Ultrasound diagnostic device, operation speed setting method, and program

Abstract

To properly set an operation speed of a first operation device whose operation speed can be set according to a measurement time or the other times.SOLUTION: An ultrasound diagnostic device 100 comprises an ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 as a body part and a control unit 18 as a setting unit. The ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 can be connected with a control panel 111 having a first operation device whose operation speed can be set. The operation speed of the control unit 18 can be set separately between a measurement time of the first operation device and the other times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an operation speed setting method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasound diagnosis is a simple procedure in which an ultrasound probe is placed on the surface of a patient's body or inside a body cavity to obtain ultrasound images of the heart or fetus. Furthermore, ultrasound diagnosis is highly safe and can be performed repeatedly. Ultrasound image data is obtained by transmitting ultrasound waves from an ultrasound probe with a vibrator to the patient, receiving the reflected ultrasound waves, and performing various processing on the received signals.

[0003] In recent years, ultrasonic diagnostic devices have become known that can be equipped with control panels as operation units for multiple purposes in order to meet the operational needs of individual users. For example, an ultrasonic diagnostic device is known that can switch between operation panels as control panels equipped with different operation devices depending on the type of diagnosis (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-200378 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In current ultrasound diagnostic devices, the operation speed of an operation device such as a trackball is set as a default. However, the optimal operation speed differs between when measuring, for example, the distance between two points on an ultrasound image and when not measuring. In this way, the optimal operation speed of the operation device differs depending on whether measurement or not, and there is a risk that the operation speed may not be appropriate when operating.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to appropriately set the operation speed of a first operation device, the operation speed of which can be set, during measurement and during periods other than measurement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the invention described in claim 1 comprises: a main body to which a control panel having a first operation device capable of setting an operation speed can be connected; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a setting unit that can separately set an operation speed of the first operation device during measurement and an operation speed of the first operation device other than during measurement.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is the ultrasound diagnostic device described in claim 1, an application unit that determines whether the operation is during measurement or not during measurement, and applies the set operation speed during measurement or not during measurement to the first operation device according to the determination result; Equipped with.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1, a storage unit that stores type information of each control panel and each first operation device of the control panel in association with each other; the setting unit sets an operation speed during measurement or during a time other than measurement for each of the first operation devices; a first acquisition unit that acquires type information of a control panel when the control panel is connected; The device is provided with an application unit that determines whether it is during measurement or not, and applies the operation speed during measurement or not during measurement of the set first operation device corresponding to the acquired type information of the control panel to the first operation device according to the determination result.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is the ultrasound diagnostic device described in claim 1, the main body can be connected to an ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound to and from a subject; the setting unit sets type information of the ultrasound probe in association with operation speeds of the first operation device during measurement and during periods other than measurement; a second acquisition unit that acquires type information of the connected ultrasonic probe; The ultrasonic probe is provided with an application unit that determines whether the operation is during measurement or not, and applies the operation speed of the set first operation device during measurement or not corresponding to the acquired type information of the ultrasonic probe to the first operation device according to the determination result.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1, the setting unit sets at least one of user identification information and medical department information in association with operation speeds of the first operation device during measurement and during periods other than measurement; a third acquisition unit that acquires at least one of user identification information and medical department information of the user; and an application unit that determines whether it is during measurement or not, and applies to the first operation device the operation speed during measurement or not corresponding to at least one of the acquired user identification information and medical department information according to the determination result.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, The application unit changes the movement amount of the object to be moved in proportion to the application of the operation speed of the first operation device, and when the movement amount of the object to be moved is greater than 0 and equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, sets the movement amount to a predetermined minimum movement amount that has been set in advance.

[0013] The operation speed setting method of the invention described in claim 7 comprises: 1. An operation speed setting method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a main body to which a control panel having a first operation device capable of setting an operation speed can be connected, The method includes a setting step in which the operation speed of the first operation device during measurement and the operation speed of the first operation device other than during measurement can be set separately.

[0014] The program of the invention described in claim 8 is a computer installed in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a main body to which a control panel having a first operation device capable of setting an operation speed can be connected; a setting unit capable of separately setting an operation speed of the first operation device during measurement and an operation speed of the first operation device during other times than measurement; Function as. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, the operation speed of the first operation device can be set appropriately during measurement and other times. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a setting information registration process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a first operation speed setting process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a movement amount setting process. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a control panel table. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a second operation speed setting process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a third operation speed setting process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth operation speed setting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. However, these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define the limits of the present invention. Hereinafter, first to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0018] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. 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 ultrasound diagnostic device 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100.

