Apparatus and method for controlling an ultrasound transducer array

• US 5,776,065 A
• Filed: 09/18/1996
• Issued: 07/07/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Acuson Corporation (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Mehmanpazir, Behnam, Hazarian, Michael, Marshall, John D.
• Primary Examiner(s): JAWORSKI, FRANCIS J
• Application Number:
  US08/716,504
• Time in Patent Office: 657 Days
• Field of Search: 128/660.01, 128/660.1, 128/902, 128/662.03, 601/2, 601/3, 601/4, 600/437, 600/459
• US Class Current: 600/437
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/00 Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves imaging of objects using sonar G01S15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/546 involving monitoring or regulation of device temperature
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/899 Combination of imaging systems with ancillary equipment
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/52017 particularly adapted to short-range imaging G01S7/53 takes precedence

Abstract

A transducer array control system for use with a transducer housing and a transducer array that includes a sensing mechanism that generates a sensor signal having a first state indicative of the use of the transducer array. A control mechanism generates a transducer disabling signal when the sensor signal fails to enter the first state within a selected time period. Methods for disabling a transducer array are also provided.

Claims

1. In combination with a transducer housing and an ultrasound transducer array mounted in the transducer housing, a transducer array control system comprising:

a sensing mechanism that generates a sensor signal, the sensor signal having a first state indicative of use of the transducer array; and

a control mechanism responsive to the sensor signal, the control mechanism generating a transducer disabling signal when the sensor signal fails to enter the first state within a selected time period.

2. The transducer array control system of claim 1 wherein the sensing mechanism comprises a touch-sensitive mechanism.

3. The transducer array control system of claim 2 wherein the touch-sensitive mechanism comprises a capacitance sensor.

4. The transducer array control system of claim 1 wherein the sensing mechanism comprises a mechanical switch.

5. The transducer array control system of claim 1 wherein the control mechanism comprises an analog timing mechanism that measures the selected time period.

6. The transducer array control system of claim 1 wherein the control mechanism comprises a digital timing mechanism that measures the selected time period.

7. The transducer array control system of claim 1 wherein the control mechanism comprises a programmable timing mechanism that measures the selected time period.

8. The transducer array control system of claim 7 wherein the selected time period is substantially within the range of 1-10 minutes.

9. An ultrasound probe for use with an ultrasound control system comprising;

a transducer housing;

a sensing mechanism attached to the transducer housing, the sensing mechanism generating a sensor signal having a first state indicative of use of the probe; and

a control mechanism responsive to the sensor signal, the control mechanism generating a transducer enabling signal when the sensor signal generates a sensor signal having a first state indicative of use of the probe.

10. The ultrasound probe of claim 9 wherein the sensing mechanism is attached to the grip portion of the transducer housing.

11. The ultrasound probe of claim 10 wherein the sensing mechanism comprises a touch-sensitive mechanism.

12. The ultrasound probe of claim 11 wherein the touch-sensitive mechanism comprises a capacitance sensor.

13. A method of controlling an ultrasound transducer array, the method comprising the following steps:

generating a sensor signal in response to use of the transducer; and

generating a transducer disabling signal when the sensor signal is not detected within a selected time period.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of removing the transducer disabling signal when a sensor signal indicative of use of the transducer is detected.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the sensing mechanism comprises a touch-sensitive mechanism.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the selected time period is substantially within the range of 1-10 minutes.

17. A method of controlling an ultrasound transducer array, the method comprising the following steps;

generating a sensor signal in response to the use of a transducer;

running a timing mechanism;

resetting the timing mechanism when the sensor signal is in a selected state indicative of use of the transducer; and

generating a transducer disabling signal when the timing mechanism is not reset within a selected time period.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of removing the transducer disabling signal when the sensor signal is in a second selected state indicative of use of the transducer.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the sensing mechanism comprises a touch-sensitive mechanism.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the timing mechanism comprises a programmable timing mechanism.