Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, program, and ultrasonic diagnostic method
The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus uses a touchpad to intuitively switch between single and dual-screen display modes, addressing the inefficiencies of conventional devices by simplifying operations and reducing time through directional touch inputs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024107162
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-16
AI Technical Summary
Conventional ultrasound diagnostic devices require multiple operations to switch between single and dual-screen display modes, and moving a finger from the operation console to the display screen is necessary, leading to increased operation time.
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and method that utilize a touchpad to switch between single and dual-screen display modes based on the input direction of touch operations, allowing for intuitive switching between horizontal and vertical dual-screen configurations without the need for additional console buttons or screen interactions.
Reduces operation time by enabling intuitive display mode switching through touchpad inputs, eliminating the need for multiple finger movements and reducing the complexity of console interactions.
Smart Images
Figure 2026007392000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a program, and an ultrasonic diagnostic method. [Background technology]
[0002] Generally, the display modes of an ultrasound diagnostic device include a single-screen display mode in which one ultrasound image is displayed on the display screen, a split-screen display mode in which multiple ultrasound images are displayed on the display screen, etc. The split-screen display mode includes a dual-screen display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed, etc. The display mode is switched by, for example, operating a button or trackball arranged on the console, or by operating a function button displayed on the screen of the display unit.
[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an imaging device that executes a split-screen display including multiple ultrasound images by detecting gestures on a touchscreen display. Patent Document 2 describes an ultrasound diagnostic device that switches to a side-by-side display mode when the display area of the display unit is touched and slid in single display mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2023-120341 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6070228 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] However, in conventional techniques, when executing the split screen mode, an operation to switch to the split display mode and an operation to switch to the left-right split screen or the top-bottom split screen are required. Also, in conventional patent documents, when executing the split display mode, an operation to move a finger from the operation console to the display screen is required, which has the problem of taking extra operation time.
[0006] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a program, and an ultrasonic diagnostic method that allow intuitive operation and reduce operation time. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention comprises: 1. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that outputs transmitted ultrasound to a subject and receives reflected ultrasound from the subject to obtain received signals, and generates an ultrasound image based on the obtained received signals, an operation unit including a touchpad that accepts touch operations; a control unit capable of executing a single screen display mode in which one ultrasound image is displayed on the screen of the display unit and a dual screen display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed on the screen of the display unit; The two-screen display mode is a horizontal display mode in which the two ultrasound images are displayed side by side on the screen of the display unit, and a vertical display mode in which the two ultrasound images are displayed side by side on the screen of the display unit, The control unit switches the single-screen display mode to the dual-screen display mode based on the input direction of the touch operation on the touchpad, and determines whether to use the horizontal display mode or the vertical display mode in the dual-screen display mode.
[0008] The program according to the present invention comprises: a computer included in an ultrasound diagnostic device that outputs transmitted ultrasound to a subject and receives reflected ultrasound from the subject to obtain received signals, and generates an ultrasound image based on the obtained received signals; a control unit that can execute a single-screen display mode in which one ultrasound image is displayed on the screen of the display unit and a dual-screen display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed on the screen of the display unit; The two-screen display mode is a horizontal display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed side by side on the screen of the display unit, and a vertical display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed side by side on the screen of the display unit, The control unit switches the single-screen display mode to the dual-screen display mode based on the input direction of the touch operation on the touchpad, and determines whether to use the horizontal display mode or the vertical display mode in the dual-screen display mode.
[0009] The ultrasonic diagnostic method according to the present invention comprises: 1. An ultrasound diagnostic method for an ultrasound diagnostic device that outputs transmitted ultrasound to a subject and receives reflected ultrasound from the subject to obtain received signals, and generates an ultrasound image based on the obtained received signals, comprising: a control step capable of executing a single-screen display mode in which one ultrasound image is displayed on the screen of the display unit and a dual-screen display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed on the screen of the display unit; The two-screen display mode is a horizontal display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed side by side on the screen of the display unit, and a vertical display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed side by side on the screen of the display unit, In the control step, the single-screen display mode is switched to the dual-screen display mode based on the input direction of the touch operation on the touchpad, and in the dual-screen display mode, it is determined whether to use the horizontal display mode or the vertical display mode. [Effects of the Invention]
[0010] According to the present invention, the display mode is switched and the direction in which the two screens are divided is determined based on the input direction of the touch operation on the touchpad, thereby realizing intuitive operation and reducing operation time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus when switching the display mode etc. by touching the touchpad according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of an ultrasound image displayed on the display unit when a display mode or the like is switched by a touch operation on the touchpad according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus when switching the split direction in the dual screen display mode by touching the touchpad in the dual screen display mode according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of an ultrasound image displayed on the display unit when the split direction is switched by a touch operation on the touchpad in the dual-screen display mode according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus when changing the selection state of an image by touching the touchpad in the dual-screen display mode according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of ultrasound images displayed on the display unit when the selection state of an image is changed by touching the touchpad in the dual-screen display mode according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus when switching the display mode etc. by touching the touchpad according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of an ultrasound image displayed on the display unit when a display mode or the like is switched by a touch operation on the touchpad according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an indicator displayed on the examination screen in the one-screen display mode in the two-data holding mode according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other indicators displayed on the examination screen in the one-screen display mode in the two-data holding mode according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other indicators displayed on the examination screen in the one-screen display mode in the two-data holding mode according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other indicators displayed on the examination screen in the one-screen display mode in the two-data holding mode according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a program, and an ultrasound diagnostic method according to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0013] [Example of schematic configuration of ultrasound diagnostic device 1] 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment. The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is used by a user such as a doctor in a medical facility, a patient's home, or the like. The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 comprises a device main body 100, an operation unit 102, a display unit 120, and an ultrasound probe 150. The device main body 100 incorporates a transmitting unit, a receiving unit, a control unit, an image processing unit, and the like, as will be described later.
