JP2005270317A - Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide ultrasonic diagnostic imaging equipment improving operability by quantitatively analyzing an operation. <P>SOLUTION: An operator operates an input circuit 1 and the operation is stored in a storage medium 2 as an operation history. For example, the operation buttons of an operation panel and a TCS (Touch Command Screen) are operated and the operations are stored in the storage medium 2 as the operation history. Later on, the operator demands the analysis of the operation history. An arithmetic circuit analyzes the operation history. For example, a list in which functions are arranged in the order of use frequency is created. Then, a correspondence table formed by linking the operation buttons with the functions is formed based on the list to be stored in the storage medium 2. For example, the function with high use frequency is allocated to an operation button close to a trackball or the like and the correspondence table indicating the allocation is formed. The correspondence table is updated into a new one and a control circuit 4 allocates a function to the operation button of the input circuit 1 according to the new correspondence table. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to operability of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is provided with means for assigning functions to operation buttons on an operation device. Here, the operation device includes, for example, an operation panel, a TCS (Touch Command Screen), a keyboard, or a mouse. Further, the function is to operate the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, and corresponds to, for example, a function for measuring the distance in the ultrasonic image or the area of the ultrasonic image.

  The TCS displays a list of items to be measured. An operator can input an instruction to the apparatus by touching a screen position on which a desired measurement item or the like is displayed. This TCS can complete a desired input only by touching the screen, and since the measurement items and the like are displayed in a list, it is provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus for ease of use.

  Conventionally, this assignment has been manually performed by an operator such as a user or a service person who operates the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. Specifically, an editor for assigning functions is provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, and the assignment is edited using the editor. For example, functions assigned to hardware operation buttons on the operation panel and software operation buttons displayed on the TCS are changed.

  On the other hand, an image viewer that receives an information file related to an operation from an external apparatus and updates and displays a GUI (graphical interface) is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-288319 A

  However, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the related art does not have a function of quantitatively analyzing the characteristics of the operation of the operator. For example, the operator places his / her hand on a trackball or a freeze button (reference operation unit) serving as a reference in the operation device, and operates the operation button to which each function is assigned based on that position. However, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus does not have a function of analyzing the operation characteristics of the operator (for example, the frequency of use of each operation button), and the trackball based on the function that is frequently used. It was not possible to assign it to an operation button at a short distance from, etc. By assigning frequently used functions to operation buttons close to the trackball, etc., the distance operated by the operator can be shortened, the burden on the operator can be reduced, and the operability of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus can be improved. It becomes. However, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus does not have such a function, and the assignment of the function to the operation button on the operation device has not been performed optimally for the operator. In particular, since a user who has just purchased an ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus does not know the usability of the apparatus, even if the assignment can be changed using an editor, the optimum assignment cannot be performed. In addition, the image viewer described in Patent Document 1 does not have a function of quantitatively analyzing the characteristics of the operation of the operator, and cannot be optimally assigned.

  The invention of the present application solves the above-described problems, and by providing operation means for analyzing the operation history of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus by the operator and calculating the usage frequency of each function, It is an object to quantitatively analyze operations and assign operation buttons having a high use frequency in order of operation buttons that are closer to the reference operation unit. Accordingly, it is possible to assign functions that take into consideration the characteristics of the operation of the operator, and to improve the operability of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus for obtaining an ultrasonic image of the subject by transmitting an ultrasonic wave to the subject using an ultrasonic probe and receiving the reflected wave, the ultrasonic wave An input unit including an operation button to which a function for operating the diagnostic imaging apparatus is assigned, a reference operation unit, a storage unit that stores an operation history in which the operation button is operated, a calculation unit that analyzes the operation history, Control means for changing the function assigned to the operation button based on the analysis result of the calculation means, the calculation means obtains the use frequency for each function based on the operation history, The control means is an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in which the frequently used functions are assigned in the order of operation buttons closer to the reference operation unit.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying the operator of a change in the function assigned to the operation button. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation history includes information for identifying an operated function, and further includes an operation It includes information for identifying at least one of the user's user name, examination contents, or ultrasonic mode.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the calculation means is operated for each operator, for each examination content, or for each ultrasonic mode. Analyzing the history, the control means changes the function assigned to the operation button for each operator, for each examination content or for each ultrasonic mode based on the analysis result of the computing means To do.

  According to the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus of claim 1, the operation unit for analyzing the operation content of the operation history is provided, and the operator is changed by changing the function assigned to the operation button based on the analysis result. It is possible to change the function in consideration of the characteristics of the operation. In particular, it is possible to shorten the operation distance for the operator to operate the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device by determining the frequency of use of each function and assigning the frequently used functions to the operation buttons in order of distance from the reference operation unit. It becomes. When an operator places his / her hand on the reference operation unit to operate the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, the operation distance is shortened by assigning a frequently used function to an operation button close to the reference operation unit. As a result, the operability of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is improved.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus of the second aspect, by providing the notification unit, the operator can easily recognize the change of the function assigned to the operation button.

