Ultrasound diagnostic equipment

Abstract

To reduce the possibility of a user being confused.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: a probe connection state display screen display part for displaying, in a display part, a probe connection state display screen, which is a screen for displaying a connection state of an ultrasonic probe; an adaptor connection detection part for detecting that an adaptor provided with a plurality of first connectors for connecting the ultrasonic probe is connected to a second connector of a body connection part for connecting the ultrasonic probe provided to the ultrasonic diagnostic device body; and an update part for updating the probe connection state display screen displayed in the display part on the basis of a result of the detection by the adaptor connection detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the medical field, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that uses ultrasonic waves generated using an ultrasonic probe to perform an examination inside a subject has been widely used. In an examination using this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, in order to perform a diagnosis appropriately, a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes are used according to the diagnostic site and the diagnostic content. For this reason, the user needs to connect a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes to the connection connector of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. However, since there is a limit to the number of connection connectors of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, the user has to remove the ultrasonic probe attached to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body and replace it with another ultrasonic probe as needed.

[0003] In recent years, in order to eliminate this operation, an adapter having a plurality of connection connectors and capable of connecting a plurality of ultrasonic probes has been used. By connecting this adapter to the connection connector of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, the number of ultrasonic probes that can be connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be increased.

[0004] However, when this adapter is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body and an ultrasonic probe is connected to the adapter connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, there are cases where the order of the ultrasonic probes connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body does not match the order of the ultrasonic probes displayed on the display unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which may cause confusion for the user. Therefore, in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it is desired to reduce the possibility of confusion for the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve is to reduce the possibility of causing confusion to the user. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes: a probe connection status display screen display unit that displays a probe connection status display screen, which is a screen that displays the connection status of an ultrasound probe, on a display unit; an adapter connection detection unit that detects that an adapter, which is provided with a plurality of first connectors to which the ultrasound probe can be connected, has been connected to a second connector of a main unit connection unit for connecting the ultrasound probe, which is provided on the main unit of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus; and an update unit that updates the probe connection status display screen displayed on the display unit based on the detection result by the adapter connection detection unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the external appearance of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of an adapter connected to an ultrasound diagnostic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the contents of the probe connection status display process performed by the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a probe connection status display screen for an ultrasound diagnostic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a probe connection status display screen when an adapter is connected to the main unit connector of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows another example of the probe connection status display screen when an adapter is connected to the main unit connector of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows another example of the probe connection status display screen when an adapter is connected to the main unit connector of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a probe connection status display screen when an ultrasound probe is connected to an adapter connector in an ultrasound diagnostic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a probe connection status display screen when an ultrasound probe is selected in an ultrasound diagnostic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11A] This figure shows an example of a modified ultrasound diagnostic device according to the first embodiment, in which multiple adapters are connected to the main unit connection. [Figure 11B] This figure shows an example of a probe connection status display screen for an ultrasound diagnostic device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram showing the external appearance of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a probe connection status display screen for an ultrasound diagnostic device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a probe connection status display screen when an adapter is connected to the main unit connector of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure shows another example of the probe connection status display screen when an adapter is connected to the main unit connector of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] This figure shows another example of the probe connection status display screen when an adapter is connected to the main unit connector of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. showing an example of a probe connection state display screen when an ultrasonic probe is connected to an adapter connector in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18A] FIG. showing an example of a probe connection state display screen when an ultrasonic probe is selected in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18B] FIG. showing an example of a probe connection state display screen of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. showing an example of a probe connection state display screen when an adapter is connected to a main body connector of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. showing another example of a probe connection state display screen when an adapter is connected to a main body connector of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. showing an example of a probe connection state display screen when an ultrasonic probe is connected to an adapter connector in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. showing an example of a case where a plurality of adapters are connected to a main body connection part in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment [Figure 23] FIG. showing an example of a probe connection state display screen displayed on a touch command screen of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. showing an example of a probe connection state display screen when an adapter is connected to a main body connector of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. showing an example of a probe connection state display screen when an ultrasonic probe is connected to an adapter connector in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. showing an example of an operation input for selecting an ultrasonic probe performed in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. showing an example of an operation input for selecting an ultrasonic probe performed in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 28]This figure shows an example of an input operation for selecting an ultrasound probe in an ultrasound diagnostic device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] This figure shows an example of a probe connection status display screen when an ultrasound probe is selected in an ultrasound diagnostic device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 30] This figure shows another example of the probe connection status display screen when an ultrasound probe is connected to the adapter connector in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 31] This figure shows another example of the probe connection status display screen when an ultrasound probe is selected in the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 32] This figure shows another example of the probe connection status display screen when an ultrasound probe is connected to the adapter connector in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 33] This figure shows another example of the probe connection status display screen when an ultrasound probe is selected in the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 34] This figure shows another example of the probe connection status display screen when an ultrasound probe is connected to the adapter connector in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations will be given only when necessary.

[0010] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment comprises an ultrasound probe 10, a main body 30, a display 50, and an input device 70. In the example shown in Figure 1, the display 50 and the input device 70 are configured separately from the main body 30, but the main body 30, the display 50, and the input device 70 may be configured as a single unit. An example of a device in which the main body 30, the display 50, and the input device 70 are configured as a single unit is an information processing device such as a tablet terminal or a workstation.

[0011] The ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the main unit 30 of the device and is a device that transmits ultrasound to the subject and receives reflected wave signals reflected within the subject based on the transmitted ultrasound. This ultrasound probe 10 may be, for example, a 1D array probe that scans a two-dimensional area within the subject, or a mechanical 4D probe or 2D array probe that scans a three-dimensional area within the subject.

[0012] The main unit 30 of the device is a device that generates an ultrasound image based on the received signal received from the ultrasound probe 10. In the example shown in Figure 1, the main unit 30 of the device according to this embodiment is connected to the ultrasound probe 10, a display 50, and an input device 70. Also, as shown in Figure 1, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a main unit connection section 31. This main unit connection section 31 is equipped with main unit connectors 311A, 311B, and 311C, and main unit light-emitting elements 312A, 312B, and 312C. In the following, when the main unit connectors 311A, 311B, and 311C are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "main unit connector 311". Similarly, when the main unit light-emitting elements 312A, 312B, and 312C are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "main unit light-emitting element 312". This main unit 30 corresponds to the main unit of the ultrasound diagnostic device in this embodiment. The main unit connector 311 corresponds to the second connector in this embodiment. The main light-emitting element 312 corresponds to the second light-emitting element in this embodiment.

[0013] The main body connector 311 is a connector to which the ultrasonic probe 10 can be connected. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the main body connection section 31 is provided with three main body connectors 311A, 311B, and 311C. The ultrasonic probe P1 is connected to main body connector 311A, the ultrasonic probe P2 is connected to main body connector 311B, and the ultrasonic probe P3 is connected to main body connector 311C. In the example shown in Figure 1, there are three main body connectors 311, but the number of main body connectors 311 provided in the main body connection section 31 is not limited to this. That is, the number of main body connectors 311 provided in the main body connection section 31 is arbitrary, and it may be provided with one or two main body connectors 311, or it may be provided with four or more main body connectors 311. Also, in this embodiment, the main body connectors 311 are arranged in the vertical direction, but the main body connectors 311 are not limited to being arranged in the vertical direction. In other words, the orientation in which the main body connectors 311 are arranged is arbitrary; they may be arranged horizontally, or both vertically and horizontally.

[0014] The main light-emitting element 312 is an element provided near the main connector 311 of the device body 30. For example, the main light-emitting element 312 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). This main light-emitting element 312 is provided to visually determine the selected ultrasonic probe 10. Specifically, when the user selects an ultrasonic probe 10 connected to the main connector 311 via the input device 70, the main light-emitting element 312 located near the main connector 311 to which the selected ultrasonic probe 10 is connected lights up. That is, if ultrasonic probe P1 connected to main connector 311A ​​is selected, the main light-emitting element 312A lights up; if ultrasonic probe P2 connected to main connector 311B is selected, the main light-emitting element 312B lights up; and if ultrasonic probe P3 connected to main connector 311C is selected, the main light-emitting element 312C lights up. In this embodiment, three main light-emitting elements 312 are provided, but the number of main light-emitting elements 312 is not limited to three. In other words, the number of main body light-emitting elements 312 is arbitrary, and depending on the number of main body connectors 311, there may be one or two main body light-emitting elements 312, or there may be four or more main body light-emitting elements 312.

[0015] The display 50 is a display device that shows various ultrasound images and various settings. For example, the display 50 displays ultrasound images generated by the main unit 30 of the device, a menu screen for selecting the ultrasound probe 10, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the operator, etc. In this embodiment, the display 50 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display.

[0016] The input device 70 is an input device for performing various settings. As shown in Figure 1, the input device 70 according to this embodiment includes a touch command screen (TCS) 71 and an operation panel 72.

[0017] The touch command screen 71 is a touch panel that functions as both a user input device and an output device for providing information and images to the user. For example, the touch command screen 71 displays a probe connection status display screen that shows the connection status of an ultrasound probe, and a parameter adjustment UI that allows adjustment of parameters. The touch command screen 71 accepts various operations from the user, such as touch operations, flick operations, and swipe operations.

[0018] The control panel 72 consists of various switches, buttons, a trackball, a mouse, and a keyboard for setting various instructions and conditions from the user, various diagnostic modes, and various parameters associated with those diagnostic modes.

[0019] Figure 2 shows an example of an adapter connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the adapter 100 is provided with multiple adapter connectors to which ultrasound probes 10 can be connected, and by connecting to one of the main body connectors 311 of the main body connection section 31, the ultrasound probes 10 can be electrically connected to the apparatus body 30. In other words, the adapter 100 can increase the number of ultrasound probes 10 that can be connected to the apparatus body 30 via the main body connection section 31. By connecting the ultrasound probes 10 to this adapter 100, the ultrasound probes 10 can be electrically connected to the apparatus body 30 via the adapter 100.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the adapter 100 according to this embodiment comprises adapter connectors 101A and 101D, and adapter light-emitting elements 102A and 102D. In the following description, when adapter connectors 101A and 101D are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "adapter connector 101." Similarly, when adapter light-emitting elements 102A and 102D are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "adapter light-emitting element 102." Adapter connector 101 corresponds to the first connector in this embodiment. Adapter light-emitting element 102 corresponds to the first light-emitting element in this embodiment.

[0021] The adapter connector 101 is a connector to which the ultrasonic probe 10 can be connected. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the adapter 100 is provided with two adapter connectors 101, adapter connectors 101A and 101D. In this embodiment, the adapter 100 is provided with two adapter connectors 101, but the number of adapter connectors 101 provided by the adapter 100 is not limited to two. That is, the number of adapter connectors 101 provided by the adapter 100 is arbitrary, and for example, it may be provided with three or more adapter connectors 101. Also, in this embodiment, the adapter connectors 101 are arranged in the vertical direction, which is the same direction as the main body connector 311, but the adapter connectors 101 are not limited to being arranged in the vertical direction. That is, the direction in which the adapter connectors 101 are arranged is arbitrary, and the adapter connectors 101 may be arranged horizontally, or vertically and horizontally.

