JP2010012131A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of being easily operated in ultrasonic diagnosis. <P>SOLUTION: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a monitor 63 having first and second display areas 68 and 69 for displaying image data generated in an image data generating part 4; a support 64 for turnably supporting the monitor 63; a detector 65 for detecting the angle of the monitor 63 relative to the support 64; and a display data generating part 5 for generating display data to be displayed in the first and second display areas 68 and 69. The display data generating part 5 generates diagnostic display data for an operator, or subject display data for a subject P, based on the angle information from the detector 65. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that images and diagnoses the inside of a subject with ultrasonic waves.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and displays on a monitor image data obtained by receiving a reflected wave generated by a difference in acoustic impedance of tissue in the subject. . In this diagnostic method, the inside of the subject can be observed simply by bringing the ultrasonic probe into contact with the body surface of the subject. Further, it is smaller than other diagnostic imaging apparatuses such as an X diagnostic apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus, and can be diagnosed by moving to the bedside. For this reason, it is widely used for diagnosis of various organs such as the heart, blood vessels, abdomen, and urinary organs in the living body.

  By the way, as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an apparatus having a touch screen for operating the apparatus main body is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In order to make the image data displayed on the monitor easier to see, the operator of this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus operates by changing the display brightness of the touch screen by dimming the illumination of the room where the apparatus is installed. The burden on the person is reduced.

In addition, the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus observes the image data displayed on the monitor with the ultrasonic probe applied to the subject from the front of the monitor or from a position between the apparatus and the subject. Perform an inspection. Then, the image data displayed on the monitor may be shown to the subject for explanation.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-29489

  However, since the screen of the monitor is set in a dark color so that the eye does not get tired even if the operator observes the image data for a long time, there is a fear that the subject undergoing the examination may feel uneasy. For this reason, when setting a color tone that gives a sense of security, it is necessary to add a function or switch that can be set to that color tone. In addition, even if a function or switch is provided, an operation for setting is required, and thus there is a problem that the operation is troublesome.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can be easily operated in ultrasonic diagnosis.

  In order to solve the above problem, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention includes a transmission / reception unit that drives an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from the subject to scan the subject with ultrasonic waves. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, image data generating means for generating image data based on a received signal from the transmitting / receiving means, and first display means having a display area for displaying image data generated by the image data generating means; Based on information on the angle detected by the detection means, a detection means for detecting the angle of the first display means relative to the support, a support that supports the first display means in a rotatable manner, And display data generating means for generating display data including the image data to be displayed in the display area.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to display image data in which the monitor screen is set to a display mode suitable for the operator and the subject according to the angle of the rotatable monitor. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required for the operation and to perform the inspection efficiently.

  Examples of the present invention will be described.

Embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes an ultrasonic probe 1 that transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from a subject P, transmission of signals that drive ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic probe 1, and signals from the ultrasonic probe 1. The apparatus main body 10a that generates display data for displaying the image data obtained based on the above and the output unit 6 that displays and outputs the display data generated by the apparatus main body 10a are provided.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 is for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by bringing the tip of the subject P into contact with the body surface of the subject P. For example, the ultrasonic probe 1 has a plurality of (N) piezoelectric vibrators arranged in one dimension. is doing. The piezoelectric vibrator converts an electric pulse (ultrasonic drive signal) from the apparatus main body 10a into an ultrasonic pulse (transmitted ultrasonic wave) during wave transmission, and a reflected ultrasonic wave (received ultrasonic wave from the subject P during reception). Sound wave) is converted into an electrical signal (ultrasonic reception signal). Then, the converted ultrasonic reception signal is output to the apparatus main body 10a.

