WO2014050280A1 - 携帯型超音波撮像装置 - Google Patents
携帯型超音波撮像装置 Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2014050280A1 WO2014050280A1 PCT/JP2013/070095 JP2013070095W WO2014050280A1 WO 2014050280 A1 WO2014050280 A1 WO 2014050280A1 JP 2013070095 W JP2013070095 W JP 2013070095W WO 2014050280 A1 WO2014050280 A1 WO 2014050280A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- ultrasonic imaging
- portable ultrasonic
- main body
- imaging apparatus
- panel
- Prior art date
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/46—Ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic devices with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
- A61B8/461—Displaying means of special interest
- A61B8/462—Displaying means of special interest characterised by constructional features of the display
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
- A61B8/4427—Device being portable or laptop-like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/46—Ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic devices with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
- A61B8/467—Ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic devices with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient characterised by special input means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
- G01S7/52—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00
- G01S7/52017—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00 particularly adapted to short-range imaging
- G01S7/52079—Constructional features
- G01S7/52084—Constructional features related to particular user interfaces
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/63—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16Z—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G16Z99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
- A61B8/4444—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device related to the probe
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
- A61B8/4444—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device related to the probe
- A61B8/4472—Wireless probes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
- G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S15/89—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
- G01S15/8906—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques
- G01S15/899—Combination of imaging systems with ancillary equipment
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
- G01S7/52—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00
- G01S7/52017—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00 particularly adapted to short-range imaging
- G01S7/52079—Constructional features
- G01S7/52082—Constructional features involving a modular construction, e.g. a computer with short range imaging equipment
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus in which an operation panel is movable with respect to a main body having a display panel.
- Ultrasonic imaging devices are widely used as relatively simple and non-invasive medical image diagnostic devices, and various types of portable ultrasonic diagnostic devices that can be used not only in in-hospital laboratories but also in hospital rooms and out of hospitals have been developed.
- a notebook-type superstructure having a structure in which a display panel for displaying an image taken by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an operation panel for performing an instruction input operation necessary for ultrasonic inspection are connected at one end so as to be opened and closed. Ultrasonic diagnostic devices and the like have been put into practical use (Patent Documents 1, 2, etc.).
- Portable ultrasonic diagnostic equipment enables inspections in places where it is difficult to bring in general ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, such as bedside inspection in hospital rooms and operating rooms, and inspections in ambulances and roundabouts. It has become.
- the usage form of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is generally placed on a table such as a desk.
- a main body provided with an operation panel is placed on the table. Then, with the display panel open, place the ultrasound probe connected to the main unit on the patient's examination site, operate the operation panel, and check the ultrasound image displayed on the display panel for inspection .
- the notebook type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is a display panel.
- the above-mentioned requirement is met by fixing the slidable to the main body.
- the usage mode in which the display panel is opened (open mode) with respect to the casing having the operation panel, and the casing having the operation panel It is set as the structure which can take the usage form used in the state (tablet mode) piled up so that the display surface of the display panel may become the surface.
- the usage form of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is to place it on a table, but in the case of a notebook ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it requires a relatively large installation area, such as a bedside inspection, Inspections in places with limited space may not be able to secure sufficient installation locations.
- the notebook type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 2 in the tablet mode, the installation area can be reduced as compared with the case of flat placement, but the display panel overlaps the operation panel. There is also a problem that the operation panel cannot be operated in the usage mode.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus in which the operability of the operation panel is good in any use form (use posture).
- the present invention provides a novel portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus that can be operated while being held by a hand as well as being used on a stand.
- This portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus is provided with a support mechanism for movably connecting an operation panel to a main body having a display panel.
- the support mechanism supports the operation panel so as to be slidable in a direction parallel to the display surface of the display panel and tiltable at an arbitrary slide position.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention further includes a foldable stand on the opposite side of the surface on which the display panel is provided, and the support for movably connecting the operation panel to the main body having the display panel. Provide a mechanism.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention incorporates an electronic component constituting the ultrasonic imaging unit, and is electrically connected to the main body having a display surface on the surface and the ultrasonic imaging unit.
- An operation panel, and the main body includes a support mechanism that supports the operation panel so as to be slidable along a direction parallel to the display surface, and supports the operation panel so that an angle with respect to the display surface can be changed. It is characterized by that.
- the operation panel can be operated regardless of the usage state.
- FIG. 1 The figure which shows the whole one Embodiment of the portable ultrasonic imaging device of this invention, and the perspective view seen from the apparatus front side
- Functional block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic imaging unit The figure which shows the whole probe generally used with an ultrasonic imaging device Front perspective view showing the support mechanism of the operation panel Back side perspective view showing support mechanism of operation panel
- the perspective view which shows the component of the support mechanism of an operation panel A perspective view showing the structure of the operation panel side FIGS.
- FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating changes in the attitude of the operation panel, in which FIG. 3A illustrates an initial state, FIG. 4B illustrates a state in which the control panel is slid to the lowermost position, FIG. The state tilted at the position (c) is shown.
- FIG. 3A illustrates an initial state
- FIG. 4B illustrates a state in which the control panel is slid to the lowermost position
- FIG. The state tilted at the position (c) is shown.
- It is a figure which shows the usage example of the operation panel according to the use condition of an apparatus, (a) shows the state in which the operator held the apparatus, (b) shows the state which put the apparatus on the stand.
- (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the example of a change of the support mechanism of an operation panel, and the change of an attitude
- FIG. 1 is a rear view of the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of FIG.
- Sectional drawing which shows the attachment mechanism of a handle and a stand part
- the perspective view which shows the attachment mechanism of a handle
- the perspective view which shows the attachment mechanism of a stand part The perspective view which shows the principal part of the attachment mechanism of a handle and a stand part (A), (b) is a figure which shows the different use condition of a stand part.
- (A), (b) is a figure which shows the use condition from which a handle differs.
- the figure which shows the back panel and back cover of a portable ultrasonic imaging device The figure which showed only the principal part of the AA cross section of FIG. (A), (b) is the right side view and left side view of FIG. 21, respectively.
- Perspective view showing probe connector (A)-(c) is a figure which shows other embodiment of a back surface panel.
- the figure which shows embodiment of a wireless probe Functional block diagram of the probe and main body of FIG. The figure which shows the usage condition of the probe of FIG.
- wireless probe (A), (b) is sectional drawing and top view explaining the structure of an operation button (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the shape of an operation button of a different type Functional block diagram showing the function of the control unit 43 for controlling the GUI Flow chart showing an example of control procedure
- the figure which shows an example of the display screen at the time of a measurement start The figure which shows an example of the function allocation with respect to an operation button Flow chart showing an example of changing the control procedure It is a figure which shows the example of the operation button provided in the handle, (a) is a top view of a handle, (b) is the figure which looked at the handle from the top, (c) is a figure which shows a use condition.
- the figure which shows an example which provided the operation button on the back of the main body The figure which shows the usage example of the operation button of FIG.
- the figure which shows 6th embodiment of the portable ultrasonic imaging device of this invention, and the perspective view which looked at the main body from the back surface 41 is a cross-sectional view of the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of FIG.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment includes an operation panel on the same side as the display surface of the display panel of the main body including the display panel, and supports the operation panel so as to be slidable and tiltable within the surface. It is characterized by having a mechanism. That is, the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus (100) of the present embodiment incorporates an electronic circuit that constitutes the ultrasonic imaging unit (40) and includes a main body (10) having a display panel (20) on the surface, and an ultrasonic wave.
- An operation panel (20) electrically connected to the imaging unit (40) is provided, and the main body (10) can slide the operation panel (20) along a direction parallel to the display surface of the display panel (30). And a support mechanism for supporting the operation panel (20) in such a manner that the angle with respect to the display surface of the display panel (30) can be changed.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment as viewed from the front side
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus in FIG. 3 is a six-sided view (back view omitted) of the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of FIG.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 is a notebook type or tablet type apparatus having a small thickness d with respect to vertical and horizontal sizes L1 and L2, and a main body in which an electronic circuit and the like necessary for ultrasonic inspection are stored. 10 and an operation panel 20. A display panel 30 for displaying an ultrasonic image and a GUI necessary for operation is fixed to the front surface of the main body 10.
- the size of the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 is not particularly limited, but the size of the widest surface is about A4 size to B4 size and can be held on one arm by an operator with one hand. It is.
- FIG. 4 shows an outline of the ultrasonic imaging unit 40 configured by an electronic circuit or the like housed in the main body 10.
- the imaging unit 40 includes an ultrasonic probe (probe) 50, a probe connection unit 41 to which the probe 50 is connected, an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 42, a control unit 43, a memory unit 44, a DSC (digital scan converter) 45, A display unit 46, an input unit 47, an auxiliary device 48, a power supply device 49, and the like are included.
- the probe 50 is a case of an acoustic lens, an array in which piezoelectric elements that convert an electric signal into an ultrasonic wave and an ultrasonic wave reflected from the subject into an electric signal are arranged in a one-dimensional direction or a two-dimensional direction, and a backing material.
- FIG. 5 shows an example of the probe 50.
- the probe 50 includes a probe main body 50a in which a probe array or the like is covered with a resin cover, a connector portion 51 for connecting the probe main body 50a to a power source, and a cable 52 for connecting the probe main body 50a and the connector portion 51. It consists of and.
