Medical ultrasonic diagnostic system with upgradeable transducer probes and other features

These This invention relates to systems for medical ultrasound and in particular to systems for medical ultrasound diagnosis, the remote upgrade with new transducer probes and other additional features allow.

Earlier ultrasound systems were for built permanent special operation, for which they were designed. In general, a work system with one or two probes, the example for A one-line scanning and audio Doppler images were suitable. The possibility, to vary the operating data of the system and of the probes, was extremely limited.

Of the was first progress in relation to the system's versatility in the development of modular systems. A system such as that of Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc., marketed in the seventies Mark III was composed of modules, each of which a particular aspect of the system operation controlled, for example, B-mode imaging, Doppler processing or video imaging and display. New Features were by adding added new modules be. A user could upgrade the system by a new module bought the wired with the other modules in a module rack was connected to the modules coordinated to one another to connect functioning ultrasound system.

As electronics started to be more compact and integrated, was it is possible to discrete functions and features of an ultrasound system in a densify single printed circuit. ultrasound systems as the Ultra Mark <figref>4</figref> could thus with new features and Options are provided by existing PCBs by replaced or supplemented by new this were.

outgoing of upgrading by boards offered subsequent generations of ultrasound systems the possibility for upgrading using even smaller components. These systems could be upgraded, to new or additional to function transducer probes by existing programmable Only memory (eng. Programmable read-only memories, PROM) from printed circuit boards or new PROMs in the blanks were plugged. The PROMs were able large amounts to store digital data, and the sockets for the PROMs formed the paths or buses, on the processor of the ultrasound system on the data stored in the PROMs was able to access program data. A typical transducer probe upgrade in added a new probe was to function in an existing system, comprised the probe and the cable, and one or more PROMs which the program data provided, with which the ultrasound system steered the new probe and operation.

These led developments to today's ultrasound systems, in which some parts ultrasound system upgrades installed by service personnel of digital media. at some systems, many of the program data on a hard disk drive stored, which will be replaced by a customer service engineer can. upgrading to new features, such as new transducer probes may be carried out, by the existing drive of the ultrasound system removed and is replaced by a new disk drive, the factory with was prepared and tested new program data. Thus, a completely new program record, which prepared at the factory and fully tested and has been checked, installed in the ultrasound system and enables the system with new or other transducer probes to function or improved new Functions and features, such as a three-dimensional display processing, perform.

at the latest development of data processing media, the new program data in the factory on a disk with a high recording density, For example, an optical disc stored. to install new program data for new system features sets a serviceman the optical disc in a corresponding, built in the ultrasound system, a reader. the Ultrasound system works then so that the new program data reads from the optical disk and on the hard drive the system or stores on other media. A serviceman can thus be one or a limited number of optical disks for the numerous ultrasound system models in a product line with them to lead and selectively the required Data from the appropriate optical disk in each ultrasound system load, which he repaired or rearming.

On Ultrasound system is known from the patent document WO 95/15521. This ultrasound system includes a computer, a telephone connection and a modem, so that the user can access a module, in the Upgrades stored.

&lt;?page 3?&gt;

Thus the ultrasound system can be upgraded by the user via the telephone connection.

On Server for controlling the release of patches of program upgrades for a Group of customer computers is from the US Patent <patcit><text>US 5155847</text></patcit> known. Of the known server has means allow or deny access to the client computer and release priorities pretend. The system configuration at the customer is in the central computer of the server stored for the server, the appropriate upgrades may determine. The upgrades are mentioned only in the stored computer server and then via communication links for the the client computer released. Each new version of the programs is on tapes mailed. Only patches of programs are on communications links released.

On Aspect that has not changed with these improvements, is the requirement that the ultrasound system upgrades and trained be carried out highly qualified service personnel for ultrasound systems have to. The constant Increase in complexity and perfection of these devices makes it more urgent than ever requires that the installation of upgrades by service personnel takes place. Although the medical technician in hospitals qualifications required for such an installation may have sometimes, can not be assumed are that they present at the installation place of each ultrasound system are, and doctors who use ultrasound systems in their practices, are not familiar in general with system service procedures. It would be desirable, if one were able to Ultrasound systems with new or different transducer probes and other upgrade features without that service personnel would be needed, taking into account that support spot on installation space of the ultrasound system usually not available. also a physician can not always for the arrival of a service technician waiting. Possibly needed a doctor within a day or even within a few hours new services or system characteristics for a difficult or unusual Diagnosis. It would be therefore desirable if a doctor quickly upgraded Features and benefits could get his ultrasound system, even if service personnel not available stands or time for the retrieval of an upgrade service can not be scheduled.

