JP2001327497A - Medical image diagnostic apparatus, remote maintenance method therefor and maintenance management method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a time necessary for service maintenance and the down time of a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, or the like. SOLUTION: A service system is equipped with a system body 14 arranged to a remote area with respect to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, network communication systems 11, 12 on the sides of the apparatus and the system connecting the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and the system body 14 in a communicable manner through a first network 11a, and a system control part 13 for remotely controlling service work such as the alteration of system setting, software upgrade, system diagnosis, or the like, between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and the system body 14 subjected to network connection by both communication systems.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a remote maintenance method for the same, and a maintenance management method for the same, and more particularly, to service and maintenance by remote control from a remote place via a network. It is related to the device of the configuration to be performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In addition to the original functions, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided with service and maintenance functions such as changing system settings, upgrading software, and performing system diagnosis. Such a service / maintenance function is usually mounted on the apparatus main body. Therefore, an operator such as a service person who actually performs a service / maintenance operation directly operates the apparatus main body at the time of the operation to perform the service / maintenance.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, at the time of service / maintenance, a service technician had to go to a facility where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus was installed and perform work. . For this reason, the work time required to complete the service maintenance is increased by the time spent for moving the service staff. This work time corresponds to a downtime due to a failure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus when viewed from an operator operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In other words, if the work time for service and maintenance becomes longer, the time during which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cannot be used becomes longer, which may hinder medical treatment and the like.

[0004] In addition, it is conceivable that distribution and management of media when upgrading software is complicated and time-consuming, and errors may occur. In addition, services
Collecting and managing information on the contents of maintenance work is a complicated and time-consuming task.

[0005] The same applies to medical image diagnostic apparatuses other than ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to reduce the time required for service and maintenance and the downtime of a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. I do.

[0007]

The features of the present invention are as follows.

[0008] 1) A medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is connected to a service system via a network for communication.
Realize maintenance work by remote control.
As a result, the above object can be achieved, and the time required for service and maintenance and the downtime of the medical image diagnostic apparatus can be significantly reduced. It also reduces release time for software upgrades,
The effect that no error occurs is also obtained.

2) In addition to the above configuration, it is also possible to provide a database on a network to maintain and manage information such as software upgrade data, system diagnostic data, and service / maintenance work history. This makes it possible to centrally manage information on the contents of service and maintenance work.

[0010] The specific structure and the mode of the present invention are as follows.

The invention according to claim 1 is a remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein the system setting of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is changed by a computer at a remote place connected via a network. Changing the mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus to a mode in which system settings can be changed via a network based on an input to an operation unit provided in the medical image diagnostic apparatus; and Changing the system settings of the medical image diagnostic device by sending data to the device, restarting the medical image diagnostic device, and operating the medical image diagnostic device after the restart. Restoring a network connection between the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the computer without operation , Based on an input to the computer, characterized by comprising the steps of: system configuration change is changed to the non-mode by mode via the network of the medical image diagnostic apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein the software of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is changed by a remote computer connected via a network. Changing the mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus to a mode in which the software can be changed via a network based on an input to operation means provided in the medical image diagnostic apparatus; and Changing the program of the medical image diagnostic apparatus by sending data of the software to a diagnostic apparatus,
Restarting the medical image diagnostic apparatus, and after the restart, restoring a network connection between the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the computer without operating an operation unit of the medical image diagnostic apparatus And characterized in that:

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of changing system settings by a remote computer connected via a network, and performing data communication via the network. Network connection means for operating, operation means for performing a mode change operation to a mode in which the system setting can be changed via the network, and the system setting change via the network based on an input to the operation means. Means for changing the mode to a possible mode, means for changing the system setting based on data transmitted from the computer via the network, and means for changing the medical image diagnostic apparatus to the computer via the network Means for more restarting, after the restart, the computer Means for restoring the network connection, based on an input to said computer, means for mode change to a impossible the system setting change mode,
It is characterized by having.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of changing software by a remote computer connected via a network, and for performing data communication via the network. Network connecting means, operating means for performing an operation of changing the mode to a mode in which the software can be changed via the network, and the software can be changed via the network based on an input to the operating means Means for changing the mode to an appropriate mode, means for changing the software based on data sent from the computer via the network, and means for changing the medical image diagnostic apparatus from the computer via the network. Means for restarting, and after the restart, the computer Means for restoring the network connection to the motor, based on an input to the computer, characterized by comprising a means for the mode change can not change the software mode.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network connecting means for performing data communication via a network with an external device storing a control program for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, and connecting the control program via a network. Means for controlling the apparatus by executing the program.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein the operation of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is performed by a remote computer connected via a network. Sending data corresponding to the input to the means to the medical image diagnostic apparatus via the network; and controlling the medical image diagnostic apparatus and generating display image data based on the data. Displaying an image on a display unit of the medical image diagnostic apparatus based on the display image data; and transmitting data corresponding to the display image data to the computer via the network, based on the data. Displaying an image on display means of the computer by the computer; Characterized by comprising the steps of: sending a maintenance data to the medical image diagnostic apparatus through a click.

Thus, the image displayed on the display means of the remote computer can be displayed on the display means of the medical image diagnostic apparatus. By operating the operating means of the computer while viewing this image, it is possible to perform almost the same operation as when operating the operating means of the medical image diagnostic apparatus. Since the remote computer can be controlled by the operation panel of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, the system check, setting change, program upgrade, and the like in the medical image diagnostic apparatus can be performed from the remote computer.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein the medical image diagnostic apparatus is operated by a computer at a remote place connected via a network. Sending data corresponding to the input to the input means of the diagnostic device to the computer via the network, controlling the computer and generating display image data based on the data, Displaying an image on a display means of the computer based on the image data; and transmitting data corresponding to the display image data to the medical image diagnostic apparatus via the network, based on the data, Displaying an image on display means of an image diagnostic apparatus; Characterized by comprising the steps of: sending a maintenance data to the medical image diagnostic apparatus through a click.

Thus, the image displayed on the computer at a remote location can be displayed on the display means of the medical image diagnostic apparatus. By operating the operating means of the medical image diagnostic apparatus while viewing this image, it is possible to perform almost the same operation as when operating the operating means of the computer. Since the remote computer can be controlled by the operation panel of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, maintenance information and the like stored in the remote computer can be viewed from the medical image diagnostic apparatus. Also, necessary software can be sent from a remote computer to the medical image diagnostic apparatus.

