JP4879623B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that displays a tomographic image of a subject using ultrasonic waves, and more particularly to a technique for controlling icon display for improving operability.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to a subject via an ultrasonic probe that is used in contact with the subject, and a reflection echo from the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit. Image display means for displaying a tomographic image in a subject including a moving tissue as an ultrasonic image using a signal. The structure of the living tissue inside the subject is displayed as, for example, a B mode image.

  Such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided with many functions, and these functions are appropriately selected to display an image optimal for the purpose of diagnosis and information useful for diagnosis is acquired from the image. In order to select and activate these functions, many buttons are provided on the console, and many icons are displayed on the display screen. When these buttons and icons are selected, they are assigned to them. Function is activated. Therefore, in order to easily and smoothly acquire and diagnose a tomographic image, the operability of buttons on the console and icons on the display screen is important.

For example, in Patent Document 1, a parameter key (and its parameter setting value) for selecting various image parameters together with an image and a soft key such as a slide resistance are displayed as icons on the display screen of the image display monitor. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is disclosed. As a result, it is not necessary to pay attention to both the console and the display screen, and the operability is improved by allowing an intuitive operation by concentrating on the display screen.
JP 2006-26256 A

  If all the buttons and icons corresponding to each of the many functions provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are provided on the console or display screen, the number of buttons and icons becomes too large and the operability is degraded. In particular, when a large number of icons are displayed, the display screen becomes complicated and the image display area becomes small, making it difficult to see the image. Therefore, it is considered important to improve the operability by displaying an icon for starting a suitable function on the display screen in accordance with the selected application or diagnosis mode.

  However, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the type of icon displayed on the display screen is fixed regardless of the application and the diagnostic mode. Therefore, when image diagnosis is performed while switching between a plurality of applications and diagnosis modes, operability may be reduced. In other words, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 still has a problem to be further improved regarding the use of icons for improving operability.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to improve the operability of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using icons displayed on a display screen in correspondence with an application and a diagnostic mode.

In order to solve the above problems, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is configured as follows. That is, one or more ultrasonic probes in contact with a subject, ultrasonic transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic probe, and reflected echo signals from the ultrasonic transmission / reception means An image processing unit that generates an ultrasonic image using the image processing unit, an image display unit that displays the ultrasonic image, a control unit that controls each component, and an operation unit that receives an instruction to be given to the control unit. The image display means displays one or more icons for giving a predetermined instruction to the control means, and the operation means is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which an instruction for selecting a desired icon is inputted. In response to the selection of the desired icon, the control means selects another icon to be displayed on the image display means, and has the same function as the icon displayed on the image display means. Operation means buttons The buttons of the operation means that have the same function as the icons displayed on the image display means are displayed in the same color as the icons .

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, selection of suitable icons and their cooperation and combination are controlled according to the application and the diagnostic mode, so that the operability of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be improved.

   Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiments of the invention, and the repetitive description thereof is omitted.

(Overview of equipment)
FIG. 1 shows a front view of an example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus acquires and displays an ultrasonic tomographic image and a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic image regarding an imaging region of a subject using ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a case 22 on four wheels 21, and an operation console 18 and an image display unit 16 are provided on the upper end of the case 22. The screen display unit 16 is installed close to the console 18.
The housing 22 is provided with a plurality of insertion ports 23 for connecting the ultrasound probe 11 to the ultrasound transmitting / receiving unit 12. In the housing 22, an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 12, a cine memory 13, a switch 14, an image adjustment circuit 151, a scan converter 152, a control unit 17, a screen operation control unit 19, and a memory 191 are provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the connection configuration of each unit. Details of each block will be described below based on this block diagram.
The ultrasonic probe 11 performs beam scanning mechanically or electronically to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves into the subject and receive reflected echoes from within the subject. The ultrasonic probe 11 includes one or a plurality of transducers that are ultrasonic wave generation sources and receive reflected echoes from within the subject. The ultrasound probe is mainly suitable for photographing the superficial muscles, skin, musculoskeletal, superficial, thyroid gland, mammary gland, etc., and mainly for photographing the heart. There are sector type ultrasonic probes and convex type ultrasonic probes that are suitable mainly for imaging the abdomen.