The The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic system with the possibility remote upgrade and a method for upgrading of such an ultrasonic system as in claims 1 and 10 is defined.

According to the principles of the present invention is an ultrasonic inspection system created that from a distance with new or different transducer probes can be upgraded or other features. The ultrasound system with transmission electronics, such as a modem or network capability, equipped, making the system data to the manufacturer or a another location can exchange, of the new program data to the system via a transmitted telephone line or other transmission systems be. be transducer probes at a central geographic location available held fast from them via air freight in question from which the Site of an ultrasound system in the region or Country can be sent. If a doctor an upgrade feature, For example, a new transducer probe ordered, the probe is within of hours by air from the site of the central bearing sent to the doctor. If the ultrasound system by a user is put into a state in which an upgrade can be installed, be responsible for the control and operation of the probe by the ultrasound system necessary program data electronically via a telephone network or a other communication network sent from the plant to the ultrasound system. The transmitted data from the modem or the network connection received in the ultrasound system, and stored in the processing and Storage electronics of the system installed. The ultrasound system checks the new installed program data and reports the work or other Datasource successfully installing the upgrade. If desired, the user can a simple review of the upgrade feature perform when the ultrasound system the next used time or data to the factory or another service center Send if any problems found with the upgrade feature be solved and can. Thus, the upgrade an ultrasound system be without service personnel needed at the site of the ultrasound system is, and by a simple and minimal interaction with system users.

embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it:

&lt;?page 4?&gt;

<figref idrefs="S21">1</figref> the Concept of a diagnostic ultrasound system with the possibility Remote upgrade of the present Invention;

<figref idrefs="S22">2</figref> on Block diagram of the principal Components of a accordance with the principles the present invention constructed diagnostic ultrasound system with the possibility remote upgrade;

<figref idrefs="S23">3</figref> on Block diagram of an exemplary system for data storage and control for an ultrasonic system with the ability remote upgrade;

the <figref idrefs="S24">4a</figref> and <figref idrefs="S25">4b</figref> Schedules of Process according to the principles of the present invention to supply a diagnostic ultrasound system a transducer probe upgrade; and

<figref idrefs="S26">5</figref> a Flowchart of a process for diagnostic support from a distance for a diagnostic Ultrasound system.

As first reference to <figref idrefs="S21">1</figref> is the concept of a diagnostic Ultrasonic system with the ability remote upgrade according to the present Invention. The term "upgrade" refers to hardware or digital data for a medical diagnostic ultrasound system, the installation after create in the system features and functions of the system, on the the system at this time does not have. An example of an upgrade is For example, a new or different model of transducer probe or the ability to Ultrasound images in three dimensions. The present Invention is no longer as before a visit by service personnel locally required upgrades to install, because the hardware and the digital data of an upgrade by direct airfreight or electronic data transmission to disposal be provided.

In <figref idrefs="S21">1</figref> is a medical diagnostic ultrasound system <figref>100</figref> at the User location, for example in a hospital, a laboratory or clinic, situated. The ultrasound system<figref>100</figref> is to an AC outlet <figref>102</figref> connected to it in conventional Way to power. In addition, the ultrasound system via the plug <figref>104</figref> connected to a communication network over which the part of an upgrade, comprising the digital or program data remotely with Support of communication networks by network operators, for example, with with <figref>110</figref> designated telephone network, or wireless, Satellite link or other wireless communication networks, as with <figref>112</figref> designated, the data between geographically transmitted separate locations, to disposal can be provided. Systems of network operators are generally accessible for the public and can be used by it. The hardware portion of an ultrasound system upgrade is come in direct airfreight, as it passes through the plane <figref>114</figref> illustrated , while the data portion of the upgrade from a data server upgrade <figref>120</figref> directly the user location transmis gen is. As in the case of the ultrasound system<figref>100</figref>With which the Upgrades Data Server communicates, is the upgrade data server <figref>120</figref> over a conventional socket <figref>102</figref> connected to the mains voltage and with the communication network connector <figref>104</figref> connected to the transfer of Ultrasound System Upgrades Data on communications media <figref>110</figref>. <figref>112</figref> to enable. The term "server" refers a data transmission device, Upgrading data for a Ultrasound system a communication medium transmits.

