Ultrasonic diagnostic system

Abstract

An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising: an ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and generates a probe signal based on a reflected wave from the subject; and a first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus connected to the ultrasonic probe, wherein the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on the probe signal received from the ultrasonic probe; a first storage unit that stores a plurality of learned models used for diagnostic processing of the subject; and a first diagnostic processing unit that reads out a learned model corresponding to a scanning target site scanned by the ultrasonic probe in the subject from the first storage unit and executes the diagnostic processing based on the ultrasonic image using the read learned model.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic system to the mu .

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system for automating the diagnosis of patients using AI (Artificial Intelligence) has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a medical information processing system that estimates a disease or symptom of a subject to be diagnosed by inputting medical examination data of the subject to be diagnosed into a learned model of AI (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when the conventional medical information processing system uses a plurality of learned models corresponding to a plurality of diagnostic processes, it cannot automatically determine which learned model among the plurality of learned models should be used. In this case, it is conceivable to execute a plurality of diagnostic processes using all of the plurality of learned models, but unnecessary diagnostic processes are also executed, so that the diagnostic process takes a long time and power may be wasted.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and one of the objects is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic system that can shorten the diagnostic process and achieve power saving the mu .

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and generates a probe signal based on the reflected waves from the subject, and a first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus connected to the ultrasonic probe. a second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of communicating with the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a network, An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising: the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on the probe signal received from the ultrasonic probe, a first storage unit that stores a plurality of learned models used for the diagnostic process of the subject, and reads out from the first storage unit a learned model corresponding to the scanning target site scanned by the ultrasonic probe in the subject, and a first diagnostic processing unit that executes the diagnostic process based on the ultrasonic image using the read learned model. a first communication unit that transmits the ultrasonic image and scanning target site information for specifying the scanning target site to the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a second communication unit that receives the ultrasonic image and the scanning target site information from the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a second storage unit that stores a plurality of learned models used for diagnostic processing of the subject, and a learned model corresponding to the scanning target site specified by the scanning target site information is read from the second storage unit, and a second diagnostic processing unit that executes the diagnostic processing based on the ultrasonic image using the read learned model, and the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a determination unit that determines which of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus executes the diagnostic processing, and the first storage unit stores a determination table in which the scanning target site and information indicating either the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are associated for each of the plurality of diagnostic processes corresponding to the plurality of learned models, and the determination unit determines which of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus executes the diagnostic processing based on the determination table, It is an ultrasonic diagnostic system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic system, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic method, and a program that can shorten the diagnostic process and achieve power saving.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the ultrasonic diagnostic system, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, ultrasonic diagnostic method, and program of the present invention will be described.

[0010] [Ultrasonic Diagnostic System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an ultrasonic diagnostic system 10. The ultrasonic diagnostic system 10 includes an ultrasonic probe 50, a first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, and a second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. The ultrasonic probe 50 is connected to the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 so as to be communicable by wire or wirelessly. The first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is communicably connected to the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless base station, a provider device, and the like.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe 50 is a device used for ultrasonic (echo) inspection. The ultrasonic probe 50 is, for example, a one-dimensional array linear probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators are arranged along a predetermined direction. The ultrasonic probe 50 executes an ultrasonic scan on a scan region in a living body P as a subject in accordance with control from the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. In the ultrasonic scan, the ultrasonic probe 50 transmits ultrasonic waves to the living body P and generates a probe signal based on the reflected wave from the subject. The ultrasonic probe 50 transmits the generated probe signal to the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.

[0012] The first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 is a portable computer such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but may also be a notebook computer or a desktop computer. The first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 is a computer provided at the edge of a network. The first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 is used, for example, by a doctor in a hospital. The first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 generates an ultrasonic image (echo image) based on a probe signal received from the ultrasonic probe 50. The ultrasonic image may be a still image or a moving image. Further, the first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 performs diagnostic processing using AI (Artificial Intelligence) based on the ultrasonic image. The diagnostic processing is processing for diagnosing the state of the living body P and the presence or absence of a disease.

[0013] The second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200 is a server computer with higher specifications than the first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100. The second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200 performs diagnostic processing using AI in response to a request from the first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100. In the example shown in FIG. 1, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, an example in which one first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 is connected to the second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200 is shown, but a plurality of first ultrasonic diagnostic devices 100 may be connected to the second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200.

[0014] [First Ultrasonic Diagnostic Device] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100. The first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 includes, for example, a first communication unit 110, an ultrasonic image generation unit 120, a first diagnostic processing unit 130, a determination unit 140, a photographing unit 150, a specifying unit 160, an input unit 170, a display unit 180, and a first storage unit 190.

[0015] The first communication unit 110 includes a communication module for communicating with the second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200 via the network NW. The first communication unit 110 also includes a communication interface for communicating with the ultrasonic probe 50 by wire. Note that the first communication unit 110 may include a communication module for communicating with the ultrasonic probe 50 wirelessly.