[0020] In the invention described in claim 8, the input means includes:
The medical image diagnostic apparatus includes means for displaying a button corresponding to a switch on an operation panel of the medical image diagnostic apparatus on a screen of the computer, and means for selecting the button.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image diagnostic apparatus which can be controlled by a remote computer connected via a network, wherein the network performs data communication via the network. Connection means, means for controlling the apparatus based on data corresponding to the input to the input means of the computer sent through the network, and for generating display image data, and based on the display image data Display means for displaying an image, means for sending data corresponding to the display image data to the computer via the network, and maintenance data from the computer to the medical image diagnostic apparatus via the network. Sending means.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image diagnostic apparatus which can be controlled by a remote computer connected via a network, wherein the network performs data communication via the network. Connecting means, means for transmitting data corresponding to the input to the input means of the medical image diagnostic apparatus to the computer via a network, and data displayed on the display means of the computer transmitted via the network. A display unit that displays an image based on display image data corresponding to the image that is present, and a unit that sends maintenance data from the computer to the medical image diagnostic apparatus via the network. I do.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein the maintenance of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is performed by a remote computer connected via a network. According to a schedule, executing a system diagnosis program of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, sending the result of the system diagnosis to the computer via the network, and storing the result of the system diagnosis in a database. , Is provided.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eleventh aspect, the medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the system diagnostic result is obtained by using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It is characterized by being at least one piece of probe characteristic information.

The information obtained by the system diagnosis in this case includes: 1) the operation status of each internal unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (for example, A unit: diagnosis result normal, B unit: faulty (abnormal in C block in unit), etc.) ), 2) In the above 1), especially the characteristics of the probe (for example, the 56th element sensitivity drop of 60 [dB] or more out of the total 192 elements, the overall element sensitivity, -2 [dB] or more as compared with the time of purchase) ),
3) The usage time of the application used in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (for example, A application usage time 5 hours, B application 2 hours, etc.) can be exemplified.

Based on such information, it is possible to provide a service for preventing the characteristic degradation of the apparatus and maintaining the performance. An example of the service in this case will be described.

1) It is possible to exemplify a case in which a failure or malfunction in a unit unit is detected at an early stage, and parts and units are replaced to thereby maintain performance. For example, a decision is made on the operation state of the apparatus and the system is responded to. Although it is not a malfunction that does not immediately stop the operation of the device, a warning message is displayed on the device for the operator, and the dispatch of service personnel is performed immediately. The service will be informed of the faulty unit in advance and will be informed if replacement is required.

2) In particular, performance degradation of the probe causes performance degradation of the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Since the probe is a consumable part, the performance can be maintained by grasping the degree of characteristic deterioration and performing appropriate replacement. For example, if a defective element is found, it is a failure, and it can be replaced by a service person. If the overall characteristics deteriorate, it can be replaced because it is old. In addition, it is possible to recycle used goods as needed.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of performing maintenance by a remote computer connected via a network,
A network connection unit for performing data communication via the network; a photographing unit for photographing an image; and a unit for transmitting the image data to the computer via the network. .

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the photographing means determines at least one of a photographing position and a zoom magnification based on data corresponding to an input to the input means of the computer sent through the network. It is characterized by having means for changing.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein maintenance of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is performed by a remote computer connected via a network. Photographing by a photographing means connected to a computer, transmitting data of an image photographed by the photographing means via a network connection means of the remote computer, based on the image data, Displaying an image on display means of the medical image diagnostic apparatus.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the photographing means is configured to determine a photographing position based on data corresponding to an input to the input means of the computer transmitted through the network. Alternatively, it is characterized by comprising means for changing at least one of the zoom magnifications.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of performing maintenance by a remote computer connected via a network,
Network connection means for performing data communication via the network, means for converting voice into an electric signal, and means for transmitting the voice data to the computer via the network. And

An invention according to claim 18 is a remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein the maintenance of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is performed by a computer at a remote place connected via a network. Converting a voice into an electric signal by a microphone connected to a computer; transmitting the voice data through a network connection means of the remote computer; and Reproducing the sound with a speaker of the image diagnostic apparatus.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of performing maintenance by a remote computer connected via a network,
A plurality of types of network connection means for performing data communication via the network; and a network connection means for transmitting data in the medical image diagnostic apparatus based on signals transmitted from the computer via the network. And control means for transmitting the data via the Internet.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the nineteenth aspect, the medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a network connection unit connected to a local area network. Network connection means for connecting to a telephone line.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of performing maintenance by a remote computer connected via a network. And two or more network connection means for performing data communication.

The invention according to claim 22 is based on claims 1, 2,
19. The remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, and 18, wherein the medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. And

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention,
5, 9, 10, 11, 14, 17, 19, 20, and 2
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of 1 to 1,
The medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

A maintenance management method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is a method for maintaining and managing the medical image diagnostic apparatus by a remote computer connected via a communication line. Creating log data relating to the usage status of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, transmitting the created log data to the remote computer via the communication line, and transmitting the log data transmitted thereby. Storing the data as a data constituting a predetermined database on the remote computer, and analyzing the display condition of the use of the medical image diagnostic apparatus based on the log data stored as the data constituting the database. And the step of performing

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance management method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an ultrasonic probe, The analysis result of the usage status of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is the number of patients diagnosed within a predetermined period by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, Doppler mode for ultrasonic diagnostics used by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, B mode, M mode, CFM mode (Color Flow Map)
ing), angio mode, TDI (Tissue D)
opler Imaging mode, THI (Ti
Suse Harmonic Imaging) mode, and each use time of the measurement mode, the number of freezes of the ultrasonic image displayed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the number of recordings of the ultrasonic image, and the ratio of the number of recordings to the number of freezes Is characterized by including at least one of the following.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance management method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an ultrasonic probe, The data constituting the database includes deterioration information of the ultrasonic probe, information on the date and time when the measurement value by the acceleration sensor provided in the ultrasonic probe exceeds a predetermined value, and the measurement value by the acceleration sensor exceeds the predetermined value. The information is characterized by being at least one of the information of the number of times the information has been transmitted.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance management method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an ultrasonic probe, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a probe holder that holds the ultrasonic probe, a phantom that forms a standard test body for a phantom test equipped in the probe holder, and the ultrasonic probe that is held in the probe holder. Means for obtaining an ultrasonic image of the phantom, and means for transmitting the ultrasonic image of the phantom to the remote computer as data for determining deterioration information of the ultrasonic probe. .

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the maintenance management method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, a step of creating log data relating to a use state of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, and recording the created log data in a predetermined record. Recording on a medium; and analyzing the use of the medical image diagnostic apparatus in a displayable manner based on the log data on the recording medium.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image diagnostic apparatus maintenance management method, comprising: a log creating means for creating log data relating to a use state of the medical image diagnostic apparatus; and a log created by the log creating means. Log recording means for recording data on a predetermined recording medium, and analyzing means for analyzing the use status of the medical image diagnostic apparatus in a displayable manner based on log data recorded on the recording medium by the log recording means And characterized in that:

[0046]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, its remote maintenance method, and its maintenance management method according to the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
In the following examples, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is exemplified as a medical image diagnostic apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, a CT scanner, an MRI, a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus, an endoscope apparatus, etc. Applicable to any modality.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (medical image diagnostic apparatus) and a remote maintenance method thereof according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The configuration example illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 that transmits and receives an ultrasonic beam to and from a diagnostic site of a subject, generates and displays an ultrasonic image of the diagnostic site from the ultrasonic echo signals, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a service system 2 for remotely controlling service operations such as system setting change, software upgrade, system diagnosis, and maintenance at the time of service such as periodic inspection or failure.