[0019] An ultrasound diagnostic device 100 is installed in a medical facility such as a hospital. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 includes an ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1, an ultrasound probe 2, and a control panel 111. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 has a display unit 17. The ultrasound probe 2 is connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1. The ultrasound probe 2 transmits ultrasound waves (transmitted ultrasound waves) into a subject and receives reflected waves of the ultrasound waves (reflected ultrasound waves: echoes) reflected within the subject. The subject may be a living body of a patient (not shown). The ultrasound probe 2 includes an ultrasound probe main body 21, a cable 22, and a connector 23. The ultrasound probe main body 21 is a head unit of the ultrasound probe 2 and transmits and receives ultrasound waves. The cable 22 is connected to the ultrasound probe main body 21 and the connector 23. The cable 22 is a cable through which a drive signal for the ultrasound probe main body 21 and a received ultrasound signal flow. The connector 23 is a plug connector for connecting to a receptacle connector (not shown) of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 1 .

[0020] The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 is connected to the ultrasound probe main body 21 via a connector 23 and a cable 22. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 transmits an electrical drive signal to the ultrasound probe main body 21, causing the ultrasound probe main body 21 to transmit ultrasound waves to the subject. The ultrasound probe 2 generates a reception signal, which is an electrical signal, in response to the ultrasound reflected from inside the subject and received by the ultrasound probe main body 21. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 creates an image of the internal state of the subject as ultrasound image data based on the reception signal generated by the ultrasound probe 2.

[0021] The ultrasound probe main body 21 has a transducer 211 (FIG. 2) on the tip side. The transducers 211 are arranged, for example, in a one-dimensional array in the azimuth direction (scanning direction). The transducers 211 may be arranged in a two-dimensional array. The number of transducers 211 can be set arbitrarily. In this embodiment, a linear scanning electronic scanning probe is adopted as the ultrasound probe 2. However, the ultrasound probe 2 may be either an electronic scanning type or a mechanical scanning type. The ultrasound probe 2 may be either a linear scanning type, a sector scanning type, or a convex scanning type. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 and the ultrasound probe 2 may be configured to communicate wirelessly instead of by wire via a cable 22. This wireless communication may be UWB (Ultra Wide Band) or the like.

[0022] The display unit 17 has a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, an inorganic EL display, etc. The display unit 17 displays display information such as ultrasound image data on the display panel.

[0023] The control panel 111 is detachable from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 1 and is an operation input unit that accepts various operation inputs from the user. Detachability refers to attaching (connecting) the control panel 111 to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 1 via a wired connection, and similarly detaching (disconnecting) the control panel 111. The control panel 111 has a cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) as a wired communication unit. A plug connector at the end of the cable is connected to a receptacle connector on the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 1 for a wired connection. The control panel 111 may also be configured to have a first connector. The first connector is connected to a second connector on the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 1.

[0024] The control panel 111 also has operation devices (operation elements) such as push buttons, (rotary) encoders, lever switches, keyboards, and multifunction switches. The control panel 111 also has an operation device that accepts input of the position and movement of a pointer as a moving object to be displayed on at least the display unit 17. Hereinafter, this operation device will be referred to as a pointing device. Here, the control panel 111 is assumed to have a touchpad as the pointing device.

[0025] Instead of the control panel 111, another control panel such as the control panel 112 (FIG. 2) can be connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 1. The control panels 112 have at least one operation device, similar to the control panel 111. Here, the control panel 112 has a trackball as a pointing device. The pointing device may also be another operation device such as a joystick or a mouse.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 includes a transmitting unit 12, a receiving unit 13, an image generating unit 14, an image processing unit 15, a display control unit 16, a display unit 17, a control unit 18, a memory unit 19, and a connection unit 31.

[0027] The transmitter 12, under the control of the controller 18, supplies a drive signal, which is an electrical signal, to the ultrasonic probe 2, causing the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate a transmission ultrasonic wave. The transmitter 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 drive signal. The delay circuit sets a delay time for each individual path corresponding to each transducer 211, and delays the transmission of the drive signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses a transmission beam formed by the transmission ultrasonic wave using the delay. The pulse generating circuit generates a pulse signal as a drive signal at a predetermined period. The transmitter 12 generates a transmission ultrasonic wave by driving, for example, a continuous portion (e.g., 64 transducers) of a plurality (e.g., 192 transducers) of the ultrasonic probe 2. The transmitter 12 then performs scanning by shifting the driven transducers 211 in the azimuth direction (scanning direction) each time a transmission ultrasonic wave is generated.

