JP5261021B2 - Portable ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a sudden halt of a system accompanying a decrease in battery remaining level. <P>SOLUTION: A remaining level comparing part 9 of a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 compares the battery remaining level R0 of a battery power source 7 which is gradually reduced and is measured by a remaining level measuring part 8 with prescribed threshold values R1-R3 (R1&gt;R2&gt;R3). Then, an alarm signal generating part 10 displays an alarm signal generated from the compared result between the battery remaining level R0 and the threshold value R1 on a display part 13, and a data storage part 12 stores image data or the like collected from a subject from the compared result between the battery remaining level R0 and the threshold value R2. A system control part 16 updates an examination mode from a normal examination mode to an electric power saving examination mode from the compared result between the battery remaining level R0 and the threshold value R3, and a guidance generating part 11 generates a system halt guidance to safely halt the system from the compared result between the battery remaining level R0 and the threshold value R3 and displays it on the display part 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can be operated by a battery.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus radiates an ultrasonic pulse generated from a vibration element built in an ultrasonic probe into a subject, and receives an ultrasonic reflected wave caused by a difference in acoustic impedance of a living tissue by the vibration element. It collects various biological information. Recent ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of electronically controlling the transmission / reception direction and focal point of ultrasonic waves by controlling the delay time of drive signals supplied to a plurality of vibration elements and reception signals obtained from the vibration elements. Since real-time image data can be easily observed with a simple operation by simply bringing an ultrasonic probe into contact with the body surface, it is widely used for morphological diagnosis and functional diagnosis of living organs.

  Conventionally, such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been used in a state where it is always installed in an examination room or the like. However, in recent years, along with the development of technological development that enables downsizing and weight reduction of the apparatus, Portable ultrasonic diagnostic devices applicable to bedside and home visits have come into practical use. As a power source for operating this portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a rechargeable battery power source excellent in portability is frequently used instead of a conventional commercial power source.

  In such a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus operable by a battery power source, the operating time of the apparatus is limited by the battery capacity, and therefore the remaining amount of battery power (hereinafter referred to as the remaining battery power) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. In such a case, a method for inquiring whether or not to update the shooting conditions in the normal mode to the shooting conditions in the power saving mode set in advance using the dialog box of the display unit has been proposed (for example, (See Patent Document 1).

That is, according to the method described in Patent Document 1, when the remaining battery level measured by the remaining battery level measuring unit connected to the output terminal of the battery power source falls below a predetermined threshold, a preset saving is performed. Various imaging conditions in the power mode are sequentially displayed in the dialog box of the display unit. Then, the operator selects an imaging condition in the power saving mode suitable for the ultrasonic inspection from among the various imaging conditions shown in this dialog box, and thereby an ultrasonic wave generated due to a sudden voltage drop of the battery power supply. Unexpected operation of the diagnostic device can be prevented.
JP-A-2005-323845

  Unlike other consumer devices, a medical device such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus must always ensure sufficient safety and reliability for a subject to be examined. Therefore, it is a big problem that the operation of the system suddenly stops as the battery level of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device decreases. Especially, diagnosis is performed with an ultrasonic probe inserted into a body cavity such as the esophagus. When performing so-called intracavitary ultrasound examinations using a portable ultrasound diagnostic device with a battery power source that performs ultrasound diagnosis of target organs, it is unavoidable to suddenly stop the system operation due to low battery power. must not.

