Products and ultrasound diagnostic systems

Abstract

This improves the situation where operators scan subjects without attaching fall prevention devices. [Solution] An article (20) is configured to be attachable to an operator (56) of an ultrasound diagnostic device (1) and prevents the ultrasound probe (2) of the ultrasound diagnostic device (1) from falling, and has a detection unit (23) that detects whether the article (20) is attached to the operator (56), and when the detection unit (23) detects that the article (20) is attached to the operator (56), the ultrasound diagnostic device (1) is set to be able to perform a predetermined operation.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an article for preventing the ultrasonic probe from falling and an ultrasonic diagnostic system provided with the article.

Background Art

[0002] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is known as an apparatus for non-invasively imaging a subject. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe including a vibrator. When scanning a subject, an operator holds the probe and scans the imaging site of the patient while operating the probe. In this way, an ultrasonic image of the imaging site of the patient can be obtained.

[0003] As materials for the vibrator included in the ultrasonic probe, PZT (lead zirconate titanate), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), and the like are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0007] However, operators may forget to attach fall prevention devices when scanning patients. In this case, since the patient scan is performed without fall prevention devices, if the operator accidentally drops the probe during the scan, the probe may fall and be damaged.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for technology that can improve situations where operators scan subjects without attaching fall prevention devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention is an article that can be attached to an operator of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and prevents the ultrasound probe of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus from falling, It has a detection unit that detects whether the aforementioned article is attached to the operator, The item is such that when the detection unit detects that the item has been attached to the operator, the ultrasound diagnostic device is set to perform a predetermined operation.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is an ultrasound diagnostic system equipped with a function to prevent the ultrasound probe from falling, An ultrasound diagnostic device including an ultrasound probe, An article configured to be attachable to the operator of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, for preventing the ultrasound probe from falling, and having a detection unit for detecting whether the article is attached to the operator, and Includes, The ultrasound diagnostic system is configured such that when the detection unit detects that the item has been attached to the operator, the ultrasound diagnostic device can perform a predetermined operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention includes a detection unit that detects whether an item to prevent the ultrasound probe from falling is attached to the operator. When it is detected that this item is attached to the operator, the ultrasound diagnostic device can perform a predetermined operation. Therefore, if the operator does not attach the item to prevent the ultrasound probe from falling, the ultrasound diagnostic device will not perform any operation, ensuring that the item to prevent the ultrasound probe from falling is reliably attached to the operator before scanning the subject. This prevents the operator from scanning the subject without the item to prevent the ultrasound probe from falling, thus avoiding the risk of the probe falling and being damaged during the scan of the subject. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows a patient 57 being scanned using the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the ultrasound diagnostic system 100. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram of item 20. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram for wristband 21. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of the detection unit. [Figure 6] This figure shows that the detection unit 23 does not output the signal S1 indicating that the wristband 21 is attached to the operator 56's wrist. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the operation flow of ultrasound diagnostic device 1. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a warning to encourage operator 56 to put on the wristband 21. [Figure 9]It is an explanatory diagram of the detection unit 23 of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a state where the detection unit 23 does not output a signal S2 indicating that the list band 21 is not worn on the wrist of the operator 56.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0014] (1) First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state where a subject 57 is being scanned using the ultrasonic diagnostic system 100 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 100.

[0015] The ultrasonic diagnostic system 100 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 and an article 20. The article 20 is an article for preventing the ultrasonic probe from falling. The article 20 will be described later.

[0016] The ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 includes a device main body 15 and an ultrasonic probe 2. The device main body 15 has a transmission beam former 3, a transmitter 4, a receiver 5, a reception beam former 6, a processor 7, a display unit 8, a memory 9, and a user interface 10.

[0017] The ultrasonic probe 2 has a plurality of vibrating elements 2a arranged in an array. The transmission beam former 3 and the transmitter 4 drive the plurality of vibrating elements 2a arranged in the ultrasonic probe 2, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the vibrating elements 2a. The ultrasonic waves transmitted from the vibrating elements 2a are reflected within the subject 57 (see FIG. 1), and the reflected echoes are received by the vibrating elements 2a. The vibrating elements 2a convert the received echoes into electrical signals and output these electrical signals as echo signals to the receiver 5. The receiver 5 executes predetermined processing on the echo signals and outputs them to the reception beam former 6. The reception beam former 6 performs reception beam forming on the signals received from the receiver 5 and outputs echo data.

