Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic diagnostic method, and program

Abstract

To enhance operability of an ultrasonic probe.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic processing device. The ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic wave transmission and reception part for transmitting an ultrasonic wave and receiving a reflection wave of the ultrasonic wave, and a grip part in which the ultrasonic wave transmission and reception part is provided, and which is gripped by a user. The ultrasonic processing device includes a processing part for executing target processing for the information on the reflection wave. The ultrasonic probe further includes a pressing force detection part provided in the grip part, which includes at least one of a pressure sensor for detecting pressing force applied to the grip part and a strain gauge. The ultrasonic processing device further includes an acquisition part, a determination part, and a designation part. The acquisition part acquires information on the pressing force detected by the pressing force detection part. The determination part determines the user's instructions on the basis of the information on the acquired pressing force. An execution part executes the target processing according to a result of the determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an ultrasound diagnostic device, an ultrasound probe, an ultrasound diagnostic method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] The ultrasonic probe has, for example, a gripping part that is held by an operator such as a doctor, and an ultrasonic transmission / reception part provided at the tip of the gripping part. The operator uses the ultrasonic probe by, for example, holding the gripping part and pressing the ultrasonic transmission / reception part against a region to be examined in a subject. The ultrasonic probe is provided with, for example, buttons for activating various functions. For example, a function for switching the imaging mode is activated by operating a first button, and a function for capturing a still image is activated by operating a second button.

[0003] Examples of this type of button provided on an ultrasonic probe include a physical button fixed to the grip. In addition, there are ultrasonic probes in which a cover can be removed and the button position can be changed depending on the operator's dominant hand to improve the convenience of the operator. Furthermore, there are ultrasonic probes in which the button is a touch sensor, and the operator's grip of the grip is detected based on the detection result of the touch sensor, and ultrasonic transmission can be switched on and off without the operator being aware of it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5684083 [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-126309 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the gripping portion of the ultrasonic probe of the above-mentioned conventional technology, the position of the button is fixed. However, since the size of the operator's hand varies from person to person, the operator may need to change the way he holds the probe in order to press the button during the procedure. When the operator changes the way he holds the probe, the tomographic position of the image to be acquired may shift, so the operability of the operator when operating the ultrasonic probe is not necessarily high. In addition, in an ultrasonic probe in which the button is a touch sensor, the touch sensor only detects whether the gripping portion is being held or not, and the internal structure is unclear when viewed from the operator, so the operability of the operator when operating the ultrasonic probe is also not high.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve the operability of an ultrasound probe. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic processing device. The ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit that transmits ultrasonic waves and receives reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves, and a grip unit that is held by a user and includes the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit. The ultrasonic processing device includes a processing unit that performs target processing on information of the reflected waves. The ultrasonic probe further includes a pressure detection unit that is provided on the grip unit and includes at least one of a pressure sensor or a strain gauge that detects a pressure applied to the grip unit. The ultrasonic processing device further includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a designation unit. The acquisition unit acquires information on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit. The determination unit determines an instruction from the user based on the acquired information on the pressure. An execution unit executes the target processing according to a result of the determination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a grip portion 11 of the ultrasound probe 10. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic arrangement of pressure sensors 15 on the surface of a grip portion 11. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic processing device 100. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a target process DB 132. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the ultrasound processing device 100. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a threshold value and a target process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic diagnostic method, and a program according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 of an embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 includes, for example, an ultrasonic probe 10, an input interface 20, a display 30, and an ultrasonic processing device 100. The input interface 20 and the display 30 are provided on an upper portion of the ultrasonic processing device 100. The ultrasonic probe 10 and the ultrasonic processing device 100 are electrically connected via a cable L.

[0011] In the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of the embodiment, when an operator (hereinafter, a user) who operates the ultrasound probe 10 performs a predetermined operation on the ultrasound probe 10, information corresponding to the user's instruction corresponding to the operation is transmitted to the ultrasound processing device 100. The ultrasound processing device 100 changes or determines the target processing related to the information of the reflected wave based on the user's instruction. The target processing includes, for example, a process of capturing an ultrasound image that has been taken, and a process of changing or determining an imaging mode. A user who uses the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can instruct the target processing by operating the ultrasound probe 10.

