Medical device

Abstract

To provide a mechanism which can read stored data, from a medical device in which an operating system does not start.SOLUTION: A microcontroller 120 controls a display 108 of a medical device, and makes a nonvolatile storage 122 store log data showing an event generated in the medical device, according to instructions from a main processor 1002. When the processor 1002 cannot start an operating system for a certain reason, the microcontroller 120 detects a user's input to a photo diode 110a or 110b, and a microphone 112, by electric power from a power supply device 130, and recognizes a log data output instruction. Then, the microcontroller 120 outputs the log data in the nonvolatile storage 122 as a sound signal from a loudspeaker 114 for example.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical device, and particularly to a mechanism for collecting data from a medical device.

Background Art

[0002] Many medical devices such as ultrasonic diagnostic devices incorporate a computer. When the power switch of the medical device is turned on, the operating system stored in the startup disk of the computer incorporated in the medical device is started, and various software necessary for the operation of the medical device is executed under the control of the operating system.

[0003] In addition, many medical devices record log data on the operations performed by the medical device, log data on events that occurred in the medical device, etc. for the purpose of analyzing the cause of malfunctions, etc. in, for example, a built-in non-volatile storage device. When a malfunction occurs in the medical device, a maintenance technician dispatched by the manufacturer or the like reads the log data from the storage device and analyzes the cause of the malfunction.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for recording information on an impact applied to the operation panel of a medical device in a memory so that it can be referred to later.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a system for reading out data stored in a storage device inside a device even when an application for data communication via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) that the device has cannot be started. In this system, a data output terminal is connected to the USB terminal of the device, and power is supplied to the device from a data acquisition terminal. Then, the data acquisition terminal communicates with the device according to a communication standard lower than the application layer and reads data from the storage device inside the device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, when the main processor or the startup disk of the medical device fails, etc., even if the power switch is turned on, the operating system of the medical device does not start. If the operating system does not start, various user interfaces and data input / output devices provided in the medical device do not operate, so data such as log data stored in the storage device cannot be read out.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for reading out stored data from a medical device in which the operating system does not start.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The medical device disclosed in this specification is a medical device controlled by an operating system, and includes a storage device for storing data, a sensor for detecting a predetermined physical quantity, an output device capable of outputting a sound signal or an optical signal, and a controller for determining whether there is an instruction to read data from the user based on the detection result of the sensor, and when it is determined that there is an instruction to read, reading data from the storage device and executing control to output a sound signal or an optical signal representing the read data to the output device, and a power supply unit capable of supplying power to the storage device, the sensor, the output device, and the controller even when the operating system does not start.

[0010] When the operating system fails to start, the user can instruct the controller to output data from the storage device by performing a predetermined input on the sensor. Then, the controller reads the data from the storage device according to the instruction, outputs the data as a sound signal or a light signal from the output device, and the user acquires the data in the terminal by receiving the sound signal or the light signal with their own terminal.

[0011] Here, as the sensor, a plurality of sensors for detecting different types of physical quantities are provided, and the controller may determine that there is an instruction to read when the plurality of sensors each output a predetermined detection result.

[0012] In this configuration, unless the user performs appropriate inputs on a plurality of sensors that detect different types of physical quantities, the controller cannot be instructed to output data. Therefore, the possibility that the user inadvertently touches an individual sensor and operates the controller is reduced.

[0013] Also, the plurality of sensors may be provided at separate positions on the housing of the medical device where it is unlikely that the user will touch them simultaneously when grasping or operating the medical device.

[0014] By doing so, the possibility that the user inadvertently operates the controller is further reduced.

[0015] Also, when the controller is ready to read the data from the storage device according to the read instruction and output it from the output device, the controller may cause the output device to output a predetermined sound signal or light signal indicating that the preparation is complete, and after outputting the predetermined sound signal or light signal, cause the output device to output a sound signal or light signal representing the data read from the storage device.

[0016] In this configuration, since the output device is shared for two different purposes, an increase in the device scale is suppressed.

[0017] Further, the medical device further includes a second storage device that stores software executed by the controller, and a receiving device for receiving a sound signal or a light signal representing update data for updating the software. The controller determines whether there is an instruction to update the software from the user based on the detection result of the sensor. When it is determined that there is an instruction to update, the update data transmitted by the external device as a sound signal or a light signal is received via the receiving device, and the software in the second storage device is updated using the received update data. This may also be the case.

[0018] In this configuration, it is possible to update the software for the controller without going through the operating system.

[0019] Further, the sensor may be one that detects a sound signal or a light signal and may also be shared as the receiving device.