[0014] The operation unit 102 includes an operation console and is attached to, for example, the front end side of the device main body 100. The operation unit 102 has multiple buttons and a touchpad 103. The operation unit 102 may also include a touch panel, which is a pointing device combined with the display unit 120. The multiple buttons include, for example, a power button and buttons assigned with predetermined functions. The touchpad 103 is, for example, rectangular in plan view and is composed of a flat capacitive sensor. The touchpad 103 accepts touch operations using a user's finger. Touch operations include, for example, swiping a finger left or right while pressing the finger on the touchpad 103, and swiping a finger toward or away from the touchpad 103 while pressing the finger on the touchpad 103. For convenience, the toward and away directions may be referred to as up and down directions. A touch operation on the touchpad 103 to switch to a dual-screen display mode, for example, is enabled when operated with a finger other than one finger. The user switches to the dual screen display mode, for example, by swiping two fingers on the touch pad 103. This is to prevent unintentional switching of the display mode due to an erroneous touch operation.
[0015] The display unit 120 is rotatably attached to the device main body 100 via a hinge, for example, at its lower end. The display unit 120 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. EL is an abbreviation for Electro Luminescence. The display unit 120 displays ultrasound images of the tissues, organs, etc. of the subject detected by the ultrasound probe 150, a report screen based on the ultrasound images, etc. The display unit 120 can operate in a single-screen display mode in which one ultrasound image is displayed on the examination screen, and a dual-screen display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed on the examination screen. Details of the display modes will be described later.
[0016] The ultrasonic probe 150 is detachably attached to, for example, a holder 182 provided on the side of the operation unit 102. The ultrasonic probe 150 transmits ultrasonic waves (transmitted ultrasonic waves) to a subject such as a living patient, and receives received ultrasonic waves (echoes) reflected from the subject.
[0017] [Block diagram example of ultrasound diagnostic device 1] 2 is a block diagram of an ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 includes a device main body 100 and an ultrasound probe 150 connected to the device main body 100. The device main body 100 is provided with an operation unit 102 and a display unit 120. The device main body 100 includes a transmission unit 104, a reception unit 106, an image generation unit 108, an image processing unit 110, a display control unit 112, a control unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a communication unit 160.
[0018] The operation unit 102 receives input instructions from various operations performed by the user, converts the received input instructions into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 130. As described above, the operation unit 102 includes the touchpad 103. The touchpad 103 detects the input direction of the user's touch operation.
[0019] The transmitting unit 104 supplies a drive signal, which is an electrical signal, to the ultrasonic probe 150 under the control of the control unit 130. The transmitting unit 104 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 path provided in each probe 153 (described later) and delays the transmission of the drive signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses a transmission beam formed by ultrasonic waves. The pulse generating circuit generates a pulse signal as a drive signal at a predetermined period. The transmitting unit 104 generates ultrasonic waves, for example, by driving consecutive parts of the multiple probes 153. The transmitting unit 104 scans by shifting the driven probe 153 in the azimuth direction each time an ultrasonic wave is generated.
[0020] The receiving unit 106 receives a received signal, which is an electrical signal, from the ultrasound probe 150 under the control of the control unit 130. The receiving unit 106 has, for example, an amplifier, an A / D conversion circuit, and a phasing and summing circuit. The amplifier amplifies the received signal at a preset amplification factor for each path provided in each probe 153. The A / D conversion circuit performs analog / digital conversion on the amplified received signal. The phasing and summing circuit adjusts the time phase by providing a delay time to the A / D converted received signal for each path provided in each probe 153, and then adds them together. The phasing and summing circuit generates sound ray data (sound ray signal) by phasing and summing. The receiving unit 106 may also have an amplifier for amplifying the received signal.