- a connector part 51 of a probe selected from various types is connected to a probe connection part 41 provided on the main body 10 for use.
- the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 42 transmits an electrical signal to the probe 50 and receives an electrical signal from the probe 50 to perform processing such as phasing.
- the DSC 45 scans the received signal on the time axis and performs a process for displaying it on the display panel 30 as a two-dimensional image.
- the display unit 46 displays an ultrasonic image and a GUI necessary for an operation, and includes a display panel 30 and a display panel driving device.
- the input unit 47 is used to input an instruction necessary for operating the apparatus, and a button provided on the operation panel 20 or the like has its function.
- the power supply device 49 includes a terminal for supplying power from a power source such as a battery or an external power source.
- the control unit 43 controls the operation of each unit. In addition, data necessary for the operation of each unit, image data being processed or a result, and the like are stored in the memory unit 44.
- the configuration of the imaging unit 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example, and a configuration lacking some of the components or a configuration in which another component is added can be taken.
- the front surface of the main body 10 includes an area where the display panel 30 is fixed and an area where the operation panel 20 is arranged, and the area where the display panel 30 is fixed and the operation panel are arranged.
- a step is formed between the regions as shown in FIG. That is, the thickness of the main body 10 is larger in the region where the display panel 30 is formed than in the region where the display panel 30 is not formed.
- a space (stepped portion) 10a in which the operation panel 20 is stored is provided in contact with the area where the display panel 30 is provided.
- the operation panel 20 has substantially the same volume as the space of the stepped portion 10a and is fixed to the main body 10 so as to be movable.
- the side surface of the operation panel 20 contacts the step of the display panel 30, and the front surface of the main body 10 and the upper surface of the operation panel 20 are one continuous surface.
- the three side surfaces of the operation panel 20 form one surface substantially continuous with the corresponding side surface of the main body 10.
- the main body 10 and the operation panel 20 form an integral tablet shape. If necessary, the operation panel 20 can be moved from the storage position shown in FIG. 1 to change the angle with respect to the main body 10.
- the attachment structure (support structure) of the operation panel 20 to the main body 10 will be described in detail later.
- the operation panel 20 is a touch panel type operation panel, which converts an operation of an operator pressing a button with a finger or a pen or moving it in a pressed state into an electrical signal, and controls the control unit of the ultrasonic imaging unit 40. Send to 43.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is a tablet type, fewer operation buttons 21 to 27 (FIG. 31) are provided than the operation panel of the conventional notebook ultrasonic imaging apparatus. It has been. In the illustrated example, seven operation buttons 21 to 27 are provided, and these operation buttons 21 to 27 are realized by switching a plurality of functions, respectively.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 in order to complement the functions of the operation buttons provided on the operation panel 20, the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment also provides operation buttons at predetermined positions other than the operation panel, for example, the handle or the back side. be able to.
- the operation button on the back side is provided at a position where the operator can easily operate the device with the handle 60 described below when the operator handles the apparatus.
- the handle 60 and the stand part 70 are each fixed to the main body 10 so as to be foldable and rotatable by an attachment mechanism provided substantially at the center of the back surface of the main body.
- the depth of the recess 15a is substantially the same as the thickness of the handle 60 and the stand 70, and the handle 60 and the stand 70 fit on the back surface when they are folded and stored in the recess 15a. 2 and 3, the handle 60 is folded and stored in the recess 15a, and the stand unit 70 is pulled out from the storage unit 15a.
- the operator can perform an ultrasonic examination on the main body 10 while holding the handle 60 with one hand and operating the operation panel 20 with the other hand.
- the handle 60 since the handle 60 is rotatably fixed to the main body 10, the position of the handle 60 in the rotation direction can be set to an arbitrary position.
- the handle 60 can be used not only when measuring, but also when carrying the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100.
- the main body 10 can be fixed on a table or a desk by opening the stand unit 70 with respect to the main body 10. At this time, the main body 10 can be placed vertically or horizontally by rotating the stand unit 70 with respect to the main body 10.
- an insertion port 17 for connecting a connector 51 of a probe (ultrasonic probe) 50 is provided on the back surface of the main body 10.
- both side surfaces of the main body 10 have a shape in which a part of the back side is recessed, and faces the recessed space 15b.
- the insertion port 17 is provided, and the space 15 b provides a space (accommodating portion) in which the connector 51 is accommodated.
- the thickness of the space 15b is substantially the same as the thickness of the connector 51.
- a main feature of the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is a support structure of the operation panel 20 with respect to the main body 10, and, as an additional feature, a support structure of the handle 60 and the stand unit 70 with respect to the main body 10, and the back surface side.
- the operation button, the structure of the housing portion of the connector 51, the function variable button of the operation panel 20, and the like will be described with reference to the drawings.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of this embodiment is characterized by the support structure of the operation panel 20. That is, the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of this embodiment incorporates an electronic circuit that constitutes the ultrasonic imaging unit 40 and is electrically connected to the main body 10 having a display panel on the surface and the ultrasonic imaging unit 40.
- the main body 10 includes a support mechanism 150 that supports the operation panel 20 so as to be slidable in a direction parallel to the display surface and supports the operation panel 20 so that the angle with respect to the display surface can be changed. It is characterized by having.
- the operation panel 20 can slide (move in the same plane) with respect to the main body 10 and can rotate with respect to the main body 10 at an arbitrary position in the sliding direction.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is provided with a step portion 10a that houses the operation panel 20 on the surface of the display panel 20 on which the display surface is formed. In a state where the operation panel 20 is stored in the step 10a, the display surface and the operation surface of the operation panel are in the same plane.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment can employ the following configuration.
- the support mechanism 150 includes a slide mechanism unit (113, 115) and a tilt mechanism unit (1152).
- the operation panel 20 is fixed to the tilt mechanism unit (1152, 1152b), and the tilt mechanism unit (1152, 1152b).
- the slide mechanism unit includes a plate-like member 115 in which a long hole whose longitudinal direction is the slide direction is formed, and a guide pin 113 that is fixed to the main body 10 and engages with the long hole to guide the movement of the plate-like member 115.
- the tilt mechanism unit includes a rotating member 1152b that is rotatably supported with respect to the plate-like member 115 about an axis p1 that is orthogonal to the sliding direction and parallel to the display surface.
- the panel 20 is fixed.
- the slide mechanism unit includes a support member 112 that is fixed to the main body 10 and gives resistance to movement of the plate member 115 in the slide direction.
- the main body 10 has a panel portion 11 parallel to the display surface.
- the panel portion 11 is formed with a slit 11c that allows the plate-like member 115 to move in the sliding direction, and a long hole of the plate-like member 115 is formed.
- the portion engages with the guide pin 113 on the opposite side of the display surface of the panel portion 11 and supports the rotating member 1152b on the display surface side.
- the tilt mechanism unit includes a torque mechanism that applies torque to the rotation of the slide mechanism unit.
- the slide mechanism unit and the tilt mechanism unit are connected by a link 153.
- the operation panel 20 can set a movement range from a position where the operation surface is in contact with the display surface to a position parallel to the back surface of the main body.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment incorporates an electronic component constituting the ultrasonic imaging unit, and has a main body 10 having a display surface on the surface, and an operation panel electrically connected to the ultrasonic imaging unit. 20 and a stand portion 70 that is foldable on the back surface of the main body.
- the operation panel 20 supports the main body so as to be slidable in a direction parallel to the display surface, and can change an angle with respect to the display surface.
- the operation panel 10 functions as a leg portion that supports the standing posture together with the stand portion 70 in the standing posture of the main body.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 are a perspective view of a part of the front surface of the main body 10 as seen from the front side of the main body 10 and a perspective view as seen from the back side of the inside, respectively.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 are views of the support mechanism.
- FIG. 8 is a front view seen from the inner side
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a plate-like member (sliding member) seen from the front side and the back side.
- the up and down direction (or vertical direction) and the left and right direction (or horizontal direction) are indicated by arrows, but these directions are provisional directions set for explanation.
- the direction arbitrarily changes according to the posture of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus. The same applies to the names of vertical parts and horizontal parts.
- a front panel 11 that provides a region 10 a in which the operation panel 20 is stored is fixed to the front surface of the main body 10, and a support mechanism 150 for the operation panel 20 is fixed to the front panel 11.
- the front panel 11 of the main body 10 is made of a plate material such as rigid metal or FRP, and is provided integrally with a plate material (referred to as a vertical portion) 11a having a surface parallel to the front surface of the main body and one end (upper end in the figure). And a horizontal portion 11b.
- the vertical portion 11a is fixed to the structure of the main body 10 with screws or the like.
- the vertical portion 11a is formed with one or a plurality of holes through which a cable (not shown) for electrically connecting the operation panel 20 and the imaging unit (electronic circuit) 40 housed in the main body 10 is passed. .
- the display panel 30 is disposed on the horizontal portion 11b of the front panel 11, and a support mechanism 150 for the operation panel 20 is provided on the back side.
- the support structure 150 mainly includes a slide mechanism portion composed of a slide member 115 (plate-like member) in which a long hole is formed and a pin 113 engaged with the long hole, and a hinge structure fixed to the slide member 115.
