JP2017209327A - Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily simplify the operation of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to thereby enhance the operability.SOLUTION: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 comprises: a port P connected with a general-purpose PC-oriented keyboard 3 for accepting a key operation input; an interface driver 19 for detecting a connection of the PC-oriented keyboard 3 to the port P; a keyboard driver for generating a key code in response to a key operation input to the detected PC-oriented keyboard 3; a key code converter 21 for converting the generated key code into operation information for ultrasound diagnosis apparatus control; and a system controller 11 for executing a process of ultrasound diagnosis apparatus control based on the converted operation information for ultrasound diagnosis apparatus control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Ultrasound diagnosis is a simple operation of touching the ultrasound probe from the body surface, and the state of heart beat and fetal movement can be obtained as an ultrasound image, and because it is highly safe, the examination is repeated. Can do. 2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that is used for performing an ultrasonic diagnosis and displays an ultrasonic image is known.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus requires many operations for mode switching for obtaining a diagnostic image and control for obtaining information from the image. An inspector (user) wants to use a routine series of operations in many cases. Ideally, it is desirable to shift to a specific mode or control state by pressing one button.

  In order to perform the operation easily, a dedicated small operation device is connected wirelessly or by wire, and the operation device performs remote operation for a workflow system in which each operation process is performed by one operation for a series of operation processes of a predetermined inspection. There is known an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that accepts an image (see Patent Document 1).

  Further, similar processing has been performed by registering operation contents (operation procedures and processing contents thereof) in the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and operating the registered main body operation.

JP 2003-153903 A

  However, the operation device of the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is dedicated to the apparatus, and is not familiar to general-purpose use for the examiner. In addition, the operation device is merely a substitute for the operation of the operation panel provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Also, in the case of the method of registering the operation contents in the main body of the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, different ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses have different operation panels integrated with the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and different ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses. There was a risk that it could not be used.

  An object of the present invention is to easily simplify the operation of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and improve operability.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 comprises:
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to be connected to or communicate with an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and generates an ultrasonic image based on a reception signal received by the ultrasonic probe,
A port to which a general-purpose keyboard that accepts key operation inputs is connected;
A detection unit for detecting connection of a general-purpose keyboard to the port;
A keyboard driver unit that generates a key code in response to a key operation input to the detected general-purpose keyboard;
A key code conversion unit that converts the generated key code into operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control;
A control unit that executes processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control based on the converted operation information of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control.

The invention according to claim 2 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
A storage unit for storing key code setting information in which key codes for normal key input of the general-purpose keyboard and operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control are associated;
The key code conversion unit converts the generated key code into operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control using the key code setting information stored in the storage unit.

The invention according to claim 3 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The port is
A first port for operation input of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control;
A second port for normal key input,
The detector is
A first detector for detecting connection of a general-purpose keyboard to the first port;
A second detection unit for detecting connection of a general-purpose keyboard to the second port;
The keyboard driver part is
A first keyboard driver unit that generates a key code corresponding to an operation input to the general-purpose keyboard detected by the first detection unit;
A second keyboard driver unit that generates a key code corresponding to an operation input to the general-purpose keyboard detected by the second detection unit and outputs the key code to the control unit;
The key code conversion unit converts the key code generated by the first keyboard driver unit into operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control.

The invention according to claim 4 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
An input method setting unit for setting the input method of the general-purpose keyboard to the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control or normal key input;
A switching unit that switches an output destination of the generated key code to the key code conversion unit or the control unit according to the set input method.

The invention according to claim 5 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The general-purpose keyboard is a programmable keyboard.

  According to the present invention, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be easily simplified and the operability can be improved.

It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the 1st ultrasonic diagnosing device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st setting process. It is a figure which shows a key code setting screen. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the 2nd ultrasonic diagnosing device of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the 3rd ultrasonic diagnosing device of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd setting process. It is a figure which shows an input method selection screen. It is a figure which shows a driver selection screen.

  First to third embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail in order with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the apparatus configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment transmits a transmission ultrasonic wave for B (Brightness) mode or C (Color Doppler, Color Flow Mapping) mode to a subject such as a patient and the received subject. Based on the received signal corresponding to the reflected ultrasonic wave from the inside, the internal state in the subject is imaged and displayed as an ultrasonic image (B mode image or C mode image). The B-mode image is a tomographic image that represents the internal state of the subject with luminance. The C-mode image is a tomographic image obtained by synthesizing a color flow image representing the blood flow of the subject with red in a direction approaching the ultrasound probe 2 and blue in a direction away from the ultrasound probe 2 and a B-mode image.

