JP2011041831A - Ultrasonograph and function providing method in connection with ultrasonic diagnosis - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonograph which can easily change functions according to various using environments and a function providing method in connection with ultrasonic diagnosis. <P>SOLUTION: In the ultrasonograph for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves to/from a subject for generating ultrasonic images based on acquired ultrasonic echo signals, the ultrasonograph includes an insertion inlet set on a case of the ultrasonograph, the inlet is used for insertion and connection of a function adding unit for adding functions of the ultrasonograph, and an image processing means for generating ultrasonic images based on the data processed by the function adding unit inserted into the insertion port. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that draws and diagnoses a state of an internal organ or blood flow using ultrasonic waves, and a function providing method related to ultrasonic diagnosis.

  The basic examination method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a B-mode two-dimensional tomography method, a Doppler method called PW or CW mode, a color Doppler method called CDFM mode that visualizes blood flow, and a tissue Doppler that visualizes tissue movement. There are a method (TDI), a 3D method for stereoscopically displaying a tissue, and a 4D method for displaying a stereoscopic image as a moving image. As clinical applications, there are a stress echo method, a contrast echo method, an ACM method for measuring the cardiac output of the heart, and the like.

  In recent years, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus itself has been miniaturized, and those that can be transported in a hospital, mounted on a vehicle, transported to an outdoor site, and those that are portable are also appearing. When these devices with excellent portability are used, the diagnostic applications and scope are greatly expanded compared to conventional devices. For example, nurses and the like can be easily carried by hand at an emergency site, during surgery, or at home medical care. Furthermore, the target users may spread not only to conventional ultrasonic doctors and ultrasonic technicians, but also to emergency teams and nurses, and even patients at home.

  However, it is very difficult to implement functions that satisfy all of these various applications in a stationary ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and much less to realize with a portable small ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. There are limitations due to the above problems and the problem of the capacity of the memory circuit. In particular, when a portable ultrasound diagnostic device is used, it can be carried to multiple departments, facilities, and places, but each environment (data filing environment, peripheral device environment, electronic medical record environment, etc.) is often different. Therefore, the best inspection cannot be performed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a function providing method related to ultrasound diagnosis that can easily change functions according to various usage environments.

  One aspect of the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to a subject and generates an ultrasonic image based on the obtained ultrasonic echo signals. For inserting and connecting an additional unit, the insertion port provided in the housing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, based on the data processed by the function addition unit inserted in the insertion port, Image processing means for generating an ultrasonic image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a function providing method related to ultrasound diagnosis that can easily change functions according to various usage environments.

1 is a configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows a mode that a function program is downloaded via a network or wireless LAN in this embodiment. The figure which shows the example by function attachment / detachment of a unit in this embodiment. The figure which shows the apparatus structural example of FIG. The figure which shows the example of a function change of a portable ultrasonic diagnosing device in this embodiment. The figure which shows the stand-alone type | mold ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in this embodiment. The figure which shows the network type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in this embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing a simplified ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the present embodiment. The figure which shows the software architecture of this embodiment. The figure which shows a mode that a function program is downloaded from an application server to a mobile system during a movement in this embodiment. The figure which shows a mode that it accesses a several application server simultaneously in this embodiment, when the required function is provided by the some provider. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a basic procedure for connection with an application server in the present embodiment. The figure which shows a mode that another person takes charge of the exchange between the engineer who performs only an inspection, a doctor, and a server in this embodiment. The figure which shows the procedure for providing the function program used in the past automatically in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the figure which shows transfer of the information of this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with respect to each of external HIS / RIS, PACS, test | inspection information management center, and ASP. The system diagram of the business model for promoting functional enhancement in this embodiment. The figure which shows the example which changes a transmission format according to the transmission / reception environment of each facility in this embodiment. The figure which shows the example which changes a transmission format according to the transmission / reception environment of each facility in this embodiment. The figure which shows the information communicated between a diagnostic apparatus and ASP in this embodiment. The figure which shows the mechanism in which ASP can grasp | ascertain the use condition of the apparatus in a hospital in this embodiment. The figure which shows the mechanism in which ASP can grasp | ascertain the usage condition of the apparatus in the outdoors in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings according to preferred embodiments. First, as a precondition of the present invention, as shown in Table 1, functions required for ultrasonic diagnosis may vary depending on the use place, use environment, and user of the apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. First, the echo pulse system will be described. In this apparatus, an ultrasonic wave is irradiated into a subject from a pulse transmission circuit 2 via an ultrasonic probe 1, and an echo reflected by a tissue or blood flow in the subject is reflected through a pulse receiving circuit 3 via the same probe 1. Receive and demodulate. The received signal is subjected to delay control (phased addition), a filter, and the like in the preprocessing unit 4 and is output to the echo signal processing control unit 5 as an echo signal. The echo signal processing control unit 5 performs transmission / reception calculation processing, B mode calculation processing, M mode calculation processing, color Doppler calculation processing, PW Doppler calculation processing, CW calculation processing, and the like on the echo signal input from the preprocessing unit 4. Perform processing related to image generation. The image data generated here is supplied to the video interface 7 after being subjected to coordinate conversion and interpolation processing by the scan converter 6. The video interface 7 is mounted with a video memory for displaying an ultrasonic image on a display unit (monitor) 8. The image is displayed on the monitor 8 according to the data written in the memory. The video interface 7 is also equipped with a cine memory for recording moving images.