[0028] The receiving unit 13 receives a received signal, which is an electrical signal, from the ultrasound 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 211. The A / D conversion circuit performs analog-to-digital conversion (A / D conversion) on 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 211 to the A / D converted received signal, and adds these signals (phasing and summing) to generate sound ray data.

[0029] The image generator 14, under the control of the controller 18, performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression, and the like on the sound ray data from the receiver 13, and adjusts the dynamic range and gain to convert the brightness. Through this brightness conversion, the image generator 14 generates B (Brightness) mode image data made up of pixels having brightness values ​​representing received energy. In other words, B mode image data represents the strength of received signals by brightness. Note that the image generator 14 may be configured to generate image data in other image modes besides B mode, such as M (Motion) mode and color Doppler mode.

[0030] The image processing unit 15 has an image memory unit 151. The image memory unit 151 is configured with a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The image processing unit 15 stores the B-mode image data input from the image generation unit 14 in the image memory unit 151 in units of frames under the control of the control unit 18. The B-mode image data in units of frames is sometimes referred to as ultrasound image data. Under the control of the control unit 18, the image processing unit 15 outputs the ultrasound image data stored in the image memory unit 151 to the display control unit 16 for one frame at a time at predetermined intervals.

[0031] 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 display unit 17.

[0032] The display unit 17 displays an ultrasound image based on the image signal output from the display control unit 16 on the display panel in accordance with the control of the control unit 18. The display unit 17 also displays various display information input from the control unit 18 on the display panel. The display unit 17 may be configured to have a touch panel on the display panel that accepts touch input from the user.

[0033] The control unit 18 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 18 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM, loads them into the RAM, and controls each unit of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 in cooperation with the CPU and the loaded programs. The ROM is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor. The ROM stores a system program corresponding to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100, various processing programs executable on the system program, and various data such as a gamma table.

[0034] In particular, the ROM stores a setting information registration program, a first operation speed setting program, and a movement amount setting program. The setting information registration program is a program for executing the setting information registration process described below. The first operation speed setting program is a program for executing the first operation speed setting process described below. The movement amount setting program is a program for executing the movement amount setting process described below. These programs are stored in the RAM in the form of computer-readable program code. The CPU sequentially executes operations in accordance with the program code on the RAM. The RAM forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU and data related to these programs.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The connection unit 31 is a connection unit that is physically and electrically connected to the control panels 111, 112, etc. so as to enable wired communication. The connection unit 31 has, for example, a connector for a cable of the control panel 111 or the second connector described above. The control panels 111, etc. connected to the connection unit 31 accept operation inputs from the user via each operation device, and output the operation information to the control unit 18 via the connection unit 31.

[0037] Next, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 6. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the setting information registration process. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the setting screen 500. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the first operation speed setting process. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the movement amount setting process.

[0038] 3 and 4, the setting information registration process executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described. The setting information registration process is a process for registering setting information for operation inputs such as the control panel 111 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100. The setting information for operation inputs includes setting information for the operation speed of a pointing device such as the control panel 111. The operation speed of the pointing device is the slope of the movement amount of the pointer corresponding to the movement amount due to operation of the pointing device. The faster the operation speed, the greater the movement amount of the pointer becomes even if the movement amount due to operation of the pointing device is the same.

[0039] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described assuming that a control panel 111 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, for example, a user inputs an instruction to execute a setting information registration process via the control panel 111. This execution instruction triggers the control unit 18 to execute the setting information registration process in accordance with a setting information registration program stored in the ROM.

[0040] The setting information input by operation of the control panel 111 is registered as setting information for each preset identified by a preset name. The preset name is the name of the preset, and may be, for example, the part of the subject's body. However, the preset name is not limited to this, and may be another name such as a medical department.

[0041] 3, first, the control unit 18 generates setting screen information and displays a setting screen on the display unit 17 based on the setting screen information (step 401). In step 401, for example, a setting screen 500 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. The setting screen 500 has a preset name display area 501, a classification item display area 502, and a setting information input area 503.

[0042] The preset name display area 501 is a display and selection field for preset names. The classification item display area 502 is a display and selection field for classification items corresponding to each preset in the preset name display area 501. The classification items are items for classifying presets, and in this embodiment, are type information (model number) of the ultrasound probe 2. However, the classification items are not limited to the model number of the ultrasound probe 2, and may be the scanning method of the ultrasound probe 2, etc. Furthermore, as will be described in other embodiments, the classification items are not limited to information about the ultrasound probe 2.

