Ultrasound diagnostic equipment and ultrasound diagnostic programs

Abstract

The purpose of this disclosure is to simplify the inspection of ultrasound diagnostic equipment. [Solution] The ultrasound diagnostic device 100 is equipped with an information processing unit 20. The information processing unit 20 performs each of a predetermined number of inspection processes on the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 based on a schedule in which the execution order of each inspection process is predetermined. The information processing unit 20 generates report data showing the results obtained for each inspection process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic program, and particularly relates to the inspection of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject to acquire image data about the tissues in the subject is used. Generally, a plurality of predetermined functions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are periodically inspected.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below describes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that acquires deterioration degree information of an ultrasonic probe together with the identification information of the ultrasonic probe. Examples of the deterioration degree information include cumulative energization time, cumulative use time, cumulative voltage, etc. Patent Document 2 describes that the diagnosis of the state of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is automatically performed by a preset sequence program. The sequence program is stored in the control unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0004] In addition, Non-Patent Document 1 below describes the maintenance management of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Documents

[0006]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0007] Generally, ultrasound diagnostic equipment is inspected individually for each function through user operation. However, the frequency and conditions of inspections differ depending on the function of the ultrasound diagnostic equipment. Therefore, a significant amount of effort can be spent on individually managing the procedures and results of inspections for each function.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to simplify the inspection of ultrasound diagnostic equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to this disclosure is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus equipped with a processor, wherein the processor executes each of a plurality of predetermined inspection processes for the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus based on a schedule in which the execution order of each inspection process is predetermined, and generates report data showing the results obtained for each inspection process.

[0010] In one embodiment, the schedule defines an execution time frame for each inspection process such that a first inspection process belonging to one of a plurality of parallel processing systems and a second inspection process belonging to another of the plurality of processing systems are executed, and multiple first inspection processes are executed while one of the second inspection processes is being executed.

[0011] In one embodiment, the schedule defines an execution time frame for each inspection process such that a first inspection process belonging to one of a plurality of parallel processing systems and a second inspection process belonging to another of the plurality of processing systems are executed, and while the preceding second inspection process is being executed, the preceding first inspection process is executed, and furthermore, a portion of the next first inspection process is executed, the preceding second inspection process is executed, and as the next second inspection process is executed, the remainder of the next first inspection process is executed while the next second inspection process is being executed.

[0012] In one embodiment, the schedule defines execution conditions based on execution frequency for each inspection process belonging to each of the plurality of processing systems, and the processor executes the inspection process when the execution conditions are met.

[0013] In one embodiment, the processor operates according to the schedule when power is supplied to the ultrasound diagnostic device and a startup process is performed.

[0014] In one embodiment, the processor causes a printer connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device to create a report based on the report data, or causes a display unit connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device to display the report.

[0015] Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic program relating to this disclosure is an ultrasound diagnostic program loaded into an ultrasound diagnostic device, characterized in that it causes the processor of the ultrasound diagnostic device to execute a process that performs each of a plurality of inspection processes for the ultrasound diagnostic device based on a schedule in which the execution order of each inspection process is predetermined, and generates report data showing the information obtained from each of the plurality of inspection processes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to this disclosure, the inspection of ultrasound diagnostic equipment can be made easier. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a table in which examples of inspection frequencies and processing times are associated with each inspection item. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a schedule of inspection processing. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a second example of the schedule of inspection processing. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to an application embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the respective figures. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components shown in a plurality of drawings to simplify the description thereof. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a transmission unit 10, an ultrasonic probe 12, a reception unit 14, an information processing unit 20, a display unit 24, a communication interface 26, a storage unit 22, and a power supply unit 32.