[0021] The image generating unit 108 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression, etc. on the sound ray data supplied from the receiving unit 106. The image generating unit 108 further adjusts at least one of the dynamic range and gain of the sound ray data to convert the brightness, thereby generating B-mode image data. The B-mode image data represents the strength of the received signal by brightness, and is tomographic image information regarding the tissue within the subject. The image generating unit 108 is not limited to B-mode image data in B-mode. Other scan modes (image modes) include, for example, A-mode, M-mode, and scan modes using the Doppler method. Examples of the Doppler method include, for example, color Doppler mode and PWD. B-mode is an abbreviation for brightness mode. A-mode is an abbreviation for amplitude mode. M-mode is an abbreviation for motion mode. PWD is an abbreviation for pulsed wave Doppler.
[0022] The image processing unit 110 performs image processing on the B-mode image data output from the image generation unit 108, for example, in accordance with various image parameters that are being set. The image processing unit 110 has an image memory unit 111 configured with a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM. DRAM is an abbreviation for Dynamic Random Access Memory. The image processing unit 110 stores the B-mode image data that has been subjected to image processing in the image memory unit 111 on a frame-by-frame basis under the control of the control unit 130. The image processing unit 110 outputs the image data generated as described above to the display control unit 112 in sequence under the control of the control unit 130.
[0023] The display control unit 112 generates an image signal for display by performing coordinate transformation and the like on the received image data under the control of the control unit 130. The display control unit 112 outputs the generated image signal for display to the display unit 120.
[0024] The display unit 120 displays an ultrasound image of the subject's tissue, organs, etc. on the screen based on the image signal for display output from the display control unit 112 under the control of the control unit 130. The ultrasound image may be a still image or a moving image.
[0025] The control unit 130 includes a processor such as a CPU and a memory such as a RAM. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The CPU reads out a program 141 stored in the storage unit 140, expands it in the RAM, and, in cooperation with the program 141, can execute processes including those related to ultrasound examinations and changing the display mode.
[0026] In this embodiment, the control unit 130, which is a computer, executes a program 141 including control steps stored in the storage unit 140 or the like to realize display modes such as a single-screen display mode and a dual-screen display mode. The single-screen display mode is a display mode in which one ultrasound image is displayed on the examination screen 200 of the display unit 120. The dual-screen display mode is a display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed on the examination screen of the display unit 120. The dual-screen display mode includes a side-by-side display mode and a top-down display mode. The side-by-side display mode is a display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed side-by-side on the examination screen of the display unit 120. The top-down display mode is a display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed side-by-side on the examination screen of the display unit 120. The control unit 130 switches from the single-screen display mode to the dual-screen display mode and determines whether the dual-screen display mode is the side-by-side display mode or the top-down display mode in the dual-screen display mode based on the input direction of a touch operation on the touchpad 103.
[0027] The single-screen display mode has a single-data retention mode and a two-data retention mode. The single-data retention mode is a mode in which one ultrasound image is displayed on the examination screen of the display unit 120. The two-data retention mode is a mode in which one of two ultrasound images is displayed on the examination screen of the display unit 120, and the other is not displayed on the examination screen of the display unit 120. When the control unit 130 acquires a touch operation in a predetermined input direction on the touchpad 103 while the dual-screen display mode is being executed, the control unit 130 switches to the single-screen display mode of the two-data retention mode.
[0028] The storage unit 140 includes at least one storage module selected from, for example, an HDD, an SSD, a ROM, and a RAM. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The storage unit 140 stores system programs, application programs, various data received by the communication unit 160, and the like. For example, the storage unit 140 stores a program 141 for executing processes related to ultrasound examinations, changing display modes, and the like.
[0029] The communication unit 160 includes, for example, a NIC, a LAN adapter, or a communication module including a receiver and a transmitter. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card. The communication unit 160 communicates various data, information, and the like with external devices via a network, for example.
[0030] The ultrasonic probe 150 includes a head unit 152, a cable 154, and a connector 156. The head unit 152 is a part that is pressed against the surface of the subject's body. The head unit 152 is provided with a plurality of probes 153 made of piezoelectric elements. The probes 153 transmit ultrasonic waves to the subject based on a drive signal transmitted from the device main body 100, and receive reflected waves reflected by target tissue within the subject. The probes 153 may be arranged, for example, in a one-dimensional array in the scanning direction, or in a two-dimensional array (matrix). The number of probes 153 can be set arbitrarily. The scanning method of the ultrasonic probe 150 may be a linear scanning method, a convex scanning method, a sector scanning method, or the like.
