JP2002236758A - Program for medical device maintenance - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To order parts for a medical device installed in a hospital as early as possible and also to repair abnormality in the medical device as early as possible even when parts do not have to be ordered. SOLUTION: An SP 3a in the hospital (A) collects various pieces of state data of the medical device A1, decides whether or not abnormality occurs in the medical device on the basis of the state data, and notifies a computer 7 of a service center (S) of its abnormal state by e-mail, etc., by utilizing a telephone line 5 in the case of deciding that the abnormality occurs. Thus, the service center (S) repairs the medical device A1 with remote control by utilizing the telephone line 5 and transfers e-mail to a service station (STa, etc.), in charge. The service center (S) sometimes orders parts from a factory(FT) on the basis of the contents of the e-mail.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for performing maintenance on medical equipment in a hospital according to a maintenance contract or the like, and more particularly, to remotely monitor medical equipment from a service center to perform remote maintenance and the like. The present invention relates to a medical device maintenance program for repairing / repairing a medical device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a medical device in a hospital breaks down, hospital staff (operators, doctors, etc. on the hospital side) call a service center to have the service person come to the service center, so that the service person can be called. Restoration was underway. In this case, the medical device itself has information such as an error log and the like, and after arriving at the hospital, the service technician checks the error log and orders replacement parts assuming an abnormal part of the device. , And repaired abnormal spots.

However, the error log cannot be confirmed unless the service technician arrives at the hospital. Therefore, the abnormal part cannot be checked until the service technician arrives at the hospital. Once ordered, it took a considerable amount of time to repair.

[0004] Even if it is not necessary to replace parts, if the abnormal state of the medical device is quickly corrected, the use of the medical device can be started earlier. For example,
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Im)
The aging device always cools the magnet with the cooling device. However, if the cooling device fails, the circulation of the cooling water stops and the temperature of the magnet gradually increases, and it takes time to repair the magnet in accordance with the temperature rise. . That is, if it takes one day from the temperature rise to the start of repair, it takes another day to start use, and if it takes only one hour to start repair, it takes another hour to start use.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and makes it possible to place orders for parts of a medical device as soon as possible. It is intended to repair and repair abnormalities of the vehicle.

[0006]

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is used in a maintenance system for maintaining a medical device installed in a hospital, and is used for a computer to execute various functions. An apparatus maintenance program, comprising: a data collection function for collecting state data of the medical apparatus; and an abnormal state determination function for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the medical apparatus based on the state data collected by the data collection function. A medical device maintenance program for executing an abnormal status notification function of transmitting a notification regarding an abnormal status to a service center using a communication network when the abnormal status is determined to be abnormal by the abnormal status determination function.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, the status data collected by the data collection function is data relating to daily operation confirmation items at the time of trial operation of the medical device.
The medical device program according to claim 1, wherein the data is data relating to a state of a specific device of the medical device or data relating to an environmental condition around the medical device.

In the invention according to a third aspect of the present invention, the determination by the abnormality determination function is performed based on whether or not data on the daily operation check item is within a predetermined standard value range. Or, to determine whether there is an abnormality by comparing the data on the daily operation check item with the data on the daily operation check item of the previous day, or for a certain period of the data on the daily operation check item The medical device maintenance program according to claim 1, wherein the determination is made based on a fluctuation rate.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is used in a maintenance system for maintaining medical equipment installed in each hospital, and various functions are provided to a computer of a service center for centrally managing maintenance and inspection of the medical equipment. A medical device maintenance program to be executed, the abnormal status notification receiving function receiving a notification regarding the abnormal status of the medical device transmitted from the hospital using a communication network; and the abnormal status notification receiving function. A transfer destination determining function for determining to which service station the notification of the abnormal condition should be transferred according to the time zone or the hospital, and using the communication network for the transfer destination service station determined by the transfer destination determining function. A transfer function for transferring the notification regarding the abnormal state. It is a medical device maintenance program for.

