JP2003024329A - Ultrasonic diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device capable of improving the visibility of display and the operability of a switch, etc., when operating the device. SOLUTION: When a diagnosing person (operator) has to look at an operation display surface 28a at a position deviated from the front face of the arrangement position of an auxiliary operation display device 28 because of his/her body type or dominant hand or because of the difference of his/her sitting posture and standing posture, the direction of the display device 28 is adjusted in an optional right and left direction by a right and left moving mechanism including a waveform engaging part 46, to secure good visibility. Furthermore, by varying the direction of the operation display surface 28a corresponding to the diagnosing person (operator), operability is secured.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly, to an improvement of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which the visibility of the display when operating the apparatus and the operability of switches and the like are improved.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, by radiating an ultrasonic wave to a living body and receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected from the living body surface or inside the living body, image information is obtained to form an ultrasonic image of the living body. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment for observation is widely used. An ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer that actually transmits and receives ultrasonic waves is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
This ultrasonic probe has various forms and shapes depending on the site to be diagnosed and is appropriately used. For example, when observing the internal state from the surface of the body or the internal organs, the internal state is supported by supporting the ultrasonic probe with a hand or a dedicated instrument and performing linear scanning or sector scanning at the desired position. It is possible to obtain an ultrasonic image showing Further, for example, when inserting into the trachea and observing the tracheal wall, the inside of the wall, or the outside of the wall, a catheter-shaped ultrasonic probe is inserted at a desired position inside the trachea, and radial scanning is performed there. By performing the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, ultrasonic images of the tracheal wall and its surroundings can be obtained.

As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be used in various diagnostic fields, for example, the circulatory system of the heart, the abdomen, the mammary gland, the thyroid gland, etc. by replacing the ultrasonic probe. Therefore, the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus needs to be provided with various switches so as to make all the unique settings in each diagnostic field. However, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is actually used in a medical field, it is often used as a dedicated machine. In other words, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus introduced at the circulatory system diagnosis site, the switches used for diagnosing the thyroid gland are not used at all. That is,
On the operation panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, the frequency of use is low,
Alternatively, there are many switches that are not used at all, which complicates the switch layout and deteriorates operability.

In order to eliminate the complexity of the switch layout, for example, a basic operation switch for performing a basic operation,
For example, the basic operation switch commonly used in each diagnostic field and the dedicated operation switch dedicated to each diagnostic field are laid out separately, and the dedicated operation switch is used by a liquid crystal display device or the like. By configuring a touch-panel switch (auxiliary operation display) that can change the display, only the dedicated operation switches used in the target diagnostic field are displayed, and the switches that are not used are virtually eliminated, thereby improving the overall performance. It has been proposed to simplify various switch layouts.

By the way, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described above is operated in various postures depending on the use situation and the user. For example, even when used in the same abdominal diagnostic field, in Japan, a diagnostician (operator) is often operated in a sitting posture sitting on a chair. On the other hand, in Europe and the United States,
In many cases, it is operated in a standing position. Of course, different diagnostic fields have different usage postures. In particular, when the dedicated operation switch is displayed on the liquid crystal display device, it is necessary to secure good visibility and operability of the liquid crystal display device in both the sitting posture and the standing posture. With the auxiliary operation display using, it is difficult to secure visibility for both postures because the viewing angle is limited. Therefore, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a structure in which the auxiliary operation indicator is tilted in the vertical direction according to the operation posture has also been proposed.

[0006]

However, the seating position and the standing position with respect to the auxiliary operation display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are different depending on the diagnostician (operator). Further, the position facing the auxiliary operation display device even in the same sitting posture or standing posture varies from person to person depending on, for example, physique and dominant hand, and thus varies from person to person. As a result, even if the vertical tilt of the auxiliary operation display device can be adjusted, the visibility and operability cannot be sufficiently secured depending on the position where the diagnostician (operator) is present. Was one of the causes of reducing the efficiency of.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of easily improving the visibility of a display and the operability of switches when operating the apparatus. To provide.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to form an ultrasonic image based on the received signal. A main operation panel for arranging a group of basic operation switches for performing a basic operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a touch switch panel arranged in a part of the main operation panel, and a dedicated operation switch for performing a detailed operation is selectively selected. And an auxiliary operation display device capable of displaying, wherein the auxiliary operation display device has a horizontal movement mechanism for moving the operation display surface in the left-right direction with respect to the operation surface of the main operation panel.

Here, the basic operation switch group refers to a switch for performing basic settings and operations for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and forming an ultrasonic image, and the dedicated operation switch is, for example, a specific operation switch. A switch that performs detailed operations and settings for diagnostic fields and items.

