Ultrasound diagnostic device, portable display terminal, ultrasound diagnostic system, control method and program

Abstract

To enable operation restrictions on a portable display terminal based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device. [Solution] The control unit of the ultrasound diagnostic device transmits data regarding whether or not a function is available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device to the display terminal, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device. The control unit of the display terminal receives the data regarding whether or not a function is available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device, obtained based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device, from the ultrasound diagnostic device and displays information on whether or not at least a part of the operating means is available for use, along with the operating means, on the display unit based on the data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a portable display terminal, an ultrasonic diagnostic system, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for imposing operation restrictions according to the operating state of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a control panel that lights up LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) in areas corresponding to functions available in the current mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body and turns off the LEDs in areas corresponding to functions that cannot be used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a portable display terminal is connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a user operates the terminal to cause the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to execute a desired function, the terminal cannot grasp the operating state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, so operation restrictions according to the operating state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cannot be imposed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable operation restrictions according to the operating state of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in a portable display terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of communicating with a portable display terminal having a display screen for displaying an ultrasonic image, A control unit transmits data to the portable display terminal regarding whether or not a function is available in the ultrasound diagnostic device, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device. It is equipped with.

[0007] Furthermore, the portable display terminal according to the present invention is A portable display terminal capable of communicating with an ultrasound diagnostic device, A display unit that displays operating means for operating the ultrasound diagnostic device, A control unit receives data from the ultrasound diagnostic device regarding whether or not a function is usable in the ultrasound diagnostic device, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device, and displays information on whether or not at least a part of the operating means is usable, together with the operating means, on the display unit based on the data. It is equipped with.

[0008] Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic system according to the present invention is An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising a portable display terminal equipped with a display screen for displaying ultrasound images, and an ultrasound diagnostic device capable of communicating with the portable display terminal, The aforementioned ultrasound diagnostic device is Based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device, data regarding whether or not a function is available in the ultrasound diagnostic device is transmitted to the portable display terminal. The aforementioned portable display terminal is The device includes a display unit that displays operating means for operating the ultrasound diagnostic device, Based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device, data regarding whether or not a function is available in the ultrasound diagnostic device is received from the ultrasound diagnostic device, and information regarding whether or not at least a part of the operating means is available is displayed on the display unit together with the operating means based on the data.

[0009] Furthermore, the control method according to the present invention is A portable display terminal equipped with a screen for displaying ultrasound images and a computer of an ultrasound diagnostic device that can communicate with each other, The process includes transmitting data to the portable display terminal regarding whether or not a function is available in the ultrasound diagnostic device, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device.

[0010] Furthermore, the control method according to the present invention is A portable display terminal computer, which has a display unit and can communicate with an ultrasound diagnostic device, The process includes displaying operating means for operating the ultrasound diagnostic device on the display unit, The above process is, Based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device, data regarding whether or not a function is available in the ultrasound diagnostic device is received from the ultrasound diagnostic device, and information regarding whether or not at least a part of the operating means is available is displayed on the display unit together with the operating means based on the data.

[0011] Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is A portable display terminal equipped with a screen for displaying ultrasound images and a computer for an ultrasound diagnostic device that can communicate with each other, A control unit transmits data to the portable display terminal regarding whether or not a function is available in the ultrasound diagnostic device, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device. To make it function as such.

[0012] Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is A portable display terminal computer having a display unit and capable of communicating with an ultrasound diagnostic device, A control unit that displays on the display unit the operating means for operating the ultrasound diagnostic device. To make it function as, The control unit, Based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device, data regarding whether or not a function is available in the ultrasound diagnostic device is received from the ultrasound diagnostic device, and information regarding whether or not at least a part of the operating means is available is displayed on the display unit together with the operating means based on the data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, in a portable display terminal, operation restrictions can be imposed according to the operating state of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a display terminal. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the flow of main body side function information display process A executed by the control unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen display in step S3 in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the change of an operation button when a function changes from inactive to active. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the change of an operation button when a function changes from active to inactive. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the flow of terminal side function information display process A executed by the control unit in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen display in step S12 in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the flow of main body side function information display process B executed by the control unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the flow of terminal side function information display process B executed by the control unit in FIG. 3. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen display in step S31 in FIG. 11.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0016] (First embodiment) First, the configuration of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 comprises an ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and a display terminal 30 (portable display terminal). The ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and the display terminal 30 can be connected by wireless or wired communication.

