Medical inspection device management system, ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus and management apparatus

Abstract

To improve the productivity of medical workers while effectively utilizing assets and resources in a hospital.SOLUTION: A medical inspection device management system according to the present embodiment comprises one or a plurality of medical inspection devices having a self-traveling function of moving to a destination and a management apparatus, where the management apparatus includes: a selection part configured to select an available medical inspection device based on an inspection order; a setting part configured to set the destination of the selected medical inspection device; and a transmission part configured to transmit destination information regarding the destination to the selected medical inspection device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical examination equipment management system, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a management apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in hospitals such as specialized function hospitals, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses are sometimes shared and operated by each medical department in the hospital by being centralized in a predetermined examination room, and sometimes purchased independently by each medical department in the hospital and operated separately by each medical department in the hospital. For this reason, there are a large number of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses in the hospital. However, since the administrators and installation locations are different for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses shared by each medical department in the hospital and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses independently purchased by each medical department in the hospital, it is difficult to grasp the total number. In addition, when using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus independently purchased by each medical department in another medical department, it is necessary for the staff to move from each medical department to a predetermined examination room.

[0003] In recent years, along with the declining birthrate and aging population, the problem of staff shortage has occurred in hospitals. For this reason, in hospital management and hospital operation, along with the effective utilization of assets and resources, further improvement in the productivity of medical staff is required. However, since it is difficult to use ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses of other medical departments with different management or to search for and use ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses with low operating rates, it is difficult to effectively utilize the large number of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses existing in the hospital. Further, even if it is possible to borrow an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus from another medical department, the movement of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus requires the labor of the staff, so it is not efficient in the midst of the problem of staff shortage.

[0004] Moreover, these problems are not limited to ultrasonic diagnostic devices, but also occur in the same way in other medical examination devices such as mobile X-ray diagnostic devices, mobile magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, and endoscope devices. Therefore, it is desired to improve the productivity of medical staff while effectively utilizing the assets and resources within the hospital by comprehensively managing the medical examination devices existing within the hospital.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Non-Patent Documents

[0006]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve the productivity of medical staff while effectively utilizing the assets and resources within the hospital. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be regarded as other problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The medical examination equipment management system according to the embodiment includes one or more medical examination equipment having a self-driving function to move to a destination, a selection unit that selects the available medical examination equipment based on an examination order, a setting unit that sets the destination of the selected medical examination equipment, and a transmission unit that transmits destination information regarding the destination to the selected medical examination equipment, and has a management device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of a medical examination device management system, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, and a management device will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be made only when necessary.

[0011] 〔Outline of the First Embodiment〕 First, the overview of the medical examination equipment management system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overview of the medical examination equipment management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the destination of the medical examination equipment in the medical examination equipment management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cycle diagram for explaining a series of processes when the medical examination equipment is used for examination in the medical examination equipment management system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the case where the medical examination equipment is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described as an example. In the following, when necessary, doctors and medical technicians are collectively referred to as users, and doctors, medical technicians, nurses, staff, etc. are collectively referred to as medical staff.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, (1)(2) First, users such as doctors and medical technicians conduct an interview (or examination) on the patient. Then, when the user determines that an ultrasonic examination is necessary during the progress of the interview or examination, an examination order is placed. Note that the examination refers to an examination performed on the subject, and in this embodiment, it means an ultrasonic examination. (3)(4) Based on the examination order, the management device selects an available ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, for example, from the examination schedule, the availability of the device, the location of use, and the current position of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, the locations where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be used include, for example, examination rooms for performing various examinations such as ultrasonic examinations, emergency rooms where patients received in the emergency department are located, and wards (patient rooms) where inpatients are located. (5)(6) When the examination date and time based on the examination order arrives, the management device transmits destination information regarding the destination to the selected ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that receives this destination information moves by self-driving (automatic driving) within the hospital to the destination and notifies the medical staff that it has arrived at the destination. Then, at the destination, the user uses the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to perform an ultrasonic examination on the patient.

[0013] That is, as shown in FIG. 3, after starting to move (C1), while charging the battery with the power supplied from the non-contact power supply unit provided in the hospital (C2), the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus uploads the medical data collected in the previous examination, the preset data used in the previous examination, and the protocol data to the data server (C3). Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is disinfected and sterilized (C4), and the medical examination supplies necessary for the next examination are collected (C5). Next, while moving to the destination, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus downloads protocol / preset data as collection of setting data (C6, C7). Also, while moving to the destination, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus performs pre-examination inspection of the medical examination supplies such as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body and the ultrasonic probe electrically connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body (C8). When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus arrives at the destination, the management apparatus notifies the medical staff of the arrival (C9). In this way, at the destination, the user performs an ultrasonic examination on the patient using the arrived ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (C10). Also, after the examination, if there is a next examination, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus repeats the cycle of C1 to C10. As a result, without the medical staff moving the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the management apparatus can cause the available ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the hospital to arrive at the examination room, so that the productivity of the medical staff can be improved while effectively utilizing the assets in the hospital.

[0014] 〔Detailed Description of the First Embodiment〕 Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a configuration example of the medical examination equipment management system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the medical examination equipment management system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the medical examination equipment management system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a medical examination device 10, a medical data server 20, a setting data server 30, a management device 40, and a terminal device 50. The medical examination device 10, the medical data server 20, the setting data server 30, the management device 40, and the terminal device 50 are communicably connected via a hospital network NW1 by a dedicated line within the hospital. Note that the medical examination device 10, the medical data server 20, the setting data server 30, the management device 40, and the terminal device 50 may be communicably connected to each other via a network using a public line such as the Internet.

[0015] The medical examination device 10 is a device for medically examining patients. The medical examination device 10 is, for example, an ultrasonic diagnostic device used for ultrasonic examinations and fibroscan examinations, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device used for CT examinations, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device used for MRI examinations, a mammography device used for mammography examinations, an endoscopic examination device used for endoscopic examinations, and a nuclear medicine diagnostic device. This medical examination device 10 has a self-driving function to move to the destination. That is, the medical examination device 10 moves, for example, by automatically driving to destinations such as examination rooms, emergency rooms, and patient rooms within the hospital. In the following description, the medical examination device management system 1 will be described by taking the case where the medical examination device 10 is used in an examination room, an emergency room, a patient room, etc. within the hospital as an example, but the place where the medical examination device 10 is used is not limited to this. That is, the place where the medical examination device 10 is used is arbitrary. For example, it may be used in a doctor helicopter, a mobile medical vehicle used in mobile medical examinations or regional medical care. In this way, when used in a doctor helicopter or a mobile medical vehicle, the place where the doctor helicopter stops or the parking position of the mobile medical vehicle is set as the destination. Also, as described above, in the following description, the case where the medical examination device 10 is an ultrasonic diagnostic device will be described as an example.

[0016] The medical data server 20 is a server for storing medical data. Specifically, the medical data server 20 receives medical data from the medical examination device 10 via the in-hospital network NW1, and stores the medical data in the storage circuit within the device itself. For example, the medical data server 20 is realized by an image storage communication system (PACS: Picture Archiving and Communication System) or the like, and stores medical images in a format compliant with DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine). Here, the medical data includes medical image data collected by the medical examination device 10 in an examination, various measurement results performed on the medical image data, and data such as a diagnosis report.

[0017] The setting data server 30 is a server for storing setting data. Specifically, the setting data server receives setting data from the medical examination device 10 via the in-hospital network NW1, and stores the setting data in the storage circuit within the device itself for each user. Here, the setting data is data set for each user, and includes protocol data and preset data. The protocol data is data regarding the procedure of an examination performed using the medical examination device 10 for a user to diagnose a subject, and is data preset for the user to easily perform the examination. Further, the preset data is data regarding the image quality setting when displaying medical image data and data such as the key arrangement of the operation panel in the input interface described later.

[0018] The management device 40 is a device that manages medical examination equipment 10. Specifically, the management device 40 manages the medical examination equipment 10 by acquiring location information from one or more medical examination equipment 10 existing in the hospital or transmitting destination information to one or more medical examination equipment 10 existing in the hospital. Note that the management device 40 is assumed to be a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a server device, for example. Also, the management device 40 may be provided in a cloud environment or installed in a facility other than a medical institution such as a hospital or a clinic.

[0019] The terminal device 50 is a terminal operated by users such as doctors and medical technicians. This terminal device 50 receives an examination order from the user and transmits the received examination order to the management device 40 etc. via the in-hospital network NW1.

[0020] Here, the examination order is information input by the user at the time of examination reservation. This examination order includes, for example, the user name corresponding to the user name, medical examination equipment information regarding the medical examination equipment used in the examination, the examination content, the examination location such as the examination room name, the examination date and time, patient information such as the patient ID and patient name, information for identifying whether the patient is an outpatient or an inpatient, and examination frequency information regarding the examination frequency such as first visit or re-visit. Note that the examination order does not necessarily have to include all the above-mentioned information. That is, the information included in the examination order is arbitrary. For example, the examination order transmitted to the management device 40 only needs to include at least the medical examination equipment information and the examination date and time. Also, the examination order may include information other than the above-mentioned information. For example, the examination order may include desired medical technician information regarding the name of the medical technician that the doctor hopes to perform the examination, desired medical examination equipment information regarding the medical examination equipment that the user hopes to use, and spare parts information regarding the medical examination spare parts that the user uses in the examination. Also, the medical examination spare parts are spare parts used in the examination. This medical examination spare parts are, for example, an ultrasonic probe or ultrasonic jelly in the case of an ultrasonic diagnostic device.

[0021] In addition, when this medical examination equipment management system 1 is linked with a hospital information system (HIS) or a radiology information system (RIS), the user does not necessarily need to input all of the user name, medical examination equipment information, examination content, examination location, examination date and time, patient information, information for identifying whether the patient is an outpatient or an inpatient, and examination frequency information. That is, the information input by the user as an examination order is arbitrary. For example, when the hospital information system has patient information, information for identifying whether the patient is an outpatient or an inpatient, and examination frequency information, the user does not necessarily need to input the patient information, information for identifying whether the patient is an outpatient or an inpatient, and examination frequency information.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the medical examination equipment 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the medical examination equipment 10 includes an ultrasonic probe 11, a device main body 13, a display 15, an input interface 17, a support portion 19, and a movable portion 21.