[0020] In this configuration, since the sensor is shared for two different purposes, an increase in the device scale is suppressed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] The present invention can read stored data from a medical device in which the operating system does not start.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described.

[0024] Among the concepts of the medical device 100 described below, for example, inspection devices such as ultrasonic diagnostic devices and X-ray CT devices, or treatment devices such as ultrasonic treatment devices and radiation treatment devices are included.

[0025] FIG. 1 schematically shows the appearance of an exemplary medical device 100. This exemplary medical device 100 has a structure in which a top portion 106 provided with a display 108 is attached to a main body portion 102 provided with a keyboard so as to be openable and closable, like a notebook personal computer.

[0026] On the upper surface of the housing of the main body portion 102, an input button group such as a keyboard 104 and an indicator 116 are provided. The indicator 116 is used for presenting information to the user in the control of the present embodiment. For example, the indicator 116 is composed of a light-emitting diode (LED). In this case, predetermined information is presented by the presence or absence of light emission or the blinking pattern of the indicator 116.

[0027] Also, on the side surface of the housing of the main body portion 102, two photodiodes 110a and 110b, a microphone 112, and a speaker 114 are provided. The photodiodes 110a and 110b and the microphone 112 are used to receive input from the user in the control of the present embodiment. Also, the speaker 114 is used for presenting information to the user in the control of the present embodiment.

[0028] Photodiodes 110a and 110b and microphone 112 are examples of sensors that detect a predetermined physical quantity. Photodiodes 110a and 110b detect the intensity of light as the physical quantity. Also, microphone 112 detects the intensity of sound as the physical quantity. Also, indicators 116 and speaker 114 are examples of output devices capable of outputting an optical signal or a sound signal.

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates the hardware configuration of medical device 100. In this example, medical device 100 has a circuit configuration in which a processor 1002, a memory (main storage device) 1004, an auxiliary storage device 1006, a keyboard 104, a microcontroller 120, etc. are connected via a data transmission path such as a bus 1008.

[0030] Processor 1002 is an arithmetic unit that performs the main information processing of medical device 100, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Memory 1004 is a high-speed main storage device that provides a work area when processor 1002 executes a program, and is configured as, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or the like. Auxiliary storage device 1006 is a large-capacity storage device for storing programs and various data executed by processor 1002. Programs such as the firmware, operating system, and various application software of medical device 100 are stored in auxiliary storage device 1006. Auxiliary storage device 1006 is configured by a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). When programs such as the operating system stored in auxiliary storage device 1006 are executed by processor 1002, medical device 100 exhibits its functions.

[0031] The microcontroller 120 is an auxiliary processor, for example, for controlling the hardware included in the medical device 100. In FIG. 2, as an example, the microcontroller 120 is a processor that controls the display 108 of the medical device 100. When the display 108 is, for example, a touch panel display, the microcontroller 120 executes processes such as display on the touch panel display and detection of touch input.

[0032] In this embodiment, when the operating system of the medical device 100 does not start up, this microcontroller 120 is made to execute the control process of this embodiment. Note that having the microcontroller 120 for the display 108 undertake the control process of this embodiment is merely an example. The control process may be executed by another microcontroller mounted on the medical device 100.

[0033] The non-volatile memory device 122 stores the firmware of the microcontroller 120. The non-volatile memory device 122 is constituted by a non-volatile storage device such as an SSD, flash memory, or HDD, for example. Further, log data of the medical device 100 is written to the non-volatile memory device 122. That is, the operating system executed by the processor 1002 generates log data indicating various events (for example, occurrence of an error) that occur in the medical device 100, and stores this log data in the non-volatile memory device 122 via the microcontroller 120. That is, in this embodiment, the non-volatile memory device 122 serves as both a storage device that stores log data read from the medical device 100 to the outside (for example, a technician's terminal) and a second storage device that stores software (for example, firmware) executed by the microcontroller 120.

[0034] Also, the microcontroller 120 controls the aforementioned photodiodes 110a and 110b, microphone 112, speaker 114, and indicator 116.

[0035] The power supply device 130 supplies power to the processor 1002 to the bus 1008, the keyboard 104 to the indicator 116 shown in FIG. 2. In particular, even when the processor 1002 cannot start the operating system, the power supply device 130 can supply power to at least the microcontroller 120, the non-volatile storage device 122, the photo diodes 110a and 110B, the microphone 112, the speaker 114, and the indicator 116.

