Ultrasonic diagnostic device, ultrasonic diagnostic system, operation information display method, and program

Abstract

To display appropriate information on an operation and improve convenience for a user.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A includes an ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1A as a body part and a control panel 11A that can be attached to and detached from the ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1A. The ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1A includes a display part 17a as a first display part that can be operated by touch. The control panel 11A includes a plurality of keys. Information on functions of the keys and information on the touch operation are displayed in the display part 17a when the control panel 11A is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1A. Display of the information on the functions of the keys is changed when the control panel 11A is not connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1A, and the information on the touch operation is displayed in the display part 17a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasound diagnostic system, an operation information display method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that uses an ultrasonic probe to irradiate ultrasonic waves into the inside of a subject, receives and analyzes the reflected waves, and displays an ultrasonic image of the inside of the subject. The subject is, for example, a living body of a patient.

[0003] The ultrasound diagnostic device includes a control panel (operating console) having physical operating elements as an operating unit that accepts operation input from a user such as a doctor. The physical operating elements are push buttons, an encoder (rotary knob), etc. For example, there is known an ultrasound diagnostic device that displays on a display a function menu that collectively lists the names of the functions of each operating element on the operating panel (control panel) (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Recently, ultrasonic diagnostic devices that allow the control panel to be detached from the main body are known. For example, an ultrasonic diagnostic device is known that allows one of multiple types of operation panels (control panels) to be attached to the main body (see Patent Document 2). This ultrasonic diagnostic device controls the inside of the device in a diagnostic mode (image mode) corresponding to the attached control panel. When the control panel is not attached, this ultrasonic diagnostic device displays a message indicating that the control panel is not attached on the display and goes into a standby state.

[0005] Recently, ultrasonic diagnostic devices have become known that are equipped with a touch panel and allow users to perform touch operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5345724 [Patent Document 2] JP 2014-200378 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Here, consider a configuration in which a removable control panel is applied to the ultrasound diagnostic device of Patent Document 1. This ultrasound diagnostic device displays the names of the functions of each operation element even when the control panel is removed. For this reason, the user may mistakenly believe that the control panel is available.

[0008] Also, consider a configuration in which a touch panel is applied to the ultrasound diagnostic device of Patent Document 2. This ultrasound diagnostic device displays a message to that effect when the control panel is removed. However, this ultrasound diagnostic device may misunderstand and cause the user to stop the diagnosis, even though the diagnosis can actually be made by touching the touch panel.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to display appropriate information related to an operation and to improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the invention described in claim 1 comprises: A main body having a first display unit that is touch operable; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: the control panel having a plurality of keys; When the control panel is connected to the main body, the first display unit information indicating the function of the key and information regarding the touch operation are displayed; When the control panel is not connected to the main body, The display of information indicating the function of the key is changed, and information regarding the touch operation is displayed.

[0011] The invention described in claim 2 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1, the control panel is connectable to the main body via wireless communication; When the first display unit is unable to communicate wirelessly with the control panel, The display of information indicating the function of the key is changed, and information regarding the touch operation is displayed.

[0012] The invention described in claim 3 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1 or 2, a setting unit for setting whether or not to display information indicating the function of the key, The display unit displays information indicating functions of the keys based on information indicating whether the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the control panel are connected and on the setting by the setting unit.

[0013] The invention described in claim 4 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1 or 2, When the control panel is not connected, the first display unit Information indicating that the connection is not made is displayed.

[0014] The ultrasound diagnostic system according to the invention described in claim 5 comprises: An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, and a touch-operable tablet terminal connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus via a wireless network, The second display unit of the tablet terminal is When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the control panel are connected, information indicating the function of the key and information regarding the touch operation are displayed; When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the control panel are not connected, The display of information regarding the operation of the control panel is changed, and information regarding the touch operation is displayed.

[0015] The operation information display method of the invention described in claim 6 comprises: A main body having a first display unit that is touch operable; An operation information display method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a detachable control panel, comprising: the control panel having a plurality of keys; The first display unit, When the control panel is connected to the main body, information indicating the function of the key and information regarding the touch operation are displayed; When the control panel is not connected to the main body, The display of information indicating the function of the key is changed, and information regarding the touch operation is displayed.