  In addition, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus of the third aspect, by including information on the operated function, information on the user name, and the like in the operation history, it is possible to easily know the function when operated previously. It becomes possible.

  Furthermore, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus of the fourth aspect, by changing the function assigned to the operation button for each operator, for each examination content or for each ultrasound mode, It becomes possible to deal with features.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

(Constitution)
A configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of the operation panel and the TCS installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an input circuit 1, a storage medium 2, a control circuit 4, an arithmetic circuit 5, and a monitor 6. The input circuit 1, the storage medium 2, the arithmetic circuit 5, and the monitor 6 are each connected to the control circuit 4 and controlled by the control circuit 4.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe 7A that transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject and receives reflected waves from the subject, a transmission / reception circuit 7B, an image data conversion circuit 7C, and a display control circuit 7D. 10 is provided. The transmission / reception circuit 7B supplies an electrical signal to the ultrasonic probe 7A to generate an ultrasonic wave, and receives an echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 7A. The image data conversion circuit 7C converts the echo signal received by the transmission / reception circuit 7B into ultrasonic image data of the subject. The display control circuit 7D controls the monitor 6 to display the ultrasonic image data converted by the image data conversion circuit 7C. Then, an ultrasonic image is formed from the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 7 A, and the ultrasonic image is displayed on the monitor 6. A transmission / reception circuit 7B, an image data conversion circuit 7C, and a display control circuit 7D are connected to the control circuit 4, and the control circuit 4 controls the operations of these units.

  The input circuit 1 includes an operation panel, a TCS, a keyboard, a mouse, or a GUI displayed on the monitor 6. A signal corresponding to a command input by the operator operating the input circuit 1 is sent to the control circuit 4, and processing corresponding to the command is performed. This input circuit 1 corresponds to the “input means” of the present invention.

  Here, as a specific example of the input circuit 1, the configuration of the operation panel and the TCS will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the operation panel 30 includes a freeze button 31, a trackball 32, and a plurality of operation buttons 33. The operation button 33 is disposed around the freeze button 31 and the trackball 32.

  The trackball 32 is frequently used when displaying an ultrasound image in color, displaying a Doppler image, or setting a region of interest such as a measurement cursor. The freeze button 31 is used, for example, when obtaining a still image of an ultrasonic image being displayed on the monitor 6, and when the operator presses the freeze button 31, the still image can be displayed on the monitor 6. The freeze button 31 or the trackball 32 corresponds to the “reference operation unit” of the present invention.

  The operation buttons 33 are hardware button switches, and a function for operating the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is assigned to these operation buttons 33 by software. For example, a function for measuring the distance in the ultrasonic image and the area of the ultrasonic image, a function for adjusting the image quality of the monitor 6, a function for inputting a body mark as image auxiliary information, and the like are assigned to the operation buttons 33. ing.

  The TCS 34 displays an operation button 35 as a software switch. A function for operating the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is also assigned to the software operation button 35. In general, it is assumed that there are 3000 to 10000 types of inputs made by an operator in an ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus. The hardware operation buttons 33 are provided as software operation buttons 35 on the TCS 34 because the number of inputs cannot be given. Since only the necessary software operation buttons 35 need to be displayed on the TCS 34 when necessary, it is possible to have many inputs.

  For example, in a mode in which a tomographic image of a subject is scanned and image display is performed on the monitor 6 in real time, an operation button 35 relating to image quality adjustment as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the TCS 34. Further, after the freeze button 31 is pressed to display a still image on the monitor 6, an operation button 35 related to a diagnostic application such as distance and area measurement as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed, or an image attached as shown in FIG. The operation button 35 related to the body mark that is information is displayed.

  In general, in an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, an operator operates an ultrasonic probe with the right hand and operates the operation panel 30 with the left hand, but the left hand is under the freeze button 31 or the trackball 32 that is frequently operated. Often put in. The freeze button 31 is frequently operated when searching for a cross section of interest while moving the ultrasonic probe to change the scan cross section, because it is often desirable to obtain a cross section of interest and simultaneously display a still image. The trackball 32 is frequently operated for color display of ultrasonic images, display of Doppler images, and setting of a region of interest such as a measurement cursor. Therefore, if the frequently used functions are sequentially assigned in order of buttons closer to the position of the freeze button 31 or the trackball 32, the operation distance of the left hand in the routine inspection can be shortened.