  In addition, in this Embodiment, what has the function of B mode and C mode is illustrated as the ultrasound diagnosing device 100, However, It is not restricted to these functions. For example, instead of or in addition to the functions of the B mode and the C mode, the present invention may be applied to a configuration having functions such as an M mode, a PWD (Pulse Wave Doppler) mode, a CWD (Continuous Wave Doppler) mode, and other various modes. The same applies to other embodiments.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1, an ultrasonic probe 2, a display unit 16, an operation panel 17, a PC (Personal Computer) keyboard 3, Is provided.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 is wired to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 via a cable (not shown). The ultrasonic probe 2 includes a plurality of transducers (not shown) made of piezoelectric elements. For example, a plurality of transducers are arranged in a one-dimensional array in the azimuth direction. In the present embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the ultrasonic probe 2 including 192 transducers is used. Note that the vibrators may be arranged in a two-dimensional array. Further, the number of vibrators can be arbitrarily set. In the present embodiment, an electronic scan probe of a linear scanning method is adopted for the ultrasonic probe 2, but either an electronic scanning method or a mechanical scanning method may be adopted, and a sector scanning method. Alternatively, any method of the convex scanning method can be adopted. The ultrasound probe 2 may be configured to be wirelessly connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus body 1 by a wireless communication method such as UWB (Ultra Wide Bind).

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 includes a system controller 11 as a control unit or an input method setting unit, a transmission / reception unit 12, a B mode processing unit 13, a C mode processing unit 14, an image processing unit 15, and an operation panel interface. Unit 18, interface driver unit 19, keyboard driver unit 20, key code conversion unit 21, and setting information storage unit 22 as a storage unit. Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 is provided with a port P as a connection port of a connector of an external peripheral device such as a PC keyboard 3. The communication method of the port P is described as being USB (Universal Serial Bus), but is not limited to this, and other communication methods such as PS / 2 may be used.

  The system controller 11 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit, and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The system controller 11 reads out various processing programs such as a system program stored in the storage unit and expands them in the RAM. Then, each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is controlled according to the developed program. The storage unit includes a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor, and stores a system program corresponding to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, various processing programs that can be executed on the system program, various data, and the like. These programs are stored in the form of computer-readable program code, and the CPU sequentially executes operations according to the program code. The RAM forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU and data related to these programs. In FIG. 1, control lines from the system controller 11 to each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 are omitted, and the same applies to other embodiments described below.

  The transmission / reception unit 12 includes a circuit that generates a drive signal (transmission signal), which is an electrical signal for generating ultrasonic waves, and inputs it to the ultrasonic probe 2 under the control of the system controller 11 to generate transmission ultrasonic waves. The transmitter includes a transmitter and a receiver that receives a reception signal of an electrical signal corresponding to the reflected ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic probe 2 in accordance with the control of the system controller 11. The receiving unit includes, for example, an amplifier, an A / D conversion circuit, and a phasing addition circuit.

  The receiving unit amplifies the input received signal by an amplifier at an amplification factor set in advance for each individual path corresponding to each transducer, and the analog signal amplified by the A / D converter circuit The received signal is converted into a digital received signal, and the time is adjusted by giving a delay time to each individual path corresponding to each transducer, with respect to the A / D converted received signal by the phasing addition circuit, These are added (phased addition) to generate sound ray data. In the B mode, the transmission / reception unit 12 transmits a drive signal for the B mode image to the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate sound ray data for the B mode image. Further, in the C mode, the transmission / reception unit 12 transmits the transmission signal for the B mode image and the transmission signal for the color flow image to the ultrasonic probe 2 so as to be used for the B mode image and the color flow image. Generate sound ray data.

  Under the control of the system controller 11, the B mode processing unit 13 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic amplification, and the like on the sound ray data for the B mode image input from the transmission / reception unit 12, and performs gain adjustment and the like. The B-mode image data is generated by performing luminance conversion. In other words, the B-mode image data represents the intensity of the received signal by luminance.

