Abstract:
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body having a console interface device that permits changeable connection of a plurality of consoles of different types, a console identifying device that identifies the type of the connected console and an operation mode control device that so performs control as to accomplish operation in the diagnostic mode corresponding to the identified console, and a console of at least one type of the plurality of consoles of different types.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-291654 filed Nov. 9, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system, and in more detail relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system capable of executing a plurality of functions required in hospital with a single apparatus and permitting the use of a convenient-to-use console. 
         [0003]    Conventionally, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses enabled to operate in a functionally extended operation mode by adding extended function modules for a dedicated abdominal function, a dedicated cardiac function, a dedicated obstetric/gynecological function, a Doppler mode image generating function, a power mode image generating function, a color flow image generating function and so forth are known (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-079628 for instance). 
         [0004]    Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses specialized in operations for ultrasonic diagnosis of circulatory organs are also known (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-272739 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-175069 for instance). 
         [0005]    Furthermore, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses specialized in operations for ultrasonic diagnosis of fetuses are also known (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 7 (1995)-116159 for instance). 
         [0006]    Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses enabled to operate in a functionally extended operation mode by adding extended function modules are superior in cost effectiveness because they can execute a plurality of functions required in hospital with a single apparatus. 
         [0007]    However, they necessitate a console adaptable to a plurality of extended functions, but such a console would have arrays of buttons and keys that are never used during operation with one function, and therefore involves a problem of inconvenience in using the console. 
         [0008]    On the other hand, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus specialized in operations for a single function would have on its console no array of buttons and the like which are never used, and accordingly the console would be more convenient to use. 
         [0009]    However, this would necessitate ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses each specialized in operations for one or another of a plurality of functions required in hospital, and accordingly might entail a problem of poorer cost effectiveness. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    It is desirable that the problems described previously are solved. 
         [0011]    In a first aspect, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body having a console interface device that permits changeable connection of a plurality of consoles of different types, a console identifying device that identifies the type of the connected console and an operation mode control device that so performs control as to accomplish operation in the diagnostic mode corresponding to the identified console; and a console of at least one type of the plurality of consoles of different types. 
         [0012]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect excels in cost effectiveness because a plurality of functions required in hospital can be executed with a single apparatus by changing the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body. And as it permits the use of a console specialized in the operation for each of different functions, it involves no array of buttons or the like which are never used on the console, and accordingly the console would be more convenient to use. 
         [0013]    According to a second aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect, is characterized in that the type of the console differs with the object of diagnosis. 
         [0014]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect enables the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body to be changed according to the object of diagnosis. 
         [0015]    According to a third aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect, is characterized in that the objects of diagnosis are liver/kidney and heart. 
         [0016]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third aspect enables the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body to be changed according to whether the object of diagnosis is the liver/kidney or the heart. 
         [0017]    According to a fourth aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect, is characterized in that the objects of diagnosis are the liver/kidney and the fetus. 
         [0018]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth aspect enables the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body to be changed according to whether the object of diagnosis is the liver/kidney or the fetus. 
         [0019]    According to a fifth aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect, is characterized in that the objects of diagnosis are the liver/kidney, the heart and the fetus. 
         [0020]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth aspect enables the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body to be changed according to whether the object of diagnosis is the liver/kidney, the heart or the fetus. 
         [0021]    According to a sixth aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any of the first through fifth aspects, is characterized in that the console is equipped with a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body is equipped with a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with the console. 
         [0022]    As the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the sixth aspect is wirelessly connected, there is no need to engage or disengage connectors, and accordingly the console can be replaced quickly. 
         [0023]    According to a seventh aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect, is characterized in that the type of the console differs with the clinical department. 
         [0024]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the seventh aspect enables the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body to be changed according to the clinical department. 
         [0025]    According to an eighth aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the seventh aspect, is characterized in that the clinical departments are the internal medicine department/urological department and the cardiovascular department. 
         [0026]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the eighth aspect enables the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body to be changed according to whether the clinical department is the internal medicine department/urological department or the cardiovascular department. 
         [0027]    According to a ninth aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the seventh aspect, is characterized in that the clinical departments are the internal medicine department/urological department and the obstetrics department/gynecology department. 
         [0028]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the ninth aspect enables the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body to be changed according to whether the clinical department is the internal medicine department/urological department or the obstetrics department/gynecology department. 
         [0029]    According to a tenth aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the seventh aspect, is characterized in that the clinical departments are the internal medicine department/urological department, the cardiovascular department and the obstetrics department/gynecology department. 
         [0030]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the tenth aspect enables the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body to be changed according to whether the clinical department is the internal medicine department/urological department, the cardiovascular department or the obstetrics department/gynecology department. 
