JP5558855B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation panel of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that images and diagnoses the inside of a subject with ultrasound.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a medical device that transmits an ultrasonic wave from an ultrasonic probe to a subject and receives and displays a reflected wave caused by a difference in acoustic impedance between tissues constituting the subject. A doctor who uses this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus refers to a document such as a medical record in which the diagnosis information of the subject is printed on paper, and confirms information on the affected area of the subject and past examination results while checking the ultrasonic probe. Operate to perform diagnosis.

  When making a diagnosis using such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, in order to more easily refer to the electronic medical record stored in the database server, the electronic medical record data format is converted and the electronic medical chart is displayed on the display screen of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Has been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-185714 A

  Many of the diagnoses using the above-described ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are performed in an examination room provided in a hospital. The diagnosis in the examination room is performed in a state where the illumination in the room is darkened in order to make it easy to visually recognize a fine image displayed on the screen of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and to consider the undressed subject.

  When a doctor refers to a document such as a medical record printed on a paper medium during such an indoor diagnosis, the doctor must refer to the document in a dark environment. Confirmation was difficult. Therefore, there has been a demand for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can easily visually recognize a document printed on a paper medium even in a dark examination room.

  Therefore, in the present invention, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided in which information read from an object using an imaging unit is displayed on a display unit so that a document or the like can be easily visually recognized even in a dark room.

In order to solve the above problems, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment, an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and an ultrasonic image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic probe An ultrasonic image display unit that displays the ultrasonic image;
An operation screen display unit that displays an operation screen for performing an input operation, a photographing unit that reads information on an object, a first operation mode that updates the ultrasonic image in real time, and measurement for the ultrasonic image A second operation mode to be performed, information read by the imaging unit is displayed on the ultrasonic image display unit in the first operation mode, and displayed on the operation screen display unit in the second operation mode. And a control unit that switches the display so that the display is performed .

  According to the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of easily viewing a document or the like even in a dark room by displaying information read from an object using an imaging unit on a display unit.

1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the structure of the external appearance of the ultrasonic diagnosing device in measurement mode based on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows a mode that the photographed document which concerns on embodiment of this invention is displayed on a TCS display part. The figure which shows the structure of the external appearance of the ultrasonic diagnosing device in the real-time measurement mode based on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows a mode that the image | photographed document which concerns on embodiment of this invention is displayed on an ultrasonic image display part. The figure which shows a mode that the image | photographed document which concerns on embodiment of this invention is superimposed and displayed on an ultrasonic image display part. The flowchart which showed the process at the time of displaying the image | photographed document which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows a mode that the photographed document which concerns on embodiment of this invention is expanded and displayed. The figure which provided the holding part in the housing | casing side surface which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which provided the support part in the housing | casing side surface which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

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

(Internal configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present invention. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present invention is configured by combining an ultrasonic probe 2 and a system control unit 10 as shown in FIG.

  The system control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The system control unit 10 includes an ultrasonic image generation unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation unit 13, an imaging unit 14, a TCS (Touch Command Screen) display unit 15, an ultrasonic image display unit 16, a transmission / reception unit 21, and a B mode, which will be described later. The processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23 are configured. Note that the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 in the present invention is not limited to this, and appropriate constituent elements may be added, or constituent elements may be omitted or integrated as appropriate. The system control unit 10 processes signals supplied from each unit, generates various control signals and supplies them to each unit, and controls the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 in an integrated manner.

  The storage unit 12 is a storage medium including, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory that is an electrically rewritable or erasable nonvolatile memory, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 12 includes various application data and control data executed by the CPU of the system control unit 10, an ultrasonic image output from the ultrasonic image generation unit 11 to be described later, an image of a document output from the imaging unit 14, Character information read from the document is stored.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 generates an ultrasonic wave based on the drive signal output from the transmission / reception unit 21, receives the ultrasonic wave reflected from the subject, and converts it into an electric signal (hereinafter referred to as an echo signal). A plurality of piezoelectric vibrating elements, a matching layer attached so as to be in contact with the piezoelectric vibrating elements, and a backing material that prevents propagation of ultrasonic waves in a direction opposite to the subject. When the ultrasonic probe 2 transmits an ultrasonic wave toward the subject, the transmitted ultrasonic wave generates a reflected wave due to a difference in acoustic impedance of the body tissue constituting the subject. The ultrasonic probe 2 converts the reflected wave into an echo signal and outputs the echo signal to the transmission / reception unit 21.

