阅读说明：本技术 用于超声系统的延长线缆 (Extension cable for ultrasound system ) 是由 E·F·J·克莱森斯 于 2019-07-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于使用在超声系统中的延长线缆(EXC1、EXC2)。延长线缆包括：用于连接到对应的超声换能器连接器(UTC)的第一电连接器(FEC)、用于连接到对应的控制台连接器(CC)的第二电连接器(SEC)、电路(ECCT)和电缆(ECAB)。电路(ECCT)提供多状态输出(MSOP),所述多状态是与以下各项中的每项相对应的电压电平(V-1、V-2、V-3)：i)电路(ECCT)未电连接到控制台连接器(CC)；ii)电路(ECCT)电连接到控制台连接器(CC)且超声换能器连接器(UTC)未电连接到第一电连接器(FEC)；以及iii)电路(ECCT)电连接到控制台连接器(CC)且超声换能器连接器(UTC)电连接到第一电连接器(FEC)。(An extension cable (EXC1, EXC2) for use in an ultrasound system. The extension cable includes: a First Electrical Connector (FEC) for connecting to a corresponding Ultrasound Transducer Connector (UTC), a Second Electrical Connector (SEC) for connecting to a corresponding Console Connector (CC), a circuit (ECCT) and a cable (ECAB). A circuit (ECCT) provides a multi-state output (MSOP), which is a voltage level (V) corresponding to each of 1 、V 2 、V 3 ): i) the circuit (ECCT) is not electrically connected to the Console Connector (CC); ii) the circuit (ECCT) is electrically connected to the Console Connector (CC) and the ultrasonic transducer connector (U)TC) is not electrically connected to the First Electrical Connector (FEC); and iii) the circuit (ECCT) is electrically connected to the Console Connector (CC) and the Ultrasonic Transducer Connector (UTC) is electrically connected to the First Electrical Connector (FEC).)

1. An extension cable (EXC1, EXC2) for an ultrasound system, the extension cable comprising:

a First Electrical Connector (FEC) for connecting to a corresponding Ultrasound Transducer Connector (UTC);

a Second Electrical Connector (SEC) for connection to a corresponding Console Connector (CC);

a circuit (ECCT); and

cables (ECAB);

wherein the electrical circuit (ECCT) is arranged between the First Electrical Connector (FEC) and the Electrical Cable (ECAB) and wherein the Electrical Cable (ECAB) is arranged between the electrical circuit (ECCT) and the Second Electrical Connector (SEC) for extending the electrical connection between the Ultrasound Transducer Connector (UTC) and the Console Connector (CC); and is

Wherein the circuit (ECCT) is configured to provide a multi-state output (MSOP), the multi-states being different voltage levels (VV) corresponding to each of₁、V₂、V₃): i) said electric circuit (ECCT) is not electrically connected to said Console Connector (CC) via said Second Electric Connector (SEC); ii) said circuit (ECCT) being electrically connected to said Console Connector (CC) via said Second Electrical Connector (SEC) andand the Ultrasound Transducer Connector (UTC) is not electrically connected to the First Electrical Connector (FEC); and iii) said circuit (ECCT) is electrically connected to said Console Connector (CC) via said Second Electrical Connector (SEC) and said Ultrasound Transducer Connector (UTC) is electrically connected to said First Electrical Connector (FEC).

2. The extension cable (EXC2) of claim 1, wherein the First Electrical Connector (FEC) further comprises at least two measurement Terminals (TM)₁、TM₂) For connection to a corresponding terminal (TM ') in the Ultrasonic Transducer Connector (UTC)'₁、TM’₂)；

And wherein the circuit (ECCT) is configured to be based on at least two measurement Terminals (TM)₁、TM₂) To provide the voltage level (V) corresponding to iii) the electrical connection of the circuit (ECCT) to the Console Connector (CC) via the Second Electrical Connector (SEC) and the electrical connection of the Ultrasonic Transducer Connector (UTC) to the First Electrical Connector (FEC)₃)。

3. The extension cable (EXC2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Electrical Cable (ECAB) further comprises a first electrical conductor (FCON) and a second electrical conductor (SCON) for providing an electrical potential difference from the Console Connector (CC) to the electrical circuit (ECCT) by means of corresponding terminals in the console connector and the second electrical connector.

4. The extension cable (EXC2) according to claim 3, wherein the voltage level (Vv) corresponding to i) the circuit (ECCT) not being electrically connected to the Console Connector (CC) via the Second Electrical Connector (SEC) is provided without the first electrical conductor (FCON) and the second electrical conductor (SCON) being electrically connected to their corresponding terminals in the Console Connector (CC)₁)。

5. The extension cable (EXC2) according to claim 3, wherein the Electrical Cable (ECAB) further comprises a Shield (SH) configured to shield each electrical conductor (SCON ) of the electrical cable, and wherein the Shield (SH) is electrically connected to one of the first electrical conductor (FCON) and the second electrical conductor (SCON).