[0016] The ultrasonic image generation unit 120, the first diagnostic processing unit 130, the determination unit 140, and the specifying unit 160 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by the cooperation of software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (a storage device having a non-transitory storage medium) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or a CD-ROM, and may be installed in the storage device by mounting the storage medium on a drive device.

[0017] The imaging unit 150 is a device that generates an imaging image by imaging the living body P as a subject and the ultrasonic probe 50. The imaging unit 150 may be, for example, a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) device, a compound eye camera, or a monocular camera. The imaging image generated by the imaging unit 150 may be a three-dimensional image or a two-dimensional image.

[0018] The input unit 170 and the display unit 180 are realized, for example, by a touch panel display. Note that the configurations of the input unit 170 and the display unit 180 are not limited to this. For example, the input unit 170 may include a keyboard and a mouse, and the display unit 180 may be a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0019] The first storage unit 190 is, for example, an HDD, a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like. The first storage unit 190 may be a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device that can be accessed by the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 via the network NW. Information such as a determination table 192 and first to Nth learned models 194-1 to 194-N is stored in the first storage unit 190. N is a natural number of 2 or more. Each of the first to Nth learned models 194-1 to 194-N is a model generated by previously performing machine learning on teacher data and is information used when diagnostic processing is executed.

[0020] [Second Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. The second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 includes, for example, a second communication unit 210, a second diagnostic processing unit 230, and a second storage unit 290.

[0021] The second communication unit 210 is a communication interface for communicating with the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 via the network NW. The second communication unit 210 is, for example, a network interface card.

[0022] The second diagnostic processing unit 230 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). The second diagnostic processing unit 230 may be realized by hardware such as an LSI, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a GPU, or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (a storage device including a non-transitory storage medium) such as an HDD or a flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (a non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or a CD-ROM, and may be installed in the storage device by mounting the storage medium on a drive device.

[0023] The second storage unit 290 is an HDD, a flash memory, a RAM, or the like. The second storage unit 290 may be a NAS device accessible by the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 via the network NW. Information such as the first learned model 294-1 to the Nth learned model 294-N is stored in the second storage unit 290. The first learned model 294-1 to the Nth learned model 294-N stored in the second storage unit 290 are the same models as the first learned model 194-1 to the Nth learned model 194-N stored in the first storage unit 190.

[0024] The first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 each have a function of performing diagnostic processing based on ultrasonic images (echo images). The diagnostic results obtained by the diagnostic processing include both low-secrecy information such as pulse rate and blood flow volume and high-secrecy information such as cancer determination results. In particular, information related to a person's life and death is highly secretive information that a patient does not want others to know. Since the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 is a server-side computer, it has a higher processing speed than the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, which is an edge-side computer. However, when performing diagnostic processing with the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200, it is necessary to exchange information via a network NW including the Internet, so there is a possibility that the information may leak. Therefore, when the diagnostic result includes highly secretive information, it is not preferable to perform the diagnostic processing on the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 side. Thus, the ultrasonic diagnostic system of the present embodiment appropriately determines whether to perform the diagnostic processing with the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. Hereinafter, after explaining the diagnostic processing by the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the diagnostic processing by the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the determination processing for determining whether to perform the diagnostic processing with the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 will be explained.

[0025] [Diagnostic Processing by the First Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of diagnostic processing by the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. The example shown in FIG. 4 shows the flow of processing when the determination unit 140 determines to execute diagnostic processing with the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.

[0026] First, the ultrasonic probe 50 transmits ultrasonic waves to the living body P, which is the subject, and generates a probe signal based on the reflected waves from the living body P. Then, the ultrasonic probe 50 transmits the probe signal to the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.

[0027] The ultrasonic image generation unit 120 of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 generates an ultrasonic image (echo image) based on the probe signal received from the ultrasonic probe 50. For example, the ultrasonic image generation unit 120 generates a two-dimensional ultrasonic image composed of pixels by performing coordinate conversion according to the scanning mode of the ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 50. The ultrasonic image generation unit 120 outputs the generated ultrasonic image to the determination unit 140.

[0028] On the other hand, the imaging unit 150 generates a captured image by capturing the state in which the ultrasonic probe 50 is scanning the living body P (subject). For example, the imaging unit 150 captures an image of the state in which the ultrasonic probe 50 is performing an ultrasonic scan on the living body P in response to an operation by a user (such as a doctor). The imaging unit 150 also outputs the captured image to the specifying unit 160.

[0029] The specific part 160 identifies the scanning target part based on the captured image generated by the imaging part 150. The scanning target part is the part of the living body P (subject) scanned by the ultrasonic probe 50. Specifically, the specific part 160 detects the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 with respect to the living body P and the orientation of the ultrasonic probe 50 based on the captured image generated by the imaging part 150, and identifies the scanning target part based on the detected position of the ultrasonic probe 50 and the orientation of the ultrasonic probe 50. For example, the position of the ultrasonic probe 50 with respect to the living body P may be the position where the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving part provided at the tip of the ultrasonic probe 50 is in contact with the living body P. Also, the orientation of the ultrasonic probe 50 may be information indicating the direction in which the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving part is scanning (scanning) the living body P. The specific part 160 outputs the scanning target part information for identifying the scanning target part to the determination part 140.