  The apparatus main body 10a transmits / receives an ultrasonic drive signal and an ultrasonic reception signal to / from the ultrasonic probe 1 and processes a reception signal from the transmission / reception unit 2 to process B mode data, Doppler data, and the like. A signal processing unit 3 that generates image data, an image data generation unit 4 that generates image data such as B-mode image data and Doppler image data from the B-mode data and Doppler data generated by the signal processing unit 3, and image data generation The display data generation unit 5 that performs image processing of the image data generated by the unit 4 and the generation of display data to be output to the output unit 6, the operation unit 8 that inputs various command signals, and the like of the apparatus main body 10a And a system control unit 9 that controls each unit and the output unit 6 in an integrated manner.

  The transmission / reception unit 2 generates a transmission unit 21 that generates an ultrasonic drive signal for generating transmission ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 1 and a plurality of channels of ultrasonic reception signals obtained from the piezoelectric vibrator of the ultrasonic probe 1. And a receiving unit 22 for performing phasing addition.

  The transmission unit 21 generates a rate pulse for determining the repetition frequency of the ultrasonic pulse radiated to the subject P, gives a deflection delay time for radiating the ultrasonic wave to the rate pulse, and then transmits the ultrasonic drive pulse. And output to the ultrasonic probe 1.

  The receiving unit 22 amplifies a minute ultrasonic reception signal output from the ultrasonic probe 1 to ensure a sufficient S / N, and receives the ultrasonic wave in the direction radiated with respect to the ultrasonic reception signal. After giving a deflection delay time for setting the phase difference, a plurality of ultrasonic reception signals from the piezoelectric vibrator are phased and added together and output to the signal processing unit 3 as one.

  The signal processing unit 3 processes the signal output from the reception unit 22 of the transmission / reception unit 2 to generate various data such as B-mode data and Doppler data.

  The image data generation unit 4 sequentially stores various data output from the signal processing unit 3, and reads out the various data stored in the data storage unit 41 to generate image data. Part 42. Then, the generated image data is output to the display data generation unit 5 and the output unit 6.

  The display data generation unit 5 includes an image data processing unit 51 that generates display data for outputting the image data generated by the data processing unit 42 of the image data generation unit 4 to the output unit 6, and an operation from the operation unit 8. The operation information creation unit 52 that creates operation information to be displayed on the output unit 6 for performing the operation, and the synthesis that combines the display data generated by the image data processing unit 51 and the operation information created by the operation information creation unit 52 Part 53.

  Based on the display mode information supplied from the system control unit 9, the image data processing unit 51 outputs background data serving as the background of the image data output from the data processing unit 42 to the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. Set to display mode (diagnostic display mode). Next, first diagnostic display data composed of the image data from the data processing unit 42 and the set background data is generated. Then, the generated first diagnosis display data is output to the synthesis unit 53. Note that the diagnostic display mode includes a display mode in which background data is set in a color tone suitable for diagnosis for suppressing eye fatigue. As the color tone, for example, there is a dark color based on blue or the like.

  Further, the background data of the image data output from the data processing unit 42 is set to the display mode for the subject P (subject display mode). Next, first object display data composed of the image data from the data processing unit 42 and the set background data is generated. Then, the generated first object display data is output to the synthesis unit 53. The subject display mode includes a display mode in which background data is set in a color tone reminiscent of cleanliness or a color tone that gives a sense of security. As the color tone, for example, there is a bright color based on white.

  Further, after image processing such as enlargement or reduction is performed on the image data output from the data processing unit 42, first diagnostic display data or first subject display data is generated and output to the synthesis unit 53. To do.

  The operation information creation unit 52 displays, for example, a menu displayed on the output unit 6 for performing operations from the operation unit 8 such as operations for generating image data by the image data generation unit 4 and operations for performing image processing by the image data processing unit 51. Operation information such as character information and icons representing the above is created. Then, based on the display mode information supplied from the system control unit 9, diagnostic operation information in which the created operation information is set to the diagnostic display mode is generated. In addition, object operation information in which the created operation information is set to the object display mode is generated. Then, the generated diagnostic operation information and subject operation information are output to the synthesis unit 53.