[0016] The program of the invention described in claim 7 is A main body portion, a control panel that is detachable from the main body and has a plurality of keys; The display unit functions as a touch-operable display unit provided on the main body, The first display unit is When the control panel is connected to the main body, information indicating the function of the key and information regarding the touch operation are displayed; When the control panel is not connected to the main body, The display of information indicating the function of the key is changed, and information regarding the touch operation is displayed. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, appropriate information regarding an operation can be displayed, thereby improving user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the control panel. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing a first operation information display process. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a second operation information display process. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a third operation information display process. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic system. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a tablet terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in order with reference to the drawings, however, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0020] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. First, the device configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A. Fig. 3 is a top view showing a control panel 11A.

[0021] The ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A is provided in a medical facility such as a hospital. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A includes an ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A as a main body, an ultrasonic probe 2, and a control panel 11A. The ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A has an operation display unit 17. The ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A. The ultrasonic probe 2 transmits ultrasonic waves (transmitted ultrasonic waves) into a subject and receives reflected waves of ultrasonic waves (reflected ultrasonic waves: echoes) reflected within the subject. The subject is a living body of a patient (not shown). The ultrasonic probe 2 includes an ultrasonic probe main body 21, a cable 22, and a connector 23. The ultrasonic probe main body 21 is a header part of the ultrasonic probe 2 and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The cable 22 is connected to the ultrasonic probe main body 21 and the connector 23. The cable 22 is a cable through which a drive signal for the ultrasonic probe main body 21 and a reception signal of ultrasonic waves flow. The connector 23 is a plug connector for connecting to a receptacle connector (not shown) of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1A.

[0022] The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1A is connected to the ultrasound probe main body 21 via a connector 23 and a cable 22. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1A transmits an electric drive signal to the ultrasound probe main body 21, thereby causing the ultrasound probe main body 21 to transmit an ultrasonic wave to the subject. The ultrasound probe 2 generates a reception signal, which is an electric signal, in response to the reflected ultrasonic wave from inside the subject received by the ultrasound probe main body 21. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1A images the internal state inside the subject as ultrasound image data based on the reception signal generated by the ultrasound probe 2.

[0023] The ultrasonic probe body 21 has a transducer 2a (FIG. 2) at the tip side. The transducers 2a are arranged in a one-dimensional array in the azimuth direction (scanning direction), for example. The transducers 2a may be arranged in a two-dimensional array. The number of transducers 2a can be set arbitrarily. In the present embodiment, a linear scanning electronic scan probe is adopted as the ultrasonic probe 2. However, the ultrasonic probe 2 may be either an electronic scanning type or a mechanical scanning type. The ultrasonic probe 2 may be either a linear scanning type, a sector scanning type, or a convex scanning type. The ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1A and the ultrasonic probe 2 may be configured to communicate wirelessly instead of by wire via a cable 22. This wireless communication is UWB (Ultra Wide Band) or the like.

[0024] The operation display unit 17 includes a display unit 17a and a touch panel 17b. The display unit 17a includes a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, an inorganic EL display, etc. The display unit 17a displays display information such as ultrasound image data on the display panel.

[0025] The touch panel 17b is a capacitive touch panel that is integrally provided on the display surface of the display unit 17a. The touch panel 17b receives touch input from users such as doctors and engineers. The touch panel 17b is not limited to the capacitive type, and may be of another type such as a resistive film type.

[0026] The control panel 11A is detachable from the ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1A and is an operation input unit that accepts various operation inputs from a user. Detachment includes attaching (connecting) the control panel 11A to the ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1A by wire and detaching (disconnecting) the control panel 11A by wire. The control panel 11A has a cable such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) as a wired communication unit. The connector of the plug at the end of the cable is connected to a connector of a receptacle of the ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1A for wired connection. The control panel 11A may have a first connector. The first connector is connected to a second connector of the ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1A by wire. The control panel 11A also has operation elements such as a push button, a (rotary) encoder, and a touch pad, as described later. However, the control panel 11A may have at least one operation element such as a push button, an encoder, a lever switch, a joystick, a trackball, a keyboard, a touch pad, or a multifunction switch.

[0027] 2, the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1A includes a transmitting unit 12, a receiving unit 13, an image generating unit 14, an image processing unit 15, a display control unit 16, an operation display unit 17, a control unit 18, a storage unit 19, and a connection unit 31. The control unit 18 and the display unit 17a (operation display unit 17) function as a first display unit. The control unit 18 functions as a setting unit.

