JP7384107B2 - Operation input device and ultrasound diagnostic device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an operation input device and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus equipped with the same.

Ultrasound diagnosis allows you to obtain images of the heart and fetus as ultrasound images by simply applying an ultrasound probe to the patient's body surface or inside the body cavity, and because it is highly safe, repeated examinations are required. It can be performed. Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses used to perform such ultrasonic diagnosis are known.

When performing operations such as ultrasonic diagnosis, the operator needs to look at the subject or the display screen, so it is desirable to eliminate the need to look at the operation panel as much as possible.
Operation panels with mechanical input devices (buttons, dials, etc.) have complex uneven shapes on the surface of the operation panel, making it easy to operate them blindly, but it is difficult to keep them clean if they come into contact with liquids or dust. Ta. Note that even if you touch a mechanical button with your finger, there is a risk of accidentally pressing it.
Operation panels with touch-sensor input devices have a smooth operation panel surface that is easy to keep clean, but on the other hand, it is not possible to check the positions of buttons, etc. by touching them with your fingers, so you must always return to the operation panel immediately beforehand. There was a problem in that the operator had to shift his/her line of sight, which placed a burden on the operator.
In addition, while waiting to operate a button, etc., the user must keep his or her fingers suspended in a position where they do not touch the button, etc., which causes tension in the muscles of the hand and arm and puts a strain on the operator. There was a problem with it.

Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe touch sensor type input devices in which the surfaces of individual operation parts such as operation buttons that are touched by an operator have an uneven shape.
In Patent Document 1, the operation input is validated when a pressure equal to or higher than a certain threshold is sensed.

Special table 2019-525794 publication Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-68819

In the invention described in Patent Document 2, since the uneven portion of the operating section is within the touch detection range, there is a risk that the operator's finger may simply touch the uneven portion of the operating section, resulting in an effective operation. It is necessary to touch it only when operating it. Therefore, it is necessary to visually check in advance the operation section that you want to operate.
In the invention described in Patent Document 1, although the concavo-convex shaped portion of the operating section is within the pressure detection range, the operating section can be recognized by touching it with a finger as long as the pressure does not exceed a certain threshold value.
However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, if the pressure exceeds a certain threshold value while touching the uneven portion of the operation part without intending to operate it, there is a risk of erroneous operation. , there is a disadvantage that it cannot be applied unless it is a pressure-sensitive sensor.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and it is possible to easily recognize the position of each operation part using a touch sensor by tactile sense before operation, and also by touching for the same recognition. An object of the present invention is to provide an operation input device that does not cause erroneous operations.

An operation input device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an operation panel including a surface formed by a continuous operation sensing part where an operation contact is sensed by a touch sensor and a non-sensing part where the operation contact is not sensed. The operation panel is configured with individual operation sections, the non-sensing section is configured with a guide section, and the guide section has a surface shape that is distinguishable from the surrounding area by an operator's sense of touch, The part includes the operation sensing part and the guide part, and the guide part is constituted by a part whose height level changes along the surface of the operation panel .

Further, an operation input device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a surface formed by a continuous operation sensing part where an operation contact is sensed by a touch sensor and a non-sensing part where the operation contact is not sensed. An operation panel, a video and/or audio display device, and a control device are provided, the operation panel is configured with individual operation sections, and the operation sensing section is configured with a main operation section and a guide section, The guide section has a surface shape that can be distinguished from the surroundings by the operator's sense of touch, each of the operation sections includes the main operation section and the guide section, and the control device is configured such that the guide section When operated, guidance related to the main operation of the operation section to which the guide section belongs is displayed on the display device, and the guide section is configured by a part whose height level changes by tracing the surface of the operation panel. ing .

According to the present invention, it is easy to tactilely recognize the position of each operation section using a touch sensor before operation, and erroneous operation does not occur due to contact for the same recognition.