- the tilt mechanism portion is composed of a shaft portion 1152 (fixed portion 1152a and rotating portion 1152b).
- a pair of blocks 110 for fixing the support structure 150 to the main body 10 are fixed to the back side of the front panel 11.
- the block 110 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is fixed to the vertical portion 11a with a screw or the like in a state where a part thereof is fitted in a rectangular cutout formed in the horizontal portion 11b of the front panel.
- a pair of pins 113 is fixed to each block 110.
- a long hole is formed in the slide member 115 to which the operation panel 20 is fixed, and the long hole is attached to the block 110 by a stopper (support member for the slide member) 112 so as to pass through the pair of pins 113.
- the pin 113 functions as a guide for the vertical movement of the slide member 115.
- a slit 11c for allowing the slide member 115 to move in the vertical direction is formed in the vertical portion 11a of the front panel 11. Since the slide member 115 is provided in each of the left and right blocks 110 and has the same structure, only one slide member 115 will be described below.
- the slide member 115 includes an L-shaped plate portion 1151 in which a long hole 115 a is formed, and a shaft portion 1152 bent 90 degrees with respect to the plate surface of the plate portion 1151. Since the pair of pins 113 penetrates the elongated holes 115a of 1151, the slide member 115 can slide in the vertical direction without rotating.
- the shaft portion 1152 of the slide member 115 functions as a tilt mechanism portion, and includes a fixed portion 1152a and a rotating portion 1152b having a hinge structure.
- the fixed portion 1152a has a larger vertical dimension than the rotating portion 1152b, and is formed integrally with the plate portion 115a.
- the rotating part 1152b is fixed so as to be rotatable with respect to the fixed part 1152a around a shaft p1 (not shown) provided inside the shaft part 1152.
- the upper end of the operation panel 20 is fixed to the rotating unit 1152b.
- a torque hinge capable of stopping rotation at an arbitrary position can be used, and the torque value of the torque hinge is appropriately selected in consideration of the weight of the operation panel 20. Can do.
- FIG. 10 shows the back surface structure of the operation panel 20 to which the slide member 115 is connected.
- the rear surface has the rearmost portion to accommodate the vertical portion 11a of the front panel 11.
- a flat portion 21a having a step with respect to the surface is formed.
- a concave portion 21b having a shape corresponding to the shape of the shaft portion 1152 (fixed portion 1152a and rotating portion 1152b) is formed at the upper end of the flat portion 21a, and the vertical portion 11a of the front panel 11 is formed in the concave portion 21b.
- a shaft portion 1152 protruding to the front surface is stored.
- the rotating portion 1152b of the shaft portion 1152 is fixed to the corresponding position of the concave portion 21b with a screw or the like.
- FIG. 11A shows a state where the operation panel 20 has been moved to the lowest end.
- the operation panel 20 can be slid and tilted at any position with respect to the main body 10, so that the operator moves the operation panel 20 to a position where it can be easily operated according to the use state. be able to.
- FIG. 12 (a) when the operator holds the handle 60 on the back surface of the main body 10 and uses the apparatus on the arm, the operator adjusts the angle of the arm with respect to the operator's body. The operability can be improved by appropriately tilting the operation panel 20 for use.
- the angle is adjusted to the angle of the display panel 30 (display surface) provided by the stand unit 70.
- the stand 70 can stably maintain the posture of the main body and ensure stable operation of the operation panel 20.
- a portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus in which the display surface of the display panel and the operation panel are arranged on substantially the same surface is provided.
- This ultrasonic imaging device can be operated with the display panel and the operation panel held on the arm so as to face the operator, and also used on the stand so that the display panel and the operation panel are vertical. You can also.
- the operation panel can be changed to an angle at which it is easy to operate as necessary.
- the operation panel can be slid and tilted with respect to the main body 10 and can be tilted at an arbitrary position in the sliding direction.
- the operability of the apparatus can be improved.
- the tilt angle of the main body by the stand part can be changed.
- the operation panel can be moved to a stable position where the unit comes into contact with the table.
- the movement range of the operation panel 20 in the sliding direction has an upper limit at a position where the upper end of the operation panel 20 contacts the horizontal portion 11a protruding to the front side of the front panel 11, but the lower limit is the length of the long hole 115a (operation
- the length from the level at which the panel 20 is fixed to the upper end of the long hole 115a can be regulated.
- the position where the upper end of the operation panel 20 is slightly above the lower end of the front panel 11 is regulated to be the lower limit, but the slide member 115 and the long hole 115a formed in the slide member 115 are restricted. By extending the length upward, the movable range on the lower limit side can be expanded.
- the rotation axis p1 of the operation panel 20 is positioned on the front side of the main body with respect to the plate portion 1151, but as shown in FIG. 13A, the rotation axis p1 of the operation panel 20 is set to the plate portion. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the rotary shaft p1 and the operation panel 20 are connected by a link 1153, positioned on the extension of the long hole 115a of the 1151 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, when the rotation axis of the operation panel 20 is slid to the lower end of the front panel 11 (FIG. 13B), the operation panel 20 is rotated about 180 degrees around the rotation axis p1 to obtain the main body.
- FIG. 13C the back side
- the operator operates the operation panel 20 from the back side to change the display (for example, enlarge the image). And the like can be performed.
- the support mechanism shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 is an example of a mechanism that slides and chills the operation panel 20, and includes a mechanism that slides the operation panel 20 relative to the main body 10 and a rotation mechanism that is incorporated in the slide mechanism. If it is a thing, it will not be limited to what is illustrated.
- a guide rail is provided on the front panel 11 in the vertical direction, and a mounting member is prepared which includes a slider that fits on the guide rail and moves up and down along the guide rail, and a rotating portion that is rotatably fixed to the slider.
- the support mechanism shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 has a large part of the support mechanism on the back side of the front panel 11, and there is no risk of fingers or cords being caught between the guide rails and the like, and the support mechanism should be made compact. There is an advantage of being able to.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus is characterized by the attachment structure of the handle 60 and the stand unit 70 provided on the back surface.
- the operation panel 20 provided on the surface side and the support structure thereof can be configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a handle and / or a stand that is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the back surface of the main body 10 at a variable angle with respect to the back surface of the main body. It is characterized by that.
- the handle 60 stabilizes the use posture by holding it by hand when operating the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment on the arm, and can also be used when carrying the ultrasonic imaging apparatus.
- the stand unit 70 supports the apparatus when the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention is used on a table, and stabilizes the use posture at an arbitrary angle with respect to the table surface. Only one of the handle 60 and the stand part 70 may be provided, and by making the shape appropriate, one of them can have both functions of the handle and the stand part. In the following description, an embodiment including both the handle 60 and the stand unit 70 will be described.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of this embodiment has a feature that the handle can be rotated independently of the stand portion.
- FIG. 14 is a rear view of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus. Also in FIG. 14, the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the paper will be described as the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the apparatus. Does not limit the orientation of the device.
- the back surface 15 of the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment includes a back panel 151 that covers the back surface of the display panel 30 and the back surface of the front panel 11 that is continuous therewith, and a back surface that covers the imaging unit 40. And a cover 152.
- the back panel 151 is parallel to the display surface of the display panel 30 and the front panel 11, and the vertical and horizontal sizes thereof are substantially equal to the vertical and horizontal sizes of the apparatus.
- the back cover 152 has a raised shape (convex portion) that covers a part of the back panel 151, and the upper end and the lower end are connected to the upper end and the lower end of the back panel 151.
- the shape is formed so as to enter the inside of the back panel 151. That is, the left and right sides of the back surface are recessed portions 15 b formed by the side surfaces of the back panel 151 and the back cover 152.
- the shape of the back cover 152 having the recesses 15b on both sides is a space for receiving the connector 51 of the probe 50, which will be described later, but an embodiment in which the insertion port of the connector 51 of the probe 50 is provided on the side surface of the apparatus is also possible.
- the recess 15b is not essential.
- the recesses 15b are provided on both the left and right sides of the apparatus, but the number, shape, position, etc. of the recesses can be changed as appropriate.
- the back cover 152 is provided with a concave portion 15a having a rounded four corners at the center.
- a circular opening is provided at the center of the recess 15a, and a mechanism for attaching the handle 60 and the stand 70 is provided in the opening.
- the opening is covered with a circular cover 15c.
- the handle 60 has a ring shape, a part of the ring is a base 60a fixed to the apparatus side, and another part is a part (a handle part) 60b to be gripped by a person. It operates as a handle when operated so as to be pulled up.
- the stand unit 70 can be operated to be lifted from the apparatus, and can function as a stand as shown in FIG.
- FIGS. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an attachment mechanism for a handle and a stand part
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an attachment mechanism 1610 for a handle 60
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an attachment mechanism 1620 for a stand part 70
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a rotation mechanism 1630 of a mounting portion of the portion 70.
- the handle 60 and the stand part 70 are schematically shown only by dotted lines.
- the stand part 70 is abbreviate
- the attachment mechanism of the handle and the stand is fixed to a shaft (not shown) Z fixed to the structure of the main body 10 (or the back panel 151) and to the shaft Z so as to be rotatable.