On detailed Block diagram of the ultrasound system <figref>100</figref> with the possibility Remote upgrade is in <figref idrefs="S22">2</figref> shown. In the dashed box<figref>100</figref> are shows the components of the ultrasound system together on are integrated car or frame of the ultrasound system. the ultrasound system <figref>100</figref> includes a processor <figref>20</figref>. the inputs to user controls <figref>30</figref> responds processed ultrasonic information, and the overall operation of Ultrasound system controls. The information and commands from the User controls <figref>30</figref> be the processor <figref>20</figref> over a bus <figref>92</figref> supplied. The ultrasonic energy is an ultrasonic transducer or probe a test head <figref>10</figref>. of a beamformer <figref>12</figref> connected is, in the body a patient sent. The ultrasound system<figref>100</figref> includes Usually a number of Prüfkopfsteckern, as used in <figref>80</figref> in <figref idrefs="S21">1</figref> illustrated are about a number of probes simultaneously the beamformer <figref>12</figref> connected can be. The beamformer controls a selected probe <figref>10</figref>. so this ultrasonic energy transmits and receives ultrasound echo information from the probe, by the beamformer <figref>12</figref> processed are all under the control of signals over a bus <figref>94</figref> the processor <figref>20</figref> are supplied. processor<figref>20</figref> processed of the beamformer generated ultrasound information to form display information, For example, an ultrasound B-mode image, Doppler images or spectral information, or other information, derived from the ultrasound information. The display information be over a data bus <figref>90</figref> and forwarded to a display monitor <figref>40</figref> displayed. The information displayed can also in the data storage media &lt;?page 5?&gt;<figref>50</figref> get saved, the image storage devices such as a cine loop^®-Memory may include. The data storage media also store program data to which the processor <figref>20</figref> about the bus <figref>90</figref> can be accessed and used to control the various functions of the ultrasound system, or for processing the ultrasound information is used in a unique way. The program data may Programs for processing ultrasonic image data, for example, for three-dimensional display or for simultaneous processing and display an ultrasound image and Doppler spectral information, or for controlling the Strahlbündlers or for example a special Prüfkopfmodells include.

According to the principles of the present invention, the ultrasound system a communication link <figref>60</figref> for the compound with and reception of armament program data the work of the ultrasound system manufacturer. The term "plant" refers to a remote location, from which the ultrasound system program data for can ultrasound system a user is sent, and the Location at which the system is prepared, a customer service location, include an Agent location or another place where a server to send the program data is to the ultrasound system. The communication link <figref>60</figref> may take the form of a network interface, for example in the form of an Ethernet port present on the data a Network in the building, in which the ultrasound system is, transmits, or in the form of a modem are present, which forms the interface to telephone lines. In both cases can communicate with the communication link with the work, and receive program data sent from the plant to ultrasound system be. The communication link<figref>60</figref> is within of the ultrasound system <figref>100</figref> the processor <figref>20</figref> controlled, and that of the communication link <figref>60</figref> received from the factory Program data the processor <figref>20</figref> or processed in the data memory <figref>50</figref> saved be or both.

The electronic components of the ultrasound system <figref>100</figref> will supplied with voltages from the power supply <figref>70</figref> supplied be that in conventional Art to an AC outlet <figref>102</figref> connected.

<figref idrefs="S23">3</figref> shows is a block diagram showing an example of the bus architecture of the processor and the storage media of an ultrasound system with the ability remote upgrade represents. To the data bus<figref>90</figref> are in this drawing a central processing unit (engl. central processing unit, CPU) and a controller <figref>22</figref> connected, the flow of the program data between a modem <figref>62</figref> and a number of memory elements controlled. The communications link in this example is from the Modem, the program data between the ultrasound system and external Send data sources and can catch emp. As an alternative or in addition to the modem <figref>62</figref> can the communication link a network communicator, as the Netlink communicator <figref>64</figref>, include. Netlink Communicators for ultrasound systems stand at the authorized Company of the present inventor made available and can to a network in the building communicate, in which the ultrasound system is set up, wherein the network then may communicate with external data sources.