[0031] One end of the cable 154 is electrically connected to the head unit 152, and the other end is electrically connected to a connector 156. The connector 156 is connected to the device main body 100. Note that communication between the device main body 100 and the ultrasonic probe 150 is not limited to wired communication using the cable 154. The communication method between the device main body 100 and the ultrasonic probe 150 may be wireless communication using UWB or the like. UWB is an abbreviation for Ultra Wide Band.
[0032] [Example of operation of ultrasound diagnostic device 1] (Switching from single screen display mode to dual screen display mode, etc.) Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 when the display mode, etc. is switched by touching the touchpad 103 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image displayed on the display unit 120 when the display mode, etc. is switched by touching the touchpad 103 according to this embodiment. It is assumed that the single-screen display mode is set as the initial display mode in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.
[0033] The control unit 130 executes the single screen display mode when ultrasound diagnosis starts (step S10). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the control unit 130 displays one ultrasound image G1 acquired by the ultrasound probe 150 in approximately the center of the examination screen 200 of the display unit 120. The ultrasound image G1 is in a live state and is a moving image. Note that, although icons and the like having predetermined functions are actually displayed on the examination screen 200, they are omitted for convenience.
[0034] When switching from the single-screen display mode to the dual-screen display mode, the user performs a touch operation to the left on the touchpad 103, for example. In this case, the control unit 130 acquires input information corresponding to the left direction touch operation on the touchpad 103 (step S11). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, the user performs a swipe operation to the left while pressing two fingers on the touchpad 103. As a result, an operation signal indicating input information corresponding to the left swipe operation is supplied to the control unit 130. Note that the swipe operation when switching to the dual-screen display mode may be an input direction other than the left direction, such as the right direction, up or down, etc.
[0035] The control unit 130 switches from the single-screen display mode to the dual-screen display mode based on the acquired leftward input information (step S12). Based on a one-directional touch operation on the touchpad 103, the control unit 130 determines the direction in which the examination screen is to be divided and also determines the display position of the ultrasound image on the divided examination screen 200. When the input information indicates a leftward direction, the control unit 130 divides the examination screen 200 into two in the horizontal direction and determines the display position of the ultrasound image G1 on the left half of the divided examination screen 200. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4C , the control unit 130 displays the live ultrasound image G1 on the left half of the two screens. Because image acquisition for the left half of the two screens has not yet been completed, the control unit 130 does not display an ultrasound image on the right half. At this time, the control unit 130 displays a frame image Gf indicating that the ultrasound image G1 is currently selected. The frame image Gf is, for example, a rectangular frame that surrounds the periphery of the left half of the screen on which the ultrasound image G1 is displayed and is highlighted in a color such as red. The frame image Gf corresponds to an example of selection information.
[0036] For example, when freezing the ultrasound image G1 displayed on the left half of the two screens, the user touches the touchpad 103 to the right. In this case, the control unit 130 acquires rightward input information by the touch operation on the touchpad 103 (step S13). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4D, the user swipes rightward while pressing two fingers on the touchpad 103. As a result, an operation signal indicating input information corresponding to the rightward swipe operation is supplied to the control unit 130.
[0037] Based on the acquired rightward input information, the control unit 130 freezes the ultrasound image G1 on the left half of the two screens and displays a live ultrasound image G2 on the right half (step S14). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4E, the control unit 130 freezes the ultrasound image G1 displayed on the left half of the examination screen 200 on the display unit 120. The ultrasound image G1 obtained by freezing is stored in the storage unit 140 as a still image. The control unit 130 displays the live ultrasound image G2 on the right half of the examination screen 200 on the display unit 120.
[0038] When the user wants to freeze the live ultrasound image G2 displayed on the right half of the dual screen, the user presses, for example, a freeze button (not shown). The freeze button is connected to the device main body 100 via a cable or the like. The control unit 130 acquires a pressing instruction in response to the user pressing the freeze button (step S15). Note that, in addition to pressing the freeze button, another method for freezing the ultrasound image on the right half of the dual screen may be, for example, touching the touchpad 103 to the left.
[0039] Based on the acquired pressing instruction corresponding to pressing of the freeze button, the control unit 130 freezes the live ultrasound image displayed in the right half of the examination screen 200 (step S16). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4E, the control unit 130 freezes the ultrasound image G2 displayed in the right half of the examination screen 200 on the display unit 120. The ultrasound image G2 obtained by freezing is stored in the storage unit 140 as a still image.
[0040] (Switching the split direction when in dual screen mode, etc.) Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 when the split direction in the dual-screen display mode is switched by a touch operation on the touchpad 103 in the dual-screen display mode according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image displayed on the display unit 120 when the split direction is switched by a touch operation on the touchpad 103 in the dual-screen display mode according to this embodiment. Note that detailed description of the steps in Fig. 5 that are common to Fig. 1 will be omitted.