  The transmission / reception unit 21 includes a pulser circuit and a delay circuit used when outputting a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2, an amplifier circuit used when receiving an echo signal, an A / D converter, and an adder. When the transmission / reception unit 21 outputs a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2, the pulser circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses that cause the ultrasonic probe 2 to transmit ultrasonic waves. The delay circuit adds a delay time for determining the transmission directivity by converging the ultrasonic wave on the scanning line to the rate pulse. The transmission / reception unit 21 outputs the rate pulse to which the delay time is added to the ultrasonic probe 2 as a drive signal. On the other hand, when the transmitting / receiving unit 21 receives the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2, the amplifier circuit amplifies the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2 and outputs the amplified echo signal to the A / D converter. The A / D converter gives the echo signal a delay time necessary to determine the reception directivity of the amplified echo signal, and outputs it to the adder. The adder adds the echo signals given the delay time, and generates an echo signal corresponding to the scan line for transmitting the ultrasonic wave. The transmission / reception unit 21 performs these signal processes on the echo signal, and outputs this to the B-mode processing unit 22 or the Doppler processing unit 23.

  The B-mode processing unit 22 generates a B-mode signal that changes according to the amplitude intensity of the echo signal output from the transmission / reception unit 21. The B mode processing unit 22 outputs the generated B mode signal to the ultrasonic image generation unit 11.

  The Doppler processing unit 23 detects a frequency transition of the echo signal, and generates a Doppler signal obtained by extracting a moving speed such as tissue or blood flow. The Doppler processing unit 23 outputs a Doppler signal to the ultrasonic image generation unit 11.

  The ultrasonic image generation unit 11 generates an ultrasonic image based on the B mode signal and the Doppler signal output from the B mode processing unit 22 and the Doppler processing unit 23. The generation of the ultrasonic image is performed while switching the image generation mode according to the mode switching signal instructed from the operation unit 12. For example, when the operation unit 12 instructs the B mode, the ultrasonic image generation unit 15 maps the B mode signal to coordinates corresponding to transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves to generate a B mode image. On the other hand, when the operation unit 12 instructs the Doppler mode, the ultrasonic image generation unit 15 maps the Doppler signal to coordinates corresponding to transmission / reception of the ultrasonic wave, and further generates a Doppler image superimposed on the B-mode image. The ultrasonic image generation unit 15 generates these ultrasonic images and outputs them to the ultrasonic image display unit 16.

  In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic image generation unit 11 generates the B-mode image and the Doppler image. However, the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic image generation unit 11 is not limited to this. For example, in the echo signal area where frequency transition occurs, CDI (Color Doppler Imaging) mode that calculates the moving speed of tissue or blood flow and displays it in color, and changes in reflected wave intensity in a specific diagnosis area are time-series An ultrasonic image may be generated based on various modes such as an M mode to be displayed and a three-dimensional mode in which a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is generated and displayed based on an echo signal received by the transmission / reception unit 21. .

  The ultrasonic image display unit 16 is a display composed of, for example, an LCD (Lucid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence). The ultrasonic image display unit 16 is attached to the casing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 via a movable arm. The user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can move the ultrasonic image display unit 16 to a desired display direction and position by adjusting the position and angle of the movable arm. The ultrasonic image display unit 16 displays the ultrasonic image output from the ultrasonic image generation unit 11. The ultrasonic image generation unit 11 displays two or more ultrasonic images side by side on the display of the ultrasonic image display unit 16 according to the instruction signal output from the system control unit 10. In addition, parameters related to an image when the ultrasonic image generation unit 11 generates an ultrasonic image, parameters related to an ultrasonic wave when the ultrasonic probe 2 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and the like are displayed. In addition, a document image output from the photographing unit 14 described later is displayed.