The in <figref idrefs="S23">3</figref> Memory elements shown include Disk storage device <figref>54</figref>. an optical disk storage device <figref>52</figref> and a custom processor card <figref>24</figref>On which a plurality of electrically programmable logic components are disposed, for example electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (eng Electrically. erasable programmable read-only memories, EEPROMs). In a typical circuit arrangement saves hard disk space <figref>54</figref> Programs and data tables, the demand of the CPU and the controller <figref>22</figref> accessed and executed are or used. The optical disk stores information, require storage with high density, such as ultrasound images. The EEPROMs store data or in carrying out special operations Functions of the customized processor <figref>24</figref> used be. CPU and controller<figref>22</figref> program data of the receive modem and directly into one of these memory elements save; they received caching program data, then process and the processed store information in a memory element; or they may be received process data immediately and then stored in a memory element save.

the following example, which in the flow charts of <figref idrefs="S24">4a</figref> and <figref idrefs="S25">4b</figref> illustrated is shows how to upgrade, which both hardware and program data includes components from a distance in the ultrasound system <figref>100</figref> according to the procedure of the present Invention is installed. The object of this example upgrading the probe, whereby the ultrasonic system with a new probe and the program data is provided that the ultrasound system for operating and controlling the probe needed. To illustrate this example, assume that the doctor, using the ultrasound system, the following day an ultrasound scan carry out would like, for the he a test&lt;?page 6?&gt;head , via which he does not have the time and do not work at the time with his ultrasound system can.

In this situation, the physician may the phone and calls to the factory. His call is answered by a customer service representative at the doctor ordered a new s broadband Konvexwandler who (in this scenario) probe C8-3 is called. This is the first step<figref>150</figref> in the Schedule from <figref idrefs="S24">4a</figref>, In step<figref>152</figref> shall confirms the order of the physician and checked to ensure that a probe C8-3 upgrading is to be added to the ultrasound system of the doctor can.

Of the Customer service representative then begins the process of the delivery and installation of the upgrade the probe C8-3 for the doctor ends. The first step<figref>154</figref> is in the process in order to check the configuration of the doctor system. This contains the exam version or the level of the operating software of the system and the hardware components of the ultrasound system. The current configuration the ultrasound system of the physician determines the additional Hardware and program data that are required to upgrade to add ultrasound system of the doctor, that is, the components, which are both compatible with this system as well as effective. The information required are generally in two ways available. One type consists of a well-maintained by the factory database current configurations of all ultrasound systems, the manufacturer were sold. The weakness of this system is, that it depends on timely and accurate upgrades when the configuration of System changes. Altered configuration of third persons, not the new configuration information enter into the database, the database is not up to date Stand. This deficiency is corrected by the second method, in where the configuration is determined by the ultrasound system from work on the communication medium and the communication link of the system is queried. The customer service representative connects with the ultrasound system of the doctor and sends a command to the system with which it requests the ultrasound system, its to send configuration information to the factory. The communication link responds under control of the processor to this request, by taking over the current configuration information, the Communication medium back sends it to the customer service representative at the factory, as with <figref>156</figref> indicated. Thus, the customer service representative can accurately the current configuration of the ultrasound system remotely determine, without that they would call the doctor's laboratory and disturb him.

Latter Alternative prepares significant problems, if the technology that medical practice, namely to the problems of privacy of the patient and the safety of the diagnosis. Since practically all components standing and programs of the ultrasound system correlated and are interactive, implies (korrekter- or incorrectly) the possibility an ultrasonic system back to its configuration information query that the remote access other information can present in the system, such as patient data and diagnostic data reporting. Regardless of whether these possibilities can be used must guarantee the doctor be that the ultrasound system, the requirements for respect of privacy and complies with the safety that require it and the law, and that he had referred privacy and security controls.