         [0031]    According to an eleventh aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any of the seventh through tenth aspects, is characterized in that the console is equipped with a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body is equipped with a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with the console. 
         [0032]    As the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the eleventh aspect is wirelessly connected, there is no need to engage or disengage connectors, and accordingly the console can be replaced quickly. 
         [0033]    According to a twelfth aspect, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system includes N (≧3) ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus bodies each having a console interface device that permits changeable connection of a plurality of consoles of different types, a console identifying device that identifies the type of the connected console and an operation mode control device that so performs control as to accomplish operation in the diagnostic mode corresponding to the identified console; and M (&gt;N) consoles of at least two types of the plurality of consoles of different types. 
         [0034]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to the twelfth aspect enables the system to be flexibly altered, such as, where N=3, M=4, two consoles of a first type and two consoles of a second type are available, using two first type console and one second type console if the number of patients to be diagnosed with the first type is greater or using one first type console and two second type consoles if the number of patients to be diagnosed with the second type is greater. 
         [0035]    According to a thirteenth aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to the twelfth aspect, is characterized in that the type of the console differs with the clinical department. 
         [0036]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to the thirteenth aspect enables the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body to be changed according to the clinical department. 
         [0037]    According to a fourteenth aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to the thirteenth aspect, is characterized in that the clinical departments are the internal medicine department/urological department and the cardiovascular department. 
         [0038]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to the fourteenth aspect enables the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body to be changed according to whether the clinical department is the internal medicine department/urological department or the cardiovascular department. 
         [0039]    According to a fifteenth aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to the thirteenth aspect, is characterized in that the clinical departments are the internal medicine department/urological department and the obstetrics department/gynecology department. 
         [0040]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to the fifteenth aspect enables the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body to be changed according to whether the clinical department is the internal medicine department/urological department or the obstetrics department/gynecology department. 
         [0041]    According to a sixteenth aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to the thirteenth aspect, is characterized in that the clinical departments are the internal medicine department/urological department, the cardiovascular department and the obstetrics department/gynecology department. 
         [0042]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to the sixteenth aspect enables the type of the console connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body to be changed according to whether the clinical department is the internal medicine department/urological department, the cardiovascular department or the obstetrics department/gynecology department. 
         [0043]    According to a seventeenth aspect, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to any of the twelfth through sixteenth aspects, is characterized in that the console is equipped with a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body is equipped with a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with the console. 
         [0044]    As the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to the seventeenth aspect is wirelessly connected, there is no need to engage or disengage connectors, and accordingly the console can be replaced quickly. 
         [0045]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to the invention can use a console which permits execution of a plurality of functions required in hospital with a single apparatus and is convenient to use. 
         [0046]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system according to the invention can be utilized for ultrasonic diagnosis in a hospital having a plurality of different departments of medicine. 
         [0047]    Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0048]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus pertaining to a first embodiment. 
           [0049]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  when used in the general abdominal operation mode. 
           [0050]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  when used in the cardiovascular operation mode. 
           [0051]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  when used in the obstetric/gynecological operation mode. 
           [0052]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart that shows processing by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart that shows processing by a console shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system pertaining to a second embodiment. 
           [0055]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system shown in  FIG. 7  when two ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses therein are used in the general abdominal operation mode and one ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus therein is used in the cardiovascular operation mode. 
           [0056]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system shown in  FIG. 7  when one ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus therein is used in the general abdominal operation mode and two ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses therein are used in the cardiovascular operation mode. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0057]    The invention will be described in further detail below with reference to modes for implementation illustrated in drawings. Incidentally, this is nothing to limit the invention. 
         [0058]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus  100  pertaining to a first embodiment. 
         [0059]    This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus  100  includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10 , a general abdominal console  20 , a cardiovascular console  30  and an obstetric/gynecological console  40 , all separate from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10 . 
         [0060]    Incidentally, the general abdominal console  20  is mainly used as an internal/urological console or a liver/kidney console. The cardiovascular console  30  is mainly used as a cardiac console. The obstetric/gynecological console  40  is mainly used as a fetal console. 
         [0061]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10  includes: a body operation unit  16  for the operator to input instructions to; a probe  11 ; a data collecting unit  12  for driving the probe  11  to scan the inside of a subject with an ultrasonic beam and collect data; an apparatus body wireless communication unit  18  for receiving wirelessly instructions and data to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10  from the consoles  20 ,  30  and  40  and transmitting wirelessly to consoles  20 ,  30  and  40  commands and messages addressed to the consoles  20 ,  30  and  40 ; an image generating unit  13  which generates ultrasonic images on the basis of the collected data; an image display unit  14  which displays ultrasonic images and the like; a recording unit  15  which records data, ultrasonic images and the like; and an apparatus body control unit  17  which controls the whole ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10 . 