  The TCS display unit 15 is an input device including a display composed of an LCD or an organic EL that displays characters and images, and a touch panel provided so as to overlap the display. On the display constituting the TCS display unit 15, an operation screen displaying input buttons, an input slider, an operation menu, and the like, and a written image output from the photographing unit 14 described later are displayed. The user of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 performs an operation input to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 by touching the touch panel with reference to the operation screen displayed on the display of the TCS display unit 15. The touch panel detects that the user has touched the touch panel, converts information such as the touched position, the strength of pressing, and the contact area into an electrical signal and outputs it to the system control unit 10. The touch panel can be configured using a known method such as a pressure-sensitive type or an electrostatic type. For example, in the case of an electrostatic type, the touch panel is configured by arranging capacitive sensors. The capacitance sensor detects a change in capacitance caused by contact with a dielectric such as a finger, and the system control unit 10 uses information on the center position and area of the region where the capacitance has changed as an electrical signal. To output. When the system control unit 10 receives an electrical signal from the touch panel, the system control unit 10 executes various processes according to information such as the position of contact, the strength of pressing, and the contact area included in the electrical signal.

  The operation unit 13 is an input device configured using, for example, mechanical buttons, a trackball, a slider, and the like. The operation unit 13 converts an input made by the user into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal to the system control unit 10. When the system control unit 10 receives an electrical signal from the operation unit 13, the system control unit 10 executes various processes according to information such as an input device type and an operation amount included in the electrical signal.

  The photographing unit 14 is a camera configured to use a photographing element that outputs a photographed image. The imaging unit 14 is attached to the casing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 via an arm, and is used for imaging an object such as a medical chart placed on the casing. For example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor that detects light and outputs an electric signal can be used as the imaging element constituting the imaging unit 14. The imaging unit 14 optically captures an object placed on the housing in accordance with the instruction signal output by the system control unit 10, and outputs an image of the captured object to the system control unit 10. The photographing unit 14 includes a light together with the photographing element. The light operates in conjunction with the photographing of the photographing element, and the light illuminates the object brightly when the photographing unit 14 performs photographing.

  Further, the photographing unit 14 has a character recognition function for reading the printed character and generating character data when the character is printed on the object. This character reading operation is performed, for example, by collating a character image photographed by the photographing unit 14 with a character pattern file stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. When the imaging unit 14 generates character data by imaging an object, it outputs this to the system control unit 10.

  By the way, in the present embodiment described below, the imaging unit 14 is described as imaging a document used for diagnosis such as medical records. In the medical record, for example, the name of the patient to be diagnosed, the patient identification number for identifying the patient, the name of the doctor performing the diagnosis, the doctor identification number for identifying the doctor, the date and time information for performing the diagnosis, and identifying the diagnosis Information about the examination ID for the patient, information about the patient's constitution and points to be considered in the diagnosis, observation information about the affected part or the diagnosis part of the patient, information about the contents of the diagnosis made in the past, measurement data of the diagnosis made in the past, etc. As described. The medical record includes images relating to the affected area and the diagnosis site of the patient.

  In addition, the target object which the imaging | photography part 14 image | photographs in a present Example is not restricted to a document. You may image | photograph various information media, such as the photographed patient's photograph, the handwritten document which the doctor described at the time of diagnosis, a medical book, a card | curd, and a watermark film.

(Operation mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1)
The system control unit 10 described above has two operation modes, a real-time measurement mode and a measurement mode, and controls each unit constituting the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 based on the operation mode.

  In the real-time measurement mode, the ultrasonic probe 2 continuously transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic image generation unit 11 generates ultrasonic images one after another based on echo signals received by the ultrasonic probe 2 and causes the ultrasonic image display unit 16 to display the ultrasonic images. The ultrasonic image displayed on the ultrasonic image display unit 16 is updated in real time in accordance with the position change of the ultrasonic probe 2 or the tissue in the subject. When the doctor uses the real-time measurement mode, for example, the diagnosis is performed by moving the ultrasonic probe 2 while gazing at the ultrasonic image displayed on the ultrasonic image display unit 16. In the real-time measurement mode, the ultrasonic image display unit 16 divides the display area of the display in accordance with the operation received by the operation unit 13 and displays a plurality of ultrasonic images side by side. By displaying the ultrasonic images side by side, the doctor can make a diagnosis while comparing a plurality of displayed ultrasonic images.