  The synthesizer 53 includes a display data storage circuit, and outputs the first diagnostic display data output from the image data processor 51 to the output unit 6. The second diagnostic display data is generated by superimposing the diagnostic operation information output from the operation information creation unit 52 on a part of the first diagnostic display data output from the image data processing unit 51, and the generated second diagnostic display data is generated. 2 diagnostic display data is output to the output unit 6. Further, the diagnostic operation information output from the operation information creation unit 52 is output to the output unit 6.

  The first object display data output from the image data processing unit 51 is output to the output unit 6. Further, the second subject display data is generated by superimposing the subject operation information output from the operation information creation unit 52 on a part of the first subject display data output from the image data processing unit 51, The generated second object display data is output to the output unit 6.

  The operation unit 8 includes input devices such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a trackball, a mouse, and a touch screen 81. Then, inspection information for performing inspection such as subject information (ID, name, etc.), imaging conditions (gain, depth of field, transmission frequency, focusing position, pulse repetition frequency, generation mode, etc.) of the subject P is input. . The touch screen 81 displays a message including warning information from each unit supplied from the system control unit 9.

  The system control unit 9 includes a CPU and a storage circuit, and stores various examination information such as subject information and imaging conditions input from the operation unit 8. And based on these input information, control of each unit of the transmission / reception part 2, the signal processing part 3, the image data generation part 4, the display data generation part 5, and the output part 6 and control of the whole system are performed.

  The output unit 6 includes first diagnostic display data, second diagnostic display data, first subject display data, and second subject output from the combining unit 53 of the display data generation unit 5 in the apparatus main body 10a. Print out the image data output from the data processing unit 42 of the image data generating unit 4 and the monitor unit 61 having the monitor 63 that is rotatably arranged to display each display data of the display data and diagnostic operation information. And a printing unit 62.

  The monitor unit 61 is arranged on the apparatus main body 10a, and is arranged on the apparatus main body 10a that rotatably supports the monitor 63 that displays each display data and diagnostic operation information output from the combining unit 53. And a detector 65 that detects the angle of the monitor 63. The monitor unit 61 may be arranged so as to be separated from the apparatus main body 10a.

  The monitor 63 includes a liquid crystal panel or CRT. As shown in FIG. 2, the monitor 63 is arranged in a clockwise direction (in the direction of arrow R) by a support body 64 disposed behind the operation unit 8 when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is viewed from the front side. ) And a counterclockwise direction (arrow L direction). Then, a monitor angle setting screen for setting the angle of the monitor 63 for changing the display mode of the display data generated by the display data generating unit 5 to the diagnostic display mode or the subject display mode is displayed. Further, each display data output from the display data generating unit 5 is displayed according to the angle of the monitor 63.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the angle of the monitor 63 with the screen facing the front direction is defined as the home position of the monitor 63.

  The detector 65 includes a rotation angle detection sensor such as a rotary encoder and a rotary potentiometer, and outputs information on the angle of the monitor 63 relative to the support 64 detected by the rotation angle detection sensor to the system control unit 9.

  The printing unit 62 includes a printer or the like, and prints the image data output from the data processing unit 42 of the image data generating unit 4 on a printing sheet according to a predetermined format.

  Next, details of the monitor unit 61 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10, the operator of the apparatus, the subject P, and the bed on which the subject P is placed. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monitor angle setting screen displayed on the monitor 63. FIG. 5 is a view of the monitor unit 61 as viewed from above.

  In FIG. 3, in the examination room where the subject P is examined, as shown in FIG. 3A, a bed is arranged on the left side of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, and the head is placed on the bed. A subject P placed in a supine position with the foot facing the front side is placed. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, a bed is arranged on the right side surface of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, the head is directed to the back side of the apparatus, and the foot is directed to the front side on the bed. The subject P in the supine position may be placed. Further, the operator located on the front side of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 observes each display data displayed on the monitor 63 at the home position, for example, with the ultrasonic probe 1 being in contact with the subject P.