[0036] Now, when the processor 1002 cannot start the operating system, if the log data stored in the non-volatile storage device 122 can be read out, the cause of the operating system's inability to start may be clarified. However, since the operating system is not running, the log data cannot be viewed or read out externally via the user interface provided by the operating system. Conventionally, in such a case, it was normal for the maintenance staff of the vendor of the medical device 100 to take the medical device 100 back to the vendor's factory and investigate the cause of the failure of the medical device 100 at the factory. In addition, there were cases where the maintenance staff read out the log data from inside the medical device 100 through a wired connection using a dedicated jig at the user's office of the medical device 100. However, in this case as well, complicated operations such as opening the casing of the medical device 100 were required.

[0037] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the operating system does not start, the user (for example, the maintenance staff) instructs the microcontroller 120 to output the log data via the photo diodes 110a and 110b, the microphone 112, etc.

[0038] For example, when the photodiode 110b (hereinafter also referred to as photodiode B) is blocked with a finger or the like, an operation of hitting the microphone 112 a predetermined number of times or more with another fingertip is an operation for instructing the output of log data. In this case, the microcontroller 120 interprets that the output of log data is instructed when the level of the signal from the microphone 112 becomes equal to or higher than the second threshold a predetermined number of times or more while the level of the signal from the photodiode B is equal to or lower than the first threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold are predetermined thresholds. Note that the operation for instructing the output of log data exemplified here is merely an example.

[0039] When recognizing this instruction, the microcontroller 120 outputs, for example, a sound signal representing the log data read from the nonvolatile memory device 122 from the speaker 114. The user receives the sound signal with a microphone of a terminal such as a smartphone and decodes it to obtain the log data. The voice communication between the microcontroller 120 and the terminal is performed by, for example, ultrasonic communication. It can be performed using an existing voice communication protocol such as Chirp or SSC (Super Sonic Communication). By using ultrasonic communication, data communication at a speed of about 2 kbps is possible, for example.

[0040] Further, the microcontroller 120 may accept an update of the firmware in the nonvolatile memory device 122 by a user operation on the photodiodes 110a and 110b, the microphone 112, and the like. Although this is merely an example, hereinafter, an operation of hitting the microphone 112 a predetermined number of times or more with another fingertip while the photodiode 110a (hereinafter also referred to as photodiode A) is blocked with a finger or the like is assumed to be an operation for instructing the update of the firmware. The microcontroller 120 that has recognized this instruction detects a sound signal representing the update data output from the speaker of the user's terminal with the microphone 112, decodes this signal to acquire the data, and uses the data to update the firmware in the nonvolatile memory device 122.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows a state transition diagram of the microcontroller 120 in this example. Referring to this figure, the operation of the microcontroller 120 will be described in more detail.

[0042] The microcontroller 120 shifts to a specific mode, for example, when the processor 1002 fails to start the operating system. In this specific mode, the microcontroller 120 performs the state transitions shown in FIG. 3.

[0043] During the execution of this specific mode, at least the microcontroller 120, the non-volatile memory device 122, the photodiodes 110a and 110b, the microphone 112, the speaker 114, and the indicator 116 are supplied with power from the power supply device 130.

[0044] In this mode, the microcontroller 120 first enters state S10. State S10 is a state waiting for input signals from the photodiodes A and B. In state S10, the microcontroller 120 determines whether the photodiodes A and B are dark, that is, whether the levels of the input signals from them are greater than a first threshold value. The first threshold value is set to a value sufficiently lower than the levels of the signals output by the photodiodes A and B in a normal indoor environment. For example, when the user covers the photodiode A with a finger, the level of the signal output by the photodiode A becomes equal to or lower than the first threshold value.

[0045] Here, if it is determined that the photodiode B is dark, that is, the level of the input signal from the photodiode B is equal to or lower than the first threshold value, the microcontroller 120 transitions to state S12. State S12 is a state waiting for an operation that triggers log data acquisition. In state S12, the microcontroller 120 determines whether the microphone 112 has picked up noise a predetermined number of times or more, that is, whether the number of times of receiving a signal with a level equal to or higher than a second threshold value from the microphone 112 has reached a predetermined number of times or more.

[0046] When the user wants to acquire log data, for example, the user covers the photodiode B with a certain finger of the right hand, and in this state, repeatedly taps the microphone 112 a predetermined number of times or more with another finger of the right hand. Then, the microphone 112 sends signals indicating the noise when tapped to the microcontroller 120 several times.

[0047] When the microcontroller 120 receives signals of a level equal to or higher than a second threshold from the microphone 112 a predetermined number of times or more, it transitions to the state S14.

[0048] Before the microcontroller 120 transitions from the state S12 to the state S14, if the level of the input signal from the photodiode B becomes greater than the first threshold, the microcontroller 120 returns to the state S10. Also, although not shown in the figure, if the microphone 112 does not detect noise a predetermined number of times or more from the time of transitioning from the state S10 to the state S12 until a predetermined length of time has elapsed, the microcontroller 120 may return to the state S10.