[0043] The setting information input area 503 is an input field for setting information corresponding to the preset name and category selected in the preset name display area 501 and category item display area 502. The setting information input area 503 accepts input of setting information for each setting item by selecting a radio button, etc. In particular, the setting information input area 503 accepts input of the operation speed of the pointing device during measurement and the operation speed outside of measurement as setting information, along with various setting information.

[0044] The operation speed of the pointing device during measurement and the operation speed during other times are expressed as a number from 1 to 10, for example, with increasing speed in ascending order.

[0045] Measurement is when various information such as ultrasound images is measured by transmitting and receiving ultrasound. The various information includes the distance between two points, the dimensions, area, and volume of an object to be measured such as an organ. Non-measurement is when measurement of various information is not being performed. Non-measurement is, for example, when inputting an operation other than measurement. More specifically, it is, for example, when inputting a scan position on a displayed pictogram.

[0046] The control unit 18 accepts input of a preset name from the user via the control panel 111 (step 402). In step 402, for example, a blank space in the preset name display area 501 is selected and input, and character input of the preset name is accepted. Edit input of the preset name already input in the preset name display area 501 may also be accepted.

[0047] The control unit 18 accepts input of classification items from the user via the control panel 111 (step 403). In step 403, for example, a blank space in the classification item display area 502 corresponding to the preset name in step 402 is selected and input. Then, character input of the model number of the ultrasound probe 2 as a classification item is accepted. Edit input of the classification items already input in the classification item display area 502 may also be accepted.

[0048] The control unit 18 receives input of various setting information from the user via the control panel 111 (step 404). In step 404, for example, various setting information corresponding to the preset name in step S402 and the classification item in step 403 is input. The various setting information in step 404 is setting information other than the operation speed of the pointing device on the control panel in the setting information input area 503.

[0049] The control unit 18 receives input of the operation speed of the pointing device during and outside of measurement from the user via the control panel 111 (step 405). In step 405, for example, the operation speed of the pointing device during and outside of measurement corresponding to the preset name in step S402 and the classification item in step 403 is input. In step 405, for example, the operation speed of the pointing device during and outside of measurement is selected and input to the setting item in the setting information input area 503. In this embodiment, the pointing device is the touchpad of the control panel 111.

[0050] The control unit 18 stores the setting information input in steps 402 to 405 in the storage unit 19 (step 406). The control unit 18 ends the setting information registration process.

[0051] Next, a first operation speed setting process executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The first operation speed setting process is a process for separately setting (applying) the operation speed of the pointing device of the connected control panel during measurement and during other times.

[0052] After the setting information registration process, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 is used by the user for preset measurement or for processing other than measurement. In the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100, the control unit 18 is assumed to have previously received a preset selection input from the user via the control panel 111. The first operation speed setting process is assumed to be executed repeatedly, for example, at a predetermined cycle. This is the timing of the predetermined cycle for executing the first operation speed setting process. This timing is used as a trigger for the control unit 18 to execute the first operation speed setting process in accordance with the first operation speed setting program stored in the ROM.

[0053] First, the control unit 18 reads and acquires from the storage unit 19 the setting information for the operation speed during measurement and during times other than measurement of the pointing device of the selected preset (step 411). The control unit 18 determines whether or not it is currently during measurement (step 412). If it is during measurement (step 412; YES), the control unit 18 executes step 413. In step 413, the control unit 18 sets (applies) the setting information for the operation speed during measurement read out in step 411 as the operation speed of the pointing device of the connected control panel. The first operation speed setting process then ends.

[0054] If it is not during measurement (step 412; NO), the control unit 18 executes step 414. In step 414, the control unit 18 sets (applies) the setting information of the operation speed other than during measurement read out in step 411 as the operation speed of the pointing device of the connected control panel. The first operation speed setting process ends.

[0055] Next, referring to FIG. 6, the movement amount setting process executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described. The movement amount setting process is a process for appropriately setting (applying) the pointer movement amount when the pointer movement amount corresponding to the operation speed of the pointing device of the connected control panel is small. The movement amount setting process is executed, for example, during measurement. When moving the pointer being displayed, the control unit 18 performs signal processing to change the pointer movement amount in proportion to the currently set operation speed based on the input of the movement amount of the pointing device. However, if the calculated pointer movement amount is extremely small, it can actually make the operation difficult. For this reason, unless the movement amount detected by the pointing device is zero, the pointer movement amount is not set to zero but to a predetermined minimum movement amount.