[0019] Each of the transmission unit 10, the ultrasonic probe 12, the reception unit 14, the information processing unit 20, the display unit 24, the communication interface 26, the storage unit 22, and the power supply unit 32 may be hardware configured by electric circuit elements or the like. The information processing unit 20 may be configured by a computer that executes a program stored in advance. The power supply unit 32 may include a battery, or may be one to which power supply power is supplied from a power supply network such as a commercial power supply. The power supply unit 32 supplies power supply power to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. When the power supply unit 32 includes a battery, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may be portable.

[0020] The ultrasonic probe 12 is equipped with multiple ultrasonic transducers. The transmitting unit 10 outputs a transmission signal to each ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe 12 in accordance with the control of the information processing unit 20. The ultrasonic probe 12 transmits ultrasound based on the transmission signal output from the transmitting unit 10. Each ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe 12 receives reflected ultrasound generated by reflection within the subject 40, converts it into a received signal which is an electrical signal, and outputs it to the receiving unit 14.

[0021] The receiving unit 14, in response to control by the information processing unit 20, generates an analysis signal by performing synthesis processing such as phase addition on the received signals output from each ultrasonic transducer and outputs it to the information processing unit 20. The information processing unit 20 generates ultrasonic image data such as B-mode image data, Doppler waveform data, and color Doppler image data based on the analysis signal and displays an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data on the display unit 24. The display unit 24 may be a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a CRT display.

[0022] Here, the B-mode image data may be data representing the B-mode image of the observed cross-section of subject 40. The Doppler waveform data may be data showing a graph with time on the horizontal axis and blood flow velocity on the vertical axis. The color Doppler image data may be data showing a color Doppler image in which colors corresponding to blood flow velocity are added to the B-mode image.

[0023] The memory unit 22 may be a storage device such as a hard disk mounted on the ultrasound diagnostic device 100. Alternatively, a storage device such as a hard disk, memory card, or USB memory located outside the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 and connected to the information processing unit 20 may be used in place of or in conjunction with the memory unit 22.

[0024] The communication interface 26 connects the information processing unit 20 to the communication network 28. The communication network 28 may be a local area network. This local area network may be connected to a publicly available communication network such as the Internet via computers that constitute the local area network. Alternatively, the communication network 28 may be a publicly available network. In other words, the communication interface 26 may connect the information processing unit 20 to a publicly available network.

[0025] The information processing unit 20 may perform operations to control the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 by executing programs stored in the memory unit 22 or programs obtained from the communication network 28 via the communication interface 26.

[0026] A printer interface 30 is connected to the information processing unit 20, and a printer 34 is connected to the printer interface 30. The information processing unit 20 outputs text data and image data to the printer 34 via the printer interface 30. The printer 34 prints documents and images based on the text data, image data, etc., output from the information processing unit 20 via the printer interface 30.

[0027] In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the information processing unit 20 executes an inspection program. The inspection program performs inspection processing for predetermined inspection items based on a predetermined schedule.

[0028] Inspection items include, for example, as shown in Figure 2, (i) ultrasound probe usage, (ii) quality of generated images, (iii) network connection status, (iv) printer connection status, (v) database usage status, (vi) battery performance, (vii) maintenance requirements, and (viii) security.

[0029] The ultrasound probe usage status is an inspection item related to the electrical stress applied to the ultrasound probe 12, such as the time the ultrasound probe 12 was energized. The generated image quality is an inspection item related to the quality of the image data generated by the information processing unit 20. The network connection status is an inspection item related to whether communication has been established with other information processing devices via the communication network 28. The printer connection status is an inspection item related to whether the printer 34 is connected via the printer interface 30. The database usage status is an inspection item related to the amount of database usage. Here, the database refers to the data that is referenced when the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 is operating. The database may be stored in the storage unit 22 or in a computer connected to the communication network 28.

[0030] Battery performance is an inspection item if the power supply unit 32 is equipped with a battery. During the inspection process for this item, battery evaluation information such as SOH (State of Health) is acquired. Maintenance necessity is an inspection item regarding whether or not maintenance is required. Security is an inspection item related to the security program installed in the information processing unit 20. Details of each inspection item will be described later.