  Based on this arrangement, an angle range of the monitor 63 at which the operator observes each display data and an angle range of the monitor 63 at which the display data is not displayed on the subject P is set on the monitor angle setting screen. .

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monitor angle setting screen displayed on the monitor 63. The monitor angle setting screen 66 is composed of columns of “clockwise limit angle” and “left-hand limit angle” for setting an angle range of the monitor 63 for displaying the first and second diagnosis display data. The The input information input from the operation unit 8 is stored in the storage circuit of the system control unit 9.

  A monitor capable of displaying the first and second diagnostic display data by rotating the monitor 63 from the home position in the direction of arrow R shown in FIG. When an input operation for setting a limit angle 63 (clockwise limit angle) is performed from the operation unit 8, for example, “60 °” which is a clockwise limit angle is displayed in the dialog box 661.

  A monitor capable of displaying the first and second diagnostic display data by rotating the monitor 63 from the home position in the direction of the arrow L shown in FIG. When an input operation for setting a limit angle 63 (counterclockwise limit angle) is performed from the operation unit 8, for example, “60 °” which is a counterclockwise limit angle is displayed in the dialog box 662.

  As described above, the angle of the monitor 63 that changes the display mode can be set according to the arrangement of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10, the operator, the subject P, and the bed.

  FIG. 5 is a view of the monitor unit 61 as viewed from above. The monitor 63 of the monitor unit 61 has the screen of the monitor 63 facing the front side of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 at the home position (angle 0 °). The detector 65 outputs information on the angle of the monitor 63 relative to the support 64 to the system control unit 9. The system control unit 9 supplies information on the diagnostic display mode or the subject display mode to the display data generation unit 5 based on the angle information from the detector 65. The display data generation unit 5 generates each display data based on the display mode information supplied from the system control unit 9.

  Then, the angle of the monitor 63 is within the clockwise range θR from the home position to 60 ° which is the clockwise limit angle set on the monitor angle setting screen 66 of FIG. 4 in the R direction, or counterclockwise in the L direction from the home position. When it is within the counterclockwise range θL up to the limit angle of 60 °, the image data processing unit 51 generates first diagnostic display data from the image data output by the data processing unit 42 and outputs the first diagnostic display data to the combining unit 53. . Further, the operation information creation unit 52 generates diagnostic operation information and outputs it to the synthesis unit 53. Next, the combining unit 53 outputs the first diagnosis display data output from the image data processing unit 51 or the first diagnosis display data output from the image data processing unit 51 and the diagnosis output from the operation information creation unit 52. The second diagnostic display data generated from the operation information is output to the monitor 63. The monitor 63 displays the first diagnostic display data or the second diagnostic display data output by the combining unit 53.

  When the angle of the monitor 63 is out of the clockwise range θR and the counterclockwise range θL, the image data processing unit 51 generates first object display data from the image data output from the data processing unit 42. The data is output to the combining unit 53. In addition, the operation information creation unit 52 generates subject operation information and outputs it to the synthesis unit 53. Next, the synthesis unit 53 outputs the first object display data output from the image data processing unit 51 or the first object display data and operation information generation unit 52 output from the image data processing unit 51. The second subject display data generated from the subject operation information is output to the monitor 63. The monitor 63 displays the first object display data or the second object display data output from the synthesis unit 53.

  As described above, when the angle of the monitor 63 is within the clockwise range θR or the counterclockwise range θL, the first and second diagnostic display data can be displayed on the monitor 63. Further, when the angle of the monitor 63 is out of the clockwise range θR and the counterclockwise range θL, the first and second object display data can be displayed on the monitor 63.

  Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of displaying each display data of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of first diagnosis display data displayed on the screen of the monitor 63. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of second diagnostic display data displayed on the screen of the monitor 63. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of first subject display data displayed on the screen of the monitor 63. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of second object display data displayed on the screen of the monitor 63. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of displaying a message of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10.

