JP2010051621A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that allows an operator to easily operate the apparatus while holding it with one hand.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus supplies an operation unit used for input operation to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe and receives a reception signal output from the ultrasonic probe. A transmission / reception unit for processing, an image signal generation unit for generating an image signal based on the reception signal processed by the transmission / reception unit, and a display unit for displaying an ultrasonic image based on the image signal generated by the image signal generation unit; , A housing that houses at least the transmission / reception unit and the image signal generation unit and supports the display unit in an openable / closable manner at one or both ends of the edge portion, and has a bottom surface opposite to the main surface on which the operation unit is provided. The housing is curved so as to have a concave shape, and has a thick portion that is thicker than other portions at the end portion.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs imaging of an organ or the like in a living body by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to generate an ultrasonic image used for diagnosis.

  In the medical field, various imaging techniques have been developed in order to perform diagnosis by observing the inside of a subject. In particular, ultrasonic imaging that acquires internal information of a subject by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves enables real-time image observation, and other medical applications such as X-ray photographs and RI (radio isotope) scintillation cameras. Unlike imaging technology, there is no radiation exposure. Therefore, ultrasonic imaging is used as a highly safe imaging technique in a wide range of fields including gynecological, circulatory, and digestive systems as well as fetal diagnosis in the obstetrics field.

  Conventionally, large-scale ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses are mainly installed in a dedicated examination room, but it is necessary to move the subject to the diagnostic room where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is installed for each ultrasonic diagnosis. There was a heavy burden on the subject. In order to reduce the burden on the subject, there is a need for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can be easily carried and used by an operator (diagnostic) who operates the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Also, in the triage diagnosis at the time of a large-scale disaster, in order for the operator to easily carry and use the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in an unspecified place, it is required to be easy to carry and use the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. ing.

  As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which a transducer array and an integrated circuit for processing the signal are mounted in a handheld enclosure. Specifically, the transducer array, integrated circuit, user controller, display, and battery are housed in a single enclosure, along with a single piece of ultrasound diagnostic equipment, the transducer array, integrated circuit, and user controller in one unit, A two-piece ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which a display and a battery are housed in another unit is disclosed.

  However, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that takes into account the ease of carrying and use of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus other than mounting a transducer array, a display, or the like in a one-piece or two-piece handheld enclosure. Absent.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an ultrasonic system capable of operating an imaging unit and a display and control unit while holding them with one hand. According to FIG. 20 of Patent Document 2, the display and control unit of this ultrasonic system has a palm-sized monitor module and a handle attached to the front side of this monitor module. And a control unit.

If the ultrasonic system is quite small and the specs are limited as in Patent Document 2, it seems that it is possible to hold the ultrasonic system with one hand, but if the specs are improved such as making the monitor larger, It is not easy to hold an ultrasound system with one hand for a long time while making a diagnosis.
Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2002-526143 (page 8-10, FIG. 2-4) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-299652 (page 21, FIG. 20)

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can be easily operated by an operator while holding it with one hand.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention supplies a drive signal to an operation unit used for input operation to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic wave Based on a transmission / reception unit that processes a reception signal output from the probe, an image signal generation unit that generates an image signal based on the reception signal processed by the transmission / reception unit, and an image signal generated by the image signal generation unit A display unit that displays an ultrasonic image, and at least a transmission / reception unit and an image signal generation unit, and a housing that supports the display unit to be openable and closable at one end or both ends of the edge portion, and is provided with an operation unit. The bottom surface opposite to the main surface is curved so as to have a concave shape, and has a casing having a thick portion that is thicker than the other portions at the edge portion.

  According to the present invention, since the bottom surface of the housing has a concave shape, the bottom surface of the housing is easily supported by the forearm portion of the operator, and the thick portion is formed by forming the thick portion at the edge portion. Since it becomes easy to hold with a hand, the operator can easily operate the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus while holding the casing with one hand.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
1 and 2 are perspective views showing an appearance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an external view of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe 10, a housing 20, and a display unit 30. Here, the housing 20 and the display unit 30 constitute an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body.

  The display unit 30 can be opened and closed with respect to the housing 20 by a pivotal support portion 31 that can be rotated around a rotation shaft 32 parallel to the edge portion at one end of the end portion on the far side of the housing 20. So that it is supported. FIG. 1 shows a state where the display unit 30 is opened with respect to the housing 20, and FIG. 2 shows a state where the display unit 30 is closed with respect to the housing 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an operation unit 28 that is used for an input operation to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided on the main surface (upper surface) of the housing 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 20 is curved such that at least the front edge portion 20 c of the housing 20 has a concave bottom surface on the side opposite to the main surface. Thereby, the edge part 20c of the front side of the housing | casing 20 has the shape where the center warps in circular arc shape. More preferably, the entire bottom surface of the housing 20 has a curved shape.

