Ultrasound diagnostic equipment, ultrasound diagnostic method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an ultrasound diagnostic device that can effectively utilize screen mirroring by controlling the priority of connections from mobile devices to the ultrasound diagnostic device. [Solution] The ultrasound diagnostic device displays ultrasound images on a screen and includes a control unit that, upon receiving a screen mirroring request from a mobile terminal connected via a network, starts a session for image transmission and controls the device to periodically transmit the screen display content to the session. When a screen mirroring request is received from a mobile terminal, if the number of already started sessions is less than the session limit, the control unit controls the device to start a session with the mobile terminal that made the screen mirroring request. When a screen mirroring request is received from a mobile terminal, if the number of already started sessions is greater than or equal to the session limit, the control unit acquires predetermined information, terminates the already started sessions, and controls the device to start a new session with the mobile terminal that made the screen mirroring request.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a screen mirroring technique in which an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is wirelessly connected to a portable terminal such as a tablet, and the display content displayed on the display unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is displayed on the screen of the portable terminal in real time. Patent Document 1 describes that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits an ultrasonic image to the terminal device without reducing the frame rate of the ultrasonic image, and the terminal device can confirm the ultrasonic image in real time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, there are cases where screen mirroring is performed by simultaneously connecting a plurality of portable terminals to one ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In this case, when the number of connected portable terminals to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus increases, there is a problem that the processing load and network load of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus increase. Therefore, the number of portable terminals that can be connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is limited to a certain number.

[0005] In the conventional technology, when the number of connected portable terminals to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus exceeds the limit number, control is performed to prioritize the connection of the portable terminal that started screen mirroring first and reject the connection of a new portable terminal. However, depending on the user, there are cases where the previously connected portable terminal is left without using screen mirroring. In such a case, there is a problem that a new portable terminal that originally wants to use screen mirroring cannot use screen mirroring.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasound diagnostic method, and a program that can effectively utilize screen mirroring by controlling the priority of connections from mobile terminals to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, in order to solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is An ultrasound diagnostic device that displays ultrasound images on a screen, initiates an image transmission session when it receives a screen mirroring request from a mobile terminal connected via a network, and periodically transmits the content of the screen to the session, When a screen mirroring request is received from the aforementioned mobile device, If the number of started sessions is less than the session limit, a session will be started with the mobile device that made the screen mirroring request. If the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, the system retrieves predetermined information, terminates the started sessions, and initiates a new session with the mobile device that requested the screen mirroring.

[0008] The ultrasound diagnostic method according to the present invention is An ultrasound diagnostic method that displays an ultrasound image on a screen, starts an image transmission session when a screen mirroring request is received from a mobile terminal connected via a network, and periodically transmits the content of the screen to the session, When a screen mirroring request is received from the aforementioned mobile device, If the number of started sessions is less than the session limit, a session will be started with the mobile device that made the screen mirroring request. If the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, the system includes a control step to obtain predetermined information, terminate the started sessions, and initiate a new session with the mobile device that requested the screen mirroring.

[0009] The program according to the present invention is A computer for an ultrasound diagnostic device that displays ultrasound images on a screen, starts an image transmission session when it receives a screen mirroring request from a mobile terminal connected via a network, and periodically transmits the contents of the screen to the session, When a screen mirroring request is received from the aforementioned mobile device, If the number of started sessions is less than the session limit, a session will be started with the mobile device that made the screen mirroring request. If the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, the control unit obtains predetermined information, terminates the started sessions, and initiates a new session with the mobile device that requested the screen mirroring. To make it function as such. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, even if there is a mobile device that started a session earlier and then left idle, the system controls the system to start a session for a mobile device that later requests screen mirroring, thus prioritizing the connection of mobile devices that require screen mirroring. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an example of a block diagram of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a table for managing connected device information of a mobile terminal that has started a session with an ultrasound diagnostic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] An example of a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of an ultrasound diagnostic device when performing screen mirroring with a mobile terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus when performing screen mirroring with the mobile terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen that is superimposed on the screen of the display unit of the mobile terminal that has transmitted a screen mirroring request according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen that is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal that has started the session earliest according to the modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus when performing screen mirroring with the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen that is superimposed on the screen of the display unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic method, and a program according to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] <First Embodiment> [Configuration Example of Ultrasonic Diagnostic System 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, a mobile terminal 20, and an access point 30. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 and the mobile terminal 20 are connected to each other by a wireless communication network N via, for example, the access point 30. Examples of the wireless communication network N include a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi. The wireless communication network N may be a direct connection (P2P) using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth without using the access point 30. Although an example in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 and the mobile terminal 20 are connected by wireless communication has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, wired communication using a wiring such as a LAN cable may be used.