  6, the information on the clockwise limit angle and the counterclockwise limit angle set on the monitor angle setting screen 66 shown in FIG. 4, the subject information and image data of the subject P are stored in the storage circuit of the system control unit 9. The examination information of the subject P including the imaging condition in which the generation mode in the generation unit 4 is set to, for example, “B mode image data” is stored. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, the operator, the subject P, and the bed are arranged at, for example, the positions shown in FIG. 5B, and the monitor 63 is set at the home position. Then, when an operation for starting an examination is performed from the operation unit 8, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 starts an examination of the subject P (step S1).

  The system control unit 9 instructs each unit of the transmission / reception unit 2, the signal processing unit 3, the image data generation unit 4, the display data generation unit 5, and the output unit 6 to perform inspection. Then, by applying the ultrasonic probe 1 to, for example, the abdomen of the subject P, the signal processing unit 3 processes the signal output from the reception unit 22 of the transmission / reception unit 2 to generate B-mode data, and generates the generated B The mode data is stored in the data storage unit 41 of the image data generation unit 4. The data processing unit 42 reads out the B mode data from the data storage unit 41 to generate B mode image data including, for example, a fetus in the subject P, and the generated B mode image data is subjected to image data processing of the display data generation unit 5. To the unit 51.

  The detector 65 of the monitor unit 61 detects the angle of the monitor 63 and outputs it to the system control unit 9. The system control unit 9 determines the display mode in the display data generation unit 5 based on the angle information output from the detector 65. If the angle from the detector 65 is within the clockwise range θR or the counterclockwise range θL (Yes in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3. If the angle from the detector 65 is out of the clockwise range θR and the counterclockwise range θL (No in step S2), the process proceeds to step S4.

  Here, since diagnosis is first performed by the operator, for example, first diagnosis display data displayed on the screen of the monitor 63 at the home position is observed. The system control unit 9 supplies diagnostic display mode information to the display data generation unit 5 based on the home position angle information output from the detector 65.

  The image data processing unit 51 of the display data generation unit 5 generates first diagnostic display data from the B-mode image data output by the image data generation unit 4 and outputs the first diagnostic display data to the synthesis unit 53. The synthesizer 53 outputs the first diagnosis display data output by the image data processor 51 to the monitor 63. The monitor 63 displays the first diagnostic display data output by the combining unit 53 (step S3).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of first diagnosis display data displayed on the screen of the monitor 63. The screen 67 includes a first display area 68 and a second display area 69. The first diagnostic display data 70 is displayed in the first and second display areas 68 and 69. The first diagnosis display data 70 includes B-mode image data 701 including a fetus and background data 702 set to the diagnosis display mode, and the B-mode image data 701 is displayed in real time.

  Thus, when the angle of the monitor 63 is within the clockwise range θR or the counterclockwise range θL, the first diagnosis display data 70 can be displayed on the screen 67 of the monitor 63. Thereby, the burden on an operator's eyes can be reduced.

  Here, when an operation for displaying operation information is performed from the operation unit 8, the operation information creation unit 52 generates diagnostic operation information and outputs it to the synthesis unit 53. The synthesizing unit 53 generates second diagnostic display data from the first diagnostic display data output from the image data processing unit 51 and the diagnostic operation information output from the operation information creation unit 52, and outputs the second diagnostic display data to the monitor 63. The monitor 63 displays the second diagnostic display data output from the synthesis unit 53.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of second diagnostic display data displayed on the screen of the monitor 63. The second diagnostic display data 71 output from the combining unit 53 is displayed in the first and second display areas 68 and 69 of the screen 67a. Further, the first diagnosis display data 72 included in the second diagnosis display data 71 is displayed in the first display area 68, and the diagnostic operation information 73 included in the second diagnosis display data 71 is displayed in the second display area 69. Is displayed.