  That is, when the remaining battery level falls below a predetermined threshold value, the system operation must be stopped safely and reliably based on a preset sequence. In the conventional portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, Since a sequence for safely stopping the operation is not incorporated, it is difficult to ensure sufficient safety for the subject.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is to harm the operation of the system to the subject or the device body when the remaining battery level falls below a predetermined threshold. It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can be safely stopped.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a remaining amount measuring unit that measures a remaining battery level of the battery power source in a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that is operated by a battery power source, and the remaining battery level. Clinical data collected using the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus based on a comparison result between the remaining amount of the battery and the threshold value, and a comparison result between the remaining battery level and the threshold value Based on a comparison result between the battery remaining amount and the threshold, data storage means for storing at least one of operating conditions of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device and subject information, the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device A notification signal relating to the remaining battery level based on a result of comparison between the remaining battery level and the threshold value. And alarm signal generating means for outputting a is one and a notification means for performing notification on the basis of a notification signal from the guidance generator means or said alarm signal generating means. Alternatively, in a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus operated by a battery power source, a remaining amount measuring unit that measures the remaining battery amount of the battery power source, and a remaining amount that compares the remaining battery amount with one or more thresholds. Clinical data collected using the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device based on the comparison means and the comparison result between the remaining battery level and the threshold, operating conditions of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device, and subject information Data storage means for storing at least one of the above, and guidance generation means for generating a notification signal for stopping the operation of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus based on a comparison result between the remaining battery level and the threshold value; A system automatic stop means and a response signal input means, and a response signal of the response signal input means is provided for the notification signal by the guidance generation means. If not input within the period, the system automatic stop means is for stopping the operation of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when the remaining battery level falls below a predetermined threshold value, the operation of the system can be safely stopped without causing harm to the subject or the apparatus main body.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  In the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment described below, the remaining battery power R0 of the battery power source and the first threshold value R1, the second threshold value R2, and the third threshold value R3 (R1> R2> R3) set in advance. ). If the battery remaining amount R0 that gradually decreases with the execution of the normal inspection mode reaches the first threshold value R1, it is confirmed that the battery remaining amount R0 has decreased to an unacceptable level. When an alarm signal to notify the operator of the battery is generated and the battery remaining amount R0 reaches the second threshold value R2, the image data collected from the subject and the imaging conditions for collecting this image data, Stores the subject information of the subject. Furthermore, if the battery remaining amount R0 reaches the third threshold value R3, the inspection mode is updated from the normal inspection mode to the power saving inspection mode, and all operations of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are safely stopped. The system stop guidance is displayed on the display.

  In the following embodiments, a sector-scan type portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for in-vivo examinations such as transesophagus and transrectum will be described. However, a mobile phone to which a linear scanning method, a convex scanning method, or the like is applied. It may be a type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, or a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to which the above-described scanning method is applied for the purpose of body surface inspection.

  Further, a case where B mode image data and color Doppler image data are generated / displayed substantially simultaneously in the normal inspection mode and B mode image data is generated / displayed in the power saving inspection mode will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

(Device configuration)
The configuration of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for the purpose of in-vivo examination in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. However, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are specific examples of a transmission / reception unit and a received signal processing unit included in the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows a structure.

  A portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 transmits an ultrasonic pulse (transmitted ultrasonic wave) to a diagnosis target part of a subject and transmits an ultrasonic reflected wave (transmission ultrasonic wave) obtained from the diagnosis target part ( An ultrasonic probe 3 having a plurality of vibration elements that convert received ultrasonic waves into electrical signals (received signals) and a drive signal for transmitting transmission ultrasonic waves to the diagnostic target part A transmission / reception unit 2 for phasing and adding received signals of a plurality of channels obtained from the oscillating elements supplied to the oscillating elements, and processing the received signals after phasing and adding to generate B-mode data and color Doppler data. A two-dimensional or three-dimensional image based on the received signal processing unit 4 and B-mode data and color Doppler data obtained by two-dimensional ultrasonic scanning or three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning of the diagnosis target part And an image data generating unit 5 for generating over data.

  The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a battery power source 7 that supplies a predetermined voltage / current to each of the above-described units and each unit that will be described later, and a remaining amount measuring unit 8 that measures the remaining battery level of the battery power source 7. A remaining amount comparing unit 9 that compares the remaining battery level with a predetermined threshold, an alarm signal generating unit 10 that generates an alarm signal based on the comparison result, and a safe operation of the system based on the comparison result. Supplied from the guidance generation unit 11 that generates a system stop guidance for stopping, the data storage unit 12 that stores the image data generated by the image data generation unit 5 based on the comparison result, and the image data generation unit 5 Image data, alarm signals supplied from the alarm signal generator 10, and system stop guidance supplied from the guidance generator 11 An input unit 14 for inputting subject information, setting imaging conditions including image data generation conditions and display conditions, inputting various command signals, and the like. A scanning control unit 15 that controls ultrasonic scanning of the subject by setting time and reception delay time, and a system control unit 16 that comprehensively controls each unit described above are provided.

  Below, the specific example of each unit with which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the present Example was provided is demonstrated.

  The ultrasonic probe 3 of FIG. 1 has a number of vibration elements (not shown) at the tip thereof, and each of the vibration elements is connected to an input / output terminal of the transmission / reception unit 2 via a No-channel multicore cable. ing. The vibration element is an electroacoustic transducer that converts electrical pulses (driving signals) into ultrasonic pulses (transmitting ultrasonic waves) during transmission, and converts ultrasonic reflected waves (receiving ultrasonic waves) into electrical reception signals during reception. It has a function to do.