         [0062]    The general abdominal console  20  includes: an operation unit  21  for the operator to input instructions for ultrasonic diagnosis of the liver or the kidneys to; an operation wireless communication unit  24  for wireless communication with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10 ; and an operation control unit  22  which controls the whole console  20 . 
         [0063]    The cardiovascular console  30  includes: an operation unit  31  for the operator to input instructions for ultrasonic diagnosis of the heart; an operation wireless communication unit  34  for wireless communication with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10 ; and an operation control unit  32  which controls the whole console  30 . 
         [0064]    The obstetric/gynecological console  40  includes: an operation unit  41  for the operator to input instructions for ultrasonic diagnosis of the fetus; an operation wireless communication unit  44  for wireless communication with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10 ; and an operation control unit  42  which controls the whole console  40 . 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , when the general abdominal console  20  is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10  operates in a general abdominal operation mode which includes functions for the ultrasonic diagnosis of the liver and the kidneys. 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , when the cardiovascular console  30  is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10  operates in a cardiovascular operation mode that includes functions for the ultrasonic diagnosis of the heart. 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , when the obstetric/gynecological console  40  is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10  operates in an obstetric/gynecological operation mode which includes functions for the ultrasonic diagnosis of the fetus. 
         [0068]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart that shows processing to adapt to the console executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10 . 
         [0069]    At step P 1 , waiting takes place until an electric wave from the console  20 ,  30  or  40  is detected by the apparatus body wireless communication unit  18  and, upon detection the processing moves ahead to step P 2 . 
         [0070]    At step P 2 , request type information contained in the electric wave from the console is checked and, if it is a “connection request”, the processing moves ahead to step P 3  or, if not, returns to step P 1 . 
         [0071]    At step P 3 , console type information contained in the electric wave from the console last detected is checked and, if it is a “general abdominal type”, the processing moves ahead to step P 4  or, if not, moves ahead to step P 1  P 13 . 
         [0072]    At step P 4 , the operation takes place in the general abdominal operation mode. 
         [0073]    At step P 5 , it is checked whether or not an electric wave from another console has been detected by the apparatus body wireless communication unit  18  and, if not, the processing returns to step P 4  or, if any has been, the processing moves ahead to step P 6 . 
         [0074]    At step P 6 , request type information contained in the electric wave from another console is checked and, if it is a “connection request”, the processing moves ahead to step P 7  or, if not, returns to step P 4 . 
         [0075]    At step P 7 , a message of inquiry as to whether or not the connected console may be replaced with another console is displayed on the image display unit  14 . 
         [0076]    At step P 8 , it is checked whether or not an instruction of refusal has been inputted from either the currently connected console or any other console having made detection and, if an instruction of refusal is inputted within a certain length of time, the processing returns to step P 4  or, if no instruction of refusal is inputted within that length of time, the processing returns to step P 3 . 
         [0077]    At step P 13 , console type information contained in the electric wave from the last detected console is checked and, if it indicates the “cardiovascular type”, the processing moves ahead to step P 14  or, if not, moves ahead to step P 23 . 
         [0078]    At step P 14 , the operation takes place in the cardiovascular operation mode. 
         [0079]    At step P 15 , it is checked whether or not an electric wave from any other console has been detected by the apparatus body wireless communication unit  18  and, if not, the processing returns to step P 14  or, if any has been, the processing moves ahead to step P 16 . 
         [0080]    At step P 16 , request type information contained in the electric wave from the other console is checked and, if it is a “connection request”, the processing moves ahead to step P 17  or, if not, returns to step P 14 . 
         [0081]    At step P 17 , a message of inquiry as to whether or not the connected console may be replaced with another console is displayed on the image display unit  14 . 
         [0082]    At step P 18 , it is checked whether or not an instruction of refusal has been inputted from either the currently connected console or any other console having made detection and, if an instruction of refusal is inputted within a certain length of time, the processing returns to step P 14  or, if no instruction of refusal is inputted within that length of time, the processing returns to step P 3 . 
         [0083]    At step P 23 , console type information contained in the electric wave from the console last detected is checked and, if it is an “obstetric/gynecological type”, the processing moves ahead to step P 24  or, if not, returns to step P 1 . 
         [0084]    At step P 24 , the operation takes place in the obstetric/gynecological operation mode. 
         [0085]    At step P 25 , it is checked whether or not an electric wave from any other console has been detected by the apparatus body wireless communication unit  18  and, if not, the processing returns to step P 24  or, if any has been, the processing moves ahead to step P 26 . 