[0018] The receiving beamformer 6 may be a hardware beamformer or a software beamformer. If the receiving beamformer 6 is a software beamformer, it may comprise one or more processors, including one or more of the following: i) a graphics processing unit (GPU), ii) a microprocessor, iii) a central processing unit (CPU), iv) a digital signal processor (DSP), or v) another type of processor capable of performing logical operations. The processors comprising the receiving beamformer 6 may be separate processors from processor 7, or they may be part of processor 7.

[0019] The ultrasonic probe 2 may include electrical circuits for performing all or part of the transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming. For example, all or part of the transmit beamformer 3, transmitter 4, receiver 5, and receive beamformer 6 may be located within the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0020] The processor 7 controls the transmitting beamformer 3, transmitter 4, receiver 5, and receiving beamformer 6. The processor 7 also communicates electronically with the ultrasonic probe 2. The processor 7 controls which of the vibrating elements 2a is active and the shape of the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 2. The processor 7 also communicates electronically with the display unit 8. The processor 7 can process echo data to generate an ultrasonic image. The term "electronic communication" can be defined to include both wired and wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the processor 7 may include a central processing unit (CPU). According to another embodiment, the processor 7 may include other electronic components capable of performing processing functions, such as a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or other types of processors. According to another embodiment, the processor 7 may include multiple electronic components capable of performing processing functions. For example, the processor 7 may include two or more electronic components selected from a list of electronic components including a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array, and a graphics processing unit.

[0021] The processor 7 may also include a composite demodulator (not shown) for demodulating the RF data. In another embodiment, demodulation can be performed earlier in the processing chain.

[0022] Furthermore, the processor 7 can generate various ultrasound images (e.g., B-mode images, color Doppler images, M-mode images, color M-mode images, spectral Doppler images, elastography images, TVI images, strain images, strain velocity images, etc.) based on the data obtained by processing by the receiving beamformer 6. Additionally, one or more modules can generate these ultrasound images.

[0023] Image beams and / or image frames are stored, and timing information indicating when the data was acquired into memory can be recorded. The module may include, for example, a scan transformation module that performs scan transformation operations to convert image frames from coordinate beam space to display space coordinates. A video processor module may also be provided that reads image frames from memory while a procedure is being performed on a subject and displays the image frames in real time. The video processor module can store image frames in image memory, and ultrasound images are read from image memory and displayed on the display unit 8.

[0024] In this specification, the term "image" can broadly refer to both visible images and data representing visible images. The term "data" may include raw data, which is ultrasound data before scan transformation, and image data, which is data after scan transformation. Furthermore, the processing tasks described above, which are handled by processor 7, may be performed by multiple processors.

[0025] Furthermore, if the receiving beamformer 6 is a software beamformer, the processing performed by the beamformer may be carried out by a single processor or by multiple processors.

[0026] The display unit 8 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display unit, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display unit. The display unit 8 displays an ultrasound image. In the first embodiment, the display unit 8 includes a display monitor 18 and a touch panel 28, as shown in Figure 1, but the display unit 8 may consist of a single display unit instead of the display monitor 18 and the touch panel 28. Alternatively, two or more display devices may be provided instead of the display monitor 18 and the touch panel 28.

[0027] Memory 9 is any known data storage medium. For example, an ultrasound imaging system includes both non-transient and transient storage media as memory. An ultrasound imaging system may also include multiple memories. Non-transient storage media are non-volatile storage media such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and ROMs (Read Only Memory). Non-transient storage media can also include portable storage media such as CDs (Compact Disks) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks). Programs executed by processor 7 are stored in non-transient storage media. Transient storage media are volatile storage media such as RAM (Random Access Memory). Memory 9 stores one or more instructions that can be executed by processor 7.

[0028] Furthermore, the processor 7 can be configured to be connected to an external storage device (not shown) via a wired or wireless connection. In this case, it is also possible to distribute and store the instructions to be executed by the processor 7 in both the memory 9 and the external storage device.

