JP4693433B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that transmits an ultrasonic wave to a subject and forms a medical image based on the echo signal, and in particular, includes a plurality of application programs that execute various functions unique to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  In recent ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, various functions that are executed based on application programs (sometimes simply referred to as “programs”) are installed. Examples of such functions include an image configuration function, a data management function, a measurement report function, an analysis function, a service maintenance function, and an interface function.

  The image composition function is a function for controlling the scan of the ultrasonic wave transmitted to the subject, constructing an image of the subject based on the echo signal, and displaying it on the monitor. The image display mode (B mode, M For each mode, Doppler mode, color mode, etc.), ultrasonic scanning control and image composition processing are performed.

  In addition, the data management function uses patient registration processing, image data and measurement data storage, modification, deletion processing, stored data display, print processing, image data, measurement data, patient information, and other data for medical use. This is a function for executing various processes related to data management, such as data conversion processing for converting to a data format of DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine), which is a standard for images and communication thereof, and communication processing with a server.

  The measurement report function is a function that creates a report (measurement report) that summarizes measurement data such as blood vessel length in the acquired image data, and data such as patient information and a growth graph in obstetric measurement.

  The analysis function is a function for performing clinical analysis such as analysis processing of tissue properties of a subject and analysis processing of a state in a blood vessel.

  The service maintenance function is a function used by a service engineer who provides maintenance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and is used to inspect the operation state of the apparatus and correct various programs.

  The interface function is a function for controlling various peripheral devices connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and executing a target process. Examples of such peripheral devices include drive devices that perform data write processing on a recording medium such as a DVD-RAM, CD-R, and MO, and data read processing on the recording medium, output devices such as printers, card readers, and the like. An input device such as is an example.

  Various functions as listed here are executed by application programs installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  When such a multifunctional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is activated, all the installed programs have been activated conventionally, and the following problems have arisen.

  First, since it took a relatively long time to start all the programs after turning on the power of the apparatus, the inspection could not be started quickly. This problem is exacerbated when an emergency test is performed or when the device is moved to a ward and used. That is, in an emergency inspection, it is desirable to start the inspection as soon as possible. However, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it has been necessary to wait until all programs are started after the power is turned on. Further, when the apparatus is moved and used, it is necessary to wait until all programs are activated even if the power is turned on after the apparatus is moved.

  Further, in conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, troublesome operations such as registering patient authentication information in advance have always been necessary. As a result, it has been pointed out that in an emergency inspection requiring quickness, the inspection cannot be started promptly.

  Ultrasonic image diagnosis is often used for emergency examinations for emergency cases and the like, and portable ultrasonic diagnostic devices are also widely used. It was regarded as a problem.

  In addition, some users usually use only the same function of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, but in such a case, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus starts all programs when the power is turned on. , Each start-up time becomes uselessly long.

  On the other hand, when it is necessary to restart the apparatus, such as when an abnormality occurs during an examination or surgery, it is necessary to once terminate all the started programs and start the programs again. In the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, all programs are activated every time the apparatus is activated. Therefore, at the time of reactivation, all programs are temporarily terminated and all the programs are activated. Further, even when the apparatus is turned off, it is necessary to end all programs. Therefore, it takes time not only to start the apparatus but also to restart or end the apparatus.

  According to the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, since all the programs are started as described above, the memory resources are wasted by the program of the function that is not used in this examination, and the data processing speed related to the function required this time is increased. Problems such as slowness occurred.

  As a conventional technique for shortening the startup time of the medical examination apparatus, the technique described in Patent Document 1 by the present inventor is known. The medical examination apparatus described in this document is configured to schedule the time when the power supply of the medical examination apparatus is turned on and off, and to be activated upon receipt of power supply at a designated time. However, when an emergency inspection is performed or when an inspection is performed by moving the apparatus, the inspection start time is undecided, and therefore the activation time is also undecided, so it seems difficult to apply the configuration described in the document. .

JP 2002-159449 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can shorten the startup time of the apparatus.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of shortening the time required for termination or restart of the apparatus.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of efficiently using resources such as a memory of the apparatus.

To achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a program storage means for previously storing a plurality of application programs that provide specific functionality to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the and startup time recording means for recording the startup time of an application program, receives the activation request, among the plurality of application programs the storage, except at least one, optionally the other two or more application programs starting is, and the other two or more starting the application program is to start the descending order the recorded the start time, parallel Ru controlled to execute the startup processing of the other two or more application programs Means are provided.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation means for inputting the activation request and ultrasonic waves are transmitted toward the inside of the subject. An ultrasonic probe that receives an ultrasonic reflected wave and outputs an echo signal, and the plurality of application programs stored in the program storage means include an ultrasonic probe transmitted by the ultrasonic probe. An image composition program for controlling scanning and for composing an image in the subject based on the output echo signal and displaying the image on a display unit is included, and the control unit is operated by the operation unit. The image configuration program is activated in response to the above.

The invention according to claim 3 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the provisional patient identification used for identification of the subject in response to the operation means being operated. Temporary identification information generating means for generating information is further provided.
The invention according to claim 4 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit is one of the two or more other application programs. The first application program having a long start time recorded is started first, the first application program is started, and then the start time of the second application program different from the first application program The second application program is activated after a time determined by the difference between the activation time of the first application program and the first application program has elapsed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation means for inputting an activation request and an ultrasonic wave that transmits an ultrasonic wave toward the inside of the subject, receives the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave, and outputs an echo signal. A sound probe and an image configuration program for controlling scanning of ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic probe and for configuring an image in the subject based on the output echo signal and displaying the image on a display unit An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a plurality of application programs that pre-store a plurality of application programs that provide functions unique to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the target is operated in response to an operation of the operating means. Temporary identification information generation means for generating temporary patient identification information used for specimen identification, and the plurality of application programs stored in response to the activation request Control means for selectively starting one or more other application programs excluding at least one of the rams and starting the image configuration program in response to the operation means being operated. It is characterized by that.
The invention of claim 6 provides an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to claim 5, wherein the program storage means is stored in, and said operation means Application programs that are not activated by the control means when operated include a data management program that manages image data and measurement data of a subject, a measurement report program that creates a measurement report, an analysis program that performs clinical analysis, It includes at least one of an interface program for controlling the operation of the device and a communication program for transmitting and receiving patient information and examination information, and the control means includes the data management program after starting the image configuration program, The measurement report program, the analysis program, the interface program Activating at least one of the arm and said communication program, and wherein the.

The invention described in Claim 7 provides an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an inspection end operating means for ending the display of the image by the image configuration program, said control means Selectively activates at least one of the data management program, the measurement report program, the analysis program, the interface program, and the communication program in response to the operation of the examination end operation means. It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 8 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein an ultrasonic wave is transmitted toward the subject, a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave is received, and an echo signal is received. An ultrasonic probe to be output; and an examination type setting means that is operated to select and set one of a plurality of examination types. The plurality of application programs are transmitted by the ultrasound probe. An image scanning program for each of the plurality of examination types configured to display an image in the subject based on the output echo signal and display on the display means, and the examination type. An examination type setting program for causing the display means to display a screen for selection setting, and the control means activates the examination type setting program in response to the activation request. In addition, in response to the examination type being selected and set based on the screen displayed by the activated examination type setting program, the image configuration program corresponding to the selected examination type is selectively selected. It is made to start.

The invention described in claim 9 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the user identification information input means is operated to input user identification information. The plurality of application programs includes a user setting program for causing a display unit to display a screen for inputting the user identification information, and the control unit is configured to respond to the activation request by the user setting program. The application program associated with the input user identification information in advance in response to the user identification information being input based on the screen displayed by the activated user setting program while starting the program Is selectively activated.

The invention according to claim 10 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein usage history recording means for recording the usage history of the specific function is provided. Further, the control means selectively activates the application program corresponding to the activation request and providing the function used during the previous operation of the device with reference to the recorded use history. It is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 11 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein usage history recording means for recording the usage history of the specific function is provided. In addition, the control means corresponds to the activation request, refers to the recorded use history, and whether or not the number of uses in the past predetermined period for each of the specific functions is equal to or less than a predetermined number. And starting the application program that provides the function determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined number of times.