[0030] Next, the determination part 140 determines which of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 will execute the diagnostic process. For example, the determination part 140 may determine which of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 will execute the diagnostic process based on the determination table 192 stored in the first storage part 190. Also, the determination part 140 acquires a diagnostic ID for identifying the diagnostic process to be executed from the determination table 192 based on the scanning target part information output from the specific part 160. For example, when the scanning target part is the center of the chest, a diagnostic ID for identifying the diagnostic process for diseases related to the heart (for example, valvular disease or cardiomyopathy) will be acquired from the determination table 192. The content of the determination table 192 and the specific processing content by the determination part 140 will be described later. When the determination part 140 determines to execute the diagnostic process with the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, it outputs the ultrasonic image (echo image) generated by the ultrasonic image generation part 120 and the diagnostic ID acquired from the determination table 192 to the first diagnostic processing part 130.

[0031] Next, the first diagnostic processing unit 130 executes a diagnostic process using any one of the first to Nth learned models 194-1 to 194-N based on the ultrasonic image (echo image). For example, the first diagnostic processing unit 130 can obtain a diagnostic result by reading out the learned model corresponding to the diagnostic ID output from the determination unit 140 from the first storage unit 190 and inputting the ultrasonic image into the read learned model. Taking a specific example, when the ultrasonic image is an image of the heart of the living body P and the diagnostic ID obtained from the determination table 192 indicates a diagnostic process for valvular disease, the first diagnostic processing unit 130 reads out the learned model corresponding to the diagnostic process for valvular disease from the first storage unit 190, and inputs the ultrasonic image into the read learned model, thereby obtaining a diagnostic result as to whether the living body P has developed valvular disease. Thereafter, the first diagnostic processing unit 130 outputs the diagnostic result to the display unit 180.

[0032] The display unit 180 displays the diagnostic result output from the first diagnostic processing unit 130. By checking the diagnostic result displayed on the display unit 180, a doctor can grasp the state of the living body P or the disease that the living body P is suffering from.

[0033] According to the processing flow shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 10 can automatically determine which learned model among a plurality of learned models should be used. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 10 can shorten the diagnostic process and achieve power saving as compared with the case of executing all of the plurality of learned models. Further, according to the processing flow shown in FIG. 4, since information does not leak to the outside via the network NW, highly confidential information can be protected. However, since the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 on the edge side takes more time for the diagnostic process than the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 on the server side, it is not preferable to perform all the diagnostic processes by the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. Therefore, when the confidentiality of the diagnostic result is low, when the confidentiality of the scanning target site is low, or when the diagnostic process takes a long time, it may be preferable to perform the diagnostic process by the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200.

[0034] [Diagnostic Process by the Second Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the diagnostic process by the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. The example shown in FIG. 5 shows the flow of the process when the determination unit 140 determines to execute the diagnostic process with the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. Note that the operations of the ultrasonic probe 50, the ultrasonic image generation unit 120, the imaging unit 150, and the specifying unit 160 are the same as those in FIG. 4, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0035] The determination unit 140 determines whether to execute the diagnostic process using the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. As described above, the determination unit 140 may determine whether to execute the diagnostic process using the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 based on the determination table 192 stored in the first storage unit 190. When the determination unit 140 determines to execute the diagnostic process with the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200, the determination unit 140 outputs the ultrasonic image (echo image) generated by the ultrasonic image generation unit 120 and the diagnostic ID acquired from the determination table 192 to the first communication unit 110.

[0036] The first communication unit 110 transmits the ultrasonic image (echo image) and the diagnostic ID to the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 via the network NW. When transmitting information via the network NW, there is a possibility that the information may leak to the outside. For this reason, the determination unit 140 may encrypt the information to be transmitted (ultrasonic image and diagnostic ID) by a method predetermined between the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200, and the first communication unit 110 may transmit the encrypted information. Thereby, information leakage can be more reliably prevented.

[0037] Next, the second communication unit 210 of the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 receives the ultrasonic image (echo image) and the diagnostic ID from the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 via the network NW. Thereafter, the second communication unit 210 outputs the ultrasonic image (echo image) and the diagnostic ID to the second diagnostic processing unit 230.

[0038] Next, the second diagnosis processing unit 230 executes a diagnosis process using any one of the first to Nth learned models 294-1 to 294-N based on the ultrasonic image (echo image). For example, the second diagnosis processing unit 230 reads out the learned model corresponding to the diagnosis ID output from the second communication unit 210 from the second storage unit 290, and inputs the ultrasonic image into the read learned model, thereby obtaining a diagnosis result. Thereafter, the second diagnosis processing unit 230 outputs the diagnosis result to the second communication unit 210.

[0039] The second communication unit 210 transmits the diagnosis result to the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 via the network NW. When transmitting information via the network NW, there is a possibility that the information may leak to the outside. For this reason, the second diagnosis processing unit 230 may encrypt the information (diagnosis result) to be transmitted by a method predetermined between the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200, and the second communication unit 210 may transmit the encrypted information. Thereby, information leakage can be more reliably prevented.

