Ultrasonic data processing device and ultrasonic data processing control program

Abstract

This system allows control over whether or not to have an external device perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasonic data processing control device on ultrasonic data. [Solution] The ultrasound DB 60 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 stores ultrasound data to which processing parameters have been assigned. The ultrasound diagnostic device 14 obtains external device information from the image analysis device 12, which has external device-side processing modules 26, 36 that can perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 66, indicating whether the image analysis device 12 is authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 on the ultrasound data. The transmission control unit 68 determines the content of the information to be transmitted to the image analysis device 12 based on the external device information it has previously received from the image analysis device 12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses improvements to an ultrasonic data processing control device and an ultrasonic data processing control program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that forms ultrasonic data representing the inside of a subject based on reflected waves from the subject when ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the subject is known. Also, conventionally, an ultrasonic image processing apparatus that processes ultrasonic data formed by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is known. Examples of the ultrasonic image processing apparatus include, for example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus itself, or an image analysis apparatus that analyzes and manages ultrasonic data.

[0003] In particular, an ultrasonic image processing apparatus is known that includes various processing modules for performing various processes on ultrasonic data, selects a processing module to be used according to the purpose, and causes the selected processing module to execute a process on the ultrasonic data. In this specification, the processing module means a single hardware or a combination of hardware and software for exerting a collective function.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medical image processing apparatus that includes a template describing a procedure for processing medical image data including ultrasonic data and a processing module for processing the medical image data, and calls the processing module according to the procedure described in the template to process the medical image data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Now, let's consider an ultrasound data processing system that includes multiple ultrasound image processing devices for processing ultrasound data.

[0007] In this specification, ultrasound data is a concept that includes data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves to and from a subject, and includes received beam data before imaging, or ultrasound images formed based on the received beam data. Furthermore, ultrasound data may be 2D ultrasound data or 3D ultrasound data in which data indicating the signal intensity of reflected waves from the subject is arranged in 2D (dimensions) or 3D, and may also be 4D ultrasound data in which 3D ultrasound data is arranged in the time direction. In this specification, an ultrasound image processing device included in an ultrasound data processing system that transmits ultrasound data to other ultrasound image processing devices is referred to as an "ultrasound data processing control device" (device subject to the present invention), and one or more other ultrasound image processing devices included in the ultrasound data processing system are referred to as "external devices". The administrator of the external devices may be the same as or different from the administrator of the ultrasound data processing control device.

[0008] An ultrasonic data processing control device has a processing module for processing ultrasonic data. In this specification, the processing module of the ultrasonic data processing control device is referred to as the "device-side processing module." The device-side processing module may be one developed by an external developer other than the administrator of the ultrasonic data processing control device (e.g., the manufacturer). Similarly, an external device also has a processing module for processing ultrasonic data. In this specification, the processing module of an external device is referred to as the "external device-side processing module." As described above, since the external device-side processing module may be developed by an external developer, even if the administrator of the executing ultrasonic data processing control device and the administrator of the external device are different, the external device-side processing module of the external device can perform the same processing as the device-side processing module. Of course, the device-side processing module may be customized at the request of the administrator of the ultrasonic data processing control device, and the external device-side processing module may be customized at the request of the administrator of the external device, so the device-side processing module and the external device-side processing module may not perform exactly the same processing, but since the base is the same, both processing modules will perform similar processing. In this specification, "performing equivalent processing" includes cases where similar processing is performed.

[0009] Ultrasound data may be assigned processing parameters for processing that ultrasound data. This allows the processing module on the device itself to perform processing on the ultrasound data using those processing parameters. Furthermore, since an external device is provided with an external device processing module that performs processing equivalent to that of the device's processing module, by transmitting ultrasound data with processing parameters assigned from the ultrasound data processing control device to the external device, the external device processing module can perform processing on the ultrasound data using those processing parameters, equivalent to that of the ultrasound data processing control device.

[0010] From the perspective of the ultrasonic data processing control device, there are cases where it is permissible to allow an external device to use the processing parameters attached to the ultrasonic data and perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasonic data processing control device on the ultrasonic data, and cases where it is not. For example, suppose the processing parameters attached to the ultrasonic data are specific to a certain company (let's call it Company A) and are parameters that can obtain superior processing results. In this case, for example, if the administrators of the ultrasonic data processing control device and the external device are the same (for example, if Company A manages both devices), it would be permissible to send the ultrasonic data with the processing parameters attached to the external device and have the external device perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasonic data processing control device on the ultrasonic data. On the other hand, if the administrators of the ultrasonic data processing control device and the external device are different (for example, if Company A manages the ultrasonic data processing control device and Company B manages the external device), it may be desirable to prohibit sending the ultrasonic data with the processing parameters attached to the external device and having the external device perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasonic data processing control device on the ultrasonic data, in order to prevent Company A's specific processing parameters from being passed to Company B.

[0011] The objective of the ultrasonic data processing control device disclosed herein is to enable control over whether or not to have an external device perform processing on ultrasonic data equivalent to that performed by the ultrasonic data processing control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The ultrasonic data processing control device disclosed herein is configured to include a processor and a memory, the memory storing ultrasonic data to which processing parameters for processing ultrasonic data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a subject are assigned, the processor functioning as a self-device processing module for processing the ultrasonic data using the processing parameters, and to acquire external device information from an external device equipped with an external device processing module capable of performing processing equivalent to that of the self-device, which is information indicating whether the external device is permitted to perform processing equivalent to that of the self-device on the ultrasonic data, and to determine the content of information to be transmitted to the external device in response to a request from the external device to transmit the ultrasonic data, based on the external device information.