[0023] The ultrasonic probe 11 is a device that is connected to the device main body 13, transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject, and receives a reflected wave signal reflected in the subject based on the transmitted ultrasonic waves. This ultrasonic probe 11 is, for example, a 1D array probe that scans a two-dimensional region in the subject, a mechanical 4D probe or a 2D array probe that scans a three-dimensional region in the subject. In addition, this ultrasonic probe 11 is connected to the device main body 13 by wired communication or wireless communication.

[0024] The apparatus main body 13 is an apparatus that generates ultrasonic images based on the received signals received from the ultrasonic probe 11. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic probe 11 is connected to the apparatus main body 13 according to the present embodiment. Further, a display 15 and an input interface 17 are connected to the apparatus main body 13 according to the present embodiment via a support portion 19. This apparatus main body 13 corresponds to the medical examination apparatus main body in the present embodiment.

[0025] The display 15 is a display device that displays various ultrasonic images and various settings. For example, the display 15 displays ultrasonic images generated by the apparatus main body 13, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the operator, and the like. In the present embodiment, the display 15 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, or the like. This display 15 corresponds to the display unit according to the present embodiment.

[0026] The input interface 17 is an input device for performing various settings and the like, and receives input operations for operating the apparatus main body 13. This input interface 17 is realized by, for example, a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad that performs an input operation by touching an operation surface, a touch monitor in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and an audio input circuit. The input interface 17 is connected to the processing circuit of the apparatus main body 13 described later, converts the input operation received from the medical staff into an electrical signal, and outputs it to the processing circuit of the apparatus main body 13. Note that in the present specification, the input interface 17 is not limited to those provided with physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the apparatus and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuit of the apparatus main body 13 is also included in the examples of the input interface 17. This input interface 17 corresponds to the operation unit in the present embodiment.

[0027] The support unit 19 movably supports the display 15 and the input interface 17 with respect to the apparatus main body 13. The support unit 19 connects the apparatus main body 13, the display 15, and the input interface 17.

[0028] The movable unit 21 is provided at the lower part of the apparatus main body 13. For example, the movable unit 21 is constituted by wheels or casters. The movable unit 21 rotates by the control of the control function in the processing circuit by the drive unit described later, and moves the apparatus main body 13 and the like on the floor surface.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the medical inspection device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the medical inspection device 10 includes an ultrasonic probe 11, an apparatus main body 13, a display 15, and an input interface 17. Further, the apparatus main body 13 according to the present embodiment includes a transmission / reception circuit 131, a B-mode processing circuit 132, a Doppler processing circuit 133, a memory 134, a communication interface 135, a position sensor 136, a non-contact power reception unit 137, a battery 138, a drive unit 139, and a processing circuit 140.

[0030] The ultrasonic probe 11 is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 131. The ultrasonic probe 11 has, for example, a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators in the probe main body, and these plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on the drive signal supplied from the transmission / reception circuit 131. Further, the ultrasonic probe 11 receives the reflected wave from the subject P and converts it into an electrical signal. Further, the ultrasonic probe 11 has, in the probe main body, a matching layer provided on the piezoelectric vibrator, a backing material for preventing the propagation of ultrasonic waves backward from the piezoelectric vibrator, and the like.

[0031] When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 11 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are successively reflected at the discontinuous surfaces of the acoustic impedance in the body tissues of the subject P, and are received by a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators included in the ultrasonic probe 11 as reflected wave signals. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface where the ultrasonic wave is reflected. When the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected at the surface of a moving blood flow or a heart wall, etc., the reflected wave signal undergoes a frequency shift depending on the velocity component of the moving object with respect to the ultrasonic transmission direction due to the Doppler effect.

[0032] Note that this embodiment is applicable even when the subject P is scanned two-dimensionally by the ultrasonic probe 11 which is a one-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in a row, or when the subject P is scanned three-dimensionally by the ultrasonic probe 11 which is a mechanical swing type ultrasonic probe that mechanically swings a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators or a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are arranged two-dimensionally in a lattice pattern.

[0033] The transmission / reception circuit 131 is a processor that controls the transmission directivity and reception directivity in the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, and includes a transmission circuit and a reception circuit. In FIG. 6, an example in which the transmission / reception circuit 131 is provided in the apparatus main body 13 is shown, but the transmission / reception circuit 131 may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 11, or may be provided in both the ultrasonic probe 11 and the apparatus main body 13.

[0034] The transmission circuit includes a pulse generator, a transmission delay circuit, a pulsar circuit, etc., and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. The transmission delay circuit provides a delay time for each ultrasonic transducer necessary for focusing the ultrasonic waves generated from the piezoelectric transducer in a beam shape and determining the transmission directivity, for each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator. Also, the pulsar circuit applies a drive pulse to the ultrasonic transducer at a timing based on the rate pulse. The transmission delay circuit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer surface by changing the delay time provided for each rate pulse.

[0035] The reception circuit includes an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, an adder, etc., receives the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic transducer, and performs various processes on this reflected wave signal to generate a reception signal (echo signal). The amplifier circuit amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D converter A / D converts the gain-corrected reflected wave signal and provides a delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity to the digital data. The adder performs an addition process on the reflected wave signal processed by the A / D converter to generate a reception signal. By the addition process of the adder, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signal is emphasized.

[0036] The B-mode processing circuit 132 generates B-mode data based on the reception signal received from the transmission / reception circuit 131. Specifically, the B-mode processing circuit 132 performs, for example, envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression processing, etc. on the reception signal received from the transmission / reception circuit 131, and generates B-mode data in which the signal intensity is expressed by the brightness of the luminance.

[0037] The Doppler processing circuit 133 generates Doppler data such as the velocity of blood flow, the dispersion of blood flow, and the power of blood flow based on the received signal received from the transmission / reception circuit 131. The Doppler processing circuit 133 generates Doppler data by performing frequency analysis on the received signal received from the transmission / reception circuit 131 and extracting blood flow information based on the Doppler effect of the moving body within the ROI (Region Of Interest) set in the scan region.

[0038] The memory 134 stores the image data for display generated by the processing circuit 140. The memory 134 can also store the data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 132 and the Doppler processing circuit 133. Further, the memory 134 stores control programs for performing ultrasonic transmission / reception, image processing, and display processing, as well as various data such as diagnostic information (e.g., patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), diagnostic protocols, and various body marks.

[0039] The communication interface 135 is connected to the medical data server 20, the setting data server 30, and the management device 40 via, for example, the in-hospital network NW1, and performs data communication with the medical data server 20, the setting data server 30, and the management device 40.

[0040] The position sensor 136 is a sensor that detects the position information of the medical examination device 10. The position sensor 136 transmits the detected position information to the management device 40 via the communication interface 135.

[0041] The non-contact power reception unit 137 receives power non-contact from a non-contact power supply unit that supplies power non-contact to the battery 138. That is, the non-contact power reception unit 137 is used together with the non-contact power supply unit to perform power reception and supply by so-called wireless power supply (non-contact power supply). As this wireless power supply method, various existing methods such as electromagnetic induction method, magnetic field resonance method, electric field coupling method, microwave method, or laser method can be appropriately used. Further, the non-contact power reception unit 137 supplies the received power to the battery 138.

[0042] The non-contact power supply unit is provided, for example, on hospital walls, floors, etc. so that it can supply power to the non-contact power receiving unit 137 while the medical examination device 10 is moving to its destination. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the non-contact power supply unit provided in a hospital in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the non-contact power supply unit PS1 is provided on the floor surface of the corridor in the hospital. Then, as shown in FIG. 7(b), when the medical examination device 10 moves in the corridor of the hospital, the non-contact power supply unit PS1 supplies power to the non-contact power receiving unit 137.

[0043] The battery 138 is a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery 138 is connected to the non-contact power receiving unit 137 so that it can be charged by the power received by the non-contact power receiving unit 137. The power charged in this battery 138 is used not only for the medical examination device 10 to move on its own, but also for the medical examination device 10 to operate when performing examinations such as ultrasonic examinations. That is, the battery 138 may not only charge the power required for self-propulsion, but also charge the power required for examinations such as ultrasonic examinations.

[0044] The drive unit 139 drives the support unit 19 and the movable unit 21 under the control of the processing circuit 140. The drive unit 139 is constituted by, for example, a motor, an actuator, or the like.

[0045] The processing circuit 140 is a control circuit that performs overall control of the medical examination device 10. Also, the processing circuit 140 is an arithmetic circuit that performs various operations, and is constituted by, for example, a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The processing circuit 140 according to the present embodiment generates an ultrasonic image from the data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 132 and the Doppler processing circuit 133, or transmits medical data including the ultrasonic image generated via the communication interface 135 to the medical data server 20.

[0046] Therefore, the processing circuit 140 according to this embodiment has an image generation function 141, a data transmission function 142, a diagnosis function 143, a setting data acquisition function 144, and a control function 145. The image generation function 141 corresponds to the image generation unit in this embodiment, the data transmission function 142 corresponds to the data transmission unit, the diagnosis function 143 corresponds to the diagnosis unit in this embodiment, the setting data acquisition function 144 corresponds to the setting data acquisition unit in this embodiment, and the control function 145 corresponds to the control unit in this embodiment.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, each processing function performed by the image generation function 141, the data transmission function 142, the diagnosis function 143, the setting data acquisition function 144, and the control function 145 is stored in the memory 134 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 140 is a processor that reads and executes the program from the memory 134 to realize the functions corresponding to the respective programs. In other words, the processing circuit 140 in the state of having read each program has each function shown in the processing circuit 140 of FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, although it has been described that the image generation function 141, the data transmission function 142, the diagnosis function 143, the setting data acquisition function 144, and the control function 145 are realized by a single processing circuit 140, it is also possible to configure the processing circuit 140 by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor executes a program to realize these functions.

[0048] The image generation function 141 generates an ultrasonic image from the data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 132 and the Doppler processing circuit 133. That is, the image generation function 141 generates an ultrasonic image in which the intensity of the reflected wave is represented by luminance from the two-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 132. In addition, the image generation function 141 generates an ultrasonic image representing moving body information from the two-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuit 133. The ultrasonic image based on the Doppler data is velocity image data, dispersion image data, power image data, or image data combining these.

