JP2016202499A - Medical image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image processor capable of reducing a processing time required for recovery from a suspending state.SOLUTION: The medical image processor includes a program execution control section, a storage section, a determination section, a suspending processing section and a storage processing section. The program execution control section executes a plurality of programs. The storage section stores work information concerning the operation of each program. The determination section determines a termination program to be terminated among operation programs which are currently operating on the basis of a work state after recovering from a suspension state and the current work state when transiting to the suspension state. The suspending processing section terminates the termination program among the operating programs and then causes a nonvolatile storage part to store work information concerning the operation of continuously operating programs which are the programs other than the termination program stored in the storage section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a medical image processing apparatus.

  In recent years, miniaturization of apparatus main bodies has progressed, and portable medical image processing apparatuses have become widespread. For example, as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a portable (portable type) ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is known in which an ultrasonic probe is connected to a notebook personal computer apparatus body in which a monitor and an input system are integrated.

  A portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may be used in various places while being transported in a facility of a medical institution. In this case, the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is once suspended, suspended, and transported. The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is resumed (returned) after transport and used.

JP 2007-195683 A JP 2006-174854 A JP 2000-70262 A JP 2009-104540 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical image processing apparatus capable of shortening the processing time required for returning from the hibernation state.

  The medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a program execution control unit, a storage unit, a determination unit, an end processing unit, and a storage processing unit. The program execution control unit executes a plurality of programs. The storage unit stores work information related to the operation of the program. The determination unit determines an ending program to be ended among the currently operating operation programs based on the work state after returning from the sleep state and the current work state when shifting to the sleep state. The suspension processing unit terminates the end program among the operation programs, and then stores work information related to the operation of a surviving program that is a program other than the end program stored in the storage unit in the nonvolatile storage unit. Remember.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining processing of the reception unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining processing of the determination unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining processing of the determination unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining processing of the determination unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining processing of the activation processing unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a medical image processing apparatus according to another embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a medical image processing apparatus according to another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described as an example of the medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment is not limited to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, but an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, and a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography). Apparatus, PET (Positron Emission computed Tomography) apparatus, SPECT-CT apparatus in which SPECT apparatus and X-ray CT apparatus are integrated, PET-CT apparatus in which PET apparatus and X-ray CT apparatus are integrated, specimen inspection apparatus A medical image diagnostic apparatus such as the above may be used. The medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment is not limited to a medical image diagnostic apparatus, and may be an apparatus that performs predetermined processing (processing) on a medical image or displays a medical image.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which the technique disclosed in the present embodiment is applied to a stress echo examination, which is one of image diagnostic methods for cardiac function. Here, the stress echo test is a diagnostic method in which a stress load such as exercise load or drug load is given to a subject, and the heart's motor function is evaluated using ultrasonic image data collected before and after the stress load. is there. The motion function of the heart is evaluated using, for example, heart wall motion analysis (WMT) by image processing.

For example, the stress echo inspection is performed by the following procedure (workflow).
Procedure (1): Start of examination in the laboratory Procedure (2): Imaging of images before stress loading (rest image, resting image) Procedure (3): Moving from the examination room to the exercise room Procedure (4): Stress ( Procedure (5): Image taking after stress load (image during load) Procedure (6): End of image acquisition Procedure (7): Moving from the exercise load room to the examination room (or analysis room) (8): Evaluation of stress echo test Procedure (9): Report creation Procedure (10): End of test

  As described above, the stress echo examination includes movement from the examination room to the exercise load room (procedure 3) and movement from the exercise load room to the examination room (procedure 7). When the inspection place moves, the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is transported after being suspended and resumed and used when the inspection is resumed. In addition, the portable ultrasonic diagnostic equipment is equipped with a spare power source such as a battery, but during transportation (a state where the power source cannot be secured) in order to prevent large consumption of electricity during operation and loss of imaging data. In general, suspend / resume is performed.

  However, it takes a certain time to resume all the programs that were running before the suspension. For this reason, the operator (examiner) who performs the examination must wait until the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus completes the resume even if the patient (subject) is in a state where the examination is possible. In addition, since this waiting time occurs every time suspend / resume is performed, the efficiency of inspection (throughput) decreases as the apparatus is often transported.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which the processing time required for returning from the sleep state is shortened when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is suspended / resumed in the stress echo examination.

  Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the application to the stress echo examination, and can be widely applied to any examination when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is suspended / resumed at any timing of the operator. Moreover, said procedure 1-10 is only an example, for example, the movement of an inspection place may not necessarily be accompanied. However, even if the examination place does not move, the present embodiment is applicable when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is suspended / resume. Further, the range in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is carried is not limited to the inside of the medical institution, but may be outside the facility (for example, the patient's home).

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is a portable apparatus, and includes an input unit 101 and a monitor 102 in a housing of the apparatus main body 100. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is connected to an ultrasonic probe 11 and an electrocardiograph 12. Note that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example. For example, the ultrasonic probe 11 and the electrocardiograph 12 can be removed as appropriate.

  The input unit 101 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a button, a panel switch, a touch command screen, a foot switch, a trackball, a joystick, and the like, receives various setting requests from an operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, and The various setting requests received are transferred.

  The monitor 102 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to input various setting requests using the input unit 101, ultrasonic image data generated in the apparatus main body 100, and the like. Is displayed.

  The ultrasonic probe 11 is in contact with the body surface of the subject P and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. For example, the ultrasonic probe 11 has a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators. The plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from a transmission / reception unit 110 included in the apparatus main body 100 described later. The generated ultrasonic wave is reflected by the body tissue of the subject P and is received by a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators as a reflected wave signal. The ultrasonic probe 11 sends the reflected wave signal received by the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators to the transmission / reception unit 110.

  The electrocardiograph 12 acquires an electrocardiogram (ECG: Electrocardiogram) of the subject P. The electrocardiograph 12 transmits the acquired electrocardiogram waveform to the apparatus main body 100.