[0031] Figure 2 shows examples of inspection frequency and processing time for each inspection item. The inspection frequency for ultrasound probe usage, generated image quality, network connection status, and printer connection status is set to daily. In addition, the inspection frequency for database usage, battery performance, maintenance requirements, and security is set to monthly.

[0032] The processing times are set as follows: 1 minute for checking the quality of generated images, 30 seconds for checking the ultrasound probe usage status, 20 seconds for checking the printer connection status, and 10 seconds for other inspections. The inspection frequency and processing time for each inspection item are not limited to those shown in Figure 2 and are arbitrary.

[0033] Figure 3 shows an example of a schedule of inspection processes executed by the information processing unit 20 according to the inspection program, in the form of a timing chart. The data indicating the inspection process schedule is stored in the storage unit 22 and may be read from the storage unit 22 when the information processing unit 20 executes the inspection program. The information processing unit 20 executes a startup process when power is supplied to the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 from the power supply unit 32. The startup process includes processes such as setting various adjustment values ​​necessary for acquiring ultrasound images in order to make the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 usable.

[0034] In the schedule shown in Figure 3, two processing systems, the first processing system P1 and the second processing system P2, are defined, and the first processing system P1 and the second processing system P2 are executed in parallel by time-division processing. In the first processing system P1, execution time slots are defined for each inspection process so that inspection processes are performed sequentially for ultrasound probe usage status, database usage status, battery performance, maintenance requirements, network connection status, and security. In the second processing system P2, execution time slots are defined so that inspection processes are performed sequentially for generated image quality and printer connection status. Here, an execution time slot refers to the time period allocated to perform a particular inspection process.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, checks on ultrasound probe usage, generated image quality, network connectivity, and printer connectivity are performed daily. On the other hand, checks on database usage, battery performance, maintenance requirements, and security are performed monthly. In Figure 3, the execution time slots for the daily checks are shown by solid rectangles, and the execution time slots for the monthly checks are shown by dashed rectangles.

[0036] The inspection processes performed daily and those performed monthly do not necessarily run simultaneously. However, for the sake of simplicity, this section will describe the processes that the information processing unit 20 executes when all inspection items are performed.

[0037] Each execution time slot in which the quality check process for generated images is performed is longer than any of the execution time slots in which the ultrasound probe usage check process is performed, the database usage check process is performed, the battery performance check process is performed, and the maintenance requirement check process is performed. In addition, the execution time slot in which the printer connection status check process is performed is longer than any of the execution time slots in which the network connection status check process is performed, and the security check process is performed.

[0038] The information processing unit 20 performs quality check processing for generated images belonging to the second processing system P2, and also performs ultrasound probe usage check processing belonging to the first processing system P1. Subsequently, it performs database usage, battery performance, and maintenance requirements check processing belonging to the first processing system P1.

[0039] After the information processing unit 20 has finished checking the quality of the generated image, while it is performing the printer connection status check, it finishes the maintenance requirement check, starts the network connection status check, and then finishes the network connection status check. After the information processing unit 20 has finished checking the network connection status, it starts the security check. While the information processing unit 20 is performing the security check, it finishes checking the printer connection status, and then finishes the security check.

[0040] Thus, while the quality check process for generated images is performed as one check process (second check process) belonging to the second processing system P2, the execution time frame for each check process is defined so that multiple check processes (first check processes) belonging to the first processing system P1, such as the ultrasound probe usage status, database usage status, and battery performance check processes, are performed.