[0017] The ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is installed in a medical facility such as a hospital. As shown in Figure 2, the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 comprises an ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 as the main unit and an ultrasound probe 2. The ultrasound probe 2 is connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device body 1. The ultrasound probe 2 transmits ultrasound (transmitting ultrasound) into the subject and receives reflected ultrasound waves (reflected ultrasound: echo) reflected from the subject. The subject is the living body of a patient, etc. (not shown). The ultrasound probe 2 has an ultrasound probe body 21, a cable 22, and a connector 23. The ultrasound probe body 21 is the header part of the ultrasound probe 2 and transmits and receives ultrasound. The cable 22 is connected to the ultrasound probe body 21 and the connector 23. The cable 22 carries the drive signal for the ultrasound probe body 21 and the ultrasound reception signal. The connector 23 is a plug connector for connecting to the connector (not shown) of the receptacle of the ultrasound diagnostic device body 1.

[0018] The ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 is connected to the ultrasound probe body 21 via a connector 23 and a cable 22. The ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 transmits an electrical drive signal to the ultrasound probe body 21, causing the ultrasound probe body 21 to transmit ultrasound to the subject. The ultrasound probe body 2 generates a received signal, which is an electrical signal, in response to the reflected ultrasound from within the subject that is received by the ultrasound probe body 21. Based on the received signal generated by the ultrasound probe body 2, the ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 images the internal state of the subject as ultrasound image data.

[0019] The ultrasonic probe body 21 has a transducer 2a (Figure 2) at its tip. The transducer 2a is arranged in a one-dimensional array, for example, in the azimuth direction (scanning direction). The transducer 2a may also be arranged in a two-dimensional array. The number of transducers 2a can be set arbitrarily. In this embodiment, a linear scanning electronic scan probe is used as the ultrasonic probe 2. However, the ultrasonic probe 2 may be either an electronic scanning type or a mechanical scanning type. Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe 2 may be a linear scanning type, a sector scanning type, or a convex scanning type. The ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1 and the ultrasonic probe 2 may be configured to communicate wirelessly instead of via wired communication through a cable 22. This wireless communication may be UWB (Ultra Wide Band), etc.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 comprises a control panel 11, a transmitting unit 12, a receiving unit 13, an image generation unit 14, an image processing unit 15, a display control unit 16, an operation display unit 17, a control unit 18, a storage unit 19, and a communication unit 20.

[0021] The control panel 11 is an operation panel that receives various operation inputs from the user and outputs signals corresponding to the operation to the control unit 18. The control panel 11 has, for example, push buttons, a (rotary) encoder, and a touchpad as operation elements. However, the control panel 11 may be configured to have at least one operation element such as a push button, encoder, lever switch, joystick, trackball, keyboard, touchpad, or multifunction switch. The control panel 11 may be detachable from the ultrasound diagnostic device body 1. Detachment refers to the wired attachment (connection) of the control panel 11 to the ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 and its removal (disconnection). Each of the operation elements of the control panel 11 is provided with a light-emitting part such as an LED (not shown). The light-emitting part lights up or turns off according to the control of the control unit 18.

[0022] The transmitting unit 12, in accordance with the control of the control unit 18, supplies a drive signal, which is an electrical signal, to the ultrasonic transducer 2 to generate transmitted ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic transducer 2. The transmitting unit 12 includes, for example, a clock generation circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse generation circuit. The clock generation 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 2a and delays the transmission of the drive signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses the transmitted beam, which is composed of transmitted ultrasonic waves, by this delay. The pulse generation circuit generates a pulse signal as a drive signal at a predetermined period. The transmitting unit 12 generates transmitted ultrasonic waves by driving a continuous portion (for example, 64) of the multiple (for example, 192) transducers 2a arranged on the ultrasonic transducer 2. Then, each time the transmitting unit 12 generates transmitted ultrasonic waves, it scans by shifting the driven transducer 2a in the azimuth direction (scanning direction).