[0014] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and receives reflected waves reflected inside the subject, and images a tomographic image of the tissue, organs, etc. of the subject based on the received reflected waves. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 displays an ultrasonic image of the imaged examination site on the screen. When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 receives a screen mirroring request from the mobile terminal 20 connected via the network N, it starts a session for transmitting the ultrasonic image. In the session, the display content including the ultrasonic image on the screen is periodically transmitted to the mobile terminal 20. The session refers to the period from the start to the end of the communication. For example, it includes a series of communications from the establishment of the connection to the disconnection. Mirroring means transmitting the display content displayed on the screen of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 to the mobile terminal 20 and displaying the same display content as that of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 on the screen of the mobile terminal 20 in real time.

[0015] The mobile terminal 20 is, for example, a tablet, a smartphone, a notebook personal computer, or the like. The mobile terminal 20 transmits a screen mirroring request to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 and starts a session with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. Along with the start of the session, the mobile terminal 20 receives the ultrasonic image and the like from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 and displays the received ultrasonic image and the like on the screen in real time. In the present embodiment, three first mobile terminals 20A, second mobile terminals 20B, and third mobile terminals 20C are exemplified as the mobile terminals 20 that perform a session with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, but the number of mobile terminals 20 is not limited to three.

[0016] [Configuration Example of Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus 10] FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes a device main body 100 and an ultrasonic probe 150 connected to the device main body 100. An operation unit 102 and a display unit 120 are provided in the device main body 100, respectively. Further, a transmission unit 104, a reception unit 106, an image generation unit 108, an image processing unit 110, a display control unit 112, a control unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a communication unit 160 are built in the device main body 100.

[0017] The operation unit 102 has at least one of the following: multiple buttons, a trackball, a mouse, a touch panel combined with the display unit 120, etc. The operation unit 102 receives input instructions from the user through various operations, converts the received input instructions into electrical signals, and outputs them to the control unit 130.

[0018] The transmitting unit 104 supplies an electrical drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 150 according to the control of the control unit 130. The transmitting unit 104 includes, for example, a clock generation circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse generation circuit. The clock generation circuit generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of the drive signal. The delay circuit sets a delay time for each path provided in each transducer 153 (described later) and delays the transmission of the drive signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses the transmission beam composed of ultrasound. The pulse generation circuit generates a pulse signal as a drive signal at a predetermined period. The transmitting unit 104 generates ultrasound by driving a continuous portion of the plurality of transducers 153. Each time ultrasound is generated, the transmitting unit 104 scans the driven transducer 153 by shifting it in the azimuth direction.

[0019] The receiving unit 106 receives an electrical signal from the ultrasonic probe 150 according to the control of the control unit 130. The receiving unit 106 includes, for example, an amplifier, an A / D conversion circuit, and a phase-correcting summing circuit. The amplifier amplifies the received signal at a preset amplification factor for each path provided in each transducer 153. The A / D conversion circuit converts the amplified received signal from analog to digital. The phase-correcting summing circuit adjusts the phase of the A / D converted received signal by applying a delay time to each path provided in each transducer 153 and then adds them together. The phase-correcting summing circuit generates sound line data (sound line signal) by phase-correcting summing. The receiving unit 106 may also have an amplifier for amplifying the received signal.

[0020] The image generation unit 108 performs envelope detection processing and logarithmic compression on the sound line data supplied from the receiving unit 106. The image generation unit 108 further performs brightness conversion by adjusting at least one of the dynamic range and gain on the sound line data to generate B-mode image data. B-mode image data represents the strength of the received signal in terms of brightness and is tomographic image information about the tissue within the subject. Note that the image data is not limited to B-mode image data in B-mode. Other scan modes (image modes) include, for example, A-mode, M-mode, and Doppler scan modes. Examples of Doppler methods include color Doppler mode and PWD. B-mode is an abbreviation for Brightness mode. A-mode is an abbreviation for Amplitude mode. M-mode is an abbreviation for Motion mode. PWD is an abbreviation for Pulsed Wave Doppler.