[0041] Furthermore, while the quality check of the generated image is performed as the preceding inspection process (the preceding second inspection process) belonging to the second processing system P2, the battery performance check is performed as the preceding inspection process (the preceding first inspection process) belonging to the first processing system P1, and furthermore, a portion of the maintenance necessity check is performed as part of the next inspection process (the next first inspection process) belonging to the first processing system P1, with execution time frames defined for each inspection process. Also, as the quality check of the generated image is performed as the preceding inspection process (the preceding second inspection process) belonging to the second processing system P2, and the printer connection status check is performed as the next inspection process (the next second inspection process), execution time frames defined for each inspection process are set so that while the printer connection status check is performed, the remainder of the maintenance necessity check is performed as the remainder of the next inspection process belonging to the first processing system P1. In other words, the execution time frames for each inspection process are set so that the maintenance necessity check is performed during a time period that spans the time period in which the quality check of the generated image is performed and the time period in which the printer connection status check is performed. The information processing unit 20 simplifies each inspection process and reduces the time required for multiple inspection processes by executing processes based on a schedule.

[0042] This section demonstrates the operation of performing inspections for all inspection items that are inspected monthly. The schedule may vary, with different inspection dates for multiple inspection items that are inspected monthly.

[0043] The schedule specifies the execution order of each inspection process for each processing system, but the information processing unit 20 may execute inspection processes for inspection items for which an execution time interval determined by the inspection frequency has elapsed since the last time an inspection process was executed.

[0044] In other words, the schedule defines execution conditions based on execution frequency for each inspection process belonging to each of the multiple processing systems, and the information processing unit 20 may execute the inspection process within the defined execution time frame for each inspection process when the execution conditions are met.

[0045] More specifically, the schedule may record the date and time of the last execution of each inspection item. The information processing unit 20 may refer to the record of the last execution and, for inspection items with a daily inspection frequency, execute the inspection item if 24 hours have passed since the last inspection process was executed. Similarly, for inspection items with a monthly inspection frequency, the information processing unit 20 may execute the inspection item if one month has passed since the last inspection process was executed.

[0046] Here, inspection items that are inspected daily and inspection items that are inspected monthly are shown. The inspection frequency for each inspection item may be at predetermined time intervals, for example, weekly or yearly. In this case, the information processing unit 20 refers to the record of the last execution and performs inspection processing for inspection items for which the execution time interval determined by the inspection frequency has elapsed since the last time the inspection processing was performed.

[0047] After performing the inspections for each inspection item specified in the schedule, the information processing unit 20 generates report data. According to the schedule shown in Figure 3, the information processing unit 20 generates report data after completing the security inspection process.

[0048] Report data is data that shows the results of each inspection process. Report data may be text data, image data, data that combines text data and image data, data in CSV format, data that can be displayed in a spreadsheet program, etc.

[0049] The information processing unit 20 generates report data and then performs output processing on the report data. The output processing may involve converting the report data into printable report data for printing the results of each inspection process on paper, and outputting the printable report data to the printer 34 via the printer interface 30. The printer 34 may print the results of each inspection process on paper based on the printable report data and create a report.

[0050] The output processing may involve converting the report data into a video signal for displaying the results of each inspection process on the display unit 24, and outputting the video signal to the display unit 24. The display unit 24 may display a report based on the video signal, showing the results of each inspection process.

[0051] The output process may include the process of storing the report data in the storage unit 22.

[0052] Figure 4 shows a second example of the inspection process schedule in the form of a timing chart. In the schedule shown in Figure 4, three processing systems are defined as the first processing system S1, the second processing system S2, and the third processing system S3, and the first to third processing systems S1 to S3 are executed in parallel by time-sharing processing.

[0053] In the first processing system S1, execution time slots are defined so that inspection processes are performed sequentially for the ultrasound probe usage status, database usage status, battery performance, and network connection status. In the second processing system S2, execution time slots are defined so that inspection processes are performed sequentially for the quality and security of the generated images. In the third processing system S3, execution time slots are defined so that inspection processes are performed sequentially for the printer connection status and maintenance requirements.

[0054] In the schedule shown in Figure 4, the execution order and execution time frame for each inspection process are defined for each processing system. However, the information processing unit 20 may execute inspection processes for inspection items for which an execution time interval determined by the inspection frequency has elapsed since the last time an inspection process was executed. For simplicity, we will explain the case where all inspection items are executed.

