JP2018175084A - Ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus that allows an appropriate operation to be executed by grasping a diagnosis workflow and an inclination of an operator's operation in a case where a plurality of functions are assigned to each of buttons provided to an ultrasonic probe, and a plurality of operations are required to be executed using the buttons.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and a control circuit. The ultrasonic probe includes a first button and a second button. The control circuit includes a determination function, a setting function, and a clocking function, and executes control to allow an operation of the ultrasonic probe suitable for executing each of processing items indicated in a diagnosis workflow by an operator to be executed with reference to the prestored diagnosis workflow that indicates a flow of the processing when the operator conducts diagnosis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus can be mentioned as a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of non-invasively examining the internal structure, blood flow state and the like of a subject. The ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus transmits ultrasound from the ultrasound probe having a transducer (piezoelectric transducer) at its tip toward the inside of the subject. Then, the reflected wave generated by the mismatch of the acoustic impedance inside the object is received by the transducer of the ultrasonic probe. An ultrasound image is generated based on the received signal obtained in this manner.

  The ultrasound probe may be provided with a button that the operator can operate with the hand supporting the ultrasound probe. Among ultrasound probes, for example, TEE (Trans Esophagal Echocardiography) ultrasound probe which is inserted orally into the upper digestive tract such as the esophagus and stomach and ultrasound imaging organs such as the heart There are two buttons provided. Of the two buttons, one has a function to rotate the tip of the ultrasonic probe clockwise, and the other has a function to rotate the tip counterclockwise.

  When making a diagnosis or imaging using a TEE ultrasonic probe, hold the tip of the TEE ultrasonic probe with one hand while inserting it into the mouth, hold the main body of the TEE ultrasonic probe with the other hand, and use a button as required Is operated to rotate the tip. Then, when image storage is to be performed, the image storage button provided on the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus main body is pressed.

JP, 2011-167331, A

  However, when pressing a button provided on the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus main body, one of the hands must be released from the ultrasonic probe. In this case, the ultrasonic probe main body may shake and the tip may contact an organ such as the esophagus.

  When various functions are to be performed using the buttons provided on the ultrasonic probe, it is preferable that a button be provided for each required function, but buttons corresponding to the number of functions should be used. It is not practical to always provide an ultrasound probe. On the other hand, when a plurality of functions are given to each button, depending on the operation method of the operator, the operation desired by the operator may not be performed. In this case, it is necessary to redo the operation. Re-doing operations not only gives stress to the operator but also takes time for examination and diagnosis, which may also give stress to the subject.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to assign a plurality of functions to each of the buttons provided on the ultrasonic probe, and to use a plurality of such buttons. The present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of performing appropriate operations by grasping the tendency of the diagnostic workflow and the operation of the operator when it is required to perform an operation.

  An ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes an ultrasound probe and a control circuit. The ultrasound probe comprises a first button and a second button. The control circuit operates the ultrasonic probe suitable for performing each process represented in the diagnostic workflow by the operator with reference to the diagnostic workflow which is stored in advance and represents the flow of the process when the operator diagnoses. Perform control to enable. Furthermore, the control circuit determines whether the operation of the ultrasonic probe by the operator corresponds to which process in the diagnostic workflow, and the input from the first button or the second button determines It has a setting function for setting the time to be recognized as a single click or a double click as much as possible for the operation suitable for performing the processing, and a clocking function for measuring the time set by the setting function.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the overall configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. The wave form diagram which shows the signal waveform of ON / OFF operation of the button of the ultrasonic probe in embodiment. 13 is a diagnostic workflow showing the flow of an operation using an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus by the operator in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation in the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the conditions at the time of determining the eligibility of operation of the operator in 2nd Embodiment, judgment, and the relationship of corresponding | compatible. The flowchart which shows the flow which decides the eligibility of the response of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging device based on the operation of the operator in a 2nd embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
[Configuration of ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the overall configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 comprises an ultrasonic probe 2 for transmitting and receiving (transmitting and receiving) ultrasonic waves to a subject, and an apparatus main body to which the ultrasonic probe 2 is detachably connected. It has 3 and.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 transmits an ultrasonic wave into the subject by each ultrasonic transducer to scan a scan area, and receives a reflected wave from the subject as an echo signal. The ultrasound probe 2 in the first embodiment to be described below is, for example, a transesophageal probe for ultrasound imaging of an organ such as a heart by inserting a tip from the mouth of a subject in particular. As a transesophageal probe, for example, the above-mentioned TEE probe can be mentioned.

  The TEE probe includes a main body to be gripped by an operator, a connection portion for connecting to the apparatus main body 3 extending from one of the main body portions, and a guiding portion extending to the opposite side to the connection portion. ing. The distal end of the guiding portion is provided with a distal end which is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject, transmits an ultrasonic wave into the subject, and receives an echo signal from the subject. The guiding part is configured to be bendable because it is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject. Moreover, the said front-end | tip part incorporates the several ultrasonic transducer | vibrator, for example, is arranged in one dimension.

  When the distal end is viewed from the front with the axis extending from the main body to the distal end as a rotation axis so that ultrasonic waves can be transmitted toward the organ to be imaged. , Clockwise and counterclockwise. In the case of rotating the tip, two buttons of a first button and a second button provided on the main body are used. Among these, one of the buttons has a function to rotate the tip clockwise, and the other has a function to rotate the tip counterclockwise. The function of rotating the tip in the clockwise direction and the function of rotating the tip in the counterclockwise direction may be assigned to either the first button or the second button.

  FIG. 2 is a waveform diagram showing a signal waveform of the button ON / OFF operation of the ultrasonic probe 2 in the embodiment. Three waveforms are shown in the upper, middle, and lower columns in FIG. Among these, the waveform diagram shown in the middle stage is a waveform diagram as a reference to be described here.