  The C-mode processing unit 14 performs, for example, quadrature detection, corner turn control, MIT filter, correlation calculation, data conversion on the sound ray data for the color flow image input from the transmission / reception unit 12 according to the control of the system controller 11. Then, a noise-cut filter, an inter-frame filter, and C-mode image conversion (coloring) processing are performed to generate color flow image data expressing the blood flow velocity of the subject in red and blue. The C-mode processing unit 14 may be configured to generate color flow image data in which the blood flow velocity, power, and dispersion of the subject are expressed by colors.

  Under the control of the system controller 11, the image processing unit 15 stores the B-mode image data input from the B-mode processing unit 13 in the image memory unit (not shown) in the B mode, reads out the data for each frame, and displays the display unit 16. Then, conversion such as coordinate conversion for display on the display is performed, and an image signal of the B mode image is output to the display unit 16 so that the B mode image is displayed on the display unit 16. The image processing unit 15 stores the B-mode image data input from the B-mode processing unit 13 in the image memory unit and the input from the C-mode processing unit 14 in the C mode according to the control of the system controller 11. For storing color flow image data in the image memory unit, reading out and synthesizing B-mode image data and color flow image data of the same frame from the image memory unit to generate C-mode image data and displaying them on the display unit 16 A transformation such as coordinate transformation is performed and output to the display unit 16 as an image signal of a C-mode image, and the C-mode image is displayed on the display unit 16.

  The display unit 16 is a display unit fixedly connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1. The display unit 16 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) display, an organic EL (Electronic Luminescence) display, an inorganic EL display, or a plasma display. The display unit 16 displays a B-mode image or a C-mode image on the display screen according to the image signal input from the image processing unit 15.

  The operation panel 17 is an operation unit integrally connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1. The operation panel 17 includes, for example, various switches, buttons, encoders (dials), trackballs, and the like for receiving various operation inputs such as commands for instructing the start of diagnosis and data input such as personal information of the subject. Various operation signals based on the operated operations are output to the operation panel interface unit 18.

  The operation panel interface unit 18 is a communication unit that communicates between the operation panel 17 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 (system controller 11) under the control of the system controller 11, and performs various operations input from the operation panel 17. The signal is converted into operation information for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 (operation information for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus) and output to the system controller 11. Further, the operation panel interface unit 18 outputs operation information for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus input from the key code conversion unit 21 to the system controller 11.

  The PC keyboard 3 is a general-purpose keyboard for an external PC, and includes a cable and a connector for connecting a port P of a communication method (USB) of the port P via the cable. The PC keyboard 3 has, for example, various character input keys, function keys, cursor keys, numeric input keys, and the like, and accepts an inspector's key operation input with the connector connected to the port P. A key input signal is output to the interface driver unit 19.

  The interface driver unit 19 is a communication unit that communicates between the operation panel 17 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 (system controller 11). Under the control of the system controller 11, an interface driver as software is executed by the CPU. This is a functional unit that realizes the communication function. The interface driver unit 19 outputs a key input signal input from the PC keyboard 3 connected to the port P to the keyboard driver unit 20. The interface driver unit 19 has a function of detecting that the PC keyboard 3 is connected to the port P.

  The keyboard driver unit 20 controls the PC keyboard 3 connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 (port P thereof) according to the control of the system controller 11, and is an interface abstracted into application software executed by the system controller 11. And a keyboard driver as software is executed by the CPU to realize the provided function. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a 106 Japanese keyboard driver is preset as a keyboard driver of the keyboard driver unit 20. For example, the keyboard driver is stored in the storage unit of the system controller 11. The keyboard driver unit 20 converts the key input signal input from the interface driver unit 19 into a key code of the PC keyboard 3 and outputs the key code to the key code conversion unit 21.

  The key code conversion unit 21 reads the key code setting information from the setting information storage unit 22 according to the control of the system controller 11, and the key of the PC keyboard 3 input from the keyboard driver unit 20 based on the key code setting information. The code is converted into operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control and output to the operation panel interface unit 18.

  The setting information storage unit 22 is configured by a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a RAM, and in accordance with the control of the system controller 11, the key code of the PC keyboard 3 and the operation information of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control corresponding to the operation panel 17. Are stored.