[0055] The time taken to perform the quality check of generated images is longer than the time taken for any other checks. The information processing unit 20 performs the quality check of generated images belonging to the second processing system S2, as well as the ultrasound probe usage check belonging to the first processing system S1, and then performs checks on database usage, battery performance, and network connection status.

[0056] The information processing unit 20 terminates the network connection status check process after it has finished checking the quality of the generated image and while it is performing the security check process. The information processing unit 20 terminates the network connection status check process while it is performing the security check process.

[0057] Thus, the execution time frame is defined such that while the quality check process for generated images is executed as one check process belonging to the second processing system P2, multiple check processes belonging to the first processing system P1, such as the ultrasound probe usage status, database usage status, and battery performance check processes, are executed.

[0058] Furthermore, the execution time frame is set such that while the quality check of the generated image is performed as a subsequent check process belonging to the second processing system P2, the battery performance check is performed as a subsequent check process belonging to the first processing system P1, and then a portion of the network connection status check is performed as part of the next check process belonging to the first processing system P1. Also, as the quality check of the generated image is performed as a subsequent check process belonging to the second processing system P2, and the security check is performed as the next check process, the execution time frame is set such that while the security check is being performed, the remainder of the network connection status check is performed as the remainder of the next check process belonging to the first processing system P1. In other words, the network connection status check is performed during a time period that spans the time period in which the quality check of the generated image is performed and the time period in which the security check is performed. By the information processing unit 20 executing processing based on the schedule, each check process becomes simpler, and the time required for multiple check processes is shortened.

[0059] While the information processing unit 20 is performing the quality check process for generated images, it also performs the printer connection status and maintenance requirement check process for the third processing system S3. After performing the checks for each check item specified in the schedule, the information processing unit 20 generates report data. According to the schedule shown in Figure 4, the information processing unit 20 generates report data after completing the security check process.

[0060] The above describes an embodiment in which, after power is supplied to the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 and a startup process is performed, the inspection process for each inspection item based on the schedule is executed. The inspection process for each inspection item based on the schedule may be executed at a date and time set by the user. For example, if the power supply of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 is turned on at a date and time set by the user, the inspection process for each inspection item based on the schedule may be executed. Alternatively, the inspection process for each inspection item based on the schedule may be executed when there is an operation by the user.

[0061] Next, each inspection item will be explained in detail. The usage status of the ultrasonic probe is represented by, for example, the cumulative energization time of the ultrasonic probe 12, the cumulative usage time, and the cumulative applied voltage during the most recent predetermined period (e.g., 24 hours), which represent electrical stress. The cumulative energization time of the ultrasonic probe 12 is defined, for example, as the sum of the time from when the ultrasonic probe 12 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 until power is supplied to the ultrasonic probe 12. The cumulative usage time of the ultrasonic probe 12 is defined, for example, as the sum of the time from when the ultrasonic probe 12 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 until a transmission signal is output from the transmitting unit 10 to one of the multiple ultrasonic transducers equipped in the ultrasonic probe 12. The cumulative applied voltage during the most recent predetermined period is defined as the time integral of the power supply voltage applied to the ultrasonic probe 12. The cumulative energization time, cumulative usage time, and cumulative applied voltage within the most recent predetermined time of the ultrasonic probe 12 may be measured by the information processing unit 20 while power is supplied from the power supply unit 32 to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100, and the measurement results may be stored in the storage unit 22.

[0062] The information processing unit 20 performs an inspection process of the ultrasonic probe usage status and generates ultrasonic probe information that includes at least one of the following as a time representing electrical stress: the cumulative energization time of the ultrasonic probe 12, the cumulative usage time, and the cumulative applied voltage within the most recent predetermined time, and stores this information in the storage unit 22. The ultrasonic probe information indicates the degree of electrical stress applied to the ultrasonic probe 12.