  The echo signal processing control unit 5 is provided mainly for processing related to image generation on the echo signal, and does not have a processing function or implements only a few functions as a standard. The image data is generated by operating according to the program code related to the image generation provided from the outside. As this providing method, for example, there are a method using a storage medium such as a floppy disk or a PC card (memory card) 9-12, and a method using a network for downloading. The apparatus is equipped with a PC card interface 13 and a network interface 14. Of course, these can be used in combination. Details of this method will be described later.

  Next, the control system will be described. The control system of this apparatus includes an operation panel 15, a CPU 16, a real-time control processor 17, an image signal processor 18, an image signal analyzer 19, and a RAM 20. The panel 15 converts the operation of the operator into an electric signal and transmits it to the CPU 16. The CPU 16 mainly performs screen display control, key operation control, internal program event processing, GUI (graphic user interface) processing, network communication processing, data storage processing, report processing, and the like.

  The real-time control processor 17 downloads management, firmware, and the like of a portion requiring real-time control in addition to the control of the CPU 16 to the programmable device. The image signal processor 18 performs echo signal repair, image processing, and the like in software based on a program such as an application downloaded via the network.

  These functions are a mechanism for realizing, in software, functions conventionally realized in hardware according to program codes provided via the PC card interface 13 and the network interface 14 as described above. The image signal analyzer 19 is a mechanism for realizing clinically necessary application functions. For example, a tissue Doppler analysis function, a cardiac output automatic calculation processing / analysis function, a curve analysis (FFT analysis, blood flow velocity gradient analysis, luminance change analysis with time) and the like are performed. The network interface 14 exchanges information with devices connected wirelessly or by wire. The RAM 20 is a memory that is used for temporary storage or work by the CPU 16, the real-time control processor 17, the image signal processor 18, and the image signal analyzer 19. Depending on the configuration, it is possible to divide the memory space and allocate the memory space as a shared memory. The RAM 20 is configured to store and delete programs, setting parameters, protocols, drivers, and the like sent from an ASP, which will be described later, via a network as necessary. Further, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive may be used as auxiliary storage means of the RAM 20.

  With the circuit configuration example described above, it is possible to arbitrarily change the function required according to the use environment. In addition, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is portable and small, it may be used in an environment different from the usage environment such as a normal hospital room such as a moving destination. In that case, it is necessary depending on the usage environment. Only the functions can be installed in the apparatus as appropriate by downloading or the like. In other words, the characteristics of the light and small device are various places, such as different departments and hospital rooms in hospitals, operating rooms and outside hospitals, other hospitals, emergency sites, inside ambulances, battlefields, etc., and various users. For example, a requesting doctor, an inspecting doctor, an inspecting engineer, a nurse, a warrior, a patient at home, and the like can be targeted. These features have a wider range of use than before. Therefore, it is possible to satisfy all the requirements by realizing an optimum function according to each case. An example of usage environment and necessary functions are shown below.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for downloading a necessary processing function (application program code) through a network. Here, an example of using the stationary diagnostic apparatus 21 and the portable diagnostic apparatus (portable diagnostic apparatus) 22 is shown. Many application program codes supplied in advance by the manufacturer are registered in the database 24 of the server 23 of the application service provider (ASP). The operator requests the provider to provide necessary functions (application program code) when diagnosis is required or in advance. In response to the request, program code, data, a manual, and the like are downloaded from the application server 23.