Of the Success of these warranties begins at the time of the first installation of the ultrasound system in the laboratory of the doctor. At this time, explains the installation staff of the physician work the way the remote access of the ultrasound system and makes him the degree of remote access choose, can handle the his system. The physician may choose to his ultrasound system is set so that only one query the configuration is allowed, and all other information protected in the system before access be. Alternatively, the physician can an advanced remote access Allow, for example, access to diagnostic and performance information the ultrasound system. Or the doctor can access to some Patient data, such as image data permit. Of course, the doctor is always the possibility, access for blocking all remote request of information of the ultrasound system. The balance between privacy and security on the one Page and faster and more accurate diagnostic analysis by the work on the other side is influenced by the doctor.

is the configuration of the ultrasound system once determined, ships the customer service representative at step <figref>158</figref> the appropriate Hardware components of the upgrade the location of the doctor. The hardware components for upgrades are preferably stored in a place from which they quickly can be sent to customers. ATL (Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc.), the assignee of the present application, upgrade components are stored not in Work of ATL, but in the premises of a Air freight forwarding. To send a component calls the customer service representative the shipper to or contacted him electronically and gives instructions for the Outbox part and the&lt;?page 7?&gt;sen destination. As at<figref>160</figref> in <figref idrefs="S24">4a</figref> stated is sent to the forwarding agent, the component immediately from its location, in such a way that it arrives the next morning at the customer, or earlier, when circumstances require.

In step <figref>170</figref> added the doctor, the ultrasound system in an operating state to receive the upgrade program data, the transfer of work to the system be. It may occur that the physician at the time the to he order the for upgrading gives, intends to continue the system for the rest of the day for patient exams to use. The ultrasound system can not be upgraded, while it for Diagnostic purposes is used, and it has taken, in fact it are to avoid this, so that the examination of the patient is not interrupted by the doctor. So the doctor puts the System until the state of the reception of armament program data allowed when necessary for is his needs. This can, for example, at the end of his consultation time of the physician when the ultrasound system otherwise would unused. The doctor will be asked when placing the order, a appropriate time for the installation of the upgrade specify. In a typical embodiment, the means Placing the ultrasound system in a state of receiving the of upgrades allows easy, that the system and the communication link <figref>60</figref> switched on Me and the communication cable to the local network port or the telephone line <figref>104</figref> connected is. The ultrasound system preferably with a single hardware or soft key with the Label "Receive Upgrade Data "(upgrade data received) equipped, upon actuation the electronic elements of the ultrasound system in the state brings the receiving upgrade program data on the Communication media allows.

In step <figref>172</figref> provides the customer service representative from the program data server <figref>120</figref> via the Communication media to connect to the ultrasound system <figref>100</figref> ago. The ultrasound system is password protected and requires replacement and confirmation of predetermined protocols before in step <figref>174</figref> the Connection is made with the ultrasound system. after the Connection between the program data server and the ultrasound system is established, the server retrieves a confirmation from the ultrasound system and receives that the system is in a state in which the Armament program data can be received and installed. The customer service representative then tells the ultrasound system that the server is ready, with the transfer the upgrade program data to start.

In step <figref>178</figref> stores the ultrasound system's current Configuration data, if it has not already done so previously. This configuration data includes not only preferences and default parameters WUR previously installed at the factory to how For example, the parameter "Tissue Specific Imaging "(tissue-specific Imaging), which enable the ultrasound system automatically, perform certain diagnostic tests, but also custom Preferences and parameters which the user additionally in the system has entered. The doctor may parameters and presets entered in the ultrasound system, the functioning of the of the system to his personal Customize requirements. The physician can, for example, a linear transducer have preset to each time the probe is used, to automatically have a certain group of focal points, so that he did not manually before each investigation, the foci have to be. These custom information in step<figref>178</figref> from stored ultrasound system, so they are not lost and again can be installed, if the installation of the upgrade program data is completed.

located the ultrasound system in a state where it armament program data can receive and the configuration information is stored, starts the program data server <figref>120</figref> in step <figref>180</figref> With the transfer the upgrade program data on the Communication media to the ultrasound system. The communication link<figref>60</figref> receives the Program data, and after the full set of data has been received, confirmed the communication link in step <figref>182</figref> reception of the data. The data sent in addition to the required for upgrading contain program data diagnostic self-test routines for the ultrasound system, which are used to verify the successful installation of the upgrade.

In step <figref>184</figref> installed, the processor of the ultrasound system the program data in the system. This step can preparatory Steps as the decompression of the data in a compact format sent, or the preparation and sorting of subsets of data for installation and storage in various subsystems within the ultrasound system include. In the case of upgrading the probe in this example, the upgrade program data contains table data and commands it to the beamformer enable, the transducer elements of the new probe to supply at the correct time points with energy received delaying ultrasound signals in a suitable manner to a correct focus&lt;?page 8?&gt;ized and steered beam bundle to form, and to create settings of User controls, with which the physician inter alia the level of the power output of the probe can control. For this and other functions appropriate data subsets are required from processed processor and in the appropriate storage media of the ultrasound system stored.