[0013] The processing parameters include a first processing parameter for the processing module on the local device side and a second processing parameter for the processing module on the external device side, and the processor is preferably configured to transmit the ultrasonic data to the external device to the external device when the external device information indicates that the external device is permitted to perform the same processing on the ultrasonic data as the local device.

[0014] The external device information further includes information indicating the processing content that the external device processing module can execute, and the processor is configured such that, if the external device information indicates that the external device processing module cannot execute a specific processing that the local device processing module can execute, the processor further transmits the processing result of the specific processing performed by the local device processing module using the first processing parameter to the external device.

[0015] The processor may be configured to transmit the ultrasonic data to the external device while prohibiting the external device's processing module from processing the ultrasonic data if the external device information indicates that the external device is not authorized to perform the same processing on the ultrasonic data as the processor itself.

[0016] The processing parameters include a first processing parameter for the processing module on the local device side and a second processing parameter for the processing module on the external device side, and the processor is preferably configured to send the ultrasonic data to the external device without the first processing parameter and with the second processing parameter when the external device information indicates that the external device is not permitted to perform the same processing on the ultrasonic data as the local device.

[0017] The external device information further includes information indicating the processing content that the external device processing module can execute, and the processor is configured such that, if the external device information indicates that the external device processing module cannot execute a specific processing that the local device processing module can execute, the processor further transmits the processing result of the specific processing performed by the local device processing module using the second processing parameter to the external device.

[0018] The processor may be configured to assign processing parameters to the ultrasonic data.

[0019] The external devices include a first external device authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasonic data processing control device, and a second external device not authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasonic data processing control device, and the processor is configured to transmit information of different content to the first external device and the second external device based on the external device information obtained from the first external device and the second external device, respectively.

[0020] The processor may be configured to obtain a processing result of the ultrasonic data transmitted by the external device.

[0021] Further, the ultrasonic data processing control program disclosed in this specification causes a computer having a memory storing the ultrasonic data to which processing parameters for processing the ultrasonic data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a subject are added, to function as a self-device side processing module for processing the ultrasonic data using the processing parameters, obtains external device information which is information about the external device from an external device including an external device side processing module capable of executing processing equivalent to that of the self-device side processing module, and determines the content of information to be transmitted to the external device in response to a transmission request for the ultrasonic data from the external device based on the external device information. This is an ultrasonic data processing control program.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the ultrasonic data processing control device disclosed in this specification, it is possible to control whether to cause an external device to execute processing equivalent to that of the ultrasonic data processing control device on ultrasonic data.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultrasonic data processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a first image analysis device. [Figure 3] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a second image analysis device. [Figure 4] It is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic device. [Figure 5A] It is a first diagram showing an example of a reconstructed ultrasonic image. [Figure 5B] It is a second diagram showing an example of a reconstructed ultrasonic image. [Figure 5C] It is a third diagram showing an example of a reconstructed ultrasonic image. [Figure 6]This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of an ultrasound diagnostic device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the ultrasound data processing system 10 according to this embodiment. The ultrasound data processing system 10 is composed of an image analysis device 12 as an external device and an ultrasound diagnostic device 14 as an ultrasound data processing device. In the example of Figure 1, two image analysis devices 12 (image analysis device 12a and image analysis device 12b) are shown, but the ultrasound data processing system 10 may have only one image analysis device 12, or it may have three or more image analysis devices 12. In this specification, if image analysis devices 12a and 12b are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as image analysis device 12. Each image analysis device 12 and the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication line 16 such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or LAN (Local Area Network).

[0025] As will be explained in more detail later, the general outline of the processing performed by the ultrasonic data processing system 10 is as follows:

[0026] First, ultrasound data is formed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. As described above, ultrasound data is a concept that includes received beam data and ultrasound images, and is a concept that includes 2D ultrasound data, 3D sound wave image data, and 4D ultrasound data. In this embodiment, the ultrasound data is assumed to be 4D ultrasound data. Although not limited to this, in this embodiment, ultrasound is transmitted and received to the heart of the subject, and the 4D ultrasound data represents the heart.

[0027] Ultrasound data is assigned processing parameters for processing the ultrasound data. In this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 assigns the processing parameters to the ultrasound data. The ultrasound diagnostic device 14 has its own processing module. The processing module performs processing on the ultrasound data using the processing parameters assigned to the ultrasound data. The ultrasound diagnostic device 14 can also transmit the ultrasound data with the assigned processing parameters to the image analysis device 12.

[0028] The image analysis device 12 has an external device-side processing module that can perform processing equivalent to (or equivalent in content to) that of the in-device processing module of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. The external device-side processing module performs processing on the ultrasound data using processing parameters assigned to the ultrasound data.

[0029] The above is an overview of the processing performed by the ultrasound data processing system 10. In this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 controls whether or not to have the image analysis device 12 perform processing on the ultrasound data equivalent to that performed by the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, by controlling the data transmitted to the image analysis device 12.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the image analysis device 12a. The image analysis device 12a is a device that provides users with an image analysis service for analyzing or managing ultrasound data. The image analysis device 12a may be, for example, a server computer. In this embodiment, the administrator of the image analysis device 12a is the same as the administrator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. For example, the image analysis device 12a is a server computer managed by the administrator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, and is a server computer for providing the administrator's image analysis service. In addition to ultrasound data, this image analysis service can also analyze or manage medical image data acquired from various modalities (for example, CT (Computed Tomography) devices and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) devices).