  The first diagnosis display data 72 includes B-mode image data 721 including a fetus and background data 722 set to the diagnosis display mode, and the B-mode image data 721 is displayed in real time.

  Even if the background data 722 included in the first diagnosis display data 72 is set to the subject display mode, an effect of reducing the burden on the operator's eyes can be obtained.

  Then, by operating the diagnostic operation information 73 in the second display area 69 from the operation unit 8, for example, the B mode image data 721 in the first display area 68 can be printed out from the printing unit 62. Further, the distance between two points on the B-mode image data 721 can be measured.

  Thus, when the angle of the monitor 63 is within the clockwise range θR or the counterclockwise range θL, the second diagnostic display data 71 can be displayed on the screen 67a of the monitor 63. Thereby, the burden on an operator's eyes can be reduced.

  Next, after observing the B-mode image data 701 displayed on the screen 67 of the monitor 63 and diagnosing the subject P, the monitor 63 is set to home in order to show the B-mode image data 701 to the subject P. By rotating beyond the counterclockwise range θL in the L direction from the position, the detector 65 outputs information on the detected angle to the system control unit 9. The system control unit 9 supplies subject display mode information to the display data generation unit 5 based on the angle information output from the detector 65.

  The image data processing unit 51 generates first subject display data from the B-mode image data output by the image data generation unit 4 and outputs the first subject display data to the synthesis unit 53. The synthesizer 53 outputs the first subject display data output from the image data processor 51 to the monitor 63. The monitor 63 displays the first subject display data output from the synthesizer 53 (step S4 in FIG. 6).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of first object display data displayed on the screen of the monitor 63. First subject display data 70a is displayed in the first and second display areas 68 and 69 of the screen 67b. The first subject display data 70b includes B-mode image data 701b including a fetus and background data 702b set in the subject display mode, and the B-mode image data 701b is displayed in real time.

  As described above, when the angle of the monitor 63 is within the clockwise range θR or the counterclockwise range θL, the monitor 63 is rotated in the R direction or the L direction until it deviates from the clockwise range θR and the counterclockwise range θL. The first object display data 70b can be displayed on the screen 67b of the monitor 63. Accordingly, the display mode can be easily changed without requiring an operation for setting each display data in the diagnostic display mode to the subject display mode. In addition, the subject P can be given a sense of security and the psychological burden can be reduced.

  Here, when an operation for displaying operation information is performed from the operation unit 8, the operation information creation unit 52 generates diagnostic operation information and outputs it to the synthesis unit 53. The synthesizing unit 53 generates second subject display data from the first subject display data output from the image data processing unit 51 and the subject operation information output from the operation information creation unit 52, and supplies the second subject display data to the monitor 63. Output. The monitor 63 displays the second subject display data output from the synthesis unit 53.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of second diagnostic display data displayed on the screen of the monitor 63. Second object display data 71c is displayed in the first and second display areas 68 and 69 of the screen 67c. In addition, the first object display data 72c included in the second object display data 71c is displayed in the first display area 68, and the object included in the second object display data 71c is displayed in the second display area 69. Operation information 73c is displayed.

  The first subject display data 72c includes B-mode image data 721c including a fetus and background data 722c set in the subject display mode, and the B-mode image data 721c is displayed in real time.

  As described above, when the angle of the monitor 63 is out of the clockwise range θR and the counterclockwise range θL, the second object display data 71 c can be displayed on the screen 67 c of the monitor 63. Thereby, a sense of security can be given to the subject P, and the psychological burden can be reduced.

  After step S3 or step S4 in FIG. 6, if the operation end operation has not been performed from the operation unit 8 (No in step S8), the process returns to step S2. When the operation end operation is performed from the operation unit 8 (Yes in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of displaying a message of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. After step S1 in FIG. 6, the system control unit 9 outputs a message based on the angle output from the detector 65 when receiving a message including warning information from each unit that executes the inspection. To decide.