[0056] The movement amount setting process is executed repeatedly at a predetermined cycle when a movement operation input of the pointing device is made. A trigger is when a movement operation input of the pointing device is started in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100, or when the movement operation input is made and the timing of the predetermined cycle is reached. In response to the trigger, the control unit 18 executes the movement amount setting process according to the movement amount setting program stored in the ROM.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 6, first, the control unit 18 determines whether the current movement amount of the pointer is greater than 0 and equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value set in advance (step 421). If the movement amount is greater than 0 and equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value (step 421; YES), the control unit 18 executes step 422. In step 422, the control unit 18 sets (applies) the movement amount of the pointer to a predetermined minimum movement amount set in advance. The movement amount setting process ends. The predetermined minimum movement amount is, for example, a value greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0058] If the movement amount is greater than 0 and not equal to or less than the predetermined threshold (step 421; NO), the control unit 18 executes step 423. In step 423, the control unit 18 sets (applies) the movement amount of the pointer to a value proportional to the movement speed of the pointing device being set. The movement amount setting process ends.

[0059] As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 includes the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 and the control unit 18. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 can be connected to control panels 111, 112, etc., each having a pointing device whose operation speed can be set. The control unit 18 can set the operation speed of the pointing device separately for when making measurements and for when not making measurements.

[0060] Therefore, the operation speed of the pointing device can be set appropriately for both measurement and non-measurement.

[0061] The control unit 18 determines whether the time is during measurement or not, and applies the set operation speed for measurement or not to the pointing device depending on the determination result. Therefore, the operation speed of the pointing device can be appropriately applied during measurement and not to the pointing device.

[0062] The control unit 18 changes the movement amount of the pointer as the moving object in proportion to the application of the operation speed of the pointing device. When the movement amount of the pointer is greater than 0 and equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 18 sets the movement amount to a predetermined minimum movement amount that is set in advance. Therefore, when the operation speed is set to a low speed and the movement amount of the pointing device is small, it is possible to prevent the movement amount of the pointer from becoming too small and making it difficult to operate. Note that the moving object is not limited to a pointer. The moving object may be other moving objects such as a measuring ruler or marker.

[0063] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a control panel table 60. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a second movement speed setting process.

[0064] In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is used. However, a second operation speed setting program is stored in the ROM of the control unit 18 instead of the first operation speed setting program. The second operation speed setting program is a program for executing a second operation speed setting process, which will be described later.

[0065] In the first embodiment, the movement speed is set for the pointing device regardless of the type of control panel.

[0066] Current ultrasound diagnostic equipment may use control panels equipped with different types of operation devices depending on the medical department. The pointing device on the control panel may be a touchpad or a trackball. For example, touchpads are often used in orthopedics. In obstetrics and cardiology, where measurements are frequently performed, trackballs are often used.

[0067] However, if the operation speed is set to an appropriate speed for touchpad operation, when a control panel with a trackball is connected, the set movement speed may become too fast for trackball operation, resulting in an inappropriate operation speed. Although the optimal operation speed differs depending on the pointing device, there is a risk that the operation speed may not be appropriate. In this embodiment, the movement speed is set for the installed pointing device according to the type information of the control panel being connected.

[0068] Here, it is assumed that the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 is used in, for example, multiple departments in a medical facility, and control panels corresponding to the departments are connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1. Specifically, it is assumed that the control panel 111 is connected and used in the orthopedics department, and the control panel 112 is connected and used in the obstetrics department.

[0069] Next, the information stored in storage unit 19 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. It is assumed that a preset control panel table 60 is stored in storage unit 19. Control panel table 60 is a table that stores the contents of the operation devices mounted on each control panel.

[0070] The control panel table 60 has columns such as a control panel number 61 and a pointing device 62. The control panel number 61 is identification information for each control panel. The pointing device 62 indicates the type of pointing device among the operation devices mounted on the control panel with the control panel number 61. The other columns contain, for example, the contents of other operation devices mounted on the control panel with the control panel number 61.

[0071] Next, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described. First, as in the first embodiment, the setting information registration process of FIG. 3 is executed. In the setting information registration process, setting information on the operation speed during measurement and during times other than measurement of each pointing device corresponding to the preset name and classification item is stored in the storage unit 19. With reference to FIG. 8, a second operation speed setting process executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 after the setting information registration process will be described. The second operation speed setting process is a process for separately setting (applying) the operation speed of the pointing device during measurement and during times other than measurement, depending on the type information of the control panel currently connected.