[0031] The communication interface 20 consists of, for example, a network adapter. The communication interface 20 has the function of communicating with the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 and user terminals used by users of the image analysis service via the communication line 16.

[0032] In particular, the communication interface 20 transmits external device information to the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, which is information indicating whether or not the image analysis device 12a is authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 on the ultrasound data. For example, the external device information may be information indicating the administrator of the image analysis device 12a. In this embodiment, since the administrator of the image analysis device 12a and the administrator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 are the same, the external device information is information indicating the administrator of the image analysis device 12a. Since the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 has information indicating its own administrator, if the administrator indicated by the external device information received from the image analysis device 12a is the same as the administrator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 can determine that the image analysis device 12a is authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. On the other hand, if the administrator indicated by the external device information received from the image analysis device 12a is different from the administrator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 can determine that the image analysis device 12a is not authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14.

[0033] External device information is not limited to information indicating the administrator of the image analysis device 12a. For example, even if the administrator of the image analysis device 12a (let's call it Company B) and the administrator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 (let's call it Company A) are different, if Company A has a contract with Company B allowing Company A to use Company A's processing parameters, then Company A may have the image analysis device 12a perform processing on ultrasound data equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. In such cases, the external device information can be information representing the contractual content between Company A and Company B regarding the processing of ultrasound data.

[0034] The external device information may further indicate the processing content that the external device-side processing module 26 (described later) of the image analysis device 12a can perform. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, the external device-side processing module 26 performs the functions of the GUI module 26a, rendering module 26b, automatic tracing module 26d, tracking module 26e, and measurement module 26f, so the external device information may include information indicating these processing modules.

[0035] Furthermore, the communication interface 20 receives ultrasound data with processing parameters attached from the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. In addition, the communication interface 20 transmits the processing results of the external device processing module 26 (described later) on the ultrasound data to the ultrasound diagnostic device 14.

[0036] Memory 22 is composed of components such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card), ROM (Read Only Memory), or RAM (Random Access Memory). Memory 22 stores ultrasound data received from the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, various medical data managed by the image analysis service, and the results of their analysis.

[0037] The processor 24 performs various processes related to the image analysis service. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the processor 24 functions as an external device-side processing module 26. In this embodiment, the external device-side processing module 26 consists of a GUI module 26a that performs processing related to the GUI (Graphical User Interface) provided to the user, a rendering module 26b that performs rendering processing on 3D or 4D ultrasound data to form a reconstructed ultrasound image, which is a 2D ultrasound tomographic image, a cross-section extraction module 26c that extracts a target cross-section from ultrasound data, an automatic trace module 26d that detects feature points (feature regions) in the ultrasound data, a tracking module 26e that tracks the change in the position of the detected feature points over time, and a measurement module 26f that performs various measurements using ultrasound data. In other words, the external device-side processing module 26 is capable of performing each of these processes. Of course, the processes that the external device-side processing module 26 can perform are not limited to these.

[0038] The external device processing module 26 may be developed by an external developer other than the administrator of the image analysis device 12a and the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. Furthermore, the external device processing module 26 may be customized for the administrator of the image analysis device 12a and the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 at the request of the administrator.

[0039] The external device processing module 26 uses the processing parameters received from the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 to process the ultrasound data transmitted together with those processing parameters.

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the image analysis device 12b. Like the image analysis device 12a, the image analysis device 12b is a device that provides image analysis services to users. The image analysis device 12b may also be, for example, a server computer. In this embodiment, the administrator of the image analysis device 12b is assumed to be a different person from the administrator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. For example, if the administrator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 is company A, then the image analysis device 12b is a server computer managed by company B, which is different from company A, and is a server computer for providing image analysis services to company B. Similar to the image analysis services provided by the image analysis device 12a, the image analysis services provided by the image analysis device 12b may also be capable of analyzing or managing medical image data acquired with various modalities in addition to ultrasound data.

[0041] Since the configuration and functions of the communication interface 30 and memory 32 are the same as those of the communication interface 20 and memory 22 of the image analysis device 12a, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0042] The processor 34 performs various processes related to the image analysis service. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the processor 34 functions as an external device-side processing module 36. In this embodiment, the external device-side processing module 36 consists of a GUI module 36a, a rendering module 36b, a cross-sectional extraction module 36c, an automatic tracing module 36d, a measurement module 36f, and a data conversion module 36g that converts the data format of ultrasound data received from the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. In other words, the external device-side processing module 36 is capable of performing each of these processes. Of course, the processes that the external device-side processing module 36 can perform are not limited to these.

[0043] The external device-side processing module 36 may be developed by the same external developer that developed the external device-side processing module 26 for the image analysis device 12a. Therefore, the processing performed by the GUI module 36a, rendering module 36b, cross-section extraction module 36c, automatic tracing module 36d, and measurement module 36f is equivalent to the processing performed by the GUI module 26a, rendering module 26b, cross-section extraction module 26c, automatic tracing module 26d, and measurement module 26f included in the external device-side processing module 26 of the image analysis device 12a. Similar to the external device-side processing module 26, the external device-side processing module 36 may also be customized for the administrator of the image analysis device 12b at the request of the administrator. Therefore, the external device-side processing module 26 and the external device-side processing module 36 may not perform exactly the same processing, but they will perform at least equivalent processing.

[0044] The external device-side processing module 36 of the image analysis device 12b does not have the tracking module 26e that the external device-side processing module 26 of the image analysis device 12a has, and instead has a data conversion module 36g. In this way, the content of the processing that the external device-side processing module 26 can perform may differ between the image analysis devices 12.