  On the other hand, in the measurement mode, the ultrasonic probe 2 stops transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic image display unit 16 displays the ultrasonic image generated when the mode is changed to the measurement mode, and further displays the marker 161 and the like for performing measurement so as to overlap the ultrasonic image. When the doctor uses the measurement mode, for example, the operation unit 13 is used to move the marker 161 displayed in the ultrasonic image. The system control unit 10 reads out the parameters of the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic image generation unit 11 according to the position of the moved marker, and displays the parameters on the ultrasonic image display unit 16. In the ultrasonic image display unit 16, the intensity of the echo signal at the position where the marker 161 is displayed, the moving speed of the tissue, the distance between the markers 161 when two markers 161 are displayed, and the straight line connecting the markers 161. And the area of the region formed by the plurality of displayed markers 161 are displayed. A doctor who uses the measurement mode operates the marker 161 and makes a diagnosis by acquiring measurement data from the ultrasonic image.

  The system control unit 10 operates while switching between these two operation modes in accordance with an operation input from the operation unit 13.

(Appearance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the operation unit 13, the imaging unit 14, the TCS display unit 15, and the ultrasonic image display unit 16 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Note that FIG. 2 shows a case where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 operates in the measurement mode as an example.

  An operation panel 3 is provided on the upper surface of the casing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, and a TCS display unit 15 is provided at the back of the operation panel 3. In addition, a movable arm is provided upward from the casing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, and the ultrasonic image display unit 16 is attached to the movable arm.

  On the operation panel 3, along with various input devices constituting the operation unit 13, a document arrangement unit 5 capable of arranging a document is provided. In the document arrangement part 5, a line in a bracket shape indicating the place where the document is arranged is drawn. Further, an anti-slip material 6 is provided on the bottom surface of the document arrangement part 5 to prevent the arranged document from moving unexpectedly. The anti-slip material 6 is made of, for example, a rubber material having a high friction coefficient.

  A movable arm is provided upward from the operation panel 3, and the photographing unit 14 is supported by the movable arm. The photographing unit 14 is provided so as to face the direction of the document arrangement unit 5 so that the document arrangement unit 5 falls within the imaging range of the imaging element.

  Four buttons for controlling the photographing unit 14 are provided in the vicinity of the document arrangement unit 5. One is a photographing button 131 for starting or stopping photographing of the photographing unit 14, and one is a display destination changing button 132 for switching the display destination of the photographed document to the TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16. An enlargement button 133 for enlarging or reducing the display of the photographed document, and another record button 134 for storing the photographed document image or character information read from the document in the storage unit 12. The doctor operates these buttons to control the imaging unit 14.

  In addition, the structure of a present Example is not limited to what was shown here, It can change into a various shape. For example, although it has been described that the document arrangement unit 5 is provided on the operation panel 3, the document arrangement unit 5 may be provided on an appropriate surface of the casing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 instead of the operation panel 3. In addition, although it has been described that the button for controlling the display of the document is provided in the vicinity of the document arrangement unit 5, the same control as the four buttons described above may be performed according to the input coordinates received by the TCS display unit 15. Absent. In addition, the imaging unit 14 is described as being supported by a movable arm attached to the operation panel 3, but the imaging unit 14 may be the back and side surfaces of the casing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the TCS display unit 15, and the ultrasonic image. You may attach to suitable one surfaces, such as the side surface of the display part 16. FIG.

(Display of photographed document)
FIG. 3 shows how the imaging unit 14 captures a document and displays it on the TCS display unit 15 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 operating in the measurement mode. The operation when displaying a document will be described below with reference to FIG.

  When displaying the document, the doctor arranges the document in accordance with the line of the document arrangement unit 5 and presses the photographing button 131. When the photographing button 131 is pressed, the system control unit 10 drives the photographing unit 14 to illuminate the document arranged in the document arranging unit 5 with a light and photograph the document using the photographing element. When photographing the document, the photographing unit 14 outputs an image of the photographed document to the system control unit 10. The system control unit 10 that has received the document image outputs the image to the TCS display unit 15. The TCS display unit 15 erases the displayed operation screen, and displays a document image input from the system control unit 10 instead. When the photographing button 131 is pressed again while a document is displayed on the TCS display unit 15, the TCS display unit 15 erases the image of the document that has been displayed, turns off the light, and displays the operation screen again. To return to the original state shown in FIG.