[0023] The receiving unit 13 receives an electrical signal from the ultrasonic transducer 2 in accordance with the control of the control unit 18. The receiving unit 13 includes, for example, an amplifier, an A / D conversion circuit, and a phase-correcting summing circuit. The amplifier amplifies the received signal for each individual path corresponding to each transducer 2a at a preset amplification factor. The A / D conversion circuit converts the amplified received signal from analog to digital (A / D conversion). The phase-correcting summing circuit adjusts the phase of the A / D converted received signal by applying a delay time to each individual path corresponding to each transducer 2a, and then adds these together (phase-correcting summing) to generate sound line data.

[0024] The image generation unit 14, in accordance with the control unit 18, performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression, and other operations on the sound line data from the receiving unit 13, and adjusts the dynamic range and gain to perform brightness conversion. For example, the image generation unit 14 generates B (Brightness) mode image data consisting of pixels having brightness values ​​as received energy through this brightness conversion. In other words, B mode image data represents the strength of the received signal in terms of brightness. The image generation unit 14 may also be configured to generate image data for other imaging modes besides B mode, such as M (Motion) mode and color Doppler mode. The image data generated based on the received signal (sound line data) from the ultrasonic probe 2 is called an ultrasonic image.

[0025] The image processing unit 15 has an image memory unit 15a. The image memory unit 15a is composed of a semiconductor memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The image processing unit 15 stores the image data transmitted from the image generation unit 14 in the image memory unit 15a on a frame-by-frame basis, in accordance with the control unit 18. The image processing unit 15 transmits the image data stored in the image memory unit 15a to the display control unit 16 at predetermined intervals, one frame at a time.

[0026] The display control unit 16, in accordance with the control unit 18, performs processing such as coordinate transformation on the image data input from the image processing unit 15 and converts it into an image signal for display. The display control unit 16 outputs the image signal to the operation display unit 17.

[0027] The operation display unit 17 includes a display unit 17a and a touchscreen 17b. The display unit 17a has a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or an inorganic EL display. The display unit 17a displays various information such as ultrasound images and operation buttons according to the image signals output from the display control unit 16 in accordance with the control of the control unit 18.

[0028] The touchscreen 17b is a capacitive or other type of touchscreen integrally provided on the display surface of the display unit 17a. The touchscreen 17b receives touch operations from users such as doctors and technicians and outputs a signal corresponding to the touch operation to the control unit 18. The display unit 17a and the touchscreen 17b constitute an operation panel. The touchscreen 17b is not limited to a capacitive type and may be of other types, such as a resistive type.

[0029] The control unit 18 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 18 reads various processing programs stored in the ROM, expands them into the RAM, and controls each part of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 in cooperation with the CPU and the expanded programs. The ROM is composed of non-volatile memory such as semiconductors. The ROM stores a system program corresponding to the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, various processing programs that can be executed on the system program, and various data such as gamma tables. For example, the ROM stores a program for executing the main unit function information display processing A, which will be described later. These programs are stored in the RAM in the form of program code that can be read by a computer. The CPU sequentially executes operations according to the program code in the RAM. The RAM forms a work area that temporarily stores various programs executed by the CPU and data related to these programs.

[0030] The storage unit 19 is a storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 19 stores various information such as parameters and setting information necessary for program execution. In addition, the storage unit 19 stores data that corresponds to the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and whether or not each of the functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is available in that operating status.

[0031] The communication unit 20 communicates with external devices, including the display terminal 30, using a predetermined communication method, and transmits and receives data. This predetermined communication method may be, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). However, this predetermined communication method may also be a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wired communication, and is not particularly limited.

[0032] The display terminal 30 is a portable display terminal used to receive user input and instruct the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 to perform functions, as well as to display ultrasound images received from the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. The display terminal 30 includes a tablet device.

[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the display terminal 30. As shown in Figure 3, the display terminal 30 comprises a control unit 31, an operation unit 32, a storage unit 33, a display unit 34, and a communication unit 35. Each part of the display terminal 30 is connected to the others via a bus.