[0041] The control unit 130 executes a left-right split dual screen display mode based on a touch operation in the left-right direction on the touchpad 103 (step S20). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, the control unit 130 displays a frozen ultrasound image G1 on the left half of the examination screen 200 of the display unit 120, and a frozen ultrasound image G2 on the right half. A frame image Gf indicating that the ultrasound image G1 is being selected is displayed on the left half of the examination screen 200. Note that the method described with reference to FIG. 3 etc. can be used to switch to the dual screen display mode, switch from a live ultrasound image state to a frozen state, etc.
[0042] When switching the split direction from horizontal to vertical split in the dual screen display mode, the user performs, for example, an upward touch operation on the touchpad 103. In this case, the control unit 130 acquires upward input information by the touch operation on the touchpad 103 (step S21). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, the user performs an upward swipe operation while pressing two fingers on the upper surface of the touchpad 103. An operation signal indicating input information corresponding to the upward swipe operation is supplied to the control unit 130.
[0043] When the control unit 130 receives input information for an upward direction by a touch operation in the dual screen display mode, it switches the division direction from horizontal to vertical division (step S22). That is, the control unit 130 changes the display mode from horizontal display mode to vertical display mode. The control unit 130 determines the display position of the selected ultrasound image G1 to be on the upper half of the examination screen 200 after vertical division in accordance with the input information for the upward direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6C , the control unit 130 displays the frozen ultrasound image G1 in the upper half of the examination screen 200 after vertical division, and displays the frozen ultrasound image G2 in the lower half. At this time, a frame image Gf indicating that the ultrasound image G1 is currently selected is displayed on the ultrasound image G1 in the upper half of the examination screen 200.
[0044] (Change the selection status when in dual screen mode, etc.) Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 when the selection state of an image is changed by a touch operation on the touchpad 103 in the dual-screen display mode according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image displayed on the display unit 120 when the selection state of an image is changed by a touch operation on the touchpad 103 in the dual-screen display mode according to this embodiment. Note that detailed description of the steps in Fig. 5 that are common to Fig. 1 will be omitted.
[0045] The control unit 130 executes a two-screen display mode split into left and right halves based on a touch operation in one direction on the touchpad 103 (step S30). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, the control unit 130 displays a frozen ultrasound image G1 on the left half of the examination screen 200 of the display unit 120, and a frozen ultrasound image G2 on the right half. A frame image Gf indicating that the ultrasound image G1 is being selected is displayed on the left half of the examination screen 200. Note that the method described with reference to FIG. 3 can be used to switch to the two-screen display mode, switch from a live ultrasound image state to a frozen state, and the like.
[0046] When the user wants to move the image selection state from ultrasound image G1 displayed in the left half to ultrasound image G2 displayed in the right half, the user touches the touchpad 103 in the right direction. In this case, the control unit 130 acquires rightward input information by the touch operation on the touchpad 103 (step S31). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, the user swipes rightward while pressing two fingers on the touchpad 103. An operation signal indicating input information corresponding to the rightward swipe operation is supplied to the control unit 130.
[0047] When the control unit 130 acquires input information of a rightward direction by a touch operation in the dual screen display mode, it moves the selection state from the ultrasound image G1 in the right half of the dual screen to the ultrasound image G2 in the left half (step S32). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8C, the control unit 130 moves the frame image Gf displayed in the ultrasound image G2 in the left half of the examination screen 200 to the ultrasound image G2 in the right half of the examination screen 200. As a result, the frame image Gf is displayed in the ultrasound image G2 in the left half of the examination screen 200. Note that the selection state can also be applied to the case of moving from the ultrasound image G2 in the right half to the ultrasound image G1 in a horizontally divided screen. Furthermore, the selection state can be moved in the same way in a vertically divided screen as in a horizontally divided screen.
[0048] (Switching display modes when in single-screen display mode with two data retention modes, etc.) Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 when the display mode, etc. is switched by touching the touchpad 103 according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image displayed on the display unit 120 when the display mode, etc. is switched by touching the touchpad 103 according to this embodiment. Note that detailed description of the steps in Fig. 9 that are common to Fig. 1 will be omitted.
[0049] The control unit 130 executes a left-right split dual screen display mode based on a touch operation in the left-right direction on the touchpad 103 (step S40). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, the control unit 130 displays a frozen ultrasound image G1 on the left half of the examination screen 200 of the display unit 120, and a frozen ultrasound image G2 on the right half. A frame image Gf indicating that the ultrasound image G1 is being selected is displayed on the left half of the examination screen 200. Note that the methods described in steps S10 to S16 of FIG. 3 can be used to switch to the dual screen display mode, switch the ultrasound image from a live state to a frozen state, and the like.
[0050] When the user wants to display the currently selected ultrasound image on one screen in the dual-screen display mode, the user touches the touchpad 103 to the left. In this case, the control unit 130 acquires left-direction input information by the touch operation on the touchpad 103 (step S41). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, the user swipes to the left while pressing two fingers against the upper surface of the touchpad 103. In other words, the user swipes in a direction in which there is no screen on which an ultrasound image is displayed on the examination screen 200 after division into two. An operation signal indicating input information corresponding to the left-direction swipe operation is supplied to the control unit 130.
[0051] When the control unit 130 receives input information for a leftward touch operation in the dual-screen display mode, it switches the display mode from the dual-screen display mode to the single-screen display mode, which is a two-data retention mode (step S42). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10C, the control unit 130 displays only the left-half ultrasound image G1 in the dual-screen display mode on the examination screen 200, and does not display the right-half ultrasound image G2. Note that in FIG. 10C, the ultrasound image G2 is displayed behind the ultrasound image G1 displayed on the examination screen 200 for convenience's sake, but in reality, the ultrasound image G2 is completely superimposed on the ultrasound image G1 and is therefore not displayed. Of course, as shown in FIG. 10C, the ultrasound image G2 may be displayed slightly offset from the ultrasound image G1 so that the user can view the ultrasound image G2 on the back side.
[0052] When the user wants to display an ultrasound image different from the currently selected ultrasound image in the single-screen display mode of the two-data retention mode, the user touches the touchpad 103 to the right, for example. In this case, the control unit 130 acquires right-direction input information by the touch operation on the touchpad 103 (step S43). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10D, the user swipes right while pressing two fingers against the upper surface of the touchpad 103. An operation signal indicating input information corresponding to the right-direction swipe operation is supplied to the control unit 130.
[0053] When input information in a predetermined direction is acquired while the single-screen display mode of the two-data retention mode is being executed, the control unit 130 determines whether the switching setting is enabled (step S44). The switching setting is a setting for switching from one ultrasound image to the other ultrasound image on the single screen when a touch operation is performed during the single-screen display mode of the two-data retention mode. The validity or invalidity of the switching setting may be set, for example, by an icon displayed on the examination screen 200 or by a button on the operation console of the operation unit 102.
[0054] If the control unit 130 determines that the switching setting is valid, the control unit 130 proceeds to step S45. In this case, the control unit 130 executes the single-screen display mode of the two-data retention mode based on input information of the right direction by touch operation (step S45). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10E, the control unit 130 displays only the right-half ultrasound image G2 in the dual-screen display mode on the examination screen 200, and does not display the left-half ultrasound image G1. In this case, the non-displayed ultrasound image G1 is placed behind the ultrasound image G2 displayed in the single-screen display mode on the examination screen 200. In step S45, the ultrasound image displayed in the single-screen display mode is switched taking into account the display state of the ultrasound image in the dual-screen display mode before switching to the single-screen display mode.
[0055] On the other hand, if the control unit 130 determines in step S44 that the switching setting is not enabled, the process proceeds to step S46. In this case, when the control unit 130 acquires input information of a rightward direction by a touch operation, it executes the dual-screen display mode (step S46). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10F, the control unit 130 displays a frozen ultrasound image G1 in the left half of the examination screen 200 of the display unit 120, and displays a frozen ultrasound image G2 in the right half. A frame image Gf indicating that the ultrasound image G2 is currently selected is displayed in the right half of the examination screen 200. In step S46, the dual-screen display mode is executed according to the input direction by the touch operation, without taking into account the display state of the ultrasound image in the dual-screen display mode before switching to the single-screen display mode.
[0056] When the user wishes to display the currently selected ultrasound image G2 in the single-screen display mode in the dual-screen display mode, the user touches the touchpad 103 to the right. In this case, the control unit 130 acquires right-direction input information by the touch operation on the touchpad 103 (step S47). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10G, the user swipes to the right while pressing two fingers against the upper surface of the touchpad 103. An operation signal indicating input information corresponding to the right-direction swipe operation is supplied to the control unit 130.
[0057] When the control unit 130 acquires input information for a rightward touch operation in the dual-screen display mode, it switches the display mode from the dual-screen display mode to the single-screen display mode of the two-data retention mode (step S45). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10E, the control unit 130 displays only the right-half ultrasound image G2 in the dual-screen display mode on the examination screen 200, and does not display the left-half ultrasound image G1. In this case, the hidden ultrasound image G1 is placed behind the ultrasound image G2 displayed as a single screen on the examination screen 200.