  Regarding the downloading method, it is basically necessary to construct a network with the server 23. In the case of the stationary type 21, it is generally connected by a wire 25 using Ethernet. On the other hand, in the case of the portable type 22, a wireless LAN 26 is appropriate. If LAN connection is not possible, media such as MO and CD, PC card, memory card, etc. can be used. Media, a PC card, and a memory card can be directly provided from the ASP 23, or can be downloaded from an application server with a terminal such as a PC that can be connected to the LAN in advance.

  The ASP 23 inputs an ID unique to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, an ID unique to the facility where the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is used, and a user ID from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus for user login. In addition, the ASP 23 inputs information including the usage time, the number of usage functions, and the usage period from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for accounting, and aggregates the usage status of this program as statistical information. Accounting information is calculated and displayed based on the information, and transmitted to the user.

  Instead of receiving necessary functions via a storage medium or a network in this way, or in combination therewith, as shown in FIG. 3, these functions are unitized and the necessary units are mounted on the apparatus body. You may make it do. Unlike the conventional integrated diagnostic apparatus, the separable processing system part is configured separately for each of the units 27 to 35. In the example of FIG. 3, the probe unit 34, the system rack 35, the transmission unit 31, the reception unit 30, the 2D ultrasonic image configuration unit 29, the color Doppler unit 28, the network unit 27, the monitor unit 32, the operation panel unit 33, and the like are configured. . The units 27 to 35 are connected wirelessly or by wire. As a basic connection form, the probe unit 34, the monitor unit 32, the operation panel unit 33, and the like exist separately, and it is highly possible that the installation position is frequently changed. Further, since high-speed data processing is required between the signal processing units 28 to 31 in the main body 35, wired connection or optical communication is used.

  FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration example of the separate configuration type diagnostic apparatus. Here, an example in which the echo signal processing unit is divided into units 36 to 39 is shown. The apparatus main body 35 is equipped with a unit interface 40, and by attaching any one or two units 36 to 39 to the unit interface 40, a necessary function, here, an image generation function can be given to the apparatus. it can. There are no specific bus standards regarding the connection between installed units.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a small-sized, particularly portable diagnostic apparatus that can be expanded in function by a PC card and a memory device. In this apparatus, a dedicated or general-purpose probe 51 is attached to the mobile system main body 50 provided with the display unit 52 and the operation unit 53, and a PC card ( PCMCIA) 41-45 or the like is used, and memory devices 46-48 such as a floppy disk are used for software changes. It is also possible to add or change firmware for a programmable device such as a DSP or FPGA in the apparatus or in a PC card using a memory device or the like. A device other than a PC card may be used as long as it is a portable device for the purpose of adding hardware.

  There are various forms of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, and the present invention can be applied to any of them. FIG. 6 shows a stand-alone ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Various units such as a transmission / reception unit 102, a continuous wave Doppler unit 103, a server unit 104, a network interface unit 105, and a power unit 106 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 101. FIG. 7 shows a network-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a high-speed network 114 is provided for a plurality of apparatus terminals 111 and 112 that can be arranged in different rooms in charge of ultrasonic transmission / reception and image display. The apparatus main body 113 and the shared console 115 are connected via the terminal. When the ultrasonic echo signals collected by the device terminals 111 and 112 are sent via the high-speed network 114, the device main body 113 performs signal processing according to the continuous wave Doppler unit 103 and the like attached. Then, ultrasonic image data or the like as the processing result is returned to the apparatus terminals 111 and 112 via the high-speed network 114. The device terminals 111 and 112 display the returned ultrasound image data and the like on the display. Various units such as transmission / reception units 116 and 117, continuous wave Doppler unit 118, server unit 119, network interface unit 120, and power unit 120 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 113. Further, in FIG. 8, there is a palm-sized ultra-compact simple ultra-diagnostic device 52 equipped with minimum functions for transmission / reception and image generation, which can be detached from the apparatus main body 51 and used as it is.