The service system 2 includes the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1
A device-side network communication system 11 connected to a device control unit 1a or the like that controls the overall operation of the device-side network communication system 11 and a first network 11a
A system main body 14 in which a system-side network communication system 12 communicably connected via a network and a service control unit 13 for controlling the service work are integrally or separately mounted.
And A database system 15 is connected to the system main body 14 via a second network 11b.

The first and second networks 11
Reference numerals a and 11b each include a communication line such as a twisted pair cable, a coaxial cable, and an optical fiber cable (including a repeater disposed in the middle thereof), and in this example, a LAN conforming to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. Including, but not limited to, physical wiring, it may be a dedicated high-speed line, or a WAN, the Internet, etc. via a public line such as a telephone line, ISDN, etc.
It is also possible to use a wireless communication network.

The apparatus-side network communication system 11 includes, for example, a computer (CPU) for executing a processing algorithm (such as a communication protocol program) based on the network connection means of the present invention, and a RAM / RAM connected to the CPU via a bus. A storage medium such as a ROM and a HDD (hard disk drive), a communication I / F (interface), and other controllers, etc.). From the I / F to the first network 12
And can communicate with the system body 14 via the. The communication protocol required for this network communication is constituted by, for example, TCP / IP, but is not limited thereto, and may be another dedicated protocol.

The system side network communication system 12 includes, for example, a computer (CPU) for executing a processing algorithm (such as a communication protocol program) based on the network connection means of the present invention, and a RAM / RAM connected to the CPU via a bus. A storage medium such as a ROM and an HDD, a communication I / F, and other controllers.
By executing the above-mentioned program set in the storage medium by the U, the first network 1 is transmitted from the communication I / F.
2 and can communicate with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

The system control unit 13 includes, for example, a computer (CPU) that executes a processing algorithm (service / remote control program, etc.) based on the remote control means of the present invention, and a RAM / CPU connected to the CPU via a bus. The system-side network communication system 12 is constituted by a storage medium such as a ROM and an HDD, a communication I / F, other controllers, peripheral devices, and the like. The system remotely controls system setting changes, software upgrades, system diagnosis, maintenance, and the like at the time of service work for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, that is, at the time of service such as periodic inspection or failure.

The database system 15 is, for example, a computer equipped with a database management system.
As a result, system settings can be changed with the system main unit 2,
It transmits and receives data related to service and maintenance such as software upgrades, and stores and manages the data.

In this example, the database system 15 communicates with the system body 14 via the second network 11b.
However, the connection is not limited to this as long as it can communicate with the system main body 14 side, and can be connected on other communication lines, and can be connected within the system main body 14 or the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. It is also possible to build it.

Next, an example of the operation of the service system 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a case where a service operation is performed by remotely controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 from the system main body 14 side. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the operation, and FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart showing the work procedure and its contents.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, first, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is set in a state of permitting a network connection from the outside by the processing of both communication systems 11 and 12 of the service system 2 (step S11). System body 14
Is established (step S12).

Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is transmitted from the system main body 14 by the system control unit 13 of the service system 2.
By performing remote control, service and maintenance operations such as software upgrade, system diagnosis, maintenance, and system setting change are performed (step S13).

When this operation is completed, the normal operation after the restart of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is confirmed based on the settings in the service system 2. At this time, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is restarted by remote control from the system body 14 by driving the service system 2 (step S1).
4) After the restart, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and the system main body 14 are automatically reconnected, thereby restoring the network connection state before the restart (step S15). Here, if communication with the system main unit 14 is necessary after the restart, depending on the setting in the service system 2, the connection to the service main unit 14 is automatically performed before the restart, or the connection is automatically set to the permission state. It is also possible.

In the above operation example, the case where the service person remotely operates the service main body 2 is described. However, the case where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is operated as a terminal of the service main body 14 as necessary may be considered. An operation example in this case will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a case where the operation is performed by remotely controlling the system body 14 from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 side. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the operation, and FIG. It is a schematic flowchart which shows a work procedure and content.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, first, the processing of both communication systems 11 and 12 of the service system 2 connects the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to the system main body 14 and connects the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to the system main body. The terminal is set to be operable as the terminal on the 14 side (step S21). Then, the system main body 14 is remotely controlled by operating the terminal of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, thereby performing service work such as software upgrade, system diagnosis, maintenance, and system setting change for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 (step S22). ).

When this operation is completed, the normal operation after the restart of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is confirmed by the settings in the service system 2. At this time, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is restarted by remote control from the system body 14 by driving the service system 2 (step S2).
3) After the restart, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 and the system main body 14 are automatically reconnected to restore the network connection state before the restart (step S24). Here, if communication with the system main unit 14 is necessary after the restart, depending on the setting in the service system 2, the connection to the service main unit 14 is automatically performed before the restart, or the connection is automatically set to the permission state. It is also possible.

Therefore, according to this example, even if the service person does not go out and operate the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus directly, the system setting change, software upgrade, software upgrade, and the like for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be performed by remote control from a remote place.
Service and maintenance work such as system diagnosis can be carried out easily and efficiently, including its normal operation check, thereby shortening the service and maintenance work time for the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment and the downtime of the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. Thus, it is possible to greatly improve the work efficiency.

Further, according to this example, since data relating to service work can be transmitted via a network, 1) release time to the latest version when software is upgraded can be greatly reduced, and 2) software of the latest version can be used. It can be centrally managed, thereby eliminating errors during upgrade work. 3) It is possible to greatly improve the data collection efficiency of failure information and system diagnostic information. 4) Because it is possible to perform centralized management, feedback on maintenance and development is provided. As a result, the effect is obtained that the reliability of the whole service is remarkably improved.

Hereinafter, other examples will be sequentially described with reference to FIGS.

The service system 2 shown in FIG. 6 has, in addition to the above-described configuration, a system diagnostic software 13a for controlling system diagnostics that is executable in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 as a part of the system control unit described above. It is.

According to the service system 2, the system can be diagnosed from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 side by executing and controlling the software 13a by the operation from the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. In addition, by controlling the activation and termination of the software 13a by remote control via a network, system diagnosis can be performed from the system main body 14 side.

The service system 2 shown in FIG. 7 has, in addition to the above configuration, a system diagnostic software 13a which is executable in a system main body 14 as a part of the system control unit described above.

According to the service system 2, by executing and controlling the software 13a from the system body 14, the system diagnosis of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be performed from the system body 14 via the network.
In this case, it is also possible to remotely control the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 from the system body 14 and request the system body 14 to start the system diagnosis.

According to the service system 2,
It is also possible to perform system diagnosis from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 by controlling activation and termination of the software 13a by remote control via a network.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the system diagnostic function of the service system is configured by software, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be realized by hardware.

The service system 2 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a function (software or the like) 13b for automatically transferring the system diagnosis result data of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to the system body 14 in addition to the above configuration.

According to the service system 2, the system diagnosis result of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is recorded in the apparatus 1 and displayed on the monitor as needed, and the system diagnostic result data automatic transfer function 13b is used to display the result. The system diagnosis result data can be transferred to the system body 14 or the database system 15 via the network in the service system 2 and recorded on the storage medium. In the automatic transfer function 13b, for example, conditions such as a transfer time can be variably set.