[0029] The user interface 10 can accept input from operator 56. For example, the user interface 10 can accept instructions and information input from operator 56. The user interface 10 may include a touch panel 28 and an operation panel 38. The operation panel 38 may include a keyboard, hard keys, a trackball, a rotary control, etc. The touch panel 28 may display soft keys, buttons, etc. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 is equipped with an item 20 to prevent the probe 2 from falling.

[0030] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of item 20. Article 20 includes a wristband 21 that can be worn on the wrist of an operator 56, and a strap 22 for connecting the wristband 21 to the probe cable 12 of the ultrasound probe 2.

[0031] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the wristband 21. The upper part of Figure 4 shows the wristband 21 attached to the wrist of operator 56, and the lower part of Figure 4 shows the wristband 21 removed from the wrist of operator 56.

[0032] The wristband 21 is configured such that its front surface 21a and back surface 21b can be detachably attached to each other. The front surface 21a and back surface 21b can be, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners. Alternatively, the wristband 21 may be constructed as a cable tie so that it can be attached to the operator 56. When the operator 56 puts on the wristband 21, he can attach the wristband 21 by peeling the back surface 21b of the wristband 21 from the front surface 21a, wrapping the wristband 21 around his wrist, and pressing the back surface 21b of the wristband 21 against the front surface 21a. The wristband 21 can then be removed from the wrist by peeling the back surface 21b of the wristband 21 from the front surface 21a. In this way, the wristband 21 is configured so that it can switch between a first state in which the back surface 21b is attached to the front surface 21a and a second state in which the back surface 21b is separated from the front surface 21a.

[0033] By wearing the wristband 21 on the wrist, even if the operator 56 accidentally drops the probe 2 while scanning a subject, the probe 2 will not fall, thus preventing damage to the probe 2.

[0034] However, when examining a patient, operator 56 may forget to attach the fall prevention item 20 and proceed with scanning the subject. In this case, since the subject is scanned without using the fall prevention item 20, if operator 56 accidentally drops probe 2 during the scan, probe 2 may fall and be damaged.

[0035] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to address this problem, article 20 is equipped with a detection unit that detects whether the operator 56 is wearing the wristband 21. This detection unit will be described below.

[0036] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the detection unit. The wristband 21 of item 20 has a built-in detection unit 23 that detects whether or not the wristband 21 is attached to the operator 56. The detection unit 23 detects that the wristband 21 is wrapped around the operator 56's wrist (i.e., it detects that the wristband 21 is attached to the operator 56) if the back surface 21b of the wristband 21 is attached to the front surface 21a. When it is detected that the wristband 21 is attached, it outputs a signal S1 to the main unit 15 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 indicating that the wristband 21 is attached to the operator 56's wrist. The signal S1 may be transmitted from item 20 to the main unit 15 of the device via the probe cable 12, or it may be transmitted from item 20 to the main unit 15 of the device wirelessly. When the main unit 15 receives this signal S1, the processor 7 of the main unit 15 sets the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 to an authorized mode in which scanning of a subject is permitted. When the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is set to permission mode, if operator 56 performs an operation on the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 to perform a scan of a subject, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can perform an operation corresponding to operator 56's operation. Therefore, it becomes possible to scan the subject.

[0037] The detection unit 23 can be configured, for example, by a capacitive touch sensor and / or an optical sensor. For example, a heart rate sensor can be used as the optical sensor. These sensors may be powered through the probe cable 12, or a battery may be mounted in the wristband 21 and power supplied from this battery. The detection unit 23 may also include a button switch to detect whether the front surface 21a and back surface 21b of the wristband 21 are attached to each other, and the on / off switching of the button switch can be used to detect whether the wristband 21 is being worn. A power-off switch can be used as the button switch.

[0038] In Figure 5, a wristband 21 is attached to the operator 56's wrist. Therefore, even if the operator 56 accidentally drops the probe 2 while scanning a subject, the probe 2 will not fall, and damage to the probe 2 can be avoided.