[0021] The image processing unit 110 performs image processing on the B-mode image data output from the image generation unit 108, for example, according to various image parameters that are set. The image processing unit 110 has an image memory unit 111, which is composed of semiconductor memory such as DRAM. DRAM is an abbreviation for Dynamic Random Access Memory. The image processing unit 110 stores the processed B-mode image data in the image memory unit 111 on a frame-by-frame basis, according to the control of the control unit 130. The image processing unit 110 outputs the image data generated as described above to the display control unit 112 in sequence, according to the control of the control unit 130.

[0022] The display control unit 112 generates an image signal for display by performing coordinate transformations and other operations on the received image data in accordance with the control unit 130. The display control unit 112 outputs the generated image signal for display to the display unit 120.

[0023] The display unit 120 displays ultrasound images of the subject's tissues, organs, etc., on the screen, based on the display image signal output from the display control unit 112, in accordance with the control of the control unit 130. The ultrasound images may be still images or moving images. The display unit 120 may be a display device connected to the main unit 100 of the device via wiring such as cables or a network N.

[0024] The control unit 130 is a computer and includes a processor such as a CPU. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. The CPU reads the program 141 stored in the memory unit 140 and loads it into memory such as RAM, and in cooperation with the program 141, it can execute processes related to ultrasound examination, screen mirroring, etc. In this embodiment, when the control unit 130 receives a screen mirroring request from the mobile terminal 20, if the number of started sessions is less than the session limit, it controls the system to start a session with the mobile terminal that made the screen mirroring request. Conversely, if the number of started sessions is equal to or greater than the session limit, the control unit 130 obtains predetermined information, terminates the started sessions, and controls the system to start a new session with the mobile terminal 20 that made the screen mirroring request.

[0025] The storage unit 140 includes at least one storage module, such as an HDD, SSD, ROM, and RAM. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The storage unit 140 stores system programs, application programs, and various data received by the communication unit 160. For example, the storage unit 140 stores a program 141 for executing processes related to ultrasound examinations and screen mirroring. Furthermore, the storage unit 140 stores a table 142 for managing connected device information in a mobile terminal 20 that has started a session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10.

[0026] Figure 3 shows an example of a table 142 for managing connected device information in a mobile terminal 20 that has started a session according to the first embodiment. Table 142 stores the MAC address, which is the identification information of the mobile terminal 20 that has started a session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, and the date and time when the session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 was started, in association with each other. The identification information may be something other than the MAC address, for example, an IP address, etc. Furthermore, port numbers may also be associated in table 142. Mobile terminals 20 whose session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 has ended may be deleted from table 142, or flag information indicating that the session has ended may be added to the connected device information corresponding to each mobile terminal 20.

[0027] The communication unit 160 includes, for example, a NIC, a LAN adapter, and a communication module including a receiver and transmitter. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card. The communication unit 160 communicates various data, information, etc., with external devices such as a mobile terminal 20 via a network N.

[0028] The ultrasound probe 150 comprises a head 152, a cable 154, and a connector 156. The head 152 is the part that is pressed against the surface of the patient's body. The head 152 is equipped with a plurality of transducers 153 made of piezoelectric elements. The transducers 153 transmit ultrasound to the patient based on a drive signal transmitted from the main body 100 and receive reflected waves reflected from target tissue within the patient. The transducers 153 may be arranged in a one-dimensional array in the scanning direction, or in a two-dimensional array (matrix). The number of transducers 153 can be set arbitrarily. The ultrasound probe 150 can employ a linear scanning method, a convex scanning method, or a sector scanning method, etc.

[0029] One end of the cable 154 is electrically connected to the head unit 152, and the other end is electrically connected to the connector 156. The connector 156 is connected to the main body of the device 100. However, communication between the main body of the device 100 and the ultrasonic probe 150 is not limited to wired communication using the cable 154. The communication method between the main body of the device 100 and the ultrasonic probe 150 may be wireless communication using UWB or the like. UWB is an abbreviation for Ultra Wide Band.