The invention according to claim 5 is used in a maintenance system for maintaining medical equipment installed in each hospital, and various functions are provided to a computer of a service center for centrally managing the maintenance and inspection of the medical equipment. A medical device maintenance program to be executed, the abnormal status notification receiving function receiving a notification regarding the abnormal status of the medical device transmitted from the hospital using a communication network; and the abnormal status notification receiving function. A remote repair determination function that determines whether the medical device having the abnormal state can be remotely repaired using a communication network, and a remote repair determination function that determines that the remote repair is impossible. Notification to the service station using the communication network Is a medical device maintenance program for executing, a transfer function of feed.

The invention according to claim 6 is used in a maintenance system for maintaining medical equipment installed in each hospital, and various functions are provided to a computer of a service center for centrally managing the maintenance and inspection of the medical equipment. A medical device maintenance program to be executed, the abnormal status notification receiving function receiving a notification regarding the abnormal status of the medical device transmitted from the hospital using a communication network; and the abnormal status notification receiving function. A component replacement determination function for determining whether a component replacement is necessary for the medical device in which the abnormal state has occurred, and a component replacement determination function that determines that component replacement is necessary. A medical device device for executing an order function for ordering the component maker using a communication network. It is a Maintenance Manual for the program.

[0012] Further, the invention according to claim 7 is based on claim 4.
7. The medical device maintenance program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: when the computer executes the transfer function according to claim 4 or 5, or the ordering function according to claim 6, the content of the execution. Is added to an execution content notification function for notifying a hospital where a medical device that has received the notification of the abnormal state is installed using a communication network.

[0013] Further, in the invention according to claim 8, the notification regarding the abnormal state is sent by an electronic mail, and the medical device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein This is a device maintenance program.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the whole of a medical device maintenance system (hereinafter, referred to as “the present system”) 1 of the present invention. FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when operating the present system 1.

FIG. 1 shows a plurality of medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ , A ₂ ) installed in a plurality of hospitals (A, B,..., N), respectively.
.. An; B ₁ , B ₂ ,... Bn; N ₁ , N ₂ ,... Nn), but in the following description, for convenience of explanation, the medical device (A ₁ ) of the hospital (A) will be described. , A ₂ ,... An) will be described.

In the hospital (A), a plurality of medical devices (A ₁ ,
A ₂ ,... An) are respectively connected to Service Processors (hereinafter, “SP”) through hubs ₂ a.
That. ) 3a. This SP 3a is connected to a telephone line (analog line) 5 via a modem 4a. SP3a includes medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ ,.
n) a function of periodically accessing the data and collecting data indicating various states (hereinafter, “state data”), and a function of determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... An). And a program for executing a function of notifying the computer 7 of the service center (S) of the abnormality.

The modem 4a is not limited to the case where the modem 4a is separate from the SP 3a, but may be one that is integrated with the SP 3a.

Here, the status data is stored in the medical device (A
₁ , A ₂ ,... An), daily operation items at the time of trial operation, states of specific parts (equipment, parts, etc.) of medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... An), medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ , .. An) are data and the like relating to environmental conditions around the installation.

An example of the daily operation item is an S / N ratio of image quality when a phantom is photographed by an MRI apparatus. In this case, the SP 3a determines whether or not the S / N ratio is abnormal based on whether or not the data regarding the S / N ratio is within the range of a predetermined standard value, or determines whether the data regarding the current S / N ratio and the S / N ratio of the previous day are abnormal. It is determined whether or not there is an abnormality by comparing the data with the / N ratio, or when the fluctuation rate of the data on the S / N ratio for a certain period of time suddenly fluctuates outside the specified range, it is determined to be abnormal. In addition, HD of medical equipment
The same applies to state information such as the free information of D (Hard Disk Drive), the temperature of the cooler, and the number of times the medical device starts up per day.