  The waveform diagram represents the ON / OFF signal input through the operation of the first button or the second button by the operator. A signal for rotating the tip clockwise is a CW signal, and a signal for rotating the tip counterclockwise is a CCW signal. Each of the first button and the second button is a so-called ON / OFF switch, and when the operator presses the button, an ON signal is transmitted to the apparatus main body 3 and the tip portion is rotated. On the other hand, when the button is released from the button and the button is pressed, the transmission of the ON signal is stopped, and the rotation of the tip end is stopped (the state of OFF).

  A control circuit of an apparatus main body 3 described later which receives an ON signal from the ultrasonic probe 2 superimposes a drive signal for rotating the tip according to the type of signal received from the first button or the second button. Transmit to the sound wave probe 2. The ultrasonic probe 2 rotates its tip clockwise or counterclockwise according to the received drive signal.

  In FIG. 2, the operator depresses the button, the ON signal is transmitted to the apparatus main body 3, the operator releases the button, the transmission of the ON signal to the apparatus main body 3 is completed, and the series is turned off. The flow is shown as a solid line so as to be convex downward.

  In the waveform diagram, the operator presses the button to turn on the CW / CCW signal, and the switch is turned off until it is turned off until a predetermined time elapses. This is a time provided to determine whether the operator has pressed the button for a short time or for a long time (long press). In addition, it is possible to set arbitrarily how long the “TlongP” is to be set.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the CW / CCW signal is turned on / off during a time shorter than "TlongP", it is determined by the control circuit described later that the operator has pressed the button for a short time. On the other hand, although not shown, when the ON signal is input beyond the time of "TlongP", the control circuit determines that the operator has pressed the button for a long time.

  The device body 3 includes a transmission circuit 31, a reception circuit 32, a signal processing circuit 33, an image processing circuit 34, a display 35, and an input circuit 36. The transmission circuit 31 transmits a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2. The receiving circuit 32 receives an echo signal which is a reflected signal from the ultrasonic probe 2. The signal processing circuit 33 processes the echo signal. The image processing circuit 34 generates an ultrasound image. The display 35 displays various images including the generated ultrasonic image. The input circuit 36 receives a signal input by being operated by an operator such as an inspector. The device body 3 further includes a communication control circuit 37 that controls transmission and reception of signals with other devices (not shown), a storage circuit 38, and a control circuit 39 that controls each unit. Further, these circuits are mutually connected to a bus B so that various signals can be exchanged. The detailed functions of these circuits will be further described below.

  In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation and illustration, only one bus B is shown, and it is shown that each circuit is connected to the bus B. However, in the actual ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1, not all circuits are often connected to one bus B. In that sense, the bus B shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to each component of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1. It shows that the circuits are logically connected.

  The transmission circuit 31 generates a drive signal for causing the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate an ultrasonic wave, that is, an electric pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as a “drive pulse”) to be applied to each piezoelectric vibrator based on control by the control circuit 39. And transmit the driving pulse to the ultrasonic probe 2. The transmission circuit 31 includes circuits (not shown) such as a reference pulse generation circuit, a delay control circuit, and a drive pulse generation circuit, and the circuits perform the functions described above.

  Further, the receiving circuit 32 receives a reflected signal from the ultrasonic probe 2, that is, an echo signal, performs phasing addition on the received signal, and outputs a signal acquired by the phasing addition to the signal processing circuit 33. Do.

  The signal processing circuit 33 generates various data using the reception signal from the ultrasonic probe 2 supplied from the reception circuit 32, and outputs the data to the image processing circuit 34 and the control circuit 39. The signal processing circuit 33 includes, for example, a B mode processing circuit (or a Bc mode processing circuit), a Doppler mode processing circuit, a color Doppler mode processing circuit, etc. (not shown). The B-mode processing circuit visualizes amplitude information of the received signal and generates data based on the B-mode signal. The Doppler mode processing circuit extracts Doppler shift frequency components from the reception signal, and further performs FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing or the like to generate data of Doppler signal of blood flow information. The color Doppler mode processing circuit visualizes blood flow information based on the received signal, and generates data based on the color Doppler mode signal.

  The image processing circuit 34 generates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic image on the scan area based on the data supplied from the signal processing circuit 33. For example, the image processing circuit 34 generates volume data on the scan area from the supplied data. Then, from the generated volume data, data of a two-dimensional ultrasound image by MPR processing (multi-section reconstruction method) and data of a three-dimensional ultrasound image are generated by volume rendering processing. The image processing circuit 34 outputs the generated two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic image to the display 35. The ultrasound image may be, for example, a B mode image, a Doppler mode image, a color Doppler mode image, an M mode image, or the like.

  The display 35 displays various images such as an ultrasonic image generated by the image processing circuit 34 and an operation screen (for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various instructions from the operator) under the control of the control circuit 39. . For example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display can be used as the display 35.

  The input circuit 36 receives various input operations by the operator such as image display, image switching, mode designation and various settings. As the input circuit 36, for example, a GUI or an input device such as a button, a keyboard, a track ball, or a touch panel displayed on the display 35 can be used.

  Moreover, in the embodiment of the present invention, the display 35 and the input circuit 36 are described as one component of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the display 35 may be configured not as a component of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 but separately from the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1. Alternatively, the input circuit can be a touch panel using the separate display.

  The communication control circuit 37 has a role of connecting the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 to, for example, a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus (modality) (not shown), a server apparatus, a work station, etc. . The standards concerning information and medical images exchanged with other devices via the communication control circuit 37 and the communication network may be any standards such as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine).