[0040] Next, the first communication unit 110 of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 receives the diagnosis result from the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 via the network NW. Thereafter, the first communication unit 110 outputs the diagnosis result to the display unit 180.

[0041] The display unit 180 displays the diagnosis result output from the first communication unit 110. By checking the diagnosis result displayed on the display unit 180, the doctor can grasp the state of the living body P or the disease suffered by the living body P.

[0042] As described above, the case where the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 executes the diagnosis process (FIG. 4) and the case where the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 executes the diagnosis process (FIG. 5) have been described. As described above, the determination unit 140 determines which of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 executes the diagnosis process based on the determination table 192 stored in the first storage unit 190. Hereinafter, as the determination process by the determination unit 140, three examples (first to third determination processes) will be described.

[0043] [First Determination Process] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of the determination table 192. The first storage unit 190 stores a determination table 192 in which a scanning target site and information indicating either the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 are associated with each of a plurality of diagnostic processes corresponding to the first learned model 194-1 to the Nth learned model 194-N. As shown in FIG. 6, the determination table 192 is a table in which a diagnostic ID, a diagnostic process, a scanning target site, a diagnostic target, and diagnostic apparatus information are associated with each other. The diagnostic ID is identification information for identifying the diagnostic process. The diagnostic process is information indicating the content of the diagnostic process. The scanning target site is a site (such as the center of the chest, the upper right abdomen, etc.) in the living body P (subject) scanned by the ultrasonic probe 50. The diagnostic target is information indicating the diagnostic target (such as an organ) of the living body P. The diagnostic apparatus information is information for specifying the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which the diagnostic process should be executed.

[0044] The determination table 192 is a preset table according to the degree of confidentiality of the diagnostic result obtained by the diagnostic process. For example, when the first diagnostic process is a diagnostic process related to the heart rate, since the diagnostic result of the first diagnostic process is information with low confidentiality, it is recommended to execute the first diagnostic process with the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. Also, for example, when the second diagnostic process is a diagnostic process related to cancer, since the diagnostic result of the second diagnostic process is information with high confidentiality, it is recommended to execute the second diagnostic process with the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. In this way, the determination table 192 is set according to the degree of confidentiality of the diagnostic result obtained by the diagnostic process.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the first determination process executed by the determination unit 140. First, the determination unit 140 acquires an ultrasonic image (echo image) from the ultrasonic image generation unit 120 (S101). Next, the determination unit 140 acquires scanning target site information from the specifying unit 160 (S102). The scanning target site information acquired here is information for specifying the scanning target site as described above.

[0046] Next, the determination unit 140 acquires the diagnosis ID and diagnosis device information corresponding to the scanning target part indicated by the scanning target part information acquired in S102 from the determination table 192 (S103). For example, when the scanning target part indicated by the scanning target part information acquired in S102 is "the center of the chest", the determination unit 140 acquires a set of the diagnosis ID and diagnosis device information corresponding to the scanning target part (the center of the chest) from the determination table 192 in FIG. 6. Specifically, the determination unit 140 acquires a set of the diagnosis ID (D001) and diagnosis device information (information indicating the second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200) associated with the scanning target part (the center of the chest) from the determination table 192. Similarly, the determination unit 140 also acquires from the determination table 192 a set of the diagnosis ID (D002) and diagnosis device information (information indicating the first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100), a set of the diagnosis ID (D003) and diagnosis device information (information indicating the first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100), and a set of the diagnosis ID (D004) and diagnosis device information (information indicating the second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200).

[0047] Next, the determination unit 140 determines whether the diagnosis device information acquired in S103 indicates the first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 (S104). When the diagnosis device information acquired in S103 indicates the first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100, the determination unit 140 determines to cause the first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 to execute a diagnosis process (S105). In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the first diagnosis processing unit 130 performs the diagnosis process indicated by the diagnosis ID associated with the scanning target part, and the diagnosis result is displayed on the display unit 180.

[0048] On the other hand, when the diagnosis device information acquired in S103 indicates the second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200, the determination unit 140 determines to cause the second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200 to execute a diagnosis process (S106). In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the second diagnosis processing unit 230 performs the diagnosis process indicated by the diagnosis ID associated with the scanning target part, and the diagnosis result is displayed on the display unit 180.

[0049] In addition, in S104, when there are a plurality of sets of a diagnosis ID and diagnostic apparatus information associated with the scanning target site, the determination unit 140 may determine, for each of the plurality of sets, whether the diagnostic apparatus information indicates the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. Thereby, the determination unit 140 can determine, for each of the plurality of diagnostic processes, whether to execute the diagnostic process using the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200.

[0050] As described above, according to the first determination process, the determination unit 140 determines, based on the determination table 192, whether to execute the diagnostic process using the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. Thereby, the determination unit 140 can appropriately determine whether to execute the diagnostic process using the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 according to the degree of confidentiality of the diagnostic result obtained by the diagnostic process.