6. The extension cable according to claim 1, wherein the circuit (ECCT) comprises at least one active electronic component (TR1) configured to function as an electrical switch;

wherein the electrical switch comprises:

an Input (IP) configured to detect whether the Ultrasound Transducer Connector (UTC) is electrically connected to the First Electrical Connector (FEC); and

an Output (OP) configured to provide the multi-state output (MSOP).

7. The extension cable of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit comprises only passive electrical components.

8. The extension cable (EXC2) of claim 1, wherein the circuit (ECCT) further comprises a memory (MEM) configured to store a count value indicative of: a) based on the voltage level of the multi-state output (MSOP) transitioning to the voltage level (VV) corresponding to iii) the circuit (ECCT) being electrically connected to the Console Connector (CC) via the Second Electrical Connector (SEC) and the Ultrasonic Transducer Connector (UTC) being electrically connected to the First Electrical Connector (FEC)₃) The number of times the corresponding Ultrasound Transducer Connector (UTC) has been connected to the First Electrical Connector (FEC); and/or b) based on the voltage level of the multi-state output (MSOP) transitioning to the voltage level (VV) corresponding to ii) the circuit (ECCT) being electrically connected to the Console Connector (CC) via the Second Electrical Connector (SEC) and the Ultrasound Transducer Connector (UTC) not being electrically connected to the First Electrical Connector (FEC)₂) Of the number of times the corresponding Console Connector (CC) has been connected to said Second Electrical Connector (SEC).

9. The extension cable according to claim 8, wherein the Electrical Cable (ECAB) further comprises a third electrical conductor (TCON) in communication with the circuit (ECCT) for providing the voltage level (VV) of the multi-state output (MSOP) to the console by means of corresponding terminals in each of the Second Electrical Connector (SEC) and the Console Connector (CC)₁、V₂、V₃) (ii) a And wherein the third electrical conductor (TCON) is further in communication with the memory (MEM) to receive the count value from the Console (CS).

10. The extension cable (EXC2) of any of claims 1-9, further comprising a Housing (HOU);

wherein the electrical circuit (ECCT) is arranged within the Housing (HOU) and the First Electrical Connector (FEC) is attached to the Housing (HOU).

11. The extension cable (EXC1, EXC2) of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the ultrasound system is an ultrasound-based position tracking system, and wherein the Ultrasound Transducer Connector (UTC) is electrically connected to an ultrasound transducer.

12. The extension cable of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the First Electrical Connector (FEC) comprises at least two Transducer Terminals (TT)₁、TT₂) For connection via a corresponding terminal (TT ') in the Ultrasonic Transducer Connector (UTC)'₁、TT’₂) Receive and/or transmit electrical signals, and wherein the electrical circuit (ECCT) further comprises at least two Transducer Terminals (TT)₁、TT₂) An Amplifier (AMP) electrically connected to amplify the electrical signal.

13. A system (SYS) comprising an extension cable (EXC2) according to any one of claims 9-12;

a Console (CON); and

a Console Connector (CC);

wherein the Console (CON) is connected to the extension cable (EXC2) via the Console Connector (CC) and the Second Electrical Connector (SEC);

wherein the console is configured to receive the voltage level (VV) via the third electrical conductor (TCON) of the extension cable (EXC2)₁、V₂、V₃) And electrically connecting, at a predetermined voltage, said voltage level V corresponding to i) said circuit (ECCT) not being connected to said Console Connector (CC) via said Second Electrical Connector (SEC)₁Shift to regulated Voltage level V'₁，

Wherein the Console (CON) comprises a Counter (CTR) configured to be based on the voltage level (V)₁、V₂、V₃) And the regulated voltage level V'₁Generating the count value, and wherein the Counter (CTR) is further configured to provide the count value to the memory (MEM) of the circuit (ECCT) via the third electrical conductor (TCON) and the Console Connector (CC).

14. A system (SYS) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the Console (CON) further comprises a Processor (PROC) comprising instructions which, when executed by the Processor (PROC), cause the Processor (PROC) to process electrical signals received and/or transmitted between the Console (CON) and the Amplifier (AMP) of the circuit (ECCT); and is

Wherein the instructions cause the Processor (PROC) to process the electrical signal if the count value of the counter satisfies a first count condition and to suspend processing of the electrical signal if the count value satisfies a second count condition.