[0012] The ultrasonic probe 10 includes a grip portion 11 that is held by a user and a probe head 12 that is attached to the grip portion 11 and transmits ultrasonic waves and receives reflected ultrasonic waves. The probe head 12 is attached to the tip of the grip portion 11. The probe head 12 is an example of an ultrasonic transmission / reception portion.

[0013] The grip portion 11 is a portion that is gripped by the user, and is, for example, a hard member formed of a hard material, for example, a hard resin. A probe head 12 is provided at the tip of the grip portion 11, and a cable L extends from the rear end of the grip portion 11. The cable L is connected to the probe head 12 and the pressure sensor 15 inside the grip portion 11.

[0014] The probe head 12 includes a transducer and an acoustic emitting surface. The transducer vibrates and emits ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal output from the ultrasonic processing device 100, and the acoustic emitting surface receives reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducer. The probe head 12 transmits the reflected wave signal received by the acoustic emitting surface to the ultrasonic processing device 100. A user uses the probe head 12 by pressing it against a region to be examined in the subject P.

[0015] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the grip portion 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10. In the ultrasonic probe 10, a notch portion 11A is formed on one surface side of the grip portion 11. The notch portions 11A are manufactured to the same depth over approximately the entire area of ​​one surface of the grip portion 11.

[0016] The ultrasonic probe 10 further includes a covering member 13 and a pressure sensor 15. The covering member 13 is provided to cover the entire surface of the notch portion 11A in the grip portion 11. The covering member 13 is, for example, a soft member formed of a soft material that is softer than the hard member used in the grip portion 11, such as a soft resin.

[0017] A plurality of pressure sensors 15 are arranged on the surface of the cutout portion 11A. The area of ​​the grip portion 11 where the pressure sensors 15 are provided is formed of a hard material, and the pressure sensors 15 are covered with a soft material having a soft structure that is softer than the hard material. The pressure sensors 15 detect pressure at one point. The pressure sensors 15 may be pressure sensors that detect pressure over a surface and identify the position where pressure is applied.

[0018] The multiple pressure sensors 15 arranged on the surface of the cutout portion 11A are all covered by the covering member 13. Since the covering member 13 is a soft member, it deforms to fit the shape of the pressure sensor 15 and covers the pressure sensor 15 while contacting both the cutout portion 11A of the grip portion 11 and the pressure sensor 15. By touching the covering member 13, the user can recognize that it is the position where the pressure sensor 15 is provided.

[0019] The pressure sensor 15 detects, for example, pressure applied from the surface side of the covering member 13, for example, a pressure when a user presses the covering member 13. The pressure sensor 15 is an example of a pressure detection unit. The pressure sensor 15 detects, for example, a change in electrical resistance when pressure is applied from the surface side of the covering member 13. The amount of change in electrical resistance detected by the pressure sensor 15 indicates the magnitude of the pressure (pressure) from the surface side of the covering member 13. The pressure sensor 15 transmits pressure information related to the detected amount of change in electrical resistance to the ultrasonic processing device 100 via the cable L. The pressure information is an example of information on pressure detected by the pressure detection unit.

[0020] The position of pressure sensor 15 is presented to the user by covering pressure sensor 15 with covering member 13. Covering member 13 is softer than grip portion 11, and presents pressure sensor 15 to the user due to the difference in hardness. A structure in which pressure sensor 15 provided in grip portion 11 is covered with covering member 13 which is softer than grip portion 11 is a presentation structure.

[0021] The presentation structure may be a structure other than the difference in hardness between the grip portion 11 and the covering member 13. The presentation structure may be, for example, a laser mark or engraving that appeals to the user's visual sense and indicates the position of the pressure sensor 15. Alternatively, the presentation structure may be a color difference between the position where the pressure sensor 15 is provided and the position where the pressure sensor 15 is not provided.

[0022] The pressure sensors 15 are arranged, for example, over the entire surface of the cutout 11A on one side of the grip 11. The pressure sensors 15 are distributed, for example, to multiple locations, for example, six pressure sensor groups 16, in the cutout 11A. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic arrangement of the pressure sensors 15 on the surface of the grip 11.