[0072] As in the first embodiment, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100, the control unit 18 accepts a preset selection input from the user via the control panel 111. The second operation speed setting process is executed repeatedly, for example, at a predetermined cycle. This is the timing of the predetermined cycle at which the second operation speed setting process is executed. This timing is used as a trigger for the control unit 18 to execute the second operation speed setting process in accordance with the second operation speed setting program stored in the ROM.

[0073] First, the control unit 18 reads and acquires from the storage unit 19 setting information on the operation speed during measurement and during non-measurement of the pointing device of the selected preset (step 431). The control unit 18 reads and acquires type information of the control panel currently connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 1 (step 432). For example, the control panels 111, 112, etc. have memory (not shown) in which type information of the control panel itself is stored. In step 432, the control unit 18 reads and acquires type information of the connected control panel from the memory via the connection unit 31.

[0074] The control unit 18 determines whether or not it is currently during measurement (step 433). If it is currently during measurement (step 433; YES), the control unit 18 executes step 434. In step 434, the control unit 18 refers to the control panel table 60 in the storage unit 19. The control unit 18 acquires the pointing device 62 corresponding to the type information of the control panel (control panel number 61) acquired in step 432. The control unit 18 extracts setting information of the operation speed during measurement corresponding to the acquired pointing device 62 from the setting information acquired in step 431. The control unit 18 sets (applies) the extracted setting information as the operation speed of the pointing device of the connected control panel. The second operation speed setting process ends.

[0075] If it is not during measurement (step 433; NO), the control unit 18 executes step 435. In step 435, the control unit 18 refers to the control panel table 60 in the storage unit 19. The control unit 18 acquires the pointing device 62 corresponding to the type information of the control panel (control panel number 61) acquired in step 432. The control unit 18 extracts setting information of the operation speed other than during measurement that corresponds to the acquired pointing device 62 from the setting information acquired in step 431. The control unit 18 sets (applies) the extracted setting information as the operation speed of the pointing device of the connected control panel. The second operation speed setting process ends.

[0076] As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a storage unit 19. The storage unit 19 stores type information of each control panel and each pointing device of each control panel in association with each other. The control unit 18 sets the operation speed of each pointing device during measurement or during non-measurement. When a control panel is connected, the control unit 18 acquires type information of the control panel. The control unit 18 acquires the operation speed during measurement or during non-measurement of the set pointing device corresponding to the acquired type information of the control panel. The control unit 18 determines whether the pointing device is during measurement or during non-measurement, and applies the acquired operation speed during measurement or during non-measurement of the pointing device to the pointing device according to the determination result. Therefore, the operation speed of the pointing device of the connected control panel can be appropriately applied during measurement and during non-measurement.

[0077] For example, multiple control panels may each be configured to be equipped with pointing devices of the same type but with different model numbers. Control unit 18 sets an operation speed for each pointing device separately. For example, control panel 111 may have a first trackball, and control panel 112 may have a second trackball. Control unit 18 sets operation speeds for measurement and non-measurement for each of the first trackball and the second trackball. Control panel table 60 may also be configured to aggregate operation speeds corresponding to pointing devices corresponding to control panels into a single table.

[0078] (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 movement speed setting process.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the movement speed is set on the pointing device of the control panel. In the present embodiment, the movement speed is set on the pointing device depending on the type of ultrasonic probe currently connected.

[0080] In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is used. However, a third operation speed setting program is stored in the ROM of the control unit 18 instead of the first operation speed setting program. The third operation speed setting program is a program for executing a third operation speed setting process, which will be described later.

[0081] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 of this embodiment. First, as in the first embodiment, the setting information registration process of FIG.

[0082] 4, a body part is set in a preset name display area 501. In this case, type information of the ultrasound probe 2 is input and associated with each body part as a classification item display area 502. Corresponding to the type information of the ultrasound probe 2 for each preset, setting information of the operation speed of the pointing device during measurement and during periods other than measurement is generated and stored in a setting information input area 503.

[0083] 9, a third operation speed setting process executed after the setting information registration process in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described. The third operation speed setting process is a process for separately setting (applying) the operation speed of the pointing device during measurement and during other times, depending on the type information of the ultrasound probe 2 currently connected.

[0084] As in the first embodiment, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100, the control unit 18 accepts a preset selection input from the user via the control panel 111. The third operation speed setting process is executed repeatedly, for example, at a predetermined cycle. This is the timing of the predetermined cycle at which the third operation speed setting process is executed. This timing is used as a trigger for the control unit 18 to execute the third operation speed setting process in accordance with the third operation speed setting program stored in the ROM.