  The apparatus main body 100 is an apparatus that generates ultrasonic image data based on a reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 11. The ultrasonic image data generated by the apparatus main body 100 may be two-dimensional ultrasonic image data or three-dimensional ultrasonic image data (also referred to as volume data).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 100 includes a transmission / reception unit 110, a B-mode processing unit 120, a Doppler processing unit 130, an image generation unit 140, an image memory 150, an internal storage unit 160, and a control unit 170. And have.

  The transmission / reception unit 110 controls transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 11. For example, the transmission / reception unit 110 applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasound probe 11 to transmit an ultrasound beam in which the ultrasound is focused in a beam shape. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 110 gives a predetermined delay time to the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 11 and performs addition processing, so that the reflection component is emphasized from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signal. Generate reflected wave data.

  The B-mode processing unit 120 receives the reflected wave data from the transmission / reception unit 110, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like, and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity is expressed by brightness. .

  The Doppler processing unit 130 performs frequency analysis on velocity information from the reflected wave data received from the transmission / reception unit 110, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and obtains moving body information such as velocity, dispersion, and power. Data extracted for multiple points (Doppler data) is generated.

  The image generation unit 140 generates ultrasonic image data for display from the data generated by the B mode processing unit 120 and the Doppler processing unit 130. For example, the image generation unit 140 generates B-mode image data in which the intensity of the reflected wave is expressed by luminance from the B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing unit 120. In addition, the image generation unit 140 generates Doppler image data representing moving body information from the Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 130. The Doppler image data is velocity image data, distributed image data, power image data, or image data obtained by combining these. Note that when displaying volume data, the image generation unit 140 performs various rendering processes on the volume data to generate two-dimensional image data for display.

  The image generation unit 140 stores the generated display image data (ultrasound image data) in the image memory 150. In addition, the image generation unit 140 associates the display image data and the time of the ultrasonic scanning performed for generating the image data with the electrocardiogram waveform transmitted from the electrocardiograph 12. Store in the memory 150. Thereby, the control unit 170 described later can acquire a cardiac time phase at the time of ultrasonic scanning performed for generating image data by referring to data stored in the image memory 150. The image memory 150 is a memory that stores image data for display generated by the image generation unit 140.

  The internal storage unit 160 is a nonvolatile storage device. For example, the internal storage unit 160 stores various data such as a control program for performing ultrasonic transmission / reception, image processing, and display processing, diagnostic information (eg, patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), diagnostic protocol, and various body marks. Remember. Examples of the internal storage unit 160 include a semiconductor memory device such as a flash memory, and a storage device such as a hard disk and an optical disk. The internal storage unit 160 is an example of a nonvolatile storage unit.

  Further, the internal storage unit 160 stores an examination reservation list acquired via an interface (not shown). Here, the examination reservation list is information in which, for example, the order of reserved examinations (scheduled examinations), identification information of the patient undergoing the examination, the type of examination, and the procedure of the examination are associated with each other. is there. This examination reservation list is appropriately registered / updated in the internal storage unit 160 by, for example, a DICOM MWM (Modality Worklist Management) protocol which is a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) communication protocol of information related to examination reservation.

  The data stored in the internal storage unit 160 can be transferred to an external device via an interface. The external device is, for example, a workstation for image processing, a PC (Personal Computer) used by a doctor who performs image diagnosis, a portable storage medium, a printer, or the like.

  The control unit 170 controls the entire processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The control unit 170 has an internal memory 171 for storing programs defining various processing procedures and control data, and executes various processes using these. Examples of the control unit 170 include integrated circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and electronic circuits such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) and MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

  Specifically, the control unit 170 is based on various setting requests input from the operator via the input unit 101, various control programs and various data read from the internal storage unit 160, and the transmission / reception unit 110, B-mode processing The processing of the unit 120, the Doppler processing unit 130, and the image generation unit 140 is controlled. Further, the control unit 170 controls the display 102 to display ultrasonic image data for display stored in the image memory 150 or the internal storage unit 160.

  In addition, the control unit 170 acquires the ultrasound image data of the heart stored in the image memory 150 and performs heart WMT by image processing to generate heart wall motion information. Then, the control unit 170 stores the generated exercise information in the image memory 150 or the internal storage unit 160. It should be noted that any known technique can be applied as a technique related to heart WMT.

  The overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment has been described above. Based on such a configuration, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to be able to reduce the processing time required to return from the hibernation state by the processing described below. .

  The control unit 170 according to the first embodiment includes an internal memory 171, a reception unit 172, a determination unit 173, a specification unit 174, a reset processing unit 175, a suspend processing unit 176, and a resume processing unit 177. Prepare.

  Here, the control unit 170 executes a plurality of programs. For example, the control unit 170 executes various programs for performing WMT of the heart. Specifically, the control unit 170 executes the program by reading a program related to WMT from the internal storage unit 160 and developing (storing) it in the internal memory 171. The control unit 170 is an example of a program execution control unit.

  The program executed by control unit 170 is not limited to a program related to WMT. For example, as described above, the control unit 170 also executes various control programs for controlling the processing of the transmission / reception unit 110, the B-mode processing unit 120, the Doppler processing unit 130, and the image generation unit 140. Further, the control unit 170 may read and execute an arbitrary program from the internal storage unit 160 in accordance with an instruction from the operator.

  The internal memory 171 stores operation information (work information) related to the operation of the program. For example, the internal memory 171 is a volatile storage unit, and stores a program read and expanded by the control unit 170. The internal memory 171 stores various information generated by the operation of the program being executed. The internal memory 171 is an example of a storage unit.

  The accepting unit 172 accepts an instruction including information indicating transition to a dormant state and information indicating designating a work state after return. For example, the receiving unit 172 receives a suspend instruction that is an instruction to suspend. In the first embodiment, the suspend instruction includes information for designating a work state after resume.

