Button and switch apparatus including same

Abstract

A button according to an embodiment includes: a protrusion portion extending in the vertical direction to press a switch; a button body that is open downward and accommodates the protrusion portion; a curved skirt portion extending in the outward direction from a lower periphery and the button body; and a base portion provided integrally with the skirt portion to support same, wherein the skirt portion has one end connected to the lower periphery of the button body and the other end connected to the upper periphery of the base, and the two ends may be at the same height.

Description

Button and switch device including the same

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a button with improved durability and a switch device including the same.

[0002] In recent years, various medical imaging devices have been widely used in the medical field to obtain visual information about human tissues for the early diagnosis of various diseases or for surgical procedures. Representative examples of these medical imaging devices include ultrasound imaging devices, computed tomography (CT) devices, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices.

[0003] An ultrasound imaging device is a device that non-invasively obtains at least one image of a part inside the object (e.g., soft tissue or blood flow) by irradiating an object with an ultrasound signal generated from a transducer of a probe and receiving information about the signal reflected from the object. An ultrasound imaging device can be used for medical purposes such as observing the inside of an object, detecting foreign substances, and measuring injuries. Such ultrasound imaging devices have the advantages of being highly stable compared to imaging devices that use X-rays, being able to display images in real time, and being safe because there is no radiation exposure, and are therefore widely used along with other imaging devices.

[0004] The buttons included in the control panel for operating the ultrasound imaging device may include a rebound force so that they return to their original state when pressure is applied and then removed.

[0005] The repulsive force determines the sensitivity of the button's operation, and this sensitivity arises from abrupt changes in the button's structure. When pressure is applied or removed, the shape-changing portion of the button undergoes repeated tension and contraction.

[0006] Previously, there was a problem that the button's operability was reduced due to tearing caused by repeated tension and contraction of the button.

[0007] One aspect of the disclosed invention is to provide a button having improved durability against tension and contraction due to repeated deformation.

[0008] One aspect of the disclosed invention is to provide a switch device having improved durability against tension and contraction due to repeated deformation.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a button includes a protrusion extending in a vertical direction to press a switch; a button body that is opened downward and accommodates the protrusion; a skirt portion having a curved shape extending in an outward direction of the button body and a lower periphery; and a base portion integrally formed with the skirt portion to support the skirt portion; wherein one end of the skirt portion connected to the lower periphery of the button body and the other end connected to the upper periphery of the base may have the same height.

[0010] A switch device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a button body having a protrusion formed therein that opens downward and extends in an up-and-down direction; a skirt portion having a curved shape that extends outwardly from the button body and a lower circumference; a base portion formed integrally with the skirt portion to support the skirt portion; and a switch configured to receive pressure from the protrusion when pressure is applied to the button body.

[0011] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the amount of change in the button structure can be reduced when pressure is applied to or removed from the button.

[0012] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the durability of a button and a switch device including the same can be improved.

[0013] The present disclosure can be readily understood by the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals refer to structural elements.

[0014] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are block diagrams illustrating the configuration of an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are drawings illustrating an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a button according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a button according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a button in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part A shown in Figure 4.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a button in a second position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a button in a second position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] This disclosure clarifies the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and explains the principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure and discloses embodiments thereof so that those skilled in the art can practice the embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms.

[0033] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components. This specification does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and any content that is general in the technical field to which the present invention pertains or that overlaps between the embodiments is omitted. The term 'module' or 'unit' used in the specification may be implemented by one or a combination of two or more of software, hardware, or firmware, and depending on the embodiments, multiple 'modules' or 'units' may be implemented as a single element, or a single 'module' or 'unit' may include multiple elements.

[0034] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0036] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0037] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0038] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0039] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0040] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0041] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0042] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic device according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are assigned similar drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0043] In the present disclosure, the image may include a medical image acquired by a medical imaging device such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, an ultrasound imaging device, or an X-ray imaging device.

[0044] In the present disclosure, an 'object' refers to a subject to be photographed, and may include a human, an animal, or a part thereof. For example, the object may include a part of the body (such as an organ or system) or a phantom.

[0045] In the present disclosure, 'ultrasonic image' means an image of an object generated or processed based on an ultrasonic signal transmitted to the object and reflected from the object.

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0047] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are block diagrams illustrating the configuration of an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an ultrasound imaging system (100) may include a probe (20) and an ultrasound imaging device (40).

[0049] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can be implemented not only as a cart-type device but also as a portable device. Examples of portable ultrasonic imaging devices include, but are not limited to, a smartphone, laptop computer, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or tablet PC including a probe and an application. The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can also be implemented as an integrated probe.