Further, the medical device _{(A 1, A 2, ...} An) as an example of a state of a specific devices (including components), the uninterruptible power supply of the medical device _{(A 1, A 2, ...} An) ( UPS:
Uninterrupted Power Suppl
y) The life of the battery (battery). In this case, the SP 3a determines whether there is an abnormality based on whether the data regarding the charging rate of the battery is within the range of the predetermined standard value, or determines whether the data regarding the current charging rate and the charging rate regarding the previous day are abnormal. It is determined whether or not there is an abnormality by comparing the data with the data, or when the fluctuation rate of the data regarding the charging rate during a certain period of time suddenly fluctuates out of the standard range, it is determined to be abnormal. The same applies to state data such as the remaining amount of helium and the temperature of the magnet.

Further, as an example of the surrounding environmental state where the medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ ,..., An) are installed, the temperature and humidity of the control room (machine room) of the medical device can be mentioned. In this way, by monitoring the surrounding environmental conditions, it is possible to assert that the medical device is not the responsibility of the manufacturer even if it fails, but that the medical device has failed due to the installed environment.

Note that the state data includes data obtained when operating the medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... An). For example, there is image data acquired by an X-ray CT scanner.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 1, a computer 7 of the service center (S) is connected to a telephone line 5 via a modem 6 and uses the telephone line 5 to connect to each hospital (A, B). ,... N) can communicate with the SPs (3a, 3b,... 3n). The service center (S) includes medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... An; B ₁ , B ₁ ) of each hospital (A to N).
_{B 2, ... Bn; N 1} , N 2, is where to centralize the maintenance and inspection of ... Nn). A service engineer SE is present at the service center (S). The service engineer SE uses the computer 7 and the medical equipment (A ₁ , A ₂ ,...) Of each hospital (A, B,..., N) via the telephone line 5.
An; B ₁ , B ₂ ,..., Bn; N ₁ , N ₂ ,... Nn) are accessed and remote control is performed to repair abnormalities (remote maintenance) of the medical device. The computer 7 has a function of receiving an abnormality notification from the SP3a, and, based on the notification received, no service engineer SE repair or can be a service man a _1, etc. by remote control is restored to go to local A program for executing a function of determining whether the user must make a decision is recorded. Also, the computer 7 includes medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... An; B ₁ , B
_{2, ... Bn; N 1,} N 2, ... Nn) Repair abnormality by remote control (also programs for executing the functions remote maintenance) to be recorded.

In addition to the function of repairing the abnormality by the remote control, when the operation of the SP 3a becomes abnormal or disabled, the power of the SP 3a is automatically turned off.
A function of restarting (restarting) the FF may be provided.
In order to prevent unauthorized access by others, SP3a
By setting a flag to enable remote control from the computer 7 only when a doctor or the like turns on the flag, or to prevent remote control without entering a password on the computer 7 to add an unauthorized access prevention function. Is also good. Further, the medical device A
A function may be provided for remotely maintaining a software defect for operating the _first or SP3a from the computer 7.

A reset function for automatically resetting the computer 7 by itself when remote control by the computer 7 becomes inoperable may be added.

The function of receiving the notification of the abnormality may include a function of deleting information relating to the privacy of the patient or a function of performing masking or the like when displaying the monitor on the computer 7. In this case, instead of adding the above function to the program of the computer 7, the information regarding the privacy of the patient is deleted before the abnormality is notified on the SP 3 a side, or the information is not displayed on the monitor display of the computer 7. SP3 for pre-masking function
You may add to the program of a.

Further, the computer 7 has a medical device (A
_{1, A 2, ..., An} ) of the state (a normal state or abnormal state)
May be recorded, and a program for executing a function of periodically reporting the current state to the SP 3a may be recorded. As an example of this, the state of the medical device is compiled into a report at the service center (S), converted into an image file format such as JPEG, and then converted to the SP3a or the medical device (A ₁ , A ₂ ,..., A).
A function for transmitting the image data as n) is given.

The modem 6 is not limited to the case where it is separate from the computer 7, but may be integrated with the computer 7.