  The storage circuit 38 is formed of, for example, a semiconductor or a magnetic disk, and stores programs and data to be executed by the control circuit 39, a diagnostic workflow, and the like. The diagnostic workflow is, for example, a flow of basic operations for performing diagnosis by operating the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 by the operator, which is predetermined for each examination and treatment. is there. The diagnostic workflow will be described later.

  The control circuit 39 controls each part of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 in an integrated manner. The control circuit 39 determines whether the button operation of the ultrasonic probe 2 by the operator is a single click or a double click according to the diagnostic workflow when diagnosis is performed by the operator using the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 Perform the processing desired by the operator. Also, for example, the control circuit 39 causes the display 35 to display the ultrasonic image generated in the image processing circuit 34.

  The control circuit 39 executes a determination function, a setting function, and a clocking function. The determination function is a function to determine to which operation the operation of the ultrasonic probe by the operator corresponds. Specifically, the connection signal when the ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to the apparatus main body 3 and the input signal from the button provided on the ultrasonic probe 2 are received, and the operation performed is stored in the storage circuit 38. It is determined at which stage of operation in the diagnostic workflow being performed. Then, it is determined whether the button operation on the main unit performed by the operator corresponds to a single click or a double click.

  In the setting function of the control circuit 39, when the operator clicks the button twice according to which stage in the diagnostic workflow the operation by the operator is determined by the determination function, the operation is Adjust and set the reference time for the button response so that it is determined to be a single click or a double click.

  By the way, when there is a button operation of the second ON / OFF operation after the button operation of the first button ON / OFF operation by the operator, the control circuit 39 makes a single click of the second button operation. It is determined whether it corresponds or whether it corresponds to a double click. The determination is a reference time for the button response which is a preset time after the first button operation of the second button operation by the operator is performed (hereinafter, such a time is appropriately determined. It is made on the basis of whether or not it has been performed after “reference time”. That is, when the second button operation is performed after the reference time has elapsed, it is determined as a single click, and when the second button operation is performed before the reference time has elapsed, it is determined as a double click. In FIG. 2, the second button operation is indicated by a large downward arrow.

  The reference time is a time between “TdoubleCmin” and “TdoubleCmax” in the middle waveform diagram shown in FIG. That is, the start of the reference time is the time point indicated as "TdoubleCmin" in FIG. In the case of the waveform diagram shown in FIG. 2, the “TdoubleCmin” is set at the time when the CW / CCW signal turns from ON to OFF and a predetermined time has elapsed. It is free to set this "TdoubleCmin" at any time.

  On the other hand, the time when the reference time ends is defined as "TdoubleCmax". The setting function of the control circuit 39 described above shortens or extends the “TdoubleCmax” from the reference time according to each process defined in the diagnostic workflow, and adjusts the reference time.

  Among the three waveform diagrams shown in FIG. 2, the waveform diagram shown in the middle part is a waveform diagram showing the reference time originally set as described above. The waveform shown in the upper part of FIG. 2 shows a case where the reference time is shortened. On the other hand, a waveform diagram shown in the lower part of FIG. 2 shows a case where the reference time is extended. Arrows extend from the middle waveform diagram to the upper waveform diagram and the lower waveform diagram. That is, the arrow from "TdoubleCmax" shown in the middle waveform chart to "TdoubleCmax" in the upper waveform chart is shortened by the time of "α". On the other hand, the arrow from “TdoubleCmax” shown in the middle waveform chart to “TdoubleCmax” in the lower waveform chart is extended by “α” time. As described above, the control circuit 39 determines which of “TdoubleCmax” is to be set in accordance with the operation by the operator, and sets the reference time to be applied for each operation.

  The reference time originally set in the waveform chart shown in the middle part of FIG. 2 is predetermined, and is stored in the storage circuit 38. The length of the reference time can be set arbitrarily, and the time of α shown in FIG. 2 can also be set arbitrarily as to how much time is extended or shortened. Further, in the waveform diagram shown in FIG. 2, the shortening time and the extending time are set to the same time, but both can be set to different lengths.

  The clocking function of the control circuit 39 is a function of clocking the time "TlongP" and the reference time. When the control circuit 39 receives a signal indicating that the ultrasonic probe 2 has been operated, the control circuit 39 operates the clocking function to clock each of the times described above.

  For example, the signal processing circuit 33 and the image processing circuit 34 can also be realized by a program that causes a processor to execute a program stored in a predetermined memory or storage circuit 38 or the like. Here, the term "processor" in this specification means, for example, a dedicated or general purpose central processing unit (CPU) arithmetic circuit (circuitry), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (For example, Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FP)) It means the circuit of A)) and the like.

The processor realizes the function by reading and executing a program stored, for example, in the recording circuit or directly incorporated in the processor circuit. The recording circuit for storing the program may be provided individually for each processor, or, for example, may be one for storing a program corresponding to the function performed by the signal processing circuit 33 in FIG. Furthermore, the configuration of the memory circuit 38 shown in FIG. 1 may be employed. For the configuration of the storage circuit, for example, a storage device such as a general random access memory (RAM) such as a semiconductor or a magnetic disk or a hard disc drive (HDD) is applied.

[Operation]
Next, the control of the control circuit 39 will be described in detail while comparing the flow of the diagnostic workflow with the flow of the operation by the operator. FIG. 3 is a diagnostic workflow showing the flow of the operation by the operator using the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 in the first embodiment. 4 to 6 are flowcharts showing the flow of the operation in the first embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that a TEE probe is selected as the ultrasound probe 2, the TEE probe is orally inserted into the upper digestive tract such as the esophagus and the stomach, and a test for imaging organs such as the heart with ultrasound is performed. An example will be described.

  That is, a TEE probe is orally inserted into the upper digestive tract such as the esophagus and stomach, and an examination of imaging organs such as the heart with ultrasonic waves is taken as an example, and therefore the diagnostic workflow shown in FIG. The process performed by the operator in performing the process is defined and shown.