[0049] Here, the image generation function 141 generally converts the scanning line signal sequence of ultrasonic scanning into a scanning line signal sequence in a video format typified by a television or the like (scan conversion) to generate an ultrasonic image for display. Specifically, the image generation function 141 generates an ultrasonic image for display by performing coordinate conversion according to the scanning form of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 11. In addition, as various image processes other than scan conversion, the image generation function 141 performs, for example, an image process (smoothing process) of regenerating an average value image of luminance using a plurality of image frames after scan conversion, an image process (edge enhancement process) using a differential filter within the image, and the like. Further, the image generation function 141 synthesizes character information, scales, body marks, and the like of various parameters on the ultrasonic image.

[0050] Furthermore, the image generation function 141 generates three-dimensional B-mode image data by performing coordinate conversion on the three-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 132. In addition, the image generation function 141 generates three-dimensional Doppler image data by performing coordinate conversion on the three-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuit 133. Further, the image generation function 141 can perform rendering processing on the volume data in order to generate various two-dimensional images for displaying these three-dimensional image data (volume data) on the display 15.

[0051] The data transmission function 142 transmits the medical data collected in the examination to the medical data server 20. In addition, the data transmission function 142 transmits setting data such as preset data and protocol data used in the examination to the setting data server 30. The data transmission function 142 according to the present embodiment transmits the medical data collected in the examination and the setting data used in the examination to the medical data server 20 and the setting data server 30 during the movement to the destination.

[0052] The diagnostic function 143 diagnoses the operating state of the apparatus main body 13 and / or the ultrasonic probe 11 electrically connected to the apparatus main body 13. The diagnostic function 143 according to the present embodiment diagnoses the operating state of the apparatus main body 13 and / or the ultrasonic probe 11 electrically connected to the apparatus main body 13 during movement to the destination. The diagnostic function 143, for example, divides the apparatus main body 13 into a front-end portion and a back-end portion, and applies a test input signal to each portion. Then, the diagnostic function 143 diagnoses the operating state of the apparatus main body 13 by comparing the initial value of the output signal stored in the memory 134 with the value of the output signal for the test input signal. Note that the diagnostic function 143 may diagnose the operating state of the apparatus main body 13 in more detail, such as for each processing block or each ASIC.

[0053] Further, the diagnostic function 143 diagnoses the ultrasonic probe 11 including a piezoelectric vibrator. The diagnostic function 143 diagnoses the operating state of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, for example, by comparing the initial value for each of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators with the characteristic value of the reflected wave signal based on the characteristic value of the reflected wave signal from the air. As the characteristic value, for example, amplitude, center frequency, or bandwidth can be appropriately used. In the case of amplitude, for example, the sensitivity peak value is used as the characteristic value. Specifically, the maximum amplitude value (Vp-p) within the first reflected wave is used as the sensitivity peak value.

[0054] Then, as a diagnosis result of the operating state, the diagnostic function 143 transmits, via the communication interface 135, the difference between the initial value of the output signal in the apparatus main body 13 and the value of the output signal for the test input signal and / or the difference between the initial value for each of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators in the ultrasonic probe 11 and the characteristic value of the reflected wave signal to the management device 40. In this way, by the diagnostic function 143 diagnosing the operating state of the apparatus main body 13 and / or the ultrasonic probe 11 electrically connected to the apparatus main body 13, it is possible to confirm whether the operating state of the apparatus main body 13 and the operating state of the ultrasonic probe 11 can be reproduced as the operating state at the time of shipment of the apparatus main body 13 and the ultrasonic probe 11.

[0055] The setting data acquisition function 144 acquires setting data from the setting data server 30 based on the setting data information transmitted from the management device 40. Here, the setting data information is information regarding the setting data used in the inspection. This setting data information includes, for example, information indicating the location of the setting data. The setting data acquisition function 144 according to the present embodiment acquires setting data from the setting data server 30 while moving to the destination.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of transmission and reception of medical data and setting data in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in a plurality of medical examination devices 10, the data transmission function 142 of each of the plurality of medical examination devices 10 transmits the medical data collected in the examination and the setting data used in the examination to each of the medical data server 20 and the setting data server 30 while moving to the destination. Further, in a plurality of medical examination devices 10, the setting data acquisition function 144 of each of the plurality of medical examination devices 10 acquires the setting data for the next examination from the setting data server 30 based on the setting data information while moving to the destination. In this way, by performing transmission of medical data and setting data and acquisition of setting data while the medical examination device 10 is moving to the destination, when the medical examination device 10 arrives at the destination, the user can start the next examination.

[0057] The control function 145 controls the support unit 19 by controlling the drive unit 139. Specifically, based on user information regarding the user who uses the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which is the medical examination device 10, at the destination, the control function 145 controls the support unit 19 to move the display 15 and the input interface 17 to the use position, which is the position where the user uses the display 15 and the input interface 17. Further, during the movement to the destination, the control function 145 controls the support unit 19 to move the display 15 and the input interface 17 to the non-use position below the use position. Here, the user information is information regarding the user who uses the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the examination. For example, the user information includes information regarding the height of the user and the sitting height of the user. This user information is managed by the management device 40, the hospital information system, or the like. Further, the information regarding the control for moving the display 15 and the input interface 17 to the non-use position is information regarding the control amount of the support unit 19. The information regarding the control for moving the display 15 and the input interface 17 to the non-use position is stored in, for example, the memory 134.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the medical examination device 10 according to the first embodiment during use (FIG. 9(a)) and during movement (FIG. 9(b)). As shown in FIG. 9(a), when the medical examination device 10 is used at the destination, based on the user information, the support unit 19 is controlled to move the display 15 and the input interface 17 to the use positions where the user can use them. Then, as shown in FIG. 9(b), when the medical examination device 10 is in movement during the movement to the destination, the support unit 19 is controlled to move the display 15 and the input interface 17 to the non-use positions below the use positions so that the size of the medical examination device 10 becomes smaller. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 9(b), the medical examination device 10 according to the present embodiment controls the support unit 19 to fold the display 15 so as to overlap the input interface 17 side so that the size of the medical examination device 10 becomes smaller. Thus, the medical examination device 10 controls the support unit 19 to move the display 15 and the input interface 17 during use and during movement respectively. Thereby, the medical examination device 10 can move the display 15 and the input interface 17 to a position where the medical image of the user is easy to view or a position where it is easy to operate during use, and can reduce the possibility of contact with articles and people in the hospital during movement.

[0059] Further, the control function 145 controls the movable part 21 by controlling the drive part 139. Specifically, the control function 145 receives destination information from the management device 40 and controls the movable part 21 based on this destination information. That is, the control function 145 controls the movable part 21 to perform automatic driving until the medical inspection device 10 arrives at the destination. As this automatic driving method, an electromagnetic induction method using a metal wire through which an electric current flows and is installed on the floor surface for induction may be used, an optical induction method using an induction line drawn on the floor surface for induction may be used, a magnetic induction method in which a sensor detects a magnetic field from the floor using a magnetic body installed on the floor surface for induction may be used, an image recognition method in which an image such as a QR code (registered trademark) or an AR marker arranged on the floor surface or the ceiling surface is read by a camera for induction may be used, or a laser method in which a reflector is installed on a wall or a pillar and the position is estimated by the reflection of a laser may be used. Various existing methods such as the SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) method that estimates the position using sensors such as a camera and a laser and an encoder and a gyro sensor can be appropriately used. In the present embodiment, the control function 145 and the movable part 21 constitute a self-driving function.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management device 40 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the management device 40 includes a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, a communication interface 44, and a processing circuit 45. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the management device 40 is provided with the display 42 and the input interface 43. However, the management device 40 may not be provided with the display 42 and the input interface 43.

[0061] The memory 41 stores information regarding the medical examination devices 10 existing within the hospital. The information regarding the medical examination devices 10 includes, for example, information such as the type and model of the medical examination devices 10, and operation status information regarding the operation status of the medical examination devices 10. Here, the operation status information is information regarding the operation status of the medical examination devices 10, and includes, for example, the cumulative operation time of the medical examination devices 10 and the operation rate of the medical examination devices 10. Further, the memory 41 stores information regarding the medical examination supplies existing within the hospital. Also, the memory 41 stores, in association, information regarding the examinations and the medical examination supplies necessary for the examinations. Further, the memory 41 stores the examination orders transmitted from the terminal device 50. Also, the memory 41 stores thresholds for the difference between the initial value of the output signal in the device main body 13 and the value of the output signal with respect to the test input signal, thresholds for the difference between the initial value for each of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators in the ultrasonic probe 11 and the characteristic value of the reflected wave signal, and the like.

[0062] Further, the memory 41 stores an examination reservation table for each medical examination device 10. The examination reservation table is a table regarding examination reservations, and information such as the name of the user who uses the medical examination device 10, the usage location, and the usage start time are associated. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the examination reservation table stored in the memory 41 of the management device 40 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, in the examination reservation table T1 according to the present embodiment, a patient ID, patient name, user name, area, examination room, usage start time, probe name, usage method, and the like are stored in association. For example, taking "patient ID: 64041985" as an example, the medical examination device 10 according to this examination reservation table T1 is reserved from "10:00" in the examination room "102" of "North 1F" by the user name "Michel". In the example shown in FIG. 11, this examination reservation table T1 is stored in the DICOM format.

[0063] Furthermore, the memory 41 stores a floor map of the hospital. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the floor map stored in the memory 41 of the management device 40 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the floor map FM1 according to the present embodiment includes examination rooms corresponding to inspection rooms, emergency centers corresponding to emergency rooms, sterilization rooms, supply rooms, storage rooms where unused medical examination devices 10 are stored, and the like.

[0064] The display 42 is a display device for displaying various information. For example, the display 42 displays an order of inspection stored in the memory 41 and a floor map FM1 on which the position information of the medical examination device 10 is displayed. In the present embodiment, the display 42 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, or the like.

[0065] The input interface 43 is an input device for performing various settings and the like. This input interface 43 is realized by, for example, a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad for performing an input operation by touching an operation surface, a touch monitor in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and a voice input circuit. The input interface 43 is connected to the processing circuit 45, converts an input operation received from an operator into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuit 45. Note that in this specification, the input interface 43 is not limited to those having physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuit 45 is also included in the example of the input interface 43.

[0066] The communication interface 44 is connected to the medical examination device 10, the medical data server 20, the setting data server 30, and the terminal device 50 via, for example, the hospital network NW1, and performs data communication with the medical examination device 10, the medical data server 20, the setting data server 30, and the terminal device 50.