[0085] First, the control unit 18 reads and acquires from the storage unit 19 setting information on the operation speed during measurement and during non-measurement of the pointing device of the selected preset (step 441). The control unit 18 reads and acquires type information of the ultrasound probe 2 currently connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 1 (step 442). For example, the connector 23 of the ultrasound probe 2 has a memory (not shown) in which type information of the ultrasound probe 2 itself is stored. In step 442, the control unit 18 reads and acquires type information of the ultrasound probe 2 currently connected from the memory.

[0086] The control unit 18 determines whether or not it is currently during measurement (step 443). If it is currently during measurement (step 443; YES), the control unit 18 executes step 444. In step 444, the control unit 18 extracts setting information of the operation speed during measurement that corresponds to the type information of the ultrasound probe 2 acquired in step 442 from the setting information acquired in step 441. The control unit 18 sets (applies) the extracted setting information as the operation speed of the pointing device of the connected control panel. The third operation speed setting process ends.

[0087] If it is not during measurement (step 443; NO), the control unit 18 executes step 445. In step 445, the control unit 18 extracts setting information of the operation speed during times other than measurement that corresponds to the type information of the ultrasound probe 2 acquired in step 442 from the setting information acquired in step 441. The control unit 18 sets (applies) the extracted setting information as the operation speed of the pointing device of the connected control panel. The third operation speed setting process ends.

[0088] As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 can be connected to the ultrasound probe 2 that transmits and receives ultrasound waves to and from the subject. The control unit 18 associates and sets type information of the ultrasound probe 2 with operation speeds of the pointing device during measurement and during non-measurement. The control unit 18 acquires type information of the connected ultrasound probe 2. The control unit 18 acquires the operation speed of the pointing device during measurement or during non-measurement that is set corresponding to the acquired type information of the ultrasound probe. The control unit 18 distinguishes between measurement and non-measurement, and applies the acquired operation speed of the pointing device during measurement or during non-measurement to the pointing device according to the distinction result. Therefore, the operation speed of the pointing device corresponding to the connected ultrasound probe can be appropriately applied during measurement and during non-measurement.

[0089] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth movement speed setting process.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the movement speed is set on the pointing device of the control panel, whereas in the second embodiment, the movement speed is set on the pointing device depending on the user and the medical department.

[0091] In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is used. However, a fourth operation speed setting program is stored in the ROM of the control unit 18 instead of the first operation speed setting program. The fourth operation speed setting program is a program for executing a fourth operation speed setting process, which will be described later.

[0092] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 of this embodiment. First, as in the first embodiment, the setting information registration process of FIG.

[0093] As shown on the setting screen 500 in Fig. 4, a body part is set in a preset name display area 501. In this case, user identification information and medical department information are input and associated with each body part as classification items in a classification item display area 502. Corresponding to the user identification information and medical department information of each preset, setting information for the operation speed of the pointing device during measurement and during non-measurement is generated and stored in a setting information input area 503. Note that the user identification information and medical department information may be configured to be included in the preset name.

[0094] 10, a fourth operation speed setting process executed after the setting information registration process in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described. The fourth operation speed setting process is a process for separately setting (applying) the operation speed of the pointing device during measurement and during other times, depending on the user identification information and medical department information of the user.

[0095] The control unit 18 first receives (selected) input of user identification information and the medical department information to which the user belongs from the user via the connected control panel. The user is a user who uses the ultrasound diagnostic device 100. The control unit 18 may acquire the user identification information and the medical department information to which the user belongs corresponding to the login ID by performing a login process for the user to the ultrasound diagnostic device 100. The control unit 18 stores the input user identification information and the medical department information in the storage unit 19.

[0096] As in the first embodiment, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100, the control unit 18 accepts a preset selection input from the user via the control panel 111. The fourth operation speed setting process is executed repeatedly, for example, at a predetermined cycle. This is the timing of the predetermined cycle at which the fourth operation speed setting process is executed. This timing is used as a trigger for the control unit 18 to execute the fourth operation speed setting process in accordance with the fourth operation speed setting program stored in the ROM.

[0097] First, the control unit 18 reads and acquires from the storage unit 19 the setting information for the operation speed of the pointing device of the selected preset during measurement and during non-measurement (step 451). The control unit 18 reads and acquires from the storage unit 19 the user identification information of the currently using user and the medical department information to which the user belongs (step 452).