[0034] The control unit 31 includes, for example, a CPU and RAM. The control unit 31 reads various processing programs stored in the memory unit 33, loads them into RAM, and controls various parts of the display terminal 30 in cooperation with the CPU and the loaded programs.

[0035] The operation unit 32 is, for example, a capacitive touchscreen integrated onto the display surface of the display unit 34. The operation unit 32 receives touch input from the user and outputs the touch operation information to the control unit 31. The storage unit 33 is a storage unit such as flash memory that can read and write information. The storage unit 33 stores various data and various programs. For example, the storage unit 33 stores an ultrasound diagnostic application that enables operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and display of ultrasound images on the display terminal 30. The ultrasound diagnostic application includes a program for executing terminal-side function information display processing A, which will be described later.

[0036] The display unit 34 is composed of an LCD, an organic EL display, an inorganic EL display, etc. The display unit 34 displays operating means for operating the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, ultrasound images, etc. on its display screen. The communication unit 35 communicates with the ultrasound diagnostic device main unit 1 using a predetermined communication method such as Wi-Fi, and transmits and receives data.

[0037] Next, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 in the first embodiment will be described. First, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 will be explained. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main unit-side function information display process A, which is executed by the control unit 18 of the ultrasound diagnostic device main unit 1 in the first embodiment. The main unit-side function information display process A is executed, for example, while the power of the ultrasound diagnostic device main unit 1 is ON, through the cooperation of the CPU of the control unit 18 and the program stored in the ROM.

[0038] In the main unit function information display process A, the control unit 18 first acquires the current operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 (step S1). The operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 includes at least one of the following: the state of the imaging mode for capturing ultrasound images, the state of ultrasound emission, and the display state of the display unit 17a. Examples of imaging modes include the B mode, M mode, color Doppler mode, PW mode, SCF mode, power mode, CFM mode, etc. The state of ultrasound emission includes whether or not ultrasound is being transmitted to the subject by the ultrasound probe 2 (live, frozen). Examples of the display state of the display unit 17a include the type of screen displayed on the display unit 17a. Examples of screens displayed on the display unit 17a include an examination screen for performing an ultrasound examination, a confirmation screen for checking examination results, a patient information input screen for entering patient information, and a settings screen for making various settings related to the ultrasound diagnostic device 10.

[0039] Next, the control unit 18 determines, based on the operating state of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, whether each of the functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is currently available (step S2). That is, the control unit 18 refers to the memory unit 19 and determines, based on the operating state of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, whether each of the functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is currently available or unavailable. Available functions are those that can be used on the operation panel. Unavailable functions are those that cannot be used on the operation panel as described above.

[0040] Here, the functions available in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 depend on at least one of the operating states of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, such as the shooting mode, the ultrasound emission state, and the display state of the display unit 17a. For example, if the shooting mode is CFM mode, functions related to other modes such as PW mode, SCF mode, and power mode cannot be used. Also, when there is no ultrasound emission, functions related to any shooting mode cannot be used. Furthermore, for example, functions related to any shooting mode cannot be used on the patient information input screen or the settings screen. In step S2, the control unit 18 refers to data stored in the memory unit 19 indicating the operating state of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and whether each of the functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is available in that operating state. Then, it determines whether each of the functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is currently available or unavailable.

[0041] Next, the control unit 18 displays on the operation panel in different ways the operation elements assigned to currently available functions and the operation elements assigned to unavailable functions are displayed (step S3). In step S3, the control unit 18 illuminates the light-emitting parts corresponding to the operation elements of the control panel 11 that are assigned to available functions, and turns off the light-emitting parts corresponding to the operation elements that are assigned to unavailable functions. The control unit 18 also displays the characters and graphics of operation buttons assigned to available functions in a first color and the characters and graphics of operation buttons assigned to unavailable functions in a second color on the screen displayed on the display unit 17a. The first color is a conspicuous color. The second color is a less conspicuous color that is different from the first color. For example, if the displayed screen is black (white), the control unit 18 displays the characters and graphics of operation buttons corresponding to available functions in white (black) and the characters and graphics of operation buttons corresponding to unavailable functions in grayed out. The screen displayed on the display unit 17a is switched as appropriate by the control unit 18 according to user operations, etc.