  The ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 12 drives the ultrasonic probe 11 to generate ultrasonic waves and processes the received reflected echo signals. The ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 12 transmits ultrasonic signals from the ultrasonic probe 11 into the subject. A known transmission pulser and transmission delay circuit for forming a sound beam, a receiving amplifier that amplifies the reflected echo signal received by each transducer of the ultrasonic probe 11, and the received reflected echo signal A receiving delay circuit that forms a received ultrasonic beam by aligning phases to form a received wave and a phasing circuit that includes an adder and the like are included.

  The cine memory 13 is a storage device that records a plurality of frames of signals from the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 12 in time series. A switcher 14 is provided at the subsequent stage of the cine memory 13, and the switcher 14 selects either the output data directly from the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 12 or the output data from the cine memory 13 or both to the scan converter 15. To send.

The image adjustment circuit 151 includes an image contrast setting unit that sets an image contrast, a gamma curve setting unit that sets a gamma curve, and the like, and adjusts the luminance of the ultrasonic image.
The scan converter 152 forms the image data by writing the data input from the image adjustment circuit 151 for each scanning line of the ultrasonic beam. For example, the scan converter 152 converts the data into B-mode image data.

  The image display unit 16 displays an output signal from the scan converter 152 as an image, and includes, for example, a television monitor that receives B-mode image data and displays the B-mode image.

  The control unit 17 includes each component (ultrasound transmission / reception unit 12, cine memory 13, switch 14, image adjustment circuit 151, scan converter 152, image display unit 16, console 18, screen operation control unit 19, memory 191, etc.) And has a microprocessor configuration having a central processing unit (CPU) therein, and stores various control data and control software.

  The console 18 is provided with a plurality of trackballs and buttons for moving a pointer on the screen. The operator moves the pointer on the screen and presses the execute button, thereby performing control to execute the function assigned to the icon set with the pointer. The control unit 17 gives an instruction to each component so as to execute the selected function, and operates each component. Specifically, the control unit 17 causes the screen operation control unit 19 to recognize that the icon has been selected with the cursor. The screen operation control unit 19 instructs the control unit 17 to cause each component to execute the function assigned to the icon, and the control unit 17 operates each component based on the instruction.

(Explanation of the console)
FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the console 18. At least one end 31 of the console 18 is provided with at least one groove 31 for placing the ultrasonic probe 11, and the front side is provided with a grip 32 for the operator to grip. . The operator can hold the grip portion 32 and rotate the console 18 relative to the housing 22 or move it up and down.

  A central portion of the console 18 is provided with a trackball 33 for moving a pointer on the screen and a plurality of buttons. For example, when the freeze button 34 is pressed, the real-time ultrasonic image is frozen, or conversely, the freeze is canceled and the real-time ultrasonic image is returned to real time. The function button group 35 is arranged so as to adjust the dynamic range, enhancement, hue, gamma curve, and the like, and these buttons are pressed down to make adjustments as necessary. The character input buttons 36 are arranged like a PC keyboard so as to be suitable for character input such as alphabets and spaces. The enter button 37 is for executing a function on the cursor designated by the trackball 33. By operating these buttons, for example, gain adjustment, image freeze, screen switching, and various other settings and operations are performed. Here, for the sake of brevity, description of all buttons on the console 18 is omitted.

  Each button has a two-colored backlight on the back of the button that glows red when the button is on and green when the button is off. For example, the freeze button 34 is set to glow red when the freeze is on, and the freeze button 34 glows green when the freeze is off. By illuminating the backlight of each button, the operator can easily recognize the ON or OFF state. In addition, when the button is locked, or when the button does not have a control function, the button is set not to shine.

  As described above, the control unit 17 controls each component based on the operation information operated using the trackball and buttons of the console 18, and an ultrasonic image or its parameters reflecting the control are displayed on the image display unit. 16 or the console 18 is displayed.

(Explanation of icons)
Next, icons according to the present invention will be described. In the present invention, the icon is displayed on the image display device 6 and various data and processing functions are displayed as pictures, symbols, pictograms, tabs, or menus. When this icon is selected, the icon is displayed. The assigned function shall be executed ". Therefore, when it is described as an icon, it includes not only pictures and pictograms but also tabs and menus.