  For example, the accepting unit 172 may select any one of a work state in which the current inspection is continued, a work state in which an emergency inspection is performed, and a work state in which a reserved next inspection is performed as the work state after the return. Accepts a suspend instruction including information indicating that

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining processing of the reception unit 172 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows an example of the display image 20 displayed on the monitor 102 when the operator gives a suspend instruction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when an operator performs a suspend instruction, the operator displays a display image 20 on the monitor 102 by performing a predetermined operation. Here, the display image 20 includes buttons 21 to 23 for designating the next work state, that is, the work state after being resumed from the paused state shifted by the suspend instruction.

  The button 21 is a button for the examination continuation mode. The inspection continuation mode is a mode (resume mode) for returning to the work state of the next procedure in the current inspection when the next resume is performed. For example, the reception unit 172 receives a suspend instruction including information indicating that imaging after stress load is performed after returning when the button 21 is pressed at the stage where imaging before stress loading (imaging of a resting image) is completed. .

  The button 22 is a button for an emergency inspection mode. The emergency inspection mode is a mode in which, when the next resume is performed, the current inspection is interrupted and returned to a working state for performing an emergency inspection. For example, the reception unit 172 receives a suspend instruction including information indicating that an emergency inspection is performed after the return when the button 22 is pressed at the stage where photographing before stress load is completed.

  The button 23 is a button for the examination reservation interlocking mode. The examination reservation interlocking mode is a mode for returning to a work state for examining the next reserved patient (subject) when the next resume is performed. For example, when the button 23 is pressed at the stage when photographing before stress load is completed, the accepting unit 172 accepts a suspend instruction including information indicating that the next reserved patient examination is to be performed.

  As described above, the reception unit 172 receives a suspend instruction including information specifying the work state after the resume.

  When the determination unit 173 shifts to the hibernation state, the determination unit 173 determines, based on the work state after return and the current work state, a surviving program to be continued after the return from the currently operating operation program. For example, the determination unit 173 determines a surviving program based on the return work state included in the suspend instruction and the current work state. Note that programs other than the surviving program among the operation programs correspond to an end program to be ended when shifting to the hibernation state. For this reason, the process for determining the surviving program is synonymous with the process for determining the end program. That is, the determination unit 173 determines an ending program to be terminated among the currently operating operation programs based on the work state after returning from the hibernation state and the current work state when shifting to the hibernation state. To do.

  When the button 21 for the inspection continuation mode is pressed, the determination unit 173 is used in the program used in the current inspection procedure performed in the current working state and the procedure following the current inspection procedure. A common program is determined as a surviving program. In addition, when the emergency inspection mode button 22 is pressed, the determination unit 173 determines a program common to the program used in the emergency inspection and the program used in the current inspection as the surviving program. In addition, when the examination reservation interlock mode button 23 is pressed, the determination unit 173 sets a common program between the program used in the next examination reserved and the program used in the current examination as a survival program. decide.

  3-5 is a figure for demonstrating the process of the determination part 173 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 3 to 5 exemplify the relationship between various inspection procedures (workflows) and programs used in the work state of each procedure. Specifically, FIG. 3 exemplifies processing when the examination continuation mode button 21 in FIG. 2 is pressed. FIG. 4 illustrates processing when the button 22 for emergency inspection mode in FIG. 2 is pressed. FIG. 5 illustrates a process when the button 23 for the examination reservation interlocking mode in FIG. 2 is pressed.

  The process of the determination unit 173 when the button 21 for the examination continuation mode is pressed will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the working state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is changed in order of photographing at rest (working state S11), photographing at loading (during stress loading) (working state S12), and diagnosis (working state S13). Explain the case.

  Here, the determination unit 173 stores the work states S11, S12, and S13 together with the order of each procedure as a procedure for the stress echo examination. Moreover, the determination part 173 has memorize | stored the name (identification information) of the program utilized in each work state S11-S13. For example, the determination unit 173 stores programs P1, P2, P3, and P4 as programs used for the work state S11. The determination unit 173 stores programs P1, P3, and P4 as programs used for the work state S12. Further, the determination unit 173 stores a program P3 as a program used for the work state S13. In FIG. 3, for example, a program P1 is an image collection program for collecting images in a stress echo examination. Further, the program P2 is a rest-only image collection program used for image collection at rest. The program P3 is a basic program (middleware) necessary for the operation of various programs in the stress echo examination. The program P4 is a measurement program for performing measurement in the stress echo examination.

  For example, when the examination continuation mode button 21 is pressed in the work state S11, the determination unit 173 compares the program used in the work state S11 with the program used in the work state S12. Here, programs commonly used in the work state S11 and the work state S12 are the programs P1, P3, and P4. For this reason, the determination unit 173 determines the programs P1, P3, and P4 as survival programs to be continued from the work state S11 to the work state S12. Information indicating the current working state is managed by the control unit 170.

  Further, for example, when the examination continuation mode button 21 is pressed in the work state S12, the determination unit 173 compares the program used in the work state S12 with the program used in the work state S13. Here, the program commonly used in the work state S12 and the work state S13 is the program P3. For this reason, the determination unit 173 determines the program P3 as a surviving program to be continued from the work state S12 to the work state S13.

  Note that FIG. 3 is merely an example. For example, the case where the program P1 is an image collection program, the program P2 is a dedicated image collection program at rest, the program P3 is a basic program, and the program P4 is a measurement program is described here. Is not to be done. In other words, the determination unit 173 can determine the survival program as appropriate by storing the procedure of each work state and the name of the program used in each work state in association with each other. It is.

  The processing of the determination unit 173 when the button 22 for emergency inspection mode is pressed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the work state of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 transitions from the normal inspection (work state S21) to the emergency inspection (work state S22).

  Here, the determination unit 173 stores in advance the names of programs used in the work state S21 (P1, P2, P3, P4) and the names of programs used in the work state S22 (P1, P4). Yes. Note that, as described above, the programs P1 to P4 can be applied to any programs, and thus specific examples are omitted.

  For example, when the emergency inspection mode button 22 is pressed in the work state S21, the determination unit 173 compares the program used in the work state S21 with the program used in the work state S22. Here, programs commonly used in the work state S21 and the work state S22 are the programs P1 and P4. For this reason, the determination unit 173 determines the programs P1 and P4 as survival programs to be continued from the work state S21 to the work state S22.