[0030] [Example configuration of mobile device 20] Figure 4 shows an example of a block diagram of a mobile terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. The mobile terminal 20 comprises a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The control unit 21, the operation unit 22, the display unit 23, the storage unit 24, and the communication unit 25 are connected to each other via wiring such as a bus 26.

[0031] The control unit 21 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU or GPU. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. GPU is an abbreviation for Graphics Processing Unit. The processor may consist of one or two or more. The control unit 21 implements processes such as screen mirroring with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 by executing a program 24a stored in memory, storage unit 24, etc.

[0032] The operation unit 22 includes at least one of the following, which is integrated with the display unit 23: a touch panel, a switch, a button, a mouse, or a keyboard. The operation unit 22 receives instructions in response to various input operations from the user and outputs operation signals based on the received instructions to the control unit 21. For example, the operation unit 22 receives requests from the user for screen mirroring, etc.

[0033] The display unit 23 includes, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. EL is an abbreviation for Electro Luminescence. The display unit 23 displays a GUI for accepting various input operations from the user and also displays the same screen content as the screen of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 when screen mirroring is performed. GUI is an abbreviation for Graphical User Interface.

[0034] The storage unit 24 includes at least one storage module, such as an HDD, SSD, ROM, and RAM. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. The storage unit 24 stores various programs such as system programs and application programs, as well as various data. For example, the storage unit 24 stores a program 24a for performing screen mirroring with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10.

[0035] The communication unit 25 includes, for example, a communication module including a NIC, a receiver, and a transmitter. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card. The communication unit 25 communicates various signals and data with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 via the network N.

[0036] [Example of operation of ultrasound diagnostic device 10] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 when screen mirroring is performed with a mobile terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. The control unit 130 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 realizes each process, including the control steps shown in Figure 5, by executing the program 141 etc. stored in the storage unit 140.

[0037] The control unit 130 determines whether or not it has received a screen mirroring request from the mobile terminal 20 via the communication unit 160 (step S100). If the control unit 130 determines that it has received a screen mirroring request from the mobile terminal 20 via the communication unit 160, it proceeds to step S101. In this embodiment, the case in which a new screen mirroring request is received from the third mobile terminal 20C shown in Figure 1 will be described. On the other hand, if the control unit 130 determines that it has not received a screen mirroring request from the mobile terminal 20 via the communication unit 160, it continues to check for the reception of screen mirroring requests from the mobile terminal 20, etc.

[0038] The control unit 130 determines whether the number of started sessions for the mobile terminal 20 is less than a preset session limit (step S101). In this case, the control unit 130 may obtain information regarding the number of started sessions by referring to table 142 and counting the number of mobile terminals 20 that have started sessions. Alternatively, the control unit 130 may have a counting function that counts the number of mobile terminals 20 that have started sessions.

[0039] If the control unit 130 determines that the number of sessions started by the mobile terminals 20 that have already started a session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is not less than the preset session limit, it proceeds to step S102. In other words, this occurs when the number of sessions started by the mobile terminals 20 that have already started a session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is equal to or greater than the session limit. An example of a case where the number of started sessions is equal to or greater than the session limit is when the session limit is 2 devices and the number of started sessions is 2 devices, namely the first mobile terminal 20A and the second mobile terminal 20B.

[0040] The control unit 130 obtains the connection device information of the mobile terminal 20 that started the session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 earliest from the table 142 stored in the memory unit 140 (step S102). For example, the control unit 130 refers to the table 142 and compares the date and time of the first mobile terminal 20A and the date and time of the second mobile terminal 20B, which have already started a session. Since the date and time of the first mobile terminal 20A is earlier than the date and time of the second mobile terminal 20B, the control unit 130 selects the first mobile terminal 20A as the connection device information of the mobile terminal 20 that started the session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 earliest. In other words, the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 performs screen mirroring between the two first mobile terminals 20A and the third mobile terminal 20C.