  For example, the tip of an ultrasound probe 3 applied to transesophageal echo, which is one of the body cavity inspection methods, is inserted into the subject's esophagus and passes through the esophageal wall at the site to be diagnosed. Ultrasound is transmitted to and received from a heart. Note that the ultrasonic probe 3 has a sector scan support, a linear scan support, a convex scan support, and the like, and the operator can arbitrarily select according to the diagnosis part. A case in which the sector scanning ultrasonic probe 3 having the vibration element is used will be described.

  In other words, in this embodiment, Nt vibration elements among the No vibration elements are set in advance as a transmission vibration element group, and Nr vibration elements are set in advance as a reception vibration element group. Then, each of the vibration elements constituting the transmission vibration element group is driven by the drive signal of the Nt channel supplied from the transmission / reception unit 2, and the transmission ultrasonic wave is radiated into the subject. The reception ultrasonic wave obtained from the inside is converted into an Nr channel reception signal by the reception vibration element group.

  Next, the transmission / reception unit 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a transmission unit 21 that supplies a drive signal for radiating transmission ultrasonic waves to the subject to a transmission vibration element group provided in the ultrasonic probe 3; A receiving unit 22 that performs phasing addition (that is, adding and combining the phases of reception signals based on reception ultrasonic waves from a predetermined direction) with respect to reception signals of the Nr channel obtained from the reception vibration element group of the ultrasonic probe 3. It has.

  The transmission unit 21 includes a rate pulse generator 211, a transmission delay circuit 212, and a drive circuit 213. The rate pulse generator 211 supplies a rate pulse for determining a repetition period of transmission ultrasonic waves from the system control unit 16. The reference signal to be generated is generated by dividing. The transmission delay circuit 212 is composed of an Nt channel independent delay circuit, and transmits a delay time (focusing delay time) for focusing the transmission ultrasonic wave at a predetermined distance (depth) and a predetermined transmission direction. A delay time (deflection delay time) for emitting ultrasonic waves is given to the rate pulse. The Nt channel driving circuit 213 generates a driving pulse for driving a transmitting vibrating element group including Nt vibrating elements based on the rate pulse.

  On the other hand, the receiving unit 22 includes a preamplifier 221 and an A / D converter 222 configured by an Nr channel, and a phasing addition unit 223. The preamplifier 221 is for amplifying the reception signal of the Nr channel supplied from the receiving vibration element group of the ultrasonic probe 3 to ensure a sufficient S / N. A limiter circuit (not shown) for protecting from a high voltage drive signal generated in the drive circuit 213 is provided.

  The Nr channel received signal obtained by the receiving vibration element group is amplified to a predetermined magnitude by the preamplifier 221, converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 222, and then sent to the phasing adder 223. Supplied.

  The phasing addition unit 223 includes a reception delay circuit and an addition circuit (not shown), and sets a strong reception directivity in a predetermined direction with respect to the Mr channel reception signal converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 222. And adding and synthesizing (phasing addition) by giving a deflection delay time for focusing and a delay time for focusing for focusing a received ultrasonic wave from a predetermined depth.

  Next, the specific configuration of the received signal processing unit 4 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The reception signal processing unit 4 includes a B-mode data generation unit 41 that performs signal processing on the reception signal after the phasing addition output from the phasing addition unit 223 of the reception unit 22 described above to generate B-mode data; A color Doppler data generation unit 42 that generates color Doppler data by processing the received signal is provided.

  The B-mode data generation unit 41 includes an envelope detector 411 that performs envelope detection on each of the reception signals output from the phasing addition unit 223 of the reception unit 22, and a logarithmic conversion on the reception signal after envelope detection. A logarithmic converter 412 that generates B-mode data by relatively enhancing small signal amplitude by processing is provided.

  On the other hand, the color Doppler data generation unit 42 includes a π / 2 phase shifter 421, mixers 422-1 and 422-2, and LPFs (low-pass filters) 423-1 and 423-2. The reception signal output from the adder 223 is subjected to quadrature detection to generate a complex signal (I signal and Q signal).