  The icons of the present invention can be classified into a plurality of types by paying attention to their functions, and each type has one or more different icons. As the types of icons, for example, an application icon for causing an application suitable for the ultrasonic probe 11 selected by the operator to be performed, a function icon for mainly controlling ultrasonic wave transmission / reception, and a main acquisition Image control icon for controlling the image adjustment of the ultrasonic image, additional measurement icon for controlling various additional functions such as ultrasonic measurement and comments, and for selecting and displaying the recorded past image and real-time image. There is an image display icon.

  The application icon is an icon for executing an application suitable for each ultrasonic probe such as a linear type, a sector type, or a convex type. In the application icon suitable for the linear ultrasonic probe, parameters (focus depth, frequency, gain, etc.) suitable for the superficial, thyroid gland and mammary gland are set. For example, when observing superficiality, the focus depth is shallow, the frequency is high, and the gain is set small. In the application icon suitable for the sector-type ultrasonic probe, parameters (focus depth, frequency, gain, etc.) suitable for the heart are set. In an application icon suitable for a convex ultrasound probe, parameters (focus depth, frequency, gain, etc.) suitable for the abdomen are set.

  Function icons include a dynamic range icon for adjusting the ultrasonic dynamic range, an enhancement icon for adjusting the ultrasound enhancement, a hue icon for adjusting the hue of the ultrasound image, and a gamma curve adjustment for the ultrasound image. It is an icon for performing control mainly related to transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves, such as a gamma curve icon to be performed.

  The image control icon is a freeze icon that freezes the real-time image, a print icon for printing out the real-time image, a focus depth icon for adjusting the ultrasonic focus depth, and a display depth for setting the ultrasonic image. These are icons for controlling image adjustment of mainly acquired ultrasound images, such as a display depth icon and a high support icon for executing automatic adjustment of various parameters.

  The additional measurement icon is a caliper icon that measures the distance of two points on the ultrasound image, a trace area icon that measures the area enclosed by the two points on the ultrasound image, and a measurement to display various measurement menus. Menu shortcut icon, annotation icon for inputting and displaying comments, arrow icon for displaying arrows on the ultrasound image, comment deleting icon for deleting input comments, body mark for displaying body marks This is an icon for controlling various additional functions such as ultrasonic measurement and comments, such as a simple still image transfer icon for selecting an icon, DVD or MO recording medium, and transferring ultrasonic image data.

  For example, the gamma curve adjustment is executed by selecting a gamma curve icon for adjusting the gamma curve of the ultrasonic image using the trackball. In this case, the screen operation control unit 6 instructs the control unit 17 to adjust the gamma curve to the image adjustment circuit 151. Then, the control unit 17 causes the image adjustment circuit 151 to adjust the gamma curve.

Further, when a caliper icon for performing distance measurement of two points on the ultrasonic image is selected using a trackball, distance measurement of two points is executed. In this case, the screen operation control unit 19 causes the scan converter 152 and the image display unit 16 to perform distance measurement at two points, and instructs the control unit 17 to display the distance measurement result. Then, the control unit 17 causes the scan converter 152 and the image display unit 16 to measure the two distances set, and displays the distance measurement result.
The same applies to other icons, but for the sake of brevity, control of all icons will not be described.

(First embodiment)
Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a plurality of icons displayed on the screen display unit correspond to the selected application and diagnostic mode, and their display forms are changed in cooperation with each other.

First, an example of a display screen configuration that is the basis of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 show display forms of icons displayed on the screen display unit 16. FIG.
A basic area 40 is displayed at the center of the screen display device. In the basic area 40, a B-mode image, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image, and the like based on the acquired ultrasonic signal are displayed. Depending on various settings, the past image and the real-time image are displayed side by side in the basic area 40, or a Doppler color bar, a body mark, an electrocardiogram waveform, or the like is displayed.