[0050] The probe (20) may include a wired probe that is connected to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) by wire and communicates with the ultrasonic imaging device (40) by wire, a wireless probe that is connected wirelessly to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and communicates wirelessly with the ultrasonic imaging device (40), and / or a hybrid probe that is connected wired or wirelessly to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and communicates wired or wirelessly with the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0051] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) may include an ultrasonic transceiver module (110), and as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the probe (20) may include an ultrasonic transceiver module (110). According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is also possible for both the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the probe (20) to include an ultrasonic transceiver module (110).

[0052] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe (20) may further include at least one or a combination of an image processor (130), a display (140), or an input interface (170). In the present disclosure, the description of the ultrasound transceiver module (110), the image processor (130), the display (140), or the input interface (170) included in the ultrasound imaging device (40) may also be applied to the ultrasound transceiver module (110), the image processor (130), the display (140), or the input interface (170) included in the probe (20).

[0053] FIG. 1a is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound imaging system (100) when the probe (20) is a wired probe or a hybrid probe.

[0054] The probe (20) may include a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers may be arranged in a predetermined arrangement to be implemented as a transducer array. The transducer array may correspond to a one-dimensional (1D) array or a two-dimensional (2D) array. The plurality of transducers may transmit an ultrasonic signal to the target object (10) according to a transmission signal applied from the transmission module (113). The plurality of transducers may receive an ultrasonic signal (echo signal) reflected from the target object (10) and form a reception signal. In addition, the probe (20) may be implemented as an integral part with the ultrasonic imaging device (40) or may be implemented as a separate type connected to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) by a wire. In addition, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) may be connected to one or a plurality of probes (20) depending on the implementation form.

[0055] If the probe (20) is a wired probe or a hybrid probe, it may include a cable and connector that can be connected to the connector of the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0056] A probe (20) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented as a two-dimensional probe. When the probe (20) is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, a plurality of transducers included in the probe (20) may be arranged two-dimensionally to form a two-dimensional transducer array.

[0057] For example, a two-dimensional transducer array may be in the form of a plurality of sub-arrays including a plurality of transducers arranged in a first direction in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0058] In addition, when the probe (20) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, the ultrasound transmission / reception module (110) may include at least one of an analog beamformer or a digital beamformer. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the two-dimensional probe may include at least one of an analog beamformer or a digital beamformer, or a combination thereof, depending on the implementation form.

[0059] The processor (120) controls the transmission module (113) to form a transmission signal to be applied to each transducer (115) by considering the positions and focus points of the plurality of transducers included in the probe (20).

[0060] The processor (120) can control the receiving module (115) to generate ultrasonic data by converting an analog-to-digital reception signal received from the probe (20) and adding the digitally converted reception signals by taking into account the positions and focus points of a plurality of transducers.

[0061] When the probe (20) is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, the processor (120) can calculate a time delay value for digital beamforming for each sub-array of a plurality of sub-arrays included in the two-dimensional transducer array. In addition, the processor (120) can calculate a time delay value for analog beamforming for each transducer included in any one of the plurality of sub-arrays. The processor (120) can control the analog beamformer and the digital beamformer to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers according to the time delay value for analog beamforming and the time delay value for digital beamforming. In addition, the processor (120) can control the analog beamformer to add up signals received from the plurality of transducers for each sub-array according to the time delay value for analog beamforming. In addition, the processor (120) can control the ultrasound transmission / reception module (110) to convert the signal added up for each sub-array into analog-to-digital. Additionally, the processor (120) can control the digital beamformer to generate ultrasound data by adding digitally converted signals according to a time delay value for digital beamforming.

[0062] The image processor (130) uses the generated ultrasound data to create or process an ultrasound image.

[0063] The display (140) can display the generated ultrasound image and various information processed by the ultrasound imaging device (40) or probe (20). The probe (20) or ultrasound imaging device (40) may include one or more displays (140) depending on the implementation type. In addition, the display (140) may include a touch panel or a touch screen. In addition, the display (140) may include a flexible display.

[0064] The processor (120) controls the overall operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and can control the operation of components of the ultrasonic imaging device (40). The processor (120) can perform or control various operations or functions of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) by executing programs or instructions stored in the memory (150). In addition, the processor (120) can receive a control signal from an input interface (170) or an external device and control the operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0065] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) includes a communication module (160) and can be connected to and communicate with an external device (e.g., a probe (20), a server, a medical device, a portable device (smartphone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.)) through the communication module (160).

[0066] The communication module (160) may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device. The communication module (160) may include, for example, at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, or a wireless communication module.