15. A device comprising an extension cable according to any of claims 1-12;

a Console (CON); and

a Console Connector (CC);

wherein the Console (CON) further comprises a Processor (PROC) comprising instructions which, when executed on the Processor (PROC), cause the Processor (PROC) to determine a status of a connection between the First Electrical Connector (FEC) and the corresponding Ultrasound Transducer Connector (UTC) based on an actual voltage level of the multi-state output (MSOP), and wherein the Processor (PROC) is further configured to i) indicate the status and/or ii) process electrical signals received and/or transmitted between the processor and the Amplifier (AMP) of the circuit (ECCT) based on the connection status.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an extension cable. Extension cables are particularly useful in ultrasound systems. In one application, the ultrasound system is an ultrasound-based position tracking system, and an extension cable is used to connect the ultrasound transducer to the ultrasound-based position tracking system.

Background

In the medical field, ultrasound transducers are increasingly used to acquire more information about or treat the anatomy of a patient. In this regard, medical devices may be equipped with ultrasound transducers for use in sensing and actuation applications, such as tracking, imaging, and treatment.

In one exemplary application described in more detail in the article "a Non-dispersive Technology for Robust 3D Tool Tracking for Ultrasound-Guided Interventions" (MICCAI 2011, first part, LNCS 6891, page 153 and 160, 2011, a. martel and t.pets (Eds.)) by jang Mung, Francois Vignon and Ameet jan, an Ultrasound detector is attached to a medical needle and used to track the needle position relative to the Ultrasound field of a beamforming Ultrasound imaging probe based on the timing of the Ultrasound signals detected by the detector: .

Document JP H0320665A relates to an ultrasound device and a probe. The apparatus includes a connection detection circuit.

Another document, US 2015/032029 a1, relates to calibration for a multi-stage physiological monitor. A physiological monitor is provided for determining a physiological parameter of a medical patient using a multi-level sensor assembly. The monitor includes a signal processor configured to receive signals indicative of physiological parameters of a medical patient from the multi-level sensor assembly. The multi-level sensor assembly is configured to be attached to a physiological monitor and a medical patient.

Conventionally, such an ultrasonic transducer may be provided with a connector that connects to a corresponding connector mounted on the console. The ultrasound signals may then be processed in the console. However, in such applications, it is often desirable to provide an extended electrical path between the ultrasound transducer and the console. To this end, extension cables are generally known.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention seeks to provide an improved extension cable for use in an ultrasound system. An extension cable may be used to electrically connect the ultrasound transducer to the console.

Thus, an extension cable for use in an ultrasound system is provided. The extension cable includes a first electrical connector for connecting to a corresponding ultrasound transducer connector, a second electrical connector for connecting to a corresponding console connector, circuitry, and a cable. An electrical circuit is disposed between the first electrical connector and the cable. A cable is disposed between the circuitry and the second electrical connector for extending the electrical connection between the ultrasound transducer connector and the console connector. The circuit is configured to provide a multi-state output, the multi-state being a different voltage level corresponding to each of: i) the circuitry is not electrically connected to the console connector via the second electrical connector; ii) the electrical circuit is electrically connected to the console connector via the second electrical connector and the ultrasound transducer connector is not electrically connected to the first electrical connector; and iii) the circuitry is electrically connected to the console connector via the second electrical connector and the ultrasound transducer connector is electrically connected to the first electrical connector.

The extension cable thus has the ability to determine the connection status of its first and/or second electrical connectors with its corresponding ultrasound transducer and console connector. When extending a desired path between such a console and an ultrasound transducer using a conventional extension cable, the user relies on observing the causal relationship between the input to the ultrasound transducer and the response observed via the console to determine if the path is extended correctly and the system is functioning properly. For example, if the ultrasound transducer is a detector and the console indicates a detected ultrasound signal strength, the user relies on seeing an indication of the expected signal strength on the console in response to the ultrasound test signal. However, such connectors have multiple failure modes, including the inability of one or more of its terminals to make contact with a corresponding terminal in the mating connector. It is difficult to identify the source of such a failure, as the user may have to first check whether each connector is properly connected and then verify whether the ultrasonic test signal was actually sent. Other connector failure modes may cause the system to partially operate and therefore may not be noticeable. One example of this is a high contact resistance at one or more connector terminals. This may result in a significantly attenuated but normal looking detected ultrasound signal. It can be time consuming for the user to check the nature of these connections. In this case, it is advantageous to use the extension cable to determine the current connection status of the connector of the extension cable and its corresponding ultrasound transducer and console connector.