  The processing of the determination unit 173 when the examination reservation interlocking mode button 23 is pressed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the work state of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 transitions from the inspection (work state S31) to the next scheduled inspection (work state S32).

  Here, the determination part 173 has memorize | stored beforehand the name (P1, P2, P3, P4) of the program utilized in the present working state S31. Further, the determination unit 173 identifies the names (P1, P3) of the programs used in the reservation inspection work state S32 based on the inspection reservation list in the internal storage unit 160. Specifically, the determination unit 173 extracts information related to a reserved inspection next from the inspection reservation list in the internal storage unit 160. Then, the determining unit 173 refers to the examination type and procedure included in the extracted information, and identifies the names (P1, P3) of the programs used in the next work state.

  For example, when the examination reservation interlock mode button 23 is pressed in the work state S31, the determination unit 173 compares the program used in the work state S31 with the program used in the work state S32. Here, programs commonly used in the work state S31 and the work state S32 are the programs P1 and P3. For this reason, the determination unit 173 determines the programs P1 and P3 as survival programs to be continued from the work state S31 to the work state S32.

  In this way, the determination unit 173 compares the current work state with the work state after the return, and determines the survival program. Note that the determination unit 173 may determine an end program as described above. For example, after determining the survival program, the determination unit 173 may determine a program other than the determined survival program among the operation programs as the end program.

  The specifying unit 174 specifies information of a predetermined type from among information related to the operation of the surviving program. For example, while various programs are operating, operation information related to the operations is stored in the internal memory 171 (volatile storage unit) in the control unit 170. The specifying unit 174 specifies information that may be discarded from the operation information of the surviving program stored in the internal memory 171.

  For example, a list of information that may be discarded is registered in the identification unit 174 in advance. The list of information that may be discarded includes, for example, information that is not necessary for the work state after the return and information that can be read again in the work state after the return.

Specifically, the specifying unit 174 stores the following information as a list of information that may be discarded.
Information (1): Transfer / print queue information held internally by the program Information (2): Information held internally by the image display program Information (3): Information held internally by the measurement program Information (4): Clinical application Information held internally by the program Information (5): Child window additionally displayed by the program Information (6): Past examination data additionally read by the program Information (7): Program in the idle state

  The information (1) is, for example, information held by various programs as background processing contents. Even if such information is discarded, it is considered that it will be input again if necessary, so it may be discarded. For example, if there is transfer / print queue information in the operation information of the surviving program, the specifying unit 174 specifies such information as information that may be discarded.

  The information (2) is, for example, an image data group held in a Cine buffer of the image display program. For example, when the stop button is pressed during image reproduction, the image display program has a function of automatically registering image data up to a predetermined time immediately before the stop (for example, 10 seconds before) in the Cine buffer. is there. The image data registered in the Cine buffer is not necessarily required for the work state after the return. For this reason, when the continuation program is an image display program, the specifying unit 174 checks the Cine buffer, and if there is an image data group in the Cine buffer, specifies the information that may be discarded.

  The information (3) is, for example, image data currently being read by the measurement program or intermediate information of the measurement process. Since the image data currently being read by the measurement program is information that can be read again, it may be discarded. Further, the intermediate information of the measurement process is information that is internally held by the measurement program after the measurement process is confirmed. For example, even if the measurement process is confirmed, the intermediate information used for the measurement process is not necessarily deleted and may remain. This intermediate information may be discarded if the measurement process is confirmed. For this reason, if the survival program is a measurement program and there is image data currently read by the program or intermediate information of measurement processing, the specifying unit 174 specifies this as information that may be discarded.

  Information (4) is, for example, intermediate information for processing by the clinical application program. Here, the clinical application program is, for example, a program that performs WMT analysis processing. This analysis processing is performed by, for example, performing pattern matching of the local region (heart wall) on the ultrasonic image data of the heart collected in time series, and tracking (tracking) the local region, thereby detecting the heart wall motion information. Is estimated. Based on the estimated wall motion information, parameters used for diagnosis, such as the volume of the atrium (or ventricle) in a predetermined cardiac phase, are calculated. In this analysis process, if parameters used for diagnosis are calculated, tracking results and wall motion information are only intermediate information, and can be recalculated from the original ultrasound image data even if discarded. For this reason, the specifying unit 174 specifies that the surviving program is a clinical application program, and if there is intermediate information of the program, the information may be discarded.

  Information (5) is a window other than the parent window among the plurality of windows displayed in the operations of various programs, that is, a child window derived from the parent window and displayed. The child window may be discarded because it is assumed that it will be entered again if necessary. For this reason, if the surviving program displays the child window, the specifying unit 174 specifies this as information that may be discarded.

  Information (6) is past image data, parameters (measurement values), etc. additionally read by various programs. Since these pieces of information are information that can be read again if necessary, they may be discarded. Therefore, if there is past image data or parameters (measurement values) that are additionally read by the surviving program, the specifying unit 174 specifies this as information that may be discarded.

  The information (7) is, for example, a program such as a service (COM Server) that is continuously started on demand on another program. This program is activated by another program as necessary when another program (such as a measurement program or an analysis program) is activated. Even if such information is discarded, it is considered that it will be activated again if necessary, so it may be discarded. For this reason, if the idle unit program is included in the operation information of the surviving program, the identifying unit 174 identifies this as information that may be discarded.

  In this way, the specifying unit 174 specifies information that may be discarded from the operation information of the surviving program.

  The reset processing unit 175 ends (resets) programs other than the surviving program among the operation programs. For example, the reset processing unit 175 acquires information for identifying the surviving program determined by the determination unit 173 from the determination unit 173. Then, the reset processing unit 175 terminates programs other than the surviving program among the operation programs. In other words, the reset processing unit 175 ends the end program among the operation programs. The reset processing unit 175 is an example of a pause processing unit.

  The suspend processing unit 176 executes a suspend process that is a process for shifting the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 to a dormant state. For example, the suspend processing unit 176 stores the work information related to the operation of the surviving program stored in the storage unit in the nonvolatile storage unit.