The service system 2 shown in FIG. 9 displays, in addition to the above configuration, information on the result of the system diagnosis and schedule in a predetermined display format on the monitor 1b of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 via the apparatus control section 1a. It has a system diagnostic display function (software etc.) 13c to be performed.

According to the service system 2, when managing the system diagnosis from the system body 14, the information of the past system diagnosis result and the schedule information of the future system diagnosis are recorded or called and confirmed on the system body 14 side. At the same time, the system diagnostic display function 13c makes it possible to transfer the data to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 via the first network 11a and display it on the monitor 1b in a predetermined display format so that the operator can recognize it.

According to the service system 2,
If necessary, by connecting to the system main body 14 via a network by a user's operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, information related to system diagnosis is transferred to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and displayed on a monitor thereof for confirmation. You can also.

The display format of the service system 2 includes, for example, character information such as a previous diagnosis date, a diagnosis result (whether or not there is an abnormality), a next diagnosis scheduled date, and the like, as shown in FIG. It is also possible to color-code so that it is easy to discriminate it from the sound wave image, or to make it perceived by an image or a sound if necessary.

The system diagnostic display function 13c
Then, it is possible to program the timing of executing the system diagnosis from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus side or the system main body side, and to display the program result of the scheduled system diagnosis date in a predetermined format so that the user can confirm the result as necessary. It is possible. FIG. 10 shows an example of this display format. In the format shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to program under conditions such as once a month, after the end of every weekend inspection, after the end of the daily inspection, and the like.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the connection between the system body 14 and the database system 15 and the data transmission / reception operation in the service system 2 described above. In this example, the latest system software, data such as the system diagnosis result of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the like are recorded in the database system 15, and necessary data can be called from the service system 2 or the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 as necessary. .

Although the database system 15 of this embodiment is connected to the service system 2, the present invention is not limited to this, but may be any place that can be connected via a network. But it can be built.

The service system 2 shown in FIG. 12 has, in addition to the above configuration, an imaging device 16 for photographing the appearance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and a movable function for changing the imaging position of the imaging device 16 to a desired position. , A driving function, and a mounting part 17 having a zoom function for changing the magnification, so that a failure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be monitored.

That is, according to the service system 2, when a failure occurs in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 which cannot be detected by the system diagnostic function, the appearance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is taken by the imaging apparatus 16
The image data is captured by the monitor 1 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1
b, or transferred to the system body 14 via a network and displayed on the monitor 14b.

By operating the system body 14, the photographing position and the zoom magnification of the image pickup device 16 can be controlled.

Further, since the apparatus image can be shared by both the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and the system body 14, the imaging apparatus 16
Can be instructed to the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to perform the positioning. It is also possible to transmit and receive not only captured images but also audio data or a combination thereof to share information with remote locations.

The service system 2 shown in FIG. 13 is provided with emergency system start-up software on the system body 14 side in addition to the above-described configuration.
Recorded on the HDD.

According to the service system 2, for example, the device control unit 1a (CPU, main memory, ROM (connection software mounting), system BIO) in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1
If an abnormality occurs in the HDD for recording the system startup software in the S, HDD (system startup software recording) and the system BIOS detects this, the device-side network communication system 11 (network hardware, etc.) and the system body 14 By transferring the emergency system start-up software recorded on the HDD in the system control unit 13 to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 via the network communication system 12 on the side, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be started.

The system startup software is HD
The information may be recorded in another section of D. If an abnormality occurs in the section recorded as a standard, it is possible to try to start up from a spare separate section. Alternatively, the system start-up software can be recorded in the ROM.

In the service system 2 shown in FIG. 14, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and the main body 14 of the service system 2 are connected via the apparatus-side network communication system 11 and the system-side network communication system 12 in the above configuration. Two or more types of network connection means for communicatively connecting
For example, a case in which modems are connected by a public telephone network, and a case in which LANs such as Ethernet standards are connected via a gateway are exemplified).

According to the service system 2, since two or more types of network connection means are provided, even if one of them fails, network connection can be made using the other. As other network connection means, a wireless or dedicated connection mechanism can be applied.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 15 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
1 illustrates an overview of a maintenance management system for a medical image diagnostic apparatus (an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in this example) according to an embodiment. In FIG. 15, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 as an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a computer terminal 200 such as a PC (personal computer) used by a system user are provided on the hospital side where an image diagnosis of a subject is performed. And is installed.

In FIG. 15, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1
On the side of the remote center where the maintenance and management of 00
A maintenance management system MS constituting the service system is arranged. As shown in FIG. 15, the maintenance management system MS, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and the computer terminal 200 communicate with a standardized communication protocol such as TCP / IP via a communication line CL such as a public line or a dedicated line. Based on this, communication of various control signals and information related to maintenance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is enabled.

The details will be described separately for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 at the hospital and the maintenance management system MS at the center.

First, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 placed on the hospital side
Reference numeral 00 denotes a system to which an ordinary system for transmitting / receiving an ultrasonic beam to / from a diagnostic site in a subject and acquiring / displaying an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic echo signal is applied. It is composed of an apparatus main body 112 to which the sound wave probe 111 is connected.

As the ultrasonic probe 111, various types such as, for example, a sector type electronic scanning type, a linear type scanning type, and a mechanical scanning type are applied, and a probe tip portion in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in an array. Having. According to the ultrasonic probe 111, the drive voltage from the apparatus main body 112 is converted into an ultrasonic pulse signal, and the ultrasonic pulse signal is transmitted from the probe tip to a desired direction of a diagnosis site in the subject from the probe tip. An ultrasonic echo signal reflected at the boundary of the body tissue of the subject at a different acoustic impedance at the distal end or backscattered by a small scatterer is converted into a corresponding voltage signal, and the voltage signal is supplied to the apparatus main body 112. It is supposed to.

Further, the ultrasonic probe 111 is provided with an acceleration sensor 111a at an appropriate position of a main body (not shown). The acceleration sensor 111a measures an acceleration caused by vibration of the ultrasonic probe 111 and supplies the measured value to the apparatus main body 112.

FIG. 16 explains the outline of the apparatus main body 112 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. In FIG. 16, a monitor 113, an operation panel 1
14, and a system maintenance mode switch 115 are mounted.

Of these, the operation panel 114 displays various modes (eg, B mode, Doppler mode, M mode, CFM mode, angio mode, TDI mode, THI mode, measurement mode, etc.) used in ultrasonic diagnosis of the subject. Equipped with input devices such as a freeze button for ultrasonic images, a record button for the still image / VTR, buttons for inputting user instructions such as setting and changing other conditions, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, and a trackball. Have been.

The system maintenance mode switch 11
Reference numeral 5 denotes a pointer, a menu, a button, and the like, which are used at the time of maintenance management of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and are integrally mounted as an input device on the operation panel 114 or displayed on a screen of the monitor 113. And software instruction means. The system maintenance mode switch 115 is not limited to this, and other instruction means such as voice activation / selection can be employed.