[0023] For example, the ten pressure sensors 15 located in the upper right section of the grip 11 are assigned to an upper right pressure sensor group 16RU. Similarly, the pressure sensors 15 located in the upper left section are assigned to an upper left pressure sensor group 16LU, and the pressure sensors 15 located in the middle right section are assigned to a middle right pressure sensor group 16RM. In addition, the pressure sensors 15 located in the middle left section of the grip 11 are assigned to a middle left pressure sensor group 16LM, the pressure sensors 15 located in the lower right section are assigned to a lower right pressure sensor group 16RL, and the pressure sensors 15 located in the lower left section are assigned to a lower left pressure sensor group 16LL.

[0024] The input interface 20 accepts various input operations by a user and outputs an electrical signal indicating the content of the accepted input operation to the ultrasound processing device 100. For example, the input interface 20 is realized by a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a drag ball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a camera, an infrared sensor, a microphone, or the like. The input interface 20 may be provided independently of the ultrasound processing device 100. The input interface 20 may be realized by a display device (e.g., a tablet terminal) capable of wireless communication with the ultrasound processing device 100. The input interface 20 is an example of an input device.

[0025] In this specification, the input interface is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc. For example, an example of the input interface also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electrical signal to a control circuit.

[0026] The display 30 displays various information. For example, the display 30 displays a medical image (ultrasound image) generated by the ultrasound processing device 100, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) image that accepts various operations by a user, and the like. The ultrasound image may be a two-dimensional ultrasound image or a three-dimensional ultrasound image.

[0027] The display 30 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc. The display 30 may be a desktop type, or may be a display device (for example, a tablet terminal) capable of wireless communication with the main body of the ultrasound processing device 100.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasound processing device 100. In Fig. 4, in addition to the ultrasound processing device 100, the configurations of the ultrasound probe 10, the input interface 20, and the display 30 are also shown in a block diagram of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. The ultrasound processing device 100 includes, for example, a transmission / reception circuit 110, a processing circuit 120, and a memory 130.

[0029] The transmission / reception circuit 110 includes, for example, a drive circuit that vibrates a transducer in the probe head 12 of the ultrasonic probe 10. The transmission / reception circuit 110 outputs a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 10 via the cable L in accordance with the transmission / reception conditions transmitted by the processing circuit 120 to drive the probe head 12. The transmission / reception circuit 110 acquires a reflected wave signal output by the ultrasonic probe 10. The transmission / reception circuit 110 converts the acquired reflected wave signal into a digital signal. The transmission / reception circuit 110 outputs the converted reflected wave signal to the processing circuit 120.

[0030] The processing circuit 120 controls the overall processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1. The processing circuit 120 performs, for example, target processing related to information of reflected waves. The processing circuit 120 is an example of a processing unit. The processing circuit 120 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor (computer) executing a program (software) stored in the memory 130. The hardware processor means, for example, a circuit such as a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD) or a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). Instead of storing a program in the memory 130, the program may be directly incorporated into the circuit of the hardware processor.

[0031] In this case, the hardware processor realizes the functions by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. The hardware processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as one hardware processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize each function. Also, multiple components may be integrated into one hardware processor to realize each function. Each component of the processing circuit 120 may be distributed and realized by multiple hardware.

[0032] The processing circuit 120 includes, for example, an acquisition function 121, a control function 122, a determination function 123, an execution function 124, a setting function 125, and a notification function 126. The acquisition function 121 acquires pressing force information transmitted by the pressure sensor 15. The acquisition function 121 acquires pressing force information detected and transmitted by each of the multiple pressure sensors 15. The acquisition function 121 is an example of an acquisition unit.

[0033] The control function 122 controls the transmission / reception circuit 110 based on, for example, various setting requests included in the input information input via the input interface 20, and various control programs and various data read from the memory 130. The various data includes an imaging mode. The control function 122 further performs generation processing of an ultrasound image and various image processing for the ultrasound image.