[0067] The communication module (160) can receive a control signal or data from an external device. The processor (120) can control the operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) according to the control signal received through the communication module (160). In addition, the processor (120) can transmit a control signal to the external device through the communication module (160) and control the external device according to the transmitted control signal. The external device can operate according to the control signal received from the ultrasonic imaging device (40) or process data received from the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0068] A program or application related to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) may be installed on the external device. The program or application installed on the external device may control the ultrasonic imaging device (40) or operate according to a control signal or data received from the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0069] An external device can receive or download a program or application related to an ultrasound imaging device (40) from an ultrasound imaging device (40), a probe (20), or a server, and install and execute the program or application on the external device. The ultrasound imaging device (40), a probe (20), or a server that provides the program or application may include a recording medium that stores instructions, commands, installation files, executable files, or related data of the program or application. The external device may also be sold with the program or application installed.

[0070] The memory (150) can store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasonic imaging device (40), input / output ultrasonic data, ultrasonic images, etc.

[0071] The input interface (170) can receive user input for controlling the ultrasound imaging device (40). For example, the user input may include, but is not limited to, input for operating a button, keypad, mouse, trackball, jog switch, knob, etc., input for touching a touchpad or touch screen, voice input, motion input, biometric information input (e.g., iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.), etc.

[0072] FIG. 1b illustrates a control block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system (100) when the probe (20) is a wireless probe or a hybrid probe.

[0073] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) illustrated in FIG. 1b may be replaced with the ultrasonic imaging device (40) described with reference to FIG. 1a.

[0074] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe (20) illustrated in FIG. 1a may of course be replaced with the probe (20) to be described with reference to FIG. 1b.

[0075] The probe (20) may include a display (112), a transmission module (113), a battery (114), a transducer (115), a charging module (116), a receiving module (117), an input interface (109), a processor (118), and a communication module (119). In FIG. 1B, the probe (20) is illustrated as including both the transmission module (113) and the receiving module (117), but depending on the implementation form, the probe (20) may include only a part of the configuration of the transmission module (113) and the receiving module (117), and a part of the configuration of the transmission module (113) and the receiving module (117) may be included in the ultrasound imaging device (40). In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the probe (20) may further include an image processor (130).

[0076] The transducer (115) may include a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers may be arranged in a predetermined arrangement to be implemented as a transducer array. The transducer array may correspond to a one-dimensional (1D) array or a two-dimensional (2D) array. The plurality of transducers may transmit ultrasonic signals to the target object (10) according to a transmission signal applied from the transmission module (113). In addition, the plurality of transducers may receive ultrasonic signals reflected from the target object (10) and form or generate electrical reception signals.

[0077] The charging module (116) can charge the battery (114). The charging module (116) can receive power from an external source. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the charging module (116) can receive power wirelessly. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the charging module (116) can also receive power wired. The charging module (116) can transmit the received power to the battery (114).

[0078] The processor (118) controls the transmission module (113) to generate or form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers, taking into account the positions and focus points of the plurality of transducers.

[0079] The processor (118) controls the receiving module (117) to generate ultrasound data by converting an analog-to-digital reception signal received from the transducer (115) and adding the digitally converted reception signals by taking into account the positions and focal points of a plurality of transducers. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the probe (20) includes an image processor (130), an ultrasound image can be generated using the generated ultrasound data.

[0080] When the probe (20) is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, the processor (118) can calculate a time delay value for digital beamforming for each sub-array of a plurality of sub-arrays included in the two-dimensional transducer array. In addition, the processor (118) can calculate a time delay value for analog beamforming for each transducer included in any one of the plurality of sub-arrays. The processor (118) can control the analog beamformer and the digital beamformer to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers according to the time delay value for analog beamforming and the time delay value for digital beamforming. In addition, the processor (118) can control the analog beamformer to add up signals received from the plurality of transducers for each sub-array according to the time delay value for analog beamforming. In addition, the processor (118) can control the ultrasound transmission / reception module (110) to convert the signal added for each sub-array into analog-to-digital. Additionally, the processor (118) can control the digital beamformer to generate ultrasound data by adding digitally converted signals according to a time delay value for digital beamforming.

[0081] The processor (118) controls the overall operation of the probe (20) and can control the operation of components of the probe (20). The processor (118) can perform or control various operations or functions of the probe (20) by executing programs or instructions stored in the memory (111). In addition, the processor (118) can receive a control signal from the input interface (109) of the probe (20) or an external device (e.g., an ultrasonic imaging device (40)) and control the operation of the probe (20). In addition, the processor (118) can receive a control signal from the input interface (109) or an external device and control the operation of the probe (20). The input interface (109) can receive a user's input for controlling the probe (20). For example, user input may include, but is not limited to, input from manipulating buttons, keypads, mice, trackballs, jog switches, knobs, etc., input from touching a touchpad or touchscreen, voice input, motion input, biometric input (e.g., iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.), etc.

[0082] The display (112) can display an ultrasonic image generated by the probe (20), an ultrasonic image generated by processing ultrasonic data generated by the probe (20), an ultrasonic image received from an ultrasonic imaging device (40), or various information processed by the ultrasonic imaging system (100). In addition, the display (112) can further display status information of the probe (20). The status information of the probe (20) can include at least one of device information of the probe (20), battery status information of the probe (20), frequency band information of the probe (20), output information of the probe (20), abnormality information of the probe (20), setting information of the probe (20), or temperature information of the probe (20).