[0045] The external device-side processing module 36 processes the ultrasound data transmitted along with the processing parameters received from the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. Because the administrator of the image analysis device 12b and the administrator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 are different, conversion (formatting) of the ultrasound data transmitted from the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 may be necessary for processing by the external device-side processing module 36 of the image analysis device 12b. The format information, which is the information for performing this conversion of ultrasound data, is provided by the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. The data conversion module 36g performs the conversion of the ultrasound data based on this format information. Other processing modules included in the external device-side processing module 36 perform processing on the converted ultrasound data.

[0046] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. The ultrasound diagnostic device 14 is a medical device installed in medical institutions such as hospitals.

[0047] The ultrasonic probe 40 is a device that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to a subject. The ultrasonic probe 40 has a vibrating element array consisting of multiple vibrating elements that scan an ultrasonic beam around the subject. The ultrasonic probe 40 may be a 1D probe in which multiple vibrating elements are arranged in a single row, or a 2D probe in which multiple vibrating elements are arranged in two dimensions. A transmission signal is supplied to each vibrating element from the transmitting / receiving unit 44 (described later), causing each vibrating element to generate an ultrasonic beam that scans the ultrasonic scanning surface. Each vibrating element then receives the reflected wave of the transmitted ultrasonic beam from the subject. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 40 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to the subject's heart.

[0048] The electrocardiograph 42 detects electrocardiogram data that shows the pattern of the subject's heartbeat. For example, the electrocardiograph 42 has electrodes, and by attaching these electrodes near the subject's heart, it measures the subject's electromotive force and forms electrocardiogram data based on the measured electromotive force. The electrocardiogram data detected by the electrocardiograph 42 is transmitted to the image forming unit 48.

[0049] The transmitting / receiving unit 44 transmits a transmission signal to the ultrasonic probe 40 (specifically, each vibrating element in the vibrating element array) under control from the processor 62, which will be described later. The transmitting / receiving unit 44 also receives received signals from each vibrating element that receives reflected waves from the subject. The transmitting / receiving unit 44 has an adder and a plurality of delays corresponding to each vibrating element, and performs phase-aligned addition processing by using the adder and the plurality of delays to align the phases of the received signals from each vibrating element and add them together. As a result, received beam data is formed in which information indicating the signal intensity of the reflected waves from the subject is aligned in the depth direction of the subject.

[0050] The signal processing unit 46 performs various signal processing operations on the received beam data from the transmitting / receiving unit 44, including filtering and detection, which involves applying a bandpass filter. This yields ultrasonic data. If the ultrasonic probe 40 is a 1D probe, 2D received beam data (corresponding to one ultrasonic tomographic image) is formed, which consists of multiple received beam data corresponding to the ultrasonic scanning plane. The signal processing unit 46 can then form 3D received beam data (ultrasonic volume data) based on the multiple 2D received beam data arranged perpendicular to the ultrasonic scanning plane. Furthermore, the signal processing unit 46 can form 4D received beam data (4D ultrasonic volume data) based on the multiple ultrasonic volume data formed over time. If the ultrasonic probe 40 is a 2D probe, the transmitting / receiving unit 44 forms three-dimensional received beam data, and the signal processing unit 46 can form ultrasonic volume data and 4D ultrasonic volume data by performing various signal processing operations on this received beam data. As described above, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic data is 4D ultrasonic data, so the signal processing unit 46 forms 4D ultrasonic volume data as 4D ultrasonic data.

[0051] The image forming unit 48 forms an ultrasound image based on the received beam data processed by the signal processing unit 46. For example, the image forming unit 48 can form a 2D ultrasound image (ultrasound tomography) showing a cross-section of the subject (particularly the ultrasound transmitting and receiving wavefronts corresponding to the 2D received beam data) based on 2D received beam data. The image forming unit 48 also forms an electrocardiogram waveform based on electrocardiogram data received from the electrocardiograph 42. The electrocardiogram waveform is a graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart.

[0052] The display control unit 50 controls the display 52 to display various images, including the ultrasound tomographic image formed by the image forming unit 48. The display control unit 50 also displays the processing results of the ultrasound data by the device-side processing module 66, described later, on the display 52. ​​In particular, in this embodiment, since the ultrasound data is 4D ultrasound data, the display control unit 50 displays the electrocardiogram waveform along with the processing results of the 4D ultrasound data (for example, the reconstructed ultrasound image obtained by rendering), and displays the phase of the heartbeat corresponding to the processing results.

[0053] The display 52 is a display device composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0054] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 14 comprises a transmitting / receiving unit 44, a signal processing unit 46, an image forming unit 48, and a display control unit 50, all of which are composed of a processor (which may be the processor 62 described later, or a different processor).

[0055] The communication interface 54 consists of, for example, a network adapter. The communication interface 54 performs the function of communicating with the image analysis device 12 via the communication line 16. In particular, the communication interface 54 acquires external device information from the image analysis device 12. The communication interface 54 also transmits ultrasound data with processing parameters attached to it to the image analysis device 12.

[0056] The input interface 56 consists of, for example, buttons, a trackball, a touch panel, etc. The input interface 56 is used to input commands from an operator using the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 to the ultrasound diagnostic device 14.