  As described above, since the bottom surface of the housing 20 has a concave shape, the operator can easily support the bottom surface of the housing 20 by the forearm portion (portion from the arm elbow to the wrist) 100 of the operator. it can. In addition, when the operator performs a diagnosis while supporting the bottom surface of the housing 20 with one arm, the center of gravity is lowered in the same manner as in the case of the operator, and the effect of stabilizing the posture of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be obtained.

  The casing 20 has a thick portion 20a that is thicker than other portions at the far end edge portion as viewed from the operator who operates the operation portion 28. The thick portion 20a has a shape in which the bottom surface side of the housing 20 swells. Specifically, on the bottom surface of the housing 20, a bowl-shaped convex portion is provided along an end portion on the far side of the housing 20. Thereby, the operator can grip the thick part 20a as if he / she grips the stick with his / her hand.

  As described above, since the thick portion 20a is formed at the far edge portion as viewed from the operator, the operator holds the bar with the palm and the entire finger while supporting the bottom surface of the housing 20 by the forearm portion 100. The thick part 20a can be grasped with a sense, and the casing 20 can be firmly held with one hand without applying extra force to the wrist and fingers. Therefore, the operator operates the operation unit 28 while holding the housing 20 with one hand, or uses the operation of the ultrasonic probe 10 and the operation unit 28 with the other hand while holding the housing 20 with one hand. The input operation that has been performed can be easily performed.

  Considering that the operator performs a diagnosis while supporting the bottom surface of the housing 20 with one arm, the size (area) of the housing 20 is B5 size to A4 size, and the weight of the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is: It is desirable that it is 2 kg-5 kg. Further, in order to keep the posture stable in a state where the display unit 30 is opened, the weight of the display unit 30 is desirably ¼ or less of the weight of the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the thickness of the thick portion 20a be 15 mm to 40 mm in accordance with the size of the hand. In particular, from the viewpoint of universal design and ergonomics, it is appropriate to set the thickness of the thick portion 20a to about 32 mm. In order to make it easy to grip the thick portion 20a, the thickness of the casing 20 other than the thick portion 20a is set to 3/4 or less of the thickness of the thick portion 20a, and the curvature radius of curvature of the thick portion 20a is 10 mm to 30 mm is desirable.

  Furthermore, it is desirable to apply a surface treatment for preventing slipping by attaching a rubber material or forming a concavo-convex structure in a region in contact with the arm of the operator on the bottom surface side of the thick portion 20a. Also on the back side of the thick portion 20a, it is desirable to form a corrugated uneven shape or attach a rubber material so as to fit the operator's finger.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a housing portion 20 b that houses the ultrasonic probe 10 is formed in a part of the thick portion 20 a of the housing 20. Here, the ultrasonic probe 10 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape, and a cavity corresponding to the outer shape of the ultrasonic probe 10 is formed in the thick portion 20a of the casing 20 as a storage portion 20b. Has been.

  Thus, by forming the storage portion 20b for storing the ultrasonic probe 10 in the thick portion 20a of the housing 20, the space of the thick portion 20a can be used effectively, and the ultrasonic probe 10 can be used. It can be carried along with the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment body. Further, as will be described later, signals are transmitted and received between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body and the ultrasonic probe 10 wirelessly, so that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body and the ultrasonic probe 10 are connected to each other. Even when not connected by a signal line, it is possible to prevent an accident that the ultrasonic probe 10 is lost away from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. In addition, when transmitting and receiving signals between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body and the ultrasonic probe 10 by wire, an accommodating portion for accommodating a signal line is formed in the accommodating portion 20b of the housing 20 or in the vicinity thereof. Also good.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display unit 30 has a shape in which a portion from the right side to the center of the lower edge portion of the display unit 30 as viewed from the operator operating the operation unit 28 is cut out. The shaft support portion 31 that supports the display portion 30 so as to be openable and closable is formed only at the left end of the far edge portion as viewed from the operator. Thereby, when the operator grips the thick portion 20a of the casing 20, the fingertip 101 of the operator's hand is not disturbed by the display unit 30. Accordingly, the operator can reliably hold the casing 20 using the entire area from the forearm 100 to the fingertip 101. Further, the operator can adjust the orientation of the display unit 30 according to the direction in which the display unit 30 is viewed by rotating the display unit 30. In addition, the display part 30 is good also as a shape by which the part from the left side to the center seeing from the operator among the edge parts of the lower side of the display part 30 was notched in the right-and-left reverse shape. In that case, the shaft support portion 31 that supports the display portion 30 so as to be openable and closable is formed in a right portion as viewed from the operator.