[0083] The probe (20) may include one or more displays (112) depending on the implementation form. In addition, the display (112) may include a touch panel or a touch screen. In addition, the display (112) may include a flexible display.

[0084] The communication module (119) can wirelessly transmit generated ultrasound data or ultrasound images to an ultrasound imaging device (40) via a wireless network. In addition, the communication module (119) can receive control signals and data from the ultrasound imaging device (40).

[0085] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can receive ultrasonic data or ultrasonic images from the probe (20).

[0086] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the probe (20) includes an image processor (130) capable of generating an ultrasound image using ultrasound data, the probe (20) can transmit the ultrasound data or the ultrasound image generated by the image processor (130) to the ultrasound imaging device (40).

[0087] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the probe (20) does not include an image processor (130) capable of generating an ultrasound image using ultrasound data, the probe (20) may transmit the ultrasound data to an ultrasound imaging device (40). The ultrasound data may include ultrasound raw data, and the ultrasound image may mean ultrasound image data.

[0088] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) may include a processor (120), an image processor (130), a display (140), a memory (150), a communication module (160), and an input interface (170).

[0089] The image processor (130) generates or processes an ultrasonic image using ultrasonic data received from the probe (20).

[0090] The display (140) can display an ultrasound image received from the probe (20), an ultrasound image generated by processing ultrasound data received from the probe (20), or various information processed in the ultrasound imaging system (100). The ultrasound imaging device (40) may include one or more displays (140) depending on the implementation type. In addition, the display (140) may include a touch panel or a touch screen. In addition, the display (140) may include a flexible display.

[0091] The processor (120) controls the overall operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and can control the operation of components of the ultrasonic imaging device (40). The processor (120) can execute a program or application stored in the memory (150) to perform or control various operations or functions of the ultrasonic imaging device (40). In addition, the processor (120) can receive a control signal from an input interface (170) or an external device and control the operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0092] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) includes a communication module (160) and can be connected to and communicate with an external device (e.g., a probe (20), a server, a medical device, a portable device (smartphone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.)) through the communication module (160).

[0093] The communication module (160) may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device. The communication module (160) may include, for example, at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, or a wireless communication module.

[0094] The communication module (160) of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the communication module (119) of the probe (20) may communicate using a network or a short-range wireless communication method. For example, the communication module (160) of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the communication module (119) of the probe (20) may communicate using any one of wireless data communication methods including Wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth LowEnergy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless Broadband Internet (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP), Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig), RF communication, or 60GHz millimeter wave (mm Wave) short-range communication.

[0095] To this end, the communication module (160) of the ultrasound imaging device (40) and the communication module (119) of the probe (20) may include at least one of a wireless LAN communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, a zigbee communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association) module, a BLE (Bluetooth LowEnergy) communication module, an NFC (Near Field Communication) communication module, a Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet, Wibro) communication module, a WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX) communication module, a SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol) communication module, a WiGig (Wireless Gigabit Alliance, WiGig) communication module, an RF communication module, or a 60GHz millimeter wave (mm Wave) short-range communication module.

[0096] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the probe (20) transmits device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe (20) to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE) and can be wirelessly paired with the ultrasonic imaging device (40). In addition, the probe (20) can transmit ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images to the paired ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0097] The device information of the probe (20) may include various information related to the serial number, model name, or battery status of the probe (20).

[0098] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can receive device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe (20) from the probe (20) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE) and can be wirelessly paired with the probe (20). In addition, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) can transmit an activation signal to the paired probe (20) and receive ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images from the probe (20). At this time, the activation signal can include a signal for controlling the operation of the probe (20).

[0099] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the probe (20) transmits device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe (20) to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE) and can be wirelessly paired with the ultrasonic imaging device (40). In addition, the probe (20) can transmit ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) paired by the first communication method using a second communication method (e.g., 60 GHz millimeter wave, Wi-Fi).

[0100] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can receive device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe (20) from the probe (20) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE) and can be wirelessly paired with the probe (20). In addition, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) can transmit an activation signal to the paired probe (20) and receive ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images from the probe (20) using a second communication method (e.g., 60 GHz millimeter wave, Wi-Fi).

[0101] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first communication method used to pair the probe (20) and the ultrasonic imaging device (40) with each other may have a lower frequency band than the frequency band of the second communication method used to transmit ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images from the probe (20) to the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0102] The display (140) of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) can display UIs (User Interfaces) indicating device information of the probe (20). For example, the display (140) can display identification information of the wireless ultrasonic probe (20), a pairing method indicating a pairing method with the probe (20), a data communication status between the probe (20) and the ultrasonic imaging device (40), a method of performing data communication with the ultrasonic imaging device (40), or a UI indicating the battery status of the probe (20).