[0063] The quality of the generated image may be represented, for example, by an evaluation value indicating the difference from the reference image data. That is, in the process of checking the quality of the generated image, the information processing unit 20 acquires test ultrasound image data when the ultrasound probe 12 is in a test state. The test state may be a state in which the ultrasound probe 12 is in contact with a phantom or water bag that mimics the subject 40. Alternatively, the test state may be a state in which the ultrasound probe 12 is released into free space, or a state in which the ultrasound probe 12 is held in a predetermined holder.

[0064] The information processing unit 20 performs an inspection process of the generated image, obtains an image evaluation value representing the difference between the test ultrasound image data and the previously acquired reference image data, and stores it in the storage unit 22. The image evaluation value may be a value that indicates the degree to which the image shown by the generated image generated by the information processing unit 20 and the image shown by the reference image data are similar. For example, the image evaluation value may be a correlation value between the image shown by the test ultrasound image data and the image shown by the reference image data. The correlation value is a value that indicates the degree to which the two images are similar. The greater this degree of similarity, the higher the quality of the generated image.

[0065] The network connection status may be represented, for example, by whether or not communication is established with a predetermined destination on a communication network 28 such as the Internet. In the network connection status check process, the information processing unit 20 communicates with a predetermined destination on the communication network 28 via the communication interface 26. The information processing unit 20 obtains communication establishment information, such as acknowledgment packets, from the predetermined destination, indicating that normal communication is taking place, and stores it in the storage unit 22.

[0066] The printer connection status may be represented, for example, by whether or not a printer 34 is connected to the information processing unit 20 via the printer interface 30. In the printer connection status check process, the information processing unit 20 sends test data to the printer interface 30 and determines whether response data to the test data is output from the printer interface 30 to the information processing unit 20. If response data is output from the printer interface 30, the information processing unit 20 stores printer connection information indicating that the printer 34 is connected in the storage unit 22. If no response data is output from the printer interface 30, the information processing unit 20 stores printer connection information indicating that the printer 34 is not connected in the storage unit 22.

[0067] Database usage may be represented, for example, by the amount of data used in the database. The database may be stored in a computer connected to the storage unit 22 or the communication network 28. The database may contain standard data on human tissues or data necessary for a preset function that sets the state of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 to a state suitable for diagnosing a specific tissue. The amount of database usage may be measured by the information processing unit 20 while power is supplied to the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 from the power supply unit 32, and the measurement results may be stored in the storage unit 22. The measurement of database usage may include the amount of data (bytes) used since power was supplied, the search time for searching for specific data in the database, the amount of data used within a recent period of time, etc. In the database usage check process, the information processing unit 20 generates database determination information indicating whether the amount of database usage is above a specified value and stores it in the storage unit 22. The information processing unit 20 may include the amount of database usage in the database determination information and store it in the storage unit 22.

[0068] The battery performance inspection process is performed when the power supply unit 32 is equipped with a battery. Battery evaluation information indicating battery performance may include at least one of the following: cumulative power supply time, cumulative usage time, and SOH (State of Health). Cumulative power supply time may be defined as the sum of the times when current flows through the battery, such as the time the battery supplied power to the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 and the time the battery was being charged. Cumulative usage time may be defined as the sum of the times when power was supplied to the ultrasound diagnostic device 100.

[0069] The information processing unit 20 may measure the cumulative energized time as the sum of the times when current flowed through the battery (cumulative sum). The information processing unit 20 may also measure the cumulative usage time as the sum of the times when the battery supplied power to the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 (cumulative sum). The information processing unit 20 may measure the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery and further determine the State of Health (SOH). SOC is the amount of charge the battery has stored, expressed as a percentage, with the amount of charge at full charge being 100%. SOH is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the current full charge amount to the full charge amount when the battery was new. Here, the full charge amount is defined as the maximum amount of charge that can be stored.