[0022] The adapter light-emitting element 102 is an element provided near the adapter connector 101 of the adapter 100. For example, the adapter light-emitting element 102 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). This adapter light-emitting element 102 is provided to visually determine the selected ultrasonic probe 10. Specifically, when the user selects an ultrasonic probe 10 connected to the adapter connector 101 via the input device 70, the adapter light-emitting element 102 provided near the adapter connector 101 to which the selected ultrasonic probe 10 is connected lights up. That is, if an ultrasonic probe connected to adapter connector 101A is selected, the adapter light-emitting element 102A lights up, and if an ultrasonic probe connected to adapter connector 101D is selected, the adapter light-emitting element 102D lights up. In this embodiment, two adapter light-emitting elements 102 are provided, but the number of adapter light-emitting elements 102 is not limited to two. That is, the number of adapter light-emitting elements 102 is arbitrary, and three or more adapter light-emitting elements 102 may be provided depending on the number of adapter connectors 101.

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment comprises an ultrasound probe 10, a main body 30, a display 50, and an input device 70. The main body 30 according to this embodiment also comprises a transmitting / receiving circuit 32, a processing circuit 33, a storage circuit 34, an input interface 35, and an output interface 36.

[0024] The transmitting / receiving circuit 32 is a processor that controls the transmission and reception directivity in ultrasonic transmission and reception, and includes a transmitting circuit and a receiving circuit. In Figure 3, an example is shown in which the transmitting / receiving circuit 32 is provided on the main body of the device 30, but the transmitting / receiving circuit 32 may be provided on the ultrasonic probe 10, or on both the ultrasonic probe 10 and the main body of the device 30.

[0025] The transmitting circuit includes a pulse generator, a transmit delay circuit, and a pulser circuit, and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses at a predetermined rate frequency to form the transmitted ultrasonic waves. The transmit delay circuit provides a delay time for each ultrasonic transducer necessary to focus the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic transducers into a beam and determine the transmission directivity, to each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator. The pulser circuit also applies a drive pulse to the ultrasonic transducer at a timing based on the rate pulse. The transmit delay circuit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer surface by changing the delay time provided to each rate pulse.

[0026] The receiving circuit includes an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, and an adder. It receives the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic transducer and performs various processing on this reflected wave signal to generate a received signal (echo signal). The amplifier circuit amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the gain-corrected reflected wave signal and gives the digital data the delay time necessary to determine the receiving directivity. The adder performs summing processing on the reflected wave signals processed by the A / D converter to generate a received signal. The summing process of the adder emphasizes the reflected component from the direction corresponding to the receiving directivity of the reflected wave signal.

[0027] The processing circuit 33 is a processor that functions as the central part of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. The processing circuit 33 realizes functions corresponding to the program by executing the program stored in the memory circuit 34. The processing circuit 33 has, for example, a B-mode processing function 33a, a Doppler processing function 33b, an image generation function 33c, a probe connection status display screen display function 33d, an adapter connection detection function 33e, a probe connection detection function 33f, an update function 33g, a probe selection detection function 33h, and a lighting function 33i. The B-mode processing function 33a corresponds to the B-mode processing unit in this embodiment, the Doppler processing function 33b corresponds to the Doppler processing unit in this embodiment, the image generation function 33c corresponds to the image generation unit in this embodiment, the probe connection status display screen display function 33d corresponds to the probe connection status display screen display unit in this embodiment, the adapter connection detection function 33e corresponds to the adapter connection detection unit in this embodiment, the probe connection detection function 33f corresponds to the probe connection detection unit in this embodiment, the update function 33g corresponds to the update unit in this embodiment, the probe selection detection function 33h corresponds to the probe selection detection unit in this embodiment, and the lighting function 33i corresponds to the lighting unit in this embodiment.

[0028] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, each processing function performed by the B-mode processing function 33a, Doppler processing function 33b, image generation function 33c, probe connection status display screen display function 33d, adapter connection detection function 33e, probe connection detection function 33f, update function 33g, probe selection detection function 33h, and lighting function 33i is stored in the memory circuit 34 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 33 is a processor that reads the program from the memory circuit 34 and executes it to realize the function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 33 in the state in which each program has been read has the functions shown in the processing circuit 33 of Figure 3. In Figure 3, the B-mode processing function 33a, Doppler processing function 33b, image generation function 33c, probe connection status display screen display function 33d, adapter connection detection function 33e, probe connection detection function 33f, update function 33g, probe selection detection function 33h, and lighting function 33i are described as being implemented by a single processing circuit 33. However, these functions may also be implemented by combining multiple independent processors to form the processing circuit 33, with each processor executing a program.

[0029] The B-mode processing function 33a is a function that generates B-mode data based on the received signal received from the ultrasonic probe 10. The processing circuit 33, using the B-mode processing function 33a, for example, applies envelope detection processing and logarithmic compression processing to the received signal received from the ultrasonic probe 10 to generate B-mode data in which the signal strength is expressed as brightness.

[0030] The Doppler processing function 33b is a function that generates Doppler data such as blood flow velocity, blood flow dispersion, and blood flow power based on the received signal from the ultrasound probe 10. The Doppler processing function 33b generates Doppler data that extracts blood flow information based on the Doppler effect of moving objects within the ROI (Region of Interest) set in the scan area by performing frequency analysis on the received signal from the ultrasound probe 10.

[0031] The image generation function 33c is a function that generates ultrasound image data based on the received signal received from the ultrasound probe 10. Specifically, the image generation function 33c is a function that generates various ultrasound image data based on the B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing function 33a and / or the Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing function 33b. For example, the image generation function 33c generates B-mode image data from the B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing function 33a, in which the intensity of the reflected wave is represented by brightness. Also, for example, the image generation function 33c generates Doppler image data from the Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing function 33b, such as an average velocity image of a moving object, a dispersion image, a power image, or a combination of these images.

[0032] The probe connection status display screen function 33d is a function that displays the probe connection status display screen, which is a screen that displays the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10. Specifically, it is a function that displays a screen that shows the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is started to be used. The probe connection status display screen function 33d displays the probe connection status display screen on, for example, the touch command screen 71 or the display 50. In the following description, an example in which the probe connection status display screen function 33d displays the probe connection status display screen on the touch command screen 71 will be described.

[0033] The adapter connection detection function 33e is a function that detects when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection section 31. Furthermore, when the adapter connection detection function 33e detects that the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311, it identifies the main unit connector 311 to which the adapter 100 is connected from among the multiple main unit connectors 311. In addition, the adapter connection detection function 33e obtains adapter information of the connected adapter 100. Adapter information is information about the adapter 100, such as the product name of the adapter, the number of adapter connectors 101, and the direction in which the adapter connectors 101 are arranged.

[0034] The probe connection detection function 33f is a function that detects when the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected to the adapter connector 101 or the main unit connector 311. Furthermore, when the probe connection detection function 33f detects that the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected to the main unit connector 311 or the adapter connector 101, it identifies the main unit connector 311 or the adapter connector 101 to which the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected. In addition, the probe connection detection function 33f acquires probe information of the ultrasonic probe 10 connected to the adapter connector 101 or the main unit connector 311. This probe information is identification information that identifies the ultrasonic probe 10. For example, the probe information includes information such as the product number of the ultrasonic probe 10, the type of shape of the vibration array of the ultrasonic probe 10, and the type of ultrasonic beam scanning method, such as linear, sector, convex, or radial. Note that the probe information is not limited to the product name of the ultrasonic probe 10, the type of shape of the vibration array of the ultrasonic probe 10, and the type of ultrasonic beam scanning method, and may also include other information.

[0035] The update function 33g is a function that updates the probe connection status display screen based on the detection result of the adapter connection detection function 33e. Specifically, when the adapter 100 is connected, the update function 33g updates the probe connection status display screen displayed on the touch command screen 71, etc., in a manner that recognizes that the adapter 100 has been connected to the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection section 31. Furthermore, the update function 33g is a function that updates the connection status of the ultrasonic probe 10 on the probe connection status display screen based on the detection result of the probe connection detection function 33f. Specifically, when the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected to the main unit connector 311 or the adapter connector 101, the update function 33g displays probe connection information based on the probe information of the connected ultrasonic probe 10. The probe connection information is information about the connected ultrasonic probe 10 and includes the product number of the ultrasonic probe 10 and a schematic diagram showing the shape of the ultrasonic probe 10.

[0036] The probe selection detection function 33h is a function that detects when the user has selected the ultrasonic probe 10 via the input interface 35 using the input device 70.

[0037] The lighting function 33i is a function that turns on or off the main light-emitting element 312 of the device body 30 or the adapter light-emitting element 102 of the adapter 100 based on the detection result of the probe selection detection function 33h.

[0038] The memory circuit 34 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, a hard disk, or an optical disc. In this embodiment, for example, the memory circuit 34 stores a program executed by a circuit included in the main body of the device 30.

[0039] The input interface 35 receives various instructions from the user via the input device 70. The input interface 35 is connected to, for example, the processing circuit 33, converts the operation instructions input by the user into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 33. Note that the input interface 35 is not limited to those connected to physical operating components such as a mouse or keyboard. For example, a circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to operation instructions input from an external input device provided separately from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 and outputs these electrical signals to the processing circuit 33 is also included as an example of the input interface 35.

[0040] The output interface 36 is, for example, an interface for outputting electrical signals from the processing circuit 33 to the display 50. The output interface 36 is connected to the processing circuit 33, for example, via a bus, and outputs electrical signals from the processing circuit 33 to the display 50.

[0041] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the probe connection status display process performed by the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment. In this probe connection status display process, the probe connection status display screen is displayed, and the probe connection status display screen is updated when the adapter 100 is connected or when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected, and the main unit light-emitting element 312 of the main unit connection unit 31 and the adapter light-emitting element 102 of the adapter 100 are lit when the ultrasound probe 10 to be used is selected. This probe connection status display process is performed when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is put into use.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, first, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 displays a probe connection status display screen (step S11). This process of displaying the probe connection status display screen is realized by the probe connection status display screen display function 33d in the processing circuit 33. Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 displays the probe connection status display screen on the touch command screen 71. Note that the touch command screen 71 is an example of a display unit in this embodiment.

[0043] Figure 5 shows an example of the probe connection status display screen of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 5(a) shows an example of the probe connection status display screen displayed on the touch command screen 71, and Figure 5(b) shows the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main body connector 311 of the main body connection section 31. As shown in Figure 5(b), ultrasound probes P1, P2, and P3 are connected to the main body connectors 311A, 311B, and 311C of the main body connection section 31, respectively, in order from top to bottom. In the following description, as shown in Figure 5(b), if there is text on the main body connector 311, it indicates that the ultrasound probe 10 is connected, and if there is no text on the main body connector 311, it indicates that the ultrasound probe 10 is not connected to the main body connector 311.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(a), the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71 shows the main unit connector frames 711a, 711b, and 711c, which are indicators representing the main unit connectors 311A, 311B, and 311C, in order from right to left, corresponding to the order of the main unit connectors 311. The main unit connector frame 711a displays the product number "P1" of the ultrasonic probe P1 along with a schematic diagram showing the shape of the ultrasonic probe P1. Similarly, the main unit connector frames 711b and 711c also display the product numbers "P2" and "P3" of the ultrasonic probes P2 and P3, respectively, along with schematic diagrams showing the shapes of the ultrasonic probes P2 and P3, respectively.

[0045] In the following, when the main connector frames 711a, 711b, and 711c are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "main connector frame 711". Furthermore, in this embodiment, a frame is used as a mark to represent the main connector 311, but the mark to represent the main connector 311 is not limited to a frame. That is, the mark to represent the main connector 311 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, an icon or a marker. Also, the shape of the frame is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be any shape such as a circular shape. This main connector frame 711 corresponds to the second marking part in this embodiment.

[0046] Here, "matching the arrangement of the main connector 311" means that the arrangement of the main connector frames 711a, 711b, and 711c in a predetermined direction matches the arrangement of the main connectors 311A, 311B, and 311C in a predetermined direction. For example, "matching the arrangement of the main connector 311" may mean that the arrangement of the main connectors 311 from above matches the arrangement of the main connector frames 711 from the right, or that the arrangement of the main connectors 311 from above matches the arrangement of the main connector frames 711 from the left. Also, for example, if the main connectors 311 are arranged horizontally, the arrangement of the main connectors 311 from the right matches the arrangement of the main connector frames 711 from the right.

[0047] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 determines whether or not the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311 (step S13). This process of determining whether or not the adapter 100 is connected is realized by the adapter connection detection function 33e in the processing circuit 33. Then, in step S13, if it is detected that the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311 (step S13: Yes), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 identifies the main unit connector 311 to which the adapter 100 is connected (step S15). This process of identifying the main unit connector 311 to which the adapter 100 is connected is realized by the adapter connection detection function 33e in the processing circuit 33.

[0048] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 acquires adapter information (step S17). This process of acquiring adapter information is realized by the adapter connection detection function 33e in the processing circuit 33. Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 acquires the adapter information of the adapter 100 detected in step S15.

[0049] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen (step S19). This process of updating the probe connection status display screen is realized by the update function 33g in the processing circuit 33. Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 based on the detection result in step S13.

[0050] Step S19 will be explained in more detail using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71 when the adapter 100 is connected, and Figure 6(b) is a diagram showing the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection part 31 when the adapter 100 is connected. In the example shown in Figure 6(b), the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311A. That is, the ultrasound probe P1 that was connected to the main unit connector 311A ​​in the example shown in Figure 5 is removed, and the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311A. As shown in Figure 6(b), the main body 30 is equipped with, from top to bottom, adapter connector 101D, adapter connector 101A, main body connector 311B, and main body connector 311C, to which ultrasonic probes P2 and P3 are connected, respectively.

[0051] In step S19 of this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 to display an adapter connector frame, which represents the adapter connector 101, instead of the main unit connector frame 711, based on the identification result identified in step S15 and the adapter information acquired in step S17. Then, as shown in Figure 6(a), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 identifies that the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311A ​​as the identification result identified in step S15, and acquires the adapter information that there are two adapter connectors 101, so it displays adapter connector frames 712a and 712d, which represent adapter connectors 101A and 101D, instead of the main unit connector frame 711a shown in Figure 5(b).

[0052] In the following, when the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "adapter connector frame 712". Furthermore, in this embodiment, a frame shape is used as a mark to represent the adapter connector 101, but the mark to represent the adapter connector 101 is not limited to a frame. That is, the mark to represent the adapter connector 101 is arbitrary and may be, for example, an icon or a marker. This adapter connector frame 712 corresponds to the first marking part in this embodiment.

[0053] Furthermore, in step S19, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 on the probe connection status display screen SC1 so that the order of the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311 matches the order of the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311.

[0054] Here, "matching the order of the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311" means that the order of the adapter connector frames 712a, 712d and the main unit connector frames 711b, 711c displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1 from a predetermined direction matches the order of the adapter connectors 101A, 101D of the adapter 100 connected to the main unit connection section 31 and the main unit connectors 311B, 311C of the main unit connection section 31 from a predetermined direction. For example, the order of the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311 from above may match the order of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 from the right, or the order of the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311 from above may match the order of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 from the left. Furthermore, for example, if the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311 are arranged horizontally, the order in which the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311 are arranged from right to left may match the order in which the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 are arranged from right to left.

[0055] In this embodiment, the adapter connector frame 712 and the main body connector frame 711 are updated so that the order of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main body connector frame 711 from right to left matches the order of the adapter connector 101 of the adapter 100 connected to the main body connection section 31 and the main body connector 311 of the main body connection section 31 from top to bottom. In other words, the order of the adapter connector frame 712d, adapter connector frame 712a, main body connector frame 711b, and main body connector frame 711c displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1 from right to left matches the order of the adapter connector 101D, adapter connector 101A, main body connector 311B, and main body connector 311C in the main body connection section 31 shown in Figure 6(b) so that the order of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main body connector frame 711 is updated so that the order of the adapter connector frame 712d, adapter connector frame 712a, main body connector frame 711b, and main body connector frame 711c displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1 from right to left matches the order of the adapter connector 101D, adapter connector 101A, main body connector 311B, and main body connector 311C from top to bottom in the main body connection section 31 shown in Figure 6(b). As shown in Figure 6(a), the probe connection status display screen SC1 shows the adapter connector frame 712d, adapter connector frame 712a, main unit connector frame 711b, and main unit connector frame 711c in that order from right to left.

[0056] Therefore, in step S19, the updated probe connection status display screen SC1 includes adapter connector frames 712d and 712a so that it is recognizable that the adapter 100 has been connected to the main unit connector 311. The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 in the probe connection status display screen SC1 so that the order of the adapter connector frames 712d and 712a and the main unit connector frames 711b and 711c in the probe connection status display screen SC1 matches the order of the adapter connectors 101D and 101A of the main unit connection section 31 and the main unit connectors 311B and 311C.

[0057] In step S19, when updating the probe connection status display screen SC1, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may update the probe connection status display screen SC1 to highlight each of the adapter connector frames 712 in order to emphasize that the adapter 100 has been connected. Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams showing other examples of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when the adapter 100 is connected to the main body connector 311 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment, and correspond to Figure 6. The parts that differ from Figure 6 will be described below.

[0058] In the probe connection status display screen SC1 shown in Figure 7, a shape is displayed surrounding the adapter connector frame 712 to emphasize that the adapter 100 is connected. Similarly, in the probe connection status display screen SC1 shown in Figure 8, the adapter connector frame 712 is displayed smaller than the main unit connector frame 711 to further emphasize that the adapter 100 is connected. By emphasizing the adapter connector frame 712 in this way, the user can more easily recognize that the adapter 100 is connected on the probe connection status display screen SC1. Note that the method for emphasizing the connection of the adapter 100 on the probe connection status display screen SC1 is not limited to the cases shown in Figures 7 and 8. In other words, the method for highlighting that the adapter 100 is connected on the probe connection status display screen SC1 is arbitrary. For example, the adapter connector frame 712 may be displayed to be larger than the main unit connector frame 711, information indicating that it is the adapter connector frame 712 may be displayed near the adapter connector frame 712, or the area around the adapter connector frame 712 may be surrounded by a different color than the main unit connector frame 711.

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 determines whether or not the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the adapter 100 (step S20). This process of determining whether or not the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the adapter 100 is realized by the probe connection detection function 33f in the processing circuit 33. If it is determined in step S20 that the ultrasound probe 10 is not connected to the adapter 100 (step S20: No), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 waits and repeats the process of step S20 until it is determined that the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the adapter 100.

[0060] On the other hand, if the adapter 100 is not connected to the main connector 311 in step S13 (step S13: No), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 determines whether or not the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the main connector 311 (step S21). This process of determining whether or not the ultrasound probe 10 is connected is realized by the probe connection detection function 33f in the processing circuit 33. Then, if it is determined in step S21 that the ultrasound probe 10 is not connected to the main connector 311 (step S21: No), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 waits by repeating the processes of step S13 and step S21 until it is determined that the adapter 100 is connected to the main connector 311, or until it is determined that the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the main connector 311.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected to the adapter 100 (step S20: Yes), or if it is determined in step S21 that the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected to the main unit connector 311 (step S21: Yes), the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 identifies the main unit connector 311 or adapter connector 101 to which the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected (step S23). This process of identifying the main unit connector 311 or adapter connector 101 to which the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected is realized by the probe connection detection function 33f in the processing circuit 33.

[0062] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 acquires probe information (step S25). This process of acquiring probe information is realized by the probe connection detection function 33f in the processing circuit 33. Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 acquires probe information of the ultrasound probe 10 whose connection was detected in step S21.

[0063] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 (step S27). This process of updating the probe connection status display screen SC1 is realized by the update function 33g in the processing circuit 33. Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 on the probe connection status display screen SC1 based on the identification result identified in step S23 and the probe information acquired in step S25, and displays the probe connection information based on the probe information acquired in step S25 on the main unit connector frame 711 or the adapter connector frame 712.

[0064] Figure 9 shows an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when an ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the adapter connector 101 in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 9(a) shows an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71 when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected, and Figure 9(b) shows the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection section 31 when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected. In the example shown in Figure 9(b), compared to the example shown in Figure 6(b), ultrasound probes P4 and P1 are connected to the adapter connectors 101D and 101A, respectively.

[0065] Therefore, in step S27 of this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 on the probe connection status display screen SC1 based on the identification result identified in step S23 and the probe information acquired in step S25, and displays the probe connection information based on the probe information acquired in step S25 on the adapter connector frame 712 or the main unit connector frame 711. Specifically, as the identification result identified in step S23, it is determined that ultrasound probes P1 and P4 are connected to adapter connectors 101A and 101D, respectively, and probe information for ultrasound probes P1 and P4 has been acquired as probe information, so the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 displays the respective product numbers "P1" and "P4" on the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d as probe connection information based on the probe information for ultrasound probes P1 and P4, along with a diagram schematically showing the shapes of ultrasound probes P1 and P4. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9(a), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 to display probe connection information related to ultrasound probe P1 and ultrasound probe P4 on the adapter connector frame 712a and the adapter connector frame 712d, respectively, as shown in the example in Figure 6(a).

[0066] After the processing in step S27, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 determines whether or not the ultrasound probe 10 to be used has been selected (step S29). This process of determining whether or not the ultrasound probe 10 to be used has been selected is realized by the probe selection detection function 33h in the processing circuit 33. Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 determines whether or not it has detected from the user that the ultrasound probe 10 to be used for diagnosis has been selected. More specifically, in this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 receives the selection of the ultrasound probe 10 from the user via the probe connection status display screen SC1 of the touch command screen 71 and determines whether or not it has detected that the ultrasound probe 10 has been selected.

[0067] Then, in step S29, if the ultrasound probe 10 to be used is selected (step S29: Yes), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 lights up the main unit light-emitting element 312 or the adapter light-emitting element 102 (step S31). This process of lighting up the main unit light-emitting element 312 or the adapter light-emitting element 102 is realized by the lighting function 33i in the processing circuit 33. Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 lights up the main unit light-emitting element 312 or the adapter light-emitting element 102 based on the detection result in step S29. More specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 lights up the adapter light-emitting element 102 located near the adapter connector 101 to which the ultrasound probe 10 selected in step S31 is connected, or the main unit light-emitting element 312 located near the main unit connector 311.

[0068] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 highlights the main unit connector frame 711 or the adapter connector frame 712 (step S33). This highlighting process is realized by the probe connection status display screen display function 33d in the processing circuit 33. Specifically, based on the detection result in step S29, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 highlights and displays the main unit connector frame 711 or the adapter connector frame 712 of the selected ultrasound probe 10.

[0069] Figure 10 shows an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when an ultrasound probe 10 is selected in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 10(a) shows an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71 when an ultrasound probe 10 is selected, and Figure 10(b) shows the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection section 31 when an ultrasound probe 10 is selected. In the example shown in Figure 10, in step S29, the ultrasound probe P2 is selected as the ultrasound probe 10 to be used. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10(b), in step S31, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 lights up the main unit light-emitting element 312B located near the main unit connector 311B to which the ultrasound probe P2 is connected. Also, as shown in Figure 10(a), in step S33, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 emphasizes that the ultrasound probe P2 has been selected by displaying the frame color of the main unit connector frame 711b, shown by a thick line, in the same color as the main unit light-emitting element 312.

[0070] In step S33, the method of highlighting the main unit connector frame 711 or adapter connector frame 712 to indicate that the ultrasonic probe P2 has been selected is not limited to displaying the frame color in the same color as the main unit light-emitting element 312. That is, the method of highlighting is arbitrary. For example, the frame color of the selected main unit connector frame 711 or adapter connector frame 712 may be changed to be different from the frame color of the unselected main unit connector frame 711 or adapter connector frame 712, the inner color of the selected main unit connector frame 711 or adapter connector frame 712 may be changed, or the frame of the selected main unit connector frame 711 or adapter connector frame 712 may be made thicker. Also, if the indicator representing the adapter connector 101 and the indicator representing the main unit connector 311 are icons, the color of the selected icon may be changed to highlight it.

[0071] On the other hand, if no ultrasound probe 10 is selected in step S29 (step S29: No), and after the completion of step S33, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 repeats the process from step S13.

[0072] The probe connection status display process according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, is repeatedly executed while the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is in use, such as when the power is ON, and terminates when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is not in use, such as when the power is OFF.

[0073] As described above, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the probe connection status display screen SC1 is displayed on the touch command screen 71, and when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit 30, the adapter connector frame 712 is displayed instead of the main unit connector frame 711, and the probe connection status display screen SC1 is updated so that the arrangement of the main unit connector frame 711 and the adapter connector frame 712 matches the arrangement of the main unit connector 311 and the adapter connector 101. Therefore, even when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit 30, the possibility of the user becoming confused can be reduced.

[0074] [Modification of the first embodiment] Note that the adapter 100 is not necessarily limited to one per the device body 30. Figure 11A shows an example of a case in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment in which multiple adapters 100 are connected to the main unit connection section 31. As shown in Figure 11A(b), two adapters 100A and 100B are connected to the main unit connection section 31, one to the main unit connector 311A ​​and the other to the main unit connector 311C. Therefore, in step S19, as shown in Figure 11A(a), the probe connection status display screen SC1 of the touch command screen 71 displays adapter connector frames 712a and 712d instead of the main unit connector frame 711a, and in step S19, adapter connector frames 712c and 712e are displayed instead of the main unit connector frame 711c.

[0075] The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 then updates the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 on the probe connection status display screen SC1 so that the arrangement of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1 from a predetermined direction matches the arrangement of the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection section 31 from a predetermined direction. In other words, in this embodiment, the arrangement of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 is updated so that the arrangement of the adapter connector frame 712d, adapter connector frame 712a, main unit connector frame 711b, adapter connector frame 712c, and adapter connector frame 712e displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1 from the right matches the arrangement of the adapter connector 101D, adapter connector 101A, main unit connector 311B, adapter connector 101C, and adapter connector 101E in the main unit connection section 31 shown in Figure 11A(b) from the top. As shown in Figure 11A(a), the probe connection status display screen SC1 displays the adapter connector frame 712d, adapter connector frame 712a, main unit connector frame 711b, adapter connector frame 712c, and adapter connector frame 712e in that order from right to left.

[0076] Thus, even when multiple adapters 100 are connected to the main unit connection section 31, the probe connection status display screen SC1 is updated so that the arrangement of the main unit connector frame 711 and the adapter connector frame 712 matches the arrangement of the main unit connector 311 and the adapter connector 101. This reduces the possibility of user confusion, similar to the first embodiment described above. Note that the number of adapters 100 connected to the main unit connection section 31 is not limited to two. In other words, the number of adapters 100 connected to the main unit connection section 31 is arbitrary, and three or more adapters 100 may be connected to the main unit connection section 31.

[0077] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311, or when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the main unit connector 311 or the adapter 100. However, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may also update the probe connection status display screen SC1 when the adapter 100 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311, or when the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 or the adapter 100.

[0078] Specifically, the case where the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the adapter 100 will be explained using, for example, Figures 6 and 9. In Figures 6 and 9, if the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 connected to the adapter connectors 101A and 101D, as shown in Figure 9(b), are disconnected from the adapter connectors 101A and 101D, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may update the probe connection status display screen SC1 so as to delete the probe connection information related to the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 displayed in the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d, respectively, as shown in Figure 9(a), from the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d, as shown in Figure 6(a). Similarly, if the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may update the probe connection status display screen SC1 so as to delete the probe connection information from the main unit connector frame 711, just as in the case where the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the adapter 100.

[0079] Furthermore, the case in which the adapter 100, to which the ultrasound probe 10 is not connected, is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 will be explained, for example, using Figures 6 and 11B. In Figures 6 and 11B, Figure 11B is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. In the example shown in Figures 6 and 11B, if the adapter 100 connected to the main unit connector 311A ​​shown in Figure 6(b) is disconnected from the main unit connector 311A ​​as shown in Figure 11B(b), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may display the main unit connector frame 711a on the probe connection status display screen SC1 as shown in Figure 11B(a), instead of the adapter connector frame 712a and adapter connector frame 712d displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1 shown in Figure 6(a), and update the probe connection status display screen SC1 so that the arrangement of the main unit connectors 311 and the arrangement of the main unit connector frames 711 match.

[0080] Furthermore, the case where the adapter 100 to which the ultrasound probe 10 is connected is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 will be explained, for example, using Figures 9 and 11B. In Figures 9 and 11B, if the adapter 100, which is connected to the main unit connector 311A ​​shown in Figure 9(b) and to which the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 are connected, is disconnected from the main unit connector 311A ​​as shown in Figure 11B(b), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may display the main unit connector frame 711a on the probe connection status display screen SC1 as shown in Figure 11B(a), instead of the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d, which display probe connection information related to the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 shown in Figure 9(a), and update the probe connection status display screen SC1 so that the arrangement of the main unit connectors 311 matches the arrangement of the main unit connector frames 711.

[0081] Thus, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment described above, even if the adapter 100 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311, or if the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 or the adapter 100, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment described above, the possibility of user confusion can be reduced.

[0082] [Second Embodiment] In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is equipped with a touch command screen 71, and the probe connection status display screen SC1 is displayed on the touch command screen 71, and the probe connection status display screen SC1 is operated via the touch command screen 71. However, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment, if the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is not equipped with a touch command screen 71, the probe connection status display screen is displayed on the display 50, and the probe connection status display screen can be operated via the operation panel 72. The differences from the first embodiment described above will be explained below.

[0083] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 1 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Figure 12, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1a according to this embodiment differs from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above in that it does not have a touch command screen 71. The configuration other than the absence of the touch command screen 71 is the same as that of Figure 1 in the first embodiment described above, so its description is omitted. The adapter connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment is the same as that of Figure 2 in the first embodiment described above, so its description is omitted. In addition, the electrical configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment is the same as that of Figure 3 in the first embodiment described above, so its description is omitted.

[0084] The probe connection status display process performed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. That is, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a in this embodiment also performs the probe connection status display process shown in Figure 4.

[0085] As shown in Figure 4, first, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a displays the probe connection status screen (step S11). Specifically, in this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a displays the probe connection status screen on the display 50. The display 50 corresponds to the display unit in this embodiment.

[0086] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 5 in the first embodiment described above. Figure 13(a) is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen displayed on the display 50, and Figure 13(b) is a diagram showing the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection part 31. Note that Figure 13(b) is the same as Figure 5(b) in the first embodiment described above, so its explanation is omitted.

[0087] As shown in Figure 13(a), the probe connection status display screen SC2 on the display 50 displays the main unit connector frames 711a, 711b, and 711c in order from top to bottom, matching the arrangement of the main unit connectors 311. The main unit connector frame 711a displays "A," which is the probe port name of the main unit connector 311A ​​to which the ultrasonic probe P1 is connected, and "Probe 1," which is the probe name of the ultrasonic probe P1. Similarly, the main unit connector frames 711b and 711c display "B" and "C," which are the probe port names of the ultrasonic probes P2 and P3, and "Probe 2" and "Probe 3," respectively, as shown in the main unit connector frame 711a. In the example shown in Figure 13(a), the probe port names are displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC2, but it is not necessary to display the probe port names.

[0088] The processes from step S13 to step S17 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0089] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a updates the probe connection status display screen (step S19). Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a according to this embodiment updates the probe connection status display screen SC2 based on the detection result in step S13.

[0090] Step S19 will be explained in more detail using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC2 when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 6 in the first embodiment described above. Figure 14(a) is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC2 displayed on the display 50 when the adapter 100 is connected, and Figure 14(b) is a diagram showing the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection part 31 when the adapter 100 is connected. The example shown in Figure 14(b) is the same as Figure 6(b) described above, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0091] In step S19 of this embodiment, based on the identification result identified in step S15 and the adapter information acquired in step S17, the probe connection status display screen SC2 is updated to display adapter connector frames 712a and 712d instead of the main unit connector frame 711a. In addition, in step S19 of this embodiment, the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 are updated so that their arrangement from above matches the arrangement from above of the adapter connector 101 of the adapter 100 connected to the main unit connection section 31 and the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection section 31. In other words, the order of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main connector frame 711 is updated so that the order of the adapter connector frame 712d, adapter connector frame 712a, main unit connector frame 711b, and main unit connector frame 711c displayed from above on the probe connection status display screen SC2 matches the order of the adapter connector 101D, adapter connector 101A, main unit connector 311B, and main unit connector 311C displayed from above on the main unit connection section 31 shown in Figure 14(b). Then, as shown in Figure 14(a), the probe connection status display screen SC2 displays the adapter connector frame 712d, adapter connector frame 712a, main unit connector frame 711b, and main unit connector frame 711c from above. Alternatively, for example, if the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311 are arranged horizontally, the order of the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311 from right to left may match the order of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 from above.

[0092] In step S19, when updating the probe connection status display screen SC2, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a may update the probe connection status display screen SC2 to highlight each of the adapter connector frames 712 in order to emphasize that the adapter 100 has been connected. Figures 15 and 16 are diagrams showing other examples of the probe connection status display screen SC2 when the adapter 100 is connected to the main body connector 311 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a according to this embodiment, and correspond to Figure 14. The parts that differ from Figure 14 will be described below.

[0093] In the probe connection status display screen SC2 shown in Figure 15, the probe port name and a graphic surrounding the probe name are displayed within the adapter connector frame 712d and adapter connector frame 712a, respectively, to emphasize that the adapter 100 is connected, thereby highlighting the adapter connector frame 712. Furthermore, in the probe connection status display screen SC2 shown in Figure 16, the subscript "Adapt" is added to the probe port name displayed in the adapter connector frame 712d and adapter connector frame 712a to emphasize that it is the adapter connector frame 712. By highlighting the adapter connector frame 712 in this way, the user can more easily recognize that the adapter 100 is connected in the probe connection status display screen SC2. Note that the method of emphasizing that the adapter 100 is connected in the probe connection status display screen SC2 is not limited to the cases shown in Figures 15 and 16. In other words, the method for highlighting that the adapter 100 is connected on the probe connection status display screen SC2 is arbitrary; for example, the adapter connector frame 712 may be surrounded by a different color from the main unit connector frame 711.

[0094] The processes from step S20 to step S25 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0095] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a updates the probe connection status display screen SC2 (step S27). Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a according to this embodiment updates the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 on the probe connection status display screen SC2 based on the identification result identified in step S23 and the probe information acquired in step S25, and displays the connection information based on the probe information acquired in step S25 on the main unit connector frame 711 or the adapter connector frame 712.

[0096] Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC2 when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the adapter connector 101 in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1a according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 9 in the first embodiment described above. Figure 17(a) is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC2 displayed on the display 50 when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected, and Figure 17(b) is a diagram showing the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main body connector 311 of the main body connection part 31 when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected. The example shown in Figure 17(b) is the same as Figure 9(b) described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0097] Then, in step S27 of this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a displays the probe names "Probe 1" and "Probe 4" for ultrasound probes P1 and P4, respectively, on the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d as probe connection information based on the probe information of ultrasound probes P1 and P4, based on the identification result identified in step S23 and the probe information acquired in step S25. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 17(a), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a updates the probe connection status display screen SC2 to display the probe connection information for ultrasound probes P1 and P4 on the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d, respectively, as shown in the example in Figure 14(a).

[0098] After the processing in step S27, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a determines whether or not an ultrasound probe 10 to be used has been selected (step S29). Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a according to this embodiment determines whether or not it has detected from the user via the operation panel 72 that an ultrasound probe 10 to be used for diagnosis has been selected. More specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a receives the selection of an ultrasound probe 10 from the user via the operation panel 72 to the probe connection status display screen SC2 displayed on the display 50, and determines whether or not it has detected that an ultrasound probe 10 to be used for diagnosis has been selected.

[0099] The processes in steps S31 and S33 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0100] Figure 18A is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC2 when the ultrasound probe 10 is selected in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1a according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 10 in the first embodiment described above. Figure 18A(a) is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC2 displayed on the display 50 when the ultrasound probe 10 is selected, and Figure 18A(b) is a diagram showing the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection part 31 when the ultrasound probe 10 is selected. In this embodiment, in the example shown in Figure 18A, the ultrasound probe P2 is selected as the ultrasound probe 10 to be used in step S29. Note that Figure 18A(b) is the same as Figure 10(b) in the first embodiment described above, so its explanation is omitted. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18A(a), in step S33, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a highlights the probe name "Probe 2" displayed on the main unit connector frame 711b of the probe connection status display screen SC2 by making it bold, in order to indicate that the ultrasound probe P2 has been selected. Note that the method of highlighting the selection of the ultrasound probe 10 is not limited to making it bold. That is, the method of highlighting the selection of the ultrasound probe 10 is arbitrary, and for example, the color of the main unit connector frame 711 or the adapter connector frame 712 may be changed to highlight it.

[0101] As described above, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1a according to this embodiment, even if a touch command screen 71 is not provided, the probe connection status display screen SC2 is displayed on the display 50, and when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit 30, the adapter connector frame 712 is displayed instead of the main unit connector frame 711, and the probe connection status display screen SC2 is updated so that the arrangement of the main unit connector frame 711 and the adapter connector frame 712 matches the arrangement of the main unit connector 311 and the adapter connector 101. Therefore, as in the first embodiment described above, even when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit 30, the possibility of the user becoming confused can be reduced.

[0102] [Modified version of the second embodiment] Furthermore, the adapter 100 is not necessarily provided only once for the main body 30 of the device. In other words, the number of adapters 100 provided for the main body 30 of the device is arbitrary, and two or more adapters may be provided for the main body 30. Even when two or more adapters are provided for the main body 30 in this way, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a updates the probe connection status display screen SC2 to match the arrangement of the main body connector 311 and the adapter connector 101.

[0103] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a updates the probe connection status display screen SC2 when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311, or when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the main unit connector 311 or the adapter 100. However, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a may also update the probe connection status display screen SC2 when the adapter 100 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311, or when the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 or the adapter 100, similar to the modification of the first embodiment described above.

[0104] Specifically, the case where the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the adapter 100 will be explained using, for example, Figures 14 and 17. In the example shown in Figures 14 and 17, if the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 connected to the adapter connectors 101A and 101D, as shown in Figure 17(b), are disconnected from the adapter connectors 101D and 101A, as shown in Figure 14(b), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a may update the probe connection status display screen SC2 so as to delete the probe connection information related to the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 displayed in the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d, respectively, as shown in Figure 14(a). Furthermore, if the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a may update the probe connection status display screen SC2 to delete the probe connection information from the main unit connector frame 711, similar to the case where the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the adapter 100.

[0105] Furthermore, the case in which the adapter 100, to which the ultrasound probe 10 is not connected, is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 will be explained, for example, using Figures 14 and 18B. In the example shown in Figures 14 and 18B, Figure 18B is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC2 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a according to a modified example of the second embodiment. In the example shown in Figures 14 and 18B, if the adapter 100 connected to the main unit connector 311A ​​shown in Figure 14(b) is disconnected from the main unit connector 311A ​​as shown in Figure 18B(b), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a may display the main unit connector frame 711a on the probe connection status display screen SC2 as shown in Figure 18B(a), instead of the adapter connector frame 712a and adapter connector frame 712d displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC2 shown in Figure 14(a), and update the probe connection status display screen SC2 so that the arrangement of the main unit connectors 311 and the arrangement of the main unit connector frames 711 match.

[0106] Furthermore, the case where the adapter 100 to which the ultrasound probe 10 is connected is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 will be explained, for example, using Figures 17 and 18B. In the example shown in Figures 17 and 18B, if the adapter 100, which is connected to the main unit connector 311A ​​shown in Figure 17(b) and to which the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 are connected, is disconnected from the main unit connector 311A ​​as shown in Figure 18B(b), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a may display the main unit connector frame 711a on the probe connection status display screen SC2 as shown in Figure 18B(a), instead of the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d which display probe connection information related to the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 shown in Figure 17(a), and update the probe connection status display screen SC2 so that the arrangement of the main unit connectors 311 matches the arrangement of the main unit connector frames 711.

[0107] Thus, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a according to the second embodiment described above, even if the adapter 100 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311, or if the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 or the adapter 100, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1a updates the probe connection status display screen SC2. Therefore, similar to the second embodiment described above, the possibility of user confusion can be reduced.

[0108] [Third Embodiment] In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the probe connection status display screen SC1 was updated so that the arrangement of the main unit connector frame 711 and the adapter connector frame 712 matched the arrangement of the main unit connector 311 and the adapter connector 101. However, it is not always necessary for the arrangement of the main unit connector frame 711 and the adapter connector frame 712 to match the arrangement of the main unit connector 311 and the adapter connector 101. Therefore, in the third embodiment, it is also possible to update the probe connection status display screen SC1 so that the arrangement of the main unit connector frame 711 and the adapter connector frame 712 corresponds to the respective arrangements of the main unit connector 311 and the adapter connector 101. The following describes the parts that differ from the first embodiment described above. In this embodiment, the appearance of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1, the adapter 100 connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1, and the electrical configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 are the same as in Figures 1 to 3 of the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted. Although the main body light-emitting element 312 and the adapter light-emitting element 102 are not shown in the following description, they are provided on the adapter 100 and the main body connection section 31.

[0109] The probe connection status display process performed in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. That is, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 in this embodiment also performs the probe connection status display process shown in Figure 4. Note that the processes from step S11 to step S19 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0110] Figure 19 shows an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 6 in the first embodiment described above. Figure 19(a) shows an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71 when the adapter 100 is connected, and Figure 19(b) shows the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection part 31 when the adapter 100 is connected. Note that the example shown in Figure 19(b) is the same as Figure 6(b) in the first embodiment described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0111] In step S19 of this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 to display adapter connection information within the main unit connector frame 711 and to display adapter connector frame 712 at a location separate from the main unit connector frame 711, based on the identification result identified in step S15 and the adapter information acquired in step S17. Specifically, the identification result identified in step S15 is that adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311A, and the adapter information is that there are two adapter connectors 101. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the screen to display adapter connection information within the main unit connector frame 711a shown in Figure 19(b), and to display two adapter connector frames 712a and 712d at a location separate from the main unit connector frame 711. As shown in Figure 19(a), in the probe connection status display screen SC1 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, a diagonal line is displayed on the main unit connector frame 711a as adapter connection information, and adapter connector frames 712a and 712d are displayed at a predetermined distance from the main unit connector frame 711. As shown in Figure 19(a), the adapter connector frame 712 may be displayed in an emphasized manner. The adapter connection information is information indicating that the adapter 100 has been connected. Adapter connection information may include, for example, the diagonal line shown in Figure 19(a), or characters or graphics indicating the adapter.

[0112] Furthermore, in step S19 of this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 on the probe connection status display screen SC1 so that they correspond to the arrangement of the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311, respectively.

[0113] Here, the relationship corresponding to the respective arrangement of the adapter connector 101 and the main connector 311 is that the arrangement of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main connector frame 711 from a predetermined direction matches the arrangement of the adapter connector 101 and the main connector 311 from a predetermined direction. For example, the arrangement of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main connector frame 711 from the rightward direction may match the arrangement of the adapter connector 101 and the main connector 311 from the topward direction, and the arrangement of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main connector frame 711 from the leftward direction may match the arrangement of the adapter connector 101 and the main connector 311 from the topward direction.

[0114] In this embodiment, the adapter connector frame 712 and the main body connector frame 711 are updated so that their arrangement from right to left matches the arrangement of the adapter connector 101 of the adapter 100 connected to the main body connection section 31 and the main body connector 311 of the main body connection section 31, respectively, from top to bottom. In other words, the arrangement of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main body connector frame 711 is updated so that their arrangement from right to left as displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1 matches the arrangement of the adapter connector 101 and the main body connector 311 from top to bottom in the main body connection section 31 shown in Figure 19(b). Then, as shown in Figure 6(a), they are displayed in the order of main body connector frame 711b, main body connector frame 711c, adapter connector frame 712d, and adapter connector frame 712a from right to left.

[0115] Therefore, in step S19, in a manner that allows recognition that the adapter 100 has been connected to the main unit connector 311, the updated probe connection status display screen SC1 includes adapter connector frames 712d and 712a, and the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 so that the order of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 in the probe connection status display screen SC1 corresponds to the order of the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection section 31, respectively. Note that in Figure 19(a), the adapter connector frame 712 does not need to be highlighted.

[0116] In addition, when highlighting the adapter connector frame 712, other methods of highlighting may be used. Figure 20 is a diagram showing another example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when the adapter 100 is connected to the main body connector 311 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment, and is a diagram corresponding to Figure 19. The parts of Figure 20 that differ from Figure 19 will be explained below.

[0117] In the probe connection status display screen SC1 shown in Figure 20, to emphasize that the adapter 100 is connected, "Adpt" is displayed on the main connector frame 711a of the main connector 311A ​​to which the adapter 100 is connected, and "Port A:Adpt" is displayed at the top of the adapter connector frame 712 to emphasize the adapter connector frame 712. By emphasizing the adapter connector frame 712 in this way, the user can recognize that the adapter 100 is connected by checking the probe connection status display screen SC1. Note that the method of emphasizing that the adapter 100 is connected in the probe connection status display screen SC1 is not limited to the case shown in Figure 20. In other words, the method of emphasizing that the adapter 100 is connected in the probe connection status display screen SC1 is arbitrary, and for example, the frame color of the main connector frame 711 on the main connector 311 to which the adapter 100 is connected may be matched with the frame color of the adapter connector frame 712.

[0118] The processes from step S20 to step S27 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0119] Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when an ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the adapter connector 101 in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 9 in the first embodiment described above. Figure 21(a) is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71 when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected, and Figure 21(b) is a diagram showing the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main body connector 311 of the main body connection part 31 when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected. Note that the example shown in Figure 21(b) is the same as Figure 9(b) in the first embodiment described above, so the explanation is omitted. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 to display probe connection information related to ultrasound probes P1 and P4 on the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d, respectively, from the example shown in Figure 19(a).

[0120] The processing in steps S29 to S33 is the same as in the first embodiment described above, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0121] As described above, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the probe connection status display screen SC1 is displayed on the touch command screen 71, and when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit 30, the adapter connector frame 712 is displayed, and the probe connection status display screen SC1 is updated so that the arrangement of the main unit connector frame 711 and the adapter connector frame 712 corresponds to the arrangement of the main unit connector 311 and the adapter connector 101, respectively. Therefore, even when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit 30, the possibility of the user becoming confused can be reduced.

[0122] [Modified example of the third embodiment] Note that the adapter 100 is not necessarily limited to one per the main unit 30. Figure 22 shows an example of a case in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment in which multiple adapters 100 are connected to the main unit connection section 31. As shown in Figure 22(b), two adapters 100A and 100B are connected to the main unit connection section 31, to the main unit connector 311A ​​and the main unit connector 311C, and the order of the adapter connectors 101 and the main unit connector 311 is, from top to bottom, adapter connector 101D, adapter connector 101A, main unit connector 311B, adapter connector 101C, and adapter connector 101E. Also, as shown in Figure 22(a), the probe connection status display screen SC1 of the touch command screen 71 displays the main unit connector frame 711b and the adapter connector frames 712d, 712a, 712c, and 712e from right to left. Thus, even when multiple adapters 100 are connected to the main unit connection section 31, the arrangement of the main unit connector frame 711, the adapter connector frame 712 of adapter 100A, and the adapter connector frame 712 of adapter 100B corresponds to the arrangement of the adapter connectors 101 and main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection section 31 when viewed from above. This relationship corresponds to the arrangement of the adapter connectors 101 and main unit connector 311, thus reducing the possibility of confusion for the user. Note that the number of adapters 100 connected to the main unit connection section 31 is not limited to two. In other words, the number of adapters 100 connected to the main unit connection section 31 is arbitrary, and three or more adapters 100 may be connected to the main unit connection section 31.

[0123] Furthermore, in the third embodiment described above, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311, or when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the main unit connector 311 or the adapter 100. However, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may also update the probe connection status display screen SC1 when the adapter 100 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311, or when the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 or the adapter 100, similar to the modification of the first embodiment described above.

[0124] Specifically, the case where the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the adapter 100 will be explained using Figures 19 and 21 as an example. In the example shown in Figures 19 and 21, when the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 connected to the adapter connectors 101A and 101D, as shown in Figure 21(b), are disconnected from the adapter connectors 101A and 101D, as shown in Figure 19(b), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 so as to delete the probe connection information related to the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 displayed on the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d, as shown in Figure 21(a), from the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d, as shown in Figure 19(a). Furthermore, if the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may update the probe connection status display screen SC1 to delete the probe connection information from the main unit connector frame 711, similar to the case where the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the adapter 100.

[0125] Furthermore, the case where the adapter 100, to which the ultrasound probe 10 is not connected, is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 will be explained, for example, using Figures 11B and 19. In the example shown in Figures 11B and 19, if the adapter 100 connected to the main unit connector 311A ​​shown in Figure 19(b) is disconnected from the main unit connector 311A ​​as shown in Figure 11B(b), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 deletes the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1 shown in Figure 19(a), and the adapter connection information displayed on the main unit connector frame 711a, and updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 as shown in Figure 11B(a).

[0126] Furthermore, the case where the adapter 100 to which the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 will be explained, for example, using Figures 11B and 21. In the example shown in Figures 11B and 21, if the adapter 100, which is connected to the main unit connector 311A ​​shown in Figure 21(b) and to which ultrasonic probes P1 and P4 are connected, is disconnected from the main unit connector 311A ​​as shown in Figure 11B(b), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 deletes the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d, which display probe connection information related to ultrasonic probes P1 and P4 as shown in Figure 21(a), and the adapter connection information displayed on the main unit connector frame 711a, and updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 as shown in Figure 11(a).

[0127] Thus, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the third embodiment described above, even if the adapter 100 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311, or if the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 or the adapter 100, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment described above, the possibility of user confusion can be reduced.

[0128] [Fourth Embodiment] In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the adapter connector frame 712 is displayed instead of the main unit connector frame 711 on the probe connection status display screen SC1. However, in the fourth embodiment, it is also possible to display the adapter connector frame 712 within the main unit connector frame 711. The differences from the first embodiment described above will be explained below. In this embodiment, the appearance of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1, the adapter 100 connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1, and the electrical configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 are the same as in Figures 1 to 3 of the first embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0129] The probe connection status display process performed in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. That is, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 in this embodiment also performs the probe connection status display process shown in Figure 4. Note that the process in step S11 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, so its explanation is omitted.

[0130] Figure 23 is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen displayed on the touch command screen 71 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 5 in the first embodiment described above. Figure 23(a) is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen displayed on the touch command screen 71, and Figure 23(b) is a diagram showing the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main body connector 311 of the main body connection section 31. As shown in Figure 23(b), the ultrasound probe 10 is not connected to the main body connector 311A ​​of the main body connection section 31, and ultrasound probes P2 and P3 are connected to the main body connectors 311B and 311C of the main body connection section 31, respectively, in order from top to bottom. Also, as shown in Figure 23(a), the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71 displays the main body connector frames 711a, 711b, and 711c, which are indicators representing the main body connector 311, in order from right to left, matching the order in which the main body connectors 311 are arranged from top to bottom. Furthermore, the main unit connector frames 711b and 711c, to which the ultrasonic probes P2 and P3 are connected, display their respective product numbers "P2" and "P3" along with diagrams schematically showing the shapes of the ultrasonic probes P2 and P3.

[0131] The processes from step S13 to step S19 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0132] Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 6 in the first embodiment described above. Figure 24(a) is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71 when the adapter 100 is connected, and Figure 24(b) is a diagram showing the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection part 31 when the adapter 100 is connected. The example shown in Figure 24(b) is the same as that of Figure 6(b) described above, so no explanation is given. In this embodiment, when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connection part 31, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 displays an adapter frame 713, which is a marker representing the adapter 100, outside the main unit connector frame 711 on the probe connection status display screen SC1, based on the identification result identified in step S15. Furthermore, when the adapter frame 713 is displayed outside the main unit connector frame 711, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 displays the main unit connector frame 711, which is displayed inside the adapter frame 713, to emphasize that the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311.

[0133] Specifically, as shown in Figure 24(a), in a manner that allows recognition that the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector frame, the probe connection status display screen SC1 displays the main unit connector frames 711a, 711b, and 711c, displayed within the adapter frame 713, in order from right to left. The main unit connector frames 711b and 711c display probe connection information for ultrasound probes P2 and P3. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24(a), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 faintly displays the frame of the main unit connector frame 711a displayed within the adapter frame 713 to emphasize that the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311. Although a frame shape is used as a marker to represent the adapter 100, the marker for the adapter 100 is not limited to a frame. That is, the marker to represent the adapter 100 is arbitrary and may be, for example, an icon or a marker. Furthermore, in order to emphasize that the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 displays the frame of the main unit connector frame 711a within the adapter frame 713 in a faint color. However, the manner in which the connection of the adapter 100 to the main unit connector 311 is emphasized is not limited to this. In other words, the manner in which the connection of the adapter 100 to the main unit connector 311 is emphasized is arbitrary, and for example, the color of the frame of the main unit connector frame 711a displayed within the adapter frame 713 may be changed. This adapter frame 713 corresponds to the third marking section in this embodiment.

[0134] The processes from step S20 to step S27 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0135] Figure 25 shows an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when an ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the adapter connector 101 in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 25(a) shows an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71 when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected, and Figure 25(b) shows the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection section 31 when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected. In the example shown in Figure 25(b), compared to the example shown in Figure 24(b), ultrasound probes P1 and P4 are connected to the adapter connectors 101A and 101D, respectively.

[0136] In step S27 of this embodiment, based on the identification result of the main unit connector 311 to which the adapter 100 identified in step S17 is connected, and the identification result of the main unit connector 311 or adapter connector 101 to which the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected identified in step S23, the adapter connector frame 712 on the probe connection status display screen SC1 is updated to display within the main unit connector frame 711 when the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected to the adapter connector 101. As shown in Figure 25(a), since the identification result identified in step S23 is that ultrasonic probes P1 and P4 are connected to adapter connectors 101A and 101D, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 displays the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d within the adapter frame 713 instead of the main unit connector frame 711a. Thus, even when the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected to the adapter connector 101, the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d are displayed in the adapter frame 713 instead of the main unit connector frame 711a. As a result, the adapter frame 713 continues to be displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1, and if the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311, the connection of the adapter 100 can be determined at any time.

[0137] Furthermore, in step S27, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the adapter connector frame 712 and the main unit connector frame 711 on the probe connection status display screen SC1 so that the order of the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311 matches the order of the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311.

[0138] In step S27 of this embodiment, the adapter connector frame 712 and the main body connector frame 711 are updated so that the order of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main body connector frame 711 from right to left matches the order of the adapter connector 101 of the adapter 100 connected to the main body connection section 31 and the main body connector 311 of the main body connection section 31 from top to bottom. In other words, the order of the adapter connector frame 712d, adapter connector frame 712a, main body connector frame 711b, and main body connector frame 711c displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1 from right to left matches the order of the adapter connector 101D, adapter connector 101A, main body connector 311B, and main body connector 311C in the main body connection section 31 shown in Figure 25(b) so that the order of the adapter connector frame 712 and the main body connector frame 711 is updated so that the order of the adapter connector frame 712d, adapter connector frame 712a, main body connector frame 711b, and main body connector frame 711c displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1 from right to left matches the order of the adapter connector 101D, adapter connector 101A, main body connector 311B, and main body connector 311C from top to bottom in the main body connection section 31 shown in Figure 25(b). As shown in Figure 25(a), the probe connection status display screen SC1 displays the adapter connector frame 712d, adapter connector frame 712a, main unit connector frame 711b, and main unit connector frame 711c in that order from right to left.

[0139] Furthermore, in step S27 of this embodiment, when the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected to the adapter connector 101 based on the probe information acquired in step S25, the probe connection information based on the acquired probe information is updated to correspond to the adapter connector frame 712. Specifically, the probe connection information of ultrasonic probe P1 is associated with the adapter connector frame 712a, and the probe connection information of ultrasonic probe P4 is associated with the adapter connector frame 712d.

[0140] Furthermore, in step S27 of this embodiment, when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the adapter connector 101, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the adapter connector frame 712 based on the adapter information acquired in step S17 so that the color of each frame of the adapter connector frame 712 is the same as the color of the adapter light-emitting element 102 provided near each adapter connector 101 corresponding to the adapter connector frame 712. The colors of these adapter light-emitting elements 102 are different from each other. In the example shown in Figure 25(a), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the adapter connector frame 712 so that the color of the adapter light-emitting element 102D is the same as the frame color of the adapter connector frame 712d, and the color of the adapter light-emitting element 102A is the same as the frame color of the adapter connector frame 712a.

[0141] The process in step S29 is the same as in the first embodiment described above, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0142] In step S29, the selection of the ultrasound probe 10 to be used is performed on the touch command screen 71. Specifically, the touch command screen 71 is a touch panel, and when the adapter connector frame 712 is displayed within the adapter frame 713, it accepts an input operation to select the adapter connector frame 712 displayed within the main unit connector frame 711 on the touch panel. Then, in step S29, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 detects the selection of the ultrasound probe 10 to be used.

[0143] An example of the input operation for selecting the ultrasound probe 10, performed in step S29, will be explained using Figures 26 to 28. Figures 26 to 28 are diagrams showing an example of the input operation for selecting the ultrasound probe 10, performed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment. First, as shown in Figure 26, the user long-presses the main unit connector frame 711 on the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71, where the adapter connector frame 712 is displayed. Then, as shown in Figure 27, by continuing to long-press, the adapter connector frame 712a and the adapter connector frame 712d are expanded and displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1. At this time, as shown in Figure 27, the adapter connector frame 712a and the adapter connector frame 712d display the respective product numbers "P1" and "P4" along with schematic diagrams showing the shapes of the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 as the probe connection information associated in step S27. With the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d unfolded, as shown in Figure 28, the user can select the ultrasonic probe 10 to be used by pressing and holding the touch command screen 71 and then performing a flick or swipe operation to select the adapter connector frame 712 displaying the probe to be used.

[0144] In the operation input shown in Figure 26, the touch command screen 71 is pressed and held; however, this operation input of pressing and holding the touch command screen 71 may be omitted. That is, the user may select the ultrasonic probe 10 to be used by placing their finger on the adapter frame 713 where the adapter connector frame 712 is displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71, and performing a flick or swipe operation without pressing and holding.

[0145] Furthermore, in the operation input shown in Figure 26, the user may perform a touch operation on the adapter frame 713 displaying the adapter connector frame 712 on the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71 to expand the adapter connector frame 712, and then perform a touch operation to select the adapter connector frame 712 displaying the probe to be used from among the expanded adapter connector frames 712.

[0146] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27, when the adapter connector frames 712d and 712a are unfolded, they are arranged from right to left so as to match the arrangement of the adapter connectors 101. However, the arrangement of the adapter connector frames 712 is not limited to this. That is, the arrangement of the adapter connector frames 712 is arbitrary. For example, the arrangement of the adapter connector frames 712d and 712a may be arranged from top to bottom so as to match the arrangement of the adapter connectors 101. Also, the arrangement of the adapter connector frames 712 when they are unfolded may be determined based on the adapter information acquired in step S17. For example, if the arrangement of the adapter connectors 101 in adapter 100 is from top to bottom, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may arrange the adapter connector frames 712 from right to left when they are unfolded, based on the adapter information.

[0147] The processes in steps S31 and S33 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0148] Figure 29 is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when the ultrasound probe 10 is selected in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 10 in the first embodiment described above. Figure 29(a) is a diagram showing an example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71 when the ultrasound probe 10 is selected, and Figure 29(b) is a diagram showing the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main unit connector 311 of the main unit connection part 31 when the ultrasound probe 10 is selected. In the example shown in Figure 10, in step S29, the ultrasound probe P4 is selected as the ultrasound probe 10 to be used. Therefore, as shown in Figure 29(b), in step S31, the adapter light-emitting element 102D provided near the adapter connector 101D to which the ultrasound probe P4 is connected is lit. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29(a), in step S33, the probe connection information of the selected ultrasonic probe P4 is displayed, and the color inside the adapter connector frame 712d is highlighted to be the same color as the adapter light-emitting element 102D located near the adapter connector 101D.

[0149] As described above, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the adapter connector frame 712 is displayed with the same size as the main unit connector frame 711. Therefore, even when the display size of the probe connection status display screen SC1 is limited, multiple adapter connector frames 712 can be displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1, thereby reducing the possibility of user confusion.

[0150] Furthermore, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the color of the adapter connector frame 712 displayed within the adapter frame 713 is made the same as the color of the adapter light-emitting element 102 provided near the adapter connector 101. This allows the user to visually understand the relationship between the ultrasound probe 10 connected to the adapter connector 101 and the ultrasound probe 10 displayed on the adapter connector frame 712, thereby reducing the possibility of confusion for the user.

[0151] [Modification of the fourth embodiment] In step S27, the case where ultrasound probes P4 and P1 are connected to adapter connectors 101D and 101A respectively was described, but there is also a case where only one ultrasound probe 10 is connected to adapter connector 101. Figure 30 is a diagram showing another example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when ultrasound probe 10 is connected to adapter connector 101 in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, and is a diagram corresponding to Figure 25. As shown in Figure 30(b), ultrasound probe P4 is connected to adapter connector 101D. Therefore, as shown in Figure 30(a), the adapter connector frame 712d is displayed within the adapter frame 713. Then, when an operation such as a flick operation or a swipe operation is performed on the adapter frame 713 on which the adapter connector frame 712d is displayed, the probe connection information of ultrasound probe P4 is displayed in the adapter connector frame 712d, as shown in Figure 31.

[0152] Furthermore, in step S27, if the arrangement of the main unit connector frame 711 and the adapter connector frame 712 matches the arrangement of the adapter connector 101 and the main unit connector 311 from a predetermined direction, the display mode of the probe connection status display screen SC1 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 25.

[0153] Figure 32 is a diagram showing another example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when an ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the adapter connector 101 in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 25. Figure 32(a) is a diagram showing another example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 displayed on the touch command screen 71 when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected, and Figure 32(b) is a diagram showing the connection status of the ultrasound probe 10 to the main body connector 311 of the main body connection part 31 when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected. As shown in Figure 32(a), the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 may display adapter connector frames 712a and 712d arranged in order from right to left within the adapter frame 713. In addition, the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d may display schematic diagrams showing the shapes of the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 associated with the adapter connector frame 712 as probe connection information.

[0154] Furthermore, in the probe connection status display screen SC1 shown in Figure 32, when an ultrasonic probe 10 is selected by a predetermined operation such as a flick or swipe on the adapter frame 713 displaying the adapter connector frame 712, the adapter connector frame 712 displaying the probe connection information for the selected ultrasonic probe 10 may be displayed larger within the adapter frame 713 than the adapter connector frame 712 that was not selected.

[0155] Figure 33 shows another example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when an ultrasound probe 10 is selected in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 33, when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 accepts the selection of an ultrasound probe P4, it displays the adapter connector frame 712d, which displays the probe connection information for the selected ultrasound probe P4, larger within the adapter frame 713 than the adapter connector frame 712a that was not selected.

[0156] In Figure 32, the case in which ultrasound probes P4 and P1 are connected to adapter connectors 101D and 101A respectively is explained, but there is also a case in which ultrasound probe 10 is connected to one of the adapter connectors 101. Figure 34 is a diagram showing another example of the probe connection status display screen SC1 when ultrasound probe 10 is connected to adapter connector 101 in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, and is a diagram corresponding to Figure 32. As shown in Figure 34(b), ultrasound probe P4 is connected to adapter connector 101D. Therefore, as shown in Figure 34(a), the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 may display an adapter connector frame 712d that is half the size in the width direction of the adapter frame 713, and the adapter connector frame 712d may display a diagram schematically showing the shape of ultrasound probe P4 as probe connection information. When an operation such as a flick operation or a swipe operation is performed on the adapter frame 713 on which the adapter connector frame 712d is displayed, the probe connection information of ultrasound probe P4 is displayed on the adapter connector frame 712d as shown in Figure 31, as shown in Figure 34.

[0157] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment described above, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 when the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311, or when the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the main unit connector 311 or the adapter 100. However, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may also update the probe connection status display screen SC1 when the adapter 100 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311, or when the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 or the adapter 100, similar to the modification of the first embodiment described above.

[0158] Specifically, the case where the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the adapter 100 will be explained using Figures 24 and 25 as an example. In Figures 24 and 25, if the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 connected to the adapter connectors 101A and 101D, as shown in Figure 25(b), are disconnected from the adapter connectors 101A and 101D, as shown in Figure 24(b), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 to display the main unit connector frame 711a shown in Figure 24(a) instead of the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d shown in Figure 25(a). In the case where the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may update the probe connection status display screen SC1 to delete the probe connection information from the main unit connector frame 711, similar to the case where the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the adapter 100.

[0159] Furthermore, the case where the adapter 100, to which the ultrasound probe 10 is not connected, is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 will be explained, for example, using Figures 23 and 24. In the example shown in Figures 23 and 24, if the adapter 100 connected to the main unit connector 311A ​​shown in Figure 24(b) is disconnected from the main unit connector 311A ​​as shown in Figure 23(b), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 deletes the adapter frame 713 displayed on the probe connection status display screen SC1 shown in Figure 24(a), and updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 so that the order of the main unit connectors 311 and the order of the main unit connector frames 711 match, as shown in Figure 23(a).

[0160] Furthermore, the case where the adapter 100 to which the ultrasound probe 10 is connected is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 will be explained, for example, using Figures 23 and 25. In the example shown in Figures 23 and 25, if the adapter 100, which is connected to the main unit connector 311A ​​shown in Figure 25(b) and to which the ultrasound probes P1 and P4 are connected, is disconnected from the main unit connector 311A ​​as shown in Figure 23(b), the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 deletes the adapter frame 713 shown in Figure 25(a), and instead of the adapter connector frames 712a and 712d which display probe connection information related to ultrasound probes P1 and P4, it displays the main unit connector frame 711a as shown in Figure 23(a), and updates the probe connection status display screen SC1 so that the arrangement of the main unit connectors 311 matches the arrangement of the main unit connector frames 711.

[0161] Thus, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the fourth embodiment described above, even if the adapter 100 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311, or if the ultrasound probe 10 is disconnected from the main unit connector 311 or the adapter 100, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 updates the probe connection status display screen SC1. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment described above, the possibility of user confusion can be reduced.

[0162] [Modifications of the First to Fourth Embodiments] Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the first to fourth embodiments described above may not be provided with a main unit light-emitting element 312 and an adapter light-emitting element 102. In this case, the lighting function 33i in the processing circuit 33 may not be provided. Also, if the main unit light-emitting element 312 and the adapter light-emitting element 102 are not provided, step S31 in the probe connection status display processing can be omitted.

[0163] Furthermore, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311, and then the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the adapter 100 connected to the main unit connector 311. However, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the ultrasound probe 10 may be connected to the adapter 100 first, and then the adapter 100 with the ultrasound probe 10 connected to it may be connected to the main unit connector 311. In this way, when the adapter 100 with the ultrasound probe 10 connected is connected to the main unit connector 311, in the probe connection status display process shown in Figure 4, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus determines that the adapter 100 is connected to the main unit connector 311 (step S13: Yes), identifies the main unit connector 311 to which the adapter 100 is connected (step S15), obtains adapter information for the adapter 100 connected to the main unit connector 311 (step S17), updates the probe connection status display screen (step S19), and determines that the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the adapter 100 (step S20). Then, the ultrasound diagnostic device will perform the processing from step S23 onwards, similar to the ultrasound diagnostic devices of the first to fourth embodiments described above. As described above, even when the adapter 100 to which the ultrasound probe 10 is connected is connected to the main unit connector 311, the ultrasound diagnostic devices of the first to fourth embodiments described above update the probe connection status display screen so that the arrangement of the main unit connector frame 711 and the adapter connector frame 712 matches the arrangement of the main unit connector 311 and the adapter connector 101. Thus, similar to the first to fourth embodiments described above, the possibility of user confusion can be reduced.

[0164] In the above explanation, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor functions by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 34. Alternatively, instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 34, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate the program into its circuitry. In this case, the processor functions by reading and executing the program incorporated into the circuitry. The processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit; it may also be configured by combining multiple independent circuits to form a single processor and achieve its functions. Furthermore, the multiple components shown in Figure 3 may be integrated into a single processor to achieve its functions.

[0165] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel apparatus and methods described herein can be implemented in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and methods described herein, without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and equivalents are intended to include such embodiments and modifications that are included in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1... Ultrasound diagnostic device, 10... Ultrasound probe, 30... Device body, 31... Main unit connection part, 32... Transmit / receive circuit, 33... Processing circuit, 34... Memory circuit, 35... Input interface, 36... Output interface, 50... Display, 70... Input device, 100... Adapter, 101... Adapter connector, 102... Adapter light-emitting element, 311... Main unit connector, 312... Main unit light-emitting element, 711... Main unit connector frame, 712... Adapter connector frame, 713... Adapter frame

Claims

1. A probe connection status display unit displays a probe connection status display screen, which is a screen that displays the connection status of an ultrasound probe, on the display unit. An adapter connection detection unit detects when an adapter, which is provided with multiple first connectors to which the ultrasound probe can be connected, is connected to a second connector of the main unit connection section for connecting the ultrasound probe, provided on the main unit of the ultrasound diagnostic device. An update unit updates the probe connection status display screen displayed on the display unit based on the detection result by the adapter connection detection unit, An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with the following features.

2. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the update unit updates the probe connection status display screen in a manner that allows recognition that the adapter has been connected to the second connector of the main unit connection unit.

3. Multiple second connectors are provided in the main body connection section. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the update unit updates the connection status of the ultrasound probe on the probe connection status display screen to match the arrangement of the first connector and the second connector.

4. Multiple second connectors are provided in the main body connection section. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the update unit updates the connection status of the ultrasound probe on the probe connection status display screen so that it corresponds to the arrangement order of the first connector and the second connector, respectively.

5. Multiple second connectors are provided in the main body connection section. The probe connection status display screen updated by the update unit includes a first indicator section which is an indicator representing the first connector and a second indicator section which is an indicator representing the second connector. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the update unit updates and displays the first indicator and the second indicator on the probe connection status display screen so as to match the arrangement of the first connector and the second connector.

6. Multiple second connectors are provided in the main body connection section. The probe connection status display screen updated by the update unit includes a first indicator section which is an indicator representing the first connector and a second indicator section which is an indicator representing the second connector. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the update unit updates and displays the first indicator and the second indicator on the probe connection status display screen so as to correspond to the respective arrangement order of the first connector and the second connector.

7. The adapter connection detection unit identifies the second connector to which the adapter is connected among the plurality of second connectors, and acquires adapter information, which is information relating to the adapter connected to the second connector. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the update unit updates the display of the first indicator unit in place of the second indicator unit representing the second connector for which the adapter has been identified, based on the identification result of the adapter connection detection unit and the adapter information.

8. The adapter connection detection unit identifies the second connector to which the adapter is connected among the plurality of second connectors, and acquires adapter information, which is information relating to the adapter connected to the second connector. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the update unit displays adapter connection information, which is information indicating that the adapter has been connected to the second indicator unit representing the second connector for which the detection of the adapter has been identified, based on the identification result of the adapter connection detection unit and the adapter information, and updates the display of the first indicator unit at a position away from the second indicator unit.

9. The system further includes a probe connection detection unit that detects when the ultrasonic probe is connected to the first connector or the second connector. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the update unit updates the connection status of the ultrasound probe on the probe connection status display screen based on the detection result by the probe connection detection unit.

10. The probe connection detection unit identifies the first connector or the second connector to which the ultrasonic probe is connected, and acquires probe information, which is information relating to the ultrasonic probe connected to the first connector or the second connector. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the update unit updates the connection status of the ultrasound probe on the probe connection status display screen based on the identification result of the probe connection detection unit and the probe information, and displays the probe connection information based on the probe information acquired by the probe connection detection unit on the first indicator unit or the second indicator unit.

11. The system further includes a probe connection detection unit that detects when the ultrasonic probe is connected to the first connector or the second connector. The adapter connection detection unit identifies the second connector to which the adapter is connected among the second connectors, The probe connection detection unit identifies the connector to which the ultrasonic probe is connected among the first connector and the second connector. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the update unit updates the display of the first indicator unit in place of the second indicator unit, which represents the second connector for which the adapter has been identified, when the ultrasound probe is connected to the first connector, based on the identification result of the adapter connection detection unit and the identification result of the probe connection detection unit.

12. The probe connection detection unit acquires probe information, which is information relating to the ultrasonic probe connected to the second connector. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the update unit updates the probe connection information based on the probe information acquired by the probe connection detection unit to correspond to the first marking unit when the ultrasound probe is connected to the first connector, based on the probe information.

13. The adapter connection detection unit acquires adapter information, which is information relating to the adapter connected to the second connector. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the update unit updates the first markers on the probe connection status display screen based on the adapter information when the ultrasound probe is connected to the first connector, so that the color of each marker on the first markers is the same as the color of each first light-emitting element provided near the first connector corresponding to the first marker.

14. The probe connection status display screen updated by the update unit includes a third indicator unit which is an indicator representing the adapter. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the display unit is configured as a touch panel, and when the first sign unit is displayed in the third sign unit, it accepts an operation input on the touch panel to select the first sign unit displayed in the third sign unit.

15. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the update unit updates the third indicator unit to display the second indicator unit outside the second indicator unit which represents the second connector for which the adapter has been identified, based on the identification result of the adapter connection detection unit.

16. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the updating unit updates the first labeling unit to highlight and display it.

17. A probe selection detection unit for detecting the selection of the ultrasonic probe, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising: a lighting unit that lights up a first light-emitting element provided near each of the first connectors or a second light-emitting element provided near each of the second connectors based on the detection result by the probe selection detection unit.

18. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the probe connection status display screen display unit displays the first indicator unit or the second indicator unit, which displays probe connection information corresponding to the selected ultrasound probe, based on the detection result of the probe selection detection unit, by highlighting it to the same color as the first light-emitting element provided on the first connector to which the selected ultrasound probe is connected, or the second light-emitting element provided on the second connector.

Images