  For example, the suspend processing unit 176 stores information obtained by removing information specified by the specifying unit 174 from the operation information of the surviving program in the internal storage unit 160. Specifically, the suspend processing unit 176 acquires information other than information that may be discarded from the operation information of the surviving program developed on the internal memory 171 of the control unit 170. Here, information that can be discarded (information specified by the specifying unit 174) is determined by a flag or the like. Then, the suspend processing unit 176 stores the acquired information in the internal storage unit 160. Then, the suspend processing unit 176 stops the power supply of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and shifts the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to a dormant state. In other words, after that, the work information related to the operation of the surviving program which is a program other than the end program stored in the internal memory 171 is stored in the internal storage unit 160 which is a nonvolatile storage unit. The suspend processing unit 176 is an example of a suspension processing unit.

  The resume processing unit 177 executes a resume process that is a process for returning the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 from the resting state. For example, when the resume processing unit 177 receives an input for performing the resume processing from the operator, the resume processing unit 176 reads the information stored in the internal storage unit 160 and develops it on the internal memory 171. As a result, the resume processing unit 177 returns the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 in the work state designated by the operator in the suspend instruction.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1, when the reception unit 172 receives a suspend instruction (Yes in step S101), the determination unit 173 determines whether or not based on the work state after return and the current work state. A surviving program is determined (step S102). For example, the determination unit 173 determines a surviving program based on the return work state included in the suspend instruction and the current work state. Note that the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 does not start the process of FIG. 6 when the accepting unit 172 does not accept the suspend instruction (No at Step S101).

  Subsequently, the specifying unit 174 specifies information that can be discarded from the operation information of the surviving program (step S103). For example, the specifying unit 174 specifies information that may be discarded from the operation information of the surviving program stored in the internal memory 171.

  Then, the reset processing unit 175 ends (resets) programs other than the surviving program among the operation programs (step S104). Then, the suspend processing unit 176 stores information excluding information that may be discarded from the operation information of the surviving program in the internal storage unit 160 (step S105), and executes the suspend process. Specifically, the suspend processing unit 176 stores information in the internal storage unit 160 excluding information that may be discarded from the operation information of the surviving program.

  Note that FIG. 6 is merely an example. For example, the process in step S103, which is a process for specifying information that can be discarded, is not necessarily executed. In this case, in step S105, the suspend processing unit 176 may store the operation information of the surviving program in the internal storage unit 160.

  As described above, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the reception unit 172 receives a suspend instruction including information specifying the work state after resume (after return). Then, the determination unit 173 compares the current work state with the work state after the return, and determines the survival program. Then, the reset processing unit 175 terminates programs other than the surviving program among the operation programs. Then, the suspend processing unit 176 stores the operation information of the surviving program in the internal storage unit 160 that is a nonvolatile storage unit. For this reason, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can reduce the processing time required for returning from the resting state.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates the transition of the memory usage of the program in each work state. In FIG. 7, the vertical size of the bars indicated by P <b> 1 to P <b> 4 corresponds to the memory usage of the internal memory 171.

  As shown in FIG. 7, programs P <b> 1 to P <b> 4 are operating in the current work state “inspection”. Here, upon receiving a suspend instruction from the operator, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 determines the survival program (P1, P4). Then, the reset processing unit 175 ends the program (P2, P3) that is not the surviving program (P1, P4). Thereby, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 reduces the amount of data stored in the internal storage unit 160 by the suspend processing unit 176. For this reason, since the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can reduce the amount of data read in the resume process (return), the processing time required for the return can be shortened.

  Moreover, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 specifies information that may be discarded among the operation information of the survival program (P1, P4). Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 stores information (P1 ′, P4 ′) obtained by removing the information specified by the specifying unit 174 from the operation information of the survival program (P1, P4) in the internal storage unit 160. Here, each memory usage of the information (P1 ′, P4 ′) stored in the internal storage unit 160 is larger than each memory usage of the operating program (P1, P4) by the amount of information that may be discarded. Has been reduced. Thereby, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 reduces the amount of data stored in the internal storage unit 160 by the suspend processing unit 176. For this reason, since the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can reduce the amount of data read in the resume process, the processing time required for the return can be shortened.

  For example, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the control unit 170 as a program execution control unit executes a plurality of programs. The internal memory 171 as a storage unit stores work information related to the operation of the program. The determination unit 173 determines an ending program to be terminated among the currently operating operation programs based on the work state after returning from the hibernation state and the current work state when shifting to the hibernation state. The reset processing unit 175 as a pause processing unit ends the end program among the operation programs. Thereafter, the suspend processing unit 176 as the suspension processing unit stores work information regarding the operation of the surviving program that is a program other than the termination program stored in the internal memory 171 in the internal storage unit 160 that is a nonvolatile storage unit. Let

(Modification of the first embodiment)
Further, the determination unit 173 may determine an end program without determining a surviving program. For example, the determination unit 173 determines, as an end program, a program different from a program used in the restored work state included in the instruction among programs used in the current work state.

  When the state in which the current inspection is continued is designated as the work state after return, the determination unit 173 determines the current inspection procedure from among programs used in the current inspection procedure performed in the current operation state. A program different from the program used in the next procedure is determined as an end program. In addition, when the state in which the emergency inspection is performed is designated as the work state after the return, the determination unit 173 terminates a program different from the program used in the emergency inspection among the programs used in the current inspection. Determine as. Further, when the reserved state for performing the next inspection is designated as the work state after the return, the determination unit 173 includes a program used for the reserved next inspection among the programs used for the current inspection. Determines a different program as the end program.

  In the example of FIG. 3, for example, when the examination continuation mode button 21 is pressed in the work state S11, the determination unit 173 includes a program used in the work state S11 and a program used in the work state S12. Compare. Here, a program different from the program used in the work state S12 among the programs used in the work state S11 is the program P2. For this reason, the determination unit 173 determines the program P2 as an end program.