[0041] Based on the acquired connected device information, the control unit 130 rejects and interrupts the session with the mobile terminal 20 that started the session first, and starts a session with the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request (step S103). For example, if the mobile terminal 20 that started the session first is the first mobile terminal 20A, the control unit 130 interrupts the session with the first mobile terminal 20A. Also, if the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request is the third mobile terminal 20C, the control unit 130 starts a new session with the third mobile terminal 20C.

[0042] On the other hand, in step S101, if the control unit 130 determines that the number of sessions already started by the mobile terminal 20 that has already started a session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is less than the preset session limit, the unit proceeds to step S104. An example of a case where the number of started sessions is less than the session limit is when the session limit is 2 and the number of started sessions is 1 by the first mobile terminal 20A. In this case, there is one slot available for a new mobile terminal 20 to start a session.

[0043] In this case, the control unit 130 maintains the session with the mobile terminal 20 that previously started a session, while also starting a new session with the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request (step S104). For example, if a session has already been started between the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and the first mobile terminal 20A, the control unit 130 maintains the session with the first mobile terminal 20A. If the mobile terminal that sent the screen mirroring request is the third mobile terminal 20C, the control unit 130 starts a new session with the third mobile terminal 20C.

[0044] According to the first embodiment, when a screen mirroring request is received from a mobile terminal 20 and the number of already started sessions exceeds the session limit, the control unit 130 interrupts the session with the mobile terminal 20 that started the session earlier. Furthermore, if the above conditions are met, the control unit 130 starts a new session with the mobile terminal 20 that made the screen mirroring request. In other words, in the first embodiment, the session with the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request later is given priority. This allows the session of a mobile terminal 20 that requires screen mirroring to be prioritized, even if there was a mobile terminal 20 that started a session earlier but was left idle without using screen mirroring. As a result, screen mirroring can be effectively utilized even when a session limit is set to reduce processing load, etc.

[0045] <Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, if the number of started sessions on the mobile terminal 20 exceeds the session limit, the mobile terminal 20 can choose whether or not to prioritize its own connection. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, with the same reference numerals used for components that are substantially common to both the first and second embodiments, and common descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

[0046] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 when screen mirroring is performed with a mobile terminal 20 according to the second embodiment. The control unit 130 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 realizes each process, including the control steps shown in Figure 6, by executing the program 141 etc. stored in the storage unit 140.

[0047] The control unit 130 determines whether or not it has received a screen mirroring request from the mobile terminal 20 via the communication unit 160 (step S200). If the control unit 130 determines that it has received a screen mirroring request from the mobile terminal 20 via the communication unit 160, it proceeds to step S201. In this embodiment, the case in which a new screen mirroring request is received from the third mobile terminal 20C shown in Figure 1 will be described. On the other hand, if the control unit 130 determines that it has not received a screen mirroring request from the mobile terminal 20 via the communication unit 160, it continues to check for the reception of screen mirroring requests from the mobile terminal 20, etc.

[0048] The control unit 130 determines whether the number of started sessions for the mobile terminals 20 that have initiated a session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is less than a preset session limit (step S201). In this case, the control unit 130 may obtain information regarding the number of started sessions by referring to table 142 and counting the number of mobile terminals 20 that have initiated a session.

[0049] If the control unit 130 determines that the number of sessions started by the mobile terminal 20 is not less than the preset session limit, it proceeds to step S202. In other words, this occurs when the number of sessions started by the mobile terminal 20 that has already started a session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is equal to or greater than the session limit. An example of a case where the number of started sessions is equal to or greater than the session limit is when the session limit is 2 devices and the number of started sessions is 2 devices, namely the first mobile terminal 20A and the second mobile terminal 20B.

[0050] The control unit 130 transmits selected screen information to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request via the communication unit 160 (step S202). The selected screen information is a pop-up window that is superimposed on the screen of the display unit 23 of the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request. This selected screen information includes image information for selecting whether to start a session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. When the control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 20 receives the selected screen information from the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 via the communication unit 25, it superimposes the selected screen 200 based on the received selected screen information onto the screen of the display unit 23.