  As a result of the above operations, when the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 operating in the measurement mode captures a document, the system control unit 10 erases the operation screen of the TCS display unit 15 and the TCS display unit 15 as shown in FIG. Display a written image inside.

  In the measurement mode, an ultrasound image and a marker 161 are displayed on the ultrasound image display unit 16, and the doctor makes a diagnosis while operating the marker 161. Since the doctor needs to accurately move the marker 161 according to the shape of the affected part of the subject, the doctor must visually recognize the document without changing the display content of the ultrasonic image display unit 16. Therefore, in the present invention, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is in the measurement mode, the system control unit 10 displays a document on the TCS display unit 16 provided separately from the ultrasonic image display unit 16. Thereby, the doctor can visually recognize the document without changing the display content of the ultrasonic image display unit 16.

  FIG. 4 shows a state in which different ultrasonic images are displayed side by side in the ultrasonic image display unit 16 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 operating in the real-time measurement mode. FIG. 5 shows a state when the imaging unit 14 captures a document and displays it on the ultrasound image display unit 16 in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 operating in the real-time measurement mode. Hereinafter, the operation when displaying a document will be described with reference to FIG.

  When displaying a document, the doctor arranges the document in accordance with the line of the document arrangement unit 5 and presses the photographing button 131 in the same manner as the operation described in the measurement mode. When the photographing button 131 is pressed, the system control unit 10 drives the photographing unit 14 to illuminate the document arranged in the document arranging unit 5 with a light and photograph the document using the photographing element. When photographing the document, the photographing unit 14 outputs an image of the photographed document to the system control unit 10. Upon receiving the document image, the system control unit 10 outputs the image to the ultrasonic image display unit 16. The ultrasonic image display unit 16 deletes one of the ultrasonic images displayed side by side, and instead displays the document image input from the system control unit 10 in the area where the ultrasonic image has been deleted. When the photographing button 131 is pressed again while a document is displayed on the ultrasonic image display unit 16, the ultrasonic image display unit 16 deletes the image of the displayed document, and the ultrasonic image that has been deleted. Is displayed again to return to the original state shown in FIG.

  As a result of the above operation, when photographing of the document is performed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 operating in the real-time measurement mode, the system control unit 10 erases any of the ultrasonic images displayed side by side in the ultrasonic image display unit 16. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the document image is displayed in the area where the ultrasonic image is erased.

In the real-time measurement mode, the doctor makes a diagnosis by operating the ultrasonic probe 2 while visually checking the ultrasonic image displayed on the ultrasonic image display unit 16. Since the doctor determines the position and direction of the ultrasound probe 2 based on the ultrasound image updated in real time on the ultrasound image display unit 16, the doctor can visually recognize the document while keeping his line of sight on the ultrasound image display unit 16. Must. Therefore, in the present invention, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is in the real-time measurement mode , a partial display of the ultrasonic image display unit 16 is deleted, and a document is displayed in the area where the display is deleted. Thereby, the doctor can visually recognize the document while keeping the line of sight on the ultrasonic image display unit 16.

  Note that FIG. 5 shows an example in which the left side of the ultrasonic image displayed side by side is deleted and the document is displayed. However, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this, and when three or more ultrasonic images are displayed side by side on the ultrasonic image display unit 16, the display of several ultrasonic images is erased. You may take the structure which displays a document in the erase | eliminated area | region. Alternatively, when one ultrasonic image is displayed on the ultrasonic image display unit 16, the display area is divided into right and left, and the ultrasonic image is reduced to either the left or right area as shown in FIG. 5. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which a document is displayed in a vacant area. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, a configuration may be adopted in which a document is displayed by being superimposed on a part or the whole of the ultrasonic image displayed on the ultrasonic image display unit 16.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing when the system control unit 10 enlarges and displays a document. Hereinafter, the flow of enlarged display processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the system control unit 10 starts processing (step 1000), the system control unit 10 waits for a shooting instruction issued from the shooting button 131 (step 1001). When the system control unit 10 detects that the shooting button 131 has been pressed and a shooting instruction has been issued (Yes in step 1001), the system control unit 10 drives the shooting unit 14 to start illumination and shooting of the document (step 1002). On the other hand, if the system control unit 10 does not detect the shooting instruction, the system control unit 10 returns to step 1001 again and repeats the shooting instruction waiting process.