According to one aspect, the circuit further comprises a memory configured to store a count value indicative of: a) a number of times that a corresponding ultrasound transducer connector has been connected to the first electrical connector based on a number of times that a voltage level of the multi-state output transitions to a voltage level corresponding to iii) the circuit is electrically connected to the console connector via the second electrical connector and the ultrasound transducer connector is electrically connected to the first electrical connector; and/or b) a number of times that a corresponding console connector has been connected to the second electrical connector based on a number of times that a voltage level of the multi-state output transitions to a voltage level corresponding to ii) the circuit being electrically connected to the console connector via the second electrical connector and the ultrasound transducer connector not being electrically connected to the first electrical connector.

In this regard, the memory stores a number of connection cycles between the connectors of one or both extension cables and their corresponding ultrasound transducers and console connectors. Advantageously, the count of each of these connection cycles can be used to indicate that the extension cable needs to be replaced, thereby reducing the chance of failure thereof.

According to another aspect, a system and apparatus including an extension cable is provided.

Other aspects are described with reference to the appended claims. Other advantages of the described invention will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates an extension cable including a first electrical connector FEC, a second electrical connector SEC, a circuit ECCT, and a cable ECAB.

Fig. 2 illustrates a device comprising a first electrical connector FEC, a second electrical connector SEC, a circuit ECCT, a cable ECAB and two measuring terminals TM₁、TM₂The extension cable of (2).

FIG. 3 illustrates various exemplary multi-state output MSOP voltage levels V₁、V₂、V₃。

Fig. 4 illustrates the inclusion of active electronic components TR₁Exemplary circuit ECCT.

Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary circuit ECCT that includes only passive electrical components.

Fig. 6 illustrates a system SYS comprising an extension cable EXC2, a console CON and a console connector CC.

Detailed Description

To illustrate the principles of the present invention, the extension cable is described with particular reference to an exemplary ultrasound-based position tracking system, wherein the extension cable connects the ultrasound transducer to the console by way of the first and second electrical connectors of the extension cable and the corresponding ultrasound transducer connector and the corresponding console connector. However, it should be appreciated that extension cables are commonly used in the ultrasound field, particularly in the medical ultrasound field. The extension cable is therefore also contemplated for use in ultrasound sensing and actuation applications such as position tracking, imaging and treatment. Furthermore, although in some exemplary fields of application, reference is made to an ultrasound transducer in the specific form of an ultrasound detector, the term ultrasound transducer should be interpreted more broadly as an ultrasound detector, or an ultrasound emitter, or a device capable of detecting and emitting ultrasound signals, or indeed a device comprising both an ultrasound emitter and an ultrasound detector.

Fig. 1 illustrates an extension cable including a first electrical connector FEC, a second electrical connector SEC, a circuit ECCT, and a cable ECAB. The extension cable EXC1 comprises a first electrical connector FEC which is a suitable FEC for connecting to the corresponding ultrasound transducer connector UTC. The second electrical connector SEC is adapted to be connected to a corresponding console connector CC. The extension cable EXC1 is suitable for use in an ultrasound system, wherein its electrical connectors FEC, SEC are suitable for carrying electrical signals, which areThe signal has a frequency typically used in ultrasound applications, i.e., a frequency of up to about 1MHz in some examples, or up to about 2-10 MHz in other examples. The extension cable EXC1 also includes a circuit ECCT and a cable ECAB. The cable ECAB may comprise electrical conductors, not shown in fig. 1, for conveying the ultrasonic signals between the electrical connectors FEC and SEC. The circuit ECCT is arranged between the first electrical connector FEC and the cable ECAB is arranged between the circuit ECCT and the second electrical connector SEC in order to prolong the electrical connection between the ultrasound transducer connector UTC and the console connector CC. Furthermore, the circuit ECCT is configured to provide a multi-state output MSOP, the multi-state being a different voltage level V corresponding to each of the three connection states₁、V₂、V₃. The first connection state is: i) the circuit ECCT is not electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC. The second connection state is: ii) the circuit ECCT is electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC, and the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is not electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC. The third connection state is: iii) the circuit ECCT is electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC and the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC.

Various types of connectors are suitable for use as the first electrical connector FEC and the second electrical connector SEC. Connector types such as USB, IEEE-488GPIB, D, RJ, DB, coaxial, and 8P8C are some non-limiting examples contemplated. Thus, the male or female counterpart is suitable for use as a corresponding ultrasound transducer connector UTC and a corresponding console connector CC.

It is contemplated that various configurations of the circuit ECCT are used in fig. 1 to provide the multi-state output MSOP. Circuits comprising one or more active electronic components are contemplated. Circuits comprising only passive electrical components, such as resistors, capacitors or diodes, are also contemplated.