[0034] The control function 122 determines an imaging mode for capturing an ultrasonic image. The imaging mode includes, for example, a mode for capturing a B-mode image in which the intensity of an echo from an imaging target is expressed by brightness (B mode, hereinafter, first mode) and a mode other than the first mode (hereinafter, second mode).

[0035] The determination function 123 determines the target process instructed by the user based on the pressing force information transmitted by the pressure sensor 15 and acquired by the acquisition function 121 and the user's instruction. When determining the target process instructed by the user, the determination function 123 identifies the pressure sensor 15 that transmitted the pressing force information.

[0036] In the embodiment, the determination function 123 replaces the pressure sensor 15 with the pressure sensor group 16 and identifies the pressure sensor group 16 that transmitted the pressing force information. The determination function 123 determines different instructions from the user based on the pressing force information detected by each of the multiple pressure sensor groups 16. The different instructions from the user are, for example, instructions to execute different target processes.

[0037] When a representative value of the pressing force based on the pressing force information transmitted by the pressure sensor 15 included in the pressure sensor group 16 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the determination function 123 determines that the user has instructed to execute a target process corresponding to the pressure sensor group 16. The threshold is stored in the memory 130, for example.

[0038] The representative value of the pressing force may be any value, for example, it may be the average value or maximum value of the pressing force based on the pressing force information transmitted by all the pressure sensors 15 included in the pressure sensor group 16. Alternatively, it may be a result of processing the pressing forces detected by all the pressure sensors 15 included in the pressure sensor group 16 using a predetermined arithmetic expression. The judgment function 123 is an example of a judgment unit.

[0039] The execution function 124 executes one of the target processes according to the result of the determination by the determination function 123. The execution function 124 executes the target process associated with the pressure sensor group 16 determined by the determination function 123 that the representative value exceeds a predetermined threshold. The execution function 124 is an example of an execution unit.

[0040] The setting function 125 sets a pressure sensor group 16 corresponding to a target process (hereinafter, a target pressure sensor group) from among the multiple pressure sensor groups 16 according to the user's gripping manner. The setting function 125 sets a target pressure sensor group in association with each user and the gripping manner of the ultrasonic probe 10 by the user, for example, based on a user ID and association information included in the input information transmitted by the input interface 20 and acquired by the acquisition function 121. The association information is information that specifies the target process and the pressure sensor group 16 that is the target pressure sensor group for each user and the gripping manner of the ultrasonic probe 10, respectively.

[0041] The input information transmitted by the input interface 20 may be, for example, information input by a user operating the input interface 20, or information input by a person other than the user. The user is identified by a user ID acquired by the acquisition function 121.

[0042] Examples of the manner in which the ultrasonic probe 10 is held include a first holding manner in which the user pinches the holding portion 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 with three fingers, and a second holding manner in which the user holds the holding portion 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 with the palm of his / her hand. Other holding manners are also possible.

[0043] The setting function 125 creates or updates a target process database (hereinafter, DB) 132 including target processes and target pressure sensor groups associated with each user ID and each gripping manner, and stores the database in the memory 130. The target process DB 132 includes a plurality of relationships between target processes and target sensor groups set for each gripping manner of the ultrasonic probe 10 and each user. The setting function 125 is an example of a setting unit.

[0044] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the target process DB 132. For example, in the case where a user with a user ID of 0001 holds the ultrasonic probe 10 in a first state, the target pressure sensor group for which the target process is mode switching is the upper right pressure sensor group 16RU, and the target pressure sensor group for which the target process is capture is the lower right pressure sensor group 16RL.

[0045] When the determination function 123 determines that there is a user instruction to execute the target process, the notification function 126 notifies the user of the determination result, for example, the content of the target process. The notification by the notification function 126 may be in any manner. For example, the notification may be made by displaying the target process on a display, or by turning on a lamp corresponding to the target process. Alternatively, the notification may be made by outputting a sound indicating the target process from a speaker (not shown) or sounding a buzzer. The notification function 126 is an example of a notification unit.

[0046] The notification function 126 may further notify the fact that the target process and the target pressure sensor group have been associated with each other by the setting function 125 and may notify the associated target process and the target pressure sensor group. The notification by the notification function 126 may be in any manner, and may be, for example, in the same manner as when the determination function 123 determines that there is an instruction from the user to execute the target process.