[0067] The processing circuit 45 is a circuit that performs overall control of the management device 40. Further, the processing circuit 45 is an arithmetic circuit that performs various operations, and is composed of, for example, a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The processing circuit 45 according to the present embodiment selects an available medical examination device 10 from among one or a plurality of medical examination devices 10, sets a destination of the medical examination device 10, and transmits destination information regarding the destination to the medical examination device 10.

[0068] Therefore, the processing circuit 45 according to the present embodiment has a selection function 451, a setting function 452, a transmission function 453, a reception function 454, a determination function 455, and a notification function 456. The selection function 451 corresponds to the selection unit in the present embodiment, the setting function 452 corresponds to the setting unit in the present embodiment, the transmission function 453 corresponds to the transmission unit in the present embodiment, the reception function 454 corresponds to the reception unit in the present embodiment, the determination function 455 corresponds to the determination unit in the present embodiment, and the notification function 456 corresponds to the notification unit in the present embodiment.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, each processing function performed by the selection function 451, the setting function 452, the transmission function 453, the reception function 454, the determination function 455, and the notification function 456 is stored in the memory 41 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 45 is a processor that reads out and executes the program to realize the functions corresponding to the respective programs. In other words, the processing circuit 45 in the state of having read out each program has each function shown in the processing circuit 45 of FIG. 10. Although FIG. 10 has described that the selection function 451, the setting function 452, the transmission function 453, the reception function 454, the determination function 455, and the notification function 456 are realized by a single processing circuit 45, it is also possible to configure the processing circuit 45 by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor executes a program to realize these functions.

[0070] The selection function 451 selects available medical examination devices 10 based on the examination order transmitted from the terminal device 50. Further, the selection function 451 selects, among a plurality of medical examination supplies, the medical examination supplies necessary for the examination based on the examination order. Furthermore, the selection function 451 selects, among a plurality of setting data, the setting data necessary for the examination based on the examination order.

[0071] The setting function 452 sets the destination of the medical examination device 10 selected by the selection function 451. This destination is, for example, an examination room, an emergency room, a hospital ward, or the like.

[0072] The transmission function 453 transmits destination information to the medical examination device 10 selected by the selection function 451. Here, the destination information is information regarding the destination and includes, for example, location information of the destination and information such as the movement route to the destination. Further, the transmission function 453 transmits medical examination supply information to the medical examination device 10. Here, the medical examination supply information is information regarding the medical examination supplies selected by the selection function 451 and includes, for example, information such as the name of the medical examination supplies and the type of the medical examination supplies. Furthermore, the transmission function 453 transmits setting data information to the medical examination device 10.

[0073] The reception function 454 receives the diagnostic result of the operating state diagnosed by the diagnostic function 143 of the medical examination device 10 from the medical examination device 10. The determination function 455 determines the operating state based on the diagnostic result. The notification function 456 notifies that the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the destination when the medical examination device 10 arrives at the destination.

[0074] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the content of the reservation process executed by the management device 40 according to the first embodiment. In this reservation process, an examination order is received, available medical examination devices 10 are selected, and the examination order is reserved. For example, this reservation process is a process executed when the management device 40 receives an examination order from the terminal device 50.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 13, first, a selection function 451 realized by a processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 receives an inspection order from the terminal device 50 via a communication interface 44 of the management device 40 (step S11). Specifically, the selection function 451 receives an inspection order including at least medical inspection device information and an inspection date and time from the terminal device 50.

[0076] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection order received by the management device 40 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the inspection order OR1 includes a user corresponding to the user name, an inspection date and time, an inspection room corresponding to the inspection location, a modality, an inspection content, patient information including a patient name and a patient ID, information for identifying whether the patient is an outpatient or an inpatient, and inspection frequency information. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the modality corresponds to the medical inspection device information in the present embodiment.

[0077] Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the selection function 451 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether the inspection order OR1 is acceptable (step S13). Specifically, the selection function 451 refers to each inspection reservation table T1 of the medical inspection device 10 in the medical inspection device information stored in the memory 41, and determines whether the inspection order OR1 received in step S11 is acceptable at the inspection date and time included in the inspection order OR1.

[0078] Then, in step S13, when the inspection order OR1 is not acceptable (step S13: No), the selection function 451 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 notifies the user that the reservation cannot be made (step S15). Specifically, the selection function 451 notifies the user that the reservation cannot be made by transmitting to the terminal device 50 via the communication interface 44 that the reservation cannot be made. Then, the inspection date and time in the inspection order OR1 is changed by the user who has received the notification that the reservation cannot be made.

[0079] Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the selection function 451 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 re-receives the inspection order OR1 (step S17). Specifically, the selection function 451 re-receives the inspection order OR1 with the inspection date and time changed from the terminal device 50. Then, the selection function 451 returns to step S13 and determines whether the inspection order OR1 with the changed inspection date and time is acceptable. That is, the processes of steps S13 to S17 are repeated until the inspection order becomes acceptable.

[0080] On the other hand, in step S13, when the inspection order OR1 is acceptable (step S13: Yes), the selection function 451 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 selects available medical inspection devices based on the medical inspection device information and the inspection date and time (step S19). Specifically, the selection function 451 refers to the respective inspection reservation tables T1 of the medical inspection devices 10 stored in the memory 41 and selects the available medical inspection devices 10 at the inspection date and time included in the inspection order OR1. In this step S19, when there are a plurality of available medical inspection devices 10, the selection function 451 refers to the operation status information regarding the operation status of each of the plurality of available medical inspection devices 10 and selects the medical inspection devices 10 based on the operation status information. For example, the selection function 451 selects the medical inspection devices 10 with a low operation rate or a small cumulative operation time based on the operation status information. In this way, by the selection function 451 selecting the medical inspection devices 10 according to the operation status, the medical inspection devices 10 existing in the hospital can be evenly operated without biasing the usage frequency of each of the medical inspection devices 10.

[0081] Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the selection function 451 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 provisionally reserves the selected medical inspection device 10 (step S21). Specifically, the selection function 451 provisionally reserves the medical inspection device 10 by provisionally registering the inspection order OR1 in the inspection reservation table T1 of the medical inspection device 10 selected in step S19.

[0082] Next, as shown in FIG. 13, a selection function 451 realized by a processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 notifies a provisional reservation of the medical examination device 10 (step S23). Specifically, the selection function 451 notifies the provisional reservation of the medical examination device 10 to the terminal device 50 via the communication interface 44.

[0083] Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the selection function 451 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether or not the provisional reservation has been approved (step S25). Specifically, the selection function 451 determines whether or not the provisional reservation has been approved by determining whether or not a signal for approving the provisional reservation has been received from the terminal device 50 via the communication interface 44. And in step S25, if the provisional reservation has not been approved (step S25: No), the selection function 451 repeats step S25 and waits until the provisional reservation is approved.

[0084] On the other hand, in step S25, if the provisional reservation has been approved (step S25: Yes), the selection function 451 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 reserves the medical examination device 10 (step S27). Specifically, the selection function 451 reserves the medical examination device 10 by registering an inspection order OR1 in an inspection reservation table T1 of the medical examination device 10 selected in step S19.

[0085] By reserving the medical examination device 10 in this step S27, the reservation process according to the present embodiment ends.

[0086] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are flowchart diagrams for explaining an example of movement instruction processing executed in the management device 40 according to the first embodiment. In this destination transmission process, the management device 40 sets the destination of the medical examination device 10, generates destination information based on the position information of the medical examination device 10 and the destination of the medical examination device 10, and transmits the destination information to the medical examination device 10 to transmit a movement instruction to the medical examination device 10. For example, this movement instruction process is a process executed when a predetermined time has arrived. Further, this movement instruction process is a process executed for each medical examination device 10 managed by the management device 40. In the following description, attention will be paid to one medical examination device 10 among the medical examination devices 10 managed by the management device 40 and described.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 15, first, a setting function 452 realized by a processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether a predetermined time has arrived (step S31). Specifically, the setting function 452 refers to an examination reservation table T1 stored in a memory 41 of the management device 40 to determine whether a predetermined time has arrived. Here, the predetermined time is the examination date and time included in the examination reservation table T1, or the time a few minutes before the examination date and time included in the examination reservation table T1.

[0088] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 starts acquiring position information (step S33). Specifically, the setting function 452 starts acquiring position information by acquiring the position information of the medical examination device 10 from the position sensor 136 of the medical examination device 10 via the communication interface 44.

[0089] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 acquires the floor map FM1 (step S35). Specifically, the setting function 452 acquires the floor map FM1 from the memory 41 of the management device 40. Then, the setting function 452 reflects the position information of the medical examination device 10 on the acquired floor map FM1 and displays the position of the medical examination device 10 on the floor map FM1. In step S33, when the position information of other medical examination devices 10 managed by the management device 40 is acquired, the positions of the other medical examination devices 10 are also displayed on the floor map.

[0090] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the floor map FM1 on which the position of the medical examination device 10 is displayed in the first embodiment. The floor map FM1 shown in FIG. 17 represents a hospital facility. In the floor map FM1, the position of the medical examination device 10 is displayed by an icon IC1 imitating the shape of the medical examination device 10.

[0091] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether the previous examination has ended (step S37). Specifically, the setting function 452 determines whether the previous examination of the medical examination device 10 has ended based on the floor map FM1 and the position information of the medical examination device 10. More specifically, when the examination ends, the medical examination device 10 is taken out into the corridor by medical staff. Therefore, the setting function 452 determines whether the previous examination has ended by determining whether the medical examination device 10 has moved from the examination room to the corridor based on the floor map FM1 in which the position information of the medical examination device 10 is reflected. In step S37, when the previous examination has not ended (step S37: No), the setting function 452 repeats the process of step S37 and waits. That is, the management device 40 waits until the previous examination ends.

[0092] On the one hand, in step S37, when the previous inspection has ended (step S37: Yes), the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 acquires the inspection order OR1 (step S39). Specifically, the setting function 452 acquires the inspection order OR1 of the inspection for which the inspection date and time have arrived from the memory 41 of the management device 40.

[0093] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 sets a destination (step S41). Specifically, the setting function 452 sets the destination of the medical inspection device 10 based on the inspection order OR1. More specifically, when the setting function 452 acquires the inspection order OR1 shown in FIG. 14 in step S39, in step S41, the setting function 452 sets "Inspection Room 201, Building A" as the destination. Note that in step S41, the setting function 452 sets the destination of the medical inspection device 10 based on the inspection order OR1. However, instead of the inspection order OR1, the setting function 452 may set the destination of the medical inspection device 10 by referring to the inspection reservation table T1.