- a disk-shaped first rotating plate 161 and a second rotating plate 162 are provided.
- the handle 60 is fixed to the upper surface of the first rotating plate 161 by an attaching mechanism 1610 (1611 to 1614), and the stand unit 70 is fixed to the lower surface of the second rotating plate 162 by the attaching mechanism 1620.
- these attachment mechanisms are covered with a cover 15 c that is designed to be integrated with the back cover 152 so that it cannot be seen from the outside.
- the attachment mechanism 1610 of the handle 60 includes a pair of plates 1611 fixed to the first rotating plate 161, hinge portions (1612, 1614) fixed to the plates 1611, and washers. 1613.
- the hinge portion includes a shaft fixing portion 1612 that fixes a shaft (not shown) and a rotating portion 1614 that is rotatably supported with respect to the shaft and to which the base portion 60a of the handle 60 is fixed, and the washer 1613 is a shaft fixing portion. 1612 and the rotating part 1614 are interposed.
- the left and right rotating portions 1614 are integrated members connected by a plate member, and the base portion 60a of the handle 60 is fixed to the plate member portion by screws or the like.
- the shaft fixed to each shaft fixing portion 1612 is on the same axis P connecting the shaft fixing portions on both sides, and the handle 60 fixed to the rotating portion 1614 rotates around this axis P.
- the handle 60 is rotated about the axis P with respect to the rotary plate 161, and the handle portion 60b facing the base portion 60a is raised outside the recess 15a from the state in which the handle portion 60b is stored in the recess 15a. It can be rotated to the state. In this state, the operator can hold the handle portion 60b and place the device on the arm for operation or carry the device.
- the washer 1613 provides resistance against rotation about the axis P of the handle 60, that is, rotation of the handle portion 60b, by the tightening force, and the handle 60 is used with the handle 60 fixed at an arbitrary angle. be able to.
- the second rotating plate 162 includes a disc portion 162a located on the lower side of the first rotating plate 161 and a ring portion 162b provided around the disc portion 162a.
- the disk portion 162a is formed as a straight portion by cutting off two opposing arcs, and the stand portion 70 is fixed by an attachment mechanism 1620 so as to be positioned on both sides of the straight portions on both sides.
- a portion of the ring portion 162b corresponding to the straight portion of the disc portion 162a is notched, and movement of a mounting portion of the stand portion 70 described later is allowed.
- the attachment mechanism 1620 of the stand unit 70 includes a pair of fixed blocks 1621 fixed to the back surface of the disk portion 162b, shaft fixing portions 1622 fixed to the respective fixed blocks 1621, and It is fixed to the shaft fixing portion 1622, and an axis (not shown) on the axis Q, an arm portion 1623 rotatably connected to the shaft fixing portion 1622 by the shaft, and resistance to movement of the arm portion 1623 around the axis. And a supporting portion 1624 to be provided.
- the arm portion 1623 has a bowl-like shape, one end is pivotally supported on the shaft to which the shaft fixing portion 1622 is fixed, and the stand portion 70 is fixed to the other end.
- the stand part 70 fixed to the arm part 1623 can be rotated from the state housed in the recessed part 15a to the state where it stands up outside the recessed part 15a as shown in FIG. .
- the stand portion 70 has a rotation axis Q that is lower than the rotation axis P of the handle 60 with respect to the back surface. Both the handle 60 and the stand part 70 can form a flat surface substantially continuous with the back surface. Further, when the stand unit 70 is rotated around the axis Z by a rotation mechanism described later with the stand unit 70 tilted from the back surface, the stand unit 70 interferes with the inner wall of the recess 15a on the back surface to prevent the rotation. There is no.
- the first rotating plate 161 to which the handle 60 is fixed and the second rotating plate 162 to which the stand unit 70 is fixed are arranged in parallel to the back surface 15 inside the back surface 15 of the main body 10, and are shown in the cross section of FIG.
- an axis Z in a direction perpendicular to the back surface 15 of the main body passes through each center, and is supported rotatably in a plane parallel to the back surface 15 with the axis Z as a rotation axis.
- a nut 1631 is fixed to one end of the shaft 160, and the other end is fixed to the structure of the main body 10 with a double nut 1636.
- the first rotating plate 161 is sandwiched between a fixture 1632 for fixing the nut 1631 and the first washer 1633, and the second rotating plate 162 is sandwiched between the first washer 1633 and the second washer 1634, and the clamping force against each washer
- the frictional force (resistance) of rotation around the axis Z is adjusted.
- the rotational friction force of the second rotating plate 162 is adjusted to be larger than that of the first rotating plate 161. That is, the rotational torque of the first rotating plate is smaller than the rotating torque of the second rotating plate.
- the second rotating plate 162 can be rotated around the axis Z by rotating the stand unit 70 in a state where the stand unit 70 and the handle 60 stand outside the recess 15a.
- the main body 10 can be used in a state of being placed on a table in either a vertical or horizontal orientation.
- the first rotating plate 161 rotates integrally with the second rotating plate 162.
- the handle 60 can be held in either a vertical type or a horizontal type. For example, even when the handle 60 is mounted on an arm, the angle with respect to the main body can be arbitrarily set. Can be changed.
- the frictional force of rotation about the axis Z of the first rotating plate 161 and the second rotating plate 162 is adjusted to be larger in the second rotating plate 162 than in the first rotating plate 161. Therefore, even when the stand unit 70 is lifted and can be rotated, only the handle 60 can be rotated independently.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is provided with the handle 60 and the stand unit 70 that can be raised from the back surface on the back surface of the tablet structure. Since the device 10 can be rotated independently, the device 10 can be used in any orientation, and the angle between the handle 60 and the back surface when the handle 60 is held and the angle when the stand unit 70 is raised can be arbitrarily set. Can improve usability.
- a configuration is employed in which a difference is provided between the frictional force of the rotation mechanism of the handle 60 relative to the main body 10 and the frictional force of the stand unit 70. There is no need to make a difference in force.
- the case where the rotation axis of the handle 60 and the rotation axis of the stand unit 70 are common has been described.
- either one of the handle 60 and the stand unit 70 is folded and stored in the recess 15a, and the other is raised from the recess 15a and rotated to an arbitrary angle to use the interference between the two. Can be prevented.
- the embodiment shown in the drawings is preferable in that the structure can be made compact and the degree of freedom of use is high.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of this embodiment is characterized by a probe connector mounting structure.
- a probe connector mounting structure when the probe is connected, a space for accommodating the connector portion of the probe is provided on the back surface.
- the main body (10) has a narrow portion narrower than the width of the main body on a second surface (back surface) opposite to the first surface (front surface) on which the display panel (30) is provided.
- the main body (10) is provided with a storage portion for storing the connector portion (51) on the second surface (back surface) facing the first surface (front surface) provided with the display panel (30).
- a probe connecting portion (17) to which the connector portion is connected is formed on a surface (side surface) that faces the portion and is orthogonal to the second surface.
- FIG. 5 shows an example of the probe, but there are various types of probes depending on the inspection object and purpose. However, the number of terminals and the shape of the connector 51 are generally the same, those of the same size are prepared, and a common insertion port can be used.
- the probe connector insertion port is provided on the side surface of the apparatus main body, and the probe is connected to the insertion port.
- the connector is disposed at a position protruding from the side surface of the main body.
- the connector may collide with an external structure or a person during work, and there is a possibility that the connection becomes unstable or the connector is damaged.
- a space for housing the probe connector is formed by the back panel 151 and the back cover 152 on the back surface side, and an insertion port is provided facing this space, whereby the structure described above is provided. Protect the connector from collisions with the body and people.
- FIGS. 21 is a view showing a back panel and a back cover of the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus
- FIG. 22 is a view showing only a main part of the AA cross section of FIG. 21,
- FIGS. 23 (a) and 23 (b) are views of FIG. It is a right view and a left view.
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an example of a probe connector.
- the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the paper are assumed to be the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the apparatus.
- a back cover 152 having a convex shape as a whole with respect to the flat back panel 151 and having a recess 15a at the center is provided.
- the recess 15a is a space for storing them.
- the handle and the stand are omitted.
- the back cover 152 is parallel to the back panel 151 and has the longest distance from the back panel 151.
- the top cover 152a is an upper and lower portion that curves with an inclination toward the upper end and the lower end of the main body 10 from the flat portion 152a.
- the side surface portion 152b has left and right side surface portions 152c facing the back panel 151 inside the left and right ends of the main body 10 from the flat surface portion 152a.
- the left and right side surface portions 152c are the upper end portion of the device 10 in the vertical direction. And it curves toward a lower end part and is connected with side part 152b.
- a trapezoidal or half-moon shaped space (recess 15 b) is formed between the side surface portion 152 c of the back cover 152 and the left and right end portions of the back panel 151 when viewed from the back side. Is done.
- the insertion port 17 for connecting the connector 51 of the probe 50 is substantially at the center (planar portion) of the side surface portion 152c of the back cover 152 forming this space (recessed portion 15b). Is formed.
- This central portion is a narrow portion where the width of the back cover 152 is the narrowest with respect to the width of the main body 10.
- the insertion opening 17 is provided on the left side surface portion 152c of the left and right side surface portions, but may be provided on the right side.