[0028] The transmitting unit 12 supplies a driving signal, which is an electric signal, to the ultrasonic probe 2 under the control of the control unit 18, to cause the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate a transmission ultrasonic wave. The transmitting unit 12 includes, for example, a clock generating circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse generating circuit. The clock generating circuit generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of the driving signal. The delay circuit sets a delay time for each individual path corresponding to each transducer 2a, and delays the transmission of the driving signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses a transmission beam formed by the transmission ultrasonic wave by the delay. The pulse generating circuit generates a pulse signal as a driving signal at a predetermined period. The transmitting unit 12 generates a transmission ultrasonic wave by driving, for example, a continuous part (for example, 64 pieces) of a plurality of transducers 2a (for example, 192 pieces) arranged in the ultrasonic probe 2. Then, the transmitting unit 12 scans by shifting the driven transducer 2a in the azimuth direction (scanning direction) every time a transmission ultrasonic wave is generated.

[0029] The receiving unit 13 receives a received signal, which is an electrical signal, from the ultrasonic probe 2 under the control of the control unit 18. The receiving unit 13 includes, for example, an amplifier, an A / D conversion circuit, and a phasing and summing circuit. The amplifier amplifies the received signal by a preset amplification factor for each individual path corresponding to each transducer 2a. The A / D conversion circuit performs analog-to-digital conversion (A / D conversion) of the amplified received signal. The phasing and summing circuit adjusts the time phase by providing a delay time for each individual path corresponding to each transducer 2a to the A / D converted received signal, and adds these (phasing and summing) to generate sound ray data.

[0030] The image generating unit 14 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression, and the like on the sound ray data from the receiving unit 13 under the control of the control unit 18, and performs brightness conversion by adjusting the dynamic range and gain. The image generating unit 14 generates B (Brightness) mode image data consisting of pixels having brightness values ​​as reception energy through the brightness conversion. In other words, the B mode image data represents the strength of the reception signal by brightness. Note that the image generating unit 14 may be configured to generate image data of other image modes than B mode, such as M (Motion) mode and color Doppler mode.

[0031] The image processing unit 15 has an image memory unit 15a. The image memory unit 15a is composed of a semiconductor memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The image processing unit 15 stores the B-mode image data transmitted from the image generating unit 14 in the image memory unit 15a in units of frames in accordance with the control of the control unit 18. The B-mode image data in units of frames is sometimes referred to as ultrasonic image data. The image processing unit 15 transmits the ultrasonic image data stored in the image memory unit 15a to the display control unit 16 for one frame at a time at predetermined time intervals in accordance with the control of the control unit 18.

[0032] The display control unit 16 performs processing such as coordinate conversion on the B-mode image data input from the image processing unit 15 under the control of the control unit 18 to convert the image data into an image signal for display. The display control unit 16 outputs the image signal to the operation display unit 17.

[0033] The display unit 17a displays an ultrasound image on a display panel according to an image signal output from the display control unit 16 under the control of the control unit 18. The display unit 17a also displays various display information input from the control unit 18 on the display panel.

[0034] The touch panel 17b receives touch input from the user and outputs the touch operation information to the control unit 18.

[0035] The control unit 18 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The control unit 18 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM, expands them in the RAM, and controls each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A in cooperation with the expanded programs and the CPU. The ROM is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor. The ROM stores a system program corresponding to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A, various processing programs executable on the system program, and various data such as a gamma table. In particular, the ROM stores a first operation information display program for executing a first operation information display process described later. These programs are stored in the RAM in the form of computer-readable program codes. The CPU sequentially executes operations according to the program codes on the RAM. The RAM forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU and data related to these programs.

[0036] The storage unit 19 is a storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores information such as ultrasound image data in a writable and readable manner. In particular, the storage unit 19 stores function assignment information for each key of the control panel 11A and touch operation element information, as described later.

[0037] The connection unit 31 is a connection unit that is physically and electrically connected to the control panel 11A so as to be able to perform wired communication. The connection unit 31 has, for example, a connector for a cable of the control panel 11A or the above-mentioned second connector. The control panel 11A connected to the connection unit 31 receives operation input from a user via each operation element, and outputs the operation information to the control unit 18 via the connection unit 31.