[0103] When the probe (20) includes a display (112), the display (112) of the probe (20) can display a UI indicating device information of the probe (20). For example, the display (112) can display identification information of the wireless ultrasound probe (20), a pairing method indicating a pairing method with the probe (20), a data communication status between the probe (20) and the ultrasound imaging device (40), a method of performing data communication with the ultrasound imaging device (40), or a UI indicating a battery status of the probe (20).

[0104] The communication module (160) can receive control signals or data from an external device. The processor (120) can control the operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) according to the control signal received through the communication module (160).

[0105] Additionally, it is also possible for the processor (120) to transmit a control signal to an external device through a communication module (160), thereby controlling the external device according to the transmitted control signal. The external device may operate according to a control signal received from the ultrasonic imaging device (40) or process data received from the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0106] An external device can receive or download a program or application related to an ultrasound imaging device (40) from an ultrasound imaging device (40), a probe (20), or a server, and install and execute the program or application on the external device. The ultrasound imaging device (40), a probe (20), or a server that provides the program or application may include a recording medium that stores instructions, commands, installation files, executable files, or related data of the program or application. The external device may also be sold with the program or application installed.

[0107] The memory (150) can store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasonic imaging device (40), input / output ultrasonic data, ultrasonic images, etc.

[0108] An example of an ultrasound imaging system (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d.

[0109] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are drawings illustrating an ultrasonic imaging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ultrasound imaging device (40a, 40b) may include a main display (121) and a sub-display (122). The main display (121) and the sub-display (122) may correspond to the display (140) of FIGS. 1A and 1B. At least one of the main display (121) or the sub-display (122) may be implemented as a touch screen. At least one of the main display (121) or the sub-display (122) may display an ultrasound image or various information processed in the ultrasound imaging device (40a, 40b). In addition, at least one of the main display (121) or the sub-display (122) may be implemented as a touch screen and may provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to receive data for controlling the ultrasound imaging device (40a, 40b) from a user. For example, the main display (121) may display an ultrasound image, and the sub-display (122) may display a control panel in the form of a GUI for controlling the display of the ultrasound image. The sub-display (122) may receive data for controlling the display of the image through the control panel displayed in the form of a GUI. For example, a TGC (Time Gain Compensation) button, an LGC (Lateral Gain Compensation) button, a Freeze button, a trackball, a jog switch, or a knob may be provided as a GUI on the sub-display (122).

[0111] The ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b) can control the display of the ultrasonic image displayed on the main display (121) using the input control data. In addition, the ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b) can be connected to the probe (20) by wire or wirelessly to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals to and from the target object.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 2b, the ultrasonic imaging device (40b) may further include a control panel (165) in addition to the main display (121) and the sub-display (122). The control panel (165) may include buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, a knob, etc., and may receive data for controlling the ultrasonic imaging device (40b) from a user. For example, the control panel (165) may include a TGC button (171), a Freeze button (172), etc. The TGC button (171) is a button for setting a TGC value according to the depth of the ultrasonic image. In addition, when the ultrasonic imaging device (40b) detects the input of the Freeze button (172) while scanning an ultrasonic image, it may maintain a state in which a frame image at the corresponding time is displayed, capture a frame image at the corresponding time, or store a frame image at the corresponding time.

[0113] Meanwhile, buttons, trackballs, jog switches, knobs, etc. included in the control panel (165) may be provided as a GUI on the main display (121) or sub-display (122). In addition, the ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b) may be connected to the probe (20) to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals to the target object.

[0114] Additionally, the ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b) may include various types of input / output interfaces, such as speakers, LEDs, and vibration devices. For example, the ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b) may output various information in the form of graphics, sounds, or vibrations through the input / output interface. Additionally, the ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b) may output various notifications or data through the input / output interface.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 2c and 2d, the ultrasound imaging device (40c, 40d) may also be implemented in a portable form. Examples of portable ultrasound imaging devices (40c, 40d) include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, laptop computer, PDA, or tablet PC including a probe and an application.

[0116] The ultrasonic imaging device (40c) may include a main body (41). Referring to FIG. 2c, a probe (20) may be connected to one side of the main body (41) by a wire. To this end, the main body (41) may include a detachable connection terminal for a cable connected to the probe (20). The probe (20) may include a cable including a connection terminal connectable to the main body (41).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 2d, the probe (20) can be wirelessly connected to an ultrasonic imaging device (40d). The main body (41) can include an input / output interface (e.g., a touch screen). The input / output interface can display ultrasonic images, various information processed by the ultrasonic imaging device, or a GUI.