1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an operator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an operating section according to an example of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an operating section according to another example of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an operating section according to another example of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the operation part of other examples of this invention. It is a perspective view of the operation part of other examples of this invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view of an operating section according to another example of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the operation part of other examples of this invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an operating section according to another example of the present invention. An example of the operation unit and screen display of the present invention is shown. An example of the operation unit and screen display of the present invention is shown. An example of the operation unit and screen display of the present invention is shown. An example of the operation unit and screen display of the present invention is shown. An example of the operation unit and screen display of the present invention is shown. An example of a screen display of the present invention is shown. An example of a screen display of the present invention is shown. An example of a screen display of the present invention is shown. An example of a screen display of the present invention is shown.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following is one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[First embodiment]
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be explained as an example.
The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 includes a main body 11 and an ultrasound probe 22. The main body 11 includes an operation panel 12 , an operation panel 13 , a video display device 14 , and an audio display device 15 .
As the video display device 14, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. are applied. As the audio display device 15, an amplifier and a speaker are applied.
The operation panel 12 is configured as a separate panel part from the video display device 14 and is arranged below the video display device 14. The operation panel 13 is configured as an integrated panel with the video display device 14, and is arranged below the video display device 14.
When the main body 11 is placed on a horizontal tabletop or the like, the vertical direction 12V of the operation panel 12 is closer to the vertical direction V than the horizontal direction H.
When the main body 11 is placed on a horizontal tabletop or the like and the video display device 14 is set at an angle that is easy to see for the operator P, the vertical direction 14V of the operation panel 13 is closer to the horizontal direction H than the vertical direction V. Note that the vertical direction 14V of the operation panel 13 is the same as the vertical direction 14V of the screen of the video display device 14.
Among the individual operating units (buttons, keys, sliders, dials, etc. regardless of name or form), the operating unit located on the operating panel 12 is designated as 12A, and the operating unit located on the operating panel 13 is designated as 13A. .

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. The control device 20 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and reads out various processing programs such as a system program stored in the ROM and deploys them in the RAM. , controls the operation of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the developed program. The ultrasonic measuring section 21 includes an ultrasonic probe 22 . The ultrasonic measurement unit 21 operates according to a command from the control device 20, and an ultrasonic image detected by the ultrasonic probe 22 is acquired and displayed on the video display device 14.
The operation panels 12 and 13 sense the operation of the operation units 12A and 13A by the operator P and input operation signals to the control device 20. The control device 20 controls operations corresponding to input operation signals. The operations correspond to those related to the ultrasonic measuring section 21, the video display device 14, the audio display device 15, and the like.

Specific examples of individual operation sections applied as the operation sections 12A and 13A will be described.
FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation section 31. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panels 12 and 13 include a surface S formed by continuous operation sensing portions A (hatched portions) where operation contact is sensed by a touch sensor and non-sensing portions N. As shown in FIG.
Individual operation units 31 are configured on the operation panels 12 and 13. An operation section 31 shown in FIG. 3 is configured on the operation panel 12 or 13.
A guide portion G is configured in the non-sensing portion N. The guide portion G has a surface shape that allows the operator P to distinguish it from its surroundings by tactile sensation.
Each operation section 31 has an operation sensing section A and a guide section G related to the operation.

In the operation section 31 shown in FIG. 3, the guide section G is constituted by a portion whose height level changes along the surface S of the operation panels 12 and 13. Due to the change in height, the guide part G can be distinguished from the surroundings by the operator's P's sense of touch.

More specifically, in the operation section 31 shown in FIG. It has a continuous surface shape in the order of a surface g1, an edge g2 of the surface g1, and a region g3 that transitions to a lower position beyond the edge g2. The guide portion G can be distinguished from the surroundings by the operator P's tactile sense due to the change in height from the surrounding lower position and the contact pressure against the edge g2.

As shown in FIG. 3, in each operating section 31, the relative positions of the guide section G and the operation sensing section A are fixed.
Therefore, by applying the operation section 31 as shown in FIG. 3, the operator P can recognize the position of the operation sensing section A by the tactile sensation of touching the guide section G before operating the operation sensing section A. It's easy. Therefore, it is easy to operate without looking at the operation panels 12 and 13.
Further, touching the guide portion G for the same recognition will not result in an erroneous operation. Therefore, it is easy to stand by with your finger placed on the guide section G of the operating section 31, and when necessary, touch the operation sensing section A of the operating section 31 with that finger to immediately perform the operation. It is also easy not to look at the panels 12 and 13. There is no need to wait with a finger floating near the operation sensing section A, and the burden on the operator P is reduced.

It is also possible to apply the operating section 32 shown in FIG. 4, which corresponds to the edge g2 shown in FIG. 3 formed into a protruding shape.
That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the guide section G of the operation section 32 traces the surface S of the operation panels 12 and 13 from the center of the operation sensing section A to the periphery, and has an edge g4 higher than the operation sensing section A.
This operation section 32 makes it easier for the operator P to tactilely detect the edge g4 of the guide section G, and since the edge g4 is higher than the operation sensing section A, it is easy for the finger to touch it first, allowing the operator to search the guide section G with his or her finger. Operation errors are also less likely to occur.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the operation section 32, edges g4 are arranged on the front side and the back side for the operator P who directly faces the operation panels 12 and 13. The guide part G is easy to detect whether you trace it with your finger from the front side or from the back side.
Regardless of this, an operation unit may be implemented in which the edge g4 is located on the front side or the back side (for example, FIG. 5). Once the operator becomes accustomed to using the device, it becomes possible to operate the device by touching the guide portion without any problems.