  Further, the color Doppler data generation unit 42 includes a Doppler signal storage unit 424, an MTI filter 425, and an autocorrelation calculator 426, and a complex signal obtained by quadrature detection is temporarily stored in the Doppler signal storage unit 424. On the other hand, the MTI filter 425, which is a high-pass digital filter, reads the above-described complex signal stored in the Doppler signal storage unit 424, and performs the respiratory movement of the organ's fixed reflector or organ contained in the complex signal. A Doppler component (clutter component) caused by pulsatile movement or the like is removed. Further, the autocorrelation calculator 426 calculates an autocorrelation value for the Doppler component of the blood flow information extracted by the MTI filter 425, and further, based on the autocorrelation value, an average blood flow velocity value and a variance value The color value Doppler data is generated by calculating the power value and the like.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the image data generation unit 5 includes a B-mode image data generation unit and a color Doppler image data generation unit (not shown), and the B-mode image data generation unit generates the B-mode data of the reception signal processing unit 4. The B-mode image data is generated by sequentially storing the time-series B-mode data generated by the unit 41 in correspondence with the transmission / reception direction of the ultrasonic waves.

  Similarly, the color Doppler image data generation unit sequentially stores the time-series color Doppler data generated by the color Doppler data generation unit 42 of the reception signal processing unit 4 according to the transmission / reception direction of the ultrasonic waves. Color Doppler image data is generated.

  On the other hand, the battery power supply 7 supplies a predetermined voltage and current to each unit included in the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, and the remaining amount measuring unit 8 connected to the output terminal of the battery power supply 7 7 measures or estimates the remaining battery charge R0 based on temporal changes in voltage value, current value, output impedance, and the like at the output terminal 7.

  On the other hand, the remaining amount comparison unit 9 includes a threshold data storage unit, a threshold setting unit, and a comparison calculation unit (not shown). The threshold data storage unit stores in advance threshold data of the remaining battery level corresponding to various probes, and the threshold setting unit identifies the ultrasonic probe 3 supplied from the input unit 14 via the system control unit 16. Based on the information, threshold data corresponding to the ultrasonic probe 3 is extracted from the threshold data stored in the threshold data storage unit, and based on these threshold data, a threshold for the remaining battery level of the battery power source 7 (for example, A first threshold value R1, a second threshold value R2, and a third threshold value R3) having a relationship of R1> R2> R3 are set.

  Next, the comparison calculation unit compares the battery remaining amount R0 measured by the remaining amount measuring unit 8 with the first threshold value R1 to the third threshold value R3 set by the threshold value setting unit, and the comparison result is obtained. The alarm signal generation unit 10, the guidance generation unit 11, the data storage unit 12, and the system control unit 16 are supplied.

  The alarm signal generation unit 10 generates an alarm signal based on the comparison result between the battery remaining R0 supplied from the remaining amount comparison unit 9 and the first threshold value R1. For example, when the battery remaining amount R0 of the battery power source 7 that gradually decreases with the execution of the normal inspection mode reaches the first threshold value R1, an alarm signal indicating that the battery remaining amount R0 has decreased to an unacceptable level. Is generated. The alarm signal generated by the alarm signal generation unit 10 is displayed in a predetermined format on the monitor of the display unit 13 or the display panel of the input unit 14 and is notified to the operator of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.

  The guidance generation unit 11 includes a guidance data storage unit and a guidance data extraction unit (not shown), and the guidance data storage unit contains various types of guidance data for safely stopping the operation of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. The identification information of the acoustic probe is stored in advance as incidental information. When the remaining battery power R0 of the battery power source 7 that gradually decreases with the execution of the normal inspection mode reaches the third threshold value R3, the guidance data extraction unit passes the input unit 14 through the system control unit 16. Guidance data corresponding to the ultrasonic probe 3 is extracted from the guidance data stored in the guidance data storage unit based on the identification information of the supplied ultrasonic probe 3, and the system stop guidance based on the guidance data is extracted. Is displayed on the monitor of the display unit 13.

  FIG. 4 shows a specific example of guidance data extracted from the guidance data storage unit by the guidance data extraction unit based on the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 3 intended for in-vivo examination. When R0 reaches the third threshold value R3, the first system stop guidance “please pull out the ultrasonic probe” is generated based on the guidance data and displayed on the monitor of the display unit 13. The operator who observes this system stop guidance extracts the ultrasonic probe 3 from the body cavity of the subject and inputs a predetermined response signal at the input unit 14.

  Next, the guidance generation unit 11 that has received the response signal generates a second system stop guidance “please freeze image data” based on the above-described guidance data, and displays it on the display unit 13, so that the operator Inputs a response signal to the second system stop guidance at the input unit 14. Further, the guidance generation unit 11 sequentially generates the third system stop guidance “Please stop transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves” and the fourth system stop guidance “Please turn off the system power” by the same procedure. Are displayed on the display unit 13, and response signals for these system stop guidances are input through the input unit 14.