[0039] Next, the operation of the detector 23 when the operator 56 is not wearing the wristband 21 will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0040] The detection unit 23 detects that the wristband 21 is not wrapped around the operator 56's wrist if the back surface 21b of the wristband 21 is separated from the front surface 21a (i.e., it detects that the wristband 21 is not attached to the operator 56). In this case, the detection unit 23 does not output a signal S1 indicating that the wristband 21 is attached to the operator 56's wrist, so the processor 7 sets the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 to a disallowed mode in which scanning of a subject is not permitted. When the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is set to disallowed mode, even if the operator 56 performs an operation on the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 to perform a scan of a subject, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is set not to perform an operation corresponding to the operator 56's operation. Therefore, in disallowed mode, it is not possible to scan a subject.

[0041] Furthermore, in the disallowed mode, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may be configured to not perform any operations, or it may be configured to not perform some operations. For example, in the disallowed mode, the various buttons on the control panel 38 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may be configured to not function, but the various soft switches on the touch panel 28 may be configured to function. Also, in the disallowed mode, the various soft switches on the touch panel 28 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may be configured to not function, but the various buttons on the control panel 38 may be configured to function. In addition, some buttons on the control panel 38 may be configured to function, while the remaining buttons may not function. Similarly, some soft switches on the touch panel 28 may be configured to function, while the remaining soft switches may not function.

[0042] As described above, when operator 56 is not wearing the wristband 21, even if operator 56 operates the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 will not perform any actions corresponding to the operator's operation, and therefore the operator cannot scan the subject. For this reason, operator 56 recognizes that the subject cannot be imaged when the wristband 21 is not worn, and puts the wristband 21 on their wrist in order to image the subject. When the wristband 21 is attached to operator 56's wrist, the detection unit 23 outputs a signal S1 to the main unit 15 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, as shown in Figure 5, indicating that the wristband 21 is attached to operator 56's wrist. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is set to an authorized mode in which scanning of the subject is permitted, and the operator can scan the subject.

[0043] As described above, if the wristband 21 is not attached to the operator 56's wrist, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 will not perform any actions corresponding to the operator 56's actions, even if the operator 56 operates the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. Therefore, if the wristband 21 is not attached to the operator 56's wrist, the operator 56 cannot proceed to the stage of scanning the subject, thus preventing the operator 56 from scanning the subject without the wristband 21 attached. When it is detected that the operator 56 has attached the wristband 21 to their wrist, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is set to an authorized mode that allows scanning the subject, so the operator 56 can scan the subject. Therefore, when scanning a subject, the operator 56 can be reliably made to wear the wristband 21, thus reliably preventing the probe 2 from falling off during the subject scan.

[0044] Next, the operation flow of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 when photographing a subject using the item 20 configured as described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0045] In step ST11, it is determined whether the detection unit 23 of the item 20 has detected that the wristband 21 has been attached to the operator 56.

[0046] For example, as shown in Figure 6, if operator 56 is not wearing the wristband 21, the detection unit 23 does not output the signal S1 indicating that the wristband 21 is attached to operator 56's wrist. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is set to a disallowed mode in which scanning of the subject is not permitted. In this case, even if operator 56 operates the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, the subject cannot be scanned. Thus, if the wristband 21 is not attached to operator 56's wrist, it is possible to avoid operator 56 scanning a subject without attaching the wristband 21.

[0047] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, when operator 56 puts on the wristband 21, the detection unit 23 detects that operator 56 has put on the wristband 21. Then, the process proceeds to step ST12.

[0048] In step ST12, the detection unit 23 outputs a signal S1 to the main unit 15 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, indicating that the wristband 21 has been attached to the operator's wrist 56. Once signal S1 is output, the process proceeds to step ST13.

[0049] In step ST13, the processor of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 responds to signal S1 and switches the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 from a disallowed mode, where scanning the subject is not permitted, to an allowed mode, where scanning the subject is permitted. Once the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 switches to allowed mode, it can perform the operation to scan the subject in response to the operator 56's input. After the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 switches to allowed mode, the process proceeds to step ST14, where the operator 56 performs the scan of the subject, and the flow ends.

[0050] In this embodiment, if the wristband 21 is not attached to the operator 56's wrist, even if the operator 56 performs an operation on the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 to scan a subject, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 will not perform an operation corresponding to the operator 56's operation. Therefore, if the wristband 21 is not attached to the operator 56's wrist, the operator 56 cannot scan a subject, thus preventing the operator 56 from operating the probe 2 without the wristband 21 attached.