  Thus, the determination unit 173 determines the end program without determining the surviving program. Note that the determining unit 173 may determine the end program without determining the surviving program in the examples other than FIG. 3 (FIGS. 4, 5, and the like) as well. Further, the determining unit 173 may determine the surviving program after determining the ending program.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the case has been described in which the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 1 performs the suspend process by receiving a suspend instruction including information specifying the work state after the return, but the embodiment is limited to this. It is not something. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may estimate the work state after returning.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment includes the same configuration as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, and the control unit 170 further includes a work state management unit 178 and an estimation unit 179. A part of processing of the reception part 172 and the determination part 173 differs. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and the same functions as those in the configuration described in the first embodiment are the same as those in FIG. Reference numerals are assigned and description is omitted.

  For example, the reception unit 172 receives a suspend instruction to shift to a hibernation state. Unlike the first embodiment, this suspend instruction does not include information specifying the work state after return. Hereinafter, this suspend instruction is referred to as “normal suspend instruction”.

  In addition, the reception unit 172 receives a suspend instruction that includes information indicating the transition to the hibernation state and information indicating that the work state after the return is an emergency inspection. Hereinafter, this suspend instruction is referred to as “emergency suspend instruction”.

  The work state management unit 178 manages the current work state. For example, the work state management unit 178 stores information including the current examination type and the procedure in the current examination as information representing the current work state. As a specific example, the work state management unit 178 stores information including a current examination type “stress echo examination” and a procedure “imaging before stress load” in the current examination. Then, the work state management unit 178 appropriately updates the current work state as the work state transitions. The work state management unit 178 is an example of a management unit.

  When the normal suspend instruction is accepted, the estimation unit 179 estimates the work state after return from the current work state managed by the work state management unit 178. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the type of examination and the procedure in each examination are registered in the estimation unit 179 in advance. In addition, the estimation unit 179 refers to the examination reservation list in the internal storage unit 160 as appropriate.

  For example, the estimation unit 179 refers to the current work state managed by the work state management unit 178 and determines whether or not the current inspection has been completed. Here, when the current examination is not completed, the estimation unit 179 estimates the next procedure after the procedure in the current examination as the work state after the return. For example, if the current working state is information including the current examination type “stress echo examination” and the procedure “imaging before stress loading” in the current examination, the estimation unit 179 ends the current examination. Judge that it is not. Then, the estimation unit 179 estimates that “photographing after stress load”, which is a procedure subsequent to “photographing before stress load”, is the work state after return. Note that the processing when the current inspection is not completed is the same as when the “inspection continuation mode” described in the first embodiment is selected.

  On the other hand, when the current examination is completed, the estimation unit 179 refers to the examination reservation list in the internal storage unit 160 and estimates the examination reserved next to the current examination as the work state after the return. To do. For example, if the current working state is information including the current examination type “stress echo examination” and the procedure “diagnosis” in the current examination, the estimation unit 179 indicates that the current examination has been completed. judge. In this case, the estimation unit 179 refers to the examination reservation list in the internal storage unit 160 and estimates the examination reserved next to the current examination (for example, general imaging) as the work state after the return. The process when the current examination is completed is the same as when the “examination reservation interlocking mode” described in the first embodiment is selected.

  The determination unit 173 determines a surviving program based on the work state after the return and the current work state. For example, when the accepting unit 172 accepts the normal suspend instruction, the determining unit 173 determines the survival program based on the work state after return estimated by the estimating unit 179 and the current work state.

  Further, when the reception unit 172 receives the emergency suspend instruction, the determination unit 173 sets the emergency inspection included in the emergency suspend instruction as the work state after the return, and based on the work state after the return and the current work state. To determine the survival program.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1, when the reception unit 172 receives a normal suspend instruction (Yes at Step S <b> 201), the estimation unit 179 displays the current work state managed by the work state management unit 178. Reference is made to estimate the work state after return from the current work state (step S203). Then, the determination unit 173 determines a surviving program based on the return-to-return work state estimated by the estimation unit 179 and the current work state (step S204).

  On the other hand, when the reception unit 172 does not receive the normal suspend instruction (No at Step S201), it is determined whether or not the emergency suspend instruction is received (Step S202). Here, when the reception unit 172 receives the emergency suspend instruction (Yes in step S202), the determination unit 173 sets the emergency inspection included in the emergency suspend instruction as the work state after return, and the work state after return and the current state. The surviving program is determined on the basis of the working state (step S204). Note that the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 does not start the process of FIG. 9 when the reception unit 172 does not receive an emergency suspend instruction (No at Step S202).

  Subsequently, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 executes the processes of steps S205 to S207. Note that the processes in steps S205 to S207 are the same as the processes in steps S103 to S105 shown in FIG.

  Thus, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment estimates the work state after return. For this reason, the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can shorten the processing time required for returning from the sleep state with a simple operation.

  The contents described in the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment except that the work state after return is estimated. For example, the determination unit 173 may determine the end program without determining the surviving program. For example, the determination unit 173 may determine, as an end program, a program different from the program used in the work state after return estimated by the estimation unit 179 among the programs used in the current work state. In addition, for example, when an instruction including information indicating that an urgent inspection is designated as a work state after returning from the hibernation state, the determination unit 173 includes an emergency program out of programs used in the current inspection. A program different from the program used in the inspection may be determined as the end program.

(Third embodiment)
Although not mentioned in the above embodiment, the program used in the work state after the return may include a program that is not currently operating. In this case, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 may perform the suspend process after starting this program.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, the control unit 170 further includes an activation processing unit 180, and the suspend processing unit 176. Part of the process is different. Therefore, the third embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment, and the same functions as those in the first embodiment are the same as those in FIG. Reference numerals are assigned and description is omitted.

  The activation processing unit 180 activates a program that is not currently operating among the programs used after the return based on the work state after the return and the current work state. For example, the activation processing unit 180 acquires the name (identification information) of this program from the determination unit 173 when a program that is not currently operating is specified among the programs used after the return in the processing of the determination unit 173. . Then, the activation processing unit 180 activates the program with the acquired name.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining processing of the activation processing unit 180 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates the relationship between various inspection procedures (workflows) and programs used in the work state of each procedure.