[0047] The memory 130 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. Data such as a program for driving the transmission / reception circuit 110 is stored. The data may be stored in an external memory that is externally attached to the ultrasonic processing device 100 or that can communicate with the ultrasonic processing device 100 instead of (or in addition to) the memory 130. The memory 130 does not need to be built into the ultrasonic processing device 100 as long as the ultrasonic processing device 100 can access the memory 130 on a network.

[0048] Next, a description will be given of the process of the examination performed using the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 of the embodiment. In the examination performed using the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1, processes such as generation of an ultrasonic image by the control function 122 based on a reflected wave signal received by the transmission / reception circuit 110 controlled by the control function 122 are performed. The ultrasonic processing device 100 performs processes such as generation of the ultrasonic image, as well as the processes shown in FIG.

[0049] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the ultrasound processing device 100. Before starting an examination, the input interface 20 generates input information including a user ID and examination start information based on an input operation by a user, and transmits the generated input information to the ultrasound processing device 100. The ultrasound processing device 100 receives the input information transmitted to the input interface 20, and acquires the user ID and the examination start information by the acquisition function 121 (step S101). The acquisition function 121 acquires the examination start information, whereby the ultrasound processing device 100 acquires the start of examination by the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 as information.

[0050] Next, the determination function 123 identifies the pressure sensor group 16 that is to be the target pressure sensor group by referring to the target processing DB 132 for the estimated gripping state and the user ID acquired by the acquisition function 121 (step S103). If the gripping state has not been estimated, for example, a gripping state defined in advance (default state) is used.

[0051] Next, the acquisition function 121 acquires the pressing force information transmitted by the multiple pressure sensors 15 (step S105). The determination function 123 calculates a representative value, for example an average value, of the pressing force detected by the pressure sensors 15 included in the target pressure sensor group based on the pressing force information transmitted by the pressure sensors 15 included in the target pressure sensor group among the pressing force information acquired by the acquisition function 121 (step S107).

[0052] Next, the determination function 123 determines whether or not the representative value of the pressing force exceeds the threshold value stored in the memory 130 (step S109). When the determination function 123 determines that the representative value of the pressing force exceeds the threshold value, it determines that there is an instruction from a user to execute the target process. The execution function 124 executes the target process corresponding to the target pressure sensor whose representative value of the pressing force has exceeded the threshold value based on the instruction from the user who executes the target process (step S111).

[0053] For example, when a user with a user ID of "0001" is holding the ultrasonic probe 10 in the first holding state, a representative value of the pressing force detected by the pressure sensor 15 included in the upper right pressure sensor group 16RU exceeds a threshold. In this case, the execution function 124 executes a process of switching modes as the target process. Alternatively, when a representative value of the pressing force detected by the pressure sensor 15 included in the lower right pressure sensor group 16RL exceeds a threshold, the execution function 124 executes a process of performing capture as the target process.

[0054] Next, when the determination function 123 determines that there is a user instruction to execute the target process, the notification function 126 notifies the user of the content of the target process as the determination result (step S113). The processes of steps S111 and S113 may be performed simultaneously, or the process of step S113 may be performed prior to step S111.

[0055] In step S109, if the determination function 123 determines that the representative value of the pressing force does not exceed the threshold (is equal to or less than the threshold), the process skips steps S111 and S113 and proceeds to step S115. Next, the determination function 123 determines whether the inspection is completed (step S115).

[0056] When it is determined that the examination has not ended, the determination function 123 returns the process to step S103. When it is determined that the examination has ended, the ultrasound processing device 100 ends the process shown in FIG.

[0057] Next, a mode of using the ultrasonic probe 10 of the embodiment will be described. A user who performs an examination using the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1, for example, holds the ultrasonic probe 10 and uses the ultrasonic probe 10 by pressing the probe head 12 against a region to be examined of the subject P. During the examination, the user may execute a process such as capturing an image or changing the imaging mode. The user issues an instruction to execute a target process by pressing an area where the target pressure sensor group is set and applying a pressing force.