Fig. 4 illustrates the inclusion of active electronic components TR₁Exemplary circuit ECCT. Active electronic component TR₁In this exemplary configuration, a transistor, and is configured to function as an electrical switch. When connected, forms a first electrical connection of a portion of the cable ECABThe conductor FCON and the second electrical conductor SCON provide a potential difference from the console connector CC to the circuit ECCT by means of corresponding terminals in the console connector CC and the second electrical connector SEC. For illustration purposes only, reference is made to an exemplary 5V potential difference, and transistor TR may be considered₁Is connected to the 0V reference. The circuit ECCT provides a multi-state output MSOP voltage level V at the electrical output OP₁、V₂、V₃. Referring additionally to FIG. 3, various exemplary multi-state output MSOP voltage levels V are illustrated₁、V₂、V₃The exemplary circuit ECCT of fig. 1 operates in the following manner. In a first connected state; i.e. i) the circuit ECCT is not electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC, the voltage level V is provided at the output OP₁. Since there is no power to the circuit ECCT, during the time period TP_aDuring the period, the voltage level V₁For example, may be 0V, as illustrated in fig. 3. Thus, if the first electrical conductor (FCON) and the second electrical conductor (SCON) are not electrically connected to their corresponding terminals in the Console Connector (CC), a voltage level V corresponding to the first connection state i) is provided₁. Referring to fig. 4, the circuit ECCT may then be electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC. When connected, the first and second electrical conductors FCON, SCON forming part of the cable ECAB are configured to provide an exemplary potential difference of 5V from the console connector CC to the circuit ECCT by means of corresponding terminals in the console connector CC and the second electrical connector SEC. In a second connection state, i.e. ii) the circuit ECCT is electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC and the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is not electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC, a voltage level V is provided at the output OP₂. Resistor R when circuit ECCT is electrically connected to console connector CC via second electrical connector SEC₁And R₂A transistor TR₁Is pulled up to the exemplary 5V potential of the first electrical conductor FCON, which pulls the transistor TR₁And conducting. The output part OP is set to a voltage level V₂Partially by a resistor divider R₃-R₄Middle resistor R₃And R₄Phase ofIs logarithmic and is partly represented by TR₁The current flowing from the collector to the emitter in the on-state is determined. In this second connection state, the corresponding voltage V can be adjusted, for example, on the basis of these factors₂Set to about 2.5V. Referring to fig. 3, the time period TP may be set_bDuring which a voltage level V is supplied₂. In a third connection state, i.e. iii) the circuit ECCT is electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC and the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC, providing a voltage level V at the output OP₃. Referring to fig. 4, the first electrical connector FEC may comprise two or more measurement terminals TM₁、TM₂For connection to a corresponding terminal TM 'in an ultrasonic transducer connector UTC'₁、TM’₂. Measuring terminal TM₁Connected to the circuit ECCT input IP. Corresponding terminal TM 'in ultrasonic transducer connector UTC'₁、TM’₂Are electrically connected together. Thus, when the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC, the measurement terminal TM₁、TM₂Are electrically connected together, resulting in an input IP and thus a transistor TR₁Is connected to 0V. Transistor TR₁Thus being turned off, so that the potential of the output part OP is controlled by the resistor R₃And R₄The relative value of (a) is determined. Thus, in this configuration, the input IP is configured to detect whether the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC. In this third connected state, as illustrated in fig. 3, for a period TP_cPeriod, corresponding voltage V₃May be, for example, about 1V. Thus, based on the fact that at two measuring terminals TM₁、TM₂To generate a voltage level V corresponding to the third connection state₃。

It is obvious that it is possible to vary the potential difference applied to the circuit, or by varying the resistor value or the transistor TR₁To adjust the voltage level V₁、V₂、V₃Absolute value of (a). Furthermore, a pull-up resistor in the console connector CC may be connected at an input connected to the output OP of the circuit ECCTAnd the exemplary 5V potential of the first electrical conductor FCON to further regulate the voltage level V by its effect as a resistive voltage divider₂And V₃Absolute value of (a). Furthermore, although in the example circuit of fig. 4 there is no local power supply permanently attached to the circuit ECCT on the extension cable ECAB, which reduces the technical complexity of the extension cable, in an alternative configuration it is contemplated to use such a local power supply. The voltage supplied to the circuit ECCT by such a local power supply can obviously also determine the voltage level V₁、V₂、V₃Absolute value of (a). Further, it should be appreciated that the example circuit ECCT of FIG. 4 is merely exemplary, and that alternative circuits having alternative or additional active components, such as FET transistors, microprocessors, etc., may also be used.

