be finished to prevent filler from penetrating into the interior. The interior finishing may include, in addition to the gasket (134) between the inner upper cover (132) and the inner lower cover (133), a finishing such as a rubber packing between the hole (135) of the inner upper cover (132) and the ultrasonic transducer (140). A hole (135) may be formed in the inner upper cover (132).

[0104] An ultrasonic transducer (140) is installed in the inner housing (131) by combining with a bracket (142) so that the input / output surface (146) is formed on the same plane as the upper surface (137) of the inner upper cover (132) constituting the inner housing (131), and can be exposed to the upper surface (137) through a hole (135). The ultrasonic transducer (140) can be exposed parallel to the upper surface (137) through the hole (135). The upper surface (137) refers to the upper surface of the inner upper cover (132).

[0105] The ultrasonic transducer (140) may be configured to include a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged in the Y-axis direction. That is, the ultrasonic elements may be arranged in one row located at the center of the inner box (130). That is, the plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged in one row can output a seamless scanning image through one scanning operation moving in the X-axis direction, compared to the conventional technology in which the ultrasonic elements are arranged in two rows and scanned by dividing each area by half.

[0106] A wire (not shown) connected to an ultrasonic transducer (140), for example, a flexible flat cable or a flexible printed circuit, may be installed inside the inner housing (131).

[0107] Figure 8 is an exemplary diagram of an inner box according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to Fig. 8, the bottom surface of the inner box (130) is depicted. A linear movement guide (173a, 173b) of a linear movement module (170) for linearly moving the inner box (130) in the X-axis direction and a belt clamp (166a, 166b) for moving the inner box (130) in the X-axis direction can be attached to the bottom surface of the inner box (130).

[0109] A pair of belt clamps (166a, 166b) have the function of connecting a pair of timing belts (165a, 165b) constituting a power unit (161) and the bottom surface of the inner box (130). A toothed belt may be used as the timing belt (165a, 165b), and teeth may be formed on the inside of the belt clamps (166a, 166b).

[0110] A reference position (155) corresponding to a metal target can be coupled to the bottom surface of the inner box (130). A sensor (153) coupled to the frame (120) outputs a signal for the reference position (155), and can detect the position of the inner box (130) in the X-axis direction using a signal reflected and returned from the reference position (155).

[0111] The sensor (153) (see Fig. 9) is an inductive proximity sensor that can detect a metal object approaching the sensor without physical contact. The sensor (153) can use a high-frequency oscillation method using electromagnetic induction, a magnetic method using a magnet, or a capacitive method using a change in electrostatic capacitance.

[0112] A link (136a, 136b) can be connected to the side of the inner box (130). The link (136a, 136b) is connected to a caterpillar (167a, 167b) (see FIG. 6) of the track device (166), and when the inner box (130) moves along the X-axis direction, the caterpillar (167a, 167b) also moves together with the inner box (130).

[0113] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of a driving unit included in a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 9, the power device (161) and linear movement module (170) included in the driving unit (160) are depicted.

[0115] The power unit (161) has a function of providing power so that the inner box (130) can move in the X-axis direction. The power unit (161) may be configured to include a motor assembly (162), a pair of shafts (164a, 164b), and a pair of timing belts (165a, 165b). The motor assembly (162) may include a motor (163) and various parts coupled to the motor (163), such as a bracket, a gear, etc. The rotational power generated by the power unit (161) is transmitted to the inner box (130) through a pair of shafts (164a, 164b), a pair of timing belts (165a, 165b), and a belt clamp (166a, 166b).

[0116] A linear motion (LM) module (170) can be configured to include a linear motion rail (171a, 171b) and a linear motion guide (173a, 173b).

[0117] The rotational power generated by the power device (161) can be transmitted to the inner box (130) to move the inner box (130) and the track device (166) connected to the inner box (130) in the X-axis direction. In this case, the track device (166) has a function of supporting the upper cover (112) of the housing (111) against the downward pressure applied by the body part (T) from above while moving the scanning surface together with the inner box (130). The linear movement module (170) has a function of guiding the linear movement of the inner box (130) in the X-axis direction. In addition, the control unit (190) can control the displacement of the inner box (130) or the ultrasonic transducer (140) in the X-axis direction using the sensor (152).

[0118] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a scanning method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 10, an ultrasonic scanning method (S100) using an ultrasonic scanning device (100) may be configured to include a step (S110) of performing pre-scanning on a scannable area and a step (S130) of performing main scanning using scanning information collected in the pre-scanning.

[0120] The driving section of the motor (163) included in the power device (161) of the driving unit (160), for example, an AC motor (163), is composed of an acceleration section in which the inner box (130) starts at 0 speed and accelerates, a constant speed section corresponding to a steady state, and a deceleration section in which the speed gradually decreases. The ultrasonic scanning device (100) can perform pre-scanning and main scanning using an ultrasonic transducer (140) in the constant speed section of the motor (163).

[0121] The ultrasonic scanning device (100) can perform pre-scanning on the scannable area (P) through control by the control unit (190) (S110). The ultrasonic scanning device (100) can quickly collect scanning information to be used in the main scanning through high-speed pre-scanning compared to the main scanning. The scanning information includes information regarding the scanning length and scanning width.

[0122] Figure 11 is an exemplary diagram for explaining an ultrasound scanning method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Referring to Fig. 11, an ultrasound scanning device (100) in the XZ plane and an upper cover (112) in the XY plane are schematically depicted. A body part (T) is placed on a pad (114) arranged on the upper surface (137) of the ultrasound scanning device (100) and is compressed by a compression paddle (321) located at the upper portion. Then, an ultrasound transducer (140) provided in an inner box (130) installed in the ultrasound scanning device (100) performs scanning. The ultrasound transducer (140) and a wire (144) are electrically connected and can be protected from moisture penetration of a filler (151) by the inner box (130).