[0057] The memory 58 is composed of an HDD, SSD, eMMC, ROM, or RAM. The memory 58 stores an ultrasound data processing control program for operating each part of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. The ultrasound data processing control program can also be stored on a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a CD-ROM. The ultrasound diagnostic device 14 can read and execute the ultrasound data processing control program from such a storage medium.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the memory 58 stores an ultrasonic DB (Data Base) 60. The ultrasonic DB 60 stores ultrasonic data (4D ultrasonic volume data in this embodiment) formed by the ultrasonic diagnostic device 14, associated with processing parameters for processing the ultrasonic data. In this embodiment, the processing parameters assigned to the ultrasonic data are assigned by the processing parameter assignment unit 64 described later, but processing parameters may be assigned to the ultrasonic data by other methods. For example, processing parameters may be assigned to the ultrasonic data by a device other than the ultrasonic diagnostic device 14.

[0059] The processor 62 performs its functions as a processing parameter assignment unit 64, a self-device processing module 66, and a transmission control unit 68 according to the ultrasonic data processing control program stored in the memory 58. The details of the functions of each part performed by the processor 62 will be described below.

[0060] The processing parameter assignment unit 64 assigns one or more processing parameters to the ultrasound data. The processing parameters assigned to the ultrasound data may be pre-prepared and stored in the memory 58, or the processing parameter assignment unit 64 may calculate the processing parameters or select them from a pre-prepared group of processing parameters and assign them to the ultrasound data according to the content of the ultrasound data.

[0061] The processing parameters may include various parameters necessary for the in-device processing module 66 or the external device processing modules 26, 36 to perform processing on the ultrasound data. In particular, since the ultrasound data is 4D ultrasound data in this embodiment, the processing parameters may include processing parameters for processing 4D ultrasound data. For example, consider the case where the in-device processing module 66 or the external device processing modules 26, 36 performs rendering processing on the 4D ultrasound data to form a reconstructed ultrasound image and displays the reconstructed ultrasound image on the display 52. ​​In this case, the specific processing parameters for processing 4D ultrasound data include position information of lines indicating the position of the cross-section of the MPR (Multi Planar Reconstruction) image (dashed lines in Figures 5B and 5C, dashed lines in Figures 5A and 5C, and double dashed lines in Figures 5A and 5B), and cross-sectional position information obtained by cropping the rendered image.

[0062] The processing parameters may include a first processing parameter for the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 (in other words, for the device-side processing module 66 (described later)) and a second processing parameter for the image analysis device 12 (in other words, for the external device-side processing modules 26, 36) which is not permitted to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 on ultrasound data. The first processing parameter is, for example, a processing parameter specific to the company that develops or manages the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. This company may acquire a specific first processing parameter through its own research and development. By processing ultrasound data using such a specific first processing parameter, it is possible to obtain superior processing results (e.g., high image quality, high accuracy, etc.) that cannot be obtained by other companies. On the other hand, the second processing parameter is, for example, a widely known processing parameter. At the very least, the second processing parameter is a processing parameter that does not yield superior results when used to process ultrasound data compared to the first processing parameter. As will be explained in more detail later, when ultrasound data is stored in the ultrasound DB60, the ultrasound data may have a first processing parameter attached to it. However, if necessary, ultrasound data with a second processing parameter attached instead of the first processing parameter is sent to the image analysis device 12.

[0063] Several methods can be considered for assigning processing parameters to ultrasound data. For example, if the ultrasound data conforms to the format defined by DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine), an international standard for medical images, the processing parameter assignment unit 64 can record the processing parameters within the data structure defined by DICOM. In the data structure defined by DICOM, each medical data is recorded with a tag number. Since there are standardized tags (basic information such as patient name and examination time) and freely defined private tags, the processing parameter assignment unit 64 can record processing parameters in the private tags. Alternatively, the ultrasound data and processing parameters may be in separate data files. In this case, the ultrasound data and processing parameters can be associated using a different method. For example, the ultrasound data and processing parameter data files can be associated by giving them the same name (but different extensions).

[0064] The on-device processing module 66 processes the ultrasonic data using processing parameters (particularly the first processing parameter) assigned to the ultrasonic data. In this embodiment, the on-device processing module 66 consists of a GUI module 66a, a rendering module 66b, a cross-section extraction module 66c, an automatic trace module 66d, a tracking module 66e, and a measurement module 66f. Thus, the on-device processing module 66 can perform multiple types of processing. The processing performed by the GUI module 66a, rendering module 66b, cross-section extraction module 66c, automatic trace module 66d, tracking module 66e, and measurement module 66f is the same as the processing performed by the GUI module 26a, rendering module 26b, cross-section extraction module 26c, automatic trace module 26d, tracking module 26e, and measurement module 26f included in the external device-side processing module 26 of the image analysis device 12a. In other words, the on-device processing module 66 performs processing equivalent to that of the external device-side processing module 26. In this embodiment, since the image analysis device 12a and the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 are managed by the same person, the processing module 66 on the local device and the processing module 26 on the external device execute the same processing.

[0065] On the other hand, since the image analysis device 12b and the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 have different administrators, the processing module 66 on the device side and the external device processing module 36 of the image analysis device 12b may not perform the same processing due to customization by each administrator, but they will perform at least equivalent processing.

[0066] Furthermore, comparing the external device-side processing module 36 with the local device-side processing module 66, there are processing modules that the local device-side processing module 66 has that the external device-side processing module 36 does not. In the examples in Figures 3 and 4, this is the tracking module 66e. In other words, there are processes that the local device-side processing module 66 can execute, but the external device-side processing module 36 cannot. In this specification, such processes are referred to as "unique processes".