[0042] Figure 5 shows an example of the screen display of the display unit 17a in step S3. As shown in Figure 5, the display unit 17a displays operation buttons corresponding to at least some of the functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. Of these, operation buttons 171a corresponding to usable functions are displayed with text and graphics in a first color (black), and operation buttons 171b corresponding to unusable functions are displayed with text and graphics in a second color (grayed out). In Figures 5 and 9, grayed-out is indicated by dotted lines and thin fonts. In addition, operation buttons 171a of currently used (active) functions are displayed with a different background color than operation buttons 171a of non-used functions. For example, when a user presses any of the operation buttons 171a, the control unit 18 changes the background color of the pressed operation button 171a to a different color, as shown in Figure 6, and starts executing the function corresponding to the pressed operation button. When a predetermined time has elapsed or the user presses the same operation button 171a again, the control unit 18 stops the function corresponding to that operation button 171a and returns the background color to its original state, as shown in Figure 7. At this time, the control unit 18 may notify the user that the function has ended with a sound.

[0043] Next, the control unit 18 generates data regarding whether each of the functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is currently available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, and has the communication unit 20 transmit the generated data to the display terminal 30 (step S4). The data regarding whether a function is available or not includes data regarding available functions and / or data regarding unavailable functions. More specifically, the functions available in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 are the functions available on the operation panel of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. More specifically, the functions unavailable in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 are the functions unavailable on the operation panel of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. The control unit 18 may also transmit the ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit 17a to the display terminal 30 via the communication unit 20.

[0044] Next, the control unit 18 determines whether an operating element on the operation panel to which a currently available function is assigned has been operated (step S5). That is, the control unit 18 determines whether an operation signal for an operating element to which a currently available function is assigned has been input from the control panel 11 or the touchscreen 17b.

[0045] If the control panel determines that an operating element to which a currently available function is assigned has been operated (step S5; YES), the control unit 18 executes the function corresponding to the operated operating element (step S7) and returns to step S1.

[0046] If the control panel determines that an operating element to which an available function is assigned is not being operated (Step S5; NO), the control unit 18 determines whether a command instructing the display terminal 30 to execute a currently available function has been received by the communication unit 20 (Step S6). If the communication unit 20 determines that a command instructing the display terminal 30 to execute a currently available function has been received (Step S6; YES), the control unit 18 executes the instructed function (Step S7) and returns to Step S1.

[0047] In step S6, if the communication unit 20 determines that no command has been received from the display terminal 30 to instruct the execution of a currently available function (step S6; NO), the control unit 18 returns to step S1. The control unit 18 repeatedly executes steps S1 to S7 while the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is powered on.

[0048] Next, the operation of the display terminal 30 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of terminal-side function information display processing A, which is performed by the control unit 31 of the display terminal 30 in the first embodiment. Terminal-side function information display processing A is performed in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 31 and the ultrasound diagnostic application while the ultrasound diagnostic application is running on the display terminal 30.

[0049] In terminal-side function information display processing A, first, the control unit 31 determines whether or not it has received data from the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 via the communication unit 35 regarding whether or not the function is usable in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 (step S11). If it determines that it has not received data regarding whether or not the function is usable in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 (step S11; NO), the control unit 31 returns to step S11.

[0050] If the control unit 31 determines that it has received data regarding whether or not a function is available in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 (step S11; YES), it displays a screen on the display unit 34 that shows information regarding whether or not at least a part of the operating means is available, along with the operating means, based on the received data (step S12).

[0051] Here, the operating means are operating means for operating the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. Examples of operating means include, but are not limited to, operating buttons. The control unit 31 causes the display unit 34 to display a screen that includes operating means corresponding to functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, and displays information regarding whether at least a portion of the operating means is usable, along with the operating means. Even if an operating means is used, if it does not correspond to a function installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, information regarding whether that operating means is usable will not be displayed. As information regarding whether at least a portion of the operating means is usable, the control unit 31 displays, for example, operating means corresponding to currently usable functions in a first color and operating means corresponding to unusable functions in a second color. The first color is a conspicuous color, and the second color is a less conspicuous color different from the first color. For example, if the displayed screen is black (white), the control unit 31 displays operating means corresponding to usable functions in white (black) and operating means corresponding to unusable functions in gray. The control unit 31 may also display the operating means of the function currently in use with a different background color than the other operating means.