  With respect to each unit included in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, a part or all of the functions of each functional block can be realized as a hardware circuit such as an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is, for example, an LSI (Large Scale Integration), and the LSI may be referred to as an IC, a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration. Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor, and connection and setting of circuit cells in FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and LSI can be reconfigured. A reconfigurable processor may be used. Further, some or all of the functions of each function block may be executed by software. In this case, the software is stored in one or more storage media such as a ROM, an optical disk, or a hard disk, and the software is executed by the arithmetic processor. The same applies to each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main bodies 1A and 1B of the other embodiments.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the first setting process. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the key code setting screen 200. In the present embodiment, the key code setting screen 200 of FIG. 3 is a key code setting screen when the functions of the B mode and the C mode are taken as an example.

  When an inspector uses the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, various operations in ultrasonic diagnosis are performed using the PC keyboard 3. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1, the first setting process is executed in a state where the PC keyboard 3 is not connected to the port P. For example, the system controller 11 performs a first operation based on a first setting program stored in the storage unit, triggered by an input of an execution instruction for the first setting process from the inspector via the operation panel 17. Execute the setting process.

  As shown in FIG. 2, first, the system controller 11 sets key code setting screen information for setting the correspondence between the key code of the PC keyboard 3 and the operation information of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. Is displayed on the display unit 16 (step S11). For example, a key code setting screen 200 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed based on the key code setting screen information.

  The key code setting screen 200 receives an input area 201 for receiving a key code designation input of the PC keyboard 3 and input of operation information (processing content information) for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control corresponding to the key code input area. And an input area 202.

  Then, the system controller 11 accepts input of key code setting information for associating the key code of the PC keyboard 3 and the operation information of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control via the operation panel 17, and the input key code setting information is received. The setting information is stored in the setting information storage unit 22 (step S12), and the first setting process is terminated. For example, the key codes of the “B” input key, “C” input key, “Z” input key, and control key + “D” input key of the PC keyboard 3 to be connected are B mode button, C mode button, The key code setting information of the associated combination is set in the setting information storage unit 22 in association with the operation information of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus control of zoom on / off and depth +.

  Next, the PC keyboard 3 is connected to the port P of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body 1 by the examiner. At this time, the interface driver unit 19 detects that the PC keyboard 3 is connected to the port P. The PC keyboard 3 receives a key operation input for ultrasonic diagnosis from the examiner, and outputs the input key input signal to the interface driver unit 19. For example, the “B” input key of the PC keyboard 3 is pressed, and the key input signal is output.

  The interface driver unit 19 outputs the detected key input signal input from the PC keyboard 3 to the keyboard driver unit 20. The keyboard driver unit 20 converts the key input signal input from the interface driver unit 19 into a key code of the PC keyboard 3 and outputs the key code to the key code conversion unit 21. For example, a “B” key input signal of the PC keyboard 3 is converted into a “B” key code of the PC keyboard 3.

  The key code conversion unit 21 reads the key code setting information from the setting information storage unit 22 and converts the key code input from the keyboard driver unit 20 into operation information for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using the key code setting information. To the operation panel interface unit 18. For example, the key code “B” of the PC keyboard 3 is converted into the operation information of the B mode button.

  The operation panel interface unit 18 outputs operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control input from the key code conversion unit 21 to the system controller 11. For example, B mode button operation information is output to the system controller 11. The system controller 11 executes a mode change process to the B mode according to the operation information of the B mode button.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 is connected to the port P to which the general-purpose PC keyboard 3 that accepts key operation input is connected, and the interface that detects the connection of the PC keyboard 3 to the port P. A driver unit 19; a keyboard driver unit that generates a key code corresponding to the detected key operation input to the PC keyboard 3; and a key code that converts the generated key code into operation information for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. A conversion unit 21 and a system controller 11 that executes processing of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control based on the converted operation information of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control are provided.