[0038] 3, the control panel 11A has encoders 111-114 as keys, buttons 115-119, and a touch pad 120. The encoders 111-114 are rotary encoders having push button functions as operation elements, and receive dial rotation operations and press operations from the user. The buttons 115-119 are push buttons, and receive press operations from the user. The touch pad 120 receives touch operations from the user.

[0039] In the encoders 111 to 114, various functions (parameters) to be adjusted for each image mode can be set. Here, an example in which the image mode is the B mode will be described. The encoder 111 has a function of, for example, being capable of dialing the focus position. The focus position is the focus depth of the B mode image to be displayed.

[0040] The encoder 112 can, for example, dial in the depth, which is the depth of the B-mode image to be displayed.

[0041] Encoder 113 can be operated, for example, by dialing between a TGC (Time Gain Compensation) deep portion and a TGC shallow portion. TGC is a synonym for STC (Sensitivity Time Control) and is a function that corrects and adjusts the gain of received ultrasound for a time corresponding to a distance at a certain interval. The TGC deep portion is a TGC for deep portions. The TGC shallow portion is a TGC for shallow portions. Encoder 113 can also be switched between the TGC deep portion and the TGC shallow portion by, for example, pressing the encoder.

[0042] The encoder 114 can adjust the gain by, for example, dialing. The gain is the gain of a B-mode image to be displayed (B gain). The encoder 114 can automatically adjust the gain by, for example, pressing the encoder 114.

[0043] Button 115 is a button that can execute setting (setting, etc.) of a parameter being adjusted, for example, in response to a pressing operation by the user. Button 116 can execute ending of a process being executed, for example, in response to a pressing operation by the user. Button 117 can execute saving of a displayed ultrasound image (save of a still image (image data)), for example, in response to a pressing operation by the user. Button 118 can execute dual-screen display of ultrasound images, for example, in response to a pressing operation by the user. Button 119 can execute freezing of a live B-mode image being displayed, for example, in response to a pressing operation by the user.

[0044] The above-described set of templates for assigning various functions to each key of the control panel 11A is referred to as layout S1. A predetermined number of the template sets of the control panel 11A can be set and alternatively selected for each image mode, for example. The predetermined number is, for example, 10 for layouts S1 to S10. The set of templates for assigning various functions to each key of the control panel 11A for each image mode is stored in the storage unit 19 as function assignment information.

[0045] In addition, touch buttons and the like are displayed on the display unit 17a as operation elements that accept touch operation inputs to the touch panel 17b related to functions in various image modes. These operation elements are referred to as touch operation elements. The storage unit 19 stores touch operation element information for displaying the touch operation elements together with function assignment information for each key on the control panel 11A.

[0046] The ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A to which the control panel 11A is connected has a power button 121 and a light emitting unit 122. The power button 121 accepts input of power on / off from the user. The light emitting unit 122 is a light emitting unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that indicates various states such as the power state of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A by emitting light.

[0047] Next, the operation of ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100A will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the first operation information display process. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen 500a. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen 500b.

[0048] In the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A, for example, a user inputs an instruction to start a diagnosis (examination) in various image modes via the touch panel 17b. The input of the instruction to start is used as a trigger to cause the control unit 18 to execute a first operation information display process according to a first operation information display program in the ROM.

[0049] 4, the control unit 18 reads out and acquires touch operation element information from the storage unit 19 (step T11). The control unit 18 detects communication with the control panel 11A via the connection unit 31 (step T12). In step T12, the control unit 18 acquires the presence or absence of communication connection of the control panel 11A to the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1A according to the communication detection result.

[0050] The control unit 18 determines whether the control panel 11A is connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1A based on the connection status acquired in step T12 (step T13). If the control panel 11A is connected (step T13; YES), the control unit 18 acquires function assignment information of the keys of the control panel 11A in the image mode of the examination (step T14). In step T14, the function assignment information is read out and acquired from the storage unit 19.

[0051] Control unit 18 displays on display unit 17a control panel guide information based on the function allocation information acquired in step T14 and the touch operation element information acquired in step T11 (step T15), and the first operation information display process ends.

[0052] 5 is displayed. The display screen 500a has a touch button 510, operation guide information 520 and simple guide information 530 as control panel guide information, and a layout type R. The touch button 510 is a display button as an operation element that accepts touch inputs of various functions in the pulse Doppler mode.