[0051] Figure 7 shows an example of a selection screen 200 that is superimposed on the screen of the display unit 23 of the mobile terminal 20 that has sent a screen mirroring request according to the second embodiment. The selection screen 200 displays text information 201, for example, "Do you want to disconnect the existing connection and connect?". Furthermore, the selection screen 200 displays a Yes button 202 and a No button 203. The Yes button 202 is a button that accepts an instruction to disconnect the connection of the first mobile terminal 20A, which has already started a session, and to prioritize the connection of its own third mobile terminal 20C and start a session. The No button 203 is a button that accepts an instruction to maintain the connection of the first mobile terminal 20A, which has already started a session, and not connect its own third mobile terminal 20C.

[0052] The control unit 130 determines whether it has received selection information regarding the operation on the selection screen 200 from the mobile terminal 20 that transmitted the selection screen information (step S203). The selection information includes either operation information corresponding to the yes button 202 or operation information corresponding to the no button 203 selected on the selection screen 200 of the mobile terminal 20. If the control unit 130 receives selection information that includes operation information corresponding to the yes button 202, it proceeds to step S204.

[0053] The control unit 130 obtains connection device information for the mobile terminal 20 that started a session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 earliest from the table 142 stored in the memory unit 140 (step S204). For example, the control unit 130 refers to the table 142 and compares the date and time of the first mobile terminal 20A, which has started a session, with the date and time of the second mobile terminal 20B. Since the date and time of the first mobile terminal 20A is earlier than the date and time of the second mobile terminal 20B, the control unit 130 selects the first mobile terminal 20A as the connection device information for the mobile terminal 20 that started a session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 earliest.

[0054] Based on the acquired connected device information, the control unit 130 interrupts the session with the mobile terminal 20 that started the session first by rejecting it, and starts a session with the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request (step S205). For example, if the mobile terminal 20 that started the session first is the first mobile terminal 20A, the control unit 130 interrupts the session with the first mobile terminal 20A. If the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request is the third mobile terminal 20C, the control unit 130 starts a new session with the third mobile terminal 20C.

[0055] On the other hand, in step S203, if the received selection information includes operation information corresponding to the No button 203, the control unit 130 proceeds to step S206. In this case, the control unit 130 maintains the session with the mobile terminal 20 that has already started a session, and does not start a new session with the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request (step S206). For example, if a session has already been started between the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and the first mobile terminal 20A and the second mobile terminal 20B, the control unit 130 maintains the sessions with the first mobile terminal 20A and the second mobile terminal 20B. If the mobile terminal that sent the screen mirroring request is the third mobile terminal 20C, the control unit 130 controls not to start a new session with the third mobile terminal 20C.

[0056] Furthermore, in step S201 described above, if the control unit 130 determines that the number of started sessions of the mobile terminal 20 is less than the preset session limit, it proceeds to step S207. An example of a case where the number of started sessions is less than the session limit is when the session limit is 2 devices and the number of started sessions is 1 device, the first mobile terminal 20A.

[0057] Therefore, the control unit 130 maintains the session with the mobile terminal 20 that has already started a session, while also starting a new session with the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request (step S207). For example, if a session has already been started between the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and the first mobile terminal 20A, the control unit 130 maintains the session with the first mobile terminal 20A. Also, if the mobile terminal that sent the screen mirroring request is the third mobile terminal 20C, the control unit 130 starts a new session with the third mobile terminal 20C.

[0058] According to the second embodiment, if the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, the control unit 130 displays a selection screen 200 on the display unit 23 of the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request. This allows the user of the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request to select which mobile terminal 20 to session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. Therefore, in cases where there is a high priority, such as using the mobile terminal 20 during ultrasound diagnosis, the session of a mobile terminal 20 that has already started a session can be interrupted, and the start of a session on the user's own mobile terminal 20 can be prioritized.

[0059] <Modified form of the second embodiment> In the second embodiment described above, if the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request is allowed to choose whether or not to start a session, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the mobile terminal 20 that has already started a session may be allowed to choose whether or not to prioritize its own session.

[0060] Specifically, when the control unit 130 receives a screen mirroring request from a mobile terminal 20 and the number of started sessions is greater than or equal to the session limit, it identifies the mobile terminal 20 that started the session first. The control unit 130 transmits selected screen information to the identified mobile terminal 20 via the communication unit 160. When the mobile terminal 20 that started the session first receives the selected screen information from the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, it displays the selected screen 300 based on the selected screen information on the display unit 23.