[0067] The processing module 66 on the device side processes the ultrasound data stored in the ultrasound DB 60 based on instructions from the operator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, using the first processing parameter assigned to the ultrasound data.

[0068] The transmission control unit 68 transmits ultrasound data to the image analysis device 12 based on a transmission request for ultrasound data stored in the ultrasound DB 60, which is received from the image analysis device 12. In particular, the transmission control unit 68 determines the content of the information to be transmitted to the image analysis device 12 based on external device information previously received from the image analysis device 12. Specifically, the transmission control unit 68 transmits different information to the image analysis device 12 depending on whether the external device information received from the image analysis device 12 indicates that the image analysis device 12 is authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 on the ultrasound data, or whether it does not.

[0069] First, we will describe the case where a request to transmit ultrasound data is received from an image analysis device 12, which is authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 on the ultrasound data. In this embodiment, since the image analysis device 12a is authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, we will describe the case where a request to transmit ultrasound data is received from the image analysis device 12a.

[0070] When the transmission control unit 68 receives a request to transmit ultrasound data from the image analysis device 12a, it refers to the external device information that it has previously received from the image analysis device 12a. Based on this, the transmission control unit 68 determines that the image analysis device 12a (particularly the external device processing module 26) is authorized to perform processing on the ultrasound data equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14.

[0071] In this case, the transmission control unit 68 transmits the ultrasound data indicated by the transmission request, which has the first processing parameter (i.e., the processing parameter for the device-side processing module 66) attached, to the image analysis device 12a. This allows the external device-side processing module 26 to perform processing on the ultrasound data using the first processing parameter. In other words, it can perform processing on the ultrasound data equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14.

[0072] Furthermore, consider the case where the external device processing module 26 cannot perform a specific process that the local device processing module 66 can perform. The transmission control unit 68, based on external device information received in advance from the image analysis device 12a indicating the processing content that the external device processing module 26 can perform, recognizes that the external device processing module 26 cannot perform the specific process. In this case, because the local device processing module 66 is permitted by the image analysis device 12a to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, it performs the specific process on the ultrasound data related to the transmission request using the first processing parameter and obtains the processing result. The transmission control unit 68 then transmits the processing result of the specific process performed by the local device processing module 66, along with the ultrasound data to which the first parameter has been attached, to the image analysis device 12a. As a result, even if there is a specific process that the local device processing module 66 can perform but the external device processing module 26 cannot, the image analysis device 12a can obtain processing results equivalent to those of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14.

[0073] The processor 24 of the image analysis device 12a should transmit the processing results of the external device processing module 26 for the ultrasound data received from the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 to the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. In other words, the processor 62 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 should acquire the processing results of the ultrasound data by the image analysis device 12a (i.e., the external device processing module 26). While this is not the case when the local device processing module 66 and the external device processing module 26 perform the same processing, if the local device processing module 66 and the external device processing module 26 perform different processing (albeit equivalent processing), then naturally the processing results of the local device processing module 66 and the processing results of the external device processing module 26 for the same ultrasound data will be different. In such cases, it may be meaningful for the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 to acquire the processing results of the external device processing module 26 for the ultrasound data. For example, if the processing results of the local device processing module 66 can be used as training data for some kind of learning model, acquiring the processing results of the external device processing module 26 can increase the amount of training data acquired by the ultrasound diagnostic device 14.

[0074] Next, we will describe the case where a request to transmit ultrasound data is received from an image analysis device 12, which is not authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. In this embodiment, since the image analysis device 12b is not authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, we will describe the case where a request to transmit ultrasound data is received from the image analysis device 12b.

[0075] When the transmission control unit 68 receives a request to transmit ultrasound data from the image analysis device 12b, it refers to the external device information it has previously received from the image analysis device 12b. Based on this, the transmission control unit 68 determines that the image analysis device 12b (particularly the external device processing module 36) is not authorized to perform the same processing on the ultrasound data as the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. In this case, there are several variations of the processing that the transmission control unit 68 can perform.

[0076] Firstly, the transmission control unit 68 can choose not to transmit the requested ultrasound data or the processing parameters attached to it to the image analysis device 12b. As a result, the image analysis device 12b is naturally unable to perform any processing on the ultrasound data. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 can prevent the image analysis device 12b from performing the same processing on the ultrasound data as the ultrasound diagnostic device 14.

[0077] Secondly, the transmission control unit 68 may transmit the ultrasound data to the image analysis device 12b while prohibiting the external device processing module 36 from processing the ultrasound data. As a result, the image analysis device 12b can store and manage the ultrasound data, but it will not be able to perform any processing on the ultrasound data. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 can prevent the image analysis device 12b from performing the same processing on the ultrasound data as the ultrasound diagnostic device 14.

[0078] Various methods can be considered for prohibiting the processing of ultrasound data. For example, the transmission control unit 68 may transmit information to the image analysis device 12b, along with the ultrasound data, to prohibit processing of the ultrasound data. This information may be, for example, a processing prohibition flag attached to the ultrasound data that prohibits processing of the ultrasound data.

[0079] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the administrator of the image analysis device 12b and the administrator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 are different, the ultrasound data may need to be converted before the external device processing module 36 can process the ultrasound data. The format information for processing the ultrasound data is provided by the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. Therefore, the transmission control unit 68 may transmit the ultrasound data to the image analysis device 12b but not the format information. This prevents the external device processing module 36 (specifically the data conversion module 36g) from converting the ultrasound data, thus preventing the image analysis device 12b from performing any processing on the ultrasound data.