[0051] On the other hand, when operator 56 puts on the wristband 21, a signal S1 indicating that operator 56 is wearing the wristband 21 is transmitted to the main unit 15 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, and the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is set to an authorized mode that allows scanning of the subject. Therefore, since operator 56 performs the scan of the subject with the wristband 21 attached, the risk of the probe 2 falling off and malfunctioning during the scan of the subject can be avoided.

[0052] Furthermore, if the operator 56 is not wearing the wristband 21, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may display a warning prompting the operator 56 to put on the wristband 21 (see Figure 8).

[0053] Figure 8 shows an example of a warning to encourage operator 56 to put on the wristband 21.

[0054] Figure 8 shows a magnified view of the warning 31 displayed on the display unit 8. The warning 31 displayed on the display unit 8 reads, "Please put on the wristband 21." Therefore, the operator 56 can visually recognize that it is necessary to put on the wristband 21 by looking at the display unit 8.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operator 56 puts on the wristband 21 before starting the scan of the subject. After the scan of the subject is completed, the operator 56 can remove the wristband 21. Therefore, by measuring the time the operator 56 is wearing the wristband 21, the examination time of the subject can be measured, making it possible to automatically manage the examination time.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the wristband 21 has a structure that allows the back side to be detachably attached to the front side. However, the wristband 21 is not limited to this structure and may have other structures as long as it can be worn on the operator 56. For example, a stretchable wristband (such as a silicone band) with a closed loop shape may be used.

[0057] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, article 20 is configured to be worn on the operator's wrist. However, article 20 is not limited to being worn on the wrist, as long as it can prevent the probe from falling. For example, an article that can be worn on the operator's finger or upper arm may be used to prevent the probe from falling.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to the main body 15 of the device by a probe cable 12. However, the ultrasonic probe 2 may be connected to the main body 15 wirelessly. In this case, the strap of the article 20 can be configured to connect to the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0059] (2) Second embodiment In the first embodiment, when the detection unit 23 of the article 20 detects that the wristband 21 has been attached to the operator 56's wrist, the device body 15 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is configured to output a signal S1 indicating that the wristband 21 has been attached to the operator 56's wrist, as shown in Figure 5.

[0060] In contrast, the second embodiment describes an example in which, if the wristband 21 is not attached to the operator 56, the detection unit 23 of the item 20 is configured to output a signal S2 indicating that the wristband 21 is not attached to the operator 56's wrist.

[0061] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the detection unit 23 of the second embodiment. If the detection unit 23 detects that the wristband 21 is not attached to the operator 56's wrist, it outputs a signal S2 to the main unit 15 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 indicating that the wristband 21 is not attached to the operator 56's wrist. The signal S2 may be transmitted from the item 20 to the main unit 15 of the device via the probe cable 12, or it may be transmitted from the item 20 to the main unit 15 of the device wirelessly. When the main unit 15 of the device receives this signal S2, the processor in the main unit 15 of the device sets the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 to a disallowed mode in which scanning of a subject is not permitted. When the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is set to disallowed mode, the operator 56 cannot scan a subject even if they operate the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. Therefore, if the wristband 21 is not attached to the operator 56's wrist, it is possible to prevent the operator 56 from scanning a subject without attaching the wristband 21.

[0062] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10, when operator 56 puts on the wristband 21, the detection unit 23 does not output signal S2, which indicates that the wristband 21 is not attached to operator 56's wrist. In this case, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 does not receive signal S2, so the processor of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 sets the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 to an authorized mode in which scanning of the subject is permitted. Therefore, when operator 56 operates the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 performs an action corresponding to operator 56's operation. In this case, operator 56 can scan the subject with the wristband 21 attached to their wrist, thus avoiding the risk of dropping the probe 2.