  Returning to FIG. 1 again, the data storage unit 12 stores clinical data such as image data collected from the subject, subject information input at the input unit 14, and various types of information set at the input unit 14. It has a function of storing the photographing conditions based on a comparison result between the remaining battery amount R0 supplied from the remaining amount comparison unit 9 and a predetermined threshold value. For example, when the remaining battery power R0 of the battery power source 7 that gradually decreases with the execution of the normal examination mode reaches the second threshold value R2, the above-described subject information, clinical data, imaging conditions, and the like are stored in the data storage unit. 12 is stored.

  Next, the display unit 13 includes a display data generation unit, a conversion circuit, and a monitor (not shown). The display data generation unit synthesizes or superimposes the B-mode image data and color Doppler image data generated by the image data generation unit 5, and adds additional information such as subject information and imaging conditions, so that the normal inspection mode can be obtained. Generate display data. Further, when the normal inspection mode is updated to the power saving inspection mode based on the comparison result between the battery remaining amount R0 supplied from the remaining amount comparison unit 9 and the predetermined threshold value, the B-mode image generated by the image data generation unit 5 Display data of the power saving inspection mode is generated using the data.

  On the other hand, the conversion circuit performs D / A conversion and television format conversion on the display data in the normal inspection mode or the display data in the power saving inspection mode generated by the display data generation unit and displays the data on the monitor.

  Further, the display unit 13 converts the alarm signal generated by the alarm signal generation unit 10 and the system stop guidance generated by the guidance generation unit 11 into a predetermined format based on the comparison result between the battery remaining amount R0 and the predetermined threshold value. Display on the monitor.

  Next, the input unit 14 includes an input device such as a keyboard, various switches, a selection button, a mouse, and a display panel, and is displayed on the identification information input unit 141 and the display unit 13 for inputting identification information of the ultrasonic probe 3. A response signal input unit 142 is provided for inputting a response signal to the system stop guidance. Furthermore, input of subject information, setting of imaging conditions including image data generation conditions and image data display conditions, input of various command signals, and the like are performed using the above-described display panel and input device.

  The scanning control unit 15 controls ultrasonic scanning on the subject based on the imaging conditions in the normal examination mode or the imaging conditions in the power saving examination mode set in the input unit 14. For example, a transmission delay time (a deflection delay time and a convergence delay time at the time of transmission) and a reception delay time (which are necessary for ultrasonic scanning in a normal inspection mode in which B-mode image data and color Doppler image data are collected almost simultaneously. Deflection delay time and convergence delay time at the time of reception) are set for the transmission delay circuit 212 of the transmission unit 21 and the phasing addition unit 223 of the reception unit 22.

  Further, the ultrasonic scanning of the power saving inspection mode updated based on the update information of the inspection mode supplied from the system control unit 16 when the battery remaining amount R0 of the gradually decreasing battery power source 7 reaches the third threshold value R3. A transmission delay time and a reception delay time necessary for (for example, ultrasonic scanning for collecting B-mode image data) are set for the transmission delay circuit 212 and the phasing addition unit 223.

  The system control unit 16 comprehensively controls each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 based on the various information input or set by the input unit 14 to generate image data in the normal inspection mode and the power saving inspection mode. Is displayed. In addition, when the remaining battery power R0 of the battery power source 7 that gradually decreases reaches a predetermined threshold value, an alarm signal and system stop guidance are displayed, clinical data, etc. are stored, the normal test mode is updated to the power saving test mode, etc. Furthermore, the system automatic stop described later is performed.

  In particular, the system control unit 16 selects a power-saving inspection mode corresponding to the ultrasonic probe 3 from various power-saving inspection modes set in advance based on the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 3 supplied from the input unit 14. And a test mode update function for updating the test mode from the normal test mode to the power saving test mode. Then, when the battery remaining amount R0 of the battery power source 7 reaches the third threshold value R0, update information for the power saving inspection mode is supplied to the scanning control unit 15. In this embodiment, the B-mode method that enables the collection of B-mode image data is selected as the power-saving inspection mode corresponding to the ultrasonic probe 3 for the purpose of in-body cavity inspection. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In addition, when the response signal to the system stop guidance shown on the display unit 13 is not input within the predetermined time in the input unit 14, the system control unit 16 sets all the operations of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 in a predetermined sequence. It has a system automatic stop function that automatically stops based on this.