As in the operation section 33 shown in FIG. It is possible to apply a surface shape having a continuous surface shape in the order of the part g12 that changes to the edge g13 with the surrounding surface g14.
This makes it possible to form the edge g13 that is easy to recognize by touch without creating a portion higher than the operation sensing portion A.

Furthermore, various forms of the operating sections 34-36 are shown in FIGS. 6-10.
The guide portion G of the operation portion 34 shown in FIG. 6 is formed in a curved shape that extends to continuously surround the operation sensing portion A over approximately half the circumference. There is no problem even if the guide part G of the operating part 34 shown in FIG. 6 is formed intermittently by cutting off to an extent less than the width of a finger.
The guide portion G of the operating portion 35 shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the protruding edge g4 shown in FIG. 4 that is limited to the front side and the back side and is intermittent. Note that a corner edge g2 as shown in FIG. 3 is arranged at a portion where the protruding edge g4 is interrupted. Note that the edge g2 shown in FIG. 7 may be formed flat with respect to the surroundings, and the edge g2 may be eliminated. Even in this case, the protruding edge g4 can be recognized by touch.
The operation section 36 shown in FIG. 8 is an operation section in the form of a slider, and the guide section G is formed in a curved shape that extends so as to continuously surround the operation sensing section A. There is. There is no problem even if the guide part G of the operating part 36 shown in FIG. 8 is formed intermittently by cutting off to an extent less than the width of a finger.
The operation section 37 shown in FIG. 9 is an operation section in the form of a dial, in which a plurality of operation sensing sections A are arranged in a circle, and a guide section G extends around the outer and inner peripheries of the operation sensing sections A. It is formed in a curved shape that extends continuously around the circumference.
As described above, when the surfaces of the operation panels 12 and 13 are viewed perpendicularly, the guide part G is a curved line that extends continuously or intermittently over one round or less than one round along the operation sensing part A. It is formed in the shape of

In the operation section 38 shown in FIG. 10, the surface a1 of the operation sensing section A and the partial surfaces g21 and g22 of the surrounding guide section G are inclined with respect to the orientation of the operation panel 13 (vertical direction 14V). .
As described above, the operation panel 13 is configured as an integrated panel with the video display device 14, and is arranged below the video display device 14. Therefore, in order to facilitate operation by the operator P, the surface a1 of the operation sensing part A and the partial surfaces g21 and g22 of the guide part G surrounding it are slightly inclined upward.
After a short period of skill, the operator P can easily recognize the position of the operation sensing section A of each operation section 31 when touching the guide section G of the operation section 31. Similarly, for the other operation parts 32-38, it is easy to recognize the position of the operation sensing part A when the guide part G is touched.

[Second embodiment]
The embodiment described above will be referred to as a first embodiment, and an embodiment partially modified or added thereto will be described below as a second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the operation sensing section includes a main operation section AA and a guide section GA. That is, both the main operating section AA and the guide section GA are operation sensing sections, and each has an operation response. Each operation section 36 has a main operation section AA and a guide section GA related to the operation.
The function of making it easier to recognize the position of the main operation part AA by the tactile sensation of the guide part GA, so to speak, the hardware guide function follows the above-described first embodiment.
In addition to this function, the following software guide functions will be added.
When the guide section GA is operated, the control device 20 displays guidance related to the main operation of the operation section 36 to which the guide section GA belongs on the display devices 14 and 15.
That is, when the main operation unit AA is touched, a display that clearly or suggests what kind of operation can be performed is outputted in the form of video and/or audio.
While the guide section in the first embodiment has a tactile guidance function, the additional function in this embodiment is a visual and/or auditory guidance function.
This will be explained below using an example.

The examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are examples of focus setting. When the guide portion GA, which is a protruding portion provided around the main operation portion AA for focus setting, is touched, the focus position display H1 on the screen 14D of the video display device 14 is highlighted as shown in FIG.
Therefore, when the operator P touches the guide part GA, he or she can know that the focus will be affected before the operation, and can prevent mistakes in operating the main operation part AA.
Note that no measures are taken to prevent unintentional touching of the guide portion GA.

The example shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is a freeze button. As shown in FIG. 13, the finger (P) can be placed on the guide part GA, which is a protruding part around the main operating part AA, which is the freeze button, and a frozen book is displayed on the screen 14D of the video display device 14. A guide display H2 appears to notify the user that his/her finger is placed near the operating section AA.
Without looking at the operation panels 12 and 13, the operator P can confirm that the button edge he is touching is the edge of the freeze button using the tactile sensation of his fingers and the display H2 on the screen.
When performing a freeze operation, all you have to do is move your finger a little (Fig. 13→Fig. 14).