  FIG. 9 illustrates the software architecture of this embodiment. The device layer is for input / output control of devices connected to the main body, for example, probes, PC cards, memory devices, keyboards, trackballs, and the like. The operation system (OS) layer is a basic program layer that controls the device itself. In this example, a real-time OS is used for processing that requires real-time management such as a general-purpose OS for processing mainly on GUI and information input / output and hardware control. The middleware layer is a program routine corresponding to each application, and is used as a library. APIs that communicate between the OS and software coded at higher layers, general-purpose routines that collect frequently used functions, image data, inspection information, etc., database for searching, automating device operations, etc. There is a workflow engine that performs sequencer-like behavior for operation navigation.

  The plug-in layer is for extending application routines to a general-purpose middleware layer. The software here uses a plug-in method so that it can be freely added and changed. For example, it can be realized by component communication representing COM and Active X, which are technologies provided by Microsoft Corporation. The application layer is mainly a portion that is actually operated by an operator, and is a portion that performs display of GUI (graphical user interface), display of diagnostic images, and input / output of information such as examination information and patient information to a diagnostic apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in order to expand a necessary function, the program code of the function can be downloaded from the application server 23 to the mobile system 50 using the wireless function even during movement. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, when a required function is provided by a plurality of providers, it is possible to access a plurality of application servers 23-1, 23-2, and 23-3 at the same time. . Further, when an ASP to be used is determined depending on a place (facility etc.) to be used, ASP switching is automatically performed using the facility information etc. as key information, and a program optimum for the place can be downloaded.

  Here, the ASP 23 has a function of selecting and distributing a measurement program, a clinical analysis processing program, an image processing program, a communication processing program, and a test navigation protocol according to the input disease of the subject. When the subject's disease is a cardiovascular disease, the cardiovascular dedicated measurement package software is selected as the measurement program. This cardiovascular measurement package software includes at least one of a left ventricular volume measurement function and a ventricular ejection fraction measurement function. Also, it has a function to select and distribute a measurement program according to the diseased part of the subject. For example, when the subject has a circulatory disease, the circulatory organ-specific clinical analysis processing package software is selected as the clinical analysis processing program. . The cardiovascular clinical analysis processing package software includes at least one of a tissue Doppler analysis application and an ACM (automated cardiac output measurement) application. When the subject's disease is a cardiovascular disease, a cardiovascular-specific image processing program is selected as the image processing program. When the subject's disease is a cardiovascular disease, a cardiovascular dedicated communication processing program is selected. This cardiovascular dedicated communication processing program has a function of transmitting a moving image communication protocol and photographing conditions. When the subject has a circulatory disease, a circulatory-dedicated protocol including a screening protocol, an acute myocardial infarction seriousness determination protocol, and a confirmation protocol after coronary artery reversion is selected as a test navigation protocol. The examination navigation protocol has a function of controlling the operation of the apparatus according to a diagnostic procedure defined in advance, and a function of changing the control of the apparatus according to the progress of examination.

  Further, the ASP 23 inputs information on the usage environment of the apparatus from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and according to the input usage environment, a measurement program, a clinical analysis processing program, an image processing program, a communication processing program, a test navigation protocol A program for selecting at least one of the programs and transmitting the selected program to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Further, the ASP 23 inputs information about the use environment of the apparatus from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and at least one of a communication processing program, a file storage program, a peripheral device driver, and an inspection navigation protocol according to the input use environment. It has a function to select related programs. Note that the usage environment information may be manually input from the operation unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, or may be automatically obtained based on a signal from a wireless identification signal transmission unit provided separately as described later. Also good. Further, the ASP 23 has a function of inputting information related to the usage environment of the apparatus from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and selecting a device driver such as a printing device, a storage device, or a communication device according to the input usage environment. Further, the ASP 23 has a function of inputting information related to the usage environment of the apparatus from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, selecting a test navigation protocol according to the input usage environment, and transmitting the selected protocol to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Equipped. In the above, the program used based on the disease information or the environment information, the setting information, and the protocol are determined by the ASP 23, but the program used based on the disease information or the environment information on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, The setting information and protocol may be determined, and the determined program, setting information, and protocol may be read from the ASP 23. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus deletes the program, protocol, etc. stored in the RAM 20 and stores the new program, protocol, etc. sent from the ASP 23 in the internal storage means. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus changes selectable function items displayed on the screen of the apparatus according to the program, protocol, and the like. As a result, the function items that can be selected on the screen of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the disease or the environment are appropriately changed to the contents shown in Table 1 above, so that it is good that the doctor does not take time to select the function. Can be inspected. In addition, since the program stored in the storage means on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is appropriately deleted and replaced with a necessary program, the apparatus configuration can be reduced and the apparatus configuration can be simplified.