  An application selection area 41 is displayed adjacent to the upper end of the basic area 40. In the application selection area 41, an application icon suitable for the selected ultrasonic probe 11 is displayed. For example, when using a linear ultrasonic probe, icons for newborn abdomen, thyroid gland, mammary gland, and musculoskeletal are displayed as application icons. This application icon is displayed in a tab format, and a different application name is assigned to each tab. Thereby, it is possible to easily determine which application (that is, the tab) is selected. When this application icon is selected, parameters (focus depth, frequency, gain, etc.) are set via the control unit 17 so that ultrasonic transmission / reception suitable for the display item of each application icon can be performed.

  An object information area 42 and a system information area 43 are displayed adjacent to the upper end of the application selection area 41. The subject information area 42 and the system information area 43 are adjacent on the left and right. In the subject information area 42, the name, date of birth, gender, subject ID, date of obstetrics, name of the examiner, etc. are displayed.

  The system information area 43 includes a monochrome / color printer selection icon, a print preview icon for confirming an image on inspection, a priority setting item display icon for displaying setting items such as image enlargement / reduction and body mark in priority order, An alarm message for displaying an error or the like for alerting the operator, a current time, and the like are displayed.

  Further, a cine reproduction bar 44 is displayed adjacent to the lower end of the basic area 40. The cine playback bar 44 displays a playback button for cine playback, a fast forward button, a rewind button, a display key for displaying the current phase, and the like. By pressing these buttons, the control unit 17 gives an instruction to the cine memory 13 and controls the output signal of the cine memory 13. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes biological signal detection means (not shown) for detecting a biological wave of a subject to generate a biological signal and recording the biological signal as an electrocardiographic waveform or the like. An electrocardiographic waveform can be displayed in parallel with the signal.

  A function menu area 45 is displayed adjacent to the lower end of the cine playback bar 44. In the function menu area 45, a plurality of function icons for controlling mainly the transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves are displayed. The details of the function icon are as described above. The function icons displayed in the image display unit 16 and the function buttons arranged in the function button group 35 correspond to the number and the arrangement order of the function functions. For example, the left end of the function icon row and the left end of the function button group 35 have a function of adjusting the dynamic range. By selecting the up and down arrow icons arranged above and below the function icon, the dynamic range can be adjusted.

  An image control area 46 is displayed adjacent to the lower end of the function menu area 45. In the image control area 46, a plurality of image control icons for mainly controlling image adjustment of the ultrasonic image are displayed. The details of the image control icon are as described above.

  The freeze icon 75 that is an image control icon will be described. By selecting the freeze icon 75, the real-time image can be stopped, and the freeze icon 75 changes from green to red. When canceling the freeze, the freeze icon 75 changes from red to green. That is, the screen operation control unit 19 sets the freeze icon 75 to be red when the freeze is on, and green when the freeze is off. Similarly, the REC icon for recording a real-time image is set by the screen operation control unit 19 so that it is red in a recording state and green in a non-recording state.

  A focus depth icon 77 for adjusting the ultrasonic focus depth, which is an image control icon, and a display depth icon 78 for setting the display depth of the ultrasonic image are divided into left and right icons, respectively. One of the divided icons performs control for increasing the depth, and the other icon performs control for decreasing the depth. When the focus depth icon 77 or the display depth icon 78 is selected, the selected icon is set by the screen operation control unit 19 to change from green to red, and it is possible to confirm which icon has been selected.

  Further, an additional measurement selection area 47 is displayed adjacent to the left end of the basic area 40. In the additional measurement selection area 47, a plurality of additional measurement icons for controlling various additional functions such as ultrasonic measurement and comments are displayed. The details of the additional measurement icon are as described above. When the additional measurement icon is selected, the selected icon is set by the screen operation control unit 19 so as to change from green to red, and it is possible to confirm which icon has been selected. For example, by selecting a caliper icon that performs distance measurement of two points on the ultrasonic image, the screen operation control unit 19 performs distance measurement on the ultrasonic image displayed in the basic area 40 via the control unit 17. A cursor for performing is displayed on the screen display unit 16. Then, using the trackball, two cursors are set at the measurement site and distance measurement is performed.

  An examination information area 48 is displayed adjacent to the left end of the additional measurement selection area 47. In the examination information area 48, ultrasonic images and ultrasonic moving images acquired in the past, and image display icons for displaying the ultrasonic images and ultrasonic moving images acquired in the current diagnosis in the basic area 40 are displayed. Is done. By selecting the image display icon, an ultrasonic image or an ultrasonic moving image corresponding to the selected image display icon is displayed in the basic area 40.