- a lock button 18 that locks the connection state of the connector 51 connected to the insertion port 17 is provided in the vicinity of the insertion port 17.
- the mechanism for locking the connection state of the connector 51 by the lock button 18 and the releasing mechanism thereof are the same as those of a known ultrasonic imaging apparatus, and description thereof is omitted here.
- the maximum height hmax of the side surface portion 152c (that is, the maximum thickness of the back cover 152) is equal to or larger than the thickness h of the probe connector 51 shown in FIG.
- the distance L between the side surface portion 152c and the left end portion or the right end portion of the back panel 151 is approximately the same as the width W of the average probe connector. Therefore, in a state where the connector 51 is inserted into the insertion port 17 and the probe 50 is connected to the apparatus main body 10, the connector 51 is almost in the same plane as the back surface and does not protrude greatly from the side surface of the apparatus main body 10.
- the side surface of the back cover 152 that defines the space 15b has a curved surface shape (half-moon shape) or an inclined shape (trapezoid shape), the cable 52 coming out from the connector 51 connected to the insertion port 17 is , A part is housed in the space 15b and guided to the outside along this curved or inclined shape. Even when the probe is operated on the side of the apparatus, it is possible to prevent the vicinity of the connector 51 of the cable 52 from touching a person or an object or applying an excessive force to the connection portion.
- the insertion port 17 can be provided on both the left and right side portions 152c.
- the insertion port for the probe is provided only on one side (left side toward the back side), and the other side is an electronic device such as a memory or a power source.
- a connection terminal for example, a USB port 19 (FIG. 23) for connecting the terminal.
- a probe insertion port 17 is provided on the left side toward the back surface, and a plurality of USB ports 19 are provided on the right side.
- the main body 10 can be equipped with a minimum number of devices, and can be connected to a memory or an external device as necessary, thereby reducing the weight of the main body and increasing the functionality of the device. Can be planned.
- probe insertion holes are provided on both sides, connection to a plurality of types of probes is possible, and the insertion holes can be selected according to the dominant hand of the operator and the attitude at the time of inspection.
- the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment in a state where the probe connector 51 is connected to the main body 10, the space 15b in which the connector 51 and the cable portion connected thereto are substantially contained within the volume of the rectangular parallelepiped that defines the tablet shape of the main body 10.
- the posture can be stabilized and the expensive connector 51 can be protected.
- portions (recesses 15b) recessed inward from the side surface of the main body 10 are provided on both side surfaces of the back cover, and the insertion port 17 of the connector 51, the USB port 19 and the like are provided respectively.
- FIGS. 25A to 25C it is possible to provide a space only on one side or to change the shape and position of the recess 15b.
- FIG. 26 shows another example of a probe applicable to this embodiment.
- the probe 500 is a wireless probe that wirelessly transmits and receives signals to and from the apparatus body 10, and includes a probe body 510, an operation unit 520, and a cable 530 that connects the probe body 510 and the operation unit 520. Yes.
- the probe main body 510 has the same configuration as that of the probe main body 50a of the probe 50 shown in FIG. 5, and includes a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers (piezoelectric elements) and a backing material. Ultrasonic waves are sent into the subject from the piezoelectric element array arranged on the surface to be pressed, and ultrasonic echo signals reflected from the inside of the subject are received.
- the operation unit 520 has a size that can be operated by being held by the operator's hand, and includes a wireless device (wireless transmission / reception means) 521 and operation buttons 522 as shown in FIG. Yes.
- the wireless device 521 converts electric signals from the piezoelectric element array 511 of the probe main body 510 and signals from the operation buttons 522 into radio waves and infrared rays, and transmits radio waves and infrared rays from a radio adapter (radio transmission / reception means) on the main body 10 side. Is converted into an electrical signal and output to the piezoelectric element 511.
- the wireless adapter on the main body 10 side is connected to the insertion port 17 to which the connector portion 51 of the wired probe is connected, and is accommodated in the space 15b on the back surface of the main body that the insertion port 17 faces.
- the operation button 522 is for sending a predetermined command to the ultrasonic imaging unit 40, and may be one or two or more.
- the function of the operation button may overlap with any function of the operation buttons provided on the operation panel 20, or may have a separate function.
- a function for performing processing frequently executed during an inspection such as a freeze key for temporarily stopping a display screen during photographing and a recording key for recording and saving an image on the display screen.
- a switch having an on / off function may be included.
- the probe 500 further includes a mechanism for detachably connecting the probe main body 510 and the operation unit 520.
- a hook 523 and a hook receiving portion 513 that are engaged with each other are formed on each outer case of the probe main body 510 and the operation portion 520.
- a hook receiving portion 513 is formed on a portion serving as a handle of the probe main body 510
- a hook 523 is formed on one surface of an operation portion 520 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.
- the probe main body 510 can be operated with the operation portion 520 hooked on the operator's pocket or belt using the hook 523.
- the hook 523 may be a clip type, and in that case, the hook 523 can be stopped at an arbitrary position with a clip.
- the probe main body 510 and the operation unit 520 are connected via the cable 530, but the cable can be omitted.
- the probe main body 510 is provided with an operation unit 520 and wireless transmission / reception means (not shown).
- the probe 500 By using the wireless probe 500 as described above in place of the probe 50 connected to the main body 10 via the cable 52 as shown in FIG. 5, the probe can be easily carried and handled during inspection. it can.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of this embodiment is characterized by the shape and function of the operation buttons on the operation panel 20.
- the support structure of the operation panel 20 is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.
- the operation panel 20 of the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is a touch panel type operation panel, and is provided with operation buttons 21 to 27 that perform button functions by the touch operation of the operator.
- the touch panel is configured to detect a change in voltage caused by pressing a finger with a voltage change between both electrodes, which is formed by arranging a pair of electrodes via a spacer and an operator's finger approaches. Capacitive touch panels, resistive touch panels, and the like are known, and any of them can be adopted.
- One feature of the operation panel 20 of the present embodiment is that the shape of the operation buttons is not flat with respect to the touch panel surface but has a predetermined concave shape. Another feature is that the function of the operation button changes according to the imaging mode and the inspection flow.
- the button shape is not a concave shape, but may be a convex shape protruding from the touch panel surface, or a convex portion partially protruding in the concave shape.
- a button shape having a concave shape or a partial convex shape within the concave shape is suitable.
- FIGS. 31A and 31B are diagrams schematically showing a cross section of the operation panel and a planar shape of the operation buttons
- FIGS. 32A to 32C are operation buttons 21 provided on the operation panel of FIG. , 23 and 24 are a top view and a cross-sectional view.
- a capacitive (projection type) touch panel is shown as an example, but the type of the touch panel is not limited to this.
- the touch panel 200 constituting the operation panel 20 includes a first layer electrode 202 formed on the first substrate 201 and a second layer electrode formed on the second substrate 203. It has a structure in which an electrode 204 and a cover 205 as an uppermost layer are laminated with an adhesive layer 206 interposed therebetween.
- the electrodes 202 and 204 of the first layer and the second layer are made of a conductive material such as ITO, and are formed as rectangular electrode patterns on the substrates 201 and 203 made of an insulator such as glass or plastic by a technique such as sputtering. It has been done.
- the cover 205 is made of an insulating material such as plastic like the substrate.
- the rectangular alignment directions of the first layer electrode 202 and the second layer electrode 204 are orthogonal to each other, one being an X electrode and the other being a Y electrode.
- an operation by the operator is detected by detecting a change in capacitance that occurs at the intersection of the electrode patterns immediately below where the operator touches the cover.
- the touch panel 200 of the present embodiment is formed in a concave shape in which the position of the cover 205 corresponding to the operation buttons 21 to 27 is lower than the cover surface.
- the concave shape of the operation button is varied depending on the function of the button.
- the button functions include a function for selecting or turning on / off a predetermined operation by a push-down operation, a function for instructing a change in a numerical value by a finger rotation operation, and a function for instructing a change in position by a finger movement operation.
- the operation buttons 21, 22, 26, and 27 are operation buttons for selecting a predetermined operation or inputting only on / off, and it is only necessary to detect the presence or absence of a touch operation on the place where the button is located. . Therefore, as shown in FIG.
- the shape is a spherical concave portion that is easy to touch and does not collect dirt easily, and the size is not limited.
- the outer diameter is about 10 to 20 mm.
- the depth of the recess is about 1 mm.
- the operation buttons 23 and 25 are buttons having a function of instructing a change in a numerical value by rotating a finger, and can input processing (menu) selection, numerical increase / decrease, position movement, and the like. As shown in FIG. 32B, the operation buttons 23 and 25 have a circular outer periphery like the operation buttons 21 and the like, and the diameter thereof is larger than that of the operation buttons 21 and the like. There is a rotatable space, and a convex portion 232 is formed at the center.
- the size of the operation buttons 23 and 25 is not limited. For example, the diameter is about 25 to 40 mm, the depth of the concave portion is about 1 mm, and the diameter of the convex portion 232 is about 10 to 15 mm.
- the operation buttons 23 and 25 having such a shape change the intersection of the touch portion, that is, the electrode pattern by touching the concave space 231 with a finger and moving the finger clockwise or counterclockwise. Is detected as a change in a predetermined numerical value or the like.