[0058] For example, when a user holds the ultrasonic probe 10, the index finger is placed at the upper right position and the thumb is placed at the lower left position as shown in Fig. 3. Also, it is assumed that the upper right pressure sensor group 16RU is set as the target pressure sensor group that instructs image capture, and the lower left pressure sensor group 16LL is set as the target pressure sensor group that instructs a change in imaging mode.

[0059] In this case, when the user wishes to instruct the capture of an image, the user applies pressure to the upper right pressure sensor group 16RU with the index finger. The pressure sensor 15 included in the upper right pressure sensor group 16RU to which pressure is applied detects the pressure caused by the pressure and transmits it to the ultrasonic processing device 100 as pressure information.

[0060] In the ultrasonic processing device 100, the determination function 123 in the processing circuit 120 calculates a representative value of the pressing force in the upper right pressure sensor group 16RU based on the pressing force information transmitted by the pressure sensor 15. When the representative value of the pressing force calculated by the determination function 123 exceeds a threshold, the execution function 124 executes the target process, here, capturing an image.

[0061] When the user wishes to instruct a change in the imaging mode, the user applies pressure to the lower left pressure sensor group 16LL with the thumb. Then, the determination function 123 performs a determination in the same manner as when pressure is applied to the upper right pressure sensor group 16RU, and when the representative value of the pressure calculated by the determination function 123 exceeds the threshold value, the execution function 124 executes the target process, which is a change in the imaging mode in this case.

[0062] In the ultrasonic probe 10, the pressure applied by the user to the grip portion 11 is detected by the pressure sensor 15. Therefore, the user can instruct the target process to be executed simply by pressing the grip portion 11. Therefore, the operability of the ultrasonic probe 10 can be improved.

[0063] In addition, the pressure sensor 15 is provided in a wide range in the grip portion 11. Therefore, regardless of the size of the user's hand, the user can easily give instructions for the target process. In addition, the target pressure sensor group is set to one of the multiple pressure sensor groups 16. Therefore, the pressure sensor group 16 can be set according to the user's preference. Furthermore, the target pressure sensor group can be set by the user or the like through the input interface 20. Therefore, since the user can set the target pressure sensor group based on his or her own preference, the operability of the ultrasonic probe 10 can be further improved.

[0064] In addition, the target pressure sensor group is set according to the manner in which the user holds the ultrasonic probe 10. Therefore, even when the user holds the ultrasonic probe 10 in various manners to perform an examination, the target process can be easily instructed.

[0065] In the above embodiment, multiple pressure sensors 15 are provided in grip portion 11, but strain gauges may be provided instead of or in addition to pressure sensors 15. In addition, multiple pressure sensors 15 are classified into pressure sensor group 16, but a mode in which multiple pressure sensors are provided independently in grip portion 11 without being classified into pressure sensor group 16 is also possible.

[0066] In the above embodiment, only one threshold is provided for determining that an instruction to execute a target process is present, but multiple thresholds may be provided. In this case, a target process may be defined for each threshold. For example, the determination function 123 may determine that different instructions are present depending on multiple thresholds. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between thresholds and target processes. In FIG. 7, a screen capture is set as a first target process for the first threshold, and a change of imaging mode is set as a second target process for the second threshold.

[0067] For example, when the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, the user applies a light pressure to the target pressure sensor group, which causes the first threshold to be exceeded and the first target process to be executed. When the user applies an even greater pressure, the second threshold to be exceeded and the second target process to be executed. Such an ultrasonic diagnostic device may be provided. Furthermore, instead of providing only two thresholds, such as the first threshold and the second threshold, three or more thresholds may be provided. Furthermore, when thresholds are set for multiple target pressure sensor groups (or pressure sensors), multiple thresholds may be set for each target pressure sensor, allowing the user to instruct a different target process for each.