In an alternative embodiment of fig. 4, fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary circuit ECCT including only passive electrical components. The circuit ECCT of fig. 5 may be used instead of the ECCT of fig. 1. Referring to fig. 5, a resistor R is connected_a、R_b、R_cAs a resistive voltage divider to provide the exemplary aforementioned voltage level V₁、V₂And V₃. In a first connected state; i.e. i) the circuit ECCT is not electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC, the voltage level V being provided at the output OP₁. Since there is no power to the circuit ECCT, during the time period TP_aDuring the period, the voltage level V₁For example, may be 0V, as illustrated in fig. 3. Thus, if the first electrical conductor FCON and the second electrical conductor SCON are not electrically connected to their corresponding terminals in the console connector CC, a voltage level V corresponding to the first connection state i) is provided₁. In a second connection state, i.e. ii) the circuit ECCT is electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC and the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is not electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC, the voltage level V is provided at the output OP₂. As illustrated in fig. 3, during a time period TP_bDuring the period, the voltage level V₂May be, for example, about 2.5V. Referring to fig. 5, in this state, the voltage V at the output part OP₂By including R_bAnd R_cElectricity (D) fromThe resistive divider determination. In a third connection state, i.e. iii) the circuit ECCT is electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC and the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC, the voltage level V is provided at the output OP₃. As illustrated in fig. 3, during a time period TP_cDuring the period, the voltage level V₃May be, for example, about 1V. Referring to fig. 5, the first electrical connector FEC may comprise two or more measurement terminals TM₁、TM₂For connection to a corresponding terminal TM 'in the ultrasonic transducer connector UTC'₁、TM’₂. Corresponding terminal TM 'in ultrasonic transducer connector UTC'₁、TM’₂Are electrically connected together. Thus, when the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC, the input part IP passes through the measurement terminal TM₁、TM₂Are electrically connected together to SCON. This causes the voltage of the output part OP to be changed from R_aAnd R_cIs determined in parallel combination with R_bForming a resistive divider. Thus, based on the fact that at two measuring terminals TM₁、TM₂In the circuit ECCT of fig. 5, a voltage level V corresponding to the third connection state is provided₃. It is clear that the voltage level V in the embodiment of fig. 5 can be adjusted as mentioned above in relation to fig. 4, i.e. by changing the potential difference or the resistor value applied to the circuit₁、V₂、V₃Absolute value of (a). Furthermore, a pull-up resistor in the console connector CC may be connected between an input connected to the output OP of the circuit ECCT and an exemplary 5V potential of the first electrical conductor FCON to further adjust the voltage level V by virtue of its effect as a resistor divider₂And V₃Absolute value of (a). Further, it should be appreciated that the exemplary circuit ECCT of FIG. 5 is merely exemplary, and that alternative circuits having alternative or additional passive components, such as capacitors, diodes, etc., may also be used.

Fig. 2 illustrates an extension cable EXC2 comprising a first electrical connector FEC, a second electrical connector SEC, a circuit ECCT, an electrical cable ECAB and two measurement terminals TM₁、TM₂. As described above, measureTerminal TM₁、TM₂Terminal TM 'which can be used for connection into ultrasonic transducer connector UTC'₁、TM’₂. Furthermore, as described above, the circuit ECCT in fig. 2 provides a voltage level V corresponding to iii) the circuit ECCT being electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC and the ultrasound transducer connector UTC being electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC, based on the impedance value measured between the two measurement terminals TM1, TM2₃. Additional measurement terminals may be used in a similar manner.

The cable ECAB illustrated in fig. 2 may optionally comprise a first electrical conductor FCON and a second electrical conductor SCON adapted to provide a potential difference from the console connector CC to the circuit ECCT by means of corresponding terminals in the console connector and the second electrical connector. Optionally, the cable ECAB may further comprise a shield SH configured to shield each electrical conductor SCON, SCON. The shield SH may cover the first electrical conductor FCON and the second electrical conductor SCON, for example in the form of a sheath. Optionally, the shield SH may be electrically connected to one of the first electrical conductor FCON and the second electrical conductor SCON in order to provide such electrical shielding. Such an electrical shield and conductor may also be used in the cable ECAB illustrated in fig. 1.

In one embodiment, the extension cable EXC2 illustrated in fig. 2 may optionally include a memory MEM. The memory MEM is preferably a non-volatile memory. Non-volatile random access memory, NVRAM, is one suitable example. Other suitable examples include flash memory storage devices such as Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), Solid State Drives (SSD), NAND, and the like. The memory MEM may be used to store a count value indicating: a) based on the voltage level transition of the multi-state output MSOP to a voltage level V corresponding to iii) the electrical circuit ECCT being electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC and the ultrasound transducer connector UTC being electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC₃The number of times the corresponding ultrasound transducer connector UTC has been connected to the first electrical connector FEC; and/or b) switch to electrically connect with ii) the circuit ECCT via a second electrical connector SEC based on a voltage level of the multi-state output MSOPTo the console connector CC and the ultrasonic transducer connector UTC is not electrically connected to the voltage level V corresponding to the first electrical connector FEC₂The number of times the corresponding console connector CC has been connected to the second electrical connector SEC.