[0094] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 generates destination information (step S43). Specifically, the setting function 452 generates destination information based on the inspection order OR1 acquired in step S39, the position information of the medical inspection device 10, the floor map FM1 acquired in step S35, and the destination set in step S41. In the present embodiment, the setting function 452 generates a movement plan until the medical inspection device 10 moves to the destination as the destination information. For example, if an inspection has been performed before this inspection, the setting function 452 generates a movement plan of the medical inspection device 10 until it moves to the inspection room via the sterilization room and the spare parts room as the destination information.

[0095] In addition, although the movement plan of the medical examination device 10 described above includes the sterilization room and the equipment room, the movement plan of the medical examination device 10 does not necessarily have to include the sterilization room and the equipment room. That is, in the movement plan of the medical examination device 10, it is optional to pass through the sterilization room and the equipment room. For example, when the medical examination device 10 is used for the first time in an examination on the examination day, etc., if no examination has been performed before this examination, the movement plan of the medical examination device 10 does not have to include the sterilization room. When the same examination as the previous examination is performed, the movement plan of the medical examination device 10 does not have to include the equipment room.

[0096] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the transmitter function 453 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 transmits destination information (step S45). Specifically, the transmitter function 453 transmits the destination information to the medical examination device 10 via the communication interface 44.

[0097] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether the destination information includes the sterilization room (step S47). Specifically, the setting function 452 determines whether the destination information generated in step S43 includes the sterilization room.

[0098] Then, in step S47, when the destination information includes the sterilization room (step S47: Yes), the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 transmits a movement instruction to the sterilization room to the medical examination device 10 (step S49). Thereby, the management device 40 starts the movement of the medical examination device 10 to the sterilization room.

[0099] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the sterilization chamber (step S51). Specifically, the setting function 452 determines whether the position information of the medical examination device 10 is located at the position of the sterilization chamber in the floor map FM1 based on the position information acquired from the medical examination device 10 and the floor map FM1, thereby determining whether the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the sterilization chamber. And in step S51, when the medical examination device 10 has not arrived at the sterilization chamber (step S51: No), the setting function 452 repeats this step S51 and waits.

[0100] On the other hand, in step S51, when the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the sterilization chamber (step S51: Yes), the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether sterilization has been completed (step S53). Specifically, the setting function 452 determines whether sterilization has been completed by determining whether it has received a notification of the completion of various processes such as sterilization of the medical examination device 10 from the terminal device installed in the sterilization chamber via the communication interface 44. And in step S53, when sterilization has not been completed (step S53: No), the setting function 452 repeats this step S53 and waits.

[0101] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the medical examination device 10 that has moved into the sterilization chamber in the first embodiment. In the sterilization chamber shown in FIG. 18, cleaning, washing, disinfection, sterilization, and / or sterilization (hereinafter referred to as sterilization, etc.) of the medical examination device 10 and / or medical examination supplies are performed. These sterilization, etc. processes are performed by, for example, an operator with specialized knowledge (hereinafter referred to as a sterilization, etc. operator). Specifically, the sterilization, etc. operator uses, for example, a neutral detergent or ethanol for disinfection to clean the display 15 and input interface 17 of the medical examination device 10 and to clean medical examination supplies such as a heart sound sensor and a pulse wave sensor. Also, the sterilization, etc. operator uses, for example, an enzyme detergent to wash the medical examination device and / or medical examination supplies. Further, the sterilization, etc. operator uses a sterilizing and disinfecting agent such as glutaraldehyde or orthophthalaldehyde to disinfect or sterilize the medical examination device and / or medical examination supplies. Also, the operator uses, for example, hydrogen peroxide plasma to sterilize the medical examination device and / or medical examination supplies. Furthermore, the sterilization, etc. operator visually checks whether there are any external abnormalities in the medical examination device 10 or medical examination supplies during the process of performing cleaning, washing, disinfection, sterilization, and / or sterilization (hereinafter referred to as sterilization, etc.) of the medical examination device and / or medical examination supplies. When all the various processes are completed, the sterilization, etc. operator notifies the management device 40 of the completion of the various processes. In this way, by the sterilization, etc. operator performing various processes in the sterilization chamber, it is possible to keep the medical examination device 10 and / or medical examination supplies in a clean state and to stop the use of the medical examination device 10 or medical examination supplies with external abnormalities.

[0102] On the other hand, in step S53, when sterilization is completed (step S53: Yes), or in step S47, when the destination information does not include the sterilization chamber (step S47: No), the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether the destination information includes the supply room (step S55). Specifically, the setting function 452 determines whether the destination information generated in step S43 includes the supply room.

[0103] Then, in step S53, when the destination information includes the spare parts storage room (step S55: Yes), the transmission function 453 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 transmits a movement instruction to the spare parts storage room to the medical examination device 10 (step S57). Thereby, the management device 40 starts the movement of the medical examination device 10 to the spare parts storage room.

[0104] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the selection function 451 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 selects medical examination supplies (step S59). Specifically, the selection function 451 refers to the information on the medical examination supplies necessary according to the examination stored in the memory 41 based on the examination order OR1 acquired in step S39, and selects the medical examination supplies necessary for the examination from the medical examination supplies managed in the hospital.

[0105] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the selection function 451 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 generates medical examination supplies information (step S61). Specifically, the selection function 451 generates medical examination supplies information regarding the medical examination supplies selected in step S59.

[0106] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the transmission function 453 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 transmits the medical examination supplies information (step S63). Specifically, the transmission function 453 transmits the medical examination supplies information generated in step S61 to the medical examination device 10 via the communication interface 44. In this step S63, although the transmission function 453 transmits the medical examination supplies information to the medical examination device 10, the transmission destination of the medical examination supplies information is not limited to the medical examination device 10. That is, the transmission destination of the medical examination supplies information is arbitrary. For example, the transmission function 453 may transmit the medical examination supplies information to a terminal device installed in the spare parts storage room or the like.

[0107] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the spare parts storage room (step S65). Specifically, the setting function 452 determines whether the position information of the medical examination device 10 is located at the position of the spare parts storage room in the floor map FM1 based on the position information acquired from the medical examination device 10 and the floor map FM1, thereby determining whether the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the spare parts storage room. And in step S65, when the medical examination device 10 has not arrived at the spare parts storage room (step S65: No), the setting function 452 repeats this step S65 and waits.

[0108] On the other hand, in step S65, when the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the spare parts storage room (step S65: Yes), the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether the collection of medical examination spare parts has been completed (step S67). Specifically, the setting function 452 determines whether the collection of medical examination spare parts has been completed by determining whether it has received a completion notification from the terminal device installed in the spare parts storage room. And in step S67, when the collection of medical examination spare parts has not been completed (step S67: No), the setting function 452 repeats this step S67 and waits.

[0109] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the medical examination device 10 that has been moved to the spare parts room in the first embodiment. In the spare parts room shown in FIG. 19, collection and replacement of medical examination spare parts necessary for the next examination are performed. The collection of this medical examination spare parts is performed by, for example, a spare parts replacement operator. Hereinafter, taking the case where the previous examination is an abdominal examination and the next examination is a cardiovascular examination as an example, a series of flows of collection and replacement of medical examination spare parts will be described. When the medical examination device 10 arrives at the spare parts room, the spare parts replacement operator removes the general-purpose convex probe and / or the general-purpose linear probe that have been used in the abdominal examination from the device main body 13 of the medical examination device 10 and stores them. Then, the spare parts replacement operator collects each of the general-purpose adult sector probe, the general-purpose convex probe, and the general-purpose linear probe used in the cardiovascular examination and connects them to the device main body 13. In addition, the spare parts replacement operator removes the ultrasonic jelly for abdominal examination and stores it, and sets the ultrasonic jelly for cardiovascular examination on the medical examination device 10. In addition, the spare parts replacement operator sets the ECG cable and the electrode pad on the medical examination device 10. This electrode pad may be an ECG clip or a disposable type ECG electrode pad. Furthermore, the spare parts replacement operator replaces the towel set on the medical examination device 10 with a new one. When these processes are completed, the spare parts replacement operator notifies the management device 40 of the completion of the process.

[0110] On the other hand, in step S67, when the collection of the medical examination spare parts is completed (step S67: Yes), the transmission function 453 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 transmits a movement instruction to the examination room (step S69). Thereby, the management device 40 starts the movement of the medical examination device 10 to the examination room.

[0111] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the selection function 451 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 selects setting data (step S71). Specifically, the selection function 451 selects the setting data necessary for the examination from the setting data stored in the setting data server 30 based on the examination order acquired in step S39.

[0112] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the selection function 451 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 generates setting data information (step S73). Specifically, the selection function 451 generates setting data information regarding the setting data selected in step S71.

[0113] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the transmission function 453 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 transmits the setting data information (step S75). Specifically, the transmission function 453 transmits the setting data information generated in step S73 to the medical examination device 10 via the communication interface 44. Thereby, the management device 40 causes the medical examination device 10 to acquire the setting data.

[0114] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the transmission function 453 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 transmits a diagnosis instruction for the operating state (step S77). Thereby, the management device 40 causes the diagnosis function 143 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 to diagnose the operating state of the device main body 13 and / or the ultrasonic probe 11 electrically connected to the device main body 13.

[0115] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the reception function 454 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 receives the diagnosis result of the operating state (step S79). Specifically, the reception function 454 receives the diagnosis result of the operating state of the device main body 13 and / or the ultrasonic probe 11 electrically connected to the device main body 13 from the medical examination device 10 in step S175 of FIG. 22 described later.

[0116] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the determination function 455 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines the operating state (step S81). Specifically, the determination function 455 determines the operating state based on the diagnostic result of the operating state received in step S77. More specifically, for example, when the determination function 455 receives, as the diagnostic result of the operating state in step S79, the difference between the initial value of the output signal in the apparatus main body 13 and the value of the output signal with respect to the test input signal, the determination function 455 determines whether the difference between the initial value of the output signal in the apparatus main body 13 and the value of the output signal with respect to the test input signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value stored in the memory 41, thereby determining the operating state of the medical examination device 10.