The invention according to claim 12 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein an ultrasonic wave is transmitted toward the subject, a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave is received, and an echo signal is received. An ultrasonic probe for outputting, and an analysis activation operation means operated when the apparatus is activated to perform clinical analysis. The plurality of application programs are transmitted by the ultrasonic probe. An image configuration program for controlling the ultrasound scan, and configuring an image in the subject based on the output echo signal and displaying the image on the display means, and an analysis program for performing clinical analysis The control means starts the analysis program without starting the image configuration program in response to the operation of the analysis start operation means. That.

The invention according to claim 13 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic wave is transmitted into the subject, the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave is received, and an echo signal is received. An ultrasonic probe transmitted by the ultrasonic probe is further included in an application program that is further provided with an ultrasonic probe for output and is stored in the program storage means and is not activated by the control means that has received the activation request. An image composition program for controlling the image and causing the display means to display an image in the subject based on the output echo signal, a data management program for managing image data and measurement data of the subject, and a measurement report Measurement report program to create, analysis program to perform clinical analysis, maintenance to provide equipment maintenance Program, the interface program controls the operation of the peripheral device, and includes at least one of the communication programs to transmit and receive patient information and examination information, and wherein the.

Further, the invention according to claims 1 to 4, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 1 3, wherein, after said start to said activation request A process for starting the application program is executed in the background.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, in response to an activation request, several application programs except for at least one of a plurality of application programs stored in advance in the program storage unit are selectively activated. Thus, the apparatus can be activated in a shorter time than when all application programs are activated as in the prior art.

  In addition, since the number of application programs to be activated is smaller than before, the time required for the apparatus restart process and end process can be reduced, and resources such as the memory of the apparatus can be used efficiently. Become.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, the image configuration program is selectively activated in response to the operation means being operated. Therefore, when performing an emergency test or moving the apparatus into the ward, the operation time can be shortened by operating the operation means, and an ultrasonic image of the subject can be displayed quickly. .

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, temporary patient identification information is generated in response to the operation of the operating means. The ultrasonic image diagnosis can be performed by regarding the identification information. This eliminates the need for the cumbersome procedure of inputting legitimate patient identification information prior to diagnosis, thereby enabling an ultrasound image to be displayed quickly during an emergency examination or the like.

  An example of a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is intended to reduce the startup time of the apparatus by limiting the number of application programs (sometimes referred to simply as “programs”) that are started when the power is turned on. It is intended to shorten the time required for the restart process and the end process, and to efficiently use memory resources during the operation of the apparatus. Hereinafter, the apparatus configuration, the processing procedure, and the effects of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described, and further modifications thereof will be described.

  The “application program” referred to in the present invention means a computer program for executing a function specific to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and an OS (Operating System) installed in a computer built in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or the like. Middleware is not included in the application program. When enumerating examples of the “application program” of the present invention, a computer program that controls the construction of an ultrasound image of a subject, a computer program that manages a process for managing and processing data obtained by ultrasound image diagnosis, There are a computer program that controls output processing of data obtained by ultrasonic image diagnosis, a computer program that controls input processing of data used for ultrasonic image diagnosis, and the like.

[Device configuration]
The block diagram shown in FIG. 1 represents an example of a schematic configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 2, a transmission / reception circuit 3, a signal processing circuit 4, a digital scan converter (DSC) 5, a volume rendering (VR) processing circuit 6, a display device 7, an operation unit 8, The printing apparatus 9 includes a data storage unit 10 and a control unit 100. Note that ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses according to second to seventh embodiments described later have the same configuration.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 is a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves are arranged in a matrix (lattice), for example. By scanning the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 2, three-dimensional data having a shape spreading radially from the transmission / reception surface of the ultrasonic probe 2 is received as an echo signal. Note that a one-dimensional ultrasonic probe may be used as the ultrasonic probe 2. In that case, three-dimensional data is collected by mechanically scanning the ultrasonic probe 2 itself.

  The transmission / reception circuit 3 includes a transmission unit that supplies an electrical signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate an ultrasonic signal, and a reception unit that receives an echo signal from the subject received by the ultrasonic probe 2.

  The transmission unit in the transmission / reception circuit 3 includes a clock generation circuit, a transmission delay circuit, a pulser circuit, and the like (not shown). The clock generation circuit is a circuit that generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of the ultrasonic signal. The transmission delay circuit is a circuit that focuses an ultrasonic signal to be transmitted by applying a delay to an electrical signal supplied to a predetermined piezoelectric element. The pulsar circuit includes a pulsar corresponding to the number of individual paths (channels) for each piezoelectric element of the ultrasonic probe 2, and generates an electric signal (driving pulse) at a timing corresponding to the delay by the transmission delay circuit. It is a circuit supplied to the element.

  The receiving unit of the transmission / reception circuit 3 includes a preamplifier circuit, an A / D conversion circuit, a reception delay / adder circuit, etc. (not shown). The preamplifier circuit is a circuit that amplifies an echo signal output from each piezoelectric element of the ultrasonic probe 2 for each reception channel. The A / D conversion circuit is a circuit that converts an amplified echo signal into a digital signal. The reception delay / adder circuit is a circuit that gives a delay time necessary for determining reception directivity to the A / D converted echo signal and performs addition processing. Thereby, the reflection component from the direction according to the reception directivity is emphasized.

  The signal processing circuit 4 includes processing circuits for each display mode, such as a B mode processing circuit, an M mode processing circuit, a Doppler processing circuit, and a color mode processing circuit. The echo signal output from the transmission / reception circuit 3 is subjected to the following processing by any processing circuit in the signal processing circuit 4.

  The B-mode processing circuit is a circuit that visualizes echo amplitude information, and performs processing for generating B-mode ultrasound raster data from the echo signal. More specifically, band-pass filter processing is performed on the echo signal, then the envelope of the output signal is detected, and the detected data is subjected to compression processing by logarithmic transformation. In addition, processing such as edge enhancement may be performed.

  The M-mode processing circuit is a circuit that visualizes the temporal position change of the echo, and obtains a motion curve representing the temporal change of the reflection source by modulating the luminance of the echo signal for each living body depth.

  The Doppler processing circuit includes a phase detection circuit, an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) operation circuit, and the like, and extracts blood flow information in the subject by extracting the Doppler displacement frequency component from the echo signal and performing FFT processing or the like. Generate data that represents.

  The color mode processing circuit is a circuit that visualizes blood flow information in the subject, and performs processing for generating color ultrasound raster data from the echo signal. Blood flow information includes information such as blood flow velocity, dispersion, and power. This blood flow information is obtained as binarized information. More specifically, the color mode processing circuit includes a phase detection circuit, an MTI (Moving Target Indicator filter, an autocorrelator, a flow velocity / dispersion calculator, etc., and extracts a Doppler displacement frequency component from the echo signal. A tissue signal and a blood flow signal are separated by MTI filter processing (high-pass filter processing), and blood flow information such as blood flow velocity, dispersion, and power is obtained from the blood flow signal at multiple points by autocorrelation processing. In some cases, non-linear processing or the like for reducing the above is performed.

  The DSC 5 is a circuit that performs processing for converting the ultrasonic raster data from the signal processing circuit 4 into voxel data represented by orthogonal coordinates. The DSC 5 converts data represented by the scanning line signal sequence output from the signal processing circuit 4 into data in an orthogonal coordinate system (scan conversion processing). That is, in order to be able to display the signal train synchronized with the ultrasonic scanning on the television scanning system display device 7, the scanning system is converted by reading out in synchronization with the standard television scanning.

  The volume rendering (VR) processing circuit 6 performs volume rendering processing on the voxel data output from the DSC 5 to generate a three-dimensional image. Volume rendering processing determines a predetermined line-of-sight direction (projection ray projection direction) for voxel data, performs ray-tracing processing from any line of sight, and integrates or weights voxel values (luminance values, etc.) on the line of sight This is a process of forming a three-dimensional image by extracting an organ or the like three-dimensionally by associating with an image pixel on the projection surface by cumulative addition or the like.

  Further, the VR processing circuit 6 performs a clipping process for removing a shielding object existing in front of the ROI when a region (region of interest; ROI) from which an ultrasound image is to be acquired is set by the operator. To extract data corresponding to the ROI and generate a three-dimensional image.