The transmitting / receiving circuit 1 connected to the ultrasonic probe 111 as shown in FIG.
21, an amplitude detector 122, a blood flow information detector 123, and a data memory 12 placed on the receiving side of the transmitting / receiving circuit 121.
4. DSC (Digital Scan Converter) 12
5, an image memory 126, and a control unit 127 serving as a control center of the whole thereof are mounted.

As shown in FIG. 16, the transmission / reception circuit 121 includes an oscillator (pulse generator) 131, transmission-side and reception-side delay circuits 132, a pulser 133, a scan controller 134, a preamplifier 135, and an adder 136.

The oscillator 131 generates a rate pulse for determining the repetition frequency of the ultrasonic beam from the ultrasonic probe 111, and outputs the rate pulse to the ultrasonic probe 11.
1 and is distributed to the number of transmission channels corresponding to the number of transducers and sent to the delay circuit 132. The delay circuit 132
The delay time is variably set according to the timing signal instructed from the controller 134, and the delay time is added to the rate pulse and supplied to the pulser 133 for each transmission channel. The pulsar 133 transmits each transducer (transmission channel) of the ultrasonic probe 111 at the timing of receiving the rate pulse.
A voltage pulse is given every time.

Thus, the transmission / reception circuit 121 electronically scans the ultrasonic beam emitted from the ultrasonic probe 11 into the subject by changing the timing of the voltage pulse applied to each transducer of the ultrasonic probe 111. And focus. At this time, by changing the delay time given to the delay circuit 132 under the control of the scan controller 134, the direction (raster direction) of the ultrasonic beam can be changed.

The ultrasonic beam transmitted in this manner is reflected by a discontinuous surface of acoustic impedance in the subject.
This reflected ultrasonic signal is received again by the ultrasonic probe 111 and is converted into a reflected wave signal of a corresponding voltage amount. The reflected wave signal is amplified by the preamplifier 135, given the same delay time as that at the time of transmission by the delay circuit 132, added by the adder 136, and sent to the amplitude detector 122 and the blood flow information detector 123. .

The amplitude detector 122 receives the output from the adder 136 in the transmission / reception circuit 121, detects the intensity of the reflected wave in each raster direction of the ultrasonic beam, and outputs the detection signal as luminance information of each raster, ie, the luminance information of each raster. The DSC 12 via the data memory 124 as B-mode image (tomographic image) information
Send to 5.

The blood flow information detector 123 includes a Doppler shift detector 141 and an MTI (Moving) for color Doppler.
(Target Indicator) calculation unit 142.

The Doppler shift detector 141 is a circuit for detecting the Doppler shift frequency by the quadrature detection method. For example, the Doppler shift detector 141 outputs a 90-degree phase shift to the output side of the oscillator 131 in the transmission / reception circuit 121, The mixer 144 is divided into two channels on the output side of the mixer 136,
And low-pass filters (LPFs) 145 and 145.

Each of the mixers 144 and 144 includes an adder 136.
Are multiplied by the output of the oscillator 131 and the output of the phase shifter 143 to obtain a Doppler shift frequency and a high-frequency component (double transmission frequency + Doppler shift frequency), and send them to the LPFs 145 and 145.

Each of the LPFs 145 and 145 is
The high frequency components are removed from the outputs of the third and 143 and sent to the MTI calculator 142 as a cosine component and a sine component in which the polarity of the Doppler shift frequency can also be detected.

The MTI operation unit 142 is provided for each LPF 145,
A / D converter (not shown), MT
I filters 146 and 146, autocorrelator 147, average speed calculation circuit 148, dispersion calculation circuit (speed distribution calculation circuit)
149, and a power operation circuit 150.

Each of the MTI filters 146 and 146 is composed of, for example, a digital filter having a high-pass characteristic.
Unnecessary reflected waves (clutter components) from fixed reflectors (blood vessel wall, heart wall, etc.) are removed from the output after A / D conversion, and the average velocity and variance (velocity distribution) are passed through autocorrelator 147. , And power to the respective arithmetic circuits 148 to 150.

Each arithmetic circuit for average speed, dispersion and power
148 to 150 calculate average velocity (or maximum velocity), velocity distribution (or velocity distribution value), and scattered power information from the blood flow, and use these as data on the data memory 124 as blood flow information.
To the DSC 125 via the.

The DSC 125 converts the B-mode image information from the amplitude detector 122 and the blood flow information from the blood flow information detector 123 into a standard television image format, and stores these images in the image memory 126. Output to the monitor 113 via the As a result, in a normal inspection state,
A B-mode image and blood flow information in a predetermined format are displayed on the screen of the monitor 113.

The control section 127 includes a control circuit 128 connected to the operation panel 14, a security setting circuit 129 connected to the system maintenance mode switch 115, and a communication interface circuit 130.

The control circuit 128 is equipped with a microcomputer including a recording medium such as a CPU and a memory, and executes a processing algorithm pre-recorded on the recording medium by the CPU, thereby controlling the operation panel 114 and the system maintenance mode. The operation and function of each component in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 are controlled based on an instruction from the user from the switch 115 for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, and the maintenance and management such as repair / failure diagnosis / periodic inspection of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 are performed by the center. For example, it controls communication performed with the maintenance management system MS on the side to execute a process related to maintenance management set in advance.

In particular, this control circuit 128
, Log data is created / collected as usage status data of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, the log data is stored in a storage medium such as a memory in the control circuit 128, and the log data is periodically stored. The data is sent to the maintenance management system MS via the communication circuit CL via the interface circuit 130. In addition, measurement data from the acceleration sensor 111a provided in the ultrasonic probe 111 is collected as usage state data of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, and the measurement data is periodically transmitted via the communication circuit CL via the interface circuit 130. Send to maintenance management system MS.

For example, the security setting circuit 129
A microcomputer having a PU, a recording medium, and the like is mounted, and a CPU executes a processing algorithm pre-recorded on the recording medium as software or firmware. A log-on (log-in) screen for prompting the user to enter a password or a password is displayed, and only switches necessary for the input operation (switches on the operation panel 114 or system maintenance mode switch 115) are permitted. Restrict the operation according to the user.

In this case, it is possible to restrict the right to operate the service function and the patient information access function for a user who has logged on with an account such as a preset default user immediately after turning on the power. Note that the security setting circuit 129 can also be configured integrally with the control circuit 128.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the maintenance management system MS placed on the center side
And a server 300 functioning as a remote computer connected to the server 300 via the communication line CL.
And a database system 400 that manages the use state data of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 to be processed / analyzed.

FIG. 17 shows an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 on the hospital side.
4 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a processing sequence between the maintenance management system MS on the center side.

In FIG. 17, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100
Is controlled by the control unit 127,
The log data (log file or history file) is created as the usage data of 00 (Step St11).

FIG. 18 shows an example of this log data.
As shown in FIG. 18, the log data in this example includes the contents of each operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 by a system user such as a technician (for example, input of patient information for a new patient,
B mode scan start, freeze ON, freeze OF
F, freeze ON, still image recording, ..., Doppler mode start, freeze ON, still image recording, VTR recording, VTR end, ..., patient information input for the next patient, ... etc. It was recorded.