[0063] In the second embodiment, if the operator 56 is not wearing the wristband 21, a signal S2 is output to indicate that the item 20 is not attached to the operator 56's wrist. If the operator 56 is wearing the wristband 21, the signal S2 is not output. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the operator 56 is wearing the wristband 21 based on whether the signal S2 is output. If the operator 56 is not wearing the wristband 21, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is set to a disallowed mode, so it is not possible to proceed to the stage of scanning the subject, thus preventing the operator 56 from operating the probe 2 without wearing the wristband 21. On the other hand, if the operator 56 is wearing the wristband 21, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is set to an allowed mode, so the operator 56 performs the scan of the subject with the wristband 21 on. Therefore, even if the probe 2 is released from the hand during scanning, the probe 2 is prevented from falling, thus preventing damage to the probe 2.

[0064] 1. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 2. Ultrasound probe 2a Vibration element 3. Transmitting beamformer 4 Transmitter 5 Receiver 6. Receiving beamformer 7 Processors 8 Display 9 memory 10 User Interface 12 probe cables 15 Main body of the device 18 Display Monitor 20 Goods 21 Wristbands 22 Standby 21a surface 21b Back side 23 Detection unit 28 Touch Panel 31 Warning 38 Control Panel 56 Operators 57 subjects 100 Ultrasound Diagnostic Systems

Claims

1. An article configured to be attachable to the operator of an ultrasound diagnostic device, for preventing the ultrasound probe of the ultrasound diagnostic device from falling, It has a detection unit that detects whether the aforementioned article is attached to the operator, An article, wherein when the detection unit detects that the article has been attached to an operator, the ultrasound diagnostic device is set to perform a predetermined operation.

2. The detection unit is configured to output a first signal to the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic device when the article is attached to the operator. The article according to claim 1, wherein when the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic device receives the first signal, the ultrasound diagnostic device is configured to perform a predetermined operation.

3. The article according to claim 2, wherein when the ultrasound diagnostic device receives the first signal, the operator operates the ultrasound diagnostic device, and the ultrasound diagnostic device performs an operation corresponding to the operator's operation.

4. The detection unit is configured to output a second signal to the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic device when the article is not attached to the operator. When the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic device receives the second signal, the ultrasound diagnostic device is configured to be unable to perform the predetermined operation. The article according to claim 1, wherein if the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic device has not received the second signal, the ultrasound diagnostic device is configured to perform a predetermined operation.

5. When the main unit of the ultrasound diagnostic device receives the second signal, even if the operator operates the ultrasound diagnostic device, the ultrasound diagnostic device will not perform any action corresponding to the operator's operation. The article according to claim 4, wherein if the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic device has not received the second signal, when the operator operates the ultrasound diagnostic device, the ultrasound diagnostic device performs an operation corresponding to the operator's operation.

6. The article according to claim 1, wherein the article includes a wristband that can be wrapped around the wrist of the subject.

7. The article according to claim 6, wherein the detection unit outputs the first signal to the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic device when it detects that the wristband is attached to the operator's wrist.

8. The article according to claim 6, wherein the detection unit outputs the second signal to the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic device when it detects that the wristband is not attached to the operator's wrist.

9. The article according to claim 6, wherein the detection unit includes a capacitive touch sensor and / or an optical sensor.

10. The article according to claim 9, wherein the optical sensor is a heart rate sensor.

11. The wristband includes a first portion and a second portion that can be detachably attached to the first portion. The aforementioned wristband is The wristband is configured to allow switching between a first state in which the second part is attached to the first part, and a second state in which the second part is separated from the first part. The article according to claim 6, wherein the detection unit detects that the wristband is wrapped around the operator's wrist in the first state, and detects that the wristband is not wrapped around the operator's wrist in the second state.

12. The article according to claim 10, wherein the detection unit includes a switch for detecting whether the wristband is being worn by an operator.

13. The article according to claim 11, wherein the switch is a powerless switch.

14. An ultrasound diagnostic system equipped with a function to prevent the ultrasound probe from falling, An ultrasound diagnostic device including an ultrasound probe, An article configured to be attachable to the operator of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, for preventing the ultrasound probe from falling, and having a detection unit for detecting whether the article is attached to the operator, and Includes, An ultrasound diagnostic system in which, when the detection unit detects that the article has been attached to the operator, the ultrasound diagnostic device is set to perform a predetermined operation.

15. The ultrasound diagnostic system according to claim 12, wherein if the article is not attached to the operator, the ultrasound diagnostic device displays a warning to the operator to attach the article.

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