  When the photographing unit 14 starts photographing a document, the system control unit 10 determines whether the current operation mode is the measurement mode or the real-time measurement mode (step 1003). When the system control unit 10 determines that the current operation mode is the measurement mode (“measurement mode” in step 1003), the system control unit 10 outputs the document image output from the imaging unit 14 to the TCS display unit 15. Then, the document image is displayed on the TCS display unit 15 (step 1004). On the other hand, when the system control unit 10 determines that the current operation mode is the real-time measurement mode (“real-time measurement mode” in step 1003), the system control unit 10 determines that the ultrasonic image display unit 16 is divided by dividing the screen. It is determined whether or not the ultrasonic images are displayed side by side (step 1005). When the system control unit 10 determines that the ultrasonic image display unit 16 divides the screen and displays a plurality of ultrasonic images side by side (Yes in step 1005), the ultrasonic wave displayed on the ultrasonic image display unit 16 is displayed. Some of the images are erased, and an ultrasonic image is displayed in the erased area (step 1007). When the system control unit 10 determines that the ultrasonic image display unit 16 is displaying an ultrasonic image without dividing the screen (No in step 1005), the system control unit 10 divides the display area of the ultrasonic image display unit 16 to display the ultrasonic image. The sound image is reduced and displayed in the divided display area (step 1006). Further, the ultrasonic image display unit 16 displays a document image in a display area where the ultrasonic image is not displayed (step 1007).

  When the document image is displayed by the processing in step 1004 or step 1007, the system control unit 10 waits for a shooting stop instruction issued from the shooting button 131 (step 1008). When the system control unit 10 detects that the shooting button 131 has been pressed and a shooting stop instruction has been issued (Yes in step 1008), the system controller 10 erases the document image displayed on the TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16. The display of the operation screen or the ultrasonic image is restored (step 1009), and the process is terminated (step 1010). On the other hand, if the system control unit 10 does not detect a shooting stop instruction, the system control unit 10 returns to step 1003 and repeats the process.

  Through the above processing, the system control unit 10 changes the display destination of the document according to the current operation mode. The system control unit 10 automatically changes the display destination according to the operation mode, so that the doctor can reduce the operation burden of instructing the display destination of the document and easily display the document at a position suitable for the diagnosis content. Can do.

  In FIG. 7, the operation of automatically changing the display destination of the document according to the operation mode is described, but the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of automatically changing the display destination of the document, the system control unit 10 changes the display destination of the document to the TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16 every time the display destination change button 132 is pressed. You can take it. Alternatively, the display destination of the document may be set in advance, and the setting of the display destination may be stored in the storage unit 12. When storing the display destination setting in the storage unit 12, the system control unit 10 reads the display destination setting from the storage unit 12 when the shooting button 131 is pressed, and according to the read display destination setting. The output destination of the document image is changed to the TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16.

  In FIG. 7, the operation of automatically changing the display destination of the document based on the two operation mode changes of the real-time measurement mode and the measurement mode has been described. However, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the real-time measurement mode and the measurement mode, the document is automatically written based on the switching of the operation mode such as the B mode, the CDI mode, the M mode, the three-dimensional mode, the menu screen display mode for displaying the operation menu on the TCS screen. The display destination may be changed.

(Enlarged display of the document)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an image of a document photographed by the photographing unit 14 is enlarged and displayed on the ultrasonic image display unit 16. The document may include information printed with fine characters and images relating to the affected area of the subject. In order to grasp in detail the information described in the document, the system control unit 10 has a function of enlarging and displaying the document image captured by the imaging unit 14.