[0118] The ultrasonic imaging device (40d) and the probe (20) can establish communication or be paired using short-range wireless communication. For example, the ultrasonic imaging device (40d) and the probe (20) can communicate using Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi Direct.

[0119] The ultrasonic imaging device (40c, 40d) can execute a program or application related to the probe (20), control the probe (20), and output information related to the probe (20). The ultrasonic imaging device (40c, 40d) can communicate with a predetermined server and perform operations related to the probe (20). The probe (20) can be registered with the ultrasonic imaging device (40c, 40d) or registered with a predetermined server. The ultrasonic imaging device (40c, 40d) can communicate with the registered probe (20) and perform operations related to the probe (20).

[0120] Additionally, the ultrasonic imaging device (40c, 40d) may include various types of input / output interfaces, such as speakers, LEDs, and vibration devices. For example, the ultrasonic imaging device (40c, 40d) may output various information in the form of graphics, sounds, or vibrations through the input / output interface. Additionally, the ultrasonic imaging device (40c, 40d) may output various notifications or data through the input / output interface.

[0121] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an ultrasound imaging device (40a, 40b, 40c, or 40d) may process an ultrasound image or obtain additional information from an ultrasound image using an artificial intelligence (AI) model. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an ultrasound imaging device (40a, 40b, 40c, or 40d) may generate an ultrasound image or perform processing such as correction, image quality improvement, encoding, or decoding on an ultrasound image using an AI model. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an ultrasound imaging device (40a, 40b, 40c, or 40d) may perform processing such as baseline definition, anatomical information acquisition, lesion information acquisition, surface extraction, boundary definition, length measurement, area measurement, volume measurement, or annotation generation from an ultrasound image using an AI model.

[0122] The AI ​​model may be installed on the ultrasound imaging device (40a, 40b, 40c, or 40d) or on a server.

[0123] AI models can be implemented using various artificial neural networks or deep neural networks. Furthermore, AI models can be trained and generated using various machine learning or deep learning algorithms. For example, AI models can be implemented using models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), generative adversarial networks (GANs), and long short-term memory (LSTMs).

[0124] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a button according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a plan view of a button according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a control panel (165) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a switch device (300).

[0126] The switch device (300) may include a button (200). The button (200) may include a TGC button (171) and a Freeze button (172). The button (200) may include all buttons included in the control panel (165). The button (200) may include some of the buttons included in the control panel (165).

[0127] The button (200) can be operated by being pressed. For example, when the Freeze button (172) is pressed, the ultrasound image can be frozen. For example, when the TGC button (171) is pressed, the TGC value can be adjusted according to the degree of pressing.

[0128] Below, a square button will be used as an example, but the shape and type of the button (200) are not limited thereto.

[0129] The switch device (300) may include a switch (310). When pressure is applied to the button, the button may transmit the pressure to the switch (310). The switch (310) may receive the pressure from the button and transmit a signal to a circuit board (320, e.g., PCB) to generate an input signal.

[0130] Meanwhile, when the pressure applied to the button (200) is removed, the button (200) can return to a position where the switch (310) is not pressed. The button (200) can be switched from a first state where the switch (310) is not pressed to a second state where the switch (310) is pressed.

[0131] The button (200) may be made of an elastic material and may be switched from a second state to a first state when pressure applied to the button (200) is removed. For example, the elastic material may be rubber.

[0132] The button (200) may include a button body (210). The button body (210) may extend in an up-down direction. The bottom of the button body (210) may be open.

[0133] The switch device (300) may include a button cover (250). The button (200) may include a button cover (250) that covers the top of the button body (210). When a user presses the button cover (250), the pressure applied to the button cover (250) may be transmitted to the button body (210).

[0134] The button cover (250) may include a material having greater rigidity than the button body (210). The button body (210) may include a material having greater flexibility than the button cover (250). The button (200) may include the button cover (250) to prevent tearing of the button body (210), etc.

[0135] However, this is not limited to the user, and the user can directly press the button body (210).

[0136] The button (200) may include a protrusion (220). The protrusion (220) may extend in an up-down direction. In the second state, the protrusion (220) may directly press the switch (310).

[0137] The button body (210) may be provided to accommodate a protrusion (220). The protrusion (220) may be formed inside the button body (210). The lower end (220a) of the protrusion (220) and the lower end (210a) of the button body (210) may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The lower end (220a) of the protrusion (220) may be positioned at a higher position than the lower end (210a) of the button body (210).

[0138] The button (200) may include a skirt portion (230) extending outwardly around the lower periphery of the button body (210). The skirt portion (230) may have a curved shape. The skirt portion (230) may be provided to support the button body (210). When transitioning from a first state to a second state, the shape of the skirt portion (230) may change. This will be described later.

[0139] The skirt portion (230) can extend from the entire lower circumference of the button body (210). The skirt portion (230) can wrap around the entire lower circumference of the button body (210).