  When an image display icon is selected and an ultrasonic image or ultrasonic moving image acquired in the past is displayed, the cine memory 13 in which the ultrasonic image acquired in the past is stored and the image adjustment circuit 151 are connected. Thus, the control unit 17 controls the switch 14. Further, when displaying a real-time ultrasonic image or an ultrasonic moving image, the control unit 17 controls the switch 14 so that the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 12 and the image adjustment circuit 151 are connected. Further, when displaying the ultrasonic image acquired in the past and the real-time ultrasonic image in parallel, the control unit 17 so that the cine memory 13 and the image adjustment circuit 151, and the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 12 and the image adjustment circuit 151 are connected simultaneously. Controls the switch 14.

(Explanation of icon linkage)
Next, the cooperation of the display forms of icons will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing that display forms are linked among application icons, function icons, image control icons, additional measurement icons, and image display icons.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a memory 191 that stores in advance the display relationship among application icons, function icons, image control icons, additional measurement icons, and image display icons. ing. Since the memory 191 is connected to the screen operation control unit 19, a display form can be arbitrarily set. When a certain application icon is selected, the display form of the function icon, the image control icon, and the additional measurement icon is changed. When the displayed image control icon is selected, the display form of the image control icon and the additional measurement icon is changed. For example, the additional measurement icon that is displayed when the freeze icon 75 of the image control icon is frozen and the additional measurement icon that is displayed when the freeze of the freeze icon 75 is OFF are set separately, and the display form of these additional measurement icons is stored in the memory 191. It can be memorized. Then, in conjunction with the freeze ON / OFF of the freeze icon 75, the display form of the additional measurement icon is changed.

  By selecting an application icon using the console 18, the control unit 17 notifies the screen operation control unit 19 that the application icon has been selected. The screen operation control unit 19 transmits a function icon, an image control icon, and an additional measurement icon to be displayed on the screen display unit 16 to the control unit 17. Then, the control unit 17 causes the screen display unit 16 to display the transmitted function icon, image control icon, and additional measurement icon. Note that, when the image display icon is selected, the function icon, the image control icon, and the additional measurement icon can be displayed on the screen display unit 16 in the same manner.

  Then, by selecting the displayed image control icon using the console 18, the control unit 17 transmits to the screen operation control unit 19 that the image control icon has been selected. The screen operation control unit 19 transmits an image control icon and an additional measurement icon to be displayed on the screen display unit 16 to the control unit 17. Then, the control unit 17 causes the screen display unit 16 to display the transmitted image control icon and additional measurement icon.

  The memory 191 can also store application icons suitable for each of the ultrasonic probes such as the linear type, the sector type, and the convex type. The screen operation control unit 19 can cause the screen display unit 16 to display an application icon that matches the selected ultrasound probe.

(Explanation of specific examples of icon cooperation)
A first example of cooperation of display forms of icons displayed on the screen display unit 16 will be described. For example, when a sector-type ultrasound probe is selected, “pediatric abdomen, pediatric heart, adult heart, coronary artery” is displayed in the application area 41 in tab form as application icons corresponding to the probe. . As shown in FIG. 6, when the “Adult Heart” tab 61 is selected using the console 18, the ultrasonic transmission / reception suitable for measuring the adult heart can be performed by the sector-type ultrasonic probe. The screen operation control unit 19 sets parameters (focus depth, frequency, gain, etc.) via the control unit 17.

  In addition, as a function icon displayed in the function menu area 45 in conjunction with the selection of the “adult heart” tab 61, a biplane icon 65 for performing biplane scanning, a left / right image inversion icon for inverting the left / right of the ultrasonic image 67, a viewing angle icon 68 for adjusting the viewing angle (6-step adjustment), a scanning density icon 69 for adjusting the scanning density (2-step adjustment), a THI icon 70 for performing tissue harmonic imaging, and the like are displayed. The blank icon 66 and the blank icon 71 on which nothing is displayed have no control function.

  In addition, a freeze icon 75, a print icon 76, a focus depth icon 77, a display depth icon 78, and a high support icon 79 are displayed as image control icons displayed in the image control area 46 in conjunction with the selection of the “adult heart” tab 61. Is displayed.