The memory MEM may thus store the number of connection cycles between one or both of the connectors of the extension cable and its corresponding ultrasound transducer and console connector. Advantageously, the count of these connection cycles may be used to indicate that extension cable EXC2 needs to be replaced. This may improve the reliability of the system using extension cable EXC 2.

In this embodiment, the count values of a) and b) above may optionally be determined by a counter within the circuit ECCT. Alternatively, these count values may be determined in a separate console when the console is connected to the second electrical connector SEC via the console connector CC. The latter configuration has the benefit of reduced complexity of extension cable EXC 2. In this latter configuration, cable ECAB may optionally further comprise a third electrical conductor TCON in communication with circuit ECCT for providing a voltage level V of the multi-state output MSOP to the console by means of corresponding terminals in each of the second electrical connector SEC and the console connector CC₁、V₂、V₃. The third electrical conductor TCON may also communicate with the memory MEM to receive the count value from the console CS. Thus, in this embodiment, the third electrical conductor TCON serves as a bidirectional signal path. Using bidirectional signal paths in this manner reduces the number of electrical conductors in the cable ECAB and thereby reduces its weight and improves its flexibility. Other conductors, such as optional conductor VCON illustrated in fig. 2, may also be included within cable ECAB. Such conductors may be used in alternative embodiments, for example, to provide separate signal paths for communicating the multi-state output MSOP to the console, and for receiving count values from the console CS for communicating ultrasonic signals between the first electrical connector FEC and the second electrical connector SEC, or for other purposes.

Optionally, the circuit ECCT may be provided with a housing HOU. The circuit ECCT may be disposed within the housing HOU and the first electrical connector FEC may be attached to the housing HOU to provide structural support to the first electrical connector FEC.

Optionally, as illustrated in fig. 2, the circuit ECCT may further comprise an amplifier AMP. The amplifier AMP may be, for example, a charge amplifier or a current amplifier or a voltage amplifier. In a particular embodiment, the amplifier is a differential charge amplifier. The amplifier AMP may be adapted to amplify the electrical signals received from the ultrasound transducer by means of the first electrical connector FEC and the ultrasound transducer connector UTC. The amplified output may then be transferred to the second electrical connector SEC by means of one or more conductors, such as the electrical conductor VCON. In so doing, the integrity of the ultrasonic signal may be maintained after transmission along the extent of the cable ECAB. Furthermore, as illustrated in fig. 2, the first electrical connector FEC may comprise two transducer terminals TT₁、TT₂For connection via a corresponding terminal TT 'in the ultrasonic transducer connector UTC'₁、TT’₂Receive and/or transmit electrical signals. Amplifier AMP and transducer terminal TT₁、TT₂Electrically connected to amplify the electrical signal. Additional transducer terminals may also be included in connectors UTC and FEC in a similar manner. The cable may further comprise one or more electrical conductors, for example electrical conductor VCON, for transmitting the amplified signal to the second electrical connector SEC. Such electrical signals may be further processed by a console, not illustrated in fig. 2, when connected to the second electrical connector SEC via the console connector CC.

In one exemplary application, the extension cables EXC1, EXC2 may be used in an ultrasound-based position tracking system. In this application, the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is electrically connected to the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasonic transducer may be via a transducer terminal TT₁’、TT₂' a detector connected to the ultrasound transducer connector UTC, such that when the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is connected to the first electrical connector FEC and when the second electrical connector SEC is connected to the console connector CC, the amplifier AMP amplifies the detected ultrasound signals and sends these via the amplifier AMP and the cable ECAB to the console connector CC connected to the console. The console may be associated with a beamforming ultrasound imaging probe configured to generate an ultrasound fieldA head communication, and including a processor configured to: providing a reconstructed ultrasound image corresponding to an ultrasound field of the beamforming ultrasound imaging probe, and calculating a position of an ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound detector relative to the ultrasound field based on ultrasound signals transmitted between the beamforming ultrasound imaging probe and the ultrasound transducer, and providing an icon in the reconstructed ultrasound image based on the calculated position of the ultrasound transducer. One suitable technique for processing the detected signals and determining the transducer position based on the time of flight of the detected ultrasonic signals and the corresponding beam of the beamforming ultrasonic imaging probe (where the maximum signal is detected) is disclosed in more detail in the document "a Non-dispersive Technology for Robust 3D Tool Tracking for ultrasonic output-Guided internations" by jany Mung, Francois Vignon and Ameet jan (edited in MICCAI 2011, first part, LNCS 6891, page 153 and 160, 2011, a.