  As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the determination unit 173 includes programs P1, P2, P3, P4 used in the current work state S41, and programs P1, P3, P5 used in the work state S42 after return. Compare Here, the program that is used in the work state S42 after the return and is not operating in the current work state S41 is the program P5. In this case, the activation processing unit 180 acquires the program name “P5” from the determination unit 173. And the starting process part 180 starts the program P5 of the acquired name. For example, the activation processing unit 180 reads the program P5 from the internal storage unit 160 and expands (stores) it in the internal memory 171.

  The suspend processing unit 176 stores the operation information of the surviving program and the operation information of the activated program in the internal storage unit 160.

  For example, the suspend processing unit 176 acquires the operation information of the surviving program developed on the internal memory 171 of the control unit 170 and the operation information of the activated program. Then, the suspend processing unit 176 stores the acquired information in the internal storage unit 160. Note that information that may be discarded specified by the specifying unit 174 may be excluded from the operation information of the surviving program.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 12, the processes in steps S301 to S304 are the same as the processes in steps S101 to S104 shown in FIG.

  When the process of step S304 ends, the activation processing unit 180 activates a program that is not currently operating among the programs used after the return based on the work state after the return and the current work state (step S305). ). Then, the suspend processing unit 176 stores the operation information of the surviving program and the operation information of the activated program in the internal storage unit 160 (step S306).

  As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment starts the program if there is a program that is not currently operated even though the program is used in the work state after the return. Above, suspend process. For this reason, since the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can reduce the operation performed by the operator after the return, the processing time required for the return can be shortened.

  The contents described in the first and second embodiments can be applied to the third embodiment except that an inactive program is started.

(Other embodiments)
In addition to the above-described embodiment, various other forms may be implemented.

(Other program execution control units)
For example, in the first to third embodiments, the case has been described in which the surviving program is determined from the program executed by the control unit 170 and the suspend process is performed, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a surviving program may be determined for a program (for example, a program for generating an image or a program for correcting an image) executed by the image generation unit 140 and the suspend process may be performed.

(Medical image processing device)
For example, the contents described in the first to third embodiments can be applied to a medical image processing apparatus.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a medical image processing apparatus according to another embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the medical image processing apparatus 200 includes an input unit 201, an output unit 202, a storage unit 210, and a control unit 220.

  The input unit 201 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a button, a panel switch, a touch command screen, a foot switch, a trackball, a joystick, and the like, receives various setting requests from an operator of the medical image processing apparatus 200, and receives the received various settings. The request is transferred to each processing unit.

  The output unit 202 displays a GUI for an operator of the medical image processing apparatus 200 to input various setting requests using the input unit 201, or displays information generated in the medical image processing apparatus 200. .

  The storage unit 210 is a non-volatile storage device such as a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory or a hard disk or an optical disk.

  The control unit 220 is an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA, or an electronic circuit such as a CPU or MPU, and controls the entire processing of the medical image processing apparatus 200.

  The control unit 220 includes a memory 221, a reception unit 222, a determination unit 223, a specification unit 224, a reset processing unit 225, a suspend processing unit 226, and a resume processing unit 227. Since the function of the memory 221 is the same as that of the internal memory 171 described above, the description thereof is omitted. The processing contents in the receiving unit 222, the determining unit 223, the specifying unit 224, the reset processing unit 225, the suspend processing unit 226, and the resume processing unit 227 are the receiving unit 172, the determining unit 173, the specifying unit 174, and the reset process described above. Since the processing contents in the unit 175, the suspend processing unit 176, and the resume processing unit 177 are the same, the description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, in the medical image processing apparatus 200, the accepting unit 222 accepts a suspend instruction including information designating the work state after the return. Then, the determination unit 223 compares the current work state with the work state after the return, and determines the survival program. Then, the reset processing unit 225 terminates programs other than the surviving program among the operation programs. Then, the suspend processing unit 226 stores the operation information of the surviving program in the storage unit 210 that is a nonvolatile storage unit. Therefore, the medical image processing apparatus 200 can shorten the processing time required for returning from the hibernation state.

  Further, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or a part of the distribution / integration is functionally or physically distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured. Further, all or a part of each processing function performed in each device may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware by wired logic.

  For example, the medical image processing apparatus 200 illustrated in FIG. 13 may be configured as illustrated in FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a medical image processing apparatus according to another embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, the medical image processing apparatus 300 includes an input circuit 301, a display 302, a storage circuit 310, and a processing circuit 320. Here, the input circuit 301, the display 302, the storage circuit 310, and the processing circuit 320 respectively correspond to the input unit 201, the output unit 202, the storage unit 210, and the control unit 220 illustrated in FIG.

  The processing circuit 320 executes a memory function 321, a reception function 322, a determination function 323, a specific function 324, a reset processing function 325, a suspend processing function 326, and a resume processing function 327. The memory function 321 is a function realized by the memory 221 shown in FIG. The reception function 322 is a function realized by the reception unit 222 illustrated in FIG. The determination function 323 is a function realized by the determination unit 223 illustrated in FIG. The specific function 324 is a function realized by the specifying unit 224 illustrated in FIG. The reset processing function 325 is a function realized by the reset processing unit 225 shown in FIG. The suspend processing function 326 is a function realized by the suspend processing unit 226 shown in FIG. The resume processing function 327 is a function realized by the resume processing unit 227 shown in FIG.