[0124] The scannable area (P) is defined by the scannable length (L1) and the scannable width (W1). The effective scanning area (R) is the area where the body part (T), for example, the breast and the upper surface (137), overlap, and is the area where the main scanning is actually performed. The effective scanning area (R) can be defined by the effective scanning length (L2) and the effective scanning width (W2).

[0125] Next, the ultrasonic scanning device (100) can perform main scanning using scanning information collected from pre-scanning through control by the control unit (190) (S130).

[0126] Through the control of the control unit (190), the ultrasonic scanning device (100) can collect scanning information, i.e., the values ​​of the effective scanning width (W2) and the effective scanning length (L2), through pre-scanning, and can perform scanning on the effective scanning area corresponding to the effective scanning width (W2) and the effective scanning length (L2) during main scanning.

[0127] The ultrasonic transducer (140) may include a plurality of ultrasonic elements (not shown) arranged in the Y-axis direction to form one channel. The control unit (190) may be configured to determine the time for driving the ultrasonic transducer according to the effective scanning length (L2) and to determine the number of channels for which scanning is to be performed according to the effective scanning width (W2).

[0128] According to the conventional technology, the control unit (190) could be configured to determine a suitable split point within the effective scanning area (R) for the minimum scanning time based on scanning information, and to divide the effective scanning area (R) into a plurality of split scanning areas based on the split points and scan them. However, in the case of split scanning using a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, there was a disadvantage in that the generated ultrasonic images were not smoothly connected and curves were generated at the seams.

[0129] An ultrasound scanning device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to create a seamless ultrasound image through a single scan of the entire body part using one ultrasound transducer (140), i.e., a plurality of ultrasound elements arranged in a row.

[0130] According to one embodiment of the present invention, ultrasound scanning of a body part is possible in a state where the scanning surface is supported from pressure of the body part by the inner box and the orbital surface.

[0131] Additionally, since a single row of ultrasonic transducers is used, a seamless ultrasound image can be generated.

[0132] Additionally, prescanning can minimize the time spent pressing on body parts by completing scanning in the shortest possible time.

[0133] Additionally, the scanning width and scanning length can be efficiently controlled depending on the size of the body part to be examined.

[0134] Above, although some examples have been given and various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, the description of the various embodiments described in the “Specific Details for Carrying Out the Invention” section is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will readily understand that they can carry out various modifications of the present invention or carry out equivalent implementations of the present invention based on the above description.

[0135] In addition, since the present invention can be implemented in various other forms, the present invention is not limited by the above description, and the above description is provided only to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs of the scope of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is defined only by each claim of the claims.

[0136] The present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing ultrasonic scanning devices.

Claims

1. A housing including an upper cover and a body part mounted on the upper cover; An inner box installed inside the housing and moving in the X-axis direction by a driving unit to perform scanning of the body part; A track device that has an orbital surface connected to both ends of the inner box in the X-axis direction, moves together with the inner box inside the housing, and supports the upper cover against the pressure of the body part; and Containing a filler that fills the internal space of the housing, The above inner box is, Inner housing to store the wires inside; An ultrasonic transducer installed on the top surface of the inner housing and connected to the wire; and An ultrasonic scanning module configured to include the above wire.

2. In claim 1, the ultrasonic transducer, An ultrasonic scanning module configured to include a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged in a single row in the Y-axis direction from the center of the length of the X-axis direction of the inner box.

3. In claim 1, the upper cover, An ultrasonic scanning module configured to be formed of a material capable of transmitting ultrasonic waves.

4. In claim 3, the upper cover, Composed of polymethylpentene (TPX) resin, Ultrasonic scanning module.

5. In claim 1, the filler comprises: An ultrasonic scanning module characterized by being an ultrasonic medium of a non-conductive liquid.

6. A housing including an upper cover and a body part mounted on the upper cover; An inner box installed inside the housing and moving in the X-axis direction by a driving unit to perform scanning of the body part; An orbital device having an orbital surface connected to the inner box, moving together with the inner box and supporting the housing against the pressure of the body part; A filler filling the internal space of the housing; A driving unit that moves the inner box in the X-axis direction; and Including a control unit that controls scanning of the inner box, The above inner box is, Inner housing for storing wires inside; and An ultrasonic scanning device configured to include an ultrasonic transducer installed on the top surface of the inner housing and connected to the wire.

7. In claim 6, the driving unit, A power device for moving the inner box in the X-axis direction; and An ultrasonic scanning device further configured to include a linear movement module that guides movement of the inner box in the X-axis direction.

8. In claim 7, the control unit, An ultrasonic scanning device configured to control scanning of the power device and the ultrasonic transducer so that the scanning is performed only in the uniform motion section of the inner box.

9. In claim 6, the control unit, An ultrasonic scanning device configured to collect scanning information to be used in the main scanning through high-speed pre-scanning compared to the main scanning.

10. In claim 9, the control unit, An ultrasound scanning device configured to determine an effective scanning area overlapping the body part among scannable areas based on the above scanning information.

11. In claim 10, the control unit, An ultrasonic scanning device configured to control the scanning length in the X-axis direction and the scanning width in the Y-axis direction based on the scanning information so that the main scanning is performed only within the valid scanning area.

12. In claim 11, the ultrasonic transducer, It includes ultrasonic elements arranged in one row in the Y-axis direction at the center of the inner box to form a plurality of channels, The above control unit, It is configured to determine the time for driving the ultrasonic transducer according to the scanning length, and to determine the number of channels for performing scanning according to the scanning width. Ultrasonic scanning device.

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