Subsequently, the computer 7 of the service center (S) is connected to the computer 9 of the factory (FT) via the telephone line 5 and can communicate with the computer 9 using the telephone line 5. I have. This factory (FT)
Are the medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... An; B ₁ , B ₂ ,.
n; N ₁ , N ₂ ,... Nn).

Here, the computer 7 stores a program for executing a function of ordering parts to the computer 9 based on the contents of the e-mail. The computer 9 stores a program for executing a function of receiving an order for the parts.
Note that the modem 8 is not limited to the case where the modem is separate from the computer 9, and may be integrated with the computer 9.

Further, the computer 7 of the service center (S) is connected to computers (11a, 11b,..., 11n) of service stations (STa, STB,. And a computer (11a, 11b,
, 11n). The service station (STa, STB, ..., STn ) is a medical device _{(A 1, A 2, ...} An; B 1, B 2, ... Bn; N 1,
N _2, ... service man to actually perform the maintenance and inspection of _{Nn) (a 1, a 2} , ... a n; b 1, b 2, ... b n;
n ₁ , n ₂ ,..., n _n ).

As shown in FIG. 3, the computer 7 stores transfer destination management tables 20 and 30 for specifying a mail transfer destination. The computer 7 (11a, 11a,
11b) are recorded a program for executing the function of transferring the e-mail.

That is to say, the computer 7 has 18
A transfer destination management table 20 indicating the transfer destination when the above-mentioned e-mail is received and a transfer destination management table 30 indicating the transfer destination when the e-mail is received from 18:00 to 8:00 of the next day are stored. . Transfer destination management table 20
As shown in FIG. 3A, for example, the person in charge of the hospital (A) is the service station (STa), the person in charge of the hospital (B) is the service station (STb),..., The hospital (N).
Represents a relationship such as a service station (STn). Further, the transfer destination management table 30
As shown in FIG. 3 (b), for example, a relation such as charge on Monday is a service station (STa), charge on Tuesday is a service station (STb),... Charge on Sunday is a service station (STn). Is represented.

The computers (11a, 11b,...)
11n), the transferred e-mail is received, and if necessary, the transferred e-mail is further transferred to a computer or a mobile phone (not shown) of a service person in charge. A program for executing a function to be executed is recorded. Note that the modem (10a, 10
, 10n) are computers (11a,
11n), and may be integrated into the computer (11a, 11b,..., 11n).

Incidentally, the communication network between the SP 3a and the computer 7 and between the computer 7 and the computer 9 or the computer 11 are constructed by using the telephone line 5 using the modem 4a as described above. , Terminal Adapter (Termin
al Adapter) and ISDN (Integ)
rated Services Digital Ne
work). Further, a dial-up router (Dial-up Router) may be used without using the modem 4a or the terminal adapter.

A communication network may be constructed using a dedicated line (leased line) without using a public network such as a telephone line or ISDN. In this case, it is very useful in communication where security is important, such as a medical device, in order to prevent external intrusion.

Next, a series of processes in operation of the present system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Examples shown below, a case where abnormality occurs in a medical device A ₁ hospital (A).

First, the SP 3a of the hospital (A) is the hub 2a
, An collects various status data of the medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... An) from the medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... An) (step S 1). Next, the SP 3a determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... An) based on the state data (step S2).

Next, in step S2, if it is determined that there is no abnormality (there is no abnormality), the process returns to step S1, but if it is determined that there is an abnormality, the following step 3 is performed.
Move to

Next, SP3a is, when it is determined that the abnormality in the medical apparatus A ₁ has occurred, "an error that ○○ has occurred." To the computer 5 of the service center (S) send an e-mail of the sentence (Step S3).
It should be noted that FTP (File Tran
transfer may be performed by a computer as a whole, for example, by a transfer protocol (sfer protocol).

Next, the computer 5 of the service center (S) determines the type of abnormality based on the content of the e-mail.
That is, it is determined whether to perform remote control or call a serviceman (step S4).

