Ultrasonic module and ultrasonic diagnostic system

• US 5,758,649 A
• Filed: 08/30/1996
• Issued: 06/02/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/01/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Fukuda Denshi Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
• Inventors: Abe, Yoshitaka, Yanashima, Tadahiko, Matsumoto, Kazuhiro, Hayakawa, Kenichi, Hiruta, Masahiro, Machida, Etsuro, Iwashita, Nobushi
• Primary Examiner(s): MANUEL, GEORGE C
• Application Number:
  US08/705,608
• Time in Patent Office: 641 Days
• Field of Search: 128/660.07, 128/660.08, 128/661.01, 128/662.03, 73/625, 73/626, 73/628
• US Class Current: 600/459
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/002 Monitoring the patient using a local or closed circuit, e.g. in a room or building A61B5/0017 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/00 Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves imaging of objects using sonar G01S15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/44 Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/899 Combination of imaging systems with ancillary equipment
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/52074 Composite displays, e.g. split-screen displays; Combination of multiple images or of images and alphanumeric tabular information

Abstract

There is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic system in which an ultrasonic probe is detachably connected thereto, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe into the subject to obtain received signals through receiving the ultrasonic waves reflected within the subject, thereby displaying for a diagnosis an image carrying information based on the received signals, and is also provided an ultrasonic module including a processing circuit for the received signals, the ultrasonic module being used in the ultrasonic diagnostic system. The diagnotics system and the diagnostic module according to the present invention permit the more extensive patients to have an ultrasonic diagnosis, and also permit the operator to have a higher level of computer support. The ultrasonic module is connected through a general-purpose interface to a computer system. An ultrasonic module, which has, as a main element, an analog unit for performing an analog signal processing, is connected to another computer system.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic module adapted for use in an ultrasonic diagnostic system including an operation panel and a computer system that outputs a control signal for controlling said ultrasonic module, the control signal being generated based on a control specification entered through said operation panel, said ultrasonic module comprising:

an analog unit for supplying drive signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

a digital unit for practicing a digital signal processing on signals generated from said analog unit;

a display circuit unit for practicing a processing for causing an image display to display an image based on signals generated from said digital unit;

a system control unit for controlling said analog unit, said digital unit, and said display circuit unit;

an input unit for inputting a control specification issued from an exterior to said system control unit; and

an output unit for outputting the signals generated from said digital unit to an exterior,

wherein all of said units are incorporated in one united body.

2. An ultrasonic module adapted for use in an ultrasonic diagnostic system including a computer system that outputs a control signal to the ultrasonic module, said ultrasonic module comprising:

an analog unit for supplying signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

an input unit for inputting a control signal to control said analog unit; and

an output unit for outputting signals generated from said analog unit to an exterior,

wherein all of said units are incorporated in one united body.

3. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

an ultrasonic module comprising;

an analog unit for supplying drive signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

a digital unit for practicing a digital signal processing on signals generated from said analog unit;

a display circuit unit for practicing a processing for causing an image display to display an image based on signals generated from said digital unit;

a system control unit for controlling said analog unit, said digital unit and said display circuit unit;

an input unit for inputting a control specification issued from an exterior to said system control unit; and

an output unit for outputting the signals generated from said digital unit to an exterior, wherein all of said units are incorporated in one united body;

an operation panel in which incorporated thereinto are an operation panel unit for inputting an instruction as to a control specification for a control of said analog unit, said digital unit and said display circuit unit in said system control unit, and an additional output unit for outputting the control specification produced through an operation by said operation panel unit to an exterior; and

a computer system connected to said input unit and said output unit of said ultrasonic module, and also to said additional output unit of said operation panel, said computer system being capable of performing an output of a control signal for controlling said ultrasonic module generated based on the control specification entered through said operation panel, a filing of information based on signals generated from said output unit, and a display of images based on the signals generated from said output unit.

4. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 3, wherein said computer system comprises:

diagnostic file producing means for producing a diagnostic file, on each diagnosis for each patient, containing at least patient ID information for discriminating patients, one or more sheets of image produced on the basis of signals generated from said ultrasonic module, and image collection conditions representative of a state of said ultrasonic module involved in a time when the signals, on the basis of which the images are produced, are obtained in said ultrasonic module; and

editing means for extracting and collecting information based on a designated editing specification from among a plurality of diagnostic files produced by said diagnostic file producing means.

5. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 4, wherein said computer system comprises:

electronic clinical record producing means for producing an electronic clinical record containing one'"'"'s view as to said diagnostic file, an image extracted from said diagnostic file, and a line drawing image produced on the basis of the image extracted from said diagnostic file.

6. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 4, wherein said computer system comprises:

diagnostic condition setting means for transmitting, at a time of a re-examination to again obtain signals for producing images, using said ultrasonic module, on a patient specified by the patient ID recorded in anyone of the diagnostic files produced at the past, image collection conditions recorded on the diagnostic file produced at the past on the same patient to said ultrasonic module.

7. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 4, wherein said computer system comprises:

image display means for displaying, at a time of a re-examination to again obtain signals for producing images, using said ultrasonic module, on a patient specified by the patient ID recorded in anyone of the diagnostic files produced at the past, image recorded on the diagnostic file produced at the past on the same patient.

8. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 3, wherein said computer system comprises:

navigation image display means for displaying a navigation image to support an operation for deriving images using said ultrasonic module.

9. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 3, wherein said ultrasonic diagnostic system includes said ultrasonic probe, a pointing device for designating a position on a screen, and a cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said ultrasonic probe and said pointing device and said ultrasonic module.

10. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 3, wherein said ultrasonic diagnostic system includes said ultrasonic probe, a pointing device for designating a position on a screen, and a first cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said ultrasonic probe and said ultrasonic module, and a second cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said pointing device and said computer system.

11. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

an ultrasonic module comprising;

an analog unit for supplying signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

an input unit for inputting a control signal to control said analog unit; and

an output unit for outputting signals generated from said analog unit to an exterior, wherein all of said units are incorporated in one united body; and

a computer system connected to said input unit and said output unit of said ultrasonic module, said computer system being capable of performing an output of a control signal for controlling said ultrasonic module, a digital signal processing to be practiced on signals generated from said ultrasonic module, a filing of information based on signals subjected to the digital signal processing, and a display of images based on the signals subjected to the digital signal processing.

12. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 11, wherein said computer system comprises:

diagnostic file producing means for producing a diagnostic file, on each diagnosis for each patient, containing at least patient ID information for discriminating patients, one or more sheets of image produced on the basis of signals generated from said ultrasonic module, and image collection conditions representative of a state of said ultrasonic module involved in a time when the signals, on the basis of which the images are produced, are obtained in said ultrasonic module; and

editing means for extracting and collecting information based on a designated editing specification from among a plurality of diagnostic files produced by said diagnostic file producing means.

13. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 12, wherein said computer system comprises:

electronic clinical record producing means for producing an electronic clinical record containing one'"'"'s view as to said diagnostic file, an image extracted from said diagnostic file, and a line drawing image produced on the basis of the image extracted from said diagnostic file.

14. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 12, wherein said computer system comprises:

diagnostic condition setting means for transmitting, at a time of a re-examination to again obtain signals for producing images, using said ultrasonic module, on a patient specified by the patient ID recorded in anyone of the diagnostic files produced at the past, image collection conditions recorded on the diagnostic file produced at the past on the same patient to said ultrasonic module.

15. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 12, wherein said computer system comprises:

image display means for displaying, at a time of a re-examination to again obtain signals for producing images, using said ultrasonic module, on a patient specified by the patient ID recorded in anyone of the diagnostic files produced at the past, image recorded on the diagnostic file produced at the past on the same patient.

16. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 11, wherein said computer system comprises:

navigation image display means for displaying a navigation image to support an operation for deriving images using said ultrasonic module.

17. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 11, wherein said ultrasonic diagnostic system includes said ultrasonic probe, a pointing device for designating a position on a screen, and a cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said ultrasonic probe and said pointing device and said ultrasonic module.

18. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 11, wherein said ultrasonic diagnostic system includes said ultrasonic probe, a pointing device for designating a position on a screen, and a first cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said ultrasonic probe and said ultrasonic module, and a second cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said pointing device and said computer system.

19. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

an ultrasonic module including;

an analog unit for supplying drive signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

a digital unit for practicing a digital signal processing on signals generated from said analog unit;

a display circuit unit for practicing a processing for causing an image display to display an image based on signals generated from said digital unit;

a system control unit for controlling said analog unit, said digital unit, and said display circuit unit;

an operation panel unit for inputting an instruction as to a control specification to said system control unit;

an input unit for inputting a control specification issued from an exterior to said system control unit; and

an output unit for outputting the signals generated from said digital unit to an exterior,

wherein all of said units are incorporated in one united body; and

a computer system connected to said input unit and said output unit of said ultrasonic module, said computer system being capable of performing an output of a control specification for controlling said ultrasonic module, a filing of information based on signals generated from said output unit, and a display of images based on the signals generated from said output unit,

wherein said computer system includes;

diagnostic file producing means for producing a diagnostic file, on each diagnosis for each patient, containing at least one patient ID information for discriminating patients, one or more sheets of image produced on the basis of signals generated from said ultrasonic module, and image collection conditions representative of a state of said ultrasonic module involved in a time when the signals, on the basis of which the images are produced, are obtained in said ultrasonic module; and

editing means for extracting and collecting information based on a designated editing specification from among a plurality of diagnostic files produced by said diagnostic file producing means.

20. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 19, wherein said computer system comprises:

electronic clinical record producing means for producing an electronic clinical record containing one'"'"'s view as to said diagnostic file, an image extracted from said diagnostic file, and a line drawing image produced on the basis of the image extracted from said diagnostic file.

21. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 19, wherein said computer system comprises:

diagnostic condition setting means for transmitting, at a time of a re-examination to again obtain signals for producing images, using said ultrasonic module, on a patient specified by the patient ID recorded in anyone of the diagnostic files produced at the past, image collection conditions recorded on the diagnostic file produced at the past on the same patient to said ultrasonic module.

22. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 19, wherein said computer system comprises:

image display means for displaying, at a time of a re-examination to again obtain signals for producing images, using said ultrasonic module, on a patient specified by the patient ID recorded in anyone of the diagnostic files produced at the past, image recorded on the diagnostic file produced at the past on the same patient.

23. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

an ultrasonic module including;

an analog unit for supplying signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

a system control unit for controlling said analog unit; and

an output unit for outputting signals generated from said analog unit to an exterior,

wherein all of said units are incorporated in one united body; and

a computer system connected to said output unit of said ultrasonic module, said computer system being capable of performing a digital signal processing to be practiced on signals generated from said ultrasonic module, a filing of information based on signals subjected to the digital signal processing, and a display of images based on the signals subjected to the digital signal processing,

wherein said computer system includes;

diagnostic file producing means for producing a diagnostic file, on each diagnosis for each patient, containing at least one patient ID information for discriminating patients, one or more sheets of image produced on the basis of signals generated from said ultrasonic module, and image collection conditions representative of a state of said ultrasonic module involved in a time when the signals, on the basis of which the images are produced, are obtained in said ultrasonic module; and

editing means for extracting and collecting information based on a designated editing specification from among a plurality of diagnostic files produced by said diagnostic file producing means.

24. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 23, wherein said computer system comprises:

electronic clinical record producing means for producing an electronic clinical record containing one'"'"'s view as to said diagnostic file, an image extracted from said diagnostic file, and a line drawing image produced on the basis of the image extracted from said diagnostic file.

25. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 23, wherein said computer system comprises:

diagnostic condition setting means for transmitting, at a time of a re-examination to again obtain signals for producing images, using said ultrasonic module, on a patient specified by the patient ID recorded in anyone of the diagnostic files produced at the past, image collection conditions recorded on the diagnostic file produced at the past on the same patient to said ultrasonic module.

26. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 23, wherein said computer system comprises:

image display means for displaying, at a time of a re-examination to again obtain signals for producing images, using said ultrasonic module, on a patient specified by the patient ID recorded in anyone of the diagnostic files produced at the past, image recorded on the diagnostic file produced at the past on the same patient.

27. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

an ultrasonic module including;

an analog unit for supplying drive signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

a digital unit for practicing a digital signal processing on signals generated from said analog unit;

a display circuit unit for practicing a processing for causing an image display to display an image based on signals generated from said digital unit;

a system control unit for controlling said analog unit, said digital unit, and said display circuit unit;

an operation panel unit for inputting an instruction as to a control specification to said system control unit;

an input unit for inputting a control specification issued from an exterior to said system control unit; and

an output unit for outputting the signals generated from said digital unit to an exterior,

wherein all of said units are incorporated in one united body; and

a computer system connected to said input unit and said output unit of said ultrasonic module, said computer system being capable of performing an output of a control specification for controlling said ultrasonic module, a filing of information based on signals generated from said output unit, and a display of images based on the signals generated from said output unit,

wherein said computer system includes;

navigation image display means for displaying a navigation image to support an operation for deriving images using said ultrasonic module.

28. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

an ultrasonic module including;

an analog unit for supplying signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

a system control unit for controlling said analog unit; and

an output unit for outputting signals generated from said analog unit to an exterior,

wherein all of said units are incorporated in one united body; and

a computer system connected to said output unit of said ultrasonic module, said computer system being capable of performing a digital signal processing to be practiced on signals generated from said ultrasonic module, a filing of information based on signals subjected to the digital signal processing, and a display of images based on the signals subjected to the digital signal processing,

wherein said computer system includes;

navigation image display means for displaying a navigation image to support an operation for deriving images using said ultrasonic module.

29. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

an ultrasonic module including;

an analog unit for supplying signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

a system control unit for controlling said analog unit;

an output unit for outputting the signals generated from said analog unit to an exterior,

wherein all of said units are incorporated in one united body;

a first computer system connected to said output unit of said ultrasonic module, said computer system being capable of performing a data communication, via a communication line, including a transmission of signals output from said ultrasonic module; and

a second computer system connected via said communication line to said first computer system, said second computer system being capable of performing a data communication including a reception of the signals output from said ultrasonic module and transmitted from said first computer system, and also being capable of producing images based on received signals,

wherein said second computer system includes;

transmitting means for transmitting to said first computer system a signal representative of a navigation image to support an operation for deriving images using said ultrasonic module, and

wherein said first computer system includes;

receiving means for receiving the signal representative of the navigation image transmitted from said second computer system; and

navigation image display means for displaying the navigation image based on received signals.

30. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 29, wherein said ultrasonic diagnostic system comprises an ultrasonic probe device having an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a pointing device for designating a position on a screen, and a cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said ultrasonic probe and said pointing device and said ultrasonic module.

31. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 29, wherein said ultrasonic diagnostic system comprises an ultrasonic probe device having an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a pointing device for designating a position on a screen, a first cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said ultrasonic probe and said ultrasonic module, and a second cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said pointing device and said first computer system.

32. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

an ultrasonic module including;

an analog unit for supplying signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

an input unit for inputting a control signal to control said analog unit; and

an output unit for outputting the signals generated from said analog unit to an exterior,

wherein all of said units are incorporated in one united body;

a first computer system connected to said input unit and said output unit of said ultrasonic module, said first computer system being capable of performing a transmission of a control signal for controlling said ultrasonic module, and also being capable of performing data communication, via a communication line, including a transmission of signals output from said ultrasonic module; and

a second computer system connected via said communication line to said first computer system, said second computer system being capable of performing a data communication including a reception of the signals output from said ultrasonic module and transmitted from said first computer system, and also being capable of producing images based on received signals,

wherein said second computer system includes;

transmitting means for transmitting to said first computer system a signal representative of a navigation image to support an operation for deriving images using said ultrasonic module, and

wherein said first computer system includes;

receiving means for receiving the signal representative of the navigation image transmitted from said second computer system; and

navigation image display means for displaying the navigation image based on received signals.

33. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 32, wherein said ultrasonic diagnostic system comprises an ultrasonic probe device having an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a pointing device for designating a position on a screen, and a cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said ultrasonic probe and said pointing device and said ultrasonic module.

34. An ultrasonic diagnostic system according to claim 32, wherein said ultrasonic diagnostic system comprises an ultrasonic probe device having an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a pointing device for designating a position on a screen, a first cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said ultrasonic probe and said ultrasonic module, and a second cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said pointing device and said first computer system.

35. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

an ultrasonic module including;

an analog unit for supplying drive signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

a digital unit for practicing a digital signal processing on signals generated from said analog unit;

a display circuit unit for practicing a processing for causing an image display to display an image based on signals generated from said digital unit;

a system control unit for controlling said analog unit, said digital unit, and said display circuit unit;

an operation panel unit for inputting an instruction as to a control specification to said system control unit;

an input unit for inputting a control specification issued from an exterior to said system control unit; and

an output unit for outputting the signals generated from said digital unit to an exterior,

wherein all said units are incorporated in one united body; and

a computer system connected to said input unit and said output unit of said ultrasonic module, said computer system being capable of performing an output of a control specification for controlling said ultrasonic module, a filing of information based on signals generated from said output unit, and a display of images based on the signals generated from said output unit,

wherein said ultrasonic diagnostic system includes said ultrasonic probe, a pointing device for designating a position on a screen, and a cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said ultrasonic probe and said pointing device and said ultrasonic module.

36. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

an ultrasonic module including;

an analog unit for supplying signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

a system control unit for controlling said analog unit; and

an output unit for outputting signals generated from said analog unit to an exterior,

wherein all said units are incorporated in one united body; and

a computer system connected to said output unit of said ultrasonic module, said computer system being capable of performing a digital signal processing to be practiced on signals generated from said ultrasonic module, a filing of information based on signals subjected to the digital signal processing, and a display of images based on the signals subjected to the digital signal processing,

wherein said ultrasonic diagnostic system includes said ultrasonic probe, a pointing device for designating a position on a screen, and a cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said ultrasonic probe and said pointing device and said ultrasonic module.

37. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

an ultrasonic module including;

an analog unit for supplying drive signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

a digital unit for practicing a digital signal processing on signals generated from said analog unit;

a display circuit unit for practicing a processing for causing an image display to display an image based on signals generated from said digital unit;

a system control unit for controlling said analog unit, said digital unit, and said display circuit unit;

an operation panel unit for inputting an instruction as to a control specification to said system control unit;

an input unit for inputting a control specification issued from an exterior to said system control unit; and

an output unit for outputting the signals generated from said digital unit to an exterior,

wherein all said units are incorporated in one united body; and

a computer system connected to said input unit and said output unit of said ultrasonic module, said computer system being capable of performing an output of a control specification for controlling said ultrasonic module, a filing of information based on signals generated from said output unit, and a display of images based on the signals generated from said output unit,

wherein said ultrasonic diagnostic system includes said ultrasonic probe, a pointing device for designating a position on a screen, a first cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said ultrasonic probe and said ultrasonic module, and a second cable for carrying a transmission of signals between said pointing device and said computer system.

38. An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

an ultrasonic module including;

an analog unit for supplying signals for a transmission of ultrasonic waves to an to an ultrasonic probe adapted for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and for practicing an analog signal processing on received signals obtained through said ultrasonic probe;

a system control unit for controlling said analog unit; and

an output unit for outputting signals generated from said analog unit to an exterior,

wherein all said units are incorporated in one united body; and

a computer system connected to said output unit of said ultrasonic module, said computer system being capable of performing a digital signal processing to be practiced on signals generated from said ultrasonic module, a filing of information based on signals subjected to the digital signal processing, and a display of images based on the signals subjected to the digital signal processing,

wherein said ultrasonic diagnostic system includes said ultrasonic probe, a pointing device for designating a position on a screen, a first cable for carrying a transmission of signals transferred between said ultrasonic probe and said ultrasonic module, and a second cable for carrying a transmission of signals between said pointing device and said computer system.