  Returning to the description of the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 shown in FIG. The storage medium 2 stores information associating the operation button 33 (35) on the input circuit 1 with a function assigned to the operation button 33 (35), position information of the operation button 33 (35), and the like. For example, a table in which the operation button 33 (35) is associated with the function is created in advance, and the storage medium 2 stores the table. Further, the storage medium 2 stores an operation history when the operator operates the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10. For example, an operation when the operator operates the input circuit 1 is stored in the storage medium 2 as an operation history. Further, the distance from the reference operation unit such as the freeze button 31 or the trackball 32 to each operation button 33 (35) is stored in the storage medium 2 as the position information of the operation button 33 (35).

  In the operation history, the function actually performed by the operator is written, and further, the user name of the operator, the diagnostic content, the ultrasonic mode, and the like are written together with the date and time when the operation was performed.

  The arithmetic circuit 5 analyzes the operation history stored in the storage medium 2 and calculates a condition for optimally assigning the function to the operation button 33 (35) on the input circuit 1. The analysis of the operation history by the arithmetic circuit 5 may be performed in response to an operator's request, or may be automatically performed when a certain number of operation histories are accumulated. The arithmetic circuit 5 analyzes the operation history, for example, creates a list in which the operated functions are arranged in order of use frequency, or calculates the use frequency for each function. This arithmetic circuit 5 corresponds to the “arithmetic means” of the present invention.

  In addition, the monitor 6 displays information related to assignment of ultrasonic images and functions. The GUI included in the input circuit 1, the control circuit 4, and the arithmetic circuit 5 is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The ROM stores a program for causing the CPU to perform functions as shown in FIG.

(Function)
Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the operator operates the input circuit 1 (step S01), and the operation is stored in the storage medium 2 as an operation history (step S02). For example, the operator operates a hardware operation button 33 on the operation panel 30 or a software operation button 35 on the TCS 34, and the operation is stored in the storage medium 2 as an operation history.

  Next, the operator performs a routine operation for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, and after the operation history is accumulated in the storage medium 2, the operator transmits the operation history to the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 via the input circuit 1. An analysis is requested (step S03). The arithmetic circuit 5 receives the signal corresponding to the analysis request and analyzes the operation history stored in the storage medium 2 (step S04). For example, the usage frequency of each operated function is calculated, and a list in which the functions are arranged in order of usage frequency is created. In this embodiment, the arithmetic circuit 5 analyzes the operation history in response to a request from the operator. However, the arithmetic circuit 5 automatically analyzes the operation history when a certain number of operation histories are accumulated. May be.

  Further, the arithmetic circuit 5 creates a correspondence table in which the operation buttons 33 (35) and functions are associated with each other based on the list arranged in order of use frequency (step S05). Specifically, a function that is frequently used is assigned to the operation button 33 (35) that is close to the freeze button 31 or the trackball 32, and a correspondence table showing the assignment is created. Since the distance from the freeze button 31 or the like to each operation button 33 (35) is stored in the storage medium 2, the allocation is performed with reference to the distance.

  The correspondence table representing the new assignment is stored in the storage medium 2, and the correspondence table is updated to a new one (step S06). Then, the control circuit 4 assigns functions to the operation buttons 33 (35) of the input circuit 1 according to the new correspondence table (step S07). In this way, by assigning functions according to the new correspondence table, it is possible to assign frequently used functions to the operation buttons 33 (35) that are close to the freeze button 31 or the trackball 32. As a result, the operation distance of the operator in the routine examination can be shortened, and the operability of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus can be improved. In step S06, a plurality of correspondence tables may be stored in the storage medium 2 without updating the correspondence table to a new one.

  Further, when a new correspondence table is created in step S05, the new correspondence table may be displayed on the monitor 6 under the control of the control circuit 4. Then, an operator such as a user or a serviceman determines whether to change the function assignment based on the new correspondence table. If the operator's consent is obtained, the operator operates the input circuit 1 to give an update command, and the control circuit 4 changes the correspondence table stored in the storage medium 2 to a new correspondence table according to the command. Update. Then, according to the new correspondence table, functions are assigned to the operation buttons 33 (35) of the input circuit 1. In this case, a plurality of correspondence tables may be stored in the storage medium 2 without updating the correspondence table to a new one. The monitor 6 corresponds to “notification means” of the present invention. Moreover, as a notification means, you may notify by a voice (voice) with a speaker etc.

  Further, an operation history may be analyzed for each operator, for each examination content, or for each ultrasonic mode, and a function may be assigned to the operation button 33 (34) of the input circuit 1.

  The operation buttons 35 displayed on the TCS 34 described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 are biased in use frequency depending on the operator, inspection contents, and the like. Some of the operation buttons 33 arranged on the operation panel 30 in advance may not be used at all depending on the operator, inspection contents, and the like. Therefore, if the operation button 35 on the TCS 34 that is frequently used is arranged on the hardware operation button 33 close to the freeze button 31 or the trackball 32, the operation distance of the operator is shortened.