After installing the upgrade program data tests and checks the ultrasound system elements of the system in order to properly install the program data to check, and leads the Self-test diagnostics that have been sent with the upgrade data may be, as in step <figref>186</figref> is specified. The results these tests and tests, such as the results of Speicherprüfsumme and configuration tests be in step <figref>188</figref> sent back to the program data server, to ensure proper installation the upgrade program data to confirm. During the installation and installed confirmation processes the ultrasound system again the custom configuration settings, which had previously been stored.

If the server for any reason the complete confirmation of receives successfully installing the upgrade, ask the customer service representative the ultrasound system according to information from which the cause Close the difficulties could be, and sets out to eliminate this. If necessary, the Process to step <figref>176</figref> return, as shown by the dashed line <figref>190</figref> is shown, and the entire upgrade process performed again be.

it it is apparent that the armament program data installed in the ultrasound system from a remote location be, without the physician or customer service personnel at the site intervene on the ultrasound system needs. The upgrade can while carried out a time in which the ultrasound system is not in operation is, for example, during later Night hours at the location of the system. Since the location of the server<figref>120</figref> somewhere may be located on the globe, the upgrade can during work hours Location of the server, but while installed non-working hours at the site of the ultrasound system be. Ultrasound systems in Europe, for example, the middle at night (local time) and during normal working hours at the location of the server to be upgraded in Seattle.

in the Framework of the present example are transmitted overnight rearmament program data received and installed in the ultrasound system of the physician. The probe meets the following morning with the air freight company a. The physician connects the probe a connector <figref>80</figref> and can immediately diagnose investigations with the new probe and the upgraded Ultrasound system perform.

As an option for transferring and installation of upgrades from a distance is in <figref idrefs="S26">5</figref> a process shown, with allowing the physician to the performance of the upgrade of the ultrasound system further check may carry out any necessary adjustments or refinements. In step <figref>200</figref> leads the doctor a self-guided test his new probe by. This test can use some parts of the self-test diagnostic include, during the the installation process has been sent to the ultrasound system. In case of Prüfkopfaufrüstung can He also activities as the image display of an ultrasound phantom or the normal Pathology include. These tests are definitely specially designed to be easily carried out by the doctor can.

is the doctor is not satisfied with the results of the self-controlled tests, he can call the work, as in step <figref>202</figref> stated is used in step <figref>204</figref> the effect responds that by the exchange of passwords explained and protocols as above establishes the connection with the ultrasound system. Does the work in the presence of the doctor now, in conjunction with the ultrasound system can the doctor and the customer service representative of the work all potential discuss issues and work together to determine how to the solution proceed the problems is. In step<figref>206</figref> decide the Doctor and the customer service representative, for example, the work system data and ultrasound images from the ultrasound system for analysis available to put. This information receives the work on the Communications media in step <figref>208</figref>Where a specialist the information and images analyzed. In step<figref>210</figref> determined For example, the specialist of the work that a change the upgrade program data is appropriate, and it is a modified program record prepared. This amended Program record in step <figref>212</figref> from the server <figref>120</figref> about the transmitted communications media and in step <figref>214</figref> received from the ultrasound system and installed. The doctor can then upgrade features with the new test data set, and installed, as the dashed line <figref>216</figref> indicates the transfer Information from the ultrasound system and the return of amended Program data be continued until the doctor completely satisfied with the performance of rearmament is.