[0053] The operation guide information 520 has operation element display information 521 and function information 522. The operation element display information 521 is display information in which each operation element of the control panel 11A is arranged according to the layout. The operation element display information 521 has operation elements F1 to F4, U1, U2, SET, EXIT, and FREEZE corresponding to the encoders 111 to 114 and buttons 115 to 119, respectively.

[0054] The function information 522 is display information indicating functions assigned to each operation element of the operation element display information 521. For example, the function information 522 corresponding to the operation element F1 indicates that the function of "focus position" is assigned to the dial operation of the encoder 111. Also, for example, the function information 522 corresponding to the operation element F3 indicates that the functions of "deep TGC" and "shallow TGC" are assigned to the dial operation of the encoder 113. The dial operation of these two functions can be switched by pressing the encoder 113.

[0055] The simple guide information 530 is display information showing the functions assigned to the encoders 111 to 114 and the currently switched function among them. The simple guide information 530 is arranged in the left-right order corresponding to the arrangement of the encoders 111 to 114. For example, the simple guide information 530 corresponding to the encoder 111 shows that the function of "focus position" is assigned to the dial operation. Also, for example, the simple guide information 530 corresponding to the encoder 113 shows that the functions of "TGC deep" and "TGC shallow" are assigned to the dial operation. Furthermore, the simple guide information 530 corresponding to the encoder 113 shows that the currently switched function is "TGC deep". In the simple guide information 530 of FIG. 5, the currently switched function is displayed in bold. Similarly, the functions not currently switched are displayed in thin. The layout type R is a radio button that accepts an alternative selection of layouts S1 to S10.

[0056] As shown on display screen 500a, at least a part of the functions assigned to touch button 510 and the functions assigned to the operation elements of control panel 11A are the same. Note that the functions assigned to touch button 510 and the functions assigned to the operation elements of control panel 11A do not have to match each other.

[0057] 4, if the touch operation element information acquired in step T11 is not connected (step T13; NO), the control unit 18 displays the touch operation element information acquired in step T11 on the display unit 17a (step T16). The first operation information display process ends.

[0058] In step T16, for example, a display screen 500b shown in Fig. 6 is displayed. The display screen 500a has a touch button 510, an ultrasound image 540, and a layout type R. The ultrasound image 540 is, for example, a live B-mode image. The layout type R may be hidden on the display screen 500b.

[0059] In step T16, it is preferable that the control unit 18 displays information indicating that the control panel 11A is not connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 1A on the display unit 17a. The information indicating that the communication is not connected is a message or an icon indicating that the communication is not connected. The information indicating that the communication is not connected may be configured to be displayed each time the communication state changes from a connected state to a disconnected state. In addition, the information indicating that the communication is not connected may be configured to be constantly displayed during an examination, for example, in a status area of ​​the display screen, as information indicating a connected state or a disconnected state.

[0060] As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A includes an ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A and a control panel 11A detachable from the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A. The ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A has a display unit 17a (display unit 17a and control unit 18) that can be operated by touch using a touch panel 17b. The control panel 11A has a plurality of keys (encoders 111-114, buttons 115-119). When the control panel 11A is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A by wire, the display unit 17a displays control panel guide information indicating the functions of the keys and information regarding touch operations. When the control panel 11A is not connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A, the display unit 17a changes the display of the information indicating the functions of the keys and displays information regarding touch operations. The information indicating the functions of the keys is control panel guide information (operation guide information 520, simple guide information 530). The information regarding touch operations is touch operation element information (touch button 510).

[0061] Therefore, depending on whether the control panel 11A is connected by wire or not, appropriate information regarding the operation can be displayed on the display unit 17a, thereby improving user convenience. The appropriate information regarding the operation is control panel guide information, or (control panel guide information and touch operation element information).

[0062] When the control panel 11A is not connected via a wired connection, the display unit 17a displays information indicating that the control panel 11A is not connected via a wired connection. This allows the user to easily and visually recognize that the control panel 11A is not connected via a wired connection, thereby improving user convenience.

[0063] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device 100B according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a second operation information display process.

[0064] In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A has a configuration in which the control panel 11A and the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A are connected by wire. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic device has a configuration in which the control panel and the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body are connected by wireless.