- the operation button 24 is an operation button having a function of instructing a change in position by a finger movement operation, that is, a trackball (trackpad) function, and has a concave shape with a flat bottom surface.
- FIG. 32C shows a circular outer periphery, the shape is arbitrary as long as there is an area where the finger touching the cover 205 can be dragged.
- the operation button 24 can move the pointer displayed on the screen of the display panel 30 to a position on an arbitrary screen by moving the finger in an arbitrary direction with the finger touching the flat bottom surface. This makes it possible to set the position and area via the pointer, for example, set the ROI and sample gate width, and measure the distance.
- the operation panel of the conventional ultrasonic imaging apparatus is provided with a plurality of operation buttons and pointers each assigned one function.
- the imaging modes include B mode, M mode, D (Doppler) mode, 3D mode, etc., and are set for each imaging mode.
- the conditions to be performed and the type of processing performed during imaging are different. For this reason, in order to ensure operability and arrange these many operation buttons, the operation panel has to be large in area.
- an operation panel suitable for a portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus is provided by assigning and switching a plurality of functions to one operation button.
- FIG. 33 is a functional block diagram illustrating functions of the control unit 43 that controls the GUI configured by the operation panel and the display panel
- FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure.
- control unit 43 includes a main control unit 430, a button function switching unit 431, a numerical value calculation unit 432, a display control unit 433, and an imaging control unit 434.
- the button function switching unit 431 switches the function of other operation buttons in accordance with the selected operation mode.
- the function can be switched to a function for sequentially inputting a plurality of conditions normally set in a predetermined imaging mode, and the order of inputting the conditions may be set in advance or selected by the user. You may make it do.
- a predetermined imaging mode it is possible to switch to a function for sequentially executing a general inspection routine. Details of the function switching will be described later.
- the numerical value calculation unit 432 calculates the amount of change in numerical values such as the imaging conditions assigned to the operation button B. For example, when the operation button 23 shown in FIG. 32 is operated, the distance (angle) operated by the finger is calculated from the change in the coordinates, and the value assigned to the operation button 23 when the value is operated It is converted into a change amount from a preset value (for example, gain, frequency, etc.). Further, when an operation button having a trackball function (hereinafter referred to as operation button C) is operated, the position and distance at which the pointer has moved is calculated. Then, the calculation result is passed to the imaging control unit 434 and the display control unit 433.
- a preset value for example, gain, frequency, etc.
- the display control unit 433 controls display of images and GUI display in various modes. For example, a pointer is displayed on the image, and the pointer is moved according to the operation of the operation button C. Further, the region set by the operation button C is displayed superimposed on the image with a diagram showing the ROI. Further, in accordance with the operation of the operation button B, the magnification is changed such as enlargement / reduction of the image, or the calculation result of the numerical value calculation unit 432 is displayed in a display area different from the image.
- the imaging control unit 434 performs an M-mode trace or a D-mode trace called a measurement start or freeze in a selected imaging mode by operating an operation button having a specific on / off function (hereinafter referred to as an operation button A).
- an operation button A having a specific on / off function
- Each element (such as an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit) of the imaging unit 40 is controlled so that measurement is performed according to the imaging conditions set by performing a pause or operating various operation buttons.
- FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the procedure.
- the function assigned to each operation button is an example, and the correspondence between the function and the operation button can be arbitrarily changed.
- a menu screen (menu display block 301) including selection of an imaging mode is displayed on the screen of the display panel 30 as shown in FIG. 35 (step S101).
- information on the inspection target and past data are read from, for example, a memory connected to the USB port.
- the read patient information and the like can be displayed on the patient information display block 302.
- a menu screen for selecting the examination site may be displayed on the menu screen.
- the preset value of the imaging condition may be read from an external memory.
- the function of the operation button is assigned to one of the operation buttons B (for example, the operation button 23).
- a function for confirming the imaging mode selection is assigned to one operation button A (for example, the operation button 26).
- FIG. 36 shows an example of function assignment of operation buttons on the operation panel shown in FIG.
- the operation button 21 is a “reset” button for returning the apparatus to the previous state
- the operation button 22 is a “stop” button or “freeze” for pausing the currently ongoing process.
- the operation button 23 is a “menu selection button”
- the operation button 24 is a “position designation” button
- the operation button 25 is a “numerical value designation” button or a “preliminary menu selection” button
- the operation button 26 is “Enter” to confirm the operation "Button and operation button 27 are" examination start "buttons.
- the operation button 23 is operated, and an arbitrary menu is selected from a plurality of menus displayed on the display screen.
- the position of the highlighted menu changes among the plurality of menus displayed on the display screen according to the movement.
- the selection operation by the operation button 23 is confirmed, and the highlighted menu is selected.
- the menu selected first is, for example, the imaging mode.
- the ultrasonic imaging apparatus has a plurality of imaging modes such as a B mode, an M mode, and a D mode (Doppler mode), and one of the imaging modes is selected by the above operation (step S102).
- the button function is switched to set the imaging conditions for the B mode, and the display screen displays the B mode imaging in the imaging condition display block 303 as shown in FIG.
- the condition is displayed.
- the menu display block 301 displays an image and a GUI necessary for condition setting.
- the display is switched by the display control unit 433.
- B-mode imaging conditions include display-related conditions such as frequency, gain, depth, width, oblique angle, focus position and focus zone position of the display target area, and other aspects such as contrast and noise removal of the displayed image. It is. Some are set prior to the start of measurement depending on the conditions, and some are set after the start of measurement. However, if the imaging conditions are preset as described above, the preset values are corrected. Or start the inspection without any modifications. That is, when the “inspection start” button 27 is operated after the menu selection (S103), the ultrasonic beam scanning is started without setting the conditions, and the inspection is started. When the inspection start button 27 is not operated, the button function is switched to a function for setting conditions in the selected imaging mode (S104).
- the function of the operation button is switched to a function for another imaging condition when one imaging condition is determined.
- the order of the imaging conditions to be switched is determined in advance and stored in the memory unit 435, and the button function switching unit 431 switches the button functions according to the determined order so that the imaging conditions can be sequentially set.
- the operation button 23, the operation button 24, and the operation button 25 can be switched to a function for setting an oblique angle, a function for adjusting a position (depth and width), and a function for setting a focus position, respectively.
- a function for setting an oblique angle a function for adjusting a position (depth and width), and a function for setting a focus position, respectively.
- a diagram showing the oblique angle with respect to the vertical plane is displayed on the display screen (for example, block 301 in FIG. 35), and the angle changes as the finger moves. To do.
- the numerical value calculation unit 432 calculates the change in the position and responds to the position change amount.
- the amount of change in angle is calculated.
- the display control unit 433 creates a diagram representing the oblique angle in accordance with the change amount of the angle calculated by the numerical value calculation unit 432, and displays the diagram on the display panel by superimposing it on the vertical image.
- the calculated angle can also be displayed as a numerical value.
- the diagram representing the oblique angle or the numerical value of the angle continues to change as the operation button 23 continues to be operated, and when the finger moves in the opposite direction, the angle changes in the opposite direction.
- the desired oblique angle is displayed, the operator touches the operation button 26 to determine the oblique angle.
- the pointer When the operation button 24 is operated, the pointer is placed at a desired position, and when the operation button 26 is touched, the start point in the X direction (width) or Y direction (depth) is determined, and then the operation button 24 is dragged to move the pointer.
- the operation button 27 When the operation button 27 is touched at the stopped position after moving in the X direction or the Y direction by a desired distance, the end point in the X direction or the Y direction is determined. By these operations, the depth and width of the target portion displayed in the B mode are determined.
- the focus setting includes a plurality of processes such as setting the position and focus zone
- the function of the operation button is changed hierarchically so that the operation buttons 23 to 25 are set in combination. You may let them.
- the function of the operation button is switched by each operation button so that processing such as condition change during inspection, contrast adjustment, ROI and sample area setting, and TIC analysis can be executed (S107). ).
- the function for adjusting the change in the numerical value such as contrast is assigned to the operation button 23 and the operation button 26 (Enter button) for confirming the adjustment, and the position is changed as in the setting of the ROI and the sample area.
- a function for instructing a process that requires designation is assigned to the operation button 24, and a function for instructing the start of a predetermined process such as TIC analysis is assigned to the operation button 25 and the operation button 26 (Enter button).
- the condition change during the inspection may be assigned to the operation button 21, for example, and when this operation button is operated, the process may return to the condition setting processing loop (S103 to S106).
- step S107 After the button function is switched in step S107, when the “inspection start” operation button 27 is operated, measurement is started, and the display control unit 433 projects a B-mode image on the display screen (for example, the display block 301).
- the process is started (S109, S110).
- button function switching is performed as in steps S110 to S112. In this case as well, performing the processing order in a predetermined order is the same as in step S105 for setting conditions, and a skip function may be assigned to a specific operation button to skip unnecessary processing.
- the conditions to be set and the contents of the processing performed during measurement differ, but basically the procedure as shown in FIG.
- processing is often performed in which an image displayed during inspection is stopped and recorded as necessary.
- functions such as “freeze” and “record” can be assigned to the operation buttons 1 and 2 at the time of inspection, and the freeze and recording can be performed at any time. For example, as shown in FIG.
