Task-interface and communications system and method for ultrasound imager control
First Claim
1. A system for controlling complex equipment which is operated by a plurality of computerized task functions, comprising:
- (a) a host processor coupled to the complex equipment for controlling operation of the plurality of task functions;
(b) a plurality of client processors each having processing means for running a selected task function of the complex equipment as a remote process therefrom;
(c) a communications network coupling the host processor to the client processors, said host and client processors being provided with respective communication handlers operable with said network for requesting connection of any of the client processors to the host processor, sending commands from the client processor to the host processor, handling of commands by the host processor, communicating responses to commands from the host processor to the client processor, and closing the connection with the host processor; and
(d) a plurality of task interface programs each providing a respective task interface for running a selected task function of the complex equipment on any of the client processors, wherein a task interface program corresponding to the selected task function requested by a client processor resides on the client processor so that the task function can be run as a remote process on the client processor through the corresponding task interface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Complex equipment operated by a plurality of computerized task functions is coupled to a host processor which controls operation of a plurality of task functions performed by the equipment. Included in the equipment are a plurality of client processors, a communications network coupling the host processor to the client processors, and a plurality of programs providing respective task interfaces for running selected task functions of the equipment on any of the client processors as remote processes. Each task interface program includes a library of communications handlers and a designated task interface. When the complex equipment comprises an ultrasound imager system, the task functions of shaping a transmit waveform and shading the transducer reception parameters are performed through preferred embodiments of such task interfaces. A voice input task function may also be run as a remote process coupled to the imager host through the network interface.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for controlling complex equipment which is operated by a plurality of computerized task functions, comprising:
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(a) a host processor coupled to the complex equipment for controlling operation of the plurality of task functions; (b) a plurality of client processors each having processing means for running a selected task function of the complex equipment as a remote process therefrom; (c) a communications network coupling the host processor to the client processors, said host and client processors being provided with respective communication handlers operable with said network for requesting connection of any of the client processors to the host processor, sending commands from the client processor to the host processor, handling of commands by the host processor, communicating responses to commands from the host processor to the client processor, and closing the connection with the host processor; and (d) a plurality of task interface programs each providing a respective task interface for running a selected task function of the complex equipment on any of the client processors, wherein a task interface program corresponding to the selected task function requested by a client processor resides on the client processor so that the task function can be run as a remote process on the client processor through the corresponding task interface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for controlling complex equipment which is operated by a plurality of task functions, comprising:
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(a) providing a host processor coupled to the complex equipment for controlling operation of the plurality of task functions; (b) providing a plurality of client processors each having processing means for running a selected task function of the complex equipment as a remote process therefrom; (c) coupling the host processor to the client processors via a communications network, said host and client processors being provided with respective communication handlers operable with said network for requesting connection of any of the client processors to the host processor, sending commands from the client processor to the host processor, handling of commands by the host processor, communicating responses to commands from the host processor to the client processor, and closing the connection with the host processor; and (d) constructing a plurality of task interface programs each providing a respective task interface for running a selected task function of the complex equipment on any of the client processors. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification