Ultrasound diagnostic equipment

Abstract

To improve operability of an operation panel of an ultrasonic diagnostic device.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes a body housing, a display, an operation panel unit, and a support unit. The support unit supports the operation panel unit in a tiltable manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For imaging in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a user such as a technician brings the detection surface of an ultrasonic probe into contact with the diagnostic site of a subject, and while viewing the generated ultrasonic image, simultaneously performs operations such as appropriate gain adjustment, switching of imaging modes, and freezing via an operation panel. However, in conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, since the operation panel is fixedly connected to the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the user needs to perform operations according to the height of the operation panel.

[0003] For example, in the case of a lower limb examination, the user has to bend down and adopt a lower posture relative to the operation panel, which makes it difficult to operate the fixed operation panel. Furthermore, the ultrasonic image displayed on the screen may be blocked by the operation panel and become difficult for the bent user to see. In addition, in cases such as operation in a standing posture, the user is in a higher posture relative to the operation panel, which can similarly make it difficult to operate the operation panel. In addition, forcing the user to operate the operation panel in an awkward posture may prolong the examination time. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-126015 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve is to improve the operability of the control panel of an ultrasound diagnostic device. 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 each embodiment described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment comprises a main body housing, a display, an operation panel, and a support. The support provides tiltable support for the operation panel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing an example configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates how users operate the control panel of conventional ultrasound diagnostic equipment in an uncomfortable posture. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the control panel section according to the first embodiment in a tilted position. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates how a user operates the control panel, which is tilted downwards, in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the control panel section according to the first embodiment in a tilted position. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram showing one example configuration of the operation panel and support section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating an example of a stopper for a support portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing an example configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing one example configuration of the operation panel and support section according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram showing an example configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11]This diagram shows the positional relationship between the field of view of the image sensor and the user's field of view when the control panel is tilted downwards in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 100, a support part 10, an operation panel part 20, a display 30, a connection part 40, and wheels 60.

[0010] In this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Z-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is defined as the X-axis direction, the depth direction of the main body housing 100 is defined as the X-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the width direction of the main body housing 100 is defined as the Y-axis direction. Also, in Figure 1, the right side of the operation panel 20 is referred to as the rear side, and the left side is referred to as the front side.

[0011] The main housing 100 houses the device body 101 (see Figure 8). The device body 101 generates an ultrasound image based on the echo signal from the subject P received by the ultrasound probe 50.

[0012] The support section 10 is located at the rear of the control panel section 20, supports the control panel section 20 so that it can tilt, and is connected to the connection section 40. Details of the structure and operation will be described later.

[0013] The operation panel unit 20 includes, for example, a touch command screen and hard keys (both not shown). The touch command screen is configured including a display and a touch input circuit provided in the vicinity of the display. The touch input circuit provides information on an instruction position on the touch input circuit by a user to the apparatus main body 101. The hard keys include a keyboard, a mouse, a foot switch, a trackball, various buttons, and the like. The touch input circuit and the hard keys constitute an input circuit, and each receives various instructions from the user.

[0014] The operation panel unit 20 has, for example, a handle 23 on a lower surface on the front side thereof. The handle 23 is used as a grip, for example, when moving the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 during diagnosis, or when manually moving the operation panel unit 20 in a tilt direction as described later. The handle 23 is provided with a lever 24, and an operation of locking or unlocking the movement of the operation panel unit 20 in the tilt direction can be performed based on an operation of the lever 24 by a user. The lever 24 is, for example, formed of a member movable by an operation of gripping the handle 23, and may also be formed of a contact sensor operated by detection of a user's contact, a button operated by pressing, or the like.

[0015] The display 30 is formed of a general display output device such as a liquid crystal display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, for example, and displays an ultrasonic image such as a biological tissue image generated in the apparatus main body 101. Further, the display 30 displays, for example, an image for a user to input various instructions using the operation panel unit 20. Further, the display 30 displays notification information for a user received from the apparatus main body 101. The display 30 is connected to the main body housing 100 via a connecting unit 40, and may be rotatable about the Z-axis direction.

[0016] The connecting portion 40 connects the main body housing 100 to the operation panel portion 20 and the display 30. The connecting portion 40 includes, for example, a first connecting portion 41 and a second connecting portion 42. The first connecting portion 41 is attached to an upper part of the main body housing 100 so as to extend vertically upward from the main body housing 100 (in the positive direction of the Z axis), and supports the operation panel portion 20 via the supporting portion 10. The second connecting portion 42 is connected so as to further extend the first connecting portion 41 in the positive direction of the Z axis, and supports the display 30. The second connecting portion 42 may be rotatable such that the display 30 pivots about the Z-axis direction.

[0017] The ultrasonic probe 50 is detachably connected to the main body housing 100 via a cable. The ultrasonic probe 50 has a detector at a distal end thereof, and a plurality of piezoelectric elements are provided on an array surface of the detector. The plurality of piezoelectric elements generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied via the cable under the control of a transmitting / receiving circuit 130 (see FIG. 8) of the apparatus main body 101, and also receive reflected waves from the subject P and convert the reflected waves into electrical signals. Further, the ultrasonic probe 50 may be placed on the probe stand 22 when not in use.

[0018] Wheels 60 are provided at a lower portion of the main body housing 100. The wheels 60 are pivotable wheels, and may be composed of, for example, front wheels configured by a pair of casters or the like, and rear wheels connected to a drive device such as a motor and driven by receiving power assist from the motor in accordance with an operation by a user.

[0019] (Operability of Operation Panel) Herein, the operability of the operation panel will be described. First, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating how a user D operates an operation panel in a burdensome posture when using a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. During an examination, the user D brings a detection surface of the ultrasonic probe 50 into contact with a diagnostic region of the subject P with one hand, checks a generated ultrasonic image on the display 30, and simultaneously operates the operation panel portion 20 with the other hand.

[0020] Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, in conventional ultrasound diagnostic devices where the position of the control panel 20 is fixed, for example, in a lower limb examination of subject P, user D has to bend down to the height of the diagnostic site of subject P in order to bring the ultrasound probe 50 into contact with the lower limb of subject P with one hand. As a result, user D is in a low position relative to the control panel 20, making it difficult to operate the control panel with the other hand that is not holding the ultrasound probe 50.

[0021] To solve the aforementioned operability issues, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to allow the tilt angle of the control panel 20 to be changed.

[0022] Figure 3 shows the control panel 20 tilted downward. As mentioned above, a support 10 is provided at the rear of the control panel 20 (the rear side from the perspective of user D operating the control panel). The control panel 20 is configured to tilt downward, or both downward and upward, around a rotation axis provided in the support 10.

[0023] Figure 4 shows the effects of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, by tilting the control panel 20 downwards, even during lower limb examinations of the subject P, the user D is not forced to operate the control panel in an awkward posture, thus making operation of the control panel easier.

[0024] Figure 5 shows the control panel 20 tilted upward. When the control panel 20 is tilted upward, it becomes easier to operate the ultrasound probe 50 and the control panel simultaneously, for example, when user D is standing up from a chair while performing an examination.

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing one example configuration of the operation panel section 20 and support section 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stopper for the support section 10 according to the first embodiment. Note that Figures 6 and 7 show the support section 10 with its outer cover removed. An example of the support section 10 will be described in detail using Figures 6 and 7.

[0026] The support portion 10 is located at the rear of the control panel portion 20 and is connected to the first connection portion 41 of the connection portion 40. The support portion 10 supports the control panel portion 20 so as to tilt downward and upward around a rotation axis (shaft 15) provided on the support portion 10.

[0027] For example, the support section 10 mainly consists of a base 11 fixed to the first connection section 41 of the connection section 40, and a shaft 15 inserted into a through hole provided in the base 11, which serves as the axis for tilt rotation of the operation panel section 20.

[0028] The shaft 15 passes through a through hole provided in the base 11 along the Y-axis and is rotatable within the through hole. For example, the shaft 15 can be positioned on both sides of the base 11. The first sheet metal 13a and the second sheet metal 13b are fixed to each other by the first nut 14a and the second nut 14b, respectively. Furthermore, the first sheet metal 13a and the second sheet metal 13b are fixed to the rear surface of the operation panel section 20 by screws 17.

[0029] In this configuration, the shaft 15 rotates within the through-hole of the base 11 in conjunction with the tilt-down (downward tilt rotation) and tilt-up (upward tilt rotation) of the control panel 20.

[0030] For example, the first spring 12a and the second spring 12b are positioned between the base 11 and the first sheet metal 13a and the second sheet metal 13b on both sides, respectively. The first spring 12a and the second spring 12b may, for example, receive the load acting in the compression direction of the springs when the operation panel 20 is tilted downward or upward, and suppress the tilt rotation with the reaction force generated, or they may serve to supplement the rotational force for tilting the operation panel 20 downward or upward.

[0031] On the other hand, the base 11 is connected to the main body housing 100 as described above. Specifically, the base connecting portion 11b of the base 11 is connected to the first connecting portion 41 of the connecting portion 40 attached to the main body housing 100. The base 11 also has a hole through which the shaft 15 passes, along the Y-axis direction which is substantially parallel to the rear surface of the operation panel portion 20.

[0032] Alternatively, the base 11 may not have a hole through which the shaft 15 passes, but may have shaft bearings on both sides of the base 11, with a shaft on each side, and the shafts on both sides rotatably connected.

[0033] The base 11 may be provided with a stopper 11a that stops the operation panel 20 from tilting downward at a certain tilt angle. The stopper 11a prevents the operation panel 20 from tilting downward more than necessary. Therefore, even if an unexpected load is applied to the operation panel 20 from above, for example, the stopper 11a can prevent the operation panel 20 from hitting the main housing 100 or peripheral equipment 200 placed on the main housing 100. The base 11 may also be provided with a stopper (not shown) that stops the operation panel 20 from tilting upward at a certain tilt angle.

[0034] Furthermore, the support portion 10 is provided with a locking mechanism (not shown). The locking mechanism locks or unlocks the tilt movement of the support portion 10 around its rotation axis. The locking mechanism can hold the operation panel portion 20, which has been adjusted to a specific tilt angle by the support portion 10, at that specific tilt angle.

[0035] Manual downward and upward tilting of the control panel 20 is performed, for example, by operating the handle 23 on the control panel 20 and the lever 24 provided on the handle 23. The user, for example, operates the lever 24 to release the lock state, and then, with the lock state released, moves the control panel 20 by holding the handle 23 to tilt it downward and upward to the desired tilt angle (or a specific tilt angle). At this time, the shaft 15 rotates within the through hole of the base 11 in conjunction with the tilt angle of the control panel 20. After that, by operating the lever 24 to lock it again, the control panel 20 can be held at the specific tilt angle.

[0036] According to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of this embodiment, the control panel 20 can be tilted upward and downward at a desirable angle depending on the examination content and diagnostic area, so that the user's posture during the examination is not strained and the user's physical burden is reduced. In addition, it becomes easier for the user to operate the ultrasound probe 50 and the control panel simultaneously, and the operability of the control panel is also improved. Furthermore, the improved operability of the control panel can be expected to shorten the examination time and may also lead to a reduction in the physical burden on the subject.

[0037] To reduce the burden on the user, there is a known ultrasound diagnostic device in which a lifting mechanism is provided in the connection part 40, allowing the operation panel part 20 to move up and down while maintaining a fixed tilt angle. However, this type of device has a complex lifting mechanism and is relatively expensive. In contrast, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment has a simple configuration and can be manufactured at a low cost.

[0038] Furthermore, peripheral devices 200, such as printers and DVD recorders, may be placed on the top surface of the main unit housing 100. In known ultrasonic diagnostic devices in which the operation panel is raised and lowered by a lifting device, when the operation panel is lowered, it is not possible to secure space for the peripheral devices 200 on the top surface of the main unit housing 100. In contrast, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment, even when the operation panel 20 is tilted downward by the support unit 10, a gap is created between the operation panel 20 and the main unit housing 100, so there is no need to install the peripheral devices 200 in a separate location. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the decrease in workability that may occur when the peripheral devices 200 are installed in a separate location.

[0039] (Second embodiment) Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the operation panel 20 was tilted manually, whereas in the second embodiment, it is configured to be tilted automatically by a drive source 19 provided on the support unit 10. Furthermore, the operation of the support unit 10 by the drive source 19 is controlled by a processing circuit 110. Hereafter, components and operations that are substantially the same as those of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in Figure 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0040] The support unit 10 has a drive source 19. The drive source 19 may be a motor, for example, but any device that can convert energy into drive for the purpose of automatically tilting the support unit 10 is acceptable. In addition to electricity such as a motor, pneumatics, hydraulics, magnetism, heat, etc., may also be used.

[0041] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration of the operation panel section 20 and support section 10 according to the second embodiment, where the drive source 19 is a motor. When the drive source 19 is a motor, for example, as shown in Figure 9, the motor is housed in the upper part of the base 11 of the support section 10, and a motor gear fixed to the motor shaft and a shaft gear fixed to the shaft 15 mesh together, causing the shaft 15 to rotate as the motor rotates. In conjunction with this rotation of the shaft 15, the operation panel section 20, which is connected to the shaft 15 via the first sheet metal 13a and the second sheet metal 13b, tilts downward and upward.

[0042] The operation of the support unit 10 by the drive source 19 is controlled by the processing circuit 110. The processing circuit 110 has a dedicated or general-purpose processor and realizes various functions described later through software processing by executing various programs read from the input circuit of the operation panel unit 20 and the memory circuit 120. The processing circuit 110 also provides overall control for each component of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

[0043] The memory circuit 120 stores various processing programs used in the processing circuit 110, data necessary for program execution, ultrasound diagnostic images, etc. The memory circuit 120 has a configuration that includes a storage medium readable by the processor, such as a magnetic or optical storage medium or semiconductor memory, and some or all of the programs and data in these storage media may be configured to be downloaded via a network.

[0044] As shown in Figure 8, the processing circuit 110 implements the following functions: information acquisition function 111, drive control function 112, and tilt control function 113. The configuration and operation of each of these functions of the processing circuit 110 are described below.

[0045] The information acquisition function 111 acquires information, for example, to lock or unlock the tilt movement of the support unit 10. The information acquisition function 111 acquires information via the input circuit of the operation panel unit 20.

[0046] Information may be acquired by operating a first preset button 27a and a second preset button 27b provided on the control panel 20. For example, pressing the first preset button 27a may lock or unlock the upward tilt movement of the support unit 10, and pressing the second preset button 27b may lock or unlock the downward tilt movement of the support unit 10. Alternatively, there may be only one preset button, which locks or unlocks the tilt movement of the support unit 10 in a direction corresponding to the inspection content or diagnostic area, which are stored in the memory circuit 120 beforehand.

[0047] The locking mechanism 25 is a mechanism for locking or unlocking the tilting movement of the support portion 10 around its rotation axis. The locking mechanism 25 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, except that it is controlled by the drive control function 112.

[0048] The drive control function 112 controls the lock mechanism 25 based on information acquired by the information acquisition function 111 for locking or unlocking the tilt movement of the support part 10. Specifically, when a preset button is operated, the drive control function 112 controls the lock mechanism 25 to unlock the tilt movement of the support part 10. Furthermore, once the support part 10 has been moved in the tilt direction to a specific tilt angle by the tilt control function 113 (described later), the drive control function 112 locks the tilt movement of the support part 10 while maintaining the specific tilt angle.

[0049] The tilt control function 113 uses the drive source 19 to control the tilt of the support unit 10 so as to adjust the operation panel unit 20 to a specific tilt angle. Specifically, the operation panel unit 20 is tilted downward and upward in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft 15 of the support unit 10 supplied to the drive source 19, and adjusted to a specific tilt angle. The specific tilt angle may be, for example, unique tilt angles for the downward and upward directions that are stored in the memory circuit 120 beforehand, or it may be a tilt angle determined according to the content of the examination or the area to be diagnosed.

[0050] Furthermore, at the end of the examination, the control panel 20 can be automatically returned to its so-called initial position, neither tilted upward nor downward. The tilt control function 113 controls the support unit 10 to return the control panel 20 to its initial position. The operation to automatically return the control panel 20 to its initial position may be performed, for example, by operating a third preset button (not shown) provided on the control panel 20, or it may be performed automatically when the user inputs the end of the examination for the subject P on the control panel 20. If the control panel 20 is returned to its initial position at the end of the examination, it is convenient when another user uses the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 for the next examination, or when a different examination or diagnostic site is used.

[0051] (Modified version of the second embodiment) In the modified version of the second embodiment, the information acquisition function 111 acquires information regarding a specific tilt angle, and the tilt control function 113 controls the tilt of the support unit 10 based on the information acquired by the information acquisition function 111, which is different from the second embodiment. Since the other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and their descriptions are omitted.

[0052] The information acquisition function 111 further acquires information about a specific tilt angle via the input circuit of the operation panel 20 using the angle setting button. Examples of acquiring information about a specific tilt angle include a button that changes the tilt angle only while pressed, a switch that changes the tilt angle in the up and down directions by rotating a knob left or right, and multiple switches for each angle that allow selection of a unique tilt angle.

[0053] For example, the first angle setting button 28a and the second angle setting button 28b provided on the operation panel 20, as shown in Figure 8, are buttons that change the tilt angle upward or downward, respectively, only while the user is pressing the buttons. When the user presses the first angle setting button 28a and the second angle setting button 28b, the drive control function 112 first controls the lock mechanism 25 to release the lock on the tilt movement of the support part 10.

[0054] Next, the tilt control function 113 controls the tilt of the support based on information about a specific tilt angle acquired by the information acquisition function 111. For example, with the first angle setting button 28a and the second angle setting button 28b, the tilt control function 113 moves the support 10 in the tilt direction only while the user is pressing the button, and when the user stops pressing the button, the drive control function 112 locks the movement of the support 10 in the tilt direction while maintaining the specific tilt angle that was moved.

[0055] The angle setting button may be located alongside the control panel 20, which has the aforementioned preset buttons, and may be used for fine-tuning after the tilt angle has been adjusted to a specific angle using the preset buttons. Alternatively, the control panel 20 may have only the angle setting button.

[0056] According to the second embodiment and its modified form, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be tilted by the user simply by pressing a button, making it easier for the user to utilize the tilt function of the control panel 20.

[0057] (Third embodiment) Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. In the second embodiment, the tilt angle is adjusted based on a button press by the user, whereas in the third embodiment, the tilt angle is adjusted based on the detection of position information of at least one of the user and the ultrasound probe by the detection function 114 of the processing circuit 110. Since the other configurations and operations are substantially the same as the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in Figure 8, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and their descriptions are omitted.

[0058] As shown in Figure 10, the detection function 114 of the third embodiment detects the location information of at least one of the user and the ultrasonic probe 50 using location information acquired using the image sensor 70.

[0059] The image sensor 70 is composed of, for example, an optical camera, a TV camera, etc., and is mounted so as to be able to acquire camera images (or video) of at least one of the user and the ultrasound probe 50 under the control of the processing circuit 110. From the acquired camera images (or video), position information of at least one of the user and the ultrasound probe 50 is detected. The user's position information may be overall position information or partial position information such as the position of the head or the position of the hands. The image sensor 70 may be mounted, for example, near the frame of the display 30 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

[0060] The tilt control function 113 controls the tilt of the support unit 10 based on the position information of at least one of the user and the ultrasonic probe detected by the detection function 114. The tilt control function 113 can calculate a specific tilt angle to improve the operability of the user's operation panel 20 from the position information of at least one of the user and the ultrasonic probe detected by the detection function 114, and control the tilt of the support unit 10 to the calculated specific tilt angle. In addition, the tilt control function 113 may, for example, control the tilt of the support unit 10 to a specific tilt angle when the user is in a predetermined position.

[0061] Furthermore, the tilt of the support unit 10 may be controlled based on information about a specific tilt angle, which is stored in the memory circuit 120 in advance, using the position information of at least one of the detected user and ultrasonic probe.

[0062] Figure 11 shows the positional relationship between the field of view of the image sensor 70 and the user's field of view when the operation panel 20 is tilted downward in the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, when the operation panel 20 is tilted downward, for example, even when the user is crouching down to operate it, the user's field of view for viewing the display 30 is less likely to be obstructed by the operation panel 20, making it easier for the user to check the ultrasound diagnostic images on the display 30. In addition, when the operation panel 20 is tilted downward, the range in which the image sensor 70 can capture images is expanded downwards, and the range in which the positional information of the user and the ultrasound probe can be detected is also expanded.

[0063] (Modified version of the third embodiment) Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to a modification of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, position detection is performed by an image sensor (Figure 10), whereas in the modification of the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, it is performed by a magnetic transmitter 80 and a magnetic sensor provided on the ultrasonic probe 50. Since the other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in Figure 10, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and their descriptions are omitted.

[0064] The magnetic transmitter 80 generates magnetic fields in the X, Y, and Z axes. The magnetic transmitter 80 is installed in a location where the magnetic sensor 51 on the ultrasound probe 50 can detect the magnetic field generated by the magnetic transmitter 80, for example, in a room where an ultrasound diagnostic examination is performed.

[0065] The magnetic sensor 51 provided on the ultrasonic probe 50 detects the magnetic fields in the X, Y, and Z axes generated by the magnetic transmitter 80.

[0066] The detection function 114 of the modified third embodiment detects the position information of the ultrasonic probe 50 using magnetic field information detected by a magnetic sensor 51 provided on the ultrasonic probe 50.

[0067] According to the third embodiment and its modified form, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is tilted without manual operation by the user, making it even easier for the user to use the tilt function of the control panel 20.

[0068] According to at least one embodiment described above, the operability of the control panel of the ultrasound diagnostic device can be improved.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as dedicated or general-purpose CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and programmable logic devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)). When the processor is a CPU, for example, it realizes various functions by reading and executing programs stored in memory circuits. When the processor is an ASIC, for example, instead of storing programs in memory circuits, functions equivalent to those programs are directly incorporated as logic circuits within the processor's circuitry. In this case, the processor realizes various functions through hardware processing that reads and executes the programs incorporated within the circuitry. Alternatively, the processor can also realize various functions by combining software processing and hardware processing.

[0070] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where a single processor in the processing circuit implements each function, a processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, with each processor implementing each function. Also, when multiple processors are provided, the memory circuit for storing programs may be provided individually for each processor, or a single memory circuit may store programs corresponding to the functions of all processors together.

[0071] In each embodiment, the locking mechanism 25, information acquisition function 111, drive control function 112, tilt control function 113, and detection function 114 are examples of the locking unit, information acquisition unit, drive control unit, tilt control unit, and detection unit as defined in the claims.

[0072] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1… Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 10...Support part 19…Drive source (motor) 20... Control panel 23... Handle 24... Lever 25…Locking mechanism 30…Display 40…Connection part 50… Ultrasound probe 51…Magnetic sensor 70…Image sensor 80…Magnetic transmitter 100...Main unit 101...Main unit of the device 111... Information acquisition function 112... Drive control function 113...Tilt control function 114...Detection function

Claims

1. The main casing and A display for displaying images, An operation panel unit having an operation display, A support portion that tiltably supports the operation panel portion, including the operation display, An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with the following features.

2. The support portion is provided at the rear side of the operation panel portion. The operation panel is supported so as to tilt downward and upward around a rotation axis provided in the support portion. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The support portion has a stopper that stops the tilt at a certain tilt angle when the operation panel portion is tilted downward. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The system further includes a locking mechanism for locking or unlocking the tilting movement of the support portion, The locking mechanism holds the operating panel, which has been adjusted to a specific tilt angle by the support mechanism, at that specific tilt angle. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The control panel is provided with a handle for manually tilting the control panel downwards and upwards. The handle is provided with a lever for locking and unlocking using the locking mechanism. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

6. Power source and The system further comprises a tilt control unit that controls the tilt of the support unit, The tilt control unit uses the drive source to control the support unit so as to adjust the operation panel unit to a specific tilt angle. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

7. A locking mechanism for locking or unlocking the tilting movement of the support portion, An information acquisition unit that acquires information for locking or unlocking the tilt movement of the support portion, The system further comprises a drive control unit for controlling the locking mechanism, The drive control unit controls the locking unit based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit for locking or unlocking the tilting movement of the support unit. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The information acquisition unit further acquires information regarding the specific tilt angle, The tilt control unit controls the tilt of the support unit based on the information about the specific tilt angle acquired by the information acquisition unit. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information acquisition unit acquires the information by operating a preset button provided on the operation panel.

10. The information acquisition unit acquires the information by operating the angle setting button provided on the operation panel. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8.

11. The tilt control unit controls the support unit to return the operation panel unit to its initial position when the inspection is completed. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7.

12. The device further includes a detection unit that detects the position information of at least one of the user and the ultrasonic probe. The tilt control unit controls the tilt of the support unit based on the position information detected by the detection unit. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6.

13. Equipped with an additional image sensor, The detection unit uses the position information acquired by the image sensor. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12.

14. A magnetic transmitter that generates a magnetic field, A magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetic field, Furthermore, The detection unit detects the position information using the magnetic field information detected by the magnetic sensor. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12.

Images