Next, in FIG. 17 described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 periodically transmits the log data created as described above, for example, every month to the maintenance management system MS on the center side via the communication line CL. (Step St1
2).

In response to this, as shown in FIG. 17, when the maintenance management system MS receives the log data sent from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 by the processing of the server 300 (Step St13), The log data is stored as data constituting a database on the database system 400, and the use state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is analyzed based on the log data (Step St14).

FIG. 19 shows an example of the analysis result data by the server 300. In the analysis result data shown in FIG. 19, technician IDs (OP1, OP2, OP3,..., O) corresponding to the identification numbers of the technicians who are system users
Pn), device IDs (A1, A2, A3,..., An) corresponding to the identification numbers of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 100, and patient IDs (PT1, PT2, PT3,
.., PTn), examination date and time, B mode use time, Doppler mode use time, color mode (CFM mode), M mode, number of freezes of ultrasonic images, number of records of still images, and number of records of VTR Information is included. Other items of this analysis result include, for example, the use time of the angio mode, TDI mode, THI mode, and measurement mode for ultrasonic diagnosis, the ratio of the number of recordings to the number of freezes, and the workflow used by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The information such as the type of information is also included.

Next, in FIG. 17, the server 3
00 converts the analysis result data into data of a predetermined format such as an attached file of an e-mail,
It transmits to the hospital-side computer terminal 200 via the communication line CL based on a communication protocol such as / IP (Step St15).

In response to this, as shown in FIG. 17, when the computer terminal 200 receives the analysis result data transmitted from the server 300 on the center side by the processing of the CPU (not shown), the computer terminal 200 (step St16)
The analysis result data is converted into display data such as a list (list) of predetermined display formats, graphs, images, and the like so that the system user can easily evaluate the usage state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 as necessary. Is displayed on the screen (step St17).

FIGS. 20 to 22 illustrate an example of graphing the analysis result data.

The graph of the analysis result data shown in FIG.
For each device ID or technician ID, each mode (Doppler, B, M, CFM, angio, TD) within a predetermined period (one month, etc.)
I, THI, measurement, etc.), where the horizontal axis indicates the type of mode and the vertical axis indicates the usage time of each mode. This example shows the case of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 with the device ID An or the technician with the technician ID OPn, and the ultrasonic wave indicating which mode (inspection) is frequently used or not used. The use status of the diagnostic device 100 can be easily evaluated.

The graph of the analysis result data shown in FIG.
The use time of each mode is evaluated for each device ID or technician ID. The horizontal axis indicates the device ID or technician ID, and the vertical axis indicates the use time of each mode. This example shows two cases where the device IDs are A1 and A2 (or the technician IDs are OP1 and OP2), and the total usage time of each mode is the same as the device ID of A2 (or the technician ID is OP2). A1 (or the engineer ID is OP1) is also larger. This reflects the difference in the use time of, for example, the B mode among the use times of each mode.

From the above, considering the example of a technician, the technician whose technician ID is OP1 has a relatively longer time required for the examination than the technician whose technician ID is OP2. One of the reasons is as follows. It is also possible to make a relative evaluation of the inspection performance for each technician, for example, because it takes time for the inspection in the B mode.

The graph of the analysis result data shown in FIG.
The recording efficiency (recording success rate) of a still image of an ultrasonic image for each device ID (or technician) is evaluated in comparison with an ideal case. The number of freezes n1 and the number of recordings n2 are shown. In this example, in the ideal case, the number of freezes n1 of the ultrasonic image and the number of recordings n2 of the ultrasonic image are respectively the number of ideal recordings n
(Number of freezes: number of recordings = n1: n2 =
n: n).

In this example, as shown in FIG.
If D is A1 (or the engineer ID is OP1), the number of recordings n2 is equal to the ideal number of recordings n, but the number of freezes n
1 is greater than the ideal number of recordings n (n1>
n). Therefore, for example, in the case of a technician whose technician ID is OP1, the number of recordings (the number of recordings) of the still images is ideal, but the number of freezes is larger than the ideal number. It is possible to evaluate that a loss has occurred in the inspection time.

Further, as shown in FIG.
2 (or the engineer ID is OP2), the number of freezes n
The ratio between 1 and the number of recordings n2 is 1, but both are greater than the ideal number of recordings n (n1> n, n2>
n). From this, for example, in the case of a technician whose engineer ID is OP2, the recording success rate based on the ratio of the number of recordings of still images (the number of recordings) to the number of freezes is high, but the number of freezes and Each of the number of recordings is larger than the ideal case, and it is possible to evaluate the loss of the inspection time and the number of recorded sheets.

Therefore, according to the present example, it is possible to evaluate the use state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described above,
For each D, maintenance management such as periodic inspection and parts replacement can be performed according to the usage mode, and a maintenance management plan can be made.
Further, it becomes possible to evaluate the inspection performance of each technician finely and easily for each inspection, and to make an improvement plan for improving the inspection efficiency for each technician. This is also beneficial from a hospital management perspective.

The data on the use of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus obtained above can be correlated with data on the patient cases (liver dysfunction, gallstones, pancreatitis, etc.) obtained separately. . In this case, it is possible to further enhance the above-described effect, for example, by comparing / evaluating the examination time in each mode for each patient case.

In the above example, the case where log data is used as data for analyzing / evaluating the use status of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been described. It is also possible to use information on the date and time when the measurement value from the acceleration sensor exceeds a predetermined value or information on the number of times. In particular, if information based on the measurement value from the acceleration sensor is used, the usage status (how much vibration or shock received, etc.) related to the movement of the ultrasonic probe, which is difficult to grasp from the log data, will be more accurate. It can be grasped, and maintenance management such as inspection and repair can be performed efficiently.

In addition to the above, known phantom test results can be used as the deterioration information of the ultrasonic probe. An example using the phantom test will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 23A and 23B explain the outline of the phantom test using the ultrasonic probe 111. FIG. 23A and 23B, in the phantom test, the ultrasonic probe 111 is connected to the probe holder 16 thereof.
It is carried out, for example, periodically in a state where it is set to zero.

The probe holder 160 shown in this example is, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, a holder case 161 forming an outer frame thereof, and is placed in the holder case 161 to hold the ultrasonic probe 111. A concave portion (groove) into which the probe tip can be fitted;
And a probe table (probe receiving member) 162 which can be inserted and supported so as to fit the probe table 11 therein.
And a phantom 163 serving as a standard test body for phantom testing, which is placed on the base side of the phantom. Among them, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the phantom 163 has ultrasonic reflectors 164... 16 of a predetermined material (for example, tungsten) for phantom testing at a plurality of positions inside the phantom.
4 is arranged.

FIG. 24 shows the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 on the hospital side and the maintenance management system M on the center side during a phantom test.
4 is a view for explaining an outline of a processing sequence between S and S.

In FIG. 24, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100
Performs a phantom test under the control of the control unit 127 (Step St21). The phantom test is automatically started when a system user performs an operation such as a preset button operation or when the ultrasonic probe 111 is placed in the probe holder 160. Thereby, the ultrasonic probe 111 placed in the probe holder 160 is driven under predetermined ultrasonic scan conditions,
As a result, the ultrasonic reflectors 164 in the phantom 163.
An ultrasound image reflecting 164 is acquired.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 transmits the ultrasonic image (phantom test result data) obtained by the phantom test to the maintenance management system MS on the center side via the communication line CL (Step St22).