         [0086]    At step P 26 , request type information contained in the electric wave from the other console is checked and, if it is a “connection request”, the processing moves ahead to step P 27  or, if not, returns to step P 24 . 
         [0087]    At step P 27 , a message of inquiry as to whether or not the connected console may be replaced with another console is displayed on the image display unit  14 . 
         [0088]    At step P 28 , it is checked whether or not an instruction of refusal has been inputted within a certain length of time (e.g. 10 seconds) from either the currently connected console or any other console having made detection and, if an instruction of refusal has been inputted, the processing returns to step P 24  or, if no instruction of refusal has been inputted, the processing returns to step P 3 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing the operations of the consoles  20 ,  30  and  40 . 
         [0090]    At step C 1 , it is checked whether or not a long time (e.g. one hour) has passed since the last inputting by the operator and, if not, the processing moves ahead to step C 2  or, if a long time has passed, the processing moves ahead to step C 8 . 
         [0091]    At step C 2 , it is checked whether or not the operator has pressed a connection button (included in the operation units  21 ,  31  and  41 ) and, if he has, the processing moves ahead to step C 3  or, if not, the processing returns to step C 1 . 
         [0092]    At step C 3 , transmission of an electric wave containing request type information and console type information is repeated for a certain length of time (e.g. three seconds). 
         [0093]    At step C 4 , a response from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10  is awaited and, if there is a response within a certain length of time (e.g. five seconds) the processing moves ahead to step C 5  or, if there is no response, the processing returns to step C 1 . 
         [0094]    At step C 5 , it is checked whether or not the operator has performed inputting and, if he has, the processing moves ahead to step C 6  or, if not, the processing moves ahead to step C 7 . 
         [0095]    At step C 6 , communication is performed with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10  according to the inputting by the operator. Then, the processing moves ahead to step C 7 . 
         [0096]    At step C 7 , it is checked whether or not a long time (e.g. one hour) has passed since the last inputting by the operator and, if not, the processing returns to step C 5  or, if a long time has passed, the processing moves ahead to step C 8 . 
         [0097]    At step C 8 , the power supply is turned off. 
         [0098]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus  100  of the first embodiment provides, but is not limited to providing, the following effects. 
         [0099]    (1) By connecting the general abdominal console  20  to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus  100 , functions mainly needed by the internal medicine department/urological department can be executed; by connecting the cardiovascular console  30 , functions needed by the cardiovascular department can be executed; by connecting the obstetric/gynecological console  40 , functions needed by the obstetrics department/gynecology department can be executed; and therefore the apparatus excels in cost effectiveness. 
         [0100]    (2) Since the consoles  20 ,  30  and  40  specialized in operations for different functions can be used, there are no array of buttons or the like which are never used, and accordingly the console would be more convenient to use. 
         [0101]    (3) Since the operation mode automatically changes according to the console connected, the workload on the operator is reduced. 
         [0102]    (4) If doctor who are sent from universities to a hospital either regularly or irregularly carries with the consoles for their personal use and use them by connecting to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10  available at the hospital, a plurality of doctors differing in the field of specialization can commonly use the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10 , and the need to install ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses each dedicated to a different department of medicine is reduced. 
         [0103]      FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system  1000  pertaining to a second embodiment. 
         [0104]    This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system  1000  includes three ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus bodies  10   a ,  10   b  and  10   c , two general abdominal consoles  20   a  and  20   b , and two cardiovascular consoles  30   a  and  30   b.    
         [0105]    When the number of patients to be diagnosed in the general abdominal operation mode is greater than the number of patients to be diagnosed in the cardiovascular operation mode, the general abdominal console  20   a  is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10   a , the general abdominal console  20   b  is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10   b , and the cardiovascular console  30   b  is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10   c  as shown in  FIG. 8 . In this way, two ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses  100   a  and  100   b  are operated in the general abdominal operation mode, and one ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus  100   c  is operated in the cardiovascular operation mode. 
         [0106]    On the other hand, when the number of patients to be diagnosed in the cardiovascular operation mode is greater than the number of patients to be diagnosed in the general abdominal operation mode, the general abdominal console  20   a  is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10   a , the cardiovascular console  30   a  is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10   b , and the cardiovascular console  30   b  is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body  10   c  as shown in  FIG. 9 . In this way, one ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus  100   a  is operated in the general abdominal operation mode, and two ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses  100   b  and  100   c  are operated in the cardiovascular operation mode. 
         [0107]    The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus system  1000  of the second embodiment enables the system configuration to be flexibly altered according to patients&#39; needs. 
         [0108]    Many widely different embodiments of the invention may be configured without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the specification, except as defined in the appended claims.