According to this configuration, even when the position of the diagnostician (operator) with respect to the auxiliary operation display changes due to a difference in body shape, dominant hand, etc. of the diagnostician (operator), depending on the position, By moving the operation display surface in the left-right direction, the visibility and operability can be improved.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in the present invention according to the above-mentioned structure, the auxiliary operation indicator is an elevation angle moving mechanism for further moving the operation display surface in the elevation direction with respect to the operation surface of the main operation panel. It is characterized by having.

According to this structure, the operation display surface can be oriented in a more optimal direction according to the position of the diagnostician (operator), and the visibility and operability are further improved. be able to.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an overall schematic view of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Ultrasonic diagnostic device 1
0 is roughly composed of a main body portion 12, a display portion 14, and ultrasonic probes 16a to 16c (for example, three are connected).
An operation panel 18 having a large number of operation switches for performing various settings and operations of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is arranged on the upper surface of the main body portion 12, and inside the main body portion 12, the transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves is actually performed. A control unit for performing control and forming an ultrasonic image based on the acquired ultrasonic reception signal is housed. Further, below the operation panel 18, printers 20 and 22 for recording the acquired data and images, a magnetic recording device 24, and the like are housed. Further, in FIG. 1, connectors 26a to 26c formed at the ends of the cable
The ultrasonic probes 16a to 16c are connected to the main body 12 via the. The diagnostician (operator) selects one of the optimal ultrasonic probes 16a to 16c according to the diagnostic position and the diagnostic content, and acquires an ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic probe is attachable to and detachable from the main body 12, and various types of ultrasonic probes can be connected depending on the application of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. Further, the acquired ultrasonic image and the data related thereto are displayed on the display unit 14 including a CRT or the like and used for diagnosis.

The characteristic feature of this embodiment is that the operation switches arranged on the operation panel 18 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 include a basic operation switch group for performing basic operations of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 and detailed operations. It is divided into a dedicated operation switch to perform, and this dedicated operation switch is assigned to an auxiliary operation display unit 28 provided on the operation panel 18, and this auxiliary operation display unit 28 is arranged in the left-right direction with respect to the operation surface of the operation panel 18. It has a left-right movement mechanism that allows movement, and the orientation of the operation display surface 28a of the auxiliary operation display 28 can be arbitrarily changed.

FIG. 2 is a detailed top view of the operation panel 18 and the auxiliary operation display 28. In addition, below,
A portion of the operation panel 18 other than the auxiliary operation display 28 is referred to as a main operation panel 18A.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main operation panel 18
A includes a keyboard unit 30 for inputting arbitrary operation commands and setting values, fixed input switches 32a and 32b to which a specific function is assigned, a trackball 34, and the like. The basic operation switches arranged on the main operation panel 18A are mainly basic operations for ultrasonic image formation, such as a power switch, an ultrasonic setting switch, and a switch for processing and recording acquired data and images. is there. Therefore, on the main operation panel 18A, even if the ultrasonic probe to be used is changed or the diagnostic field is changed, a highly versatile switch commonly used is laid out.

On the other hand, the auxiliary operation display 28, which constitutes a touch switch panel with a liquid crystal display device or the like, is constructed so that the dedicated operation switch 36 can be selectively displayed. For example, in the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, when the ultrasonic probe for the heart is selected, only the special operation switch 36 required for the cardiac diagnostic operation is displayed on the auxiliary operation display 28. It is designed to be displayed on the surface 28a. The auxiliary operation display 28 of FIG. 3 shows an example in which the rectangular dedicated operation switch 36 is displayed, but the shape of the switch and the like are arbitrary.

FIG. 3 shows a specific display example of the auxiliary operation display 28. As shown in FIG. 3, there may be a blank position depending on the number and form of switches used. In addition, each dedicated operation switch 36 displayed on the liquid crystal
May indicate the function or state as necessary.
For example, in the case of indicating the state, the dedicated operation switch 36 is displayed in the off state to indicate the inoperable state, the dedicated operation switch 36 is displayed in blue to indicate the functional state, and the dedicated operation switch 36 in the operating state is orange. You may make it color-display. This color-coded display is displayed on the main operation panel 18A.
It is also desirable to apply the above basic operation switch group, and by performing color display according to the same rule, it is possible to obtain uniformity of operation state recognition. Of course, the dedicated operation switch 36 displayed on the liquid crystal may display the state by characters or characters in addition to the color identification. Some of the dedicated operation switches 36 shown in FIG. 3 have a circular mark 36a at the right corner. This circular mark 3
6a shows that the volume knob 38 arranged outside the range of the operation display surface 28a can be operated. Figure 3
In the above example, the volume knob 38 arranged in the same row as the dedicated operation switch 36 can be operated. It is designed to be linked with the operation of the volume knob 38-1 in the right corner. In the case of FIG. 3, an example in which the volume knob 38-1 is rotated leftward from the reference value and the adjustment value is set to “−2” is shown. The volume knob 38-2 shows a case where the dedicated operation switches 36-2 and 36-3 can be set. In this case, the dedicated operation switch 3 in the operating state
6 (in the case of FIG. 3, the dedicated operation switch 36-2) can be adjusted with the volume knob 38-2. Therefore, when the dedicated operation switch 36-3 is activated, the volume knob 38-2 can adjust the function corresponding to the dedicated operation switch 36-3 instead of the dedicated operation switch 36-2. Of course, the correspondence relationship between the volume knob 38 and the dedicated operation switch 36 changes depending on the display content of the auxiliary operation display 28.