The type of the abnormality may be determined on the hospital (A) side and notified to the service center (S). For example,
Compares the received logs and normal log SP3a, or found a type of abnormality of the medical device A ₁ from the difference, also,
The type of abnormality may be determined by extracting a keyword from the log received in SP3a.

[0043] Further, by attaching a "fault button" to the medical device A _1, if the doctor or the like presses the "fault button" is abnormal to the service center (S) detects that SP3a is pressed May be added.

If it is determined in step S4 that the computer 5 can perform remote control, the electronic mail is not transferred to the service station (STa, STB,..., STn). In this case, the service center (S), as soon as the service engineer SE confirmation e-mail, access the medical device A ₁ through SP3a hospital (A) from the computer 5 (step S5), and by performing remote control The abnormal state is repaired (remote maintenance) (step S6).

On the other hand, in step S4, the computer 5 when it is determined that the call service man a ₁ or the like, to determine whether it is necessary to order substitution of components from the contents of the electronic mail (step S7). When it is necessary to order a part, an alternative part is ordered from the computer 9 of the factory (FT) by a communication means such as an e-mail (Step S).
8). Thereby, in the factory (FT), parts are sent to the service station (STa) or the hospital (A) directly (step S9).

Next, the computer 5 executes step S
In 7, it is determined whether or not the current time is between 8:00 and 18:00 irrespective of whether or not it is necessary to order a replacement part (step S <b> 10). In the above step S9, the computer 7 operates within 8:00 to 18:00 (YE
When it is determined as S), the electronic mail is automatically transmitted to the computer 11a of the service station (STa) in charge of the hospital (A) (step S11). As a result, the service person _{a 1,} etc. in charge of the hospital (A) is go to the hospital (A) (step S12).

On the other hand, in step S9, when the computer 7 determines that the time is between 8:00 and 18:00 (NO), the service station in charge of night (here,
The electronic mail is automatically transferred to the computer 11b of STb) on Tuesday (step S13). As a result, the chosen service person in charge of the hospital (A) _{(Here, b 1),} the service person _{b 1} is go to the hospital (A) (step S14).

[0048] Incidentally, the execution contents of the computer 7 in step S5,11,13 by using a communication network such as e-mail, sequentially, and notifies the medical device _{A 1} which generated the SP3a or abnormal hospital (A) You may. In this case, the notification to the hospital (A) is made in steps S5, 11, 1
3 may be performed in synchronization with the execution of the computer.

As described above, according to the present system 1, the abnormal state of the medical devices (A ₁ , A ₂ ,... An) is transmitted from the hospital (A) to the service center (S) by e-mail or the like. Service engineer SE
Can start remote maintenance quickly. In addition, the ordering of parts to the factory (FT) is automatically performed, so that the time required for restoration can be reduced. In addition, each service station from the service center (S) (STa, STb, ..., STn) because it can also contact to carry out the automatic transfer of such as e-mail, a service person a ₁ or the like of the end regardless of the time zone The abnormality of the medical device can be notified.

[0050]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
If the medical device maintenance program described in (1) is executed on a computer, the hospital can use the communication network to notify the service center of the abnormality of the medical device, and order medical device parts as quickly as possible. Or, even when it is unnecessary to order parts, the abnormality of the medical device can be repaired as soon as possible.

If the computer executes the medical device maintenance program according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the notification from the service center to each service station can be automatically transferred such as electronic mail. Therefore, the terminal service person can be notified of the abnormality of the medical device regardless of the time zone. Thus, the service person can quickly start the repair of the medical device.

Furthermore, if the medical device maintenance program according to claim 6 of the present invention is executed by a computer, the medical device in a hospital can be remotely maintained from a service center, so that the abnormality of the medical device can be quickly repaired. Alternatively, the medical device can be restored without the knowledge of a hospital doctor or the like.

If the computer executes the medical device maintenance program according to claim 7 of the present invention, the hospital side is notified of the contents of the computer of the service center. It is possible to grasp what kind of processing (maintenance) is currently being performed.