[0080] Thirdly, the transmission control unit 68 may transmit to the image analysis device 12a the ultrasound data indicated by the transmission request, which does not have the first processing parameter attached but has the second processing parameter attached (i.e., the processing parameter for the external device side processing module 36). This allows the external device side processing module 36 to perform processing on the ultrasound data using the second processing parameter. In other words, although the external device side processing module 36 cannot obtain results as good as those obtained by the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 using the first processing parameter, it can perform some processing on the ultrasound data using the second processing parameter.

[0081] Furthermore, consider the case where the external device processing module 36 cannot perform the specific processing that the local device processing module 66 can perform. The transmission control unit 68, based on external device information received in advance from the image analysis device 12b indicating the processing content that the external device processing module 36 can perform, determines that the external device processing module 36 cannot perform the specific processing. In this embodiment, the local device processing module 66 has a tracking module 66e, but the external device processing module 36 does not have a tracking module, so the processing performed by the tracking module 66e becomes the specific processing. In this case, because the tracking module 66e is not permitted by the image analysis device 12b to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, it uses a second processing parameter to perform specific processing on the ultrasound data related to the transmission request and obtains the processing result. The transmission control unit 68 then transmits the ultrasound data to which the second parameter has been attached, along with the processing result of the specific processing by the tracking module 66e, to the image analysis device 12b. According to this, even if there are specific processes that the processing module 66 on the device side can execute but the processing module 36 on the external device side cannot, the image analysis device 12b can obtain a preliminary result of processing the ultrasound data using the second processing parameter.

[0082] The transmission control unit 68 may decide whether or not to transmit the results of the unique processing performed by the processing module 66 to the image analysis device 12b, based on the content of the unique processing, if the external device processing module 36 is unable to perform the unique processing. For example, if the value of the unique processing is high (for example, if the unique processing is a strategically important technology for company A which manages the ultrasound diagnostic device 14) or if the data volume of the processing result of the unique processing is very large, the transmission control unit 68 may choose not to transmit the results of the unique processing to the image analysis device 12b, even if the external device processing module 36 is unable to perform the unique processing. For example, as in this embodiment, if the ultrasound data is 4D ultrasound data, the transmission control unit 68 may transmit the results of the unique processing to the image analysis device 12b if the unique processing is 2D analysis, but may choose not to transmit the results of the unique processing to the image analysis device 12b if the unique processing is 3D volume analysis or 4D time-based analysis.

[0083] The processor 34 of the image analysis device 12b may transmit the processing results of the external device processing module 36 for the ultrasound data received from the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 to the ultrasound diagnostic device 14. In other words, the processor 62 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 may acquire the processing results of the ultrasound data by the image analysis device 12a (i.e., the external device processing module 36).

[0084] As explained above, the transmission control unit 68 transmits different information to the image analysis device 12 depending on whether the external device information received from the image analysis device 12 indicates that the image analysis device 12 is authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 on the ultrasound data, or whether it is not. In the ultrasound data processing system 10 according to this embodiment (see Figure 1), if the external devices include an image analysis device 12a as a first external device authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, and an image analysis device 12b as a second external device not authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, the transmission control unit 68 can also transmit different information to the image analysis device 12a and the image analysis device 12b based on the external device information acquired from each of them.

[0085] The above is an overview of the ultrasound data processing system 10 according to this embodiment. The processing flow of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 will now be explained according to the flowchart shown in Figure 6. At the start of the flowchart in Figure 6, it is assumed that the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 has already received external device information from each image analysis device.

[0086] In step S10, the signal processing unit 46 forms ultrasonic data based on the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe 40 transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the subject. The formed ultrasonic data is stored in the ultrasonic DB 60.

[0087] In step S12, the processing parameter assignment unit 64 assigns processing parameters to the ultrasound data formed in step S10. The processing parameters include a first processing parameter for the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, and a second processing parameter for the image analysis device 12, which is not permitted to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 on the ultrasound data.

[0088] In step S14, the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 receives a request from the image analysis device 12 to transmit ultrasound data.

[0089] In step S16, the transmission control unit 68 determines, based on the external device information received from the image analysis device 12, which is the source of the ultrasound data transmission request, whether the image analysis device 12 is authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 on the ultrasound data.

[0090] If the image analysis device 12 is authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 on the ultrasound data, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the transmission control unit 68 determines, based on the external device information received from the image analysis device 12, which is the source of the ultrasound data transmission request, whether there is any specific processing that the external device-side processing modules 26 and 36 of the image analysis device 12 cannot perform, but which the in-device-side processing module 66 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 can perform.

[0091] If there is no specific processing required, the process proceeds to step S20, in which step S20 the transmission control unit 68 transmits the ultrasonic data indicated by the transmission request, to the image analysis device 12, to which the first processing parameter has been assigned.

[0092] If there is specific processing to be performed, the process proceeds to step S22, in which step S22 the transmission control unit 68 transmits the ultrasonic data to which the first parameter has been assigned, and the processing result of the specific processing performed by the device-side processing module 66 using the first parameter, to the image analysis device 12.

[0093] Returning to step S16, if the image analysis device 12 is not authorized to perform the same processing on the ultrasound data as the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, proceed to step S24.

[0094] In step S24, similar to step S18, the transmission control unit 68 determines, based on the external device information received from the image analysis device 12, which is the source of the ultrasound data transmission request, whether there is any specific processing that the external device-side processing modules 26 and 36 of the image analysis device 12 cannot execute, but which the in-device-side processing module 66 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14 can execute.