[0068] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, an ultrasonic diagnostic device has an ultrasonic probe having an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit that transmits ultrasonic waves and receives reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves, a gripping unit in which the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit is provided and which is held by a user, and an ultrasonic processing device having a processing unit that performs target processing on information of the reflected waves, wherein the ultrasonic probe further has a pressure detection unit provided in the gripping unit and including at least one of a pressure sensor or a strain gauge that detects a pressure applied to the gripping unit, and the ultrasonic processing device has an acquisition unit that acquires information on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit, a judgment unit that judges the user's instructions based on the acquired pressure information, and an execution unit that executes the target processing depending on the result of the judgment, thereby improving the operability of the ultrasonic probe.

[0069] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 10 Ultrasound probe 11 Gripping part 11A Notch 12 Probe Head 13 Covering materials 15 Pressure Sensor 16 Pressure sensors 20 Input Interface 30 Display 100 Ultrasonic processing device 110 Transmitting and receiving circuit 120 Processing circuit 121 Acquisition Function 122 Control Functions 123 Judgment function 124 Executive Function 125 Setting Function 126 Notification function 130 Memory 132 Target Processing DB P Subject

Claims

1. an ultrasonic probe including a gripping portion to be gripped by a user and an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving portion provided on the gripping portion to transmit ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves; and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an ultrasonic processing device including a processing unit that performs target processing on information of the reflected wave, The ultrasonic probe further includes a pressure detection unit provided on the gripping portion and including at least one of a pressure sensor and a strain gauge for detecting a pressure applied to the gripping portion, The ultrasonic processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information on the pressing force detected by the pressing force detection unit; A determination unit that determines an instruction from the user based on the acquired pressing force information; and an execution unit that executes the target process according to a result of the determination. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

2. The determination unit determines that the instruction is given when the pressing force exceeds a threshold value. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. an area of ​​the grip portion where the pressing force detection unit is provided is formed of a hard material; The pressing force detection unit is covered with a soft member that is softer than the hard member. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. The pressing force detection unit is provided at a plurality of locations, The determination unit determines different instructions from the user based on information of pressing forces detected by each of the plurality of pressing force detection units. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. The pressing force detection unit is provided at a plurality of locations, the determination unit determines that the instruction is given when the pressing force exceeds a threshold value set for each of the pressing force detection units. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

6. The ultrasonic processing device includes: A setting unit is configured to set a pressure detection unit corresponding to the target process from among the plurality of pressure detection units according to a gripping state of the user. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

7. The ultrasonic processing device further includes a setting unit that sets a pressing force detection unit corresponding to the target process from among the plurality of pressing force detection units based on information input by an input device. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6.

8. Further comprising a presentation structure for presenting the pressing force detection unit to the user. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

9. The presentation structure includes a soft structure that is softer than a position where the pressing force detection unit is not provided. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8.

10. A plurality of the thresholds are set, The determination unit determines that different instructions are present according to a plurality of threshold values. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2 .

11. a notification unit that notifies the user of the target process when the determination unit determines that the instruction is given, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

12. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The device includes a gripping portion that is held by a user, and an ultrasonic transceiver portion that is provided on the gripping portion and transmits ultrasonic waves and receives reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves, Further, a pressure detection unit is provided on the gripping portion and includes at least one of a pressure sensor and a strain gauge for detecting a pressure applied to the gripping portion. Ultrasound probe.

13. A computer of the ultrasonic processing device that performs target processing on the information of the reflected wave, an ultrasonic probe including a gripping portion held by a user and an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving portion provided on the gripping portion for transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves, and further including a pressure detecting portion provided on the gripping portion and including at least one of a pressure sensor or a strain gauge for detecting a pressure applied to the gripping portion, and acquiring information on a pressure detected by the pressure detecting portion; determining an instruction from the user based on the acquired pressing force information; Executing the target process depending on the result of the determination. Ultrasound diagnostic methods.

14. A computer of the ultrasonic processing device that performs target processing on the information of the reflected wave. an ultrasonic probe including a gripping portion held by a user and an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving portion provided on the gripping portion for transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves, and further including a pressure detecting portion provided on the gripping portion and including at least one of a pressure sensor or a strain gauge for detecting a pressure applied to the gripping portion, and acquiring information on a pressure detected by the pressure detecting portion; determining an instruction from the user based on the acquired pressing force information; Executing the target process depending on the result of the determination. program.

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