  Next, as a specific example of the present embodiment, the first threshold value R1 to the third threshold value R3 (R1> R2> R3) set for the gradually decreasing battery remaining amount R0, and the remaining battery amount R0 are the threshold values. In the case of reaching, the various operations executed to safely stop the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described again with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the battery remaining amount R0 that gradually decreases with the execution of the normal inspection mode reaches the first threshold value R1 that is the lower limit value of the normal range, the alarm signal generator 10 is generated. The alarm signal is displayed on the monitor of the display unit 13 or the display panel of the input unit 14, and if the battery remaining amount R0 reaches the second threshold value R2, clinical data such as image data collected from the subject, The subject information input by the input unit 14 and various imaging conditions set by the input unit 14 are stored in the data storage unit 12.

  Further, if the battery remaining amount R0 reaches the third threshold value R3, the inspection mode is updated from the normal inspection mode to the power saving inspection mode, and the system stop guidance generated by the guidance generation unit 11 is displayed on the monitor of the display unit 13. Is done.

  In this case, it is necessary to save clinical data collected in the normal examination mode of the subject before the examination mode is updated to the power saving examination mode, and to save clinical data having a large data capacity. It takes a lot of time. Therefore, it is desirable to perform the above-described storage based on a second threshold value R2 that is larger than the third threshold value R3 set for the purpose of updating to the power saving inspection mode. However, when a large amount of time is not required for storing clinical data or the like, the above-described storage may be performed based on the third threshold value R3.

  On the other hand, when the battery remaining amount R0 reaches the third threshold value R3, the inspection mode starts generation and display of only the B mode image data from the normal inspection mode for generating and displaying the B mode image data and the color Doppler image data. The system is updated to the power saving inspection mode to be performed, and the first system stop guidance “please pull out the ultrasonic probe” generated by the guidance generation unit 11 is displayed on the display unit 13. Then, the operator who has observed the system stop guidance pulls out the ultrasonic probe 3 inserted into the body cavity under the observation of the B-mode image data, and then sequentially displays the system stop guidance (shown in FIG. 4, the input unit 14 inputs an instruction signal and a response signal to freeze the image data, stop ultrasonic transmission / reception, shut off the battery power source 7, and the like.

(System operation stop procedure)
Next, the operation stop procedure of the system accompanying the gradual decrease of the battery remaining amount of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Prior to the generation of the B-mode image data and the Doppler image data in the normal examination mode, the operator of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 uses the input unit 14 for the subject information of the subject and the ultrasound probe used for the ultrasound examination. 3 is input, and imaging conditions for clinical data (that is, B-mode image data and color Doppler image data) collected in the normal examination mode are set (step S1 in FIG. 6).

  When the above initial setting is completed, the battery power supply 7 is turned on, and the ultrasonic probe 3 is operated under the observation of the above-described image data obtained by setting the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 to an operating state. It is inserted into the subject's esophagus and its tip is placed at a position suitable for cardiac imaging.

  In parallel with the generation / display of the B-mode image data and the color Doppler image data in the normal inspection mode (step S2 in FIG. 6), the remaining amount measuring unit 8 performs the voltage value and current value at the output terminal of the battery power supply 7. Then, the remaining battery charge R0 is measured based on temporal changes such as output impedance.

  On the other hand, the threshold value setting unit of the remaining amount comparing unit 9 includes a first threshold value R1 corresponding to the ultrasonic probe 3 based on the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 3 supplied from the input unit 14 via the system control unit 16. The second threshold value R2 and the third threshold value R3 (R1> R2> R3) are set, and the comparison calculation unit of the remaining amount comparison unit 9 determines the remaining battery amount R0 measured by the remaining amount measurement unit 8 and the threshold setting. The first threshold value R1 to the third threshold value R3 set by the unit are compared (step S3 in FIG. 6).

  When the remaining battery power R0 of the battery power source 7 that gradually decreases with the generation of the image data in the normal inspection mode reaches the first threshold value R1, the comparison result is supplied to the alarm signal generator 10 and the alarm signal generator 10 Generates an alarm signal based on the comparison result and displays it on the monitor of the display unit 13 or the display panel of the input unit 14 (step S4 in FIG. 6).

  When the battery remaining amount R0 reaches the second threshold value R2, the data storage unit 12 that has received the comparison result receives clinical data (that is, B-mode image data) collected in the normal examination mode of the subject. And color Doppler image data), the subject information input in the input unit 14, and various imaging conditions set in the input unit 14 are stored (step S5 in FIG. 6).