  Here, the diagnostic workflow is not limited to the process shown in FIG. 3 and may be selected appropriately, and a plurality of types may be stored in the storage circuit 38. As described above, in the first embodiment, the processing content is determined based on the diagnostic workflow, and the operation of the ultrasound probe 2 performed in the processing content actually performed by the operator is appropriately performed. It is to control.

  In addition, the diagnostic workflow here does not indicate the flow of individual diagnosis for each operator, and it is generally performed in this flow until the examination is started and diagnosis is performed, regardless of who the operator is. It shows the flow. However, setting up a diagnostic workflow for each operator is not excluded. In this case, before the examination is started, the diagnostic workflow regarding the operator is read from the storage circuit 38 based on the information about the operator.

  Furthermore, although FIG. 3 shows the diagnostic workflow in the form of a flowchart for convenience of explanation, for example, the operation of the first button or the second button corresponding to each process defined in the diagnostic workflow and the diagnostic workflow And the like may be collectively stored in the storage circuit 38.

  The diagnostic workflow shown in FIG. 3 starts with the operator selecting the ultrasound probe 2 (S1). This is because the operator selects the ultrasound probe 2 used for the operation when starting the operation and diagnosis using the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1. The operator selects the ultrasonic probe 2 by, for example, connecting the ultrasonic probe 2 selected by the operator to the apparatus main body 3 or pressing any button provided on the selected ultrasonic probe 2. What is necessary is just to be able to grasp | ascertain which ultrasonic probe 2 used for a test | inspection with respect to the apparatus main body 3 is what it is performed.

  In the control circuit 39 of the device main body 3, for example, it is determined whether the operator selects the ultrasonic probe 2 by determining whether or not the signal when the ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to the device main body 3 is received. It is determined whether or not (ST1 in FIG. 4). When the operator does not select the ultrasound probe 2 (NO in ST1), the control circuit 39 continues the standby state.

  When the signal for which the operator selects the ultrasound probe 2 is received (YES in ST1), the control circuit 39 diagnoses according to the operation to be performed from the storage circuit 38 using the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 Get workflow. In order to obtain a diagnostic workflow that matches the scheduled operation, for example, information on the type of ultrasound probe 2 selected by the operator can be used. Although the diagnosis workflow is described as being acquired from the storage circuit 38 here, for example, the corresponding diagnosis workflow stored in the storage circuit 38 is accessed and confirmed each time the operator operates the ultrasonic probe 2. You can also

  The control circuit 39 determines the next process performed by the operator with reference to the process flow defined in the acquired diagnostic workflow. That is, when a test using a transesophageal probe is performed, after the TEE probe is selected as the ultrasound probe 2, the operator directs the subject from the oral side to the inside thereof until the TEE probe is used close to the organ to be examined. Insert the tip. Then, when the position of the end of the tip comes to an appropriate position, the end is held at that position.

  However, this process by the operator is an action of inserting the distal end portion and the guiding portion into the inside of the subject, and in the process of operating the first button or the second button provided on the main body portion. Absent. Therefore, it is not shown in the diagnostic workflow shown in FIG.

  When the operator places the tip at an appropriate position near the organ to be examined, the process proceeds to imaging processing. However, although the tip is certainly in the vicinity of the organ to be examined if it is only inserted, it is unclear whether it is directed in the proper direction for transmitting ultrasonic waves toward the examination object. Therefore, the operator rotates the tip in a direction in which the organ can be appropriately photographed so that the operator can appropriately transmit the ultrasonic wave to the organ to be examined while looking at the display 35. In order to rotate the tip portion, first, the tip portion is largely rotated to determine a rough direction (S2), and then finely rotated to perform fine adjustment (S3).

  The control circuit 39 refers to the diagnostic workflow and determines that the process of rotating the tip is to be performed after the ultrasound probe 2 is selected. As described above, when the operator uses the TEE probe to rotate the tip, the operator presses the first button or the second button, and while the button is pressed, the ON signal is transmitted from the TEE probe to the apparatus main body 3 The rotation is continued and is released when the button is released.

  When rotating the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 in this manner, the operator holds the button for a long time to rotate the tip greatly, or single-clicks to finely rotate the tip for fine adjustment. Or any operation or any operation. That is, the first button or the second button is not double-clicked. Here, the double click in the button operation of the ultrasonic probe 2 in the present application is when the image storage processing is performed. Therefore, when the control circuit 39 determines that the operation for saving the image by double-clicking is performed when the operator presses the button, an operation different from the intention of the operator is performed. .

  Therefore, the control circuit 39 adjusts the length of the reference time before the operator performs the process of rotating the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 so that the button operation by the operator is determined not to be a double click but a single click. Then, a reference time shorter than the original reference time by a predetermined time is set (ST2).

  Here, the predetermined time to be shortened is “α” as shown in the waveform chart of FIG. That is, the control circuit 39 shortens and sets the value of "TdoubleCmax" at the reference time originally determined by "α" (indicated as "-α" in FIG. 2). The value of “α” can be set arbitrarily, but is set so that the reference time is sufficiently shortened so that the second button operation by the operator is not determined to be a double click.

  By setting the reference time again by the control circuit 39 in this manner, the reference time when the operator rotates the tip portion is set to α only from the original reference time as shown in the upper waveform chart of FIG. It will be a shortened time. By setting the reference time short, there is a high probability that the point in time when the operator presses the button for the second time will be after the reference time has elapsed.

  The control circuit 39 receives an input signal from a button accompanying the operation of the operator (ST3). This may be the case where either the first button or the second button is pressed. Since the control circuit 39 receives the input signal, it sends a control signal for rotating the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 to the ultrasonic probe 2 (ST4).