The example shown in FIG. 15 is an operation unit 39 that is a multi-function key to which multiple functions can be assigned.
When a finger touches the guide portion GA, which is a protruding portion on the periphery, a guide display H3 appears on the screen 14D, indicating or suggesting the function assigned in advance to the main operation portion AA at the center.
Specific examples of assigned functions and guide displays include a body mark, a guide display H31 where a menu appears briefly on the screen 14D shown in FIG. 16, Doppler, and a guide where a Doppler gate appears on the screen 14D shown in FIG. 17. Display H32, in color, and guide display H33, in which the ROI (frame indicating the region of interest) stands out on the screen 14D shown in FIG. An example of this is the coming guide display H34.

According to the embodiments described above, there is an advantage that it is easy to tactilely recognize the position of each operation unit using a touch sensor before operation, and that erroneous operation does not occur due to contact for the same recognition. Furthermore, visual and/or audio guidance allows the operator to recognize which operation is being performed, thereby helping the operator perform the operation.
In the above embodiment, the guidance using video is illustrated, but it may be replaced with guidance using audio, or the guidance using audio may be output simultaneously with the video. By providing audio guidance, the operator can avoid having to look at the screen, making it easier to perform the blind operation.
What is recognized through the tactile sensation of the guide section is not only the position of the operation section (main operation section), but also the unique shape of each operation section in order to recognize which operation (type of operation). (things that appeal to the sense of touch may be different). Further, without such individuality, it is also possible to make the user recognize which operation (type of operation) the operation section that is currently being touched is being performed in combination with voice guidance.
The visual or audio guidance does not necessarily have to be such that the contents of the operation can be understood at first sight (first hearing). For example, distinguishability may be provided by different tones or melody patterns, or by different luminescent colors of the entire or part of the screen. This is because, with practice, even such a device can serve as a guide to tell you which operating section you are currently touching.
Note that the number of individual operation units may be one for each operation panel, or one for each operation input device.

10 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 Main body parts 12, 13 Operation panels 12A, 13A Operation part 14 Video display device 15 Audio display device 20 Control device 21 Ultrasonic measurement section 22 Ultrasonic probe 31 Operation section 32 Operation section 33 Operation section 34 Operation unit 35 Operation unit 36 Operation unit 37 Operation unit 38 Operation unit 39 Operation unit A Operation sensing unit AA Main operation unit (operation sensing unit)
G Guide part (non-sensing part)
GA guide section (operation sensing section)
H1 Focus position display (guide display)
H2 Guide display H3 Guide display H31 Guide display H32 Guide display H33 Guide display H34 Guide display N Non-sensing part P Operator S Surface g13 Edge g2 Edge g4 Edge

Claims (9)

An operation panel including a surface formed by a continuous operation sensing part where an operation contact is sensed by a touch sensor and a non-sensing part where the operation contact is not sensed ,
The operation panel includes individual operation units,
A guide part is configured in the non-sensing part,
The guide portion has a surface shape that is distinguishable from the surrounding area by an operator's sense of touch,
The individual operation section has the operation sensing section and the guide section ,
In the operation input device, the guide portion is configured by a portion whose height level changes along the surface of the operation panel . an operation panel including a surface formed by a continuous operation sensing part where an operation contact is sensed by a touch sensor and a non-sensing part where the operation contact is not sensed ;
a video and/or audio display device;
comprising a control device;
The operation panel includes individual operation units,
The operation sensing section includes a main operation section and a guide section,
The guide portion has a surface shape that is distinguishable from the surrounding area by an operator's sense of touch,
The individual operation section has the main operation section and the guide section,
When the guide unit is operated, the control device displays guidance related to the main operation of the operation unit to which the guide unit belongs on the display device,
In the operation input device, the guide portion is configured by a portion whose height level changes along the surface of the operation panel . The guide section traces the surface of the operation panel from the center of the operation sensing section to the periphery, and includes a surface at the same height level as the operation sensing section, an edge of the surface, and a portion that transitions to a lower level beyond the edge. The operation input device according to claim 1 or 2, having a surface shape that is continuous in the following order. The operation input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide section traces the surface of the operation panel from the center of the operation sensing section to the periphery and has an edge higher than the operation sensing section. The guide part traces the surface of the operation panel from the center of the operation sensing part to the periphery, and includes a part that changes to a lower position than the operation sensing part, a part that changes to a higher position, and an edge with the surrounding surface, which are continuous in this order. The operation input device according to claim 1 or 2, having a surface shape. The operation input device according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , wherein the edge is arranged on a front side and/or a back side with respect to an operator who directly faces the operation panel. The guide section is formed in a curved shape that extends continuously or intermittently over one circumference or less than one circumference along the operation sensing section when the surface of the operation panel is viewed perpendicularly. The operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein a surface of the operation sensing section and a partial surface of the guide section around the operation sensing section are inclined with respect to an orientation of the operation panel. . An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising the operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 .

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