  In the ultrasonic diagnosis, an operator observes an ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit 30 while bringing the ultrasonic probe 10 into contact with each part of the patient with one hand, or applies an ultrasonic image to the patient. Therefore, it is very convenient that the orientation of the display unit 30 can be freely changed while holding the housing 20 with the other hand. Further, the operator can operate the operation unit 28 with the other hand while the ultrasonic probe 10 is brought into contact with each part of the patient with one hand, so that ultrasonic diagnosis can be performed quickly. It becomes.

Next, the internal configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is constituted by an ultrasonic probe 10 and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body includes a scanning control unit 11, a transmission delay pattern storage unit 12, a transmission control unit 13, a drive signal generation unit 14, a reception signal processing unit 21, a reception delay pattern storage unit 22, and a reception. A control unit 23, a B-mode image generation unit (image signal generation unit) 24, a D / A converter 25, a control unit 26, a storage unit 27, an operation unit 28, and a display unit 30 are provided. Yes. The drive signal generation unit 14 and the reception signal processing unit 21 constitute a transmission / reception unit. Here, the scanning control unit 11 to the drive signal generation unit 14 and the reception signal processing unit 21 to the storage unit 27 are housed in the case 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the operation unit 28 is the case. 20 main surfaces are provided.

  The ultrasonic probe 10 used in contact with a subject includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 10a constituting a one-dimensional or two-dimensional transducer array. These ultrasonic transducers 10a transmit ultrasonic waves based on the applied drive signals, receive propagating ultrasonic echoes, and output reception signals.

  Each ultrasonic transducer is, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic represented by PZT (Pb (lead) zirconate titanate) or a polymer piezoelectric element represented by PVDF (polyvinylidene difluoride). It is constituted by a vibrator in which electrodes are formed on both ends of a piezoelectric material (piezoelectric body). When a pulsed or continuous wave voltage is applied to the electrodes of such a vibrator, the piezoelectric body expands and contracts. By this expansion and contraction, pulsed or continuous wave ultrasonic waves are generated from the respective vibrators, and an ultrasonic beam is formed by synthesizing these ultrasonic waves. Each vibrator expands and contracts by receiving propagating ultrasonic waves and generates an electrical signal. These electrical signals are output as ultrasonic reception signals.

  The scanning control unit 11 sequentially sets the transmission direction of the ultrasonic beam and the reception direction of the ultrasonic echo. The transmission delay pattern storage unit 12 stores a plurality of transmission delay patterns used when forming an ultrasonic beam. The transmission control unit 13 selects a predetermined pattern from a plurality of delay patterns stored in the transmission delay pattern storage unit 12 according to the transmission direction set in the scanning control unit 11, and based on the pattern The delay times given to the drive signals of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 10a are set. Alternatively, the transmission control unit 13 may set the delay time so that ultrasonic waves transmitted at a time from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 10a reach the entire imaging region of the subject.

  For example, the drive signal generator 14 includes a plurality of pulsars corresponding to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 10a. The drive signal generation unit 14 transmits the plurality of drive signals to the ultrasonic probe so that the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 10a form an ultrasonic beam according to the delay time set by the transmission control unit 13. 10 or a plurality of drive signals are supplied to the ultrasound probe 10 so that the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the plurality of ultrasound transducers 10a at a time reach the entire imaging region of the subject.

  The reception signal processing unit 21 includes a plurality of amplifiers (preamplifiers) 21a and a plurality of A / D converters 21b corresponding to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 10a. The reception signal output from the ultrasonic transducer 10a is amplified by the amplifier 21a, and the analog reception signal output from the amplifier 21a is converted into a digital reception signal by the A / D converter 21b. The A / D converter 21 b outputs a digital reception signal to the reception control unit 23.

  The reception delay pattern storage unit 22 stores a plurality of reception delay patterns used when receiving focus processing is performed on a plurality of reception signals output from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 10a. The reception control unit 23 selects a predetermined pattern from a plurality of reception delay patterns stored in the reception delay pattern storage unit 22 based on the reception direction set in the scanning control unit 11, and based on the pattern. The reception focus process is performed by adding a delay to a plurality of reception signals. By this reception focus processing, a sound ray signal in which the focus of the ultrasonic echo is narrowed is formed.