[0065] In this embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic device 100B shown in Fig. 7 is used instead of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A of the first embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 100B includes an ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1B, an ultrasonic probe 2, and a control panel 11B. The ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1B is similar to the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A, but includes a communication unit 32 instead of the connection unit 31. Among the components of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100B, the same components as those of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] A second operation information display program for executing a second operation information display process described later is stored in the ROM of the control unit 18 instead of the first operation information display program. The communication unit 32 is a wireless communication unit that is connected to the control panel 11B so as to be able to wirelessly communicate with the control panel 11B using a predetermined wireless communication method. The predetermined wireless communication method is a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The control unit 18 transmits and receives information to and from the control panel 11B via the communication unit 32.

[0067] The control panel 11B has the same configuration as the control panel 11A of the first embodiment in terms of operation elements, etc., but performs wireless communication with the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1B. For this reason, the control panel 11B has a communication unit (not shown) for wireless communication with the communication unit 32.

[0068] Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100B will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100B, for example, a user inputs an instruction to start a diagnosis (examination) in various image modes via the touch panel 17b. The input of the instruction to start is used as a trigger to cause the control unit 18 to execute a second operation information display process according to a second operation information display program in the ROM.

[0069] Step T21 of the second operation information display process is similar to step T11 of the first operation information display process in Fig. 4. The control unit 18 acquires communication status information with the control panel 11B via the communication unit 32 (step T23). The communication status information indicates, for example, one of two states: normal communication, in which wireless communication with the control panel 11B is normal, and unavailable communication, in which wireless communication is impossible. Unavailable communication includes a communication cut-off state and a communication disconnection state. Communication cut-off is, for example, a state in which the control panel 11B is within a communication range but is cut off. Communication disconnection is, for example, a state in which the control panel 11B is outside a communication range and is physically disconnected.

[0070] The control unit 18 determines whether the communication status information acquired in step T22 indicates that communication is not possible (step T23). If communication is normal (step T23; NO), the process proceeds to step T24. If communication is not possible (step T23; YES), the process proceeds to step T26. Steps T24 to T26 are the same as steps T14 to T16 in FIG. 4.

[0071] In step T26, it is preferable that the control unit 18 displays on the display unit 17a information indicating that the control panel 11B is not connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1B for communication. The information indicating that the communication is not connected is a message or an icon indicating that communication is not possible.

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, the control panel 11B can be connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 1B by wireless communication. When wireless communication with the control panel 11B is not possible, the display of the information indicating the key functions is changed and information regarding touch operations is displayed on the display unit 17a. The information indicating the key functions is control panel guide information (operation guide information 520, simple guide information 530). The information regarding touch operations is touch operation element information (touch button 510). Therefore, appropriate information regarding operations can be displayed on the display unit 17a depending on whether or not the control panel 11B is wirelessly connected, thereby improving user convenience.

[0073] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a third operation information display process.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A is configured to always display the control panel guide information when the control panel 11A is communicatively connected. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic device is configured to be able to set whether or not to display the control panel guide information.

[0075] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100A of the first embodiment is used. However, in place of the first operation information display program, a third operation information display program for executing a third operation information display process described later is stored in the ROM of the control unit 18.

[0076] Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A, the control unit 18 receives input from the user via the touch panel 17b in advance. The input content is information on whether or not to display control panel guide information when the control panel 11A and the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A are communicatively connected. The control unit 18 creates guide display setting information indicating whether or not to display the control panel guide information in accordance with the input content, and stores the information in the storage unit 19.

[0077] In the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A, for example, a user inputs an instruction to start a diagnosis (examination) in various image modes via the touch panel 17b. The input of the instruction to start is used as a trigger to cause the control unit 18 to execute a third operation information display process according to a third operation information display program in the ROM.

[0078] Step T31 of the third operation information display process is similar to step T11 of the first operation information display process in Fig. 4. The control unit 18 reads and acquires guide display setting information from the storage unit 19 (step T32). The control unit 18 determines whether the guide display setting information acquired in step T32 is set to display control panel guide information (step T33).

[0079] If the setting is to display the control panel guide information (step T33; YES), the process proceeds to step T34. Steps T34 to T38 are similar to steps T12 to T16 in Fig. 4. If the setting is to not display the control panel guide information (step T33; NO), the process proceeds to step T38.