  Here, for example, the memory function 321, the reception function 322, the determination function 323, the specific function 324, the reset processing function 325, the suspend processing function 326, and the resume processing function 327 that are components of the processing circuit 320 illustrated in FIG. 14 are executed. Each processing function is recorded in the storage circuit 310 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 320 is a processor that implements a function corresponding to each program by reading each program from the storage circuit 310 and executing the program. In other words, the processing circuit 320 in the state where each program is read has each function shown in the processing circuit 320 of FIG. That is, the processing circuit 320 reads out and executes a program corresponding to the memory function 321 from the storage circuit 310, thereby executing the same processing as the memory 221. In addition, the processing circuit 320 reads out and executes a program corresponding to the reception function 322 from the storage circuit 310, thereby executing the same processing as the reception unit 222. Further, the processing circuit 320 reads out and executes a program corresponding to the determination function 323 from the storage circuit 310, thereby executing the same processing as the determination unit 223. Further, the processing circuit 320 reads out and executes a program corresponding to the specific function 324 from the storage circuit 310, thereby executing the same processing as that of the specifying unit 224. Further, the processing circuit 320 reads out and executes a program corresponding to the reset processing function 325 from the storage circuit 310, thereby executing the same processing as the reset processing unit 225. Further, the processing circuit 320 reads out and executes a program corresponding to the suspend processing function 326 from the storage circuit 310, thereby executing the same processing as the suspend processing unit 226. Further, the processing circuit 320 reads out and executes a program corresponding to the resume processing function 327 from the storage circuit 310, thereby executing the same processing as that of the resume processing unit 227.

  For example, step S101 shown in FIG. 6 is a step realized when the processing circuit 320 calls and executes a program corresponding to the reception function 322 from the storage circuit 310. Step 102 shown in FIG. 6 is realized by the processing circuit 320 calling and executing a program corresponding to the determination function 323 from the storage circuit 310. Step 103 shown in FIG. 6 is realized by the processing circuit 320 calling and executing a program corresponding to the specific function 324 from the storage circuit 310. Further, step 104 shown in FIG. 6 is a step realized when the processing circuit 320 calls and executes a program corresponding to the reset processing function 325 from the storage circuit 310. Further, step 105 shown in FIG. 6 is realized by the processing circuit 320 calling and executing a program corresponding to the suspend processing function 326 from the storage circuit 310.

  In FIG. 14, processing functions performed by the memory function 321, the reception function 322, the determination function 323, the specific function 324, the reset processing function 325, the suspend processing function 326, and the resume processing function 327 are performed in a single processing circuit. Although described as being realized, a processing circuit may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and a function may be realized by each processor executing a program.

  The term “processor” used in the above description is, for example, a central preprocess unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, It means circuits such as a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor implements a function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit. Instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, the program may be directly incorporated in the processor circuit. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuit. Note that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize the function. Good. Further, a plurality of components in FIG. 14 may be integrated into one processor to realize the function.

  In addition, among the processes described in the first to third embodiments, all or a part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be manually performed, or manually performed. All or a part of the processing described in the above can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedure, control procedure, specific name, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above-described document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

  The medical image processing methods described in the first to third embodiments can be realized by executing a medical image processing program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This medical image processing program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The medical image processing program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and can be executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. it can.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, the processing time required for returning from the hibernation state can be shortened.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 Apparatus main body 170 Control part 171 Internal memory 172 Reception part 173 Determination part 174 Identification part 175 Reset process part 176 Suspend process part 177 Resume process part

Claims (9)

A program execution control unit for executing a plurality of programs;
A storage unit for storing work information related to the operation of the program;
A determination unit for determining an ending program to be terminated among currently operating operation programs based on the working state after returning from the hibernating state and the current working state when transitioning to the hibernating state;
A suspension processing unit that terminates the termination program of the operation program and then stores work information related to the operation of a surviving program that is a program other than the termination program stored in the storage unit in a nonvolatile storage unit And a medical image processing apparatus.   The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines, as an end program, a program different from a program used in the work state after the return from among programs used in the current work state. . A reception unit that receives an instruction including information indicating that the operation state is shifted to the hibernation state and information indicating that the work state after the return is specified;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the end program based on a work state after return included in the instruction and the current work state. The reception unit includes a first work state in which the current inspection is continued, a second work state in which an emergency inspection is performed, and a third work state in which a reserved next inspection is performed as the work state after the return , Accepting the instruction including information to specify one of the states,
When the first work state is specified in the instruction, the determination unit is a program that is used in a current inspection procedure performed in the current work state, and is next to the current inspection procedure. When a program different from the program used in the procedure is determined as the end program and the second work state is specified in the instruction, it is used in the emergency inspection among the programs used in the current inspection. When the third work state is specified in the instruction, a program different from the program to be used is determined as the end program, and is used in the reserved next inspection among the programs used in the current inspection. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a program different from a program is determined as the end program. An accepting unit for accepting an instruction to shift to a dormant state;
A management unit that manages the current working state;
An estimation unit that estimates a work state after returning from the sleep state from a current work state managed by the management unit when the instruction is accepted;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the end program based on a work state after return estimated by the estimation unit and the current work state. The management unit manages a procedure in a current inspection as the current working state,
The estimation unit determines whether or not the current examination managed by the management unit is finished when the instruction is accepted, and when the current examination is not finished, The next procedure after the procedure in the inspection is estimated as the work state after the return, and when the current inspection is completed, the inspection reserved next to the current inspection is changed to the work state after the return. Estimated as
The determination unit determines a program different from the program used in the work state after the return estimated by the estimation unit among the programs used in the current work state as the end program. The medical image processing apparatus described in 1. The accepting unit accepts a second instruction including information indicating transition to the hibernation state and information indicating that an emergency examination is specified as a work state after returning from the hibernation state,
6. The determination unit, when the second instruction is accepted, determines a program different from a program used in the emergency examination among the programs used in the current examination as the termination program. Or a medical image processing apparatus according to 6; Of the information related to the operation of the surviving program, further comprising a specifying unit for specifying information of a predetermined type,
The said hibernation processing part stores the information remove | excluding the information specified by the said specific part from the work information regarding operation | movement of the said survival program in the said non-volatile storage part. Medical image processing apparatus. Based on the work state after the return and the current work state, further comprising a start processing unit for starting a program that is not currently operating among the programs used after the return,
The said hibernation processing part further stores the work information regarding the operation | movement of the program memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part by being started by the said starting process part in the said non-volatile memory | storage part. The medical image processing apparatus according to one.

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