Furthermore, if the computer executes the medical device maintenance program according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to automatically order parts from a parts factory. Repair can begin.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an entire medical device maintenance system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a series of processes in operating the medical device maintenance system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a transfer destination management table stored in a computer 7 in the medical device maintenance system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Remote maintenance system for medical devices 2 Hub 3 Service Processor 4 Modem 5 Telephone line 6 Modem 7 Computer 8 Modem 9 Computer 10 Modem 11 Computer

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A medical device maintenance program for use in a maintenance system for maintaining a medical device installed in a hospital and for causing a computer to execute various functions, comprising: data for collecting status data of the medical device. A collecting function; an abnormal state determining function for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the medical device based on state data collected by the data collecting function; and a communication network when an abnormal state is determined by the abnormal state determining function. An abnormal state notification function for transmitting a notification about an abnormal state to the service center, and a medical device maintenance program for executing the function. 2. The state data collected by the data collection function is data relating to a daily operation check item at the time of trial operation of the medical device, or data relating to a state of a specific device of the medical device, or the medical device 2. The program for a medical device according to claim 1, wherein the data is data relating to an environmental condition of a surrounding area where the program is installed. 3. The determination by the abnormality determination function is performed by determining whether or not data relating to the daily operation check item is within a range of a predetermined standard value. Judging whether or not there is an abnormality by comparing the data on the operation check item with the data on the daily operation check item of the previous day, or whether or not there is an abnormality based on the fluctuation rate of the data on the daily operation item over a certain period of time 2. The medical device maintenance program according to claim 1, wherein the determination is performed. 4. A medical device maintenance program used in a maintenance system for maintaining medical devices installed in each hospital, and for causing a computer of a service center for centrally managing maintenance and inspection of the medical devices to execute various functions. An abnormal state notification receiving function for receiving a notification regarding an abnormal state of a medical device transmitted from the hospital using a communication network, and according to a time zone or a hospital received by the abnormal state notification receiving function, A transfer destination determining function for determining to which service station the notification regarding the abnormal state is to be transferred; and transferring the notification regarding the abnormal state to a transfer destination service station determined by the transfer destination determining function using a communication network. Transfer function, and a medical device Nance for the program. 5. A medical device maintenance program used in a maintenance system for maintaining medical devices installed in each hospital and for causing a computer of a service center for centrally managing maintenance and inspection of the medical devices to execute various functions. An abnormal state notification receiving function for receiving a notification regarding an abnormal state of a medical device transmitted from the hospital using a communication network, and the abnormal state is received in accordance with the notification content received by the abnormal state notification receiving function. A remote repair determination function for determining whether the medical device in which the state has occurred can be remotely repaired using a communication network, and using the communication network when remote repair is determined to be impossible by the remote repair determination function. Executing a transfer function of transferring the notification regarding the abnormal state to the service station. Because medical equipment program for the maintenance of. 6. A medical device maintenance program used in a maintenance system for maintaining medical devices installed in each hospital and for causing a computer of a service center for centrally managing maintenance and inspection of the medical devices to execute various functions. An abnormal state notification receiving function for receiving a notification regarding an abnormal state of a medical device transmitted from the hospital using a communication network, and the abnormal state is received in accordance with the notification content received by the abnormal state notification receiving function. A component replacement determination function for determining whether a component replacement is necessary for the medical device in which the condition has occurred, and a communication network for a manufacturer of the component when the component replacement determination function determines that component replacement is necessary. An ordering function to place an order, and a medical device maintenance program to execute the order. 7. The medical device maintenance program according to claim 4, further comprising the transfer function according to claim 4 or the ordering function according to claim 6 executed by the computer. In the case of execution, a medical device is provided with an execution content notification function of notifying the execution content to a hospital in which the medical device that has received the notification of the abnormal state is installed using a communication network. Maintenance program. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the notification regarding the abnormal state is sent by e-mail.
Or the medical device maintenance program according to any one of 6.