  The control circuit 39 also uses the timing function to start timing from the time when the input signal from the ultrasonic probe 2 is received. Then, it is determined whether or not the input signal is continuously received beyond “TlongP” shown in FIG. As a result, when the input signal is received exceeding “TlongP” (YES in ST5), the control signal for rotating the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is continuously transmitted (ST6). At this time, the operator keeps pressing the button, and accordingly the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is largely rotated. Then, the control circuit 39 determines whether or not the reception of the input signal is stopped, that is, the operator's hand has left the button and is in the OFF state (ST7). As a result, if the operator continues to press the button (receives the input signal) (NO in ST7), the process returns to step ST6, and continues to transmit the control signal as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the input signal is turned off (YES in ST7), the clocking function is used to start clocking when the input signal is turned off (ST8).

  Also, as described above, when the control circuit 39 is limited to the time when the reception of the input signal is shorter than the time of "TlongP" (NO in ST5), the clocking starts from the time when the input signal is turned OFF. To do (ST8). The control circuit 39 determines whether or not a predetermined period set in advance has passed (ST9), and sets the time when the predetermined time has elapsed as "TdoubleCmin" when the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in ST9). (ST10). The set “TdoubleCmin” is the time when the reference time starts.

  When "TdoubleCmin", which is the start of the reference time, is set by the control circuit 39, the clocking of a new reference time which is newly set from this time, that is, with reference to the diagnostic workflow is started (ST11) . That is, the timing of the reference time set as “TdoubleCmin” to “TdoubleCmax” shown in the waveform chart in the upper part of FIG. 2 is started.

  The control circuit 39 continues clocking and determines whether or not a shortened and set reference time has elapsed (ST12 in FIG. 5). If the reference time has not elapsed (NO in ST12), clocking is continued as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reference time has elapsed (YES in ST12), the control circuit 39 outputs an input signal from the first button or the second button of the ultrasonic probe 2 after the reference time has elapsed. Is judged (ST13).

  Here, the reference time is already set as a sufficiently short time so that the button operation is not determined to be a double click when the operator receives an input signal when the second button operation is performed. doing. Therefore, it is not assumed to receive the input signal within the shortened reference time. Therefore, the control circuit 39 determines whether or not the input signal by the button has been received after the reference time has elapsed. If it is determined that the input signal has been received after the reference time has elapsed (YES in ST13), the process returns to step ST4 shown in FIG. 4 and the control circuit 39 controls the control signal for rotating the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 Send.

  On the other hand, when the input signal by the button is not received even after the reference time has elapsed (NO in ST13), the control circuit 39 determines that the operation of rotating the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 by the operator has ended. . This state is a state in which the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is rotated in an optimal direction for transmitting an ultrasonic wave toward the target organ.

  Here, the control circuit 39 confirms the diagnostic workflow and determines what operation is determined next to the operation of rotating the tip. Looking at the diagnostic workflow shown in FIG. 3, as the operation performed after the rotation of the tip, this time the depth to which the ultrasonic wave is to be transmitted and the operation to appropriately change the diagnostic mode are set (S4, S5). These operations are performed via the input circuit 36 provided in the apparatus main body 3. Therefore, the control circuit 39 receives an input signal from the device body 3 (ST14), and performs processing corresponding to the input signal.

  Moreover, in these operations, since the operation using the button of the ultrasonic probe 2 is not performed, it is not necessary to determine whether the button operation by the operator is a single click or a double click. Therefore, the control circuit 39 once performs processing to correct the value of "TdoubleCmax" to a value originally determined (ST15). Here, as described above, although the process of temporarily resetting the value of “TdoubleCmax” is performed, the process may not be performed.

  The control circuit 39 further uses the diagnostic workflow to confirm the next operation to be performed. In the diagnostic workflow shown in FIG. 3, it is supposed that image quality adjustment such as gein is performed when displaying a photographed organ on the display 35 (S6). Therefore, the control circuit 39 determines whether or not the signal of the gein / image quality adjustment from the device body 3 has been received (ST16). If it is determined that the information has not been received (NO in ST16), the process directly waits.

  Here, when the operation of gein / image quality adjustment is performed, various preparations at the time of imaging a subject using the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 are completed. Therefore, as shown in the diagnostic workflow shown in FIG. 3, the operator starts imaging and performs image observation (S7). In addition, when image observation is performed, processing of image storage is appropriately performed by the operator (S8).

  Therefore, when the control circuit 39 receives the signal of gein / image quality adjustment (YES in ST16), the control circuit 39 controls the gein adjustment and the image quality adjustment according to the received input signal, and an image which is an operation to be performed in the future. Prepare for storage. That is, when the operator performs the image storage process, the button of the ultrasonic probe 2 is double-clicked, but the apparatus body 3 needs to recognize such an operation as a double-click. is there.

  Therefore, as shown in the lower waveform chart of FIG. 2, the control circuit 39 sets the value of "TdoubleCmax" to be extended for a predetermined time (ST17). The waveform shown in the lower part of FIG. 2 shows that a time extended by a predetermined time “α” as compared to the reference time shown in the middle is set as the reference time (in FIG. 2, “+ α” is shown) ing.). By setting the reference time longer, the second click of the button after the first click of the button by the operator is performed in the reference time, and the input signal based on the second click of the button is The first input signal can be combined and determined as a double click.

  As described above, in the control circuit 39, a reference time is set in preparation for the operator to perform double-click and save an image. Then, in this state, the user is on standby until a button operation is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not the first double-click button operation has been performed by the operator (ST18).