Fig. 6 illustrates a system SYS comprising an extension cable EXC2, a console CON and a console connector CC. The console CON may optionally comprise the functionality of the ultrasound based position tracking system described above. The system SYS comprises an extension cable EXC2, a console CON and a console connector CC. The console CON is connected to the extension cable EXC2 via a console connector CC and a second electrical connector SEC. The console CON receives the voltage level V via the third electrical conductor TCON of the extension cable EXC2₁、V₂、V₃And electrically connecting a voltage level V at a predetermined voltage corresponding to i) the circuit ECCT not being connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC₁Shift to regulated Voltage level V'₁. A voltage level shifter or pull-up resistor may be used to provide this voltage shift, for example. The console CON further comprises a counter CTR generating a count value indicative of a) the number of times the corresponding ultrasound transducer connector UTC has been connected to the first electrical connector FEC and/or b) the number of times the corresponding console connector CC has been connected to the second electrical connector SEC. The counter CTR may be a dedicated counter integrated circuit or its function may be performed by the processor. The count value(s) of the counter CTR is based on the voltageFlat V₁、V₂、V₃And an adjusted voltage level V' 1. The counter CTR also supplies the count value(s) to the memory MEM of the circuit ECCT via the third electrical conductor TCON and the console connector CC.

In so doing, a reliable system is provided, since the need for replacing the extension cable can be evaluated by reading the value(s) in the memory MEM.

Referring also to fig. 6, the console CON of the system SYS may further comprise a processor PROC. The processor PROC comprises instructions which, when executed by the processor PROC, cause the processor PROC to process electrical signals received and/or transmitted between the processor console CON and the amplifier AMP of the circuit ECCT. The instructions cause the processor PROC to process the electrical signal when the count value satisfies a first count condition, and to suspend the processing of the electrical signal when the count value satisfies a second count condition.

By suspending processing after, for example, the count value has exceeded a predetermined value, system reliability may be improved as the user is alerted to the need to replace the extension cable ESC 2.

In an alternative embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises the extension cable EXC1 or EXC2 of fig. 1 or fig. 2, respectively, a console CON and a console connector CC. The console CON further comprises a processor PROC comprising instructions which, when executed on the processor PROC, cause the processor PROC to determine a connection status between the first electrical connector FEC and the corresponding ultrasound transducer connector UTC based on the actual voltage level of the multi-state output MSOP. The processor PROC is further configured to i) indicate said status, e.g. to a user, and/or ii) process electrical signals received and/or transmitted between the processor and the amplifier AMP of the circuit ECCT based on said connection status. The current or present connection status may be indicated, for example, on a display, for example, with an icon or alternatively via an indicator light such as a light emitting diode. In the aforementioned tracking application, in which the position of the ultrasound transducer is indicated relative to the ultrasound image, if it is determined that the current state corresponds to the connected state ii), the display of the icon may be paused, for example; that is, the circuit ECCT is electrically connected to the console connector CC via the second electrical connector SEC, while the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is not electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC. Advantageously, this reduces the risk of misinterpreting the ultrasound transducer position when the ultrasound transducer connector UTC is not electrically connected to the first electrical connector FEC.

In summary, extension cables have been provided. The extension cable includes a first electrical connector for connecting to a corresponding ultrasound transducer connector, a second electrical connector for connecting to a corresponding console connector, circuitry, and a cable. The circuit provides a multi-state output, the multi-state being a different voltage level corresponding to each of: i) the circuit is not electrically connected to the console connector; ii) the circuit is electrically connected to the console connector and the ultrasound transducer connector is not electrically connected to the first electrical connector; and iii) the circuitry is electrically connected to the console connector and the ultrasound transducer connector is electrically connected to the first electrical connector.

Various embodiments and options have been described with respect to extension cables, and it is noted that various embodiments may be combined to obtain further benefits. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Any of the method steps disclosed herein may be recorded in the form of instructions that, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform such method steps. The instructions may be stored on a computer program product. The computer program product may be provided by means of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. Moreover, explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor "DSP" hardware, read-only memory "ROM" for storing software, random access memory "RAM", non-volatile storage, and so forth. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium,the computer program product may provide program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer readable storage medium can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, or an apparatus or device, or a propagation medium. Examples of a computer-readable medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory "RAM", a read-only memory "ROM", a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk-read only memory "CD-ROM", compact disk-read/write "CD-R/W", Blu-Ray^TMAnd a DVD.