  Further, when the battery remaining amount R0 reaches the third threshold value R3, the system control unit 16 that has received the comparison result collects the above-described B-mode image data and color Doppler image data substantially simultaneously as the inspection mode. The mode is updated to the power saving inspection mode in which only B-mode image data selected in advance based on the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 3 is collected (step S6 in FIG. 6). Then, the scanning control unit 15 performs ultrasonic scanning for updating the power saving inspection mode (that is, ultrasonic scanning for collecting B-mode image data) based on the inspection mode update information supplied from the system control unit 16. ) Is set for the transmission delay circuit 212 and the phasing adder 223. The time-series B-mode image data generated by the ultrasonic scanning in the power saving inspection mode is displayed on the display unit 13 (step S7 in FIG. 6).

  Similarly, the guidance generator 11 that has received the comparison result when the battery remaining amount R0 has reached the third threshold value R3 has previously selected guidance data based on the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 3 (see FIG. 4). Are sequentially generated and displayed on the display unit 13 (step S8 in FIG. 6). At this time, the display of the system stop guidance on the display unit 13 and the input of a response signal and an instruction signal to the system stop guidance on the input unit 14 are alternately performed, so that the operation of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is safely stopped. (Step S9 in FIG. 6).

  On the other hand, when the response signal to the system stop guidance displayed in the above-described step S8 is not input within the predetermined time by the input unit 14, the system control unit 16 performs the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus based on a preset sequence. All operations performed by 100 are automatically stopped.

  According to the present embodiment described above, when the remaining battery level falls below a predetermined threshold value, it is possible to safely stop all operations of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. For this reason, it is possible to prevent harm to the subject and the apparatus main body due to the sudden stop of the system operation.

  In addition, since clinical data collected in the normal examination mode can be reliably saved prior to the system operation being stopped, the frequency of re-examination is greatly reduced. The burden on the specimen and operator is reduced. In particular, since the threshold value for storing clinical data or the like is set higher than the threshold value used for stopping the system operation, clinical data having a large data capacity can be reliably stored before the system operation stops.

  Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, since the update to the power saving inspection mode is performed before the system operation is stopped, it is inserted into the body cavity under the observation of the image data generated in the power saving inspection mode. The ultrasonic probe can be extracted safely and easily.

  Further, since the procedure for stopping the system operation is performed based on the system stop guidance set in advance corresponding to the ultrasonic probe, it is possible to efficiently perform a safe system stop.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention has been described, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned Example, It can change and implement. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the sector scanning type portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for the purpose of in-vivo examination such as transesophageal is described, but the portable ultrasonic wave to which the linear scanning method or the convex scanning method is applied. It may be a diagnostic apparatus or a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to which the above-described scanning method is applied for the purpose of body surface inspection.

  Also, the case where B mode image data and color Doppler image data are generated / displayed substantially simultaneously in the normal inspection mode and the B mode image data is generated / displayed in the power saving inspection mode has been described. The mode is not limited to these. For example, time-series blood flow waveform data indicating changes in blood flow velocity at a desired site, parameter image data indicating tissue strain (distortion), etc. are collected in the normal examination mode. May be.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the battery remaining amount R0 is compared with the first threshold value R1 to the third threshold value R3, and on the basis of the comparison result, generation of an alarm signal, storage of clinical data, etc., power saving test mode However, the threshold value to be compared with the remaining battery charge R0 is not limited to three types. In particular, when a large amount of time is not required for storing clinical data in the data storage unit 12, the above-described storage is performed using the same threshold as that used for updating to the power saving mode or displaying the system stop guidance. You may do it.

  Further, when the operator of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 inputs the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 3 used for setting the threshold data, selecting the power saving inspection mode, and extracting the guidance data, at the input unit 14. However, the identification information automatically supplied from the ultrasonic probe 3 connected to the transmission / reception unit 2 of the apparatus main body may be used.

  On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the alarm signal generated by the alarm signal generation unit 10 is displayed on the monitor of the display unit 13 or the display panel of the input unit 14 has been described. The operator may be notified by a warning sound.

  Moreover, although the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 using only the battery power supply 7 has been described, a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus compatible with both a battery power supply and a commercial power supply may be used. In this case, when the battery power source is selected, the remaining battery level is compared with a predetermined threshold value.

  Further, a response signal corresponding to the system stop guidance such as “please freeze image data” or “stop transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves” generated by the guidance generation unit 11 is input at the input unit 14. An instruction signal for freezing image data or an instruction signal for stopping transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves may be used, or a new signal may be generated based on these instruction signals.