[0061] Figure 8 shows an example of a selection screen 300 displayed on the display unit 23 of the mobile terminal 20 that started the session first, according to a modified example of the second embodiment. The selection screen 300 displays text information 301, a disconnect button 302, and a continue button 303. The text information 301 is, for example, "There has been a connection request from another terminal. Do you want to disconnect?". The disconnect button 302 is a button that accepts an instruction to disconnect the connection of the mobile terminal 20 that started the session earlier and to prioritize starting a session with the mobile terminal 20 that has newly requested mirroring. In this embodiment, if the disconnect button 302 is selected, the session will be disconnected after, for example, 5 seconds. The continue button 303 is a button that accepts an instruction to maintain the connection of the mobile terminal 20 that started the session earlier and not connect the mobile terminal 20 that has newly requested mirroring.

[0062] When the control unit 130 receives operation information from a mobile terminal 20 corresponding to the disconnect button 302 on the selection screen 300, it controls the mobile terminal 20 to interrupt the session with the mobile terminal 20 that started the session first and to start a session with the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request. On the other hand, when the control unit 130 receives operation information from a mobile terminal 20 corresponding to the continue button 303 on the selection screen 300, it controls the mobile terminal 20 to maintain the session with the mobile terminal 20 that started the session first and not to start a session with the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request.

[0063] According to a modified version of the second embodiment, if the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, the control unit 130 displays a selection screen 300 on the display unit 23 of the mobile terminal 20 that has already started a session. This allows the user of the mobile terminal 20 that has already started a session to select which mobile terminal 20 to session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. Therefore, if the user is not currently using screen mirroring, they can choose to interrupt the session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and give up the connection slot to another mobile terminal 20.

[0064] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, if the number of started sessions on the mobile terminal 20 exceeds the session limit, the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 can select whether to start a session with the mobile terminal 20 that has requested screen mirroring. The following description will focus on the differences from the first and second embodiments, with the same reference numerals used for components substantially common to the first embodiment, and common descriptions omitted or simplified.

[0065] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 when screen mirroring is performed with a mobile terminal 20 according to the third embodiment. The control unit 130 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 executes the program 141 stored in the storage unit 140 to realize each process including the control steps shown in Figure 9.

[0066] The control unit 130 determines whether or not it has received a screen mirroring request from the mobile terminal 20 via the communication unit 160 (step S300). If the control unit 130 determines that it has received a screen mirroring request from the mobile terminal 20 via the communication unit 160, it proceeds to step S301. On the other hand, if the control unit 130 determines that it has not received a screen mirroring request from the mobile terminal 20 via the communication unit 160, it continues to check for the reception of screen mirroring requests from the mobile terminal 20, etc.

[0067] The control unit 130 determines whether the number of started sessions on the mobile terminal 20 is less than the pre-set session limit (step S301). If the control unit 130 determines that the number of started sessions is not less than the session limit, that is, if the number of started sessions is equal to or greater than the session limit, it proceeds to step S302.

[0068] The control unit 130 displays a selection screen 400 on the display unit 120 screen for selecting whether to start a session with the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request (step S302). Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen 400 superimposed on the screen of the display unit 120 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment. The selection screen 400 displays text information 401, a connection allow button 402, and a connection reject button 403. The text information 401 may say, for example, "There have been more connection requests than the connection limit. We will disconnect the old connection and accept the new connection request." The connection allow button 402 is a button that accepts an instruction to disconnect the connection of the own mobile terminal 20 that started the session first and allow the connection of the new mobile terminal 20. The connection reject button 403 is a button that accepts an instruction to continue the connection of the own mobile terminal 20 that started the session first and reject the connection of the new mobile terminal 20.

[0069] The control unit 130 determines whether the connection permission button 402 or the connection rejection button 403 has been selected on the selection screen 400 (step S303). If the connection permission button 402 has been selected on the selection screen 400, that is, if the control unit 130 has received an operation signal corresponding to the selection operation of the connection permission button 402, it proceeds to step S304.