[0117] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the determination function 455 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether there is a problem with the operating state (step S83). Specifically, the determination function 455 determines whether there is a problem with the operating state of the apparatus main body 13 and / or the ultrasonic probe 11 electrically connected to the apparatus main body 13 based on the determination result of the operating state in step S79.

[0118] Then, in step S83, if there is a problem with the operating state (step S83: Yes), the determination function 455 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether there is a problem with the medical examination device 10 (step S85). Specifically, the determination function 455 determines whether there is a problem with the operating state of the apparatus main body 13 based on the determination result of the operating state in step S81.

[0119] Then, in step S85, if there is a problem with the medical examination device 10 (step S85: Yes), the determination function 455 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 reserves another medical examination device 10 (step S87). Specifically, the determination function 455 selects another available medical examination device 10 based on the examination order OR1 and reserves another medical examination device 10.

[0120] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 re-sets the destination (step S89). Specifically, the destination is re-set in order to move the medical inspection device 10 with a problem in the operating state. For example, the setting function 452 re-sets the storage room where the unused medical inspection device 10 is stored as the destination. Note that although the setting function 452 re-sets the storage room as the destination, the moving destination of the medical inspection device 10 with a problem in the operating state is not limited to the storage room. That is, the moving destination of the medical inspection device 10 with a problem in the operating state is arbitrary.

[0121] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 re-generates the destination information (step S91). Specifically, the setting function 452 generates a movement plan until reaching the destination as the destination information based on the inspection order OR1 acquired in step S37, the position information of the medical inspection device 10, the floor map FM1 acquired in step S35, and the destination set in step S87. More specifically, for example, the setting function 452 generates a movement plan from the current position of the medical inspection device 10 to the storage room which is the destination of the medical inspection device 10.

[0122] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the transmitter function 453 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 transmits the destination information and the movement instruction (step S93). Specifically, the transmitter function 453 transmits the destination information and the movement instruction to the medical inspection device 10 via the communication interface 44.

[0123] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether the medical inspection device 10 has arrived at the destination (step S95). Specifically, the setting function 452 determines whether the position information of the medical inspection device 10 is located at the position of the destination in the floor map FM1 based on the position information acquired from the medical inspection device 10 and the floor map FM1, thereby determining whether the medical inspection device 10 has arrived at the destination. And in step S95, when the medical inspection device 10 has not arrived at the destination (step S95: No), the setting function 452 repeats this step S95 and waits.

[0124] On the other hand, in step S85, when there is no problem with the medical inspection device 10 (step S85: No), that is, when there is a problem with the medical inspection equipment, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 generates operation state information (step S97). Specifically, the setting function 452 generates operation state information as information regarding the medical inspection equipment with a problem in the operation state based on the determination result of the operation state.

[0125] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the transmission function 453 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 transmits the operation state information (step S99). Specifically, the transmission function 453 transmits the operation state information generated in step S97 to the medical inspection device 10 via the communication interface 44. Note that in this step S99, although the transmission function 453 is set to transmit the operation state information to the medical inspection device 10, the transmission destination of the operation state information is not limited to the medical inspection device 10. That is, the transmission destination of the operation state information is arbitrary. For example, the transmission function 453 may transmit the operation state information to a terminal device installed in the equipment room or the like.

[0126] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 regenerates destination information (step S101). Specifically, the setting function 452 generates, as destination information, a movement plan until the medical inspection device 10 moves to the destination based on the inspection order OR1 acquired in step S39, the position information of the medical inspection device 10, the floor map FM1 acquired in step S35, and the destination set in step S41. More specifically, for example, the setting function 452 generates a movement plan until the medical inspection device 10 moves to the inspection room, which is the destination of the medical inspection device 10, via the spare parts room where the replacement of the medical inspection equipment with an operation problem is performed.

[0127] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the transmission function 453 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 retransmits the destination information (step S103). Specifically, the transmission function 453 retransmits the destination information regenerated in step S101 to the medical inspection device 10 via the communication interface 44.

[0128] The processing of steps S105, S107, S109, and S111 after this step S101 is the same as the processing of steps S57, S65, S67, and S69 described above, so the description is omitted. That is, the management device 40 transmits a movement instruction to the spare parts room (step S103), determines whether the medical inspection device 10 has arrived at the spare parts room (step S105), and when the medical inspection device 10 has arrived at the spare parts room (step S107: Yes), determines whether the collection of the medical inspection spare parts has been completed (step S105). When the collection of the medical inspection spare parts has been completed (step S109: Yes), a movement instruction to the inspection room is transmitted (step S111). Then, after step S111, the process returns to step S77, and in step S83, the process from step S77 is repeated until there is no problem with the operation state of the medical inspection device 10.

[0129] On the other hand, in step S83, when there is no problem with the operating state (step S83: No), the setting function 452 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether the medical inspection device 10 has arrived at the inspection room (step S113). Specifically, the setting function 452 determines whether the position information of the medical inspection device 10 is located at the position of the inspection room in the floor map FM1 based on the position information acquired from the medical inspection device 10 and the floor map, thereby determining whether the medical inspection device 10 has arrived at the inspection room. And in step S113, when the medical inspection device 10 has not arrived at the inspection room (step S113: No), the setting function 452 repeats this step S113 and waits.

[0130] On the other hand, in step S113, when the medical inspection device 10 has arrived at the inspection room (step S113: Yes), the notification function 456 realized by the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 notifies that the medical inspection device 10 has arrived (step S115). Specifically, the notification function 456 notifies that the medical inspection device 10 has arrived by causing the medical inspection device 10 to be notified of its arrival via the communication interface 44. Note that in step S111, the notification function 456 is set to notify the medical inspection device 10, but it is not limited to this. For example, the notification function 456 may notify that the medical inspection device 10 has arrived by causing a terminal device held by a medical staff member in the inspection room to be notified.

[0131] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, after step S115, or when the medical inspection device 10 has arrived at the destination in step S95 (step S95: Yes), the setting function 452 ends the acquisition of the position information (step S117). By ending the acquisition of the position information in this step S117, the movement instruction process according to the present embodiment ends.

[0132] FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the content of the movement control process executed by the medical examination device 10 according to the first embodiment. In this movement control process, when a movement instruction is received from the management device 40, the device moves based on the destination information. For example, this movement control process is executed when the medical examination device 10 receives the destination information from the management device 40.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 20, first, the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 receives the destination information (step S121). Specifically, the control function 145 receives the destination information transmitted by the management device 40 in step S45 of FIG. 15 described above via the communication interface 135. When this destination information is received, the control function 145 controls the support unit 19 to move the display 15 and the input interface 17 to the unused position below the use position. Thereby, the medical examination device 10 can move in a state where the size of the medical examination device 10 is reduced, so the possibility of contact with people and objects during movement can be reduced.

[0134] Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether a movement instruction to the sterilization chamber has been received (step S123). Specifically, the control function 145 determines whether a movement instruction to the sterilization chamber transmitted by the management device 40 in step S49 of FIG. 15 described above has been received via the communication interface 135.

[0135] Then, in step S123, when a movement instruction to the sterilization chamber is received (step S123: Yes), the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 moves the medical examination device 10 to the sterilization chamber (step S125). Specifically, the control function 145 controls the drive unit 139 based on the destination information received in step S121 to move the medical examination device 10 to the sterilization chamber.

[0136] Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the sterilization chamber (step S127). Specifically, the control function 145 determines whether the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the sterilization chamber based on the destination information received in step S121. Then, in step S127, if it has not arrived at the sterilization chamber (step S127: No), the control function 145 repeats the processes of steps S125 and S127 until the medical examination device 10 arrives at the sterilization chamber.

[0137] On the other hand, in step S127, if the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the sterilization chamber (step S127: Yes), or in step S123, if no movement instruction to the sterilization chamber has been received (step S123: No), the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether a movement instruction to the spare parts chamber has been received (step S129). Specifically, the control function 145 determines whether it has received the movement instruction to the spare parts chamber sent by the management device 40 in step S57 of FIG. 15 described above.

[0138] Then, in step S129, if a movement instruction to the spare parts chamber has been received (step S129: Yes), the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 moves the medical examination device 10 to the spare parts chamber (step S131). Specifically, the control function 145 controls the drive unit 139 based on the destination information received in step S121 to move the medical examination device 10 to the spare parts chamber.

[0139] Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the supply room (step S133). Specifically, the control function 145 determines whether the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the supply room based on the destination information received in step S121. And in step S133, if the medical examination device 10 has not arrived at the supply room (step S133: No), the control function 145 repeats the processes of step S131 and step S133 until the medical examination device 10 arrives at the supply room.

[0140] On the other hand, in step S133, if the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the supply room (step S133: Yes), or in step S129, if no movement instruction to the supply room has been received (step S129: No), the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether a movement instruction to the examination room has been received (step S135). Specifically, the control function 145 determines whether it has received the movement instruction to the examination room sent by the management device 40 in step S69 of FIG. 16 described above. And in step S135, if no movement instruction to the examination room has been received (step S135: No), it returns to step S123 and repeats the processes from step S123 to wait.

[0141] On the other hand, in step S135, if a movement instruction to the examination room has been received (step S135: Yes), the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 moves the medical examination device 10 to the examination room (step S137). Specifically, the control function 145 controls the drive unit 139 based on the destination information received in step S121 to move the medical examination device 10 to the examination room.

[0142] Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether the destination information has been received again (step S139). Specifically, the control function 145 determines whether it has received the destination information transmitted by the management device 40 in step S93 or step S105 of FIG. 16 described above via the communication interface 135.

[0143] Then, in step S139, if the destination information has been received again (step S139: Yes), the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether it has received an instruction to move to the storage room (step S141). Specifically, the control function 145 determines whether it has received the instruction to move to the storage room transmitted by the management device 40 in step S93 of FIG. 16 described above via the communication interface 135.

[0144] Then, in step S141, if the instruction to move to the storage room has been received (step S141: Yes), the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 moves the medical examination device 10 to the storage room (step S143). Specifically, the control function 145 controls the drive unit 139 based on the destination information received again in step S139 to move the medical examination device 10 to the storage room.

[0145] Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the storage room (step S145). Specifically, the control function 145 determines whether the medical examination device 10 has moved to the storage room based on the destination information received again in step S139. Then, in step S145, if the medical examination device 10 has not arrived at the storage room (step S145: No), the control function 145 repeats the processing of steps S143 and S145 until the medical examination device 10 arrives at the storage room.