  Here, when the first button operation has not been performed and the input signal by pressing the button has not been received (NO in ST18), the standby state continues. On the other hand, when the button operation by the operator is performed and the first input signal is received (YES in ST18), the control circuit 39 determines whether or not the time of TdoubleCmax set as the reference time has elapsed. (ST19 in FIG. 6).

  Here, the control circuit 39 determines whether or not TdoubleCmax has elapsed in order to grasp whether or not the second button operation by the operator has been performed within the set reference time. That is, before TdoubleCmax has elapsed (YES in ST19), it is determined whether or not the input signal by the second button operation has been received (ST20). As described above, when the second double-click button operation is not performed within the reference time (NO in ST20), the control circuit 39 is in the standby state as it is.

  If the control circuit 39 receives an input signal by the second button operation within the reference time (YES in ST19, YES in ST20), the operator double-clicks the line to perform image storage processing within the reference time. Then, the control signal for storing the image is transmitted, and an image desired by the operator is stored in, for example, the storage circuit 38 (ST21).

  Then, the control circuit 39 further determines whether a signal indicating the end of the image storage process has been received (ST22). As a result, if it is determined that the signal indicating the end of the image storage process has not been received (NO in ST22), it can be determined that the process of image storage by the operator is continuing, so that FIG. The process returns to step ST18, and waits until the next image storage process is performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the signal indicating the end of the image storage process has been received (YES in ST22), it is determined that the series of operations defined in the diagnostic workflow has ended.

  Next, based on the diagnostic workflow, although the processing performed by the operator next is the image storage, the reference time is extended, but the second button operation can not be performed within the reference time and it can not be determined as a double click. (YES in ST19), the control circuit 39 determines that an operation other than the image storage process is being performed.

  Therefore, at the same time, the control circuit 39 determines that the image storage processing is to be performed by the TdoubleCmax operator, cancels the new reference time that has been set, and performs (returns) the original reference time (ST23). ).

  Then, after resetting and resetting the reference time as described above, the control circuit 39 determines the type of the input signal (ST24).

  Here, as a process performed by the operator, for example, an operation of performing an operation of adjusting the image quality such as gein again or an operation of rotating the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 to perform imaging at a new position Is considered. The control circuit 39 grasps what kind of operation the operator performs based on the received signal.

  As a result, the control circuit 39 determines again whether or not the value of TdoubleCmax needs to be shortened by a predetermined time from the original reference time (ST25). As a result, for example, when it is determined that an operation to rotate the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is newly performed (YES in ST25), the process returns to step ST2 in FIG. 4 to shorten the value of TdoubleCmax for a predetermined time. The reference time required to rotate the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is set again.

  On the other hand, when the control circuit 39 determines from the input signal that the image quality adjustment operation such as gein has been performed (NO in ST25), the process returns to step ST16 in FIG. It is determined that the value is stored, and the value of TdoubleCmax is extended for a predetermined time.

  If the second button operation is not performed within the reference time set to perform processing of image storage after receiving an input signal by the first button operation, the reference time has elapsed, In the above description, it was decided to reset TdoubleCmax immediately. However, it is also conceivable that the operator intended to save the image but forgot the second button operation after the first button operation. Therefore, the control circuit 39 does not perform such processing immediately, for example, does not perform resetting of TdoubleCmax at this time, and maintains a reference time assuming that processing of image storage is to be performed. Also good.

  As described above, when a plurality of functions are assigned to each of the buttons provided on the ultrasonic probe, and when it is required to perform a plurality of operations using such buttons, a predetermined diagnosis is made. By grasping a series of operations and processes by the operator based on the workflow and setting the reference time, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of optimizing the button operation by the operator. is there.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components will be omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the reference time is set in accordance with the button operation performed by the operator using the diagnostic workflow. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the operator's tendency of operation using the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1, that is, so-called habit, is grasped, and the operator can operate smoothly without stress. A reference time is set.

  In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 2 is described as a transesophageal probe (TEE probe). However, in the second embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 2 is particularly a TEE probe. There is no limitation, and any of general sector scanning correspondence, linear scanning correspondence, convex scanning correspondence, and the like, which are arbitrarily selected according to the diagnosis site, may be used.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the relationship among conditions, judgment, and correspondence when judging the eligibility of the operation of the operator in the second embodiment. In FIG. 7, four patterns from A to D are listed side by side as an example. Further, six items of “number of times”, “operation”, “operation”, “predetermined time elapsed”, “determination”, and “response” are listed along the horizontal axis.

  The “number of times” indicates the number of times the operator has operated a button provided on the ultrasonic probe 2. "Operation" indicates a button operation performed by the operator. Here, the “CW button” is a button for rotating the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 clockwise. On the other hand, the “CCW button” is a button that rotates the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 counterclockwise. "Operation" indicates the operation of the ultrasound probe 2 performed by the button operation of the operator.

  The "predetermined time elapsed" is the time between two operations shown in each pattern, that is, the time between the first operation and the second operation being performed. When it is "," it indicates whether or not the predetermined time has passed. The predetermined time can be set arbitrarily, and in FIG. 7, "absent" is shown when the set predetermined time has not elapsed, and "presence" is shown when the predetermined time has elapsed.

  “Determination” indicates determination that the control circuit 39 performs based on each of the two button operations by the operator, the operation of the ultrasonic probe 2 accompanying it, and the presence or absence of the elapse of a predetermined time. "Correspondence" indicates the correspondence that the control circuit 39 takes based on the determination.

  For example, when the pattern A is described as an example, it is as follows. When the operator first clicks the CW button twice in succession as the first operation, the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is rotated 2 ° clockwise. Next, as the second operation, the operator next rotates the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 by 2 ° counterclockwise by “clicking twice on the CCW button in succession”. Then, between the two operations by these operators, the predetermined time has not elapsed (it is indicated as "absent" when looking at the column of "predetermined time elapsed" shown in FIG. 7).