  The B-mode image generation unit 24 generates a B-mode image signal that is tomographic image information related to the tissue in the subject based on the sound ray signal formed by the reception control unit 23. The B-mode image generation unit 24 includes an STC (sensitivity time control) unit 24a, a comprehensive line detection unit 24b, and a DSC (digital scan converter) 24c.

  The STC unit 24a corrects attenuation with respect to the sound ray signal formed by the reception control unit 23 according to the depth of the ultrasonic reflection position. The envelope detection unit 24b generates an envelope signal by performing envelope detection processing on the sound ray signal corrected in the STC unit 24a. The DSC 24c converts the envelope signal generated by the envelope detector 24b into an image signal according to a normal television signal scanning method (raster conversion), and performs necessary image processing such as gradation processing to obtain B A mode image signal is generated.

  The D / A converter 25 converts the digital image signal output from the B-mode image generation unit 24 into an analog image signal. The display unit 30 includes, for example, a display device such as a CRT or LCD, and displays a diagnostic image based on an analog image signal.

  The control unit 26 controls the scanning control unit 11, the B-mode image generation unit 24, and the like according to the operation of the operator using the operation unit 28. In the present embodiment, the scanning control unit 11, the transmission control unit 13, the reception control unit 23, the B-mode image generation unit 24, and the control unit 26 are configured by a CPU and software (program). A circuit or an analog circuit may be used. The software (program) is stored in the storage unit 27. As a recording medium in the storage unit 27, a flexible disk, MO, MT, RAM, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM can be used in addition to the built-in hard disk.

  FIG. 4 shows an example in which signals are transmitted and received between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body and the ultrasonic probe 10 via signal lines. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and ultrasonic waves Wireless signal transmission / reception may be performed between the diagnostic apparatus main body and the ultrasound probe 10. When wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals, the first wireless transmitter / receiver is connected to the drive signal generating unit 14 and the received signal processing unit 21 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body, and the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe 10 is used. A second wireless transceiver is connected to 10a via a drive signal output circuit and a received signal amplifier circuit, and wireless signals are transmitted and received between the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver. An electromagnetic wave, a magnetic field, an infrared ray, or the like can be used as a carrier wave of the radio signal. In addition, a battery (storage battery or the like) is provided in the ultrasonic probe 10 in order to supply a power supply voltage to a circuit in the ultrasonic probe 10.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state where the display unit 30 is opened with respect to the housing 20. In the second embodiment, the notch at the lower end of the display unit 30 is formed only at the center part of the edge part, and the shaft support parts 31a and 31b that support the display part 30 so as to be opened and closed are the edge part. Are formed on both the left and right sides. Even with such a configuration, the fingertip 101 of the operator's hand is not disturbed by the display unit 30 when the operator grips the thick portion 20a of the housing 20. Accordingly, the operator can reliably hold the casing 20 using the entire area from the forearm 100 to the fingertip 101. About another point, it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs imaging of an organ or the like in a living body by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and generates an ultrasonic image used for diagnosis.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ultrasonic probe 10a Ultrasonic transducer 11 Scan control part 12 Transmission delay pattern memory | storage part 13 Transmission control part 14 Drive signal generation part 20 Housing | casing 20a Thick part 20b Storage part 20c Front edge part 21 Reception signal processing Unit 21a amplifier 21b A / D converter 22 reception delay pattern storage unit 23 reception control unit 24 B-mode image generation unit 24a STC unit 24b envelope detection unit 24c DSC
25 D / A converter 26 Control unit 27 Storage unit 28 Operation unit 30 Display unit 31 Axle support unit 32 Rotating shaft 100 Forearm of operator 101 Fingertip of operator

Claims (4)

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus,
An operation unit used for an input operation to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus;
A transmission / reception unit for supplying a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe and processing a reception signal output from the ultrasonic probe;
An image signal generation unit that generates an image signal based on the reception signal processed by the transmission / reception unit;
A display unit for displaying an ultrasonic image based on the image signal generated by the image signal generation unit;
A housing that houses at least the transmission / reception unit and the image signal generation unit and supports the display unit so that the display unit can be opened and closed at one or both ends of an edge portion thereof, opposite to the main surface on which the operation unit is provided The bottom surface of the housing is curved so as to have a concave shape, and the casing has a thick portion that is thicker than other portions at the edge portion,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The display unit is supported at one end or both ends of the edge portion of the housing so as to be openable and closable with respect to the housing by a pivotal support portion that can rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the edge portion. ,
A notch is formed in a portion other than the portion where the shaft support portion is provided in the edge portion of the display portion.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the housing has a shape that swells at the edge portion.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a storage portion that stores the ultrasonic probe is formed in a part of the thick portion of the housing.

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