[0052] Figure 9 shows an example of the screen display shown on the display unit 34 in step S12. As shown in Figure 9, the display unit 34 displays operation buttons corresponding to multiple functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. Of these, the characters and graphics of the usable operation means, i.e., operation buttons 341a corresponding to usable functions, are displayed in the first color (black). The characters and graphics of the unusable operation means, i.e., operation buttons 341b corresponding to unusable functions, are displayed in the second color (grayed out).

[0053] In the case where the ultrasound image displayed on the display unit 17a is transmitted from the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, in step S12, a screen similar to that shown in Figure 5 will be displayed on the display unit 34.

[0054] Next, the control unit 31 transmits feedback of the display status to the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 via the communication unit 35 (step S13).

[0055] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not an available operating means has been pressed (step S14). That is, the control unit 31 determines whether or not an operating means corresponding to an available function in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 has been pressed. If it is determined that no available operating means has been pressed (step S14; NO), the control unit 31 returns to step S11. If it is determined that an available operating means has been pressed (step S14; YES), the control unit 31 sends a command to the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 via the communication unit 35 instructing it to execute the function corresponding to the pressed operating means (step S15), and returns to step S11. The control unit 31 repeatedly executes steps S11 to S15 while the ultrasound diagnostic application is running.

[0056] In this way, the control unit 18 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 transmits data to the display terminal 30 via the communication unit 20 regarding whether the functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 are currently available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. The display terminal 30 can recognize which of the functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 are currently available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, and can therefore display information on whether each operating means for operating the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is available, along with the operating means, on the display unit 34. Consequently, the user can identify which operating means are available and which are not for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 at the display terminal 30, and the display terminal 30 can restrict operations according to the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10.

[0057] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, data regarding whether a function is available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is transmitted to the display terminal 30 by the communication unit 20, thereby enabling the display terminal 30 to restrict operations according to the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. However, in the first embodiment, processing such as sending and receiving the above data and switching the display on the display terminal 30 based on the above data is required between the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and the display terminal 30, which takes time. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the sending and receiving of the above data and the switching of the display are eliminated, and the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 can be operated from the display terminal 30 with simple processing.

[0058] The configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 in the second embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 in the second embodiment will be described below by referring to that description.

[0059] First, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main unit-side function information display process B, which is performed by the control unit 18 of the ultrasound diagnostic device main unit 1 in the second embodiment. The main unit-side function information display process B is performed in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 18 and the program stored in the ROM while the power of the ultrasound diagnostic device main unit 1 is ON.

[0060] In the main unit function information display process B, the control unit 18 first acquires the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 (step S21). Next, the control unit 18 determines, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, whether each of the functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is currently available (step S22). Next, the control unit 18 displays on the operation panel, in different display modes, the operation elements to which currently available functions are assigned and the operation elements to which unavailable functions are assigned (step S23). The details of the processes in steps S21 to S23 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, so refer to the detailed explanation.

[0061] Next, the control unit 18 determines whether or not an operating element on the operation panel to which a currently available function is assigned has been operated (step S24). That is, the control unit 18 determines whether or not an operation signal for an operating element to which a currently available function is assigned has been input from the control panel 11 or the touchscreen 17b.

[0062] If the control panel determines that an operating element to which a currently available function is assigned has been operated (step S24; YES), the control unit 18 executes the function corresponding to the operated operating element (step S26) and returns to step S21.

[0063] If the control panel determines that an operating element to which an available function is assigned is not being operated (step S24; NO), the control unit 18 determines whether a command instructing the execution of a currently available function has been received from the display terminal 30 via the communication unit 20 (step S25). If the communication unit 20 determines that a command instructing the execution of a currently available function has been received from the display terminal 30 (step S25; YES), the control unit 18 executes the instructed function (step S26) and returns to step S21.

[0064] In step S25, if the communication unit 20 determines that no command has been received from the display terminal 30 to instruct the execution of a currently available function (step S25; NO), the control unit 18 returns to step S21. The control unit 18 repeatedly executes steps S21 to S26 while the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is powered on.