In response to this, as shown in FIG. 24, the maintenance management system MS receives the ultrasonic image obtained by the phantom test transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 by the processing of the server 300. Then (Step St
23), based on the ultrasonic image, the deterioration state of the ultrasonic probe 111 is analyzed using an image analysis method using, for example, a known image processing algorithm for a phantom test (Step St24), and the analysis result data is obtained. As in the case of the above-described log data, if necessary, the data is converted into data of a predetermined format such as an attached file of an e-mail,
Is transmitted to the hospital-side computer terminal 200 via the communication line CL based on a communication protocol such as (Step St)
25).

In response to this, as shown in FIG. 24, when the computer terminal 200 receives the analysis result data transmitted from the server 300 on the center side by the processing of the CPU (not shown), the computer terminal 200 (step St26)
The analysis result data is converted into display data of a predetermined display format so that the system user can easily evaluate the state of deterioration of the ultrasonic probe 111 as necessary and displayed on the screen (Step St27).

In addition to the phantom test described above, it is also possible to use a test in which a known ultrasonic probe is left in the air to evaluate the deterioration information of the ultrasonic probe. In this case, for example, by driving the ultrasonic probe one element at a time while being left in the air, analysis such as identification of a defective element can be performed based on the reflected echo signal.

In this embodiment, an example is described in which the maintenance management system located at the center of a remote place analyzes the usage status of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the deterioration status of the ultrasonic probe. The data analysis and database functions of the management system can be integrated into the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In this case, only the hospital can analyze / evaluate the use status of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the deterioration status of the ultrasonic probe as described above.

[0148]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to reduce service setting and maintenance work time such as system setting change, software upgrade, system diagnosis, and the like for a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and also reduce downtime of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Further, since data transmission is possible via a network, the release time of the latest version can be reduced by software upgrade or the like. Furthermore, since the latest version of software can be centrally managed, errors in the upgrade work are eliminated. Further, the data collection efficiency of the failure information and the system diagnosis information is improved. In addition, since centralized management can be performed, feedback on maintenance and development is accelerated, and reliability of the entire service is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an overall configuration of a medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus) and a remote maintenance method thereof according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where remote control is performed from a service system side.

FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a case where remote control is performed from the service system side.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where remote control is performed from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus side.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a case where remote control is performed from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus side.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where system diagnostic software is provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where system diagnostic software is provided in the system main body.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a system diagnosis result is automatically transferred.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a case where a result and schedule of system diagnosis are displayed on a monitor of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a program result on a scheduled system diagnosis date.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating connection / data transmission / reception with a database system.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where an external appearance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is imaged.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network connection unit with the system startup software.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of types of network connection means.

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram showing an overall configuration of a medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus) and a maintenance management method thereof according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a view for explaining a processing sequence between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and its maintenance management system.

FIG. 18 is a view for explaining an example of log data used in use state analysis of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 19 is a view for explaining an analysis example of the use situation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 20 is a graph illustrating a display example of an analysis result regarding a use state in each mode.

FIG. 21 is a graph illustrating a display example of an analysis result regarding the use status of each mode for each device or technician.

FIG. 22 is a graph illustrating a display example of an analysis result regarding the recording efficiency of an ultrasonic image.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an outline of a probe holder used in a phantom test, where (a) is a partial sectional view seen from the front,
(B) is the partial sectional view seen from the side.

FIG. 24 is a view for explaining a processing sequence between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and its maintenance management system during a phantom test.

[Description of Signs] 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (first embodiment) 1a Device control unit 1b Monitor (ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus) 2 Service system 11 Device-side network communication system 11a First network 11b Second network 12 System side Network communication system 13 Service control unit 13a System diagnostic software 13b System diagnostic result automatic transfer function 13c System diagnostic display function 14 System body 15 Database system 16 Imaging device 17 Mounting unit 100 Ultrasonic diagnostic device (second embodiment) 111 Ultrasonic probe 111a Acceleration sensor 115 System maintenance mode switch 160 Probe holder 161 Holder case 162 Probe table 163 Phantom 164 Ultrasonic reflector 200 Computer terminal 300 Server 400 Database System

Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Yasuo Miyajima 1385-1 Higashiyama, Higashiyama, Shimoishikami, Otawara-shi, Tochigi Prefecture Inside the Toshiba Nasu Factory Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shinichi Hashimoto 1385-1 Higashiyama, Shimoishikami, Otawara-shi, Tochigi (72) Inventor Naohisa Kamiyama 1385-1 Higashiyama, Shimoishi-kami, Otawara-shi, Tochigi Pref. Toshiba Nasu Factory Co., Ltd.

Claims (29)