[0146] On the one hand, in step S141, if a movement instruction to the storage room has not been received, it is determined whether a movement instruction to the supply room has been received (step S147). Specifically, the control function 145 determines whether it has received the movement instruction to the supply room that the management device 40 transmitted in step S105 of FIG. 16 described above. And in step S147, if a movement instruction to the supply room has not been received (step S147: No), the control function 145 repeats the processes of step S141 and step S147 and waits until it receives a movement instruction to the storage room or a movement instruction to the supply room.

[0147] On the other hand, in step S147, if a movement instruction to the supply room has been received (step S147: Yes), the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical inspection device 10 moves it to the supply room (step S149). Specifically, the control function 145 controls the drive unit 139 based on the destination information re-received in step S143 to move the medical inspection device 10 to the supply room.

[0148] Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical inspection device 10 determines whether the medical inspection device 10 has arrived at the supply room (step S151). Specifically, the control function 145 determines whether the medical inspection device 10 has arrived at the supply room based on the destination information re-received in step S143. And in step S151, if the medical inspection device 10 has not arrived at the supply room (step S151: No), the control function 145 repeats the processes of step S149 and step S151 until the medical inspection device 10 arrives at the supply room.

[0149] On the one hand, in step S151, when the medical examination device 10 arrives at the spare parts room (step S151: Yes), the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether it has received an instruction to move to the examination room (step S153). Specifically, the control function 145 determines whether it has received an instruction to move to the examination room by determining whether it has received the instruction to move to the examination room sent by the management device 40 in step S111 of FIG. 16 described above. Then, in step S153, when it has not received an instruction to move to the examination room (step S153: No), the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 repeats the process of step S153 and waits until it receives an instruction to move to the examination room. On the other hand, in step S153, when it has received an instruction to move to the examination room (step S153: Yes), it returns to step S137 and repeats the process from step S137.

[0150] On the one hand, in step S139, when it has not re-received the destination information (step S139: No), the control function 145 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the examination room (step S155). Specifically, the control function 145 determines whether the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the examination room based on the destination information received in step S121. Then, in step S155, when it has not arrived at the examination room (step S155: No), the control function 145 repeats the processes of step S137, step S139, and step S155 until it arrives at the examination room.

[0151] On the one hand, in step S155, when the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the examination room (step S155: Yes), or in step S145, when the medical examination device 10 has arrived at the storage room (step S145: Yes), the movement control process according to this embodiment ends.

[0152] FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the content of data transmission processing executed by the medical examination device 10 according to the first embodiment. In this data transmission processing, when the medical examination device 10 starts moving, it transmits medical data to the medical data server 20 or transmits setting data to the setting data server 30. For example, this data transmission processing is executed when the medical examination device 10 starts moving.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 21, first, a data transmission function 142 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether the medical examination device 10 has started moving (step S161). And in step S161, when the medical examination device 10 has not started moving (step S161: No), the data transmission function 142 repeats the process of step S161 and waits until the medical examination device 10 starts moving.

[0154] On the other hand, in step S161, when the medical examination device 10 has started moving (step S161: Yes), the data transmission function 142 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether there is medical data in the memory 134 (step S163). Specifically, the data transmission function 142 determines whether there is medical data in the memory 134 by determining whether the medical data collected in the examination before movement is stored in the memory 134.

[0155] And when there is medical data in the memory 134 (step S163: Yes), the data transmission function 142 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 transmits the medical data to the medical data server 20 (step S165). Specifically, the data transmission function 142 transmits the medical data stored in the memory 134 to the medical data server 20 via the communication interface 135. That is, after the medical examination device 10 starts moving, during the movement to the destination, it transmits the medical data collected in the examination to the medical data server 20.

[0156] On the one hand, in step S163, if there is no medical data in the memory 134 (step S163: No), or after step S165, the data transmission function 142 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether there is setting data in the memory 134 (step S167). Specifically, the data transmission function 142 determines whether there is setting data in the memory 134 by determining whether the setting data used in the previous examination before movement is stored in the memory 134.

[0157] Then, in step S167, if there is setting data in the memory 134 (step S167: Yes), the data transmission function 142 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 transmits the setting data to the setting data server 30 (step S169). Specifically, the data transmission function 142 transmits the setting data used in the previous examination, which is stored in the memory 134, to the setting data server 30 via the communication interface 135.

[0158] After this step S169, or if there is no setting data in the memory 134 in step S167 (step S167: No), the data transmission process according to this embodiment is terminated.

[0159] FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the content of the diagnostic process executed by the medical examination device 10 according to the first embodiment. In this diagnostic process, when a diagnostic instruction for the operating state transmitted from the management device 40 is received, the operating state is diagnosed and the diagnostic result of the operating state is transmitted. For example, this diagnostic process is a process executed when a diagnostic instruction for the operating state is received.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 22, first, the diagnostic function 143 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 determines whether it has received a diagnostic instruction for the operating state (step S171). Specifically, the diagnostic function 143 determines whether it has received the diagnostic instruction for the operating state transmitted in step S77 of FIG. 16 described above. Then, in step S171, if the diagnostic instruction for the operating state has not been received (step S171: No), the diagnostic function 143 repeats the process of step S171 and waits until it receives the diagnostic instruction for the operating state.

[0161] On the other hand, in step S171, if the diagnostic instruction for the operating state has been received (step S171: Yes), the diagnostic function 143 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 diagnoses the operating state (step S173). Specifically, the diagnostic function 143 diagnoses the operating state of the apparatus main body 13 and / or the ultrasonic probe 11 electrically connected to the apparatus main body 13. In the present embodiment, since the management device 40 transmits a diagnostic instruction for the operating state to the medical examination device 10 during the movement to the destination, the medical examination device 10 diagnoses the operating state of the apparatus main body 13 and / or the ultrasonic probe 11 electrically connected to the apparatus main body 13 during the movement to the destination.

[0162] Next, as shown in FIG. 22, the diagnostic function 143 realized by the processing circuit 140 of the medical examination device 10 transmits the diagnostic result of the operating state (step S175). Specifically, the diagnostic function 143 transmits the diagnostic result of the operating state to the management device 40 via the communication interface 44.

[0163] By transmitting the diagnostic result of the operating state in this step S175, the diagnostic process according to the present embodiment is terminated.

[0164] As described above, according to the medical test equipment management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the management device 40 selects an available medical test equipment 10 based on the test order OR1, sets the destination of the selected medical test equipment 10, transmits destination information regarding the destination to the selected medical test equipment 10, and the medical test equipment 10 having a self-driving function to move to the destination moves to the destination based on the destination information. Therefore, the medical test device can be arranged at the destination without requiring the labor of medical staff such as staff. That is, according to the medical test equipment management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the productivity of medical staff can be improved while effectively utilizing the assets and resources in the hospital.

[0165] [Modification Example 1] In the medical test equipment management system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the test date and time included in the test order OR1 is directly input by the user via the input interface of the terminal device 50. However, the test date and time included in the test order OR1 is input via the input interface of the terminal device 50. By the user selecting a time zone that the user wants to use from a reservation status list indicating the reservation status of the medical test equipment 10 displayed on the display of the terminal device 50, it is also possible to input the test date and time of the test order OR1.

[0166] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation status list displayed on the display of the terminal device 50 of the medical test equipment management system 1 according to Modification Example 1. As shown in FIG. 23, the management device 40 displays a reservation status list LT1 on the display of the terminal device 50. In the example shown in FIG. 23, the reservation status list LT1 shows the reservation status of each time zone for each medical test equipment 10. The user checks the available time zones for each medical test equipment 10 from the reservation status list LT1, and selects the time zone that the user wants to use from the reservation status list LT1 displayed on the display of the terminal device 50 via the input interface of the terminal device 50, thereby inputting the test date and time of the test order OR1.

[0167] As described above, in the medical examination equipment management system 1 according to this modification example, the reservation status list LT1 is displayed on the display of the terminal device 50, and by accepting the selection of the time zone that the user wants to use for the displayed reservation status list LT1, the examination date and time of the examination order OR1 is input. Therefore, the available time zone of the medical examination equipment 10 can be selected as the examination date and time. That is, in the reservation of the medical examination equipment 10, the possibility of changing the examination date and time can be reduced, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0168] [Modification Example 2] In the medical examination equipment management system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the examination order OR1 includes desired medical examination equipment information regarding the medical examination equipment 10 that the user wishes to use, and the management device 40 can also select the medical examination equipment 10 based on the examination order including the desired medical examination equipment information.

[0169] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing another example of the examination order received by the management device 40 according to the modification example 2, and corresponds to FIG. 14 in the first embodiment described above. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the examination order OR1a includes the user, the examination date and time, the examination room, the modality, the examination content, the patient information including the patient name and the patient ID, the information for identifying whether it is an outpatient or an in-patient, and in addition to the examination frequency information, it includes the name of the device as the desired medical examination equipment information.

[0170] Therefore, for example, in step S13 of the reservation process shown in FIG. 13, the selection function 451 in the processing circuit 45 of the management device 40 determines whether the inspection order OR1a can be accepted by determining whether the device of the desired medical inspection device information can be used at the inspection date and time included in the inspection order. Then, in step S13, if the inspection order OR1a cannot be accepted, the selection function 451 notifies the user that the reservation cannot be made in step S15, and notifies the user of the change notice of the inspection date and time by notifying the user of the information regarding the time zone when the inspection device can be used. On the other hand, in step S13, if the inspection order OR1a can be accepted, the selection function 451 may select the device of the desired medical inspection device information as the available medical inspection device in step S19. By configuring in this way, the user can use the same medical inspection device 10 for each inspection, so that the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0171] 〔Modification Example 3〕 In the medical inspection device management system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the management device 40 can also select the medical inspection device 10 based on the inspection frequency information included in the inspection orders OR1 and OR1a. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the inspection orders OR1 and OR1a include reexamination as the inspection frequency information, in step S13 of the reservation process shown in FIG. 13, the information regarding the previous inspection of the patient included in the patient information is referred to, and it is determined whether the inspection order OR1, OR1a can be accepted by determining whether the medical inspection device 10 used in the previous inspection can be used at the inspection date and time included in the inspection order OR1, OR1a. Then, when the inspection orders OR1 and OR1a can be accepted, the selection function 451 may select the medical inspection device 10 used in the previous inspection as the available medical inspection device in step S19 of the reservation process shown in FIG. 13. By configuring in this way, the difference in image output due to the difference in the medical inspection device 10 used for the inspection can be reduced.