[0051] For example, when a plurality of diagnostic processes are performed based on one ultrasonic image, the determination unit 140 distributes the plurality of diagnostic processes to the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 according to the degree of confidentiality of the diagnostic result obtained by the diagnostic process. For example, when the ultrasonic image is an echocardiogram of the heart, and based on this echocardiogram of the heart, diagnostic processes for heart rate, blood flow volume, valvular disease, and cardiomyopathy are performed, the determination unit 140 distributes the diagnostic processes with low confidentiality such as heart rate and blood flow volume to the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200, and distributes the diagnostic processes with high confidentiality such as valvular disease and cardiomyopathy to the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. Thereby, the determination unit 140 can appropriately distribute the plurality of diagnostic processes.

[0052] [Second Determination Process] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of the determination table 192. The first storage unit 190 stores a determination table 192 in which a scanning target part and information (edge priority) indicating the priority of executing a diagnostic process by the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 are associated with each of a plurality of diagnostic processes corresponding to the first learned model 194-1 to the Nth learned model 194-N. As shown in FIG. 8, the determination table 192 is a table in which a diagnostic ID, a diagnostic process, a scanning target part, a diagnostic target, and an edge priority are associated with each other. The diagnostic ID is identification information for identifying a diagnostic process. The diagnostic process is information indicating the content of the diagnostic process. The scanning target part is a part (such as the center of the chest, the upper right abdomen, etc.) scanned by the ultrasonic probe 50 in the living body P (subject). The diagnostic target is information indicating a diagnostic target (such as an organ) of the living body P. The edge priority is information indicating the priority of executing a diagnostic process by the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 which is a computer on the edge side. The smaller the value of the edge priority, the higher the priority of executing the diagnostic process by the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. For example, the value of the edge priority may be an integer from 1 to 9, and the closer the value of the edge priority is to "1", the higher the priority.

[0053] The determination table 192 is a preset table according to the degree of confidentiality of the diagnostic result obtained by the diagnostic process. For example, a low edge priority is set for a diagnostic process with low confidentiality (such as heart rate) that is not a problem even if seen by others, and a high edge priority is set for a diagnostic process with high confidentiality (such as cancer diagnosis) that one does not want to be seen by others. In this way, the determination table 192 is set according to the degree of confidentiality of the diagnostic result obtained by the diagnostic process.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a second determination process executed by the determination unit 140. First, the determination unit 140 acquires an ultrasonic image (echo image) from the ultrasonic image generation unit 120 (S201). Next, the determination unit 140 acquires scanning target part information from the specifying unit 160 (S202). The scanning target part information acquired here is information for specifying the scanning target part as described above.

[0055] Next, the determination unit 140 acquires, from the determination table 192, the diagnosis ID and the edge priority corresponding to the scanning target part indicated by the scanning target part information acquired in S202 (S203). For example, when the scanning target part indicated by the scanning target part information acquired in S202 is "the center of the chest", the determination unit 140 acquires, from the determination table 192 in FIG. 8, the set of the diagnosis ID and the edge priority corresponding to the scanning target part (the center of the chest). Specifically, the determination unit 140 acquires, from the determination table 192, the set of the diagnosis ID (D001) and the edge priority (9) associated with the scanning target part (the center of the chest). Similarly, the determination unit 140 also acquires, from the determination table 192, the set of the diagnosis ID (D002) and the edge priority (2), the set of the diagnosis ID (D003) and the edge priority (1), and the set of the diagnosis ID (D004) and the edge priority (7).

[0056] Next, the determination unit 140 determines whether the edge priority acquired in S203 is less than the first threshold value (S204). The first threshold value may be a preset value and may be changeable by an input from the input unit 170. When the edge priority acquired in S203 is less than the first threshold value, the determination unit 140 determines to cause the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 to execute a diagnostic process (S205). In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the first diagnostic processing unit 130 performs the diagnostic process indicated by the diagnosis ID associated with the scanning target part, and the diagnostic result is displayed on the display unit 180.

[0057] On the other hand, when the edge priority acquired in S203 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the determination unit 140 determines to cause the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 to execute a diagnostic process (S206). In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the second diagnostic processing unit 230 performs the diagnostic process indicated by the diagnosis ID associated with the scanning target part, and the diagnostic result is displayed on the display unit 180.

[0058] In addition, in S204, when there are a plurality of sets of a diagnosis ID and diagnosis device information associated with the scanning target part, the determination unit 140 may determine whether the edge priority is less than the first threshold value for each of the plurality of sets. Thereby, the determination unit 140 can determine which of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 executes the diagnostic process for each of the plurality of diagnostic processes.

[0059] As described above, according to the second determination process, the determination unit 140 determines which of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 executes the diagnostic process based on the determination table 192. Thereby, the determination unit 140 can appropriately determine which of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 executes the diagnostic process according to the degree of confidentiality of the diagnostic result obtained by the diagnostic process. Further, by making it possible to change the first threshold value according to the input from the input unit 170, the distribution of the diagnostic process to the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 can be easily adjusted.