  The three-dimensional image generated by the VR processing circuit 6 is displayed by a display device 7 such as a CRT or LCD. The display device 7 corresponds to an example of the “display unit” of the present invention.

  The operation unit 8 includes a switch for starting / ending the apparatus, and input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a trackball, and a TCS (Touch Command Screen). The operator operates the operation unit 8 to set the ROI, set the projection direction (gaze direction) of the projection light beam with respect to the voxel data, and further input the patient ID of the subject.

  The printing apparatus 9 includes a printer that prints image data and measurement data acquired by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 on a recording sheet.

  The data storage unit 10 includes a storage device that stores data generated by the signal processing circuit 4, the DSC 5, the VR processing circuit 6, and the like. Various data are stored in the data storage unit 10 in a data file format having an identifier such as patient identification information described later as a file name. That is, the data storage unit 10 stores a file for each patient (referred to as a patient file) in a searchable state.

  As a storage device included in the data storage unit 10, a large-capacity storage device such as a DRAM or a hard disk drive can be used. As the storage device, a drive device for writing and reading data on a recording medium such as a DVD-RAM, a CD-R, or an MO can be used.

  The data storage unit 10 may be built in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 or may be externally attached. Furthermore, a server (DICOM server) or a database connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 via a network such as a LAN can be applied as the data storage unit 10.

  The control unit 100 includes a processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) that executes control of various units of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 and various arithmetic processes. The control unit 100 particularly controls processing circuits such as the transmission / reception circuit 3, the signal processing circuit 4, the DSC 5, and the VR processing circuit 6, controls various screens and image display processing by the display device 7, and controls the printing device 9. Control of print processing, data storage processing for the data storage unit 10, data reading processing from the data storage unit 10, and the like are executed. The control unit 100 executes the various processes described above according to programs stored in advance in a nonvolatile storage device such as a ROM or a hard disk drive. The configuration of the control unit 100 will be described in detail in [Control system configuration] below.

  When adopting a configuration in which patient information such as a patient ID is registered in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 using a magnetic card or an IC card, a card reader that reads information recorded on the card is provided.

[Control system configuration]
Next, the configuration of the control system of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration of the operation unit 8 and the control unit 100 in the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Note that the block diagram of FIG. 2 particularly shows the components used for realizing the operational effects of the present invention.

  First, the operation unit 8 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described. The operation unit 8 includes a power switch 81, an emergency test switch 82, a patient ID input unit 83, and a test end switch 84.

  The power switch 81 is a switch that is operated when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is turned on to be activated and when the apparatus is terminated. The power switch 81 includes a hard switch (a switch as hardware). During normal use, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is activated by the power switch 81.

  The emergency test switch 82 is operated when the user wants to quickly perform the process from turning on the power to displaying the image of the subject, such as when an emergency test is performed or when the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is moved into the ward for testing. Switch. In other words, the emergency inspection switch 82 is a switch for the user to input an emergency activation request for urgently activating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The emergency inspection switch 82 is also constituted by a hard switch like the power switch 81. This emergency inspection switch 82 corresponds to an example of the “operation means” of the present invention.

  The patient ID input unit 83 is operated to input patient identification information of a subject to be examined. The patient ID input unit 83 includes hard keys such as a keyboard, soft keys on a touch panel, and soft keys on a predetermined patient registration screen displayed on the display device 7.

  The inspection end switch 84 corresponds to the “inspection end operation means” of the present invention, and is configured by a hard switch or a soft key that is operated when acquisition of an ultrasonic image is ended. When the inspection end switch 84 is operated, the operations of the transmission / reception circuit 3, the signal processing circuit 4, the DSC 5, and the VR processing circuit 6 are ended under the control of the control unit 100. In addition, after the image acquisition is completed, creation of a measurement report described later, management of acquired image data and measurement data, clinical analysis, and the like are performed as necessary.

  The control unit 100 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an activation control unit 110 that controls the activation process of the apparatus, a program storage unit 120 that stores various programs, and patient identification information such as a patient ID and a name of a subject. A patient registration unit 130 for registration and a patient temporary registration unit 140 for performing a temporary registration process of the subject at the time of emergency activation are provided.

  The activation control unit 110 controls activation processing of a plurality of programs stored in the program storage unit 120, and includes a storage device such as a RAM, an EPROM, and a flash memory in addition to a processor such as a CPU. .

  The activation control unit 110 activates the plurality of programs when an activation request is received from the user. In addition, when the above-described emergency activation request is made, the activation control unit 110 operates to selectively activate some (one or more) programs excluding at least one of the plurality of programs. As described above, the activation control unit 110 corresponds to an example of the “control unit” of the present invention.

  The program storage unit 120 corresponds to an example of the “program storage unit” of the present invention, and includes a nonvolatile storage device such as a ROM or a hard disk drive, and includes an image configuration program 121, a data management program 122, and a measurement. Various application programs including a report program 123, an analysis program 124, a maintenance program 125, an interface program 126, and a communication program 127 are stored in advance. These programs are general programs conventionally used as computer programs specific to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  The image configuration program 121 controls scanning of the transmission ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe 2 and configures an image of the subject based on echo signals output based on the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic probe 2, This is a program for executing a process for displaying a constituent image on the display device 7, and scans a transmission ultrasonic wave by the ultrasonic probe 2 for each image display mode (B mode, M mode, Doppler mode, color mode, etc.). Control and image composition processing.

  The data management program 122 is a program that executes processing for managing various types of data handled by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1. The processing executed by the data management program 122 includes, for example, processing for storing image data and measurement data in the data storage unit 10, processing for changing and deleting image data and measurement data, and storing the stored data in the display device 7. There are a process for displaying, a process for printing the stored data on the printing device 9, a conversion process for converting data such as image data, measurement data, and patient information into a DICOM data format.

  The measurement report program 123 includes various measurement data such as blood vessel length and section length in the acquired subject image data, patient identification information of the subject, patient information such as age, disease, affected area, and obstetric measurement. It is a program for creating a measurement report that summarizes data such as growth graphs.

  The analysis program 124 is a program for executing clinical analysis such as analysis processing of a tissue property of a subject and analysis processing of a state in a blood vessel.

  The maintenance program 125 is a program that is executed when a service engineer or the like performs inspection of the operation state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 or correction of various programs.

  The interface program 126 is a program that performs processing corresponding to an operation signal from the operation unit 8 and controls various peripheral devices connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Note that peripheral devices connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 include a drive device that writes data to a recording medium such as a DVD-RAM, CD-R, and MO, and reads data recorded on the recording medium, and an external connection. Output devices such as printers and display devices, and input devices such as the card reader described above. Control of these peripheral devices is executed by a driver in the interface program 126.

  In this interface program 126, a program (referred to as an operation processing program) for processing an operation signal from the operation unit 8 and causing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to execute an operation based on the operation, arithmetic processing, or the like. A driver for each peripheral device is provided independently. The activation control unit 110 can individually activate the plurality of programs included in the interface program 126.

  The communication program 127 is a program that controls data communication processing with a server (DICOM server) (not shown) and other medical devices. As data transmitted and received by this communication program 127, for example, patient identification information such as patient ID and name, various patient information related to the patient such as the age and sex of the patient, various setting information in the examination, examination results, There are various types of inspection information related to inspection, such as ultrasound images.

  Although illustration is omitted, in the program storage unit 120, in addition to the application programs 121 to 127 described above, an OS such as WINDOWS (registered trademark) and Linux (registered trademark) and a computer program such as middleware are stored. Pre-stored.

  The patient registration unit 130 executes a process for registering patient information such as patient identification information according to a predetermined program. The program is, for example, the data management program 122 or an independent registration program. The patient registration unit 130 includes a CPU and the like. The patient information registered by the patient registration unit 130 is used when storing image data, measurement data, and the like of the subject.

  When the patient identification information of the subject is input from the patient ID input unit 83 of the operation unit 8 after the apparatus is activated, the patient registration unit 130 searches the data storage unit 10 for the patient file specified by the patient identification information. .

  When the target patient file, that is, the patient file of the subject is retrieved, the results of the examination to be performed on the subject are stored in the retrieved patient file. Thereby, the test result acquired this time can be collectively managed together with the past data of the subject.