  When the document is enlarged and displayed, the doctor presses the photographing button 131 to display the document on the TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16, and then presses the enlarge button 133. When the enlarge button 133 is pressed, the system control unit 10 generates an enlarged image of the photographed document image. When the system control unit 10 generates an enlarged image, the system control unit 10 outputs the enlarged image to the TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16. The TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16 displays the enlarged image output from the system control unit 10. Through the above processing, the doctor can display an enlarged image of the document on the TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16 and grasp the information described in the document in detail. Note that the enlarged display of the document may be controlled by various input devices constituting the operation unit 13 other than the enlargement button 133. For example, an operation of changing the enlargement center for enlarging the document or changing the enlargement magnification may be performed by button input of the operation unit 13.

(Rotate the document)
When referring to a document using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the doctor arranges the document in the document arrangement unit 5 with reference to a line drawn around the document arrangement unit 5, but at this time, the position of the document is shifted, In some cases, the document arrangement unit 5 may be arranged obliquely with respect to the document arrangement unit 5. In order to display the document in alignment with the display direction of the TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16, the system control unit 10 has a function of recognizing the arrangement direction of the document imaged by the imaging unit 14.

  When displaying the document, the doctor arranges the document in accordance with the line of the document arrangement unit 5 and presses the photographing button 131. When the photographing button 131 is pressed, the system control unit 10 drives the photographing unit 14 to photograph the document. When photographing the document, the photographing unit 14 outputs an image of the document to the system control unit 10, reads a printed character from the document, and outputs position information of the printed character to the system control unit 10. When the system control unit 10 receives the position information of the printed characters, the system control unit 10 detects the direction in which the document is arranged by reading the direction in which the printed characters are arranged. When detecting the direction in which the document is arranged, the system control unit 10 calculates a correction angle for displaying the document in alignment with the display direction of the TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16. When the correction angle is calculated, the system control unit 10 generates a document image that is rotated by the correction angle with respect to the document image output by the photographing unit 14, and generates the document image by the TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit. 16 is output. The TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16 displays a document image rotated by the correction angle.

  With the above processing, even when the doctor places the document with an inclination with respect to the document arrangement unit 5, the system control unit 10 recognizes the angle of the document, and the TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16 Display the document in the same orientation. Thereby, the doctor can read the document displayed on the TCS display unit 15 or the ultrasonic image display unit 16 in an easy-to-view direction.

  Note that the method of detecting the document angle is not limited to the one shown here. When the system control unit 10 receives an image of the document, the system control unit 10 recognizes an image of the boundary surface between the document and the operation panel 3, and this boundary is detected. You may use the structure which detects the angle of a writing based on the angle of a surface.

(Saving the document you have taken)
The system control unit 10 has a function of causing the storage unit 12 to store an image of a document photographed by the photographing unit 14 in order to easily browse past documents at the time of diagnosis.

  When storing the document image in the storage unit 12, the doctor presses the shooting button 131, and after the shooting unit 14 generates an image of the document, the storage button 133 is pressed. When the storage button 133 is pressed, the system control unit 10 outputs the document image output from the photographing unit 14 to the storage unit 12 for storage.

  When the system control unit 10 stores the document image in the storage unit 12, the system control unit 10 stores the document image in association with the examination identification information (test ID) of the currently performed diagnosis. The examination ID is a number assigned to manage the diagnosis performed by the doctor, and a different number is assigned for each diagnosis performed by the doctor. The examination ID may be manually input using the operation unit 13 when a doctor using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 starts diagnosis, or information written in advance on a card possessed by the doctor. May be read by a card reader (not shown) provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and an examination ID may be determined from information written on the card. Alternatively, an examination ID output from a HIS (Hospital Information System) server connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 via a network may be used.

  The system control unit 10 also associates and stores the diagnostic ID of the currently performed diagnosis and the ultrasonic image when the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic image generation unit 11 is stored in the storage unit 12. This association is performed, for example, by providing a different data folder for each examination ID in the storage unit 12 and storing an ultrasonic image or a written image in the data folder corresponding to the examination ID. When such association is performed, the ultrasonic image generated in one diagnosis and the written image are stored in the same data folder. By storing the ultrasound image and the document in the same data folder, the doctor can easily browse the document image in the same data folder when referring to the ultrasound image of the examination performed in the past. it can.