&lt;?page 9?&gt;

Out the above description are for the skilled person other applications of the present invention easily visible. Many upgrades can for example, completely be included in a program record, without a hardware component. Such upgrades be onsmedien of the remote location by means of communi installed, need to be shipped without hardware. These upgrades can are listed and described in a database, which for many Users of ultrasound systems is readily available, such as the homepage of the authorized Company of the inventor on the World Wide Web. A user on the Homepage accesses, at the company website and its hypertext links remotely installed upgrades order by simply using a computer mouse on it, displays and clicking on them and him in response to queries, to which the user is passed from the homepage, basic ordering information to be delivered. The user can thus orders for upgrades in accordance with its ad requests immediately to the customer service representative be passed and at the time desired by the user from a distance be installed. allow the hypertext links of the homepage a user also over his ultrasound system and the communication link with the communicate homepage to their using the website or Hypertext links immediately to receive program data upgrades.

it should also be noted that armament program data even Time points can be sent to the ultrasound system to where the system is in diagnostic use by a buffer memory or data storage is provided in the incoming program data temporarily for later Installation can be stored. Such a buffer memory allows there the customer service representative, armament program data at any time To send, without having to wait for the ultrasound system has been put into a state, the the installation of the upgrade allowed. If the system later into the "upgrade installation "(Installation the upgrade) displaced, can access the cached program data in order to process it and to install in the ultrasound system. After installing the upgrade, the communication link divides a connection with the server in her work, and the system the status and success of the installation of the upgrade with.

it is also to note that the ultrasound system with its communication link for upgrades can also be operated in remote locations, where no Telephone lines are available. A modem of the system can, for example, to a cellular telephone are connected, the receipt and installation of upgrade data allows Whenever the ultrasound system within range of the Coverage area of ​​the cellular telephone is. text in the drawing figure 2 <tables><table><tgroup cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="1*" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="1*" /><tbody><row><entry colname="1">User controls</entry><entry colname="2">user controls</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Processor</entry><entry colname="2">processor</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">beamformer</entry><entry colname="2">beamformer</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">display</entry><entry colname="2">display</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Data storage</entry><entry colname="2">data storage</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Communications link</entry><entry colname="2">communication link</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">power supply</entry><entry colname="2">power supply</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables> figure 3 <tables><table><tgroup cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="1*" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="1*" /><tbody><row><entry colname="1">CPU controller</entry><entry colname="2">central processing unit controller</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Optical disk storage</entry><entry colname="2">optical disk space</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Hard disk storage</entry><entry colname="2">Disk space</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">modem</entry><entry colname="2">modem</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Netlink</entry><entry colname="2">network connection</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>&lt;?page 10?&gt; figure 4a <tables><table><tgroup cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="1*" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="1*" /><tbody><row><entry colname="1">User orders</entry><entry colname="2">user are on order</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">order acknowledged verified</entry><entry colname="2">Order will be confirmed and checked</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">system configuration check</entry><entry colname="2">Review of the system configuration</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Ultrasound system polled</entry><entry colname="2">ultrasound system is queried</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Parts dispatch</entry><entry colname="2">parts be dispatched</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">part shipped</entry><entry colname="2">parts are transported</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables> figure 4b <tables><table><tgroup cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="1*" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="1*" /><tbody><row><entry colname="1">system set for upgrade</entry><entry colname="2">system is for arming adjusted</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Communication with system established</entry><entry colname="2">connection Systematic is prepared</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Ultrasound Acknowledges system protocols</entry><entry colname="2">ultrasound system confirmed logs</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">upgrade state verified</entry><entry colname="2">upgrade state will be checked</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables><tables><table><tgroup cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="1*" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="1*" /><tbody><row><entry colname="1">system saves config.</entry><entry colname="2">system stores configuration</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Program datatrans mitted</entry><entry colname="2">program data are sent</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Data receipt acknowledged</entry><entry colname="2">data reception will be confirmed</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Program data installed</entry><entry colname="2">program data are being installed</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">system self-test diagnostics</entry><entry colname="2">Self-test diagnostics the system</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">installation verification received</entry><entry colname="2">confirmation of the Installation is received</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables> figure 5 <tables><table><tgroup cols="2"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="1*" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="1*" /><tbody><row><entry colname="1">User performs self-directed test</entry><entry colname="2">user leading self-directed test</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Communication with factory established</entry><entry colname="2">connection with works produced</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Data, images trans mitted</entry><entry colname="2">Data, Images are sent</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">system protocols acknowledged</entry><entry colname="2">system logs be confirmed</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Data, images received, Analyzed</entry><entry colname="2">Data, Images are received, analyzed</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Modified programdata prepared</entry><entry colname="2">modified program data be prepared</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Modified programdata trans mitted</entry><entry colname="2">modified program data are sent</entry></row><row><entry colname="1">Program data received, installed</entry><entry colname="2">program data received, installed</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>