  From such a situation, the control circuit 39 “as the operator's intention, tried to perform the processing of“ image saving ”by double-clicking the CW button, but contrary to the intention, the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 Has turned, so that it is immediately determined that the CCW button has been clicked twice to turn the tip in the opposite direction. That is, since the intention of the operator is that the intention to double-click to perform the process of image storage has been determined to be a single click by the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1, it means that the operation has been redone.

  In this case, when the operator performs the double-click button operation, the time from when the first button is pressed to when the second button is pressed is long, and the operator's button operation is recognized as a single click instead of a double click. It has been That is, the operator can see that there is a long delay between the first button operation and the second button operation when double-clicking.

  Therefore, the control circuit 39 corrects the setting of the reference time so as to recognize the continuous two button operations by the operator as the double click instead of the single click. Specifically, as shown in the "Correspondence" column, the value of TdoubleCmax is set to be extended for a predetermined time. By performing such setting, even if the operator has a habit that the time between the first button operation and the second button operation at the time of performing double click is long, ultrasonic image diagnosis The device 1 can be properly recognized as a double click.

  Next, pattern B will be described. The operation of the operator in the pattern B and the operation of the ultrasonic probe 2 associated with the operation are the same as the pattern A described above. That is, the CW button is continuously clicked twice continuously to rotate the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 clockwise 2 °, and then the CCW button is clicked twice continuously to turn the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 counterclockwise It is rotated 2 °.

  However, in the pattern B, the predetermined time has elapsed (the predetermined time has elapsed "is present"). Therefore, in this case, since the predetermined time has elapsed, the operator does not immediately perform the reverse operation as the second operation without putting time after the first operation, but the first operation It can be understood that the operation and the second operation are performed long enough apart. From here, the control circuit 39 determines that the rotation operation of the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 has been performed as intended by the operator.

  As described above, when the operation intended by the operator is performed, the button operation by the operator is appropriately recognized as a single click or a double click. Therefore, the control circuit 39 does not have to reset the set reference time, and the control circuit 39 keeps the currently set state.

  In the pattern C, the operator clicks the CW button twice in a row at the first button operation. The ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 performs image storage processing based on the operation by the operator. On the other hand, the second button operation similarly clicked the CW button twice in succession. However, at this time, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 performs an operation of rotating the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 clockwise by 2 °. Then, the second button operation is performed before the predetermined time elapses from the first button operation (predetermined time elapse "absent").

  In such a case, the control circuit 39 indicates that the operator performed the same operation twice without setting time before the predetermined time has elapsed, which means that the operation which the operator did not intend in the first button operation is Determine that it has been done. That is, as shown in pattern C, the operator performing the same operation twice clicking the CW button twice in a row is an operation not intended for processing of image storage by the first button operation, It is possible to infer that the same operation is immediately repeated to rotate the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 by 2 °.

  Therefore, in the control circuit 39, the reference time is reset so that the click in the button operation of the operator can be recognized as a single click instead of being recognized as a double click. Specifically, TdoubleCmax reduced from the original reference time by a predetermined time is set, and a new reference time is set.

  Finally, the pattern D is described. In the pattern D, the operator continuously clicks the CW button twice for the first button operation and the second button operation. And the operation | movement in the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 with respect to any operation is also image preservation | save. Furthermore, the second button operation is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first button operation (presence of “predetermined time elapsed”).

  That is, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the operator performs the same operation as the first button operation as the second button operation. That is, the operator is satisfied with the operation performed by the operator, and it can be determined that the second operation has been performed in the same manner as the first operation. Therefore, the control circuit 39 determines that the operation (image storage) intended by the operator has been performed, and does not correct the reference time.

  As described above for each pattern, the operator can perform the operation by referring to the operation of the operator, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 associated with the operation, and the elapsed time between the plurality of operations by the operator. It can be determined whether the operation is linked to the intended operation. As a matter of course, although it is difficult to grasp the intentions of all the operators, by adjusting the reference time for button operation, it is possible to reduce the number of operations performed by the operator without using ultrasonic waves. The adjustment can be performed on the side of the image diagnostic apparatus 1.

[Operation]
Next, the correction processing of the reference time based on the operation by the operator by the control circuit 39 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a flow of judging the eligibility of the response of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 based on the operation of the operator in the second embodiment.

  In addition, in determining the eligibility of the response of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 based on the operation of the operator, it is natural that the operator performs ultrasound imaging diagnostics in advance as to which the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 is operated. It is necessary for the device 1 to grasp. Therefore, when the operator uses the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1, the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 receives a logon operation for identifying the operator, such as inputting his / her own ID, and identifies the operator. Do. However, the process of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 1 for identifying the operator based on the log-on operation is omitted in FIG. 8, and each operation shown in FIG. 8 is performed from the state where the logon operation is already completed and the operator is identified. Processing is started.

  Then, for example, the eligibility (癖) of the operator and the response so far is linked and stored in the storage circuit 38, and the control circuit 39 makes a determination based on the identified operator and the response so far. Do the processing.

  Furthermore, “the first time” and “the second time” indicate the grouping of the button operation of the ultrasonic probe 2 by the operator. That is, it is the "number of times" in each pattern shown in FIG. Therefore, when the operator double-clicks a button provided on the ultrasonic probe 2, for example, the operator presses the button twice, but does not indicate the number of times the button is pressed. Further, the flow of the determination process by the control circuit 39 will be described using patterns A and B described above as appropriate.

  The control circuit 39 receives the first input signal from the ultrasonic probe 2 when the operator operates the button of the ultrasonic probe 2 (ST41). That is, in the case of pattern A, an input signal is received when the operator clicks the CW button twice in succession.