  When the angle from the detector 65 is within the clockwise range θR or the counterclockwise range θL (Yes in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6. When the angle from the detector 65 is out of the clockwise range θR and the counterclockwise range θL (No in step S5), the process proceeds to step S7.

  After “Yes” in step S5, the system control unit 9 displays the received message on the monitor 63 (step S6). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8.

  Here, when the first diagnosis display data 70 is displayed on the screen 67 shown in FIG. 7 of the monitor 63, if an operation for printing out is performed from the operation unit 8, the image data generation unit 4 displays on the screen 67. The image data corresponding to the B-mode image data 701 thus output is output to the printing unit 62. If an operation for printing out from the operation unit 8 is performed, for example, if there is a shortage of printing paper, the printing unit 62 outputs a printing paper shortage message to the system control unit 9. The system control unit 9 superimposes the first diagnosis display data 70 displayed on the screen 67 and displays a message from the printing unit 62 such as “print paper is insufficient”.

  Thus, by displaying on the monitor 63, it is possible to quickly respond to the message.

  After “No” in step S5, the system control unit 9 displays the received message on the touch screen 81 of the operation unit 8 (step S7). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8.

  Here, when the first subject display data 70b is displayed on the screen 67b of the monitor 63, if an operation of printing out from the operation unit 8 is performed, the image data generation unit 4 displays the B displayed on the screen 67b. Image data corresponding to the mode image data 701 b is output to the printing unit 62. When an operation for printing out is performed from the operation unit 8, for example, if there is a shortage of printing paper, the printing unit 62 outputs a printing paper shortage message to the system control unit 9. The system control unit 9 displays a message from the printing unit 62 on the touch screen 81.

  Thus, by avoiding the display of the message on the monitor 63 toward the visual field range of the subject P and displaying the message on the touch screen 81, it is possible to prevent the subject P from being given unnecessary anxiety.

  When the urgency level is set for each message and the angle from the detector 65 is out of the clockwise range θR and the counterclockwise range θL, only the message with the high urgency level is displayed on the touch screen 81 and detected. When the angle from the device 65 falls within the clockwise range θR and the counterclockwise range θL, or when the inspection is completed, a message with a low urgency may be displayed on the monitor 63.

  After step S6 or step S7, when the operation for ending the inspection is not performed from the operation unit 8 (No in step S8), the process returns to step S5. When the operation end operation is performed from the operation unit 8 (Yes in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9.

  The system control unit 9 instructs the transmission / reception unit 2, the signal processing unit 3, the image data generation unit 4, the display data generation unit 5, and the output unit 6 to stop by the operation of the inspection end from the operation unit 8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 ends the examination (step S9).

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the angle of the monitor 63 that changes the display mode can be set according to the arrangement of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, the operator, the subject P, and the bed.

  When the angle of the monitor 63 is within the set clockwise range θR or counterclockwise range θL, the first and second diagnostic display data can be displayed on the monitor 63. Thereby, the burden on an operator's eyes can be reduced.

  Further, when the monitor 63 in the clockwise range θR or the counterclockwise range θL is rotated in the R direction or the L direction, and the angle of the rotated monitor 63 is out of the clockwise range θR and the counterclockwise range θL The first and second subject display data can be displayed on the monitor 63. Thereby, the display mode can be easily changed, and the inspection efficiency can be improved. In addition, the subject P can be given a sense of security and the psychological burden can be reduced.

  Further, when the angle of the monitor 63 is within the clockwise range θR or the counterclockwise range θL, a message can be displayed on the monitor 63. Thereby, it is possible to quickly respond to the message.