[0070] In the battery performance inspection process, the information processing unit 20 generates battery performance information and stores it in the storage unit 22. The battery performance information may include at least one of the following: cumulative power-on time, cumulative usage time, and SOH (State of Health), as well as at least one of the following: information on whether the cumulative power-on time exceeds a limit value, information on whether the cumulative usage time exceeds a limit value, and information on whether the SOH is below a standard value.

[0071] The information processing unit 20 generates security information by performing a security check process and stores it in the storage unit 22. The security information may include information indicating whether the version of the security program installed on the information processing unit 20 is the latest version. The security program may be, for example, an antivirus program. It may also include communication establishment information for a predetermined connection destination. The communication establishment information may be information that has been previously stored in the storage unit 22 by the information processing unit 20. In the security check process, the information processing unit 20 acquires the security information and stores it in the storage unit 22.

[0072] The maintenance requirement inspection process generates maintenance information indicating the parts that require maintenance. The maintenance information is generated by the information processing unit 20 based on the results of the inspection processes for the ultrasonic probe usage status, generated image quality, network connection status, printer connection status, database usage status, and battery performance, and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0073] If the information processing unit 20 finds that the numerical values ​​included in the ultrasonic probe information obtained through the ultrasonic probe usage status inspection process are outside the specified range, it may include information indicating that maintenance of the ultrasonic probe 12 is required in the maintenance information.

[0074] If the image evaluation value obtained in the generated image inspection process falls outside the specified range, the information processing unit 20 may include information in the maintenance information indicating that maintenance is required on the elements that generate the image data (such as adjusting program settings or operation settings).

[0075] If the information processing unit 20 determines through the network connection status check process that communication with a predetermined connection destination is not being performed properly, it may include information indicating that maintenance is required for the communication function in the maintenance information.

[0076] If the information processing unit 20 determines, through the printer connection status check process, that the printer 34 is not connected, it may include information indicating that the printer 34 requires maintenance in the maintenance information.

[0077] If the amount of database usage obtained through the database usage check process is outside the specified range, the information processing unit 20 may include information in the maintenance information indicating that confirmation is needed regarding the usage method of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100.

[0078] If the information processing unit 20 finds that the numerical value included in the battery evaluation information obtained through the battery performance inspection process is outside the specified range, it may include information indicating that battery maintenance, such as battery replacement, is necessary in the maintenance information.

[0079] The report data generated by the information processing unit 20 after all inspection processes have been completed may include the following information: (i) Ultrasonic probe information obtained through the inspection process of the ultrasonic probe usage status (ii) Image evaluation values ​​obtained through the quality inspection process of generated images (iii) Communication establishment information obtained through the network connection status inspection process (iv) Printer connection information obtained through the printer connection status check process (v) Database determination information obtained through the database usage status inspection process (vi) Battery evaluation information obtained through battery performance inspection process (vii) Maintenance information obtained through the inspection process to determine whether maintenance is necessary. (viii) Security information obtained through security inspection process

[0080] The report data may be, for example, all or part of the "Ultrasound Diagnostic Equipment System Management Inspection Checklist" established by the Japan Society of Ultrasonics in Medicine. The "Ultrasound Diagnostic Equipment System Management Inspection Checklist" is shown in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0081] In this embodiment, each process is executed on any computer. Furthermore, any computer may execute these processes using a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In that case, the processor is configured to work in cooperation with the program to execute the various processes in this embodiment, and can function as a unit or means in this embodiment. Also, the execution order of the processes by the processor is not limited to the order described and may be changed as appropriate. Any computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer designed for a specific purpose, a workstation, or any other system capable of executing each process.