  For example, when examining the circulatory organ (heart), the function of adjusting the Doppler interest position and the angle of view of the image is frequently used. However, when examining the abdomen, these functions are not used at all. . As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, there are 10 or more functions assigned to the operation buttons 35 on the TCS 33, and specific functions among them are determined depending on what kind of disease the operator frequently tests. Only is used frequently.

  Therefore, if a function is assigned to the operation button 33 (35) for each operator or for each examination content, it becomes possible to correspond to the examination or the characteristics of the operator.

  For example, an example in which an operation history is analyzed for each operator and a function is assigned to the operation button 33 (35) for each operator will be described. When analyzing the operation history for each operator, the user name and user ID of the operator are input by the input circuit 1 when using the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10. The user name and user ID are stored in the storage medium 2 together with the operation history of the operation button 33 (35).

  Then, as described above, the arithmetic circuit 5 analyzes the operation history and creates a list arranged in order of use frequency, and creates a correspondence table that associates the operation buttons 33 (35) and functions corresponding to each operator. To do. This correspondence table is created for each operator, and the correspondence table for each operator is stored in the storage medium 2. By assigning functions according to the correspondence table, it is possible to assign functions that are frequently used to the operation buttons 33 (35) that are close to the freeze button 31 or the trackball 32. Thus, by analyzing the history for each operator, it is possible to assign functions corresponding to the characteristics of the operator.

  The case of assigning a function to the operation button 33 (35) for each examination content or for each ultrasonic mode is the same as the case of assigning for each operator. The examination contents include examination fields such as the circulatory organ, abdomen, chest, fetus, obstetrics, and examination sites such as the carotid artery, heart, liver, pancreas, and surface layer. The ultrasound mode includes a B mode for collecting a tomographic image of a subject, a B color mode for collecting a color tomographic image, a Doppler mode for collecting a Doppler spectrum, and the like. Since the function to be used differs depending on the inspection content and the ultrasonic mode, it is possible to assign functions corresponding to the characteristics by analyzing the history for each inspection content and the ultrasonic mode.

  Also in this case, when the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is used, the examination content and the ultrasonic mode are input by the input circuit 1. These are stored in the storage medium 2 together with the operation history of the operation button 33 (35). Then, the arithmetic circuit 5 creates a correspondence table in which the operation buttons 33 (35) are associated with the functions. This correspondence table is created for each examination content and each ultrasound mode, and a correspondence table for each examination content and each ultrasound mode is stored in the storage medium 2. By assigning a function to the operation button 33 (35) according to the correspondence table, it becomes possible to assign a function corresponding to the examination contents and the features of the ultrasonic mode.

  In the present invention, instead of analyzing the operation history, for example, the number of times the arithmetic circuit 5 is operated for each function may be counted and the number of times for each function may be stored in the storage medium 2. Then, the control circuit 4 may assign a function with a large number of operations to the freeze button 31 or the operation button 33 (35) close to the trackball 32.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows the operation panel and TCS with which the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention was equipped. It is explanatory drawing of the operation button regarding the image quality adjustment displayed on TCS. It is explanatory drawing of the operation button regarding the diagnostic application displayed on TCS. It is explanatory drawing of the operation button regarding the body mark displayed on TCS. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Input circuit 2 Storage medium 4 Control circuit 5 Arithmetic circuit 6 Monitor 10 Ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 30 Operation panel 31 Freeze button 32 Track ball 33, 35 Operation button 34 TCS (Touch Command Screen)

Claims (4)

In an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that obtains an ultrasonic image of the subject by transmitting ultrasonic waves to the subject using an ultrasonic probe and receiving the reflected wave thereof,
An input button including an operation button to which a function of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is assigned, and a reference operation unit;
Storage means for storing an operation history of the operation buttons operated;
Arithmetic means for analyzing the operation history;
Control means for changing the function assigned to the operation button based on the analysis result of the computing means,
The calculation means obtains a use frequency for each function based on the operation history,
The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit assigns the frequently used functions in order of operation buttons that are closer to the reference operation unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify the operator of a change in the function assigned to the operation button so that the operator can recognize the function. The operation history includes information for identifying an operated function, and further includes information for identifying at least one of an operator user name, examination contents, and an ultrasonic mode. Or the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in any one of Claim 2. The calculation means analyzes the operation history for each operator, for each inspection content or for each ultrasonic mode,
The control unit changes a function assigned to the operation button for each operator, for each examination content, or for each ultrasonic mode based on an analysis result of the calculation unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 3.

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