[0058] In addition, when the display mode is switched from the dual-screen display mode to the single-screen display mode of the two-data retention mode in the above-mentioned step S43, the following problem occurs. That is, on the examination screen 200 in the single-screen display mode, it may be difficult to recognize which of the ultrasound images in the previous two screens is being displayed. Therefore, in the single-screen display mode of the two-data retention mode, an indicator may be displayed on the examination screen 200 to recognize which of the ultrasound images in the previous two screens is being displayed. The indicator corresponds to an example of display information. In this case, the control unit 130 stores identification information such as a number indicating which image is being displayed for each ultrasound image in the split screen, in addition to information regarding the split direction in the dual-screen display mode. For example, the control unit 130 assigns the number 1 to the left-half ultrasound image G1 in the dual-screen display mode and the number 2 to the right-half ultrasound image G2. In the following, as an example of an indicator, a case will be described in which information indicating the screen direction corresponding to the identification information of each ultrasound image is displayed on the examination screen 200.
[0059] 11 is a diagram showing an indicator Ia displayed on the examination screen 200 in the single-screen display mode of the two-data retention mode according to this embodiment. When displaying on the single screen an ultrasound image G1 that was displayed on the left half in the dual-screen display mode before switching to the single-screen display mode, the control unit 130 displays on the examination screen 200 an indicator Ia indicating the number 1 corresponding to the ultrasound image G1 on the left half. Specifically, a "Left" icon associated with the number 1 is displayed as the indicator Ia at the top left corner of the examination screen 200. This allows the user to recognize which ultrasound image of the two left and right screens in the previous dual-screen display mode is being displayed in the current single-screen display mode.
[0060] 12 is a diagram showing another indicator Ib displayed on the examination screen 200 in the single-screen display mode of the two-data retention mode according to this embodiment. When displaying on the single screen an ultrasound image G1 that was displayed on the left half in the dual-screen display mode before switching to the single-screen display mode, the control unit 130 displays on the examination screen 200 an indicator Ib indicating the number 1 corresponding to the ultrasound image G1 on the left half. Specifically, an "L" icon associated with the number 1 is displayed as the indicator Ib at the top left corner of the examination screen 200. This allows the user to recognize which ultrasound image of the two left and right screens in the previous dual-screen display mode is being displayed in the current single-screen display mode.
[0061] 13 is a diagram showing another indicator Ic displayed on the examination screen 200 in the single-screen display mode of the two-data retention mode according to this embodiment. When displaying an ultrasound image G2 that was displayed on the right half in the dual-screen display mode before switching to the single-screen display mode in the single-screen display, the control unit 130 displays an indicator Ic indicating the number 2 corresponding to the ultrasound image G2 on the right half on the examination screen 200. Specifically, a "Right" icon is displayed as the indicator Ic at the top right corner of the examination screen 200. This allows the user to recognize which of the two ultrasound images on the left and right screens in the previous dual-screen display mode is being displayed in the current single-screen display mode.
[0062] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing other indicators Id displayed on the examination screen 200 in the single-screen display mode of the two-data retention mode according to this embodiment. When displaying an ultrasound image G1 that was displayed on the left half in the dual-screen display mode before switching to the single-screen display mode on the single screen, the control unit 130 displays an indicator Id indicating the number 1 corresponding to the ultrasound image G1 on the left half on the examination screen 200. Specifically, icons "Left" and "Right" are displayed as indicator Ids at the top center of the examination screen 200. When displaying an ultrasound image G2 that was displayed on the left half in the dual-screen display mode before switching to the single-screen display mode in the single-screen display mode, the "Left" icon is highlighted. This allows the user to recognize which of the two ultrasound images on the left and right screens in the previous dual-screen display mode is displayed in the current single-screen display mode.
[0063] According to this embodiment, the single-screen display mode is switched to the dual-screen display mode, and the horizontal display mode or the vertical display mode is determined in the dual-screen display mode based on the input direction of the touch operation on the touchpad 103. Therefore, the user can switch the display mode and the screen division direction with a single touch operation on the touchpad 103. This eliminates the need to move a finger to multiple buttons on the console constituting the operation unit 102, or to move a finger from the button on the console to the screen of the display unit 120. As a result, the operation time when switching the display mode, etc., can be reduced. Furthermore, since the screen division direction is determined according to the input direction of the touch operation on the touchpad 103, operation can be performed intuitively. Furthermore, since the display mode can be switched, etc., using only the touchpad 103, there is no need to provide a button or key for switching the display mode on the console. Furthermore, there is no need to assign a dedicated function for switching the display mode to a button on the console. Furthermore, there is no need to display an icon having a dedicated function for switching the display mode on the screen of the display unit 120. As a result, it is possible to reduce the space required for the operation console of the operation unit 102 and the screen of the display unit 120.
[0064] While the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. Furthermore, various modifications and improvements will naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure, provided that they are within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims of those skilled in the art.
[0065] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a predetermined function is assigned to the input direction of a touch operation on the touchpad 103, but the predetermined function assigned to the input direction of a touch operation may be changeable. This is because different users may wish to assign different functions to the input direction of a touch operation.