[0140] The button may include a base portion (240) that supports a skirt portion (230). The base portion (240) may be formed integrally with the skirt portion (230). The upper portion (240b) of the base portion (240) and the lower portion (210a) of the button body (210) may be positioned at the same height. The base portion (240) may be positioned lower than the protrusion portion (220).

[0141] The lower end (240a) of the base portion (240) may be spaced apart from the lower end (210a) of the button body (210) in the vertical direction. The lower end (240a) of the base portion (240) may be positioned lower than the lower end (210a) of the button body (210). For example, the lower end (240a) of the base portion (240) may be positioned 1 mm lower than the lower end (210a) of the button body (210).

[0142] The button body (210), the protrusion (220), the skirt portion (230), and the base portion (240) may be formed integrally. The button body (210), the protrusion (220), the skirt portion (230), and the base portion (240) may include at least one identical material. The button body (210), the protrusion (220), the skirt portion (230), and the base portion (240) may include an elastic material. For example, the elastic material may be rubber.

[0143] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a button in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of portion A shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a button in a second position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a button in a second position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, a button (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a skirt portion (230).

[0145] As described above, the skirt portion (230) may change shape when transitioning from the first position to the second position. The base portion (240) may have the same position in the first position of the button (200) and the second position of the button (200).

[0146] When the button (200) is switched from the first position to the second position, the position of the button body (210) may change. When the button (200) is switched from the first position to the second position, the position of the protrusion (220) may change. When the button (200) is switched from the first position to the second position, the button body (210) and / or the protrusion (220) may move in the up and down direction.

[0147] Likewise, when the button (200) is switched from the second position to the first position, the button body (210) and / or the protrusion (220) can move in the up-and-down direction.

[0148] The skirt portion (230) may be curved. The skirt portion (230) may be curved both when the button (200) is in the first position and when it is in the second position.

[0149] The required pressurized loads comparing the straight skirt portion (230) (a) when the button (200) is in the first position and the curved skirt portion (230) (b) when the button (200) is in the second position are as shown in Table 1.

[0150] Pressure point position (a) (b) Square button Center (N) 2.16 1.75 Side (N) 2.0 1 1.81

[0151] The load in Table 1 is the press load for the switch (310) to operate when the operating load of the switch (310) is 1.57 N. According to the above analysis results, it can be seen that the required press load of the button (200) including the curved skirt portion (230) is reduced by 19% when the center of the button is pressed and reduced by 9.9% when the side is pressed compared to the button including the straight skirt portion when the button (200) is in the first position. The button (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the curved skirt portion (230), so that the amount of change in the skirt portion (230) can be minimized when switching from the first position to the second position. When pressure is applied to the switch (310) including the curved skirt portion (230), a click sensation can be prevented from being generated. The click sensation can refer to the sensitivity of the switch (310) being pressed.

[0152] When a click sensation is generated when pressure is applied to the switch (310), the force applied to the switch (310) may change rapidly in a force-stroke test. When the force applied to the switch (310) changes rapidly in a force-stroke test, the force-stroke curve may include an inflection point. When the force applied to the switch (310) changes rapidly, the durability of the switch (310) may decrease. For example, the skirt portion (230) may be torn.

[0153] A switch (310) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a curved skirt portion (230) formed to prevent a click sensation from being generated, thereby preventing a sudden change in force applied to the switch (310) in a force-stroke test. If a sudden change in force applied to the switch (310) in a force-stroke test is prevented, the force-stroke curve may not include an inflection point.

[0154] The Shore A hardness of the skirt portion (230) may be 20 or more and 50 or less.

[0155] The thickness (t) of the skirt portion (230) may be 0.1 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less.

[0156] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 10, the skirt portion (330) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include three or more curvatures. The skirt portion (330) is not limited to the curved shape illustrated in the drawing, and may include any shape including three or more curvatures.

[0158] The skirt portion (330) may include a first portion (331), a second portion (332), a third portion (333), and a fourth portion (334) having different curvatures. That is, the skirt portion (330) may include four curvatures.

[0159] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a button in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 18, the skirt portion (430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a shape including three or more curvatures.

[0161] A portion of the skirt portion (430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130) may have a straight shape. A portion of the skirt portion (430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130) may have a pointed shape.

[0162] As described above, in the first position, the lower end (210a) of the button body (210) and the upper end (240b) of the base portion (240) can be arranged at the same height in the vertical direction. In the second position, the lower end (210a) of the button body (210) can be spaced apart from the upper end (240b) of the base portion (240) in the vertical direction. In the second position, the lower end (210a) of the button body (210) can be arranged lower than the upper end (240b) of the base portion (240).