[0060] [Third determination process] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of the determination table 192. The first storage unit 190 stores a determination table 192 in which a scanning target site, information indicating the degree of confidentiality of the diagnosis result, and information indicating the processing time required for the diagnosis process are associated with each of a plurality of diagnosis processes corresponding to the first learned model 194-1 to the Nth learned model 194-N. As shown in FIG. 10, the determination table 192 is a table in which a diagnosis ID, a diagnosis process, a scanning target site, a diagnosis target, confidentiality, and a processing time are associated with each other. The diagnosis ID is identification information for identifying the diagnosis process. The diagnosis process is information indicating the content of the diagnosis process. The scanning target site is a site (such as the center of the chest, the upper right abdomen, etc.) scanned by the ultrasonic probe 50 in the living body P (subject). The diagnosis target is information indicating the diagnosis target (such as an organ) of the living body P. The confidentiality is information indicating the degree of confidentiality of the diagnosis result. For example, the confidentiality may be information indicating three levels (high, medium, low). The processing time is information indicating the time required when the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 executes the diagnosis process.

[0061] The determination table 192 is a preset table according to the degree of confidentiality of the diagnosis result obtained by the diagnosis process. For example, "low" is set in the confidentiality column for a diagnosis process with low confidentiality (such as heart rate) that is not a problem if seen by others, and "high" is set in the confidentiality column for a diagnosis process with high confidentiality (such as cancer diagnosis) that one does not want to be seen by others. "Medium" is an intermediate level between "high" and "low". In this way, the determination table 192 is set according to the degree of confidentiality of the diagnosis result obtained by the diagnosis process.

[0062] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the third determination process executed by the determination unit 140. First, the determination unit 140 acquires an ultrasonic image (echo image) from the ultrasonic image generation unit 120 (S301). Next, the determination unit 140 acquires scanning target site information from the specifying unit 160 (S302). The scanning target site information acquired here is information for specifying the scanning target site as described above.

[0063] Next, the determination unit 140 acquires from the determination table 192 the confidentiality and processing time associated with the diagnosis ID corresponding to the scanning target part indicated by the scanning target part information acquired in S302 (S303). For example, when the scanning target part indicated by the scanning target part information acquired in S302 is "the center of the chest", the determination unit 140 acquires from the determination table 192 in FIG. 10 a set of the diagnosis ID, confidentiality, and processing time corresponding to the scanning target part (the center of the chest). Specifically, the determination unit 140 acquires from the determination table 192 a set of the diagnosis ID (D001), confidentiality (high), and processing time (500 seconds) associated with the scanning target part (the center of the chest). Similarly, the determination unit 140 also acquires from the determination table 192 a set of the diagnosis ID (D002), confidentiality (low), and processing time (90 seconds), a set of the diagnosis ID (D003), confidentiality (low), and processing time (30 seconds), and a set of the diagnosis ID (D004), confidentiality (medium), and processing time (230 seconds).

[0064] Next, the determination unit 140 calculates a determination score indicating the degree of recommending the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 to execute the diagnostic process based on the information indicating the degree of confidentiality of the diagnostic result and the processing time required for the diagnostic process (S304). As described above, it is preferable to execute a diagnostic process with high confidentiality on the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, and it is preferable to execute a diagnostic process with a long processing time on the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 with a high processing speed. Therefore, the determination unit 140 calculates the determination score such that the determination score increases as the confidentiality increases and the determination score increases as the processing time decreases.

[0065] Next, the determination unit 140 determines whether the determination score calculated in S304 is greater than the second threshold value (S305). The second threshold value may be a preset value and may be changeable according to the input from the input unit 170. When the determination score calculated in S304 is greater than the second threshold value, the determination unit 140 determines to cause the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 to execute a diagnostic process (S306). In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the first diagnostic processing unit 130 performs a diagnostic process indicated by the diagnostic ID associated with the scanning target site, and the diagnostic result is displayed on the display unit 180.

[0066] On the other hand, when the determination score calculated in S304 is less than or equal to the second threshold value, the determination unit 140 determines to cause the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 to execute a diagnostic process (S307). In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the second diagnostic processing unit 230 performs a diagnostic process indicated by the diagnostic ID associated with the scanning target site, and the diagnostic result is displayed on the display unit 180.

[0067] As described above, according to the third determination process, the determination unit 140 calculates a determination score based on the determination table 192, and determines which of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 executes the diagnostic process based on the calculated determination score. Thereby, the determination unit 140 can appropriately determine which of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 executes the diagnostic process according to the degree of confidentiality of the diagnostic result obtained by the diagnostic process and the processing time. Further, by making the second threshold value changeable according to the input from the input unit 170, the distribution of the diagnostic process to the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 can be easily adjusted.