[0049] The state S14 is the log acquisition start state. When transitioning to this state, the microcontroller 120 notifies the user that the preparation for log data transmission is complete, for example, by blinking the indicator 116 or outputting a buzzer sound to the speaker 114. After that, the microcontroller 120 starts voice communication with the user's terminal according to a predetermined voice communication protocol. Then, the microcontroller 120 encodes the log data read from the non-volatile storage device 122 into a sound signal according to the protocol, and outputs the sound signal from the speaker 114. The speaker 114 is used for both outputting a notification sound indicating the completion of the preparation for log data transmission and outputting a sound signal representing the log data.

[0050] The user launches an application that implements the voice communication protocol on their terminal and brings the terminal close to the speaker 114 of the medical device 100. The application starts voice communication with the microcontroller 120 of the medical device 100 according to the protocol, and obtains log data by decoding the sound signal picked up by the microphone of the terminal according to the protocol.

[0051] When the transmission of the log data is completed, the microcontroller 120 returns to the state S10.

[0052] In addition, if the microphone 112 does not detect noise more than a predetermined number of times from the time of transition from the state S12 to the state S14 until a predetermined length of time has elapsed, the microcontroller 120 may be returned to the state S10.

[0053] The flow of the process in which the microcontroller 120 outputs log data to the outside has been described above. Next, the flow of the process of updating the firmware of the microcontroller 120 will be described.

[0054] In the state S10, if it is determined that the photo diode A is dark, that is, the level of the input signal from the photo diode A is equal to or lower than the first threshold value, the microcontroller 120 transitions to the state S16. The state S16 is a state waiting for an operation that triggers the start of firmware update. In the state S16, the microcontroller 120 determines whether the microphone 112 has picked up noise more than a predetermined number of times.

[0055] When the user wants to perform a firmware update, they cover the photo diode A with one finger and repeatedly tap the microphone 112 with another finger more than a predetermined number of times in that state. When the microcontroller 120 receives a signal with a level equal to or higher than the second threshold value from the microphone 112 more than a predetermined number of times, it transitions to the state S18.

[0056] Incidentally, before the microcontroller 120 transitions from state S16 to state S18, if the level of the input signal from the photodiode A becomes greater than the first threshold value, the microcontroller 120 returns to state S10. Also, if the microphone 112 does not detect noise a predetermined number of times or more from the time of the transition from state S16 to state S18 until a predetermined length of time has elapsed, the microcontroller 120 may be returned to state S10.

[0057] State S18 is a state of waiting for reception of update data. When transitioning to this state, the microcontroller 120 notifies the user that reception of update data has become possible, for example, by blinking the indicator 116 or outputting a specific sound from the speaker 114. The blinking pattern of the indicator 116 or the output sound of the speaker 114 at this time may be different from the blinking pattern or the type of buzzer sound in state S14.

[0058] After this, the microcontroller 120 starts voice communication with the user's terminal according to a predetermined voice communication protocol. The voice communication application of the user's terminal encodes the update data into a sound signal according to the protocol and outputs it. The microcontroller 120 restores the update data by decoding the sound signal picked up by the microphone 112 according to the protocol. In this example, the microphone 112 is used both for detecting a tap operation from the user in state S16 and for receiving a sound signal representing update data in S18.

[0059] When the restoration of the update data is completed, the microcontroller 120 transitions to state S20. State S20 is the state in which the firmware update is being executed. When transitioning to this state, the microcontroller 120 notifies the start of the update by blinking the indicator 116 or outputting a specific sound to the speaker 114. Also, the microcontroller 120 updates the firmware in the non-volatile memory device 122 using the restored update data. When the update is completed, the microcontroller 120 returns to state S10.

[0060] In the example described above, the voice communication protocol was used for the communication between the microcontroller 120 and the user's terminal in the specific mode. However, this is just an example, and communication methods using various other media can be utilized.

[0061] For example, visible light communication may be used. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the medical device 100 has a visible light communication receiving sensor 118. In this example, programs implementing the visible light communication protocol are installed in both the microcontroller 120 and the user's terminal.

[0062] Also, in this example, in state S14 in the state transition of FIG. 3, when the microcontroller 120 transmits the log data to the user's terminal, visible light communication is used. That is, the microcontroller 120 transmits the log data externally by controlling the emission intensity of the indicator 116 according to the log data. The user takes a picture of the indicator 116 with the camera of the terminal while the application for visible light communication of the terminal is activated. The application decodes the temporal change in the light intensity of the indicator 116 appearing in the captured moving image to restore the log data.