  On the other hand, when the patient file of the subject is not retrieved, the patient registration unit 130 newly creates a patient file specified by the input patient identification information. The test result acquired this time is stored and managed in this new patient file.

  The patient temporary registration unit 140 operates in response to the emergency activation request, generates temporary patient identification information (referred to as temporary identification information) for identifying the subject according to a predetermined program, and this temporary identification. The information is registered as patient identification information. This patient temporary registration unit 140 corresponds to an example of “temporary identification information generation means” of the present invention.

  More specifically, in response to the operation of the emergency test switch 82 of the operation unit 8, the patient temporary registration unit 140 generates temporary identification information of the subject of the current examination and specifies the temporary identification information based on the temporary identification information. Create a new patient file. Data obtained in this examination is stored and managed in this new patient file.

  When the user inputs the normal patient identification information of the subject from the patient ID input unit 83 after the end of the emergency examination, the patient registration unit 130 specifies the patient file specific information created by the patient temporary registration unit 140, The temporary identification information is changed to regular patient identification information.

  The temporary identification information is a character string formed of arbitrary data that can be automatically acquired by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 such as the date and time of generation thereof, the apparatus ID of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 set in advance, or the like. It consists of character strings formed in combination. The temporary identification information is preferably a unique character string. For example, when the generation date and time of temporary identification information is “January 25, 2005, 15:30” and the apparatus ID of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is “abcdefg”, “abccdefg200501525530” can be adopted as temporary identification information. .

[Processing procedure]
A processing procedure executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 show an example of a processing procedure executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The flowchart of FIG. 3 represents an example of the startup process of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 from when the apparatus is turned on until the ultrasound image is actually displayed and the diagnosis is started. FIG. 4 shows an example of post-diagnosis processing from the end of the ultrasonic image diagnosis until the apparatus is turned off.

[Start-up processing; Fig. 3]
First, the user operates the operation unit 8 to activate the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 (S1). At this time, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 executes different processes depending on whether the power switch 81 of the operation unit 8 is activated and activated, or when the emergency inspection switch 82 is activated.

(Normal startup)
When a normal inspection such as a routine inspection that does not need to be started in an emergency is performed, the power switch 81 is operated (S2; N), and a startup procedure similar to the conventional one is executed. That is, the activation control unit 110 activates all the programs stored in the program storage unit 120 sequentially or in parallel (S3).

  When all the programs are activated, the control unit 100 causes the display device 7 to display a patient registration screen (not shown) for inputting patient identification information (S4). When the user operates the patient ID input unit 83 to input patient identification information (S5), the patient registration unit 130 searches the data storage unit 10 for a patient file specified by the input patient identification information (S6). .

  When the target patient file is not searched (S7; N), the patient registration unit 130 newly creates a patient file having a file name based on the input patient identification information (S8), and creates the new patient file. It is designated as the storage location of the current inspection result (S9).

  On the other hand, when the target patient file is retrieved (S7; Y), the patient registration unit 130 designates the retrieved patient file as a storage destination of data acquired in the current examination (S9).

  When the above preparation is completed, the control unit 100 controls the transmission / reception circuit 3, the signal processing circuit 4, the DSC 5, the VR processing circuit 6, and the display device 7 to display the ultrasound image of the subject on the display device 7 ( S10). The user (examiner) performs an ultrasonic image diagnosis while appropriately adjusting the display image by operating the operation unit 8 (S11).

(Emergency start)
On the other hand, when activated by operating the emergency inspection switch 82 (S2; Y), the activation control unit 110 that has received the operation signal from the emergency inspection switch 82 sets a flag in a predetermined register of the CPU (S12). This flag indicates that an emergency inspection is requested (this flag is referred to as an emergency inspection request flag).

  When the emergency examination request flag is set, the activation control unit 110 selectively selects only the minimum necessary programs for displaying the ultrasound image of the subject, for example, the operation processing programs of the image configuration program 121 and the interface program 126. (S13). The operation processing program is a program for processing an operation signal from the operation unit 8 as described above.

  Subsequently, the patient temporary registration unit 140 operates in response to the urgent examination request flag being set, and generates temporary identification information for identifying the subject of the current examination (S14). A new patient file specified by the identification information is created (S9). Data obtained by this examination is stored in this new patient file (referred to as a temporary patient file).

  When the above preparation is completed, the control unit 100 controls the transmission / reception circuit 3, the signal processing circuit 4, the DSC 5, the VR processing circuit 6, and the display device 7 to display the ultrasound image of the subject on the display device 7 ( S10). The user performs an ultrasonic image diagnosis while operating the operation unit 8 and appropriately adjusting the display image (S11).

  The above is an example of the startup process of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 from when the power is turned on until the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging is actually started.

[Post-diagnosis processing; Fig. 4]
When the examination end switch 84 is operated in order to end the ultrasonic image diagnosis (S21), the control unit 100 ends the operations of the transmission / reception circuit 3, the signal processing circuit 4, the DSC 5, and the VR processing circuit 6 to perform ultrasonic processing. The image display is terminated (S22). Hereinafter, a case where normal activation is performed and a case where emergency activation is performed will be described separately.

(Normal post-diagnostic processing; if not urgently activated)
When the normal activation process is performed, that is, when the emergency inspection request flag is not set (S23; N), the data management program 122, the measurement report program 123, the analysis program 124, the interface program 126, and the communication program 127 are All are activated when the apparatus is activated (see step S3 in FIG. 3). Based on these programs, the control unit 110 displays an operation screen (not shown) for selecting a process to be performed after diagnosis on the display device 7 (S24).

  This operation screen is provided with a soft key for starting use of a function provided by the activated program. Instead of the soft key, the use of these functions may be started by operating a hard switch provided in the operation unit 8.

  The user operates a soft key on the operation screen as necessary to use a desired function (S25). For example, when the data management key is operated, the CPU of the control unit 100 starts executing the data management program 122, and the user saves image data, measurement data, and the like acquired in the current examination in the data storage unit 10. Delete unnecessary data or change data. When the measurement report key is operated, the measurement report program 123 is executed to automatically create a measurement report and display it on the display device 7. When the analysis key is operated, the analysis program 124 is executed, clinical analysis processing (described above) is performed, and the analysis result is displayed on the display device 7. When the print key is operated, the printer driver of the interface program 126 is executed, and a desired image or data is output by the printing apparatus 9.

  When the use of the desired function is completed, the user operates the power switch 81 (S26). When the power switch 81 is operated, the control unit 100 stores the settings of the activated programs, ends these programs (S27), and then turns off the power (S28). This is the end of the normal post-diagnosis processing.

  In the case where the normal activation process is performed, all the programs stored in the program storage unit 120 are activated in step S3 of FIG. Done about the program.

(Post-diagnosis processing in case of emergency start)
On the other hand, when the emergency start is performed, that is, when the emergency inspection request flag is set (S23; Y), the activation control unit 110 provides a program that provides a function used in post-diagnosis processing, for example, the data management program 122. Then, at least one of the measurement report program 123, the analysis program 124, the driver of the interface program 126, and the communication program 127 is selectively activated (S29). The program activated in step S29 is set in advance by the user or service engineer. Further, it is desirable to execute the activation process in step S29 in the background.

  Based on these programs, the control unit 110 causes the display device 7 to display an operation screen (not shown) for selecting processing to be performed after diagnosis (S30). When only one program is activated in step S30, an operation screen for functions provided by the program is displayed.

  This operation screen is provided with a space for inputting patient identification information of the subject. When the user operates the patient ID input unit 83 to input the proper patient identification information of the subject (S31), the patient registration unit 130 creates the temporary patient file created by the patient temporary registration unit 140 (step of FIG. 3). The file name of (see S9) is changed to a file name based on the entered regular patient identification information (S32). Data acquired thereafter is stored in this patient file.

  The user operates a soft key on the operation screen as necessary to use a desired function (S25).

  When the use of the desired function is completed, the user operates the power switch 81 (S26). When the power switch 81 is operated, the control unit 100 stores the settings of the activated programs, ends these programs (S27), and then turns off the power (S28). Thus, the post-diagnosis process when the emergency activation is performed ends.

  In step S27 in the case where emergency activation is performed, the minimum necessary program for displaying the image of the subject selectively activated in step S13 in FIG. 3 and selective activation in step S29 are performed. The setting storage process and the end process are executed only for the program.