  The operation for storing the document is not limited to the one shown here. For example, the system control unit 10 may store the text information of the document read by the photographing unit 14 instead of storing the image of the document. Further, the system control unit 10 may store the document image or the ultrasonic image in association with other information such as the date and time of diagnosis and patient identification information instead of storing the image and the ultrasonic image in association with the examination ID. Further, the association with the examination ID may be performed by attaching a common tag indicating the examination ID to the document image or the ultrasonic image instead of storing the examination ID in the same data folder.

(Other configurations of written arrangement)
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the document arrangement unit 5 is provided on the operation panel 3 is shown, but the method of document arrangement in the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are diagrams showing another configuration for arranging the document.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the document arrangement may be performed by providing a document grip portion 30 that holds the document on one side surface of the casing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The document holding part 30 is formed by connecting a pair of plate-like members via an elastic member such as a spring. The document gripping unit 30 grips the document by the plate-like member sandwiching the document by elastic force. When the document holding unit 30 is provided on the side surface of the housing, the document is arranged perpendicular to the floor surface. In order to keep this document in the photographing range, the photographing unit 14 is attached so as to face the direction of the document through a movable arm extending in the horizontal direction with respect to the floor surface. By arranging the document using the document gripping unit 30, it is not necessary to provide a document layout space on the operation panel 3 or one surface of the housing. Thereby, ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 1 can be constituted more compactly.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a foldable movable arm is provided on one side of the housing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, and a document support portion 31 capable of supporting the document is provided at one end of the movable arm. It may be arranged in writing. The document support unit 31 is a combination of a plurality of plate-like members so as to support the bottom side and the back side of the document, for example. When the document support unit 31 is provided on the side surface of the housing, the document is disposed at a position away from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. In order to keep this document in the imaging range, the imaging unit 14 is attached so as to face the direction of the document via a movable arm extending in the direction of the document support unit 31. By arranging the document using the document support unit 31 connected by a foldable movable arm, when the document is not arranged, the movable arm is folded and the document support unit 31 is placed in the housing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. It can be in close contact with the body. Thereby, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 when the document is not arranged can be configured more compactly, and the doctor can expand and use the movable arm of the document support unit 31 as necessary.

Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Or you may combine the component covering a different Example suitably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 Ultrasonic probe 3 Operation panel 5 Document arrangement part 6 Anti-slip material 10 System control part 11 Ultrasonic image generation part 12 Storage part 13 Operation part 14 Imaging part 15 TCS display part 16 Ultrasonic image display part 21 Transmission / Reception Unit 22 B Mode Processing Unit 23 Doppler Processing Unit 30 Document Holding Unit 31 Document Support Unit 131 Shooting Button 132 Display Destination Change Button 133 Enlarge Button 134 Storage Button

Claims (7)

An ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound; and
An ultrasonic image generating unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic probe;
An ultrasonic image display unit for displaying the ultrasonic image;
An operation screen display for displaying an operation screen for performing an input operation;
An imaging unit that reads information on the object;
A first operation mode that updates the ultrasonic image in real time; and a second operation mode that performs measurement on the ultrasonic image, and the information read by the imaging unit is read in the first operation mode. A control unit that displays on the ultrasonic image display unit and switches the display to display on the operation screen display unit in the second operation mode;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The controller is
Information read by the imaging unit in the first operation mode is displayed in parallel with the ultrasonic image.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The controller is
In the second operation mode, the ultrasonic image is displayed on the ultrasonic image display unit in a stationary state.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The photographing unit
When a character is printed on the object, it further includes a character recognition unit that reads the character to generate character data and outputs the character data as information read by the photographing unit.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. On the side surface of the housing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, there is a holding unit that holds the object,
The photographing unit photographs an object held on a side surface by the holding unit.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. A storage unit for storing the ultrasonic image and information read by the imaging unit;
The controller is
The ultrasonic image and the information read by the imaging unit are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit,
Furthermore, the control unit
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that display information which the imaging unit has read to the ultrasonic image display unit or the operation screen display unit. The photographing unit further includes a light for illuminating the object,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the light illuminates the object when the imaging unit reads information from the object.

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