As described above, the auxiliary operation indicator 28 is
The dedicated operation switch 36, which is different for each diagnostic field, is displayed. When the diagnosis field is different, the diagnosis method is also different, and the diagnosis may be performed in the sitting posture or in the standing posture. In this case, the visibility of the operation display surface 28a of the auxiliary operation display 28 differs depending on the posture of diagnosis. In particular, in the case of a liquid crystal display device, there is a limitation on the viewing angle, so it is important to secure visibility. Similarly, the face-to-face position of the auxiliary operation display 28 with respect to the operation display surface 28a changes depending on the body shape and dominant hand of the diagnostician (operator), and the visibility is different.
Such a reduction in visibility also leads to a reduction in the operability of the displayed dedicated operation switch 36.

Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 of this embodiment
The auxiliary operation indicator 28 of irrespective of the posture of the diagnostician (operator) during operation, the figure of the diagnostician (operator), the dominant hand, etc.
In order to secure good visibility and operability, the operation display surface 28a of the auxiliary operation display 28 can be arbitrarily moved. Specifically, there is provided a left-right moving machine that moves the operation display surface 28a of the auxiliary operation display 28 in the left-right direction with respect to the operation surface of the main operation panel 18A. Further, an elevation angle moving mechanism for moving the operation display surface 28a of the auxiliary operation display 28 in the elevation direction with respect to the operation surface of the main operation panel 18A is provided.

First, the elevation angle moving mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (c). FIG. 4A shows the peripheral structure of the auxiliary operation indicator 28, which is partially broken, for explaining the elevation angle moving mechanism. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary operation indicator 28 has a substantially fan-shaped cross section, as shown in FIG. The auxiliary operation indicator 28 includes a hollow base 40 formed on the main operation panel 18A and having a substantially fan-shaped cross section. The auxiliary operation indicator 28 is connected to the front side (center side of the sectoral cross section) via a hinge (angle variable shaft) 42. In addition, the inner surface of the auxiliary operation indicator 28 (the arc side of the fan-shaped cross section) is slidably in contact with the outer wall surface of the base 40, and the stopper 4
4, it is possible to stop and fix at any position. Therefore, the auxiliary operation display 28 includes the hinge 42 and the stopper 44 as an elevation moving mechanism, and can move the operation display surface 28a in the elevation direction with respect to the operation surface of the main operation panel 18A. FIG. 4A shows a state in which the auxiliary operation display 28 is most tilted, and FIG.
The auxiliary operation display 28 is slightly raised,
FIG. 4 (c) shows a further raised state. For example, when a diagnostician (operator) of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is operating in a standing posture, the auxiliary operation display 28 is looked down from above, so the auxiliary operation display 28
Is used in the most tilted state (state of FIG. 4 (a)). On the contrary, when operating in the seated posture, the auxiliary operation display 28 is used in a state of being greatly raised as shown in FIG. By making such an adjustment, the angle between the line of sight of the diagnostician (operator) and the operation display surface 28a can be approximated to a right angle, and therefore, the visibility of the auxiliary operation display 28 with respect to the auxiliary operation display 28 in both the sitting posture and the standing posture. Can be satisfactorily secured. In addition, the visibility can be ensured at the same time as the operability can be ensured, and the diagnostic efficiency of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 can be improved. Of course, the elevation angle of the auxiliary operation indicator 28 can be adjusted according to the physique of the diagnostician (operator), the sitting position, the standing position, etc., and good visibility suitable for each person can be secured. .

In this embodiment, an example in which the elevation angle of the auxiliary operation indicator 28 is adjusted and fixed by using the hinge 42 and the stopper 44 having a simple structure is shown. However, a drive mechanism using a motor or a gear is used. You may make it perform using.