[0098] The control unit 18 determines whether or not it is currently during measurement (step 453). If it is currently during measurement (step 453; YES), the control unit 18 executes step 454. In step 454, the control unit 18 extracts setting information for the operation speed during measurement that corresponds to the user identification information and medical department information acquired in step 452 from the setting information acquired in step 451. The control unit 18 sets (applies) the extracted setting information as the operation speed of the pointing device of the connected control panel. The fourth operation speed setting process ends.

[0099] If it is not during measurement (step 453; NO), the control unit 18 executes step 455. In step 455, the control unit 18 extracts setting information of the operation speed during times other than measurement that corresponds to the user identification information and medical department information acquired in step 452 from the setting information acquired in step 451. The control unit 18 sets (applies) the extracted setting information as the operation speed of the pointing device of the connected control panel. The fourth operation speed setting process ends.

[0100] As described above, according to this embodiment, the control unit 18 associates and sets the user identification information and medical department information with the operation speed of the pointing device during measurement and during other times. The control unit 18 acquires the user identification information and medical department information of the user. The control unit 18 acquires the operation speed of the pointing device during measurement or during other times that is set corresponding to the acquired user identification information and medical department information. The control unit 18 determines whether it is during measurement or during other times, and applies the acquired operation speed of the pointing device during measurement or during other times to the pointing device depending on the determination result. Therefore, the operation speed of the pointing device corresponding to the user identification information and medical department information can be appropriately applied during measurement and during other times.

[0101] The description of the above embodiment is merely an example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, operation speed setting method, and program according to the present invention, and is not intended to be limiting. For example, at least two of the above embodiment and each of the modified examples may be appropriately combined.

[0102] While embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are made for purposes of illustration and example only, and not limitation, and the scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the terms of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 100 Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 1. Ultrasound diagnostic device 12 Transmitter 13 Receiving unit 14 Image generation unit 15 Image processing section 151 Image memory section 16 Display control unit 17 Display 18 Control Unit 19 Memory section 31 Connection 2 Ultrasonic probe 21 Ultrasonic probe body 211 Oscillator 22 Cable 23 Connector 111,112 Control Panel

Claims

1. a main body to which a control panel having a first operation device capable of setting an operation speed can be connected; an operation speed of the first operation device during measurement and an operation speed of the first operation device other than during measurement, separately set by a setting unit;

2. an application unit that determines whether the operation is during measurement or other than measurement, and applies the set operation speed during measurement or other than measurement to the first operation device according to the determination result; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 ,

3. a storage unit that stores type information of each control panel and each first operation device of the control panel in association with each other; the setting unit sets an operation speed of each of the first operation devices during measurement or during a time other than measurement; a first acquisition unit that acquires type information of a control panel when the control panel is connected; 2. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an application unit that determines whether the operation is during measurement or other than measurement, and applies, to the first operation device, an operation speed during measurement or other than measurement of the set first operation device that corresponds to the acquired type information of the control panel, depending on the determination result.

4. the main body can be connected to an ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound to and from a subject; the setting unit sets type information of the ultrasound probe in association with operation speeds of the first operation device during measurement and during periods other than measurement; a second acquisition unit that acquires type information of the connected ultrasound probe; an application unit that determines whether a measurement is being performed or not, and applies, to the first operation device, an operation speed during measurement or not during measurement of the set first operation device corresponding to the acquired type information of the ultrasound probe, depending on the determination result.

5. the setting unit sets at least one of user identification information and medical department information in association with operation speeds of the first operation device during measurement and during periods other than measurement; a third acquisition unit that acquires at least one of user identification information and medical department information of the user; and an application unit that determines whether the operation is during measurement or not, and applies, to the first operation device, an operation speed during measurement or not corresponding to at least one of the acquired user identification information and medical department information, depending on the determination result.

6. 6. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the application unit changes the amount of movement of the moving object in proportion to the application of the operation speed of the first operation device, and when the amount of movement of the moving object is greater than 0 and equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, sets the amount of movement to a predetermined minimum amount of movement that is set in advance.

7. 1. An operation speed setting method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a main body to which a control panel having a first operation device capable of setting an operation speed can be connected, An operation speed setting method including a setting step capable of separately setting an operation speed during measurement of the first operation device and an operation speed during other times than measurement of the first operation device.

8. a computer mounted on an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a main body to which a control panel having a first operation device capable of setting an operation speed can be connected; a setting unit capable of separately setting an operation speed of the first operation device during measurement and an operation speed of the first operation device during other times than measurement; A program to function as a

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