[Function and effect]
According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the following operational effects are exhibited.

  First, when you want to display an ultrasound image of a subject as quickly as possible, such as when performing an emergency test or when moving the device, the emergency test switch 84 is operated to activate the device. Only the program necessary for image display can be selectively activated. Thereby, compared with the conventional structure which starts all the programs memorize | stored in the program memory | storage part 120 at the time of power activation, starting time can be shortened significantly.

  In addition, since only the program necessary for displaying the ultrasonic image is selectively activated, the number of programs to be terminated when the apparatus is terminated can be smaller than in the prior art. Accordingly, the time required for terminating the apparatus is also shortened. Furthermore, even when the apparatus is restarted during the inspection, the number of programs that are once ended and the number of programs that are restarted are smaller than in the prior art, so that the time required for restarting is shortened.

  In addition, by activating only necessary programs in this way, memory resources can be used efficiently, and problems such as a slow data processing speed related to necessary functions can be avoided.

  Further, when the apparatus is started by operating the emergency inspection switch 84, the temporary identification information is automatically generated and diagnosed by regarding it as the patient identification information without inputting the patient identification information normally performed before diagnosis. Therefore, the time required from when the power is turned on to when the apparatus is ready for diagnosis (ultrasonic image display) can be shortened.

  Further, processing performed after diagnosis using an ultrasound image, for example, data management, creation of measurement report, clinical analysis, printing processing, communication processing of patient information and examination information, etc., according to the operation of the examination end switch 84 Then, a program for executing the process is started. Therefore, there is no inconvenience in the execution of post-diagnosis processing even if these programs are not started when the apparatus is turned on. Even if it takes a certain amount of time to start up these programs, it is desirable to give priority to reducing the time until the start of the inspection, that is, shortening the apparatus starting time, as in this embodiment, in the case of an emergency inspection. .

  In addition, by executing the startup process of the program after the operation of the examination end switch 84 in the background, it is possible to execute a registration process of regular patient identification information and the like in parallel while executing the startup process. It becomes possible to shorten the time from the end of diagnosis to the start of post-diagnosis processing.

[Modification]
Here, various modifications related to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  The present embodiment has a configuration in which a program is selectively activated when the apparatus is activated by the emergency inspection switch 82, but by setting in advance a program to be activated when the apparatus is activated (at power-on), You may make it always shorten starting time. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the emergency inspection switch 82. Note that the setting of the program to be started when the power is turned on is executed by the user or service engineer.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a function program (data management program 122, measurement report program 123, analysis program 124, driver for interface program 126, communication program 127) that is not used from the beginning of the inspection is triggered by the operation of the inspection end switch 84. The start timing of these programs is sufficient after the start of the program necessary for displaying the ultrasonic image (step S13 in FIG. 3). In this case, it is desirable that the activation process be performed in the background. That is, the diagnosis can be performed while starting these programs.

<Second Embodiment>
The present embodiment relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which an individual image configuration program (see “image configuration program 121” of the first embodiment) is mounted for each examination type, and an examination to be performed from now on. In response to the specified examination type, the image configuration program of the specified examination type is selectively activated to shorten the startup time, restart time, and end time of the apparatus, and to operate the apparatus. A configuration for efficient use of memory resources is provided. Hereinafter, the apparatus configuration, the processing procedure, and the effects of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described, and further modifications thereof will be described.

  The “examination type (Exam Type)” means a type of ultrasonic image diagnosis set according to factors such as an examination object, an examination site, a procedure, and image quality conditions. As typical examination types, for example, adult heart examination (Adult Heart; general cardiovascular examination), pediatric heart examination (Pediatric Heart; pediatric cardiovascular examination), abdominal examination (Abdomen), carotid artery examination (Carrotid), thyroid examination (Thyroid), obstetric examination (OB).

  Here, in a general ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, in addition to these representative examination types, mammary gland examination (Breast), gynecological examination (GYN; Gynecology), transvaginal examination (Endo-vaginal), fetus Cardiovascular examination (Fetal Heart), coronary artery examination (Coronary), transcranial Doppler examination (TCD), neonatal head examination (Neo-Head), newborn abdominal general examination (Neo-General), neonatal hip joint examination (Neo) -Hip), PV (blood flow velocity)-Vein examination (PV Venus), PV- Arterial examination (PV Arterial), Finger examination (Digits), Orthopedic examination (MSK), Prostate examination (Prostate), Kidney examination (Kidney) , Testicular test (Tests), sutra Road inspection (M-TEE), the type of examination, such as other inspection (OTHER) are provided. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, an arbitrary examination type can be provided in addition to the examination types listed here. Such inspection types can be added or changed as appropriate by a user, a service engineer, or the like.

[Device configuration]
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, in order to avoid duplication of description, the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a configuration of a control system of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The program storage unit 120 of the control unit 100 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1000 shown in the figure includes an adult heart examination program 121A, a childhood heart examination program 121B, an abdominal examination program 121C, a carotid artery program 121D, a thyroid examination program 121E, and an obstetric examination program. An image configuration program for each examination type such as 121F is stored in advance. FIG. 5 shows only typical inspection type programs, and actually stores about 20 to 30 inspection type programs including these six types.

  The program storage unit 120 stores in advance an examination type setting program 128 as an application program for causing the display device 7 to display a screen for selecting and setting the examination type (examination type setting screen). This inspection type setting screen is provided with a pull-down menu or the like in which a plurality of inspection types can be selected.

  Although not shown, the program storage unit 120 of the present embodiment also includes the same data management program 122, measurement report program 123, analysis program 124, maintenance program 125, interface program 126, and communication program 127 as in the first embodiment. Etc. are stored.

  The operation unit 8 is provided with an examination type input unit 85 that is operated by the user to select and input an examination type. The inspection type input unit 85 is configured by an input device such as a mouse or a trackball. The inspection type input unit 85 corresponds to the “inspection type setting unit” of the present invention. Although not shown, the operation unit 8 is provided with various input devices and operation switches such as a patient ID input unit 83 and an examination end switch 84 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[Processing procedure]
An example of the processing procedure executed according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 6 represents the activation process by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1000.

  When the user operates the power switch 81 to turn on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1000 (S41), the activation control unit 110 activates the examination type setting program 128 (S42). The control unit 100 displays the above-described examination type setting screen on the display device 7 in accordance with the examination type setting program 128 (S43).

  The user operates the examination type input unit 85 (mouse) to select and click a desired examination type (for example, an adult heart examination) among a plurality of examination types arranged in the pull-down menu on the examination type setting screen. By doing this, the examination type of the ultrasonic image diagnosis to be performed is set (S44).

  When an operation signal from the examination type input unit 85 is input to the control unit 100, the activation control unit 110 selectively selects an image configuration program (here, the adult heart examination program 121A) that executes the examination type selected by the user. (S45).

  The control unit 100 controls the transmission / reception circuit 3, the signal processing circuit 4, the DSC 5, the VR processing circuit 6 and the like according to the selectively activated image configuration program, and performs ultrasonic image diagnosis of the examination type selected and set by the user. Implement (S46).

  The post-diagnosis process of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1000 is the same as the “normal post-diagnosis process” in the first embodiment, for example.

[Function and effect]
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment selectively activates an image configuration program that executes the set examination type in response to the user setting the examination type of the current ultrasound image diagnosis. Acts as follows. As a result, the time (start-up time) required from when the power is turned on until the ultrasound image is displayed is shortened compared to the conventional start-up process in which all image configuration programs are started up when the power is turned on. In addition, since only the image configuration program of the target examination type is activated, the time required for the restart process and the end process is shortened. Furthermore, memory resources can be used efficiently.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, the examination type setting screen is displayed following power-on. However, before or after that, the patient registration screen (see the first embodiment) is displayed to input patient identification information. May be performed.

  Further, by combining the first embodiment and the present embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an image configuration program for each examination type, and displaying an examination type setting screen corresponding to the operation of the emergency examination switch. When the user selects a desired examination type, only the image configuration program for that examination type may be selectively activated. Thereby, shortening of the starting time at the time of emergency inspection etc. can be aimed at.