[0163] According to one embodiment, a button includes a protrusion extending in an up-and-down direction to press a switch; a button body that is opened downward and accommodates the protrusion; a curved skirt portion extending outwardly from the button body and a lower circumference; and a base portion integrally formed with the skirt portion to support the skirt portion. The skirt portion has one end connected to the lower circumference of the button body and the other end connected to the upper circumference of the base at the same height.

[0164] The above protrusion, the button body, the skirt portion, and the base portion can be formed integrally.

[0165] The above protrusion, the button body, the skirt portion and the base portion may include at least one of the same materials.

[0166] The above protrusion, the button body, the skirt portion, and the base portion may include an elastic material.

[0167] The above skirt portion may be characterized by being formed to have three or more curvatures.

[0168] The Shore A hardness of the above skirt portion may be 20 or more and 50 or less.

[0169] The thickness of the above skirt portion may be 0.1 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less.

[0170] The lower part of the above base part and the lower part of the above button body can be spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0171] The lower part of the button body may be positioned 1 mm higher than the lower part of the base part.

[0172] It may further include a button cover covering the top of the above button body.

[0173] The above skirt portion allows the button body to move downward when pressure is applied to the button cover, and can be restored by elastic force when the pressure applied to the button cover is removed.

[0174] When pressure is applied to the above button cover, the protrusion can move downward.

[0175] The above base portion may be positioned lower than the above protrusion portion.

[0176] The above skirt portion may be characterized by wrapping the entire lower circumference of the button body.

[0177] A switch device according to one embodiment comprises: a button body having a protrusion formed therein that opens downward and extends in an up-down direction; a skirt portion having a curved shape extending outwardly from the button body and a lower circumference; a base portion formed integrally with the skirt portion to support the skirt portion; and a switch configured to receive pressure from the protrusion when pressure is applied to the button body.

[0178] The lower part of the above base part may be positioned lower than the lower part of the above button body.

[0179] The above base portion may be positioned lower than the above protrusion portion.

[0180] The above button body, skirt portion and base portion can be formed integrally.

[0181] The above skirt portion may include an elastic material.

[0182] The above skirt portion may be characterized by being formed to have three or more curvatures.

[0183] According to the invention, the durability of the button can be improved.

[0184] According to the invention, the load required for a switch to generate an input signal can be reduced.

[0185] According to the invention, the button can include configurations in which it is produced integrally with the button body, thereby improving productivity and assembling efficiency.

[0186] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0187] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0188] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0190] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A protrusion that extends in the vertical direction and presses the switch; A button body that opens downwards and accommodates the protrusion; A curved skirt portion extending outwardly around the lower perimeter of the button body; and including a base portion formed integrally with the skirt portion to support the skirt portion; The above skirt portion is a button having one end connected to the lower perimeter of the button body and the other end connected to the upper perimeter of the base, the same height.

2. In paragraph 1, A button in which the above protrusion, the button body and the skirt portion are formed integrally.

3. In paragraph 2, A button wherein the protrusion, the button body, the skirt portion, and the base portion comprise at least one of the same materials.

4. In paragraph 3, A button in which the protrusion, the button body, the skirt portion, and the base portion include an elastic material.

5. In paragraph 1, A button characterized in that the above skirt portion is formed to have three or more curvatures.

6. In paragraph 1, A button having a Shore A hardness of the above skirt portion of 20 or more and 50 or less.

7. In paragraph 1, A button having a thickness of the above skirt portion of 0.1 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less.

8. In paragraph 1, A button in which the lower part of the above base part and the lower part of the above button body are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

9. In paragraph 8, A button in which the lower part of the button body is positioned 1 mm higher than the lower part of the base.

10. In paragraph 1, A button further comprising a button cover covering the upper portion of the button body.

11. In paragraph 10, The above skirt portion is a button that allows the button body to move downward when pressure is applied to the button cover, and is restored by elastic force when the pressure applied to the button cover is removed.

12. In paragraph 11, A button in which the protrusion moves downward when pressure is applied to the above button cover.

13. In paragraph 1, The above base portion is a button positioned below the above protrusion.

14. In paragraph 1, A button characterized in that the above skirt portion wraps around the entire lower circumference of the button body.

15. Button body with a protrusion formed that opens downward and extends upward and downward; A curved skirt portion extending outward from the button body and the lower circumference; A base portion formed integrally with the skirt portion to support the skirt portion; A switch device including a switch configured to receive pressure from the protrusion when pressure is applied to the button body.

16. In paragraph 15, A switch device in which the lower part of the above base part is positioned lower than the lower part of the above button body.

17. In paragraph 16, A switch device in which the base portion is positioned lower than the protrusion portion.

18. In paragraph 15, A switch device in which the button body, skirt portion, and base portion are formed integrally.

19. In paragraph 18, A switch device in which the above skirt portion includes an elastic material.

20. In paragraph 15, A switch device characterized in that the above skirt portion is formed to have three or more curvatures.

Images