  Furthermore, when the angle of the monitor 63 is out of the clockwise range θR and the counterclockwise range θL, a message can be displayed on the touch screen 81. As a result, it is possible to prevent the subject P from giving an unnecessary anxiety.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, For example, you may make it replace the monitor part 61 with the monitor part 61a shown, for example in FIG. The monitor unit 61a includes a monitor 63a that displays each display data, a first support 64a that rotatably supports the monitor 63a in the direction of arrow R1, and a first support 64a that rotates in the direction of arrow R2. A second support 64b that is movably supported, a first detector 65a that detects an angle of the monitor 63a in the R1 direction, and a second that detects an angle of the first support 64a in the R2 direction. The range of the angle of the monitor 63a in the R1 direction and the R2 direction that change the display mode is set.

  Then, based on the angle information from the first and second detectors 65a and 65b, the first and second diagnostic display data are displayed on the monitor 63a and set when the angle is within the set angle range. The first and second subject display data are displayed on the monitor 63a when the angle is out of the range of the angle.

  Further, for example, a monitor 63a set in the vicinity of the vertical is arranged with respect to one of the operator or the subject P who is viewed with the first line of sight indicated by an arrow, and the position where the monitor 63a tilted horizontally is viewed with the second line of sight When the other is arranged, the display mode of each display data to be displayed on the vertical monitor 63a is changed based on the angle information from the first detector 64a, and the display data whose display mode is changed is displayed. You may implement so that it may invert and display on the horizontal monitor 63a.

  Furthermore, each unit of the apparatus main body 10a may be provided in the first support 64a, and the ultrasonic probe 1 may be connected to the first support 64a so as to function as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. .

  As described above, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the above-described embodiment.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the external appearance of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on the Example of this invention, an operator, a subject, and the bed in which a subject is mounted. The figure which shows an example of the monitor angle setting screen displayed on the monitor which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which looked at the monitor part concerning the example of the present invention from the top. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement which displays each display data of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the 1st diagnostic display data displayed on the screen of the monitor which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the 2nd diagnostic display data displayed on the screen of the monitor which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the 1st subject display data displayed on the screen of the monitor which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the 2nd subject display data displayed on the screen of the monitor which concerns on the Example of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement which displays the message of the ultrasonic diagnosing device based on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows the modification of the monitor part which concerns on the Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

P Subject 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Transmission / reception unit 3 Signal processing unit 4 Image data generation unit 5 Display data generation unit 6 Output unit 8 Operation unit 9 System control unit 10 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10a Device main body 21 Transmission unit 22 Reception unit 41 Data Storage unit 42 Data processing unit 51 Image data processing unit 52 Operation information creation unit 53 Composition unit 61 Monitor unit 62 Printing unit 63 Monitor 64 Support body 65 Detector 81 Touch screen

Claims (5)

In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising a transmission / reception means for driving an ultrasonic probe for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a subject and scanning the subject with ultrasonic waves,
Image data generating means for generating image data based on a received signal from the transmitting / receiving means;
First display means having a display area for displaying the image data generated by the image data generation means;
A support for rotatably supporting the first display means;
Detecting means for detecting an angle of the first display means with respect to the support;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: display data generation means for generating display data including the image data to be displayed in the display area based on information on an angle detected by the detection means. An angle setting means for setting an angle range of the first display means;
The display data generating means
If the angle of the first display means is within the range set by the angle setting means, generate diagnostic display data including the image data,
The object display data including the image data is generated when the angle of the first display unit is out of a range set by the angle setting unit. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. The diagnostic display data and the subject display data include the image data and background data representing the background of the image data,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein background data of the diagnostic display data is set to a dark color, and background data of the subject display data is set to a bright color. The diagnostic display data and the subject display data include operation information displayed on the first display means for performing an operation including an operation of generating the image data or an operation of processing the image data. ,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation information of the diagnostic display data is set to a dark color, and the operation information of the subject display data is set to a bright color. A second display means capable of displaying a message including warning information of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus;
If the angle of the first display means is within the range set by the angle setting means, the message is displayed on the first display means,
3. The message according to claim 2, wherein when the angle of the first display unit is out of a range set by the angle setting unit, the message is displayed on the second display unit. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

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