<Third Embodiment>
When a plurality of users use the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the function to be used may be determined for each user. For example, when a cardiologist and an obstetrician use a single ultrasound diagnostic device, the cardiologist uses the ultrasound diagnostic device only for adult and / or pediatric cardiac examinations, As in the case of using only for obstetric examination, the type of examination used for each user may be determined. Some users may also use the device only for clinical analysis.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment has a function that can be suitably used in such a case, and restricts activation of a program that is not used by the user by changing a program that is activated for each user. Thus, the start time, restart time, and end time are shortened, and memory resources are efficiently used during the operation of the apparatus. Hereinafter, the apparatus configuration, the processing procedure, and the effects of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described, and further modifications thereof will be described.

[Device configuration]
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first and second embodiments. Hereinafter, in order to avoid duplication of description, the same components as those shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a configuration of a control system of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. As in the second embodiment, the program storage unit 120 of the control unit 100 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1100 shown in the figure contains an adult heart examination program 121A, a pediatric heart examination program 121B, an abdominal examination program 121C, and a carotid artery program 121D. In addition, image configuration programs for each examination type such as a thyroid examination program 121E and an obstetric examination program 121F are stored in advance.

  In the program storage unit 120, a user setting program is used as an application program for causing the display device 7 to display a screen (user setting screen) for the user of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1100 to input user identification information such as the user ID. 129 is stored in advance. On the user setting screen, a user name input space is provided. A plurality of user names may be arranged in a list using a pull-down menu or the like and selected from the list. In addition, an input space for inputting a security user password may be provided on the user input screen.

  Although not shown, the program storage unit 120 of the present embodiment also includes the same data management program 122, measurement report program 123, analysis program 124, maintenance program 125, interface program 126, and communication program 127 as in the first embodiment. Etc. are stored.

  The data storage unit 10 stores user setting information 10A including various setting data related to the user. This user setting information 10A includes data such as the user ID, name, user password, and examination type of each user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1100. Data relating to each user is associated with a user ID and stored as a user file for each user, for example.

  The operation unit 8 is provided with a user ID input unit 86 that is operated by the user to input user identification information such as a user ID. The user ID input unit 86 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a trackball. The user ID input unit 86 corresponds to the “user identification information input unit” of the present invention. Although illustration is omitted, the operation unit 8 is provided with various input devices and operation switches such as a patient ID input unit 83 and an examination end switch 84 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[Processing procedure]
An example of the processing procedure executed by this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 8 represents the activation process by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1100.

  When the user operates the power switch 81 to turn on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1100 (S51), the activation control unit 110 activates the user setting program 129 (S52). The activation control unit 110 displays the above-described user setting screen on the display device 7 according to the user setting program 129 (S53).

  The user operates the user ID input unit 86 to input his / her user ID in the input space on the user setting screen (S54). At this time, a user password or the like is also input if necessary.

  Upon receiving the operation signal from the user ID input unit 86, the activation control unit 110 searches the user setting information 10A in the data storage unit 10 for the examination type (for example, obstetric examination) associated with the input user ID ( S55). Subsequently, the activation control unit 110 selectively activates an image configuration program (an obstetric examination program 121F) for executing the retrieved examination type (S56).

  The control unit 100 controls the transmission / reception circuit 3, the signal processing circuit 4, the DSC 5, the VR processing circuit 6 and the like according to the selectively activated image configuration program, and performs ultrasonic image diagnosis of the target examination type ( S57).

  The post-diagnosis process of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1100 is the same as the “normal post-diagnosis process” in the first embodiment, for example.

[Function and effect]
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1100 according to the present embodiment operates to selectively activate an image configuration program associated with the user ID in response to the input of the user name. As a result, the time taken from when the power is turned on to when the ultrasonic image is displayed is shortened compared to the conventional activation process in which all image configuration programs are activated when the power is turned on. In addition, since only the image configuration program of the target examination type is activated, the time required for the restart process and the end process is shortened. Furthermore, memory resources can be used efficiently.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which there is one examination type associated with the input user ID. Here, a processing procedure when two or more examination types are associated with one user ID will be described.

  When the power is turned on (S51), the user setting program 129 is activated (S52), and the user setting screen is displayed on the display device 7 (S53).

  When the user inputs a user ID (S54), the examination type (for example, adult heart examination and pediatric heart examination) associated with the user ID is searched (S55). Up to this point, the process is the same as in the above embodiment.

  If there are a plurality of retrieved examination types, the activation control unit 110 displays the retrieved examination types using, for example, a pull-down menu (S58). The user operates the operation unit 8 to select a desired one (for example, an adult heart examination) from the displayed examination types (S59). The activation control unit 110 selectively activates an image configuration program (adult cardiac examination program 121A) for executing the selected examination type (S60). Then, an ultrasonic image diagnosis of a target examination type is performed (S57).

  It should be noted that a method other than the pull-down menu may be used for displaying and selecting a plurality of searched examination types. For example, a soft key for each of a plurality of searched examination types can be displayed, and a soft key for a desired examination type can be selected by clicking with the operation unit 8 (mouse).

  In the said embodiment, although user ID and the test | inspection classification are linked | related using the user file for every user, the aspect of this correlation is not limited to this. For example, related information (for example, a related table) that associates the user ID of each user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with the examination type used by each user may be stored in the data storage unit 10.

  In the above-described embodiment, the activation process according to the difference in the examination type used by each user has been described. However, a similar activation process can be executed even when a certain user performs clinical analysis. For example, data relating “analysis” to the user ID of the user may be stored in the data storage unit.

<Fourth Embodiment>
As described above, recent ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses have many functions. However, there are not a few users who use only a part of these functions. In particular, there are users who usually use only a specific function and rarely use other functions at all. The present embodiment provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus suitable for such a user.

[Device configuration]
FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a configuration of a control system of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The data storage unit 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1200 shown in the figure is provided with a usage history recording unit 10B that records a usage history (log) of each function of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1200. The usage history of each function recorded in the usage history recording unit 10B includes the identification information of the function such as the name of the function or the name of the program providing the function, and data such as the date and time when the function is used. Etc. are included. The use history recording unit 10B corresponds to an example of the “use history recording unit” of the present invention.

[Processing procedure]
A startup process of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1200 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the user operates the power switch 81 to turn on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1200 (S61), the activation control unit 110 uses the function used during the previous apparatus operation from the usage history recording unit 10B of the data storage unit 10. The identification information is acquired (S62).

  The activation control unit 110 that has acquired the identification information of the function used last time selectively activates a program that provides the function specified by the identification information (S63). The control unit 100 controls the transmission / reception circuit 3, the signal processing circuit 4, the DSC 5, the VR processing circuit 6, and the like according to the activated program, and performs a target process (such as ultrasonic image diagnosis or clinical analysis process). (S64).

[Function and effect]
According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1200 of the present embodiment, a program that provides a function used during the previous operation of the apparatus is selectively activated when the apparatus is activated this time, and a program with a function that was not used last time is not activated. Therefore, the startup time can be suitably shortened when only a specific function is normally used. In addition, restart time and end time can be shortened, and memory resources can be used efficiently.

  In addition, with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment, as a process in the case of using another function that is different from the usual function, a predetermined operation can be performed by the operation unit 8 after the apparatus is activated so that another function can be selected. Can be configured. For example, a function selection key (hard key or soft key) for changing a function to be used can be provided on the operation unit 8. When another function is selected by the function selection key, the activation control unit 110 activates a program that provides the selected function. Even if such a configuration is applied, shortening of the startup time at the normal startup of the apparatus is achieved, and the above-described function changing operation is only required when using other functions in rare cases.

<Fifth Embodiment>
As in the fourth embodiment, this embodiment provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus suitable for a user who particularly uses only a part of functions.

[Device configuration]
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Similar to the fourth embodiment, the data storage unit 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided with a usage history recording unit 10B that records a usage history (log) of each function. The flowchart shown in FIG. 12 represents an example of a processing procedure executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[Processing procedure]
When the user operates the power switch 81 to turn on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment (S71), the activation control unit 110 uses each function recorded in the use history recording unit 10B of the data storage unit 10. The history is referred to, and the number of times each function is used within a predetermined period from the present to the past is acquired (S72). Further, the activation control unit 110 determines whether or not the number of uses is less than or equal to a predetermined number for each function (S73), and provides the function for a function that is determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined number. The activation of the program is prohibited (S74).