[0172] In the medical examination equipment management system 1 according to Modification Example 3, in step S13 in the reservation process of FIG. 13, when the examination orders OR1 and OR1a cannot be accepted, the selection function 451 may notify that the reservation cannot be made and notify the available time slots of the medical examination equipment 10 used in the previous examination in step S17 in the reservation process of FIG. 13. Alternatively, it may be notified that a medical examination equipment 10 different from the medical examination equipment 10 used in the previous examination is selectable at the examination date and time included in the examination orders OR1 and OR1a. By performing these notifications, the user can change the examination order, and the management device 40 can re-receive the examination orders OR1 and OR1a in which the information regarding the examination date and time or the medical examination equipment 10 has been changed in step S17 in the reservation process of FIG. 9.

[0173] 〔Modification Example 4〕 In the medical examination equipment management system 1 according to the above-described First Embodiment, when the management device 40 receives a plurality of examination orders OR1 and OR1a including the same examination date and time, it is also possible to prioritize the reservation of examinations for outpatients. In this case, the examination orders OR1 and OR1a received in step S11 in FIG. 13 will include information for identifying whether the patient is an outpatient or an inpatient. For example, when the management device 40 receives a plurality of examination orders OR1 and OR1a including the same examination date and time, it can prioritize the reservation of examinations for the examination orders OR1 and OR1a of outpatients.

[0174] 〔Modification Example 5〕 In the medical examination equipment management system 1 according to the above-described first embodiment, when the management device 40 receives inspection orders OR1 and OR1a including information that the patient is a hospital inpatient, it is also possible to determine whether a small medical examination device 10 among the available medical examination devices 10 can be used. For example, when the inspection orders OR1 and OR1a received by the management device 40 in step S11 of FIG. 13 include information that the patient is a hospital inpatient, the management device 40 determines whether a small medical examination device 10 among the available medical examination devices 10 can be used at the inspection date and time included in the inspection orders OR1 and OR1a in step S13 of FIG. 13, thereby determining whether the inspection orders OR1 and OR1a are acceptable. Then, in step S13 of FIG. 13, when the inspection orders OR1 and OR1a are acceptable, the selection function 451 selects the small medical examination device 10 as the available medical examination device in step S19 of FIG. 13. By adopting such a configuration, even when an inspection is to be performed at the bedside of a hospital inpatient, the medical examination device 10 can be introduced to the bedside of the hospital inpatient.

[0175] 〔Modification Example 6〕 In the medical examination equipment management system 1 according to the above-described first embodiment, the management device 40 can also select the available medical examination devices 10 based on the information regarding the examination room. This information regarding the examination room is, for example, information regarding the size of the examination room. For example, in step S19 in the reservation process of FIG. 13, the selection function 451 may select the available medical examination devices according to the size of the examination room based on the information regarding the examination room together with the inspection date and time.

[0176] 〔Modification Example 7〕 In the medical examination equipment management system according to the above-described first embodiment, when an examination order includes usage spare part information regarding spare parts used in the examination, the management device 40 can also select an available medical examination device 10 based on the usage spare part information. The usage spare part information is information regarding spare parts used in the examination and includes, for example, the name of an ultrasonic probe. When the examination order OR1a received in step S11 of FIG. 13 includes usage spare part information, in step S15 of the reservation process, the selection function 451 may select, together with the examination date and time, a medical examination device 10 that can use the spare parts as an available medical examination device 10 based on the usage spare part information. More specifically, for example, when the examination order includes an acoustic coupler used in breast examinations, rheumatism examinations, or elastography examinations as usage spare part information, the selection function 451 selects a medical examination device 10 that can use the acoustic coupler. Also, as shown in FIG. 24, for example, when the examination order OR1a includes "5MHz convex" as usage spare part information, the selection function 451 selects a medical examination device 10 that can use "5MHz convex".

[0177] 〔Modification Example 8〕 In the medical examination equipment management system 1 according to the above-described first embodiment, the management device 40 can also make a reservation for an examination technician together with the reservation of the medical examination equipment 10. In this case, the examination order OR1a received in step S11 of FIG. 13 also includes desired examiner information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24, the examination order OR1a includes the name of the desired examiner as the desired examiner information. In this case, in the reservation process, when the selection function 451 receives the examination order OR1a, the management device 40 determines in step S13 whether the medical examination equipment 10 can be used at the examination date and time, and also determines whether the examiner included in the desired examiner information can conduct the examination, thereby determining whether the examination order OR1a can be accepted. Then, when the examination order OR1a can be accepted, the selection function 451 may select an available medical examination equipment 10 and an examiner in step S19, and tentatively reserve the medical examination equipment 10 and the examiner in step S21. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress variations in examination results due to different examiners performing the examination.

[0178] 〔Other Modification Examples of the First Embodiment〕 In the above-described first embodiment, the medical examination equipment 10 may move without folding the display 15 during movement. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the appearance of the medical examination equipment 10 according to the first embodiment during use (FIG. 25(a)) and during movement (FIG. 25(b)), and corresponds to FIG. 9 in the above-described first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25(b), when the medical examination equipment 10 is moving, the medical examination equipment 10 may move without folding the display 15.

[0179] Note that the term "processor" used in the above description means, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the programs stored in memories 41 and 134. Note that, instead of storing the programs in memories 41 and 134, the programs may be directly incorporated into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the programs incorporated into the circuit. Note that the processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit of the processor, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to be configured as one processor to realize its functions. Further, a plurality of components in FIGS. 6 and 10 may be integrated into one processor to realize its functions.

[0180] As described above, several embodiments have been described. However, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel apparatuses and methods described in this specification can be implemented in various other forms. Also, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the forms of the apparatuses and methods described in this specification without departing from the gist of the invention. The scope of the appended claims and the equivalents thereof are intended to include such forms and modifications that are included in the scope and gist of the invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0181] 1…Medical examination equipment management system, 10…Medical examination equipment, 11…Ultrasonic probe, 13…Device main body, 15…Display, 17…Input interface, 19…Support part, 21…Movable part, 20…Medical data server, 30…Setting data server, 40…Management device, 41…Memory, 42…Display, 43…Input interface, 44…Communication interface, 45…Processing circuit, 50…Terminal device, 131…Transmission and reception circuit, 132…B-mode processing circuit, 133…Doppler processing circuit, 134…Memory, 135…Communication interface, 136…Position sensor, 137…Non-contact power receiving part, 138…Battery, 139…Drive part, 140…Processing circuit, 141…Image generation function, 142…Data transmission function, 143…Diagnosis function, 144…Setting data acquisition function, 145…Control function, 451…Selection function, 452…Setting function, 453…Transmission function, 454…Reception function, 455…Judgment function, 456…Notification function

Claims

1. It has one or more medical examination devices having a self-driving function to move to a destination, a selection unit that selects the available medical examination devices based on an order of examination, a setting unit that sets the destination of the selected medical examination device, a transmission unit that transmits destination information regarding the destination to the selected medical examination device, and has a management device, a medical examination device management system.

2. The order of the examination includes at least medical examination device information regarding a medical examination device and an examination date and time, and the selection unit selects the available medical examination devices based on the medical examination device information and the examination date and time. The medical examination device management system according to claim 1.

3. The order of the examination includes at least any one of desired medical technician information regarding a medical technician whom a doctor hopes to perform the examination, desired medical examination device information regarding the medical examination device that a user hopes to use, equipment information regarding medical examination equipment used by the user in the examination, examination frequency information regarding the number of examinations, and patient information regarding a patient who undergoes the examination. The medical examination device management system according to claim 1.

4. The selection unit selects the medical examination equipment necessary for the examination from among a plurality of the medical examination equipment based on the order of the examination. The medical examination device management system according to claim 3.

5. The transmission unit transmits medical examination equipment information regarding the medical examination equipment selected by the selection unit to the medical examination device. The medical examination device management system according to claim 4.

6. The selection unit selects the setting data necessary for the examination from among a plurality of setting data which are data set for each user based on the order of the examination. The medical examination device management system according to claim 1.

7. The transmission unit transmits setting data information regarding the setting data selected by the selection unit to the medical examination device. The medical examination device management system according to claim 6.

8. When there are a plurality of available medical examination devices, the selection unit selects the medical examination devices based on operation status information regarding the operation status of the medical examination devices. The medical examination device management system according to claim 1.

9. The medical examination device according to claim 7, further comprising a setting data acquisition unit that acquires setting data based on the setting data information from a setting data server during movement to the destination.

10. The medical examination device management system according to claim 1, wherein the medical examination device further comprises a data transmission unit that transmits medical data collected in the examination to a medical data server during movement to the destination.

11. The medical examination device management system according to claim 4, wherein the medical examination device further comprises a diagnosis unit that diagnoses an operating state of the medical examination device main body and / or the medical examination equipment electrically connected to the medical examination device main body during movement to the destination.

12. The management device a receiving unit that receives a diagnosis result of the operating state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit of the medical examination device; a determination unit that determines the operating state based on the diagnosis result; The medical examination device management system according to claim 11, further comprising the above.

13. The medical examination device management system according to claim 1, wherein the management device further comprises a notification unit that notifies that the medical examination device has arrived at the destination when the medical examination device arrives at the destination.

14. The medical examination device a battery; a non-contact power receiving unit that receives power non-contactly from a non-contact power supply unit that supplies power non-contactly to the battery during movement to the destination; The medical examination device management system according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

15. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a self-propelling function for moving to a destination, a device main body that generates an ultrasonic image; an operation unit that receives an input operation for operating the device main body; a display unit that displays the ultrasonic image; a support unit that movably supports the operation unit and the display unit with respect to the device main body; a control unit that controls the support unit to move the operation unit and the display unit to a use position based on user information regarding a user who uses the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus at the destination, and to move the operation unit and the display unit to a non-use position below the use position during movement to the destination; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising the above.

16. a selection unit that selects an available medical examination device among one or a plurality of medical examination devices having a self-propelling function for moving to a destination based on an examination order; A setting unit that sets the destination of the selected medical inspection device; A transmission unit that transmits destination information regarding the destination to the selected medical inspection device; A management device comprising the above.

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