  Then, arrow icons 85, caliper icons 86, and annotation icons 87 are displayed as additional measurement icons displayed in the additional measurement selection area 47 in conjunction with the selection of the “adult heart” tab 61. This additional measurement icon is an icon suitable for measurement and display of a real-time ultrasonic image.

  Here, for example, when a freeze icon 75 that is an image control icon is selected, a freeze icon 75 and a print icon 76 are displayed as image control icons in the image control area 46 as shown in FIG. Further, in conjunction with selection of the freeze icon 75, an arrow icon 85, a caliper icon 86, a trace area icon 88, and an annotation icon 87 are displayed as additional measurement icons displayed in the additional measurement selection area 47. When a 3D ultrasound image is displayed in the basic area 40, an image rotation icon 89 for rotating the 3D ultrasound image is displayed. The additional measurement icon displayed at this time is an icon suitable for various measurements and displays based on the frozen ultrasonic image.

(Explanation of cooperation with cine memory)
Next, a second example of cooperation of icon display forms displayed on the screen display unit 16 will be described. When the freeze icon 75 is selected, the cine reproduction bar 44 may be displayed based on the recording time of the ultrasonic image frozen from the cine memory 13. While the cine reproduction bar 44 is displayed, the image data is held in the cine memory 13. When the freeze icon 75 is selected again, writing to the cine memory 13 is resumed. The function of the cine reproduction bar 44 is as described above.

(Explanation of operation procedure)
Finally, the operation steps of icon cooperation display mainly performed by the control unit 17 in the above-described embodiment are summarized as shown in FIG. The outline of each step will be described below.
(S101) When the ultrasonic probe 11 is selected from the linear type, sector type, convex type, etc., the selected ultrasonic probe is recognized.
(S102) The application to be executed is selected from the application icons suitable for each ultrasound probe 11 displayed on the image display unit 16.
(S103) A function icon, an image control icon, and an additional measurement icon corresponding to the selected application are displayed.
(S104) When the image control icon displayed on the image display unit 16 is selected, the selected image control icon is recognized.
(S105) An image control icon and an additional measurement icon corresponding to the selected image control icon are displayed.
(S106) Various measurement / display are performed by selecting the additional measurement icon.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, suitable icons and combinations thereof are displayed according to the application and diagnosis mode, so that the operator can easily activate a desired function through selection of the icon. As a result, the operability of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be improved.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the buttons on the console having the same type of function and the icons displayed on the screen display unit are controlled so as to have the same display form. Hereinafter, some examples of this embodiment will be described.

(Explanation of console and icon linkage)
As a first example, an example will be described in which buttons on a console having the same type of function and icons displayed on the screen display unit are colored in the same color.
The display relationship between the freeze button 34, the freeze icon 75 in the image control area 46, the button in the function button group 35, and the icon in the function menu area will be described below.

  First, the relationship between the freeze button 34 and the freeze icon 75 in the image control area 46 will be described. In the freeze-off state, the screen operation control unit 19 transmits instructions to the console 18 and the image display unit 16 to the control unit 17 so that both the freeze button 34 and the freeze icon 75 are set to display green. . Based on the instruction, the control unit 17 causes the corresponding freeze button 34 on the console 18 and the freeze icon 75 displayed on the image display device to be displayed in green.

Next, the screen operation control unit 19 displays the console 18 and the image display so that the freeze button 34 and the freeze icon 75 are both displayed in red when the freeze is turned on by either the freeze icon 75 or the freeze button 34. An instruction to the unit 16 is transmitted to the control unit 17. Based on the instruction, the control unit 17 causes the corresponding freeze button 34 on the console 18 and the freeze icon 75 displayed on the image display device to be displayed in red.
Thus, the buttons on the console 18 and the icons displayed on the screen display unit 16 having the same type of function are colored in the same color.

  As a second example, an example will be described in which the function buttons on the console and the icons displayed on the screen display unit are arranged in the same order.