  The activation control unit 110 selectively activates a program whose activation is not prohibited, that is, a program that provides a function in which the number of uses in the past predetermined period exceeds the predetermined number (S75). The control unit 100 controls the transmission / reception circuit 3, the signal processing circuit 4, the DSC 5, the VR processing circuit 6 and the like in accordance with the activated program to perform the target processing (S76).

  Here, the “predetermined period” in step S72 is a period of one month, for example. Further, the “predetermined number of times” in step S73 is set to 0 times or the number of times considering the “predetermined period” (for example, about 1 or 2 times if the predetermined number of times is one month). Note that setting or changing the “predetermined period” and the “predetermined number of times” can be appropriately performed by a user or a service engineer.

[Function and effect]
According to the present embodiment, a program that provides a function that has not been used within a predetermined period or a function that has been used in a very small number during that period is not started. Therefore, when the user normally uses only a specific function, the startup time of the apparatus can be suitably shortened. In addition, restart time and end time can be shortened, and memory resources can be used efficiently.

[Modification]
The processing procedure described in the above embodiment determines whether or not the number of times each function of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used is equal to or less than a predetermined number, and prohibits activation of a program that provides a function whose number is less than or equal to a predetermined number By doing so, it is configured not to start a program having a function that is used infrequently, but a specific operation for achieving the same action is not limited to this. For example, it can be configured to determine whether or not the number of times each function is used is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times, and selectively start a program that provides a function whose number of times of use is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

<Sixth Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, when two or more programs are activated at power-on, the activation time is adjusted by adjusting the start timing of the activation process of each program.

[Device configuration]
The block diagram of FIG. 13 represents an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The data storage unit 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1300 shown in the figure is provided with an activation time recording unit 10C corresponding to an example of the “activation time recording means” of the present invention. The activation control unit 110 measures the time (activation time) required from the start to the completion of activation of each program when the power is turned on, and records it in the activation time recording unit 10C.

  Here, the measurement process of the activation time is executed by a time measuring means such as a timer built in the CPU. The time measuring means starts the time when the program starts and acquires the time measured when the start of the program is completed as the start time.

  When measuring the startup time of each of two or more programs that are started in parallel, start timing when the first program starts after the power is turned on. When the start is started, the time measured by the time measuring means at the start of the start is stored in the data storage unit 10 or the like. When the start of the first program is completed, the time measured when the start is completed is acquired as the start time of the program. Further, when the start of the program that has started to be started later is completed, the start time of the subsequent program is obtained by subtracting the time measured at the start of the start from the time measured at the time when the start is completed. A plurality of time measuring means may be provided to measure the activation time for each program.

  Note that the program whose activation time is measured does not have to be all of the plurality of programs stored in the program storage unit 120, and may be set as appropriate so as to measure two or more of them. it can. The setting process is performed by a user or a service engineer.

[Processing procedure]
The flowchart of FIG. 14 represents an example of a processing procedure executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  When the user operates the power switch 81 to turn on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1300 (S81), the activation control unit 110 determines the activation time of each program activated this time from the activation time recording unit 10C of the data storage unit 10. They are acquired (S82), and the lengths of their activation times are compared (S83).

  Next, the activation control unit 110 orders the programs from those having the longest activation time (S84), and calculates the difference in the activation time from the program having the longest activation time for each program excluding the program having the longest activation time. Calculate (S85).

  Here, the programs to be activated this time are P1, P2,..., Pn in descending order of activation time, and the activation time of each Pi (i = 1 to n) is Ti (thus, i <j Then Ti ≧ Tj). For each Pj (j = 2 to n), T1−Tj = ΔTj.

  First, the activation control unit 110 starts activation of the program P1 with the longest activation time (S86). The activation control unit 110 starts time measurement by the time measuring means together with the start of the program P1 (S87).

  When the difference ΔT2 in the activation time between the program P1 and the program P2 is measured (S88), the activation of the program P2 having the second longest activation time is started (S89). Similarly, when the time difference ΔTj between the programs P1 and Pj is measured by the time measuring means (S90), the program Pj starts to be activated (S91).

  When the start processing of all the programs is completed (S92), the control unit 100 controls the transmission / reception circuit 3, the signal processing circuit 4, the DSC 5, the VR processing circuit 6 and the like according to these programs to perform the target processing. (S93).

  Each time the activation process of each program is completed, the activation control unit 110 causes the activation time recording unit 10 </ b> C to record the current activation time of each program. This recording result is used for the program activation process at the next power-on.

  Here, as an example of the processing procedure described above, processing when the image configuration program 121, the data management program 122, the measurement report program 123, and the interface program 126 are activated when the power is turned on will be described.

  First, it is assumed that the past activation times of these programs are recorded in the activation time recording unit 10C as follows: the activation time of the image configuration program 121 is 55 seconds; the activation time of the data management program 122 is 60 seconds; The startup time of the measurement report program 123 is 45 seconds; the startup time of the interface program 126 is 50 seconds.

  When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1300 is turned on (S81), the activation control unit 110 activates activation times of the image configuration program 121, the data management program 122, the measurement report program 123, and the interface program 126 that are activated this time. Obtained from the time recording unit 10C (S82). Then, the lengths of the activation times are compared (S83).

  Next, ordering is performed in descending order of activation time, first: data management program 122 (60 seconds), second: image configuration program 121 (55 seconds), and third: interface program 126 (50 seconds). ), Fourth: The order of the measurement report program 123 (45 seconds) is obtained (S84).

  Further, for each of the second to fourth image configuration program 121, the interface program 126, and the measurement report program 123, a difference in activation time with the first (longest activation time) data management program 122 is calculated (S85). . Here, the second image configuration program 121 is 5 seconds, the third interface program 126 is 10 seconds, and the fourth measurement report program 123 is 15 seconds.

  The activation control unit 110 first starts activation of the data management program 122 having the longest activation time (S86), and starts time measurement by the time measuring means (S87).

  When the time measuring means measures 5 seconds (S88), the activation control unit 110 starts activation of the second image configuration program 121 (S89). Further, when the time measuring means measures 10 seconds, the third interface program 126 starts to be activated, and when 15 seconds are counted, the fourth measurement report program 123 starts to be activated (S90, S91).

  That is, only the startup process of the data management program 122 is executed in the first 5 seconds from the start of startup, and the startup processes of the data management program 122 and the image configuration program 121 are performed in parallel after 5 to 10 seconds from the start of startup. 10 seconds to 15 seconds later, the data management program 121, the image configuration program 121, and the interface program 126 are started in parallel. After 15 seconds, the startup processes of the four programs are executed. Run in parallel.

  Here, if the capacity of the RAM is sufficiently large, the time required for the parallel activation processing of these four programs is not much different from the total time when each program is sequentially activated individually. Therefore, there is not much difference in the timing when these four programs are finished. Since a large-capacity RAM is generally commercially available at present, it is possible to select a RAM having an appropriate capacity in consideration of the size of the program stored in the program storage unit 120 and mount it on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  When the activation processing of these four programs is completed (S92), the control unit 100 starts displaying an ultrasonic image, for example, according to these programs (S93).

[Function and effect]
According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1300 according to the present embodiment, when two or more programs are activated when the power is turned on, the past activation times related to the respective programs are referred to, the order of starting the activation processes of those programs, and By adjusting the timing, it is possible to simultaneously execute the activation processes of these programs. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the activation time when two or more programs are activated when the power is turned on.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, the order and timing of start-up are adjusted with reference to the start-up time recorded individually for each program. Alternatively, the start order and timing of a plurality of programs may be obtained from the start time recording, and recorded in the start time recording unit 10C. In that case, it is desirable to execute the acquisition process such as the start order in the background in order not to disturb the inspection.
<Seventh embodiment>
The present embodiment has a configuration suitable when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is mainly used for clinical analysis.

  FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. An analysis switch 87 is provided in the operation unit 8 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1400 shown in FIG. This analysis switch 87 is configured by a hard switch and is operated when performing clinical analysis based on past examination data recorded in the data storage unit 10 or a server (DICOM server or the like) or a database on the network. It is a switch.