[0095] If there is no specific processing required, the process proceeds to step S26, in which step S26 the transmission control unit 68 transmits the ultrasonic data indicated by the transmission request, to the image analysis device 12, with the second processing parameter attached.

[0096] If there is specific processing to be performed, the process proceeds to step S28, in which step S28 the transmission control unit 68 transmits the ultrasonic data to which the second parameter has been assigned, and the processing result of the specific processing performed by the device-side processing module 66 using the second parameter, to the image analysis device 12.

[0097] Although not shown in Figure 6, in step S16, if the image analysis device 12 is not permitted to perform processing on the ultrasound data equivalent to that of the ultrasound diagnostic device 14, the transmission control unit 68 may either not transmit the ultrasound data to the image analysis device 12, or transmit the ultrasound data to the image analysis device 12 while prohibiting the processing of the ultrasound data by the external device processing modules 26 and 36.

[0098] The ultrasonic data processing control device described herein has been explained above, but the ultrasonic data processing control device described herein is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0099] For example, in the above embodiment, the ultrasonic data processing control device was the ultrasonic diagnostic device 14, but the ultrasonic data processing control device can be any computer as long as it has an ultrasonic DB 60 that stores ultrasonic data to which processing parameters have been assigned, and has a self-device processing module 66 and a transmission control unit 68. Furthermore, the functions performed by the ultrasonic data processing control device may be performed by the cooperation of multiple devices. In this case, the multiple devices correspond to the ultrasonic data processing control device.

[0100] 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. 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 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 above and may be changed as appropriate. Hardware is composed of electrical circuits (circuitry) that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. 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.

[0101] This invention can also be applied to programs and program products. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 10 Ultrasound data processing system, 12, 12a, 12b Image analysis device, 14 Ultrasound diagnostic device, 20, 30, 54 Communication interface, 22, 32, 58 Memory, 24, 34, 62 Processor, 26, 36 External device side processing module, 40 Ultrasound probe, 44 Transmit / receive unit, 46 Signal processing unit, 48 Image forming unit, 50 Display control unit, 52 Display, 56 Input interface, 60 Ultrasound DB, 64 Processing parameter assignment unit, 66 Self-device side processing module, 68 Transmission control unit.

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor and memory, The aforementioned memory is The ultrasonic data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a subject is stored, with processing parameters added to the ultrasonic data for processing the data. The aforementioned processor, It functions as a self-device processing module that processes the ultrasonic data using the aforementioned processing parameters, External device information is obtained from an external device equipped with an external device-side processing module capable of performing processing equivalent to that of the self-device-side processing module, which is information indicating whether or not the external device is permitted to perform processing equivalent to that of the self-device on the ultrasonic data. Based on the external device information, the content of the information to be transmitted to the external device in response to the ultrasonic data transmission request from the external device is determined. It is structured in such a way. An ultrasonic data processing control device characterized by the following features.

2. The processing parameters include a first processing parameter for the processing module on the device side and a second processing parameter for the processing module on the external device side. The processor is configured to transmit the ultrasonic data to the external device, to which the first processing parameter has been assigned, when the external device information indicates that the external device is authorized to perform the same processing on the ultrasonic data as the device itself. The ultrasonic data processing control device according to feature 1.

3. The external device information further includes information indicating the processing content that the external device processing module can execute, If the external device information indicates that the external device processing module cannot execute a specific process that the local device processing module can execute, the processor further transmits the processing result of the specific process performed by the local device processing module using the first processing parameter to the external device. It is structured in such a way. The ultrasonic data processing control device according to feature 2.

4. The processor is configured to transmit the ultrasonic data to the external device while prohibiting the external device's processing module from processing the ultrasonic data if the external device information indicates that the external device is not authorized to perform the same processing on the ultrasonic data as the processor itself. The ultrasonic data processing control device according to feature 1.

5. The processing parameters include a first processing parameter for the processing module on the device side and a second processing parameter for the processing module on the external device side. The processor is configured to transmit to the external device the ultrasonic data without the first processing parameter and with the second processing parameter, if the external device information indicates that the external device is not authorized to perform the same processing on the ultrasonic data as the processor itself. The ultrasonic data processing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The external device information further includes information indicating the processing content that the external device processing module can execute, If the external device information indicates that the external device processing module cannot execute a specific process that the local device processing module can execute, the processor further transmits the processing result of the specific process performed by the local device processing module using the second processing parameter to the external device. It is structured in such a way. The ultrasonic data processing control device according to feature 5.

7. The processor is configured to assign processing parameters to the ultrasonic data. The ultrasonic data processing control device according to feature 1.

8. The external devices include a first external device authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasonic data processing control device, and a second external device not authorized to perform processing equivalent to that of the ultrasonic data processing control device. The processor is configured to transmit information with different content to the first external device and the second external device based on the external device information obtained from the first external device and the second external device, respectively. The ultrasonic data processing control device according to feature 1.

9. The processor is configured to acquire the processing results of the transmitted ultrasonic data by the external device. The ultrasonic data processing control device according to feature 1.

10. A computer having a memory that stores ultrasonic data to which processing parameters for processing ultrasonic data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a subject are assigned, The device will function as a processing module that processes the ultrasonic data using the aforementioned processing parameters. An external device, which has an external device-side processing module capable of performing processing equivalent to that of the self-device-side processing module, is used to obtain external device information, which is information about the external device. Based on the external device information, the content of the information to be transmitted to the external device in response to the ultrasonic data transmission request from the external device is determined. An ultrasonic data processing control program characterized by the following:

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