- the operation button A for example, the operation button 22
- the operation button B for example, the operation button 23
- a function for sequentially displaying images before freezing is provided, and the function of the operation button 22 is switched from a function for instructing “freeze” to a function for instructing “record”.
- the operator can proceed with the inspection smoothly by switching the button function according to the process flow and procedure in this way.
- the inspection can proceed without confusion even if the button function changes.
- the button functions are sequentially switched for a plurality of condition n settings or a plurality of processes and operations.
- the button functions can be switched by only one operation button. This includes the case where a plurality of operation buttons are switched simultaneously. Conversely, the functions of some operation buttons may be switched and the functions of some operation buttons may not be changed.
- FIG. 37 shows a flow when the conditions are displayed on the menu.
- the same procedures as those in FIG. 34 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
- the display control unit 433 switches to a screen that displays conditions to be set in the imaging mode (S121). In this screen, the imaging conditions of the selected imaging mode (for example, B mode) are presented as a menu.
- the operation button B or the operation button C (for example, the operation button 24) is operated.
- Select the condition to be set The selection of the desired condition is confirmed by, for example, the Enter button 26 after moving the pointer to a condition (for example, frequency) block for setting the position of the pointer on the screen by operating the operation button 24.
- a condition for example, any of depth, oblique angle, gain, etc. to be set by this operation is selected.
- the condition is set by, for example, operating the operation button 23 and turning the concave portion 231 clockwise or counterclockwise with the finger touched.
- the numerical value calculation unit 432 calculates the change in the position, calculates the numerical value of the frequency corresponding to the position change amount, and causes the display control unit 433 to display it on the condition display block 303 (FIG. 35).
- the frequency is determined.
- step S103 the process returns to step S121, the button function is switched, and another condition block can be selected from the condition menu selection screen. Steps S121 and S122 are repeated until the setting of conditions to be set is completed. If the examination start button is operated, the button function is further switched and the process proceeds to the measurement as in steps S107 to S112 shown in FIG.
- the operation button is a touch panel type operation button, and the function of the operation button is switched according to the examination procedure and the imaging mode.
- various imaging conditions can be set and various processes can be realized with a small number of operation buttons.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment attention is paid to the image displayed on the patient or the display panel by making the shape of the operation button concave or convex with respect to the operation surface. Even when the operation panel is in operation, the operation panel can be reliably operated. In particular, by making the shape different according to the function of the operation button, various functions can be realized and the reliability of the operation can be improved.
- operation buttons shown in FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 are examples, and the type, number, and arrangement of the operation buttons can be changed as appropriate. Also, the assignment of functions to the operation buttons shown in FIG. 36 is an example, and it goes without saying that it can be changed depending on the region to be examined and the imaging mode.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is characterized by including an operation button in addition to the operation panel.
- an operation unit (operation button) installed on the back side will be described with reference to the drawings.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is characterized in that operation buttons are provided in places other than the operation panel. That is, the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment has a feature that, as shown in FIG. 12, the handle 10 can be handled and the main body 10 can be used on the arm. This feature makes it possible to place the operation button at a position where the hand handling the handle can operate.
- FIG. 38 is an example in which the operation button 81 is provided on the handle 60 itself, (a) is a plan view of the handle 60, (b) a view of the handle portion 60b of the handle from above, and (c) is a use state. Is shown.
- the operation button 81 is provided at the end of the handle portion 60b of the handle 60 at a portion (concave portion) that is recessed from the outer surface. In this embodiment, the operator can operate the operation button 81 with the thumb while holding the handle 60 with four fingers of the right hand, for example. Since the operation button 81 is provided at a position recessed from the handle surface, there is no possibility of erroneous operation when the handle 60 is gripped.
- FIG. 39 and 40 are examples in which an operation button 82 is provided on the upper end portion of the back cover 152.
- FIG. 40 the operator can operate the operation button 82 with, for example, the index finger while holding the handle 60 with the thumb and other fingers.
- FIG. 39 two operation buttons are shown, but the number of operation buttons may be one or more than two. However, it is desirable that the position and number be operable with a hand having a handle. Further, both the operation button 81 of the handle 60 and the operation button 82 of the back cover 152 may be provided.
- the form of the operation button provided on the back side is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the operation button is operated by a mechanical mechanism that converts the push-down operation into an electrical signal.
- the function of the operation button provided on the back side is the same function as the operation button A provided on the operation panel 20 such as start / stop of inspection, freezing, and confirmation of processing operation, and is frequently used during measurement. It is desirable that It is also possible to provide an operation button having a trackball function.
- an operation button having a trackball function a well-known mechanism that optically detects the rotation direction and the rotation speed of the ball-shaped protrusion provided in the recess can be adopted. In response, the cursor displayed on the display unit is operated.
- the operation button 81 provided on the handle 60 can have a trackball function
- the operation button 82 provided on the back surface can have a processing confirmation function.
- the handle is held with one hand, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus is placed on the arm, and the probe is used with the other hand.
- the operation button having the above function is provided at a position where it can be operated by a hand having a handle, it is possible to perform an inspection without using a hand having a probe. Without interruption, it is possible to perform processing such as measurement stop, freeze, and recording, and the convenience of operation can be greatly improved.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus including the handle 60 and the stand unit 70 on the back side is shown, but the feature of this embodiment is that an operation unit (operation button) is provided on the back side.
- the stand unit 70 can be omitted.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of this embodiment is characterized in that a probe holder is provided on the back surface of the main body.
- the probe holder can be detachably attached to the support structure of the handle and / or the stand part.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of this embodiment is provided with a probe support structure (probe holder) using the support structure of the handle 60 and the stand unit 70 on the back surface of the main body 10.
- FIGS. 41 is a perspective view of the main body as seen from the back
- FIG. 42 is a sectional view
- FIG. 43 is a perspective view showing the probe holder and the cup with the cup removed.
- the handle 60 and the stand unit 70 are attached to the recess 15a of the back cover 152 provided on the back surface so as to be folded and rotated by the support structure, and the support structure is covered with the cover 15c.
- the cover 15c of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 may be circular, whereas the cover 15c may have a shape that is cut off on both sides in the left-right direction.
- the probe holder 90 sandwiches both sides of the cover 15c. Is attached.
- the probe holder 90 includes a cup support portion 91 and two leg portions 92 connected to the back surface thereof, and these are manufactured by integrally molding with, for example, plastic, metal or the like. Can do.
- the cup support portion 91 is a flat member having an opening 91a into which the cup 95 is fitted, and a part of the opening 91a of the cup support portion 91 is opened, and the inner periphery is C-shaped. Further, the cup support portion 91 is formed with a substantially rectangular notch 91c on the opposite side to the opening 91a back to back, and as a result, a pair of bent portions 91b are formed with the notch 91c interposed therebetween.
- the length of the substantially rectangular cutout in the longitudinal direction substantially coincides with the width in the left-right direction of the cover 15c having a shape cut off from the left and right.
- the distance between the tips of the pair of bent portions 91b is slightly narrower than the width of the cover 15c, and as shown in FIG. 42, the cover 15c is sandwiched between the bent portions 91b and fixed to the cover 15c.
- Each of the leg portions 92 extends in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the support surface of the cup support portion 91, and its tip 92a is bent in an L shape.
- the cover 15c covering the support structure such as the handle 60 is formed with a recess corresponding to the end of the leg 92.
- the cover 15c may be provided with a portion (narrow portion) whose width in the left-right direction is narrower than the distance between the tips of the pair of bent portions 91b. In that case, the probe is made using the narrow portion.
- the holder 90 can be made detachable. For example, after fitting the bent portion 91b of the probe holder 90 from the narrow width portion of the cover 15c, the probe holder is slid vertically until the tip 92a of the leg portion 92 of the probe holder 90 engages with the concave portion of the cover 15c. The tip 92a is pushed into the recess of the cover 15c and attached. When removing the probe holder 90 from the cover 15c, the reverse operation may be performed.
- the cup 95 fixed to the probe holder 90 is formed integrally with a flange portion 95a and a cylindrical portion 95b, and is similar to a cup used for a general probe holder.
- the cylindrical portion 95b has a diameter that gradually decreases from the flange portion 95a toward the end portion.
- the flange portion 95a and the cylindrical portion 95b are provided with a single slit 95c along the axis of the cylinder so that the probe main body 50a connected to the cable 52 as shown in FIG. It has become.
- the opening 91 a of the cup support portion 91 has an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 95 b of the cup 95.
- the flange portion 95 a becomes the support surface of the cup support portion 91. It is placed and supported by the cup support portion 91. At that time, the opening part of the opening 91a of the cup support part 91 and the slit 95c of the cup 95 coincide.
- the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is provided with a structure for supporting the probe holder on the back surface of the apparatus, so that it is not necessary to prepare a probe holder separately from the main body, and the convenience of the portable apparatus is improved. Can do.
- the probe holder of the present embodiment is attached using the space between the handle 60 and the stand part 70, the functions of the handle 60 and the stand part 70 themselves are not hindered. That is, even when the probe holder 90 is attached and the probe is not placed, the handle 60 can be lifted and operated, and the stand unit 70 is pulled out and the apparatus is stood on the table. It is also possible. In this state, as shown in FIG. 41, the probe 50 can be inserted into or removed from the probe holder 90.