[0080] As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 100A includes a control unit 18. The control unit 18 sets whether or not to display information indicating the functions of the keys on the control panel 11A, and creates guide display setting information. The display unit 17a displays information indicating the functions of the keys, based on information indicating whether or not the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1A and the control panel 11A are connected, and the guide display setting information by the control unit 18. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately set whether or not to display appropriate information regarding the operation of the control panel 11A on the display unit 17a, depending on whether or not the control panel 11A is connected via a wire.

[0081] If there is a guide display setting (step T33; YES), the process may proceed to step T36. Also, the guide display setting information may be information that allows the user to set whether or not to display the operation guide information and the simple guide information independently.

[0082] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system 1000C according to the present embodiment. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a tablet terminal 40.

[0083] In the above-described first embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A includes the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A and the control panel 11A. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic system includes an ultrasonic diagnostic device having a control panel and a tablet terminal.

[0084] In this embodiment, an ultrasound diagnostic system 1000C shown in FIG. 10 is used instead of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100A of the first embodiment. The ultrasound diagnostic system 1000C includes an ultrasound diagnostic device 100C and a tablet terminal 40. The ultrasound diagnostic device 100C includes an ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1C, an ultrasound probe 2, and a control panel 11A. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1C is similar to the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1A, but further includes a communication unit 33. Among the components of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100C, the same components as those of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100A are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0085] The communication unit 33 is a wireless communication unit that is connected to the tablet terminal 40 so as to be able to wirelessly communicate with the tablet terminal 40 using a predetermined wireless communication method. The predetermined wireless communication method is a communication method such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The control unit 18 transmits and receives information to and from the tablet terminal 40 via the communication unit 33.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 11, the tablet terminal 40 includes a control unit 41, an operation unit 42, a storage unit 43, a display unit 44, and a communication unit 45. The various units of the tablet terminal 40 are connected to one another via a bus. The control unit 41 and the display unit 44 function as a second display unit. The control unit 41 includes, for example, a CPU and a RAM. The control unit 41 reads out various processing programs stored in the storage unit 43, expands them in the RAM, and controls the various units of the tablet terminal 40 in cooperation with the expanded programs and the CPU.

[0087] The operation unit 42 is, for example, a touch panel. The operation unit 42 accepts touch input from the user and outputs the touch operation information to the control unit 41. The storage unit 43 is a storage unit such as a flash memory that can read and write information. The storage unit 43 stores various data and various programs.

[0088] The display unit 44 has a display panel such as an LCD, an organic EL display, or an inorganic EL display. The display unit 44 displays display information such as ultrasound image data on the display panel. The communication unit 45 is a wireless communication unit connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1C so as to be able to wirelessly communicate with the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1C by a predetermined wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi. The control unit 41 transmits and receives information to and from the control unit 18 of the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1C via the communication unit 45.

[0089] Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100C will be described. In the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100C, the control unit 18 executes an operation information display process similar to the first operation information display process of the first embodiment. Here, the difference between this operation information display process and the first operation information display process will be described.

[0090] In this operation information display process, corresponding to steps T25 and T26 of the first operation information display process, control unit 18 causes tablet terminal 40 to display the same display screen as the display screen of display unit 17a. Specifically, control unit 18 transmits display information of the same display screen as the display screen displayed on display unit 17a to tablet terminal 40 via communication unit 33. Control unit 41 receives the display information from control unit 18 via communication unit 45 and displays it on display unit 44.

[0091] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic system 1000C includes the ultrasound diagnostic device 100C and the tablet terminal 40. The tablet terminal 40 is connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device 100C via a wireless network and is touch-operable. The tablet terminal 40 includes a display unit 44 (display unit 44, control unit 41). When the ultrasound diagnostic device 100C and the control panel 11A are connected, the display unit 44 displays information indicating key functions and information regarding touch operations. When the ultrasound diagnostic device 100C and the control panel 11A are not connected, the display unit 44 changes the display of information indicating key functions and displays information regarding touch operations. Therefore, appropriate information regarding operations can be displayed on the tablet terminal 40 depending on whether the control panel 11A is connected by wire, thereby improving user convenience.