  FIG. 12 shows a basic procedure for connection with the application server 23. The operator sends a connection request together with ID information to the application server 23 by an operation on the apparatus. The ASP 23 inquires of the ID and the like, permits the login, and specifies a usage range determined in advance by a license agreement with the user. In other words, for example, when a license agreement is concluded at level 1, it is possible to receive provision of all function programs prepared in the server 23, and a license agreement is concluded at level 2. In some cases, only a part of the functions in the function program prepared in the server 23 is restricted from being provided.

  This login procedure may be performed automatically when the apparatus power is turned on. Next, download function menu information registered on the server side in order to add or change functions. Then, the operator selects a necessary function. This procedure can be automatically selected in a menu using information such as prior information, for example, facility information, patient information, disease information, and examination reservation information as keys. Next, after the selected function is downloaded, the inspection can be started.

  It should be noted that this series of procedures (configuration) is not necessarily performed by a person who actually operates. In FIG. 13, as an example, another person can take charge of the exchange between the engineer or doctor who performs only the examination and the server. In addition, configuration can be performed remotely from a remote location. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 14, when patient information and examination information are input, information such as HIS (hospital information system) and RIS (radiation department information management system) is retrieved using the information as a key, and as a result, the patient related information is retrieved. If there is a past inspection history, the server 23 is connected, software / firmware relating to the function used at the time of the inspection is automatically downloaded from the server 23, and preparations for starting the inspection are completed. On the other hand, when there is no past examination history related to the patient, the software / firmware is downloaded from the server 23 when the software / firmware of the necessary function is designated by menu selection.

  FIG. 15 shows information exchange of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 60 with respect to each of the external HIS / RIS 61, PACS 62, inspection information management center 63, and ASP 64. Transmission / reception requests, inspection information, order information, etc. with the HIS / RIS 61, transmission / reception requests, image data, etc. with the PACS 62, and control information, audio information, video information with the inspection information management center 63 As described above, information such as a transmission / reception request, software (program code), firmware, and workflow protocol (inspection procedure) is exchanged between the image data and the ASP 64.

FIG. 16 illustrates the business model of the present invention. In-hospital doctors and technicians 101 performing tests (3) on patients 105, and in-hospital doctors and technicians 101 instructing emergency patients 105 during emergency (9 ) In response to an inspection instruction (15) from an in-hospital doctor and engineer 101 and an external satellite hospital (HP) that performs an inspection (14) on the patient 105 106, for example, the patient 105 who receives the examination instruction (20) from the in-hospital doctor and engineer 101 at home and performs the examination (3) by himself / herself provides the necessary functions from the ASP provider (2), (10), In response to (13) and (21), the usage fee count information (4), (12), (16), and (22) of the function is transmitted to the ASP provider 102.
The ASP provider 102 counts the count information and transmits a usage charge request (6) to the hospital accounting 107. In accordance with this, the usage fee (7) is collectively paid from the hospital accounting 107 to the ASP provider 102. All or part of this usage fee is paid as a reward (8) to the diagnostic device manufacturer 103 who is the provider of the function registration (1). In addition, the hospital accounting 107 requests a function usage fee (18) from the hospital hospital (HP) 106 which is in a different accounting form from the hospital, and performs proxy collection (19) of the usage fee. Further, the examination fees (5) and (17) are paid from the patient 105 to the hospital accounting 107 and the satellite hospital 106. By constructing a function usage fee collection and distribution system in this way, it is possible to promote the provision of the function, thereby enhancing the function.

  FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrams for explaining a specific example in which the transmission format is changed in accordance with the environment when the transmission / reception environment of the facility where the examination is performed is different. As is well known, ACR-NEMA provides “digital for medical use”. Standards related to “image and communication” have been standardized, and not only the facility 51 in the DICOM environment where the system was constructed in accordance with this standard, but also the facility in the NON-DICOM environment that does not support the standard Alternatively, there are users 52, 53, 54, and 55, and the ASP 23 provides the program in the DICOM format to the facility 51 under the DICOM environment, and the facilities 52, 53, 54, under the NON-DICOM environment 55 can be provided in a format dedicated to each environment.

  FIG. 19 shows a specific example of information communicated between the ASP server 23 and the diagnostic device 60. From the diagnostic device 60 to the ASP 23 (up), use facility information (1), user information ( 2), ASP designation information (3), use diagnostic device information (4), target patient / examination information (5), use function information (6), use status information (7), system information (8), and trouble information (9) etc. are transmitted. Conversely, from ASP 23 to diagnostic device 60 (down), usage ASP information (1), function provision status (2), provision function information (3), function provider information (4), function explanation information (5) ), Usage fee information (6), usage contract information (7), etc. are transmitted.

  Further, the ASP can grasp the usage status of the diagnostic device, automatically select an appropriate function (application) for the status, and provide the selected function. First, in order to log in to the ASP server 23, an identification code ID relating to a facility or user is required. As a method for transmitting this ID, key input from a keyboard, bar code input, ID card input, IC card input A wired input method using a manual such as Bluetooth is basic, but other wireless methods such as Bluetooth and GPS, and infrared wireless methods such as IrDa standard may be used.

  If it is a wireless system, if it is indoors, as shown in FIG. 20, the equipment 61-64 required for radio | wireless is arrange | positioned to a required hospital room etc., ID information of each equipment 61-64 is ID management server 65. By transmitting to the ASP, the ASP 23 can grasp the usage status of the apparatus, for example, the emergency treatment room 61, the operation room 62, the ultrasonic examination room 63, and the hospital ward 64.

  In the case of outdoors, as shown in FIG. 21, the ASP 23 can grasp the usage status of the diagnostic device from the GPS information (global position information) from the diagnostic device. A portable or small portable diagnostic device is equipped with a configuration necessary to receive GPS signals, acquires position information transmitted from GPS satellites, identifies the location that actually exists, The position information is transmitted to the ASP 23. In ASP23, according to the current position information of the diagnostic device, the situation of the position (ambulance vehicle, battlefield, ship or airplane, private house) is recognized, and the most suitable function (application) to be used in that situation is selected. And delivered to the diagnostic device using GPS. However, in the case of GPS, since downloading is only possible (only one-way communication is supported), it is preferable to use a network such as the Internet for information transmission from the diagnostic device present at each place to the ASP 23. . It is also possible to use a wireless communication network such as a mobile phone when moving. The main situations that are expected to be used outdoors are the first case that is installed in a vehicle such as an emergency vehicle or carried by the user, and the rescue facility on the battlefield. There is a second case and a third case in which the device is installed in a general moving object such as a ship or an airplane. The following points should be noted in these cases. In the first case, by inputting the movement position information and the vehicle ID, the ASP 23 can specify the current usage status of the diagnostic device, for example, an inspection program, an inspection information communication protocol, a remote instruction, and an inspection result that are optimal for emergency use. Etc. can be transmitted and received. In the second case, when information transmission from the diagnostic device is impossible, the function can be enhanced by selectively downloading a plurality of applications transmitted from the GPS on the device side. In the third case, when a medical policy such as a border or a reward is changed during movement, an application suitable for each country is delivered. It is assumed that the aria covered by one APS is different for each region (country), and in that case, the ASP that spans each region can be used by transmitting location information and a region code from the GPS.

  As described above, the present invention can freely change and add the basic function of the diagnostic apparatus. The function that can be changed is possible regardless of hardware, software, or firmware, and incidental information necessary to provide the function can also be input. Invented a business model using ASP (Application Server Provider) as a mechanism to provide these functions, and when necessary and used by the diagnostic device from a location independent of the diagnostic device (disease, operating environment, operator, etc.) ) To download data such as application programs such as basic functions, application functions, and inspection support functions. In addition, a PC card or a memory device can be used as a method not using ASP.