[0065] Next, the operation of the display terminal 30 in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the terminal-side function information display process B executed by the control unit 31 of the display terminal 30 in the second embodiment. The program for executing the terminal-side function information display process B is included in the ultrasound diagnostic application. The terminal-side function information display process B is executed in cooperation between the CPU of the control unit 31 and the ultrasound diagnostic application while the ultrasound diagnostic application is running on the display terminal 30.

[0066] In terminal-side function information display processing B, first, the control unit 31 displays a screen on the display unit 34 showing the operating means for operating the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 (step S31). The operating means include, but are not limited to, operating buttons. At least some of the operating means are assigned functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. In this second embodiment, data regarding whether or not a function is available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, as described in the first embodiment, is not transmitted from the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 to the display terminal 30. Therefore, in step S21, the control unit 31 displays a screen on the display unit 34 that does not distinguish between the operating means for functions that are currently available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and the operating means for functions that are not available for use.

[0067] Figure 12 shows an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 34 in step S31. As shown in Figure 12, the display unit 34 displays operation buttons 341 corresponding to multiple functions installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. As described above, the operation buttons 341 are displayed without distinction between functions that are currently available and functions that are unavailable in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. In other words, in the display terminal 30 of the second embodiment, the operation means are displayed without any restrictions on operation according to the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10.

[0068] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the operating means has been pressed (step S32). If it determines that the operating means has been pressed (step S32; YES), the control unit 31 sends a command to the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 via the communication unit 35 instructing it to execute the function corresponding to the operated operating means (step S33), and returns to step S31. If it determines that the operating means has not been pressed (step S32; NO), the control unit 31 returns to step S31. The control unit 31 repeatedly executes steps S31 to S33 while the ultrasound diagnostic application is running.

[0069] Thus, in the second embodiment, no data is transmitted between the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and the display terminal 30 regarding whether a function is available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. The display terminal 30 displays the operating means corresponding to functions currently available in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and the operating means corresponding to functions that are unavailable without distinction on the display unit 34. When the control unit 31 determines that an operating means has been pressed, it sends a command to the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 via the communication unit 35 instructing the execution of the function corresponding to the operated operating means, regardless of whether the function is available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. When the control unit 18 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 receives a command from the display terminal 30 instructing the execution of a function, it determines whether the instructed function is currently available. The control unit 18 executes the command when it receives a command from the display terminal 30 instructing the execution of a currently available function, and does not execute the command when it receives a command instructing the execution of a function that is not currently available. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 can be operated from the display terminal 30 with a simple process.

[0070] As described above, the control unit 18 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 in the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 transmits data to the display terminal 30 regarding whether a function is available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. Therefore, the display terminal 30 can be made aware of the functions available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, and thus the display terminal 30 can restrict operations according to the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10.

[0071] For example, the control unit 18 transmits the data to the display terminal 30 based on at least one of the following states: the state of the shooting mode for capturing ultrasonic images, the state of ultrasonic emission, and the display state of the display unit 17a. Therefore, the display terminal 30 can restrict operations according to at least one of the following states: the state of the shooting mode, the state of ultrasonic emission, and the display state of the display unit 17a.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 18 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 transmits data to the display terminal 30 regarding whether or not a function is available on the operation panel of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. Therefore, the display terminal 30 can restrict the operation of functions that are unavailable on the operation panel of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit 31 of the display terminal 30 receives data from the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 regarding whether or not a function is available for use in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. Based on this data, it displays information on the display unit 34, along with the operating means, regarding whether or not at least a part of the operating means is available for use. Thus, the display terminal 30 can restrict operations according to the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10.

[0074] The descriptions in the above embodiments are merely preferred examples of the present invention and are not limited thereto. For example, in the above embodiment, the information regarding whether at least a portion of the operating means in the display unit 34 is usable is expressed as the color of the characters or graphics on the operating means, but this is not limited to this. For example, the background color of the operating means may be used as the information regarding whether it is usable or not. Alternatively, the type of characters on the operating means may be used as the information regarding whether it is usable or not.