  In the above-described embodiment, the threshold setting unit provided in the remaining amount comparison unit 9 and the inspection mode update function, the power saving mode selection function, and the system automatic stop function provided in the system control unit 16 are described. The threshold setting unit, the inspection mode update function, the power saving mode selection function, and the system automatic stop function may be provided in other units, or may exist as independent units.

1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the specific structure of the transmission / reception part with which the portable ultrasonic diagnosing device of the Example is provided. The block diagram which shows the specific structure of the received signal processing part with which the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the Example is provided. The figure which shows the specific example of the guidance data in the Example. The figure for demonstrating the various threshold value set with respect to the battery residual amount of the Example, and the various operation | movement performed when a battery residual amount reaches | attains these threshold values. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement stop procedure of the system in the Example.

Explanation of symbols

2. Transmission / reception unit 21 ... Transmission unit 22 ... Reception unit 3 ... Ultrasonic probe 4 ... Reception signal processing unit 5 ... Image data generation unit 7 ... Battery power supply 8 ... Remaining amount measurement unit 9 ... Remaining amount comparison unit 10 ... Alarm signal generation Unit 11 ... Guidance generating unit 12 ... Data storage unit 13 ... Display unit 14 ... Input unit 141 ... Identification information input unit 142 ... Response signal input unit 15 ... Scanning control unit 16 ... System control unit 100 ... Portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Claims (14)

In a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus operated by a battery power source,
A remaining amount measuring means for measuring the remaining amount of the battery of the battery power source;
A remaining capacity comparing means for comparing the remaining battery capacity with a threshold value composed of one or more;
Based on the comparison result between the remaining battery capacity and the threshold value, the clinical data collected using the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device, at least one of the operating conditions of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device, and subject information Data storage means for storing,
Based on the comparison result between the remaining battery capacity and the threshold value, and guidance means for generating a notification signal for stopping the operation of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device,
Alarm signal generating means for outputting a notification signal relating to the remaining battery level based on a comparison result between the remaining battery level and the threshold;
A notification means for performing notification based on a notification signal from the guidance generation means or the alarm signal generation means;
A portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The notification means displays an alarm signal based on the notification signal from the alarm signal generation means.
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The notification means outputs a sound based on a notification signal from the alarm signal generation means.
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The threshold for outputting the notification signal in the alarm signal generating means is:
Same as or greater than the threshold for outputting the notification signal in the guidance generating means
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In portable ultrasonic diagnostic equipment operated by battery power
A remaining amount measuring means for measuring the remaining amount of the battery of the battery power source;
A remaining capacity comparing means for comparing the remaining battery capacity with a threshold value composed of one or more;
Based on the comparison result between the remaining battery level and the threshold, at least one of clinical data collected using the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, operating conditions of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and subject information Data storage means for storing,
Guidance generating means for generating a notification signal for stopping the operation of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device based on a comparison result between the remaining battery level and the threshold;
  A system automatic stop means and a response signal input means,
When the response signal of the response signal input means is not input within a predetermined period in response to the notification signal by the guidance generation means, the system automatic stop means stops the operation of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
Portable ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. Threshold setting means is provided, and the threshold setting means sets the threshold used for comparison with the remaining battery level in correspondence with an ultrasonic probe included in the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The threshold setting means extracts one or a plurality of threshold data from a plurality of preset threshold data based on the identification information of the ultrasound probe, and sets the threshold corresponding to the ultrasound probe.
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 . The guidance generation unit generates the system stop guidance based on a comparison result between a threshold value used for data storage by the data storage unit or a threshold value smaller than the threshold value and the remaining battery level.
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The guidance generating unit generates the system stop guidance corresponding to an ultrasonic probe included in the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 . The guidance generation means extracts guidance data corresponding to the ultrasonic probe from various guidance data set in advance based on identification information of the ultrasonic probe, and stops the system based on the obtained guidance data Generate guidance
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9 . An inspection mode update unit, wherein the inspection mode update unit changes the ultrasonic inspection mode from a normal inspection mode to a power-saving inspection mode based on a comparison result between the remaining battery level and the threshold value by the remaining amount comparison unit. Update to
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 . A power-saving inspection mode selection unit, and the power-saving inspection mode selection unit selects the power-saving inspection mode updated by the inspection mode update unit in correspondence with an ultrasonic probe included in the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11 . The power saving inspection mode selection unit selects a suitable power saving inspection mode from various preset power saving inspection modes based on identification information of the ultrasonic probe.
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12 . A power saving inspection mode selection means, wherein the power saving inspection mode selection means selects a B mode inspection by the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as the power saving inspection mode;
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11 .

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