  When the analysis switch 87 is operated, the activation control unit 110 turns on the apparatus and sets an analysis request flag in a predetermined register. When the analysis request flag is set, the activation control unit 110 selectively activates the analysis program 124 among the plurality of programs stored in the program storage unit 120.

  At this time, the activation control unit 110 does not activate the image configuration program. That is, the analysis switch 87 is not operated when performing ultrasonic image diagnosis in real time, but is operated when performing analysis processing using already acquired examination data, and thus an image configuration program is not necessary. Because. Note that the configuration of the first embodiment described above may be applied to quickly start the image configuration program. Further, the data management program 122, the measurement report program 123, the interface program 126, and the communication program 127 can be activated as appropriate together with the analysis program 124 or after the analysis program 124 is activated. Furthermore, in order to cope with the case where an ultrasonic image diagnosis is desired after the analysis is completed, the image configuration program 121 may be configured to be activated after the analysis program 124 is activated.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, by operating the analysis switch 87, only the analysis program can be selectively activated to start the analysis process quickly. In addition, since the number of programs that are actually activated is small, the restart process and the termination process can be quickly performed, and the analysis process can be executed by efficiently using memory resources. The analysis switch 87 corresponds to “analysis activation operation means” of the present invention.

  Each embodiment described in detail above is only an example of a specific configuration for suitably carrying out the present invention. Therefore, arbitrary modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a 1st embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic equipment concerning the present invention. It is a block diagram showing an example of the composition of the control system of a 1st embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment concerning the present invention. It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the starting process which 1st Embodiment of the ultrasound diagnosing device which concerns on this invention performs. It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the post-diagnosis process which 1st Embodiment of the ultrasound diagnosing device which concerns on this invention performs. It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the control system of 2nd Embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the starting process which 2nd Embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention performs. It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the control system of 3rd Embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the starting process which 3rd Embodiment of the ultrasound diagnosing device which concerns on this invention performs. It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the starting process which the modification of 3rd Embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention performs. It is a block diagram showing an example of a structure of the control system of 4th Embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the starting process which 4th Embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention performs. It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the starting process which 5th Embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention performs. It is a block diagram showing an example of a structure of the control system of 6th Embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the starting process which 6th Embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention performs. It is a block diagram showing an example of a structure of the control system of 7th Embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 Ultrasonic probe 3 Transmission / reception circuit 4 Signal processing circuit 5 DSC (digital scan converter)
6 VR (Volume Rendering) Processing Circuit 7 Display Device 8 Operation Unit 81 Power Switch 82 Emergency Test Switch 83 Patient ID Input Unit 84 Test End Switch 85 Test Type Input Unit 86 User ID Input Unit 87 Analysis Switch 9 Printing Device 10 Data Storage Unit 10A User setting information 10B Usage history recording unit 10C Activation time recording unit 100 Control unit 110 Activation control unit 120 Program storage unit 121 Image configuration program 121A Adult cardiac examination program 121B Pediatric cardiac examination program 121C Abdominal examination program 121D Carotid artery examination program 121E Thyroid examination Program 121F Obstetric examination program 122 Data management program 123 Measurement report program 124 Analysis program 125 Maintenance program 126 Inter E chair program 127 communication program 128 test type setting program 129 the user setting program 130 patient registration unit 140 patient temporary registration unit

Claims (14)

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a program storage means that stores a plurality of application programs that provide functions unique to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus,
Startup time recording means for recording the startup time of the application program;
In response to an activation request, two or more other application programs excluding at least one of the stored plurality of application programs are selectively activated, and the other two or more application programs An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising control means for starting activation in the order in which the recorded activation times are long and executing activation processing of the other two or more application programs in parallel. Operation means for inputting the activation request;
An ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves into the subject, receives the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves, and outputs an echo signal; and
Further comprising
The plurality of application programs stored in the program storage means control an ultrasonic scan transmitted by the ultrasonic probe and configure an image in the subject based on the output echo signal Image display program to be displayed on the display means,
The control means activates the image configuration program in response to the operation means being operated.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.   The ultrasound according to claim 2, further comprising provisional identification information generation means for generating provisional patient identification information used for identification of the subject in response to the operation means being operated. Diagnostic device.   The control unit first activates the recorded first application program having a long activation time among the other two or more application programs, and activates the first application program. The second application program is started after a time determined by a difference between a start time of a second application program different from the first application program and a start time of the first application program has elapsed. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An operation means for inputting an activation request, an ultrasonic probe that transmits an ultrasonic wave toward the inside of the subject, receives an reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave, and outputs an echo signal, and is transmitted by the ultrasonic probe. Provides functions specific to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, including an image configuration program that controls the scan of ultrasound and controls the output echo signal to construct an image in the subject and display it on a display means. A plurality of application programs stored in advance, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:
In response to the operation means being operated, temporary identification information generation means for generating temporary patient identification information used for identification of the subject;
In response to the activation request, one or more application programs other than at least one of the plurality of stored application programs are selectively activated and the operation means is operated. Control means for starting the image composition program;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The application program stored in the program storage means and not started by the control means when the operation means is operated includes a data management program for managing image data and measurement data of the subject, and a measurement report. Includes at least one of a measurement report program to be created, an analysis program that performs clinical analysis, an interface program that controls operation of peripheral devices, and a communication program that transmits and receives patient information and examination information.
The control means activates at least one of the data management program, the measurement report program, the analysis program, the interface program, and the communication program after the image configuration program is activated.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized. An inspection end operation means for ending display of the image by the image configuration program;
The control unit selectively selects at least one of the data management program, the measurement report program, the analysis program, the interface program, and the communication program in response to the operation of the examination end operation unit. To start,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6. An ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves into the subject, receives the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves, and outputs an echo signal; and
Examination type setting means operated to select and set one of a plurality of examination types;
Further comprising
In the plurality of application programs, the ultrasonic scan transmitted by the ultrasonic probe is controlled, and an image in the subject is configured based on the output echo signal and displayed on a display unit. An image configuration program for each of a plurality of examination types, and an examination type setting program for causing the display unit to display a screen for selecting and setting the examination type,
The control means activates the examination type setting program in response to the activation request and corresponds to the examination type being selected and set based on the screen displayed by the activated examination type setting program. Selectively starting the image configuration program corresponding to the selected inspection type,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 . A user identification information input means operated to input the user identification information;
The plurality of application programs include a user setting program that causes a display unit to display a screen for inputting the user identification information,
The control means activates the user setting program in response to the activation request, and in response to input of user identification information based on the screen displayed by the activated user setting program, Selectively starting the application program associated in advance with the input user identification information;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized. It further comprises usage history recording means for recording the usage history of the specific function.
The control means selectively activates the application program that corresponds to the activation request and provides the function used during the previous operation of the device with reference to the recorded usage history.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized. It further comprises usage history recording means for recording the usage history of the specific function.
In response to the activation request, the control means refers to the recorded use history and determines whether or not the number of uses in a past predetermined period is less than or equal to a predetermined number for each of the specific functions. And prohibiting activation of the application program that provides the function determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined number of times,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized. An ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves into the subject, receives the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves, and outputs an echo signal; and
Analysis starting operation means operated when starting the apparatus to perform clinical analysis; and
Further comprising
The plurality of application programs include an image that controls scanning of an ultrasonic wave transmitted by the ultrasonic probe, and configures an image in the subject based on the output echo signal to be displayed on a display unit. A configuration program and an analysis program for clinical analysis,
In response to the operation of the analysis activation operation unit, the control unit activates the analysis program without activating the image configuration program.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 . An ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves into the subject, receives reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves, and outputs an echo signal;
The application program stored in the program storage unit and not activated by the control unit that has received the activation request controls scanning of the ultrasonic wave transmitted by the ultrasonic probe and the output An image configuration program that configures an image in the subject based on an echo signal and displays the image on a display means, a data management program that manages image data and measurement data of the subject, a measurement report program that creates a measurement report, and clinical use At least one of an analysis program for performing analysis, a maintenance program for providing device maintenance, an interface program for controlling operation of peripheral devices, and a communication program for transmitting and receiving patient information and examination information ,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .   The super control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control unit causes a process for starting the application program after the start in response to the start request to be executed in the background. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

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