[0070] The control unit 130 obtains connected device information for the mobile terminal 20 that started a session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 first from the table 142 stored in the memory unit 140 (step S304). Based on the obtained connected device information, the control unit 130 interrupts the session with the mobile terminal 20 that started the session first by rejecting it, and starts a session with the mobile terminal 20 that sent the screen mirroring request (step S305).

[0071] On the other hand, in step S303, if the connection reject button 403 is selected on the selection screen 400, that is, if the control unit 130 receives an operation signal corresponding to the selection operation of the connection reject button 403, it proceeds to step S306. In this case, the control unit 130 maintains the session with the mobile terminal 20 that has already started a session, and does not start a new session with the mobile terminal 20 that has sent a screen mirroring request (step S306).

[0072] Furthermore, in step S301 described above, if the control unit 130 determines that the number of started sessions is less than the session limit, it proceeds to step S307. In this case, the control unit 130 maintains the session with the mobile terminal 20 that has already started a session, and starts a new session with the mobile terminal 20 that has sent the screen mirroring request (step S307).

[0073] According to the third embodiment, if the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, the control unit 130 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 displays a selection screen 400 on its display unit 120. This allows the user operating the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 to select which mobile terminal 20 to session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. For example, the user can select which mobile terminal 20 requires screen mirroring after checking the screen mirroring usage status of each mobile terminal 20, or based on pre-set connection rules, etc.

[0074] Although preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, various modifications and improvements naturally fall within the technical scope of this disclosure, within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims for those skilled in the art.

[0075] In the above embodiment, if the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, the session of the mobile terminal 20 that started the session with the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 earliest was disconnected. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 130 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 may acquire information regarding the usage status and session viewing status of each mobile terminal 20, and select the mobile terminal 20 whose session to disconnect based on the acquired information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Ultrasound diagnostic system 10. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 20 Mobile devices 20A First Mobile Terminal 20B Second Mobile Terminal 20C Third Mobile Terminal 23 Display section 120 Display section 130 Control Unit 200, 300, 400 selection screen N Network

Claims

1. An ultrasound diagnostic device that displays ultrasound images on a screen, initiates an image transmission session when it receives a screen mirroring request from a mobile terminal connected via a network, and periodically transmits the content of the screen to the session, When a screen mirroring request is received from the aforementioned mobile device, If the number of started sessions is less than the session limit, a session will be started with the mobile device that made the screen mirroring request. If the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, the control unit obtains predetermined information, terminates the started sessions, and initiates a new session with the mobile device that requested the screen mirroring. An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with the following features.

2. If the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, the control unit retrieves information from at least one mobile device among the already connected terminals, terminates the started session of at least one of the already connected mobile devices, and starts a new session with the mobile device that made the screen mirroring request. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

3. If the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, the control unit controls the output of selection screen information to the mobile terminal, allowing the mobile terminal to choose whether to terminate the started sessions and start a new session with the mobile terminal that made the screen mirroring request, or to reject the screen mirroring request. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The control unit, if the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, can choose to either terminate the started sessions and start a new session with the mobile device that made the screen mirroring request, or reject the screen mirroring request. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The control unit, when the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, will terminate the session that was started earliest among the started sessions. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. An ultrasound diagnostic method that displays an ultrasound image on a screen, starts an image transmission session when a screen mirroring request is received from a mobile terminal connected via a network, and periodically transmits the content of the screen to the session, When a screen mirroring request is received from the aforementioned mobile device, If the number of started sessions is less than the session limit, a session will be started with the mobile device that made the screen mirroring request. If the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, a control step is performed to obtain predetermined information, terminate the started sessions, and start a new session with the mobile device that requested the screen mirroring. Ultrasound diagnostic methods.

7. A computer for an ultrasound diagnostic device that displays ultrasound images on a screen, starts an image transmission session when it receives a screen mirroring request from a mobile terminal connected via a network, and periodically transmits the contents of the screen to the said session, When a screen mirroring request is received from the aforementioned mobile device, If the number of started sessions is less than the session limit, a session will be started with the mobile device that made the screen mirroring request. If the number of started sessions exceeds the session limit, the control unit obtains predetermined information, terminates the started sessions, and initiates a new session with the mobile device that requested the screen mirroring. A program that makes it function as such.

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