[0092] In the above description, an example has been disclosed in which the ROM of the control unit 18 is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, non-volatile memories such as flash memories and portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can be applied. In addition, carrier waves can also be applied to the present invention as a medium for providing data for the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0093] The description of the above-mentioned embodiment is merely an example of the ultrasound diagnostic device, ultrasound diagnostic system, operation information display method, and program according to the present invention, and is not limited thereto. For example, at least two of the above-mentioned embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0094] Furthermore, each of the above embodiments is configured to change the display of control panel guide information indicating the functions of the keys when the control panel is not connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device main body. This change in the display of the control panel guide information is to not display it. However, the change in the display of the control panel guide information is not limited to not displaying it. The change in the display of the control panel guide information may be, for example, to display an x ​​mark on the control panel guide information or to gray out the control panel guide information. Furthermore, the change in the display of the control panel guide information may be to display caution information that calls attention to the operation of the control panel guide information.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the configuration in which one type of control panel is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100A of the first embodiment may be configured such that one of a plurality of types of control panels can be connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1A. In this case, the control unit 18 can acquire type information of the control panel by communicating with the connected control panel. In step T12 of the first operation information display process in FIG. 4, the control unit 18 acquires type information of the connected control panel together with whether or not it is connected. In step T14, the control unit 18 acquires function allocation information corresponding to the acquired type information. In step T15, the control unit 18 displays control panel information corresponding to the function allocation information corresponding to the type information on the display unit 17a. This configuration is also the same in the second operation information display process in FIG. 8 and the third operation information display process in FIG. 9.

[0096] The first to third operation information display processes in each of the above-described embodiments may be triggered by, for example, a change in function allocation information in response to a user's operation input via the touch panel 17b. The control unit 18 executes the first to third operation information display processes in response to the change.

[0097] Furthermore, the detailed configurations and operations of the ultrasound diagnostic devices 100A and 100B and the ultrasound diagnostic system 1000C in the above-described embodiments may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1000C Ultrasound Diagnostic System 100A, 100B, 100C Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 1A, 1B, 1C Ultrasound diagnostic device body 12 Transmitter 13 Receiving section 14 Image Generation Unit 15 Image processing section 15a Image memory section 16 Display control section 17 Operation display section 17a Display section 17b Touch Panel 18 Control Unit 19 Memory section 31 Connection 32,33 Communications Department 11A, 11B Control Panel 111,112,113,114 Encoder 115,116,117,118,119 Button 120 Touchpad 2 Ultrasonic probe 21 Ultrasonic probe body 2a Transducer 22 Cable 23 Connector 40 Tablet devices 41 Control section 42 Operation section 43 Storage section 44 Display section 45 Communications Department

Claims

1. a main body having a first display unit that is touch operable; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a control panel detachable from the main body; the control panel having a plurality of keys; When the control panel is connected to the main body, the first display unit information indicating the function of the key and information regarding the touch operation are displayed; When the control panel is not connected to the main body, a display of information indicating the function of the key is changed, and information regarding the touch operation is displayed; Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

2. the control panel is connectable to the main body via wireless communication; When the first display unit cannot communicate wirelessly with the control panel, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display of the information indicating the function of the key is changed, and information regarding the touch operation is displayed.

3. a setting unit for setting whether or not to display information indicating the function of the key, 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first display unit displays information indicating a function of the key based on information indicating whether the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the control panel are connected and on settings made by the setting unit.

4. When the control panel is not connected, the first display unit 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating that the connection is not established is displayed.

5. 3. An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, and a touch-operable tablet terminal connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus via a wireless network, The second display unit of the tablet terminal is When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the control panel are connected, information indicating the function of the key and information regarding the touch operation are displayed; When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the control panel are not connected, A display of information regarding the operation of the control panel is changed, and information regarding the touch operation is displayed. Ultrasound diagnostic system.

6. a main body having a first display unit that is touch operable; An operation information display method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a detachable control panel, comprising: the control panel having a plurality of keys; The first display unit is When the control panel is connected to the main body, information indicating the function of the key and information regarding the touch operation are displayed; When the control panel is not connected to the main body, An operation information display method including a step of changing a display of information indicating a function of the key, and displaying information regarding the touch operation.

7. A main body portion, a control panel that is detachable from the main body and has a plurality of keys; The display unit functions as a touch-operable first display unit provided on the main body, The first display unit is When the control panel is connected to the main body, information indicating the function of the key and information regarding the touch operation are displayed; When the control panel is not connected to the main body, a display of information indicating the function of the key is changed, and information regarding the touch operation is displayed; program.

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