- the embodiments of the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention have been described for each main feature, but the gist of the present invention is as described in the claims, and the specific structure of each part within the scope The shape, arrangement, combination, number, etc. can be arbitrarily changed. Some of the features described above are not essential in the present invention and can be omitted.
- a portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus that is compact and has good operability while having a sufficient ultrasonic inspection function. Thereby, not only the examination room of the hospital but also the examination by the portable ultrasonic imaging device in various places such as a hospital room, a vehicle, and a visiting place can be made possible.
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Abstract
Description
本実施形態の携帯型超音波撮像装置は、表示パネルを備えた本体の、表示パネルの表示面と同じ側に操作パネルを備え、この操作パネルを面内でスライド可能且つチルト可能に支持する支持機構を備えたことを特徴とするものである。すなわち本実施形態の携帯型超音波撮像装置(100)は、超音波撮像部(40)を構成する電子回路を内蔵し、表面に表示パネル(20)を備えた本体(10)と、超音波撮像部(40)と電気的に接続された操作パネル(20)とを備え、本体(10)は、操作パネル(20)を表示パネル(30)の表示面と平行な方向に沿ってスライド可能に支持するとともに、操作パネル(20)を表示パネル(30)の表示面に対する角度を変更可能に支持する支持機構を備えている。
本実施形態の携帯型超音波撮像装置は、操作パネル20の支持構造に特徴を有する。すなわち、本実施形態の携帯型超音波撮像装置は、超音波撮像部40を構成する電子回路を内蔵し、表面に表示パネルを備えた本体10と、超音波撮像部40と電気的に接続された操作パネル20とを備え、本体10は、操作パネル20を表示面と平行な方向に沿ってスライド可能に支持するとともに、操作パネル20を表示面に対する角度を変更可能に支持する支持機構150を備えたことを特徴とする。
本実施形態の携帯型超音波撮像装置は、裏面に設けられたハンドル60及びスタンド部70の取付構造に特徴を有する。表面側に備えられた操作パネル20とその支持構造は、第一実施形態と同様の構成とすることができる。
すなわち本実施形態の携帯型超音波撮像装置は、装置本体の裏面に、裏面に対する角度が可変であって且つ本体10の裏面と垂直な軸を中心に回転可能なハンドル及び/又はスタンド部を備えたことを特徴とする。
ハンドル60が固定された第1回転板161と、スタンド部70が固定された第2回転板162は、本体10の裏面15より内側に裏面15と平行して配置されており、図15の断面図に示すように、それぞれの中心を、本体の裏面15と垂直な方向の軸Zが貫通し、軸Zを回転軸として裏面15と平行な面内で回転可能に支持されている。軸160の一端には、図18に示すように、ナット1631が固定され、他端は本体10の構造体に二重ナット1636で固定されている。第1回転板161は、ナット1631を固定する固定具1632と第1ワッシャー1633に挟まれ、第2回転板162は第1ワッシャー1633と第2ワッシャー1634に挟まれており、各ワッシャーに対する締め付け力に軸Z周りの回転の摩擦力(抵抗)が調整されている。本実施形態では、回転の摩擦力は第2回転板162のほうが第1回転板161より大きく調整されている。即ち第1回転板の回転トルクは、第2回転板の回転トルクより小さい。
本実施形態の携帯型超音波撮像装置は、プローブコネクタ取付構造に特徴を有する。すなわちプローブを接続したときに、プローブのコネクタ部分が収まる空間を裏面に設けたことが特徴である。具体的には、本体(10)は、表示パネル(30)が設けられた第1の面(表面)と対向する第2の面(裏面)に、本体の幅よりも幅が狭い幅狭部を有し且つ最大厚みがコネクタ部(51)の厚みと同じかそれ以上である凸状部を有し、凸状部の幅狭部に、コネクタ部(51)が接続されるプローブ接続部(17)が形成されている。
本実施形態の携帯型超音波撮像装置は、操作パネル20の操作ボタンの形状及び機能に特徴がある。操作パネル20の支持構造等は第一実施形態と同様であり、説明を省略する。
本実施形態の携帯型超音波撮像装置は、操作パネル以外に操作ボタンを備えることが特徴である。以下、図面を参照して、裏面側に設置される操作部(操作ボタン)について説明する。
ノート型を含め、従来の超音波撮像装置では、装置を台上に載置した操作を前提にしているため操作ボタンは全て操作パネル内に設けられている。本実施形態の携帯型超音波撮像装置では、操作パネル以外の場所に操作ボタンを設けたことが特徴である。つまり本実施形態の携帯型超音波撮像装置では、図12に示したように、ハンドル部60を扱って本体10を腕に載せた状態で使用することができるという特徴を有する。この特徴によって、ハンドルを扱う手が操作可能な位置に操作ボタンを配置することを可能にしている。
またハンドル60の操作ボタン81と裏面カバー152の操作ボタン82の両者を設けてもよい。
本実施形態の携帯型超音波撮像装置は、プローブホルダーを本体の裏面に設けたことが特徴である。プローブホルダーは、例えば、ハンドル及び/又はスタンド部の支持構造に着脱自在に取り付けることができる。
Claims (14)
- 超音波撮像部を構成する電子回路を内蔵し、表面に表示パネルを備えた本体と、前記超音波撮像部と電気的に接続された操作パネルとを備えた携帯型超音波撮像装置であって、
前記本体は、前記操作パネルを、前記表示パネルの表示面と平行な方向に沿ってスライド可能に支持するとともに、前記表示パネルの表示面に対する角度を変更可能に支持する支持機構を備えたことを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 請求項1に記載の携帯型超音波撮像装置であって、
前記表示パネルの表示面が形成された面に、前記操作パネルを収納する段差部を備え、前記段差部に前記操作パネルを収納した状態で、前記表示面と前記操作パネルの操作面とは同一面内にあることを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 請求項1に記載の携帯型超音波撮像装置であって、
前記支持機構は、スライド機構部とチルト機構部とを備え、
前記操作パネルは、前記チルト機構部に固定され、前記チルト機構部は前記スライド機構部に対し回転可能に連結されていることを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 請求項3に記載の携帯型超音波撮像装置であって、
前記スライド機構部は、長手方向がスライド方向である長孔が形成された板状部材と、前記本体に固定されるとともに前記長孔に係合し、前記板状部材の移動を案内するガイドピンとを有し、前記チルト機構部は、前記板状部材に対し、前記スライド方向と直交し且つ前記表示面に平行な方向を軸として回転可能に支持された回転部材を備え、前記回転部材に前記操作パネルが固定されていることを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 請求項4に記載の携帯型超音波撮像装置であって、
前記スライド機構部は、前記板状部材の支持部材として、前記板状部材のスライド方向の移動に抵抗を与える支持部材を備えたことを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 請求項4に記載の携帯型超音波撮像装置であって、
前記本体は、前記表示パネルの表示面と平行なパネル部を有し、前記パネル部は前記板状部材のスライド方向の移動を許容するスリットが形成されており、
前記板状部材の長孔が形成された部分は、前記パネル部の、前記表示面と反対側において前記ガイドピンと係合し、前記表示面側において前記回転部材を支持していることを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 請求項3に記載の携帯型超音波撮像装置において、
前記チルト機構部は、前記スライド機構部に対する回転にトルクを与えるトルク機構を備えることを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 請求項3に記載の携帯型超音波撮像装置において、
前記スライド機構部と前記チルト機構部とは、リンクによって連結されていることを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 請求項8に記載の携帯型超音波撮像装置であって、
前記操作パネルは、操作面が前記表示面に当接した位置から、前記本体の裏面と平行になる位置までを移動範囲とすることを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 超音波撮像部を構成する電子部品を内蔵し、表面に表示面を持つ本体と、前記超音波撮像部と電気的に接続された操作パネルと、前記本体の裏面に折り畳み可能に設けられたスタンド部とを備えた携帯型超音波撮像装置であって、
前記操作パネルを、前記本体に対し、表示面と平行な方向にスライド可能に支持するとともに前記表示面に対する角度を変更可能に支持する支持部材を備えたことを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 請求項10に記載の携帯型超音波撮像装置であって、
前記操作パネルは、前記本体の立ち姿勢において、前記スタンド部とともに前記立ち姿勢を支える脚部として機能することを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 請求項1または10に記載の携帯型超音波撮像装置であって、
前記操作パネルは、タッチパネル式の操作ボタンを備えることを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 請求項12に記載の携帯型超音波撮像装置であって、
形状の異なる複数の前記タッチパネル式操作ボタンを備えることを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。 - 請求項12又は13に記載の携帯型超音波撮像装置であって、
複数の前記タッチパネル式操作ボタンを備え、各操作ボタンは複数の機能が割り当てられていることを特徴とする携帯型超音波撮像装置。
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JP2014538244A JP5883152B2 (ja) | 2012-09-28 | 2013-07-24 | 携帯型超音波撮像装置 |
CN201380042056.7A CN104519801B (zh) | 2012-09-28 | 2013-07-24 | 便携式超声波拍摄装置 |
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US20150182196A1 (en) | 2015-07-02 |
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