  As a result, not all functions that should be used for various applications can be mounted, but only necessary functions can be mounted according to the situation, so that a small circuit and memory saving can be achieved. Moreover, the convenience of a portable diagnostic apparatus improves by downloading the application function previously registered into ASP etc. for every plant | facility. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with the workflow navigation function, which is one of the inspection support functions, key operations etc. can be automatically miniaturized according to the application by loading a protocol suitable for the situation, emergency teams, nurses, etc. Even those who are unfamiliar with the operation of the system can prevent operation mistakes and perform an accurate inspection.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention at the stage of implementation. Furthermore, the above embodiment includes various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, some constituent requirements may be deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic probe, 2 ... Pulse transmission circuit, 3 ... Pulse receiving circuit, 4 ... Pre-processing part, 5 ... Echo signal processing control part, 6 ... Scan converter, 7 ... Video interface, 8 ... Display part, 9-12 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... PC card (memory card), 13 ... PC card interface, 14 ... Network interface, 15 ... Operation panel, 16 ... CPU, 17 ... Real time control processor, 18 ... Image signal processor, 19 ... Image signal analyzer, 20 ... RAM.

Claims (9)

In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to a subject and generates an ultrasonic image based on the obtained ultrasonic echo signals,
For inserting and connecting a function addition unit for adding a function of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an insertion port provided in a casing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: image processing means for generating an ultrasonic image based on data processed by the function addition unit inserted into the insertion slot. In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to a subject and generates an ultrasonic image based on the obtained ultrasonic echo signals,
For inserting and connecting a function addition unit for adding a function of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an insertion port provided in a casing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus;
An ultrasonic diagnosis comprising: an image processing means for generating an ultrasonic image from the ultrasonic echo signal based on a program or setting information stored on a function addition unit inserted into the insertion slot. apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the function addition unit is a PC card. An input step of inputting information on the use environment or disease of the apparatus from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus;
A program or setting information for executing a function selected according to the input use environment or disease information is transmitted from a server device to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a communication line, and the program or setting information is transmitted to the ultrasonic wave Storing on the diagnostic device;
An image generation step of generating an ultrasonic image using the program or setting information stored in the storage step without restarting the ultrasonic diagnostic device. Information provision method. A selection step of selecting at least one of a plurality of functions used on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus;
Transmitting a program or setting information for executing the selected function from a server device to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a communication line, and storing the program or setting information on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus;
An image generation step of generating an ultrasonic image using the program or setting information stored in the storage step without restarting the ultrasonic diagnostic device. Information provision method. Aggregating the usage status of the program or setting information on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus regarding the usage time and / or the number of used functions as statistical information;
6. The method for providing information of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a step of displaying the aggregated statistical information on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The selection step is to select one from a plurality of function combinations;
6. The storage step stores all programs or setting information necessary for executing a plurality of functions corresponding to a selected function combination on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Information providing method of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of description. A selection step of selecting at least one of a plurality of functions used on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus;
A storage step of transmitting a program or setting information for executing the selected function from the server device to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a communication line, and storing the program or setting information on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus;
An image generation step of generating an ultrasound image using the stored program or setting information;
A reselection step of reselecting at least one of a plurality of functions used on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus after the image generation step;
An erasing step of erasing at least a part of the stored program or setting information after generation of the ultrasonic image;
After the erasing step, a program or setting information for executing the reselected function is transmitted from the server device to the ultrasonic diagnostic device via a communication line, and the program or setting information is transmitted to the ultrasonic diagnostic device. An information providing method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a re-storing step for re-storing the information. An input step for inputting the usage environment or disease information of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus;
A program or setting information for executing a function selected according to the input use environment or disease information is transmitted from the server device to the ultrasonic diagnostic device via a communication line, and the program or setting information is transmitted to the ultrasonic diagnosis device. A storage step for storing on the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus;
An image generation step of generating an ultrasound image using the stored program or setting information;
After the image generation step, a re-input step for re-inputting a use environment or disease information of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus;
An erasing step of erasing at least a part of the stored program or setting information after the generation of the ultrasonic image;
After the erasing step, a program or setting information for executing a function selected according to the re-input usage environment or disease information is transmitted from the server device to the ultrasonic diagnostic device via a communication line, An information providing method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a re-storing step of re-storing the program or setting information on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

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