[0063] Also, in this example, when transmitting update data from the user's terminal to the microcontroller 120 in state S18 of the state transition in FIG. 3, visible light communication is used. At this time, the user brings the light-emitting device (for example, a lighting lamp for shooting or a display) built in the terminal close to the visible light communication receiving sensor 118, and in this state, instructs the application to start transmitting the update data. In response to this instruction, the application transmits the data to the outside by changing the light emission of the light-emitting device over time according to the update data. The microcontroller 120 of the medical device 100 restores the update data by decoding the signal detected by the visible light communication receiving sensor 118 according to the visible light communication protocol, and uses this data to update the firmware.

[0064] In the embodiment described above, as a trigger for starting log data output, update, etc., a combined operation of hitting the microphone 112 with the photodiode 110a or 110b covered was required. By using such a combined operation as a trigger, it is possible to avoid the microcontroller 120 malfunctioning just because the user accidentally touches the photodiodes 110a, 110b, or the microphone 112. Here, the photodiode 110a (or 110b) and the microphone 112 are provided at positions slightly separated from the side surface of the main body 102. Therefore, when the user operates or holds the medical device 100, it is unlikely that the photodiode 110a (or 110b) and the microphone 112 will be accidentally touched at the same time.

[0065] Also, for preventing malfunction, another sensor such as a Hall element may be provided. For example, a Hall element is provided in the medical device 100 instead of the photodiode 110a or 110b. Instead of covering the photodiode 110b with a finger, the user brings a magnet he or she is carrying close to the Hall element. As a result, in the state transition of FIG. 3, the microcontroller 120 transitions from state S10 to S12. In the case of the photodiode 110a or 110b, it is easy for the user to accidentally cover it, but in the case of the Hall element, since it is necessary to prepare a magnet, it is less likely to be accidentally activated.

[0066] Also, in the above embodiment, the photodiodes 110a and 110b and the microphone 112 are used as sensors for the microcontroller 120 to receive an operation from the user, but this is merely an example. For example, instead of the microphone 112, a vibration pad for detecting vibration may be used. When the user taps the vibration pad, a signal indicating the vibration generated by the tapping is transmitted from the vibration pad to the microcontroller 120.

[0067] In the above examples, the microcontroller 120 that controls specific hardware in the medical device 100 is made to execute the control process of this embodiment, but this is merely an example. A dedicated microcontroller that performs the control process of this embodiment may be provided in the medical device 100.

[0068] The embodiments and modified examples of the present invention have been described above. These embodiments and modified examples are merely examples for explanation. Various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0069] 100 Medical device, 102 Main body, 104 Keyboard, 106 Top part, 108 Display, 110a, 110b Photodiodes, 112 Microphone, 114 Speaker, 116 Indicator, 118 Visible light communication receiving sensor, 120 Microcontroller, 122 Non-volatile storage device, 130 Power supply device.

Claims

1. A medical device controlled by an operating system, comprising: a storage device for storing data; a sensor for detecting a predetermined physical quantity; an output device capable of outputting a sound signal or an optical signal; a controller configured to determine whether there is an instruction from a user to read data based on a detection result of the sensor, and when it is determined that there is an instruction to read, read data from the storage device and execute control to output a sound signal or an optical signal representing the read data to the output device; a power supply unit capable of supplying power to the storage device, the sensor, the output device, and the controller even when the operating system is not activated; A medical device comprising the above.

2. The sensor includes a plurality of sensors for detecting different types of physical quantities, and the controller determines that there is an instruction to read when each of the plurality of sensors outputs a predetermined detection result. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The plurality of sensors are provided at separate positions on the housing of the medical device where it is unlikely that the user will touch them simultaneously when gripping or operating the medical device. The medical device according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. When the controller is ready to read the data from the storage device in response to the read instruction and output it from the output device, the controller causes the output device to output a predetermined sound signal or optical signal indicating that the preparation is complete, and after outputting the predetermined sound signal or optical signal, causes the output device to output a sound signal or optical signal representing the data read from the storage device. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The medical device further includes a second storage device for storing software executed by the controller, and a receiving device for receiving a sound signal or optical signal representing update data for updating the software. The controller is configured to: determine whether there is an instruction from a user to update the software based on a detection result of the sensor, and when it is determined that there is an instruction to update, receive update data transmitted as a sound signal or optical signal from an external device via the receiving device, and update the software in the second storage device using the received update data. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that...

6. The medical device according to claim 5, characterized in that the sensor detects a sound signal or an optical signal and also serves as the receiving device.

Images