Next, the operation display surface 2 of the auxiliary operation display 28
A horizontal movement mechanism for moving 8a in the left-right direction will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the horizontal movement mechanism has a moderation rotary shaft 4 having a corrugated engaging portion 46 arranged on the lower surface of the base 40.
It is realized by 8. That is, the base 40 on which the auxiliary operation indicator 28 is mounted is the shaft 48 a of the moderation rotation shaft 48.
Is rotatably connected to the main operation panel 18A. The corrugated engaging portion 46 is composed of two disc-shaped plates, and the contact surface thereof is provided with irregular portions at regular intervals which mesh with each other along the circumference. One of the corrugated engaging portions 46 (in FIG. 4A, the upper member 46a)
Is fixed to the base 40, that is, the shaft 48a. The other lower member 46b has a main operation panel 18A.
The storage portion 18Aa formed in the above-described structure allows the vertical movement only. That is, the lower member 46b is housed so that only rotation is prohibited by, for example, a key member extending in the vertical direction.
The vertically movable lower member 46b is constantly urged to the upper member 46a by the spring 50 mounted on the shaft 46a. Therefore, when the base 40 is to be rotated, the lower member 46b moves downward against the biasing force of the spring 50, allowing the upper member 46a to rotate, that is, the base 40 to rotate. At that time, the concave-convex portion has a more predetermined moderation. If the formation pitch of the corrugated portion of the corrugated engaging portion 46 is set to a desired angle, for example, 5 °, the base 40, that is, the auxiliary operation indicator 28 can be rotated at 5 ° intervals. Of course, when the corrugated portion of the corrugated engaging portion 46 is engaged, the urging force of the spring 50 causes the base 40
Since it is possible to suppress the rotation of the auxiliary operation indicator 2,
The horizontal movement (turning movement) of 8 can be prohibited, and good positioning can be performed.

5A to 5E show how the auxiliary operation display 28 mounted on the base 40 is moved in the left-right direction (turning movement). FIG. 5A shows a state in which the auxiliary operation indicator 28 is fixed on the front surface of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. Then, in FIGS. 5B to 5E,
The state of moving clockwise in order is shown.

As described above, the left-right direction of the auxiliary operation indicator 28 can be arbitrarily changed, so that, for example, depending on the body shape of the diagnostician (operator) or the dominant hand, or the difference between the sitting posture and the standing posture. Even if it is necessary to look at the operation display surface 28a at a position deviating from the front of the arrangement position of the auxiliary operation display 28, the direction of the auxiliary operation display 28 can be arbitrarily adjusted to ensure good visibility. It will be possible. As a result, the operability of the operation display surface 28a can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the left and right moving mechanism has been described by taking the manual adjustment type using the simple waveform engaging portion 46 as an example, but the mechanism is an example, and an automatic movement using a motor or a gear is used. It may be a mechanism. When the left-right moving mechanism and the above-described elevation angle moving mechanism are automatic mechanisms using a motor or the like, for example, the diagnostic field by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, the shape of the ultrasonic probe used, the diagnostician (operator) It is also possible to automatically perform the elevation angle movement adjustment and the horizontal movement adjustment based on the profile such as the physique and the desired operation posture. In this case, if a plurality of patterns are preset in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1
It is possible to quickly perform the operation preparation for 0, which can contribute to the improvement of the diagnosis efficiency.

[0028]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The operation display surface of the auxiliary operation display can be seen at a position deviating from the front of the position where the auxiliary operation display is arranged due to the body shape of the diagnostician (operator), the dominant hand, or the difference in sitting posture and standing posture. Even if it is not necessary, it is possible to adjust the orientation of the auxiliary operation indicator arbitrarily and ensure good visibility. As a result, the operability of the switch on the operation display surface can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic view of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an operation panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of an auxiliary operation display device of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a moving mechanism and an elevation angle moving state of an auxiliary operation indicator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a lateral movement (turning) state of an auxiliary operation display device of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, 18A main operation panel, 2
8 auxiliary operation indicators, 28a operation display surface, 42 hinges, 44 stoppers, 46 corrugated engaging portions, 48 rotation shafts, 50 springs.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to form an ultrasonic image based on an acquired received signal, wherein a basic operation switch group for arranging basic operations of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is arranged. A main operation panel, and a touch switch panel arranged in a part of the main operation panel, and an auxiliary operation indicator capable of selectively displaying a dedicated operation switch for performing a detailed operation, the auxiliary operation display The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized in that it has a horizontal movement mechanism for moving the operation display surface in the left-right direction with respect to the operation surface of the main operation panel. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary operation display has an elevation angle moving mechanism for moving the operation display surface in an elevation direction with respect to the operation surface of the main operation panel. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.