[0082] A processor may consist of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor may consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a dedicated circuit for executing a specific process such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). Furthermore, the type of hardware may be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a given processor, these multiple hardware components may reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Also, in any embodiment, the order of each process performed by the processor is not limited to the order described in this specification and may be changed as appropriate. Hardware is composed of electrical circuits, etc., which are combinations of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0083] Furthermore, the program may be firmware or software such as microcode. Alternatively, the program may be, for example, a set of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform its respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-temporary computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage). The program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located on physically separate devices. Program code or code segments may represent any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or instructions, data structures, or program statements. Program code or code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0084] This disclosure is also applicable to programs and program products. The ultrasound diagnostic program according to the above embodiment of this disclosure causes the processor of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 to execute each of a plurality of inspection processes for the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 based on a schedule in which the execution order of each inspection process is predetermined, and to generate report data showing the information obtained from each of the plurality of inspection processes. The program may be provided stored on a storage medium such as a memory card, USB memory, or CD-ROM.

[0085] Figure 5 shows the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system 200 according to an application embodiment of the present disclosure. The ultrasound diagnostic system 200 comprises N ultrasound diagnostic devices 100-1 to 100-N, a communication network 28, and a host computer 102. The ultrasound diagnostic devices 100-1 to 100-N have the same configuration as the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 shown in Figure 1. The ultrasound diagnostic devices 100-1 to 100-N are connected to the host computer 102 via the communication network 28.

[0086] When each ultrasound diagnostic device 100-1 to 100-N generates report data 50, it transmits the report data 50 to the host computer 102 via the communication network 28. The user 52 may have the host computer 102 display a report based on the report data 50 generated by each ultrasound diagnostic device 100-1 to 100-N. This allows the user 52 to easily understand the status of each ultrasound diagnostic device 100-1 to 100-N. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 10 Transmitter, 12 Ultrasound probe, 14 Receiver, 20 Information processing unit, 22 Storage unit, 24 Display unit, 26 Communication interface, 28 Communication network, 30 Printer interface, 32 Power supply unit, 34 Printer, 40 Subject, 50 Report data, 52 User, 100, 100-1~100-N Ultrasound diagnostic device, 102 Host computer, 200 Ultrasound diagnostic system.

Claims

1. An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, Each of the predetermined set of inspection processes for the ultrasound diagnostic device is executed according to a predetermined schedule in which the execution order for each inspection process is predetermined. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by generating report data showing the results obtained for each of the aforementioned inspection processes.

2. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned schedule is, A first inspection process belonging to one of the multiple processing systems executed in parallel, and a second inspection process belonging to another of the multiple processing systems are executed. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by defining an execution time frame for each inspection process such that multiple first inspection processes are executed while one second inspection process is being executed.

3. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned schedule is, A first inspection process belonging to one of the multiple processing systems executed in parallel, and a second inspection process belonging to another of the multiple processing systems are executed. While the aforementioned second inspection process is being executed, the aforementioned first inspection process is executed, and furthermore, a portion of the following first inspection process is executed. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by defining an execution time frame for each inspection process such that, as the preceding second inspection process is executed and the next second inspection process is executed, the remainder of the next first inspection process is executed while the next second inspection process is being executed.

4. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned schedule is, For each inspection process belonging to each of the aforementioned multiple processing systems, execution conditions based on execution frequency are defined. The aforementioned processor, An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that it performs the inspection process when the aforementioned execution conditions are met.

5. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned processor, An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus characterized in that, when power is supplied to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a startup process is executed, it operates according to the schedule.

6. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned processor, An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus characterized by causing a printer connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to create a report based on the report data, or displaying the report on a display unit connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

7. An ultrasound diagnostic program loaded into an ultrasound diagnostic device, Each of the multiple inspection processes for the aforementioned ultrasound diagnostic device is executed according to a schedule in which the execution order for each inspection process is predetermined. The process of generating report data showing the information obtained from each of the multiple inspection processes is as follows: An ultrasound diagnostic program characterized by being executed by a processor provided in the aforementioned ultrasound diagnostic device.

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