[Claims] 1. A remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein a system setting change of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is performed by a computer at a remote place connected via a network, the method being provided in the medical image diagnostic apparatus. Changing the mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus to a mode in which system settings can be changed via a network, based on the input to the operated operating unit, and transmitting data from the computer to the medical image diagnostic apparatus. Changing the system settings of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, and restarting the medical image diagnostic apparatus, after the restart, without operating the operating means of the medical image diagnostic apparatus Restoring a network connection between the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the computer; Changing the mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus to a mode in which system settings cannot be changed via a network based on an input to the medical image diagnostic apparatus. . 2. A remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein the software of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is changed by a computer at a remote place connected via a network. Changing the mode of the medical image diagnostic apparatus to a mode in which the software can be changed via a network, based on the input to the operated operating unit, and changing the mode of the software from the computer to the medical image diagnostic apparatus. Changing the program of the medical image diagnostic apparatus by sending data; restarting the medical image diagnostic apparatus; and operating the operating means of the medical image diagnostic apparatus after the restart. A network connection between the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the computer The remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus is characterized in that a-up. 3. A medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of changing system settings by a remote computer connected via a network, comprising: network connection means for performing data communication via the network. An operation means for performing an operation of changing the mode to a mode in which the system setting can be changed via the network; and a mode change to a mode in which the system setting can be changed via the network based on an input to the operation means. Means for changing the system settings based on data sent from the computer via the network; and means for restarting the medical image diagnostic apparatus from the computer via the network. After the restart, a network connection with the computer And a means for changing a mode to a mode in which the system setting cannot be changed based on an input to the computer. 4. A medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of changing software by a remote computer connected via a network, comprising: a network connection means for performing data communication via the network; Operating means for performing an operation of changing the mode to a mode in which the software can be changed via the network; and changing the mode to a mode in which the software can be changed via the network based on an input to the operating means. Means, based on data sent from the computer via the network, means for changing the software, means for restarting the medical image diagnostic apparatus from the computer via the network, After the restart, the network with the computer A medical image diagnostic apparatus, comprising: means for restoring a network connection; and means for changing the mode to a mode in which the software cannot be changed based on an input to the computer. 5. A network connection means for performing data communication with an external device storing a control program for a medical image diagnostic apparatus via a network, and executing the control program via the network to control the apparatus. A medical image diagnostic apparatus, comprising: means for performing control. 6. A remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein operation of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is performed by a computer at a remote place connected via a network, wherein the method is performed in response to an input to an input means of the computer. Sending the generated data to the medical image diagnostic apparatus via the network; controlling the medical image diagnostic apparatus based on the data and generating display image data; and displaying the display image data. Displaying an image on a display unit of the medical image diagnostic apparatus based on the data, and sending data corresponding to the display image data to the computer via the network, and displaying the data on the display unit of the computer based on the data. Displaying an image on the computer; and The remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnosis apparatus characterized by comprising the steps of: sending a maintenance data to use diagnostic imaging apparatus. 7. A remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein operation of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is performed by a computer at a remote place connected via a network, wherein the input means of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is provided. Sending the data according to the input to the computer via the network, based on the data, controlling the computer and generating display image data, based on the display image data, Displaying an image on a display unit of the computer; transmitting data corresponding to the display image data to the medical image diagnostic apparatus via the network; and displaying the image based on the data. Displaying an image on the computer; and The remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnosis apparatus characterized by comprising the steps of: sending a maintenance data to use diagnostic imaging apparatus. 8. The input means includes: means for displaying a button corresponding to a switch on an operation panel of the medical image diagnostic apparatus on a screen of the computer; and means for selecting the button. 7. The remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: 9. A medical image diagnostic apparatus which can be controlled by a remote computer connected via a network, comprising: network connection means for performing data communication via the network; Means for controlling the apparatus and generating display image data based on the data corresponding to the input to the input means of the computer sent via the CPU, and displaying an image based on the display image data. Display means; means for sending data corresponding to the display image data to the computer via the network; means for sending maintenance data from the computer to the medical image diagnostic apparatus via the network. A medical image diagnostic apparatus characterized in that: 10. A medical image diagnostic apparatus which can be controlled by a remote computer connected via a network, comprising: a network connection means for performing data communication via the network; Means for transmitting data corresponding to an input to the input means of the diagnostic imaging apparatus for a computer to the computer via a network, and a display corresponding to an image displayed on the display means of the computer transmitted via the network. A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: display means for displaying an image based on image data; and means for sending maintenance data from the computer to the medical image diagnostic apparatus via the network. . 11. A remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein maintenance of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is performed by a computer at a remote place connected via a network, the method comprising: Executing a system diagnosis program of the image diagnosis apparatus; sending the result of the system diagnosis to the computer via the network; and storing the result of the system diagnosis in a database. A remote maintenance method for a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus. 12. The medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the system diagnostic result is at least one of characteristic information of an ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11. 13. A medical image diagnostic apparatus which can be maintained by a remote computer connected via a network, comprising: a network connection means for performing data communication via the network; A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: a photographing unit for photographing; and a unit for transmitting data of the image to the computer via the network. 14. The photographing means includes means for changing at least one of a photographing position and a zoom magnification based on data corresponding to an input to the input means of the computer sent through the network. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: 15. A remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein maintenance of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is performed by a remote computer connected via a network, wherein the imaging is connected to the remote computer. Means for photographing by the means; transmitting data of the image photographed by the photographing means via a network connection means of the remote computer; and Displaying an image on a display means. A remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, comprising: 16. The photographing means includes means for changing at least one of a photographing position and a zoom magnification based on data corresponding to an input to the input means of the computer sent through the network. The remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: 17. A medical image diagnostic apparatus which can be maintained by a remote computer connected via a network, comprising: a network connection unit for performing data communication via the network; A medical image diagnostic apparatus, comprising: means for converting to an electrical signal; and means for transmitting the audio data to the computer via the network. 18. A remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, wherein maintenance of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is performed by a remote computer connected via a network, wherein the microphone is connected to the remote computer. Converting the voice into an electrical signal by: transmitting the voice data via a network connection means of the remote computer; and a speaker of the medical image diagnostic apparatus based on the voice data. Reproducing a voice, and a remote maintenance method for the medical image diagnostic apparatus. 19. A medical image diagnostic apparatus which can be maintained by a remote computer connected via a network, comprising: a plurality of types of network connection means for performing data communication via the network; A control unit for transmitting data in the medical image diagnostic apparatus via the network connection unit based on a signal transmitted from the computer via the network. Diagnostic imaging device. 20. The medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a network connection unit connected to a local area network and a network connection unit connected to a telephone line. 20. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: 21. A medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of performing maintenance by a remote computer connected via a network, comprising two network connection means for performing data communication via the network. A medical image diagnostic apparatus having the above. 22. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
19. The remote maintenance method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, and 18. 23. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
22. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of 0, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, and 21. 24. A method for maintaining and managing a medical image diagnostic apparatus by a remote computer connected via a communication line, the method comprising: creating log data relating to a use state of the medical image diagnostic apparatus; Transmitting the log data created in this way to the remote computer via the communication line; storing the transmitted log data as data constituting a predetermined database on the remote computer Causing the medical image diagnostic apparatus to display the use state of the medical image diagnostic apparatus based on log data stored as data constituting the database. Maintenance management method. 25. The medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an ultrasonic probe, and an analysis result of a use state of the medical image diagnostic apparatus is diagnosed within a predetermined period by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Number of patients, Doppler mode for ultrasonic diagnosis used by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, B
Mode, M mode, CFM mode (Color Flo
w Mapping), angio mode, TDI (Ti
ssue Doppler Imaging) mode,
THI (Tissue Harmonic Image)
ng) mode, and each use time of the measurement mode, the number of freezes of the ultrasound image displayed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, the number of recordings of the ultrasound image, and at least the ratio of the number of times of recording to the number of freezes 26. The maintenance management method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the method includes one. 26. The medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an ultrasonic probe, wherein the data constituting the database includes deterioration information of the ultrasonic probe, and acceleration provided in the ultrasonic probe. 26. The medical image according to claim 25, wherein the medical image is at least one of information on a date and time when a value measured by a sensor exceeds a predetermined value and information on the number of times the value measured by the acceleration sensor exceeds a predetermined value. Maintenance management method for diagnostic equipment. 27. The medical image diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an ultrasonic probe, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided with a probe holder for holding the ultrasonic probe and a probe holder provided in the probe holder. A phantom forming a standard test body for phantom testing, means for obtaining an ultrasonic image of the phantom by the ultrasonic probe held in the probe holder, and deterioration of the ultrasonic image of the phantom by the ultrasonic probe. 26. The maintenance management method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising: means for transmitting data for obtaining information to the remote computer. 28. A step of creating log data relating to the usage status of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, a step of recording the created log data on a predetermined recording medium, and a step of creating log data based on the log data on the recording medium. Analyzing the usage of the medical image diagnostic apparatus in a displayable manner. 29. A log creating means for creating log data relating to the use status of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, a log recording means for recording the log data created by the log creating means on a predetermined recording medium, and the log Analyzing means for analyzing the use status of the medical image diagnostic apparatus in a displayable manner based on the log data recorded on the recording medium by the recording means.