[0068] Note that in the third determination process, the determination unit 140 determines which of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 executes the diagnostic process according to the degree of confidentiality of the diagnostic result obtained by the diagnostic process, but it is not limited to this. For example, the determination unit 140 may determine which of the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 executes the diagnostic process according to the degree of confidentiality of the scanning target site specified by the scanning target site information. For example, the genital organ can be cited as a scanning target site with high confidentiality that is not desired to be seen by others. The determination unit 140 may determine that the diagnostic process for the scanning target site (such as the genital organ) whose confidentiality is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value is executed by the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 on the edge side, and the diagnostic process whose confidentiality is less than the predetermined threshold value is executed by the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. Thereby, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 10 of the present embodiment can prevent information related to the scanning target site with high confidentiality from leaking through the network NW.

[0069] As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 10 includes an ultrasonic probe 50 and a first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. The ultrasonic probe 50 transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject (living body P) and generates a probe signal based on the reflected wave from the subject. The first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is connected to the ultrasonic probe 50. The first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic image generation unit 120, a first storage unit 190, and a first diagnostic processing unit 130. The ultrasonic image generation unit 120 generates an ultrasonic image based on the probe signal received from the ultrasonic probe 50. The first storage unit 190 stores a plurality of learned models 194-1 to 194-N used for the diagnostic process of the subject. The first diagnostic processing unit 130 reads out the learned model corresponding to the scanning target site scanned by the ultrasonic probe 50 in the subject from the first storage unit 190, and executes the diagnostic process based on the ultrasonic image using the read learned model. Thereby, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 10 of the present embodiment can shorten the diagnostic process and realize power saving.

[0070] The ultrasonic diagnostic system 10 further includes a second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200 that can communicate with the first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 via a network NW. The first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 further includes a first communication unit that transmits an ultrasonic image and scanning target site information for identifying the scanning target site to the second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200. The second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200 includes a second communication unit 210, a second storage unit 290, and a second diagnostic processing unit 230. The second communication unit 210 receives the ultrasonic image and the scanning target site information from the first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100. The second storage unit 290 stores a plurality of learned models 294-1 to 294-N used for the diagnostic processing of the subject (living body P). The second diagnostic processing unit 230 reads out the learned model corresponding to the scanning target site specified by the scanning target site information from the second storage unit 290, and executes diagnostic processing based on the ultrasonic image using the read learned model. Accordingly, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 10 of the present embodiment can distribute and execute a plurality of diagnostic processes to the first ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 and the second ultrasonic diagnostic device 200.

[0071] As described above, the embodiments for implementing the present invention have been described using the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments at all, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 50 Ultrasonic probe 100 First ultrasonic diagnostic device 110 First communication unit 120 Ultrasonic image generation unit 130 First diagnostic processing unit 140 Determination unit 150 Imaging unit 160 Identification unit 170 Input unit 180 Display unit 190 First storage unit 200 Second ultrasonic diagnostic device 210 Second communication unit 230 Second diagnostic processing unit 290 Second storage unit

Claims

1. an ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and generates a probe signal based on the reflected waves from the subject; a first ultrasonic diagnostic device connected to the ultrasonic probe; a second ultrasonic diagnostic device capable of communicating with the first ultrasonic diagnostic device via a network; An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising: The first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic image generating unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a probe signal received from the ultrasonic probe; A first storage unit that stores a plurality of trained models used in the diagnostic process of the subject; a first diagnostic processing unit that reads out from the first storage unit a trained model corresponding to a scanning target part in the subject to be scanned by the ultrasonic probe, and executes the diagnostic processing based on the ultrasonic image using the read trained model; a first communication unit that transmits the ultrasound image and scanning target portion information for identifying the scanning target portion to the second ultrasound diagnostic device, The second ultrasonic diagnostic device is a second communication unit that receives the ultrasound image and the scanning target region information from the first ultrasound diagnostic device; A second storage unit that stores a plurality of trained models used in the diagnostic process of the subject; a second diagnostic processing unit that reads out from the second storage unit a trained model corresponding to the scanning target portion identified by the scanning target portion information, and executes the diagnostic processing based on the ultrasound image using the read trained model; the first ultrasonic diagnostic device further includes a determination unit that determines whether the first ultrasonic diagnostic device or the second ultrasonic diagnostic device is to execute the diagnostic process; the first storage unit stores a judgment table in which the scanning target region is associated with information indicating either the first ultrasonic diagnostic device or the second ultrasonic diagnostic device, for each of a plurality of diagnostic processes corresponding to the plurality of trained models; the determination unit determines whether the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus should execute the diagnostic process based on the determination table. Ultrasound diagnostic system.

2. The first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an imaging unit that captures an image of the ultrasonic probe scanning the subject; and an identifying unit that identifies the scanning target portion based on the captured image, The first diagnostic processing unit reads out a trained model corresponding to the identified scanning target part from the first storage unit, and executes the diagnostic processing based on the ultrasound image using the read out trained model. The ultrasound diagnostic system of claim 1 .

3. the identification unit detects a position and an orientation of the ultrasound probe with respect to the subject based on the captured image, and identifies the region to be scanned based on the detected position and orientation of the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound diagnostic system of claim 2.