  The control circuit 39 transmits a control signal for performing an operation matching the input signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 in order to cause the ultrasonic probe 2 to perform an operation desired by the operator based on the input signal ( ST 42). Here, since the operator clicks the CW button twice in succession, the control circuit 39 transmits a drive signal for rotating the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 by 2 ° clockwise.

  At the same time, the control circuit 39 starts measuring the time from the reception of the first input signal to the second reception of the input signal using the clock function (ST43). The result of the time measurement is used when making a determination as to whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, as also shown in FIG.

  Control circuit 39 receives an input signal based on the second button operation by the operator (ST44). This input signal is associated with the operation of the CCW button which is the second operation shown in pattern A in FIG. When the control circuit 39 receives the second input signal, the control circuit 39 ends the measurement of time (ST45). Then, a control signal that matches the second input signal is transmitted to the ultrasound probe 2, and the corresponding portion is driven based on the control signal. Here, taking the pattern A as an example, since the second button operation is to click the CCW button twice in succession, the transmitted control signal causes the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 to rotate counterclockwise. It is a signal for rotating 2 degrees.

  While transmitting the control signal, the control circuit 39 starts the process of determining whether the operator's operation performed twice has been appropriate (ST46). That is, it is determined whether the intended operation has been performed based on the operation of the operator for each of the patterns shown in FIG. 7 (ST47).

  Here, for example, in the case of pattern A shown in FIG. 7, it is determined from the operation of the operator or the like that the operation intended by the operator is not performed (NO in ST48), and the setting of the reference time is reviewed. Specifically, correction is performed to extend the value of TdoubleCmax (ST49). Then, the contents of the correction are stored in the storage circuit 38 in association with the operator, for example, each element shown in FIG. It memorizes (ST50). The contents to be stored in the memory circuit 38 can be arbitrarily selected and set.

  On the other hand, for example, in the case of the pattern B, when it is determined based on each element, it can be determined that the operation intended by the operator is performed. In such a case (YES in ST48), correction of the reference time is not performed, and storage processing in the storage circuit 38 is not performed.

  The control circuit 39 determines whether an input signal based on another operation has been received (ST51), and when a new input signal is received (YES in ST51), the process returns to step ST41 again, and the above-described processing is performed. Do. On the other hand, when the input signal is not received after this (NO in ST51), each processing in the control circuit 39 ends.

  As described above, a plurality of functions are assigned to each of the buttons provided on the ultrasonic probe, and when it is required to perform a plurality of operations using such buttons, an operation for operating the ultrasonic probe It is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of optimizing the button operation by the operator by grasping the tendency of the operation by the operator and setting the reference time based on the operator's operation etc. It is.

  While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and the gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Reference Signs List 1 ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus 2 ultrasound probe 3 apparatus main body 31 transmission circuit 32 reception circuit 33 signal processing circuit 34 image processing circuit 35 display 36 input circuit 37 communication control circuit 38 storage circuit 39 control circuit

Claims (14)

An ultrasound probe comprising a first button and a second button;
The operator can operate the ultrasonic probe suitable for performing each process represented in the diagnostic workflow by referring to the diagnostic workflow which is stored in advance and represents the flow of the process when the operator diagnoses. And a control circuit for performing control to
The control circuit
A determination function of determining which process in the diagnostic workflow corresponds to the operation of the ultrasonic probe by the operator;
A setting function for setting time so that an input from the first button or the second button is recognized as a single click or a double click so as to be an operation suitable for performing the determined processing. When,
A clocking function for measuring the time set by the setting function;
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising:   The ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage circuit that stores the diagnostic workflow.   In the processing, when the operation of the first button or the second button in the ultrasonic probe needs to be recognized as a single click, the control circuit is configured to set the time more than the reference time. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the time setting is performed to shorten the time.   In the processing, when the operation of the first button or the second button in the ultrasonic probe needs to be recognized as a double click, the control circuit is configured to set the time more than the reference time. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the time is set to be extended.   The control circuit determines, based on the button operation performed by the operator, whether or not the operation is an operation necessary to perform a process intended by the operator, and is different from the necessary operation. When it is determined that the operation is an incorrect operation, when the operation is performed again thereafter, the setting of the time is compared with the reference time so that the operation becomes the processing intended by the operator. The ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ultrasound imaging apparatus is shortened or extended. An ultrasound probe comprising a button used by the operator for processing;
Based on the operation of the button performed by the operator, it is determined whether or not the operation is an operation required to perform the process intended by the operator, and an erroneous operation different from the necessary operation Control circuitry for storing the erroneous operation when it is determined that
The control circuit
Timekeeping function to measure time between multiple operations,
A determination function of determining whether or not the operation is the erroneous operation from the time measured by the clocking function and the plurality of operations;
A setting function for setting a time so that an input from the button is recognized as a single click or a double click so as to be an operation suitable for performing the process;
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising:   When the control circuit determines that the plurality of operations have been performed while the time is shorter than a predetermined time, the control circuit determines that these operations are the erroneous operations. The ultrasound imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   When the control circuit determines that the operation is an error, when the operation is performed again after that, the setting of the time is set so that the operation is a process intended by the operator. The ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that it is shortened or extended as compared with the time when the   The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the clocking function in the control circuit also has a function of measuring the time set by the setting function.   The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a storage circuit that stores the erroneous operation based on control by the control circuit.   When the control circuit receives an operation performed by the operator, the control circuit compares the operation with the erroneous operation previously performed stored in the storage circuit, and the operation is an erroneous operation. 11. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein it is determined whether or not it is.   12. The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the erroneous operation is stored in the storage circuit in association with information indicating the operator who has performed the operation.   The ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the ultrasound probe is provided with one button.   The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the ultrasonic probe is provided with a first button and a second button.

Images