  Therefore, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be easily simplified and the operability can be improved. In particular, even with different ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, it is possible to provide operation input reception for the same ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control only by preparing, setting and connecting the same PC keyboard 3. Furthermore, since an operation input is received by the external PC keyboard 3, remote operation can be performed via the cable of the PC keyboard 3.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 further includes a setting information storage unit 22 that stores key code setting information in which key codes for normal key input of a general-purpose keyboard are associated with operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control. The conversion unit 21 converts the generated key code into operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control using the key code setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 22. For this reason, the key code can be easily converted into operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control, and the association between the key code and operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control can be arbitrarily changed by changing and setting the key code setting information. it can.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the apparatus configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100A of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100A according to the second embodiment. However, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100A, parts similar to those of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100A includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1A, an ultrasonic probe 2, a display unit 16, an operation panel 17, and a PC keyboard 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1A includes a system controller 11, a transmission / reception unit 12, a B mode processing unit 13, a C mode processing unit 14, an image processing unit 15, an operation panel interface unit 18, an interface driver unit 19, 19A, keyboard driver units 20 and 20A, a key code conversion unit 21, and a setting information storage unit 22. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1A is provided with two ports P1 and P2 as connection ports for connectors of external peripheral devices such as a PC keyboard 3. The communication method of the ports P1 and P2 will be described as being USB, but is not limited to this.

  The port P1 is a port for using the PC keyboard 3 as an operation input keyboard for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The port P2 is a port for using the PC keyboard 3 as a keyboard for normal key operation input such as character input.

  The interface driver unit 19 and the keyboard driver unit 20 operate corresponding to the PC keyboard 3 connected to the port P1. The interface driver unit 19A is an interface driver unit similar to the interface driver unit 19, but outputs a key input signal input from the PC keyboard 3 connected to the port P2 to the keyboard driver unit 20A. The interface driver 19A has a function of detecting that the PC keyboard 3 is connected to the port P2.

  The keyboard driver unit 20A is a keyboard driver unit similar to the keyboard driver unit 20, but converts a key input signal input from the interface driver unit 19A into a key code of the PC keyboard 3 and outputs the key code to the system controller 11.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100A will be described. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100A, the first setting process of FIG. 2 is executed in a state where the PC keyboard 3 is not connected to the ports P1 and P2 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1A.

  Next, when the PC keyboard 3 is connected to the port P1 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 by the examiner, as in the first embodiment, the interface driver unit 19, the keyboard driver unit 20, and the key code conversion unit 21 are connected. By the operation of the setting information storage unit 22 and the operation panel interface unit 18, the key input signal for the ultrasonic diagnostic operation of the PC keyboard 3 connected to the port P1 is finally converted into the operation information for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control. Is input to the system controller 11.

  When the PC keyboard 3 is connected to the port P2 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 by the examiner, the interface driver unit 19A detects that the PC keyboard 3 is connected to the port P2. The PC keyboard 3 receives a key operation input of a normal operation from the inspector and outputs the input key input signal to the interface driver unit 19.

  The interface driver unit 19A outputs the detected key input signal input from the PC keyboard 3 to the keyboard driver unit 20A. The keyboard driver unit 20A converts the key input signal input from the interface driver unit 19A into a key code of the PC keyboard 3 and outputs the key code to the system controller 11.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100A has the same configuration as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, the operation input port P1 for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the normal key input unit. Detected by the interface driver unit 19 that detects the connection of the PC keyboard 3 to the port P2, the port P1, the interface driver unit 19A that detects the connection of the PC keyboard 3 to the port P2, and the interface driver unit 19. The system controller 11 generates a key code corresponding to the operation input to the PC keyboard 3 detected by the interface driver unit 19A by generating a key code corresponding to the operation input to the PC keyboard 3. Keyboard driver section 20A that outputs to Equipped with a. The key code conversion unit 21 converts the key code generated by the keyboard driver unit 20 into operation information for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Therefore, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be easily simplified, the operability can be improved, and the ultrasonic diagnostic can be performed only by the inspector selecting and connecting the port to which the PC keyboard 3 is connected. It is possible to easily switch between device control operation and normal key input.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the apparatus configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100B according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100B according to the third embodiment. However, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100B, the same parts as those of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100B includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1B, an ultrasonic probe 2, a display unit 16, an operation panel 17, and a PC keyboard 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1B includes a system controller 11, a transmission / reception unit 12, a B mode processing unit 13, a C mode processing unit 14, an image processing unit 15, an operation panel interface unit 18, an interface driver unit 19, and the like. A keyboard driver unit 20, a key code conversion unit 21, a setting information storage unit 22, and a switching unit 23. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1B is provided with two ports P as connection ports for connectors of external peripheral devices such as a PC keyboard 3.