4. An ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and generates a probe signal based on a reflected wave from the subject; a first ultrasonic diagnostic device connected to the ultrasonic probe; a second ultrasonic diagnostic device capable of communicating with the first ultrasonic diagnostic device via a network; An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising: The first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic image generating unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a probe signal received from the ultrasonic probe; A first storage unit that stores a plurality of trained models used in the diagnostic process of the subject; a first diagnostic processing unit that reads out from the first storage unit a trained model corresponding to a scanning target part in the subject to be scanned by the ultrasonic probe, and executes the diagnostic processing based on the ultrasonic image using the read trained model; a first communication unit that transmits the ultrasound image and scanning target portion information for identifying the scanning target portion to the second ultrasound diagnostic device, The second ultrasonic diagnostic device is a second communication unit that receives the ultrasound image and the scanning target region information from the first ultrasound diagnostic device; A second storage unit that stores a plurality of trained models used in the diagnostic process of the subject; a second diagnostic processing unit that reads out from the second storage unit a trained model corresponding to the scanning target portion identified by the scanning target portion information, and executes the diagnostic processing based on the ultrasound image using the read trained model; the first ultrasonic diagnostic device further includes a determination unit that determines whether the first ultrasonic diagnostic device or the second ultrasonic diagnostic device is to execute the diagnostic process; the first storage unit stores a judgment table in which the scanning target region is associated with information indicating a priority of executing the diagnostic process by the first ultrasonic diagnostic device, for each of a plurality of diagnostic processes corresponding to the plurality of learned models; the determination unit determines whether the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus should execute the diagnostic process based on the determination table. Ultrasound diagnostic system.

5. An ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and generates a probe signal based on a reflected wave from the subject; a first ultrasonic diagnostic device connected to the ultrasonic probe; a second ultrasonic diagnostic device capable of communicating with the first ultrasonic diagnostic device via a network; An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising: The first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic image generating unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a probe signal received from the ultrasonic probe; A first storage unit that stores a plurality of trained models used in the diagnostic process of the subject; a first diagnostic processing unit that reads out from the first storage unit a trained model corresponding to a scanning target part in the subject to be scanned by the ultrasonic probe, and executes the diagnostic processing based on the ultrasonic image using the read trained model; a first communication unit that transmits the ultrasound image and scanning target portion information for identifying the scanning target portion to the second ultrasound diagnostic device, The second ultrasonic diagnostic device is a second communication unit that receives the ultrasound image and the scanning target region information from the first ultrasound diagnostic device; A second storage unit that stores a plurality of trained models used in the diagnostic process of the subject; a second diagnostic processing unit that reads out from the second storage unit a trained model corresponding to the scanning target portion identified by the scanning target portion information, and executes the diagnostic processing based on the ultrasound image using the read trained model; the first ultrasonic diagnostic device further includes a determination unit that determines whether the first ultrasonic diagnostic device or the second ultrasonic diagnostic device is to execute the diagnostic process; the first storage unit stores a judgment table in which the scanning target portion, information indicating a degree of confidentiality of a diagnosis result, and information indicating a processing time required for the diagnosis process are associated with each other for each of a plurality of diagnosis processes corresponding to the plurality of learned models; the determination unit determines whether the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus should execute the diagnostic process based on the determination table. Ultrasound diagnostic system.

6. The determination unit is calculating a judgment score indicating a degree of recommendation for causing the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to execute the diagnostic process based on information indicating a degree of confidentiality of the diagnostic result and a processing time required for the diagnostic process; determining whether the diagnostic process is to be performed by the first ultrasonic diagnostic device or the second ultrasonic diagnostic device based on the determination score; The ultrasound diagnostic system of claim 5.

7. An ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and generates a probe signal based on a reflected wave from the subject; a first ultrasonic diagnostic device connected to the ultrasonic probe; a second ultrasonic diagnostic device capable of communicating with the first ultrasonic diagnostic device via a network; An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising: The first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic image generating unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a probe signal received from the ultrasonic probe; A first storage unit that stores a plurality of trained models used in the diagnostic process of the subject; a first diagnostic processing unit that reads out from the first storage unit a trained model corresponding to a scanning target part in the subject to be scanned by the ultrasonic probe, and executes the diagnostic processing based on the ultrasonic image using the read trained model; a first communication unit that transmits the ultrasound image and scanning target portion information for identifying the scanning target portion to the second ultrasound diagnostic device, The second ultrasonic diagnostic device is a second communication unit that receives the ultrasound image and the scanning target region information from the first ultrasound diagnostic device; A second storage unit that stores a plurality of trained models used in the diagnostic process of the subject; a second diagnostic processing unit that reads out from the second storage unit a trained model corresponding to the scanning target portion identified by the scanning target portion information, and executes the diagnostic processing based on the ultrasound image using the read trained model; the first ultrasonic diagnostic device further includes a determination unit that determines whether the first ultrasonic diagnostic device or the second ultrasonic diagnostic device is to execute the diagnostic process; the determination unit determines whether the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus should execute the diagnostic process depending on a degree of confidentiality of the scanning target portion specified by the scanning target portion information. Ultrasound diagnostic system.

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