[0075] Furthermore, while the above description discloses an example in which the ROM of the control unit 18 is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, the invention is not limited to this example. Other computer-readable mediums that can be used include non-volatile memory such as flash memory and portable recording media such as CD-ROM. In addition, a carrier wave can also be used as a medium for providing the program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0076] Furthermore, the detailed configuration and operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and the display terminal 30 in the above embodiment can also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 100 Ultrasound Diagnostic Systems 10. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 1. Ultrasound diagnostic device main unit 11. Control Panel 12 Transmitter 13 Receiving Unit 14 Image generation unit 15 Image Processing Unit 15a Image memory section 16 Display Control Unit 17 Operation display section 17a Display section 17b Touchscreen 18 Control Unit 19 Memory section 20 Communications Department 2 Ultrasonic probe 21 Ultrasonic probe body 2a Oscillator 22 Cables 23 Connectors 30 Display terminals 31 Control Unit 32 Operation section 33 Storage section 34 Display section 35 Communications Department

Claims

1. An ultrasound diagnostic device that can communicate with a portable display terminal equipped with a display screen for displaying ultrasound images, A control unit transmits data to the portable display terminal regarding whether or not a function is available in the ultrasound diagnostic device, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device. An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with the following features.

2. Equipped with a display unit that displays ultrasound images, The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating state is at least one of the following states: the state of the imaging mode for capturing ultrasound images, the state of ultrasound emission, and the state of the display unit.

3. The control unit, The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the data is transmitted to the portable display terminal based on at least one of the aforementioned states.

4. The ultrasound diagnostic device is equipped with an operating panel for operating the aforementioned ultrasound diagnostic device, The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functions available in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus are the functions available on the control panel.

5. A portable display terminal capable of communicating with an ultrasound diagnostic device, A display unit that displays operating means for operating the ultrasound diagnostic device, A control unit receives data from the ultrasound diagnostic device regarding whether or not a function is usable in the ultrasound diagnostic device, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device, and displays information on whether or not at least a part of the operating means is usable, together with the operating means, on the display unit based on the data. A portable display terminal equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

6. An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising a portable display terminal equipped with a display screen for displaying ultrasound images, and an ultrasound diagnostic device capable of communicating with the portable display terminal, The aforementioned ultrasound diagnostic device is Based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device, data regarding whether or not a function is available in the ultrasound diagnostic device is transmitted to the portable display terminal. The aforementioned portable display terminal is The device includes a display unit that displays operating means for operating the ultrasound diagnostic device, Based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device, data regarding whether or not a function is usable in the ultrasound diagnostic device is received from the ultrasound diagnostic device, and information regarding whether or not at least a part of the operating means is usable is displayed on the display unit together with the operating means based on the data. Ultrasound diagnostic system.

7. A portable display terminal equipped with a screen for displaying ultrasound images and a computer of an ultrasound diagnostic device that can communicate with each other, The process includes transmitting data to the portable display terminal regarding whether or not a function is available in the ultrasound diagnostic device, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device. Control method.

8. A portable display terminal computer, which has a display unit and can communicate with an ultrasound diagnostic device, The process includes displaying operating means for operating the ultrasound diagnostic device on the display unit, The above process is, A control method comprising receiving data from the ultrasound diagnostic device regarding whether or not a function is usable in the ultrasound diagnostic device, based on the operating state of the ultrasound diagnostic device, and displaying information on whether or not at least a part of the operating means is usable, together with the operating means, on the display unit based on the data.

9. A portable display terminal equipped with a screen for displaying ultrasound images and a computer for an ultrasound diagnostic device that can communicate with each other, A control unit transmits data to the portable display terminal regarding whether or not a function is available in the ultrasound diagnostic device, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device. A program designed to function as such.

10. A portable display terminal computer having a display unit and capable of communicating with an ultrasound diagnostic device, A control unit that displays on the display unit the operating means for operating the ultrasound diagnostic device. To make it function as, The control unit, A program that receives data from the ultrasound diagnostic device regarding whether or not a function is usable in the ultrasound diagnostic device, based on the operating status of the ultrasound diagnostic device, and displays information on whether or not at least a part of the operating means is usable, along with the operating means, on the display unit based on the data.

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