  The keyboard driver unit 20 converts the key input signal input from the interface driver unit 19 into a key code of the PC keyboard 3 and outputs the key code to the switching unit 23 under the control of the system controller 11.

  The switching unit 23 switches the output destination of the key code input from the keyboard driver unit 20 to the key code conversion unit 21 or the system controller 11 according to the control of the system controller 11 and outputs it.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100B will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the second setting process. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an input method selection screen 300.

  Similar to the first embodiment, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100B, the second setting process is executed in a state where the PC keyboard 3 is not connected to the port P of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1B. For example, the system controller 11 performs the second operation based on the second setting program stored in the storage unit, triggered by the operation input of the execution instruction of the second setting process from the inspector via the operation panel 17. Execute the setting process.

  As shown in FIG. 6, steps S21 and S22 of the second setting process are the same as steps S11 and S12 of the first setting process of FIG. Then, the system controller 11 displays input method selection screen information for selecting the input method of the PC keyboard 3 on the display unit 16 (step S23). For example, an input method selection screen 300 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed based on the input method selection screen information.

  The input method selection screen 300 has an input area 301 for receiving an input method selection input of the PC keyboard 3 by radio buttons. The keyboard input method is either ultrasonic diagnostic device control operation based on the key code setting information set in step S22 or normal key input such as normal character input. The input method selection screen 300 is not limited to a radio button, and may be configured to accept an input method selection input of the PC keyboard 3 from a drop-down list, for example.

  Then, the system controller 11 accepts input of input method setting information of the input method of the PC keyboard 3 via the operation panel 17, and stores and sets the input method setting information in the setting information storage unit 22 ( Step S24), the second setting process is terminated.

  Next, the PC keyboard 3 is connected to the port P of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body 1 by the examiner. At this time, the interface driver unit 19 detects that the PC keyboard 3 is connected to the port P. The PC keyboard 3 receives a key operation input for ultrasonic diagnosis from the examiner, and outputs the input key input signal to the interface driver unit 19. For example, the “B” input key of the PC keyboard 3 is pressed, and the key input signal is output.

  The interface driver unit 19 outputs a key input signal input from the PC keyboard 3 to the keyboard driver unit 20. The keyboard driver unit 20 converts the key input signal input from the interface driver unit 19 into a key code of the PC keyboard 3 and outputs the key code to the switching unit 23. For example, a “B” key input signal of the PC keyboard 3 is converted into a “B” key code of the PC keyboard 3.

  The system controller 11 reads the input method setting information from the setting information storage unit 22 in response to the detection of the PC keyboard 3, and when the input method setting information is an ultrasonic diagnostic operation, the output is output to the key code conversion unit 21 side. Control information to be output to the switching unit 23, and when the input method setting information is a normal key input, the control information to be output to the system controller 11 side is output to the switching unit 23.

  The switching unit 23 switches the output destination of the key code input from the keyboard driver unit 20 according to the control information from the system controller 11 and outputs it to the key code conversion unit 21 or the system controller 11.

  When the key code conversion unit 21 is on the output side, the key code conversion unit 21 reads the key code setting information from the setting information storage unit 22, and uses the key code setting information to input the key code input from the switching unit 23. Is converted into operation information for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and output to the operation panel interface unit 18. The operation panel interface unit 18 outputs operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control input from the key code conversion unit 21 to the system controller 11. For example, B mode button operation information is output to the system controller 11.

  When the system controller 11 is on the output side, for example, the key code “B” of the PC keyboard 3 is output to the system controller 11.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100B has the same configuration as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, and the system controller 11 controls the input method of the PC keyboard 3 for the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Alternatively, a normal key input is provided, and a switching unit 23 that switches the output destination of the generated key code to the key code conversion unit 21 or the system controller 11 according to the set input method is provided.

  Therefore, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be easily simplified, the operability can be improved, and the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be controlled according to the set input method of the PC keyboard 3. The key input can be easily switched.

  The description in each of the above embodiments is an example of a preferable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a structure which combines at least 2 of each embodiment. In addition, the ports P, P1, and P2 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 100, 100A, and 100B of the embodiments and the functional units connected thereto may be plural.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the wired keyboard PC keyboard 3 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 100, 100A, and 100B, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a wireless communication type PC keyboard may be wirelessly connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In this configuration, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the interface driver units 19 and 19A are replaced with wireless interface driver units, and the ports P, P1 and P2 are replaced with wireless communication ports.