  The display relationship between the buttons of the function button group 35 and the icons in the function menu area will be described below. The function menu area 45 displayed on the image display unit 16 includes a biplane icon 65, a blank icon 66, a left / right image inversion icon 67, a viewing angle icon 68, a scanning density icon 69, a THI icon 70, and a blank icon 71 from the left end. Is displayed. The blank icon 66 and the blank icon 71 mean that no control function is provided.

  On the other hand, the control unit 17 sets the function buttons of the function button group 35 on the console 18 in the same arrangement as the function menu area 45. That is, from the left end, a biplane button, a blank button, a left / right image inversion button, a viewing angle button, a scanning density button, a THI button, and a blank button are set. The blank button means that the backlight does not shine and has no control function like the blank icon. Further, the control unit 17 sets the function button array so as to correspond to the displayed function icon even if the function icon array displayed in the function menu area 45 and the display form thereof are changed.

  For example, when setting the viewing angle, either the viewing angle icon 68 or the viewing angle button is selected and set. When the viewing angle is selected, the screen operation control unit 19 transmits instructions to the console 18 and the image display unit 16 to the control unit 17 so that both the viewing angle icon 68 and the viewing angle button are set to red. . Based on this instruction, the control unit 17 displays the corresponding viewing angle button on the console 18 and the viewing angle icon 68 displayed on the image display unit 16 in red for a certain period. As a result, the operator can easily confirm on the image display unit 16 which function button has been pressed.

(Explanation of use of console and icon linkage)
Next, the effect of this embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated concretely. Ultrasound diagnostic devices are often used in dark clinics. For this reason, the icons displayed on the screen display unit 16 having the same type of function and the buttons on the console 18 are colored in the same color so that the operator can determine which function is selected on the screen display unit. It can be easily recognized on 16 or on the console 18.

  Further, since the icon displayed on the screen display unit 16 and the button on the console 18 have the same type of function, they can be selected either way and can be arbitrarily determined by the operator. For example, when setting while viewing the ultrasonic image on the screen display unit 16, an icon displayed on the screen display unit 16 may be selected. In addition, when setting while viewing the subject, a button on the console 18 may be selected. In this case, what is selected on the screen display unit 16 can also be confirmed.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, an icon selection history used when ultrasonic diagnosis was performed in the past is displayed to guide the operator.
For example, before treatment, the subject ID, application icons used when performing an ultrasound diagnosis of an adult heart, function icons, image control icons, additional measurement icons, and image display icon icons The selection history is stored in the memory 191 in association with each other. At the same time, the ultrasonic image is stored in the cine memory 13 in the same manner.
Then, after performing the treatment, when the subject ID is input on the console 18, the screen operation control unit 19 reads the application icon selected in the past from the icon selection history information stored in the memory 191, and the control unit 17 displays the application icon of the adult heart icon 100 to be selected on the image display unit 16 in yellow, for example.

  When an application icon colored in yellow is selected, the screen operation control unit 19 reads function icons, image control icons, and additional measurement icons selected in the past from the icon selection history information stored in the memory 191. . Then, the control unit 17 causes the image display unit 16 to display previously selected icons (the freeze icon 75 and the caliper icon 86) among these icons, for example. Therefore, the adult heart icon 100, the freeze icon 75, and the caliper icon 86 are displayed in yellow on the image display unit 16, and attention is paid to the operator.

  When the ultrasonic image diagnosis of the subject is performed a plurality of times, the color of the icon may be displayed according to the number of icon selections selected in the past. In that case, the icon is displayed in a darker or conspicuous color so that the more frequently selected, that is, the more frequently used icon is noticed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the ultrasonic diagnosis performed before treatment and the ultrasonic diagnosis performed after treatment are often performed under the same imaging conditions, the icon selection history information is displayed in this way. The operator can operate efficiently. In addition, even if the operator's charge of photographing the subject changes, it can be smoothly handled.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, an ultrasonic image used when performing an ultrasonic diagnosis in the past is displayed simultaneously with a real-time image.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of this embodiment. The ultrasonic image stored in the cine memory 13 is displayed on the screen display unit 16 when the image display icons 90 and 91 are selected. The selection of current image data and past image data can be switched using the tabs of the image display icons 90 and 91. The past image data is image data including images taken in the past. The current image data is image data including an image taken in the current diagnosis. These image data include a two-dimensional ultrasonic image, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image, an ultrasonic moving image, and the like.