[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when a touch operation on the touchpad 103 is performed with two fingers, the display mode and the like can be switched, but this is not limited to this. For example, when the control unit 130 acquires an input by a touch operation other than two fingers on the touchpad 103, the control unit 130 may transition to a state in which the display mode and the like can be changed. Specifically, when the control unit 130 acquires a touch operation on the touchpad 103 with one finger for a certain period of time, the control unit 130 may transition to a state in which the display mode can be changed. In this case, when the user swipes the touchpad 103 with one finger, it is possible to switch, for example, from a single-screen display mode to a dual-screen display mode.
[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which an ultrasound image is displayed on the screen of the display unit 120 integrally attached to the device main body 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an ultrasound image acquired by the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may be displayed on a display device (display) provided separately from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. In this case, as described above, the display modes of the display device may be switched in response to a touch operation on the touchpad 103. [Explanation of symbols]
[0068] 100 Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 102 Operation section 103 Touchpad 120 Display section 130 control section 200 Inspection Screen Gf Frame image (selection information) G1, G2 ultrasound images Ia, Ib, Ic, Id indicators (display information)
Claims
1. 1. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that outputs transmitted ultrasound to a subject and receives reflected ultrasound from the subject to obtain received signals, and generates an ultrasound image based on the obtained received signals, an operation unit including a touchpad that accepts touch operations; a control unit capable of executing a single-screen display mode in which one ultrasound image is displayed on the screen of the display unit and a dual-screen display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed on the screen of the display unit; The two-screen display mode is a horizontal display mode in which the two ultrasound images are displayed side by side on the screen of the display unit, and a vertical display mode in which the two ultrasound images are displayed side by side on the screen of the display unit, the control unit switches the single-screen display mode to the dual-screen display mode based on an input direction of a touch operation on the touchpad, and determines whether the dual-screen display mode is the horizontal display mode or the vertical display mode in the dual-screen display mode. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.
2. determining a display position of the one ultrasound image in the dual-screen display mode based on an input direction of a touch operation on the touchpad; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .
3. The single-screen display mode includes a single-data retention mode in which one ultrasound image is displayed on the screen of the display unit, and a two-data retention mode in which one of two ultrasound images is displayed on the screen of the display unit and the other is not displayed on the screen of the display unit, the control unit switches the two-data retention mode to the single-screen display mode when the control unit acquires the touch operation on the touchpad in the dual-screen display mode. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .
4. the control unit is capable of displaying selection information indicating which of the two ultrasound images is selected in the dual-screen display mode, a display position of the selection information can be changed according to the input direction of the touch operation on the touch pad; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .
5. The touch operation is an input by a touch operation other than with one finger of the user. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .
6. when the control unit acquires the touch operation on the touchpad, the control unit puts the device into a state in which a change in the display state between the single-screen display mode and the dual-screen display mode can be accepted.
2. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1.
7. When a predetermined function is assigned to the input direction of the touch operation, the control unit makes it possible to change the setting of the predetermined function assigned to the input direction. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .
8. When the control unit acquires the touch operation using the touchpad while the single-screen display mode is being executed in the two-data retention mode, it determines whether to switch to the single-screen display mode or the dual-screen display mode based on the display state of the dual-screen display mode before switching to the single-screen display mode. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3 .
9. the control unit displays, on the screen of the display unit, display information indicating which ultrasound image is displayed in the dual-screen display mode before switching to the single-screen display mode. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8.
10. a computer included in an ultrasound diagnostic device that outputs transmitted ultrasound to a subject and receives reflected ultrasound from the subject to obtain received signals, and generates an ultrasound image based on the obtained received signals; a control unit that can execute a single-screen display mode in which one ultrasound image is displayed on the screen of the display unit and a dual-screen display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed on the screen of the display unit; The two-screen display mode is a horizontal display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed side by side on the screen of the display unit, and a vertical display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed side by side on the screen of the display unit, the control unit switches the single-screen display mode to the dual-screen display mode based on an input direction of a touch operation on the touchpad, and determines whether the dual-screen display mode is the horizontal display mode or the vertical display mode in the dual-screen display mode. program.
11. 1. An ultrasound diagnostic method for an ultrasound diagnostic device that outputs transmitted ultrasound to a subject and receives reflected ultrasound from the subject to obtain received signals, and generates an ultrasound image based on the obtained received signals, comprising: a control step capable of executing a single-screen display mode in which one ultrasound image is displayed on the screen of the display unit and a dual-screen display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed on the screen of the display unit; The two-screen display mode is a horizontal display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed side by side on the screen of the display unit, and a vertical display mode in which two ultrasound images are displayed side by side on the screen of the display unit, In the control step, the single-screen display mode is switched to the dual-screen display mode based on an input direction of a touch operation on a touch pad, and in the dual-screen display mode, it is determined whether to use the horizontal display mode or the vertical display mode. Ultrasound diagnostic methods.
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