  In the above embodiments, the keyboard driver of the PC keyboard 3 connected to the ports of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main bodies 1, 1A, 1B is set in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . It is good also as a structure which can select the keyboard driver of the keyboard 3 for PCs connected to the port of an ultrasonic diagnosing device.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a driver selection screen 400. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1, 1A, 1B, in a state where the PC keyboard 3 is not connected to the port, the system controller 11 selects a driver for the keyboard driver of the PC keyboard 3 connected to the port. Information is displayed on the display unit 16. Based on the driver selection screen information, for example, a driver selection screen 400 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. The driver selection screen 400 has an input area 401 for receiving one selection input from each keyboard driver of an English keyboard, a Japanese keyboard, a German keyboard, and a French keyboard by a drop-down list. The driver selection screen 400 is not limited to the drop-down list, and may be configured to accept a keyboard driver selection input by using a radio button, for example.

  Then, the system controller 11 receives input of driver setting information for selecting a keyboard driver via the operation panel 17, reads out a keyboard driver corresponding to the input driver setting information from a driver memory unit (not shown), Set in the keyboard driver unit 20. For example, when the PC keyboard 3 to be connected is an English keyboard, a keyboard driver for an English keyboard is selected by the examiner, and the keyboard driver for the English keyboard is read and set in the keyboard driver unit 20.

  In each of the above embodiments, the PC keyboard 3 capable of normal key operation input is used as the general-purpose keyboard. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the general-purpose keyboard connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may be a programmable keyboard. In conventional ultrasonic diagnostic equipment that can register operation contents, there may be operation contents that cannot be registered due to limitations on the processing capacity and storage capacity of the main body, and because the processing resources of the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment main body are used, the processing speed May decrease. On the other hand, if a programmable keyboard is used, a part of the processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body can be executed by the programmable keyboard, so that operation contents (contents of key code setting information) can be prevented from being registered, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus The processing speed can be prevented from decreasing. Furthermore, the general-purpose keyboard connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may be a tablet terminal that is wirelessly connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Further, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 100, 100A, and 100B in the above embodiments can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

100, 100A, 100B Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, 1A, 1B Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 11 System controller 12 Transmission / reception unit 13 B mode processing unit 14 C mode processing unit 15 Image processing unit 18 Operation panel interface unit 19, 19A Interface driver unit 20, 20A Keyboard driver unit 21 Key code conversion unit 22 Setting information storage unit 23 Switching unit 2 Ultrasonic probe 3 PC keyboard 16 Display unit 17 Operation panel P, P1, P2 port

Claims (5)

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to be connected to or communicate with an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and generates an ultrasonic image based on a reception signal received by the ultrasonic probe,
A port to which a general-purpose keyboard that accepts key operation inputs is connected;
A detection unit for detecting connection of a general-purpose keyboard to the port;
A keyboard driver unit that generates a key code in response to a key operation input to the detected general-purpose keyboard;
A key code conversion unit that converts the generated key code into operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a control unit that executes processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control based on the converted operation information of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control. A storage unit for storing key code setting information in which key codes for normal key input of the general-purpose keyboard and operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control are associated;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the key code conversion unit converts the generated key code into operation information for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control using key code setting information stored in the storage unit. . The port is
A first port for operation input of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control;
A second port for normal key input,
The detector is
A first detector for detecting connection of a general-purpose keyboard to the first port;
A second detection unit for detecting connection of a general-purpose keyboard to the second port;
The keyboard driver part is
A first keyboard driver unit that generates a key code corresponding to an operation input to the general-purpose keyboard detected by the first detection unit;
A second keyboard driver unit that generates a key code corresponding to an operation input to the general-purpose keyboard detected by the second detection unit and outputs the key code to the control unit;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the key code conversion unit converts the key code generated by the first keyboard driver unit into operation information for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. An input method setting unit for setting the input method of the general-purpose keyboard to the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control or normal key input;
The ultrasound according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching unit that switches an output destination of the generated key code to the key code conversion unit or the control unit according to the set input method. Diagnostic device.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the general-purpose keyboard is a programmable keyboard.

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