  When the image display icon 90 of the current image data is selected, the table of contents of the currently captured image is displayed in the examination information area 48 in a shortcut format. When the image display icon 91 of past image data is selected, a table of contents of images taken in the past is displayed in the examination information area 48 in a shortcut format.

  The past image data is selected based on the application selection information of the ultrasonic image displayed in the basic area 40 in real time. In other words, only the past image data suitable for the application of the ultrasonic image displayed in real time is read out, or is photographed in the same state as the control state of the icon that controls the ultrasonic image displayed in real time. Only the past image data thus read out is read and displayed in the examination information area 48. Then, by selecting the past image data displayed in the examination information area 48, the real-time image and the past image can be displayed in parallel. In the basic area 40, for example, a real-time image that is a current image is displayed on the left side, and a past image is displayed on the right side.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to organize and display past images, so that the operator can efficiently perform a parallel image display operation.

The above description is the description of each embodiment regarding the control of the icon display mode in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. However, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the contents disclosed in the description of the above embodiment, and may take other forms based on the gist of the present invention.
For example, in the description of each embodiment described above, an example in which an icon is selected by operating a trackball or a button on a console is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by providing a transparent touch sensor on the display screen, detecting the position touched by the operator, assuming that an icon corresponding to the detected position has been selected, and starting the function assigned to the icon May be performed.

  Further, in the description of each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which an icon is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 16 has been described. However, in addition to the image display unit 16, for example, a display unit is provided on the console, An icon may be displayed.

The figure which shows the whole block diagram of this invention. The figure which shows the external view of the apparatus of this invention. The figure which shows the external view of the console of this invention. The figure which shows the screen display form of this invention. The figure which shows the screen display form of this invention. The figure which shows the detail of the screen display form of this invention. The figure which shows the detail of the screen display form of this invention. The figure which shows operation | movement of this invention. The figure which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Ultrasonic probe, 12 Ultrasonic transmission / reception part, 13 Cine memory, 14 Switch, 151 Image adjustment circuit, 152 Scan converter, 16 Image display apparatus, 17 Control part, 18 Console, 19 Screen operation control part, 191 memory

Claims (8)

Using one or more ultrasonic probes in contact with a subject, ultrasonic transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic probe, and reflected echo signals from the ultrasonic transmission / reception means An image processing means for generating an ultrasonic image, an image display means for displaying the ultrasonic image, a control means for controlling each component, and an operation means for inputting an instruction to be given to the control means,
The image display means, said control means displays one or more icons to give a predetermined instruction, the said operating means, met ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus instruction to select a desired icon is input And
In response to the selection of the desired icon, the control means selects another icon and causes the image display means to display the same type of function as the icon displayed on the image display means. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the buttons of the operation means that are assigned to the buttons in the same arrangement order and have the same function as the icons displayed on the image display means are displayed in the same color as the icons . The image display means displays a plurality of first icons having a first type of function, and the operation means has an instruction for selecting a desired icon from the plurality of first icons. is input, the control means, in response to the selection of the desired icon, according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of second icons having a second type of functions, characterized in that to be displayed on the image display means Ultrasound diagnostic equipment. One of the first icon and the second icon has a function of selecting an application suitable for the type of the ultrasound probe, a function of controlling image adjustment of the ultrasound image, and the ultrasound The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, which has any one of functions for controlling an additional function in a sound image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the button of the operation unit having the same function as the icon displayed on the image display unit is displayed in the same control state as the icon. . Comprising first storage means for storing a selection history of the icons used when performing an ultrasonic diagnosis in the past;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays the selection history of the icon on the image display unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit changes the color tone of the icon according to the frequency of selection of the icon in the past and displays the icon on the image display unit. Comprising second storage means for storing ultrasonic image data acquired in the past,
The control means reads out the ultrasonic image data photographed in the same state as the control state of the icon controlling the ultrasonic image displayed in real time from the second storage means, and the read-out The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic image based on ultrasonic image data is displayed on the image display unit. 2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein in response to selection of a desired ultrasonic probe, an icon relating to an application suitable for the ultrasonic probe is selected and displayed on the image display unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described.

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