KR101439684B1 - Method and ultrasound system for extending of depth of focus and displaying of ultrasound image - Google Patents

Abstract

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a depth-of-focus enlargement method, an ultrasound image display method, and an ultrasound system for performing the method.
According to the present invention, an ultrasound system converts an electric signal inputted for ultrasonic wave induction into a plurality of signals having different phases, and applies signals different in phase to each other by applying different ultrasonic transducers, .

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasound system,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a depth-of-focus enlargement method, an ultrasound image display method, and an ultrasound system for performing the method.

Ultrasound refers to a sound wave having a frequency between about 20 kHz and 100 kHz, which is an acoustic wave over a human audible range. Depth of focus in ultrasound refers to the area of ultrasound intensity reaching the maximum value of -3 dB or -6 dB before and after the focus at which the intensity of the ultrasound is maximized in the course of transmitting the ultrasound.

In the case of therapeutic ultrasound, the area treated by each ultrasonic transmission is determined by the depth of focus. That is, as the depth of focus of ultrasound increases, the treatment area also increases.

In the case of diagnostic ultrasound images, the signal-to-noise ratio and contrast are determined by the depth of focus. That is, as the depth of focus of the ultrasonic wave increases, the quality of the image increases. On the other hand, the depth of focus is proportional to the square of the F-number (F-number = focal length / aperture) and the wavelength. Accordingly, when the frequency of the ultrasonic wave is increased in a state where the focal length and the aperture are constant, the depth of focus becomes shorter. Therefore, when a high-frequency ultrasound image is used for diagnosis, the depth of focus is shortened, so that the signal-to-noise ratio and the contrast are greatly reduced except for the vicinity of the focal length.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem [8] The present invention provides a method of expanding a depth of focus, an ultrasound image display method, and a system for performing the method, which are used for expanding an ultrasound therapy region and improving an image quality of an ultrasound image.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an ultrasound system includes a plurality of ultrasound transducers, a plurality of ultrasound transducers having different phases, and a plurality of ultrasound transducers, And a receiving device for receiving the first reflected wave signal corresponding to the first ultrasonic signal using the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and converting the first reflected wave signal to first image data to display the ultrasonic image.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasound system including: a plurality of ultrasound transducers; a phase controller for converting an electric signal for inducing generation of ultrasonic waves into a plurality of signals having different phases; And a plurality of transmitters for transmitting ultrasound signals having different depths of focus to the target by applying signals to different ultrasound transducers.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of displaying an ultrasound image of an ultrasound system, the method comprising sequentially generating a plurality of signals having different phases and a plurality of signals having the same phase, Sequentially transmitting a first ultrasonic signal having a multiple depth of focus and a second ultrasonic signal having a single depth of focus by sequentially applying a plurality of signals and a plurality of signals having the same phase to each other, Sequentially receiving a first reflected wave signal corresponding to the first ultrasonic signal and a second reflected wave signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal, converting the received first and second reflected wave signals into first and second image data, respectively , Combining the first and second image data into third image data, and combining the third image data And displaying the ultrasound image using the ultrasound image.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of extending depth of focus of an ultrasound system, the method comprising: converting an electric signal for inducing ultrasonic wave generation into a plurality of signals having different phases; And transmitting the ultrasonic signal having the multi-focal depth to the object by applying the ultrasonic signal to each of the ultrasonic transducers.

The focus depth enhancement method, the ultrasound image display method, and the system for performing the method disclosed in this document have the effect of increasing the treatment area of the therapeutic ultrasound through the expansion of the depth of focus.

In addition, there is an effect of improving the image quality of the diagnostic ultrasound image by extending the depth of focus.

1 is a structural view showing an ultrasonic system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of transmitting an ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
1 is a structural view showing an ultrasonic system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of transmitting an ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a structural view illustrating an ultrasonic system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart illustrating an ultrasonic signal transmission / reception method of the ultrasonic system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a structural view showing an ultrasonic system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of transmitting an ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a structural view showing an ultrasonic system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart illustrating an ultrasonic signal transmitting / receiving method of the ultrasonic system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining the principle of generating multiple depth of focus by the therapeutic ultrasound system according to the embodiments of the present invention.
11 is a view for explaining the effect of the therapeutic ultrasound system according to the embodiments of the present invention.
FIGS. 12 and 14 are diagrams for explaining the principle of generating multiple depth of focus by the diagnostic ultrasound system according to the embodiments of the present invention.
15 and 16 are views for explaining the effect of the diagnostic ultrasound system according to the embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention is capable of various modifications and various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The terms including ordinal, such as second, first, etc., may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the second component may be referred to as a first component, and similarly, the first component may also be referred to as a second component. And / or < / RTI > includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of a plurality of related listed items.

In addition, the suffix "module" and " part "for constituent elements used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role.

It is to be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, . On the other hand, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that there are no other elements in between.

The terminology used in this application is used only to describe a specific embodiment and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, the terms "comprises" or "having" and the like are used to specify that there is a feature, a number, a step, an operation, an element, a component or a combination thereof described in the specification, But do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries are to be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the contextual meaning of the related art and are to be interpreted as either ideal or overly formal in the sense of the present application Do not.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the ultrasonic wave generation method of the ultrasonic wave system and the ultrasonic wave system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a structural view illustrating an ultrasound system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a therapeutic ultrasound system of a meganical scanning method.

Referring to FIG. 1, an ultrasound system may include a multi-element 50, a transmitter 10 for transmitting ultrasound signals using a multi-element 50, and the like. The transmission apparatus 10 may include a phase control section 11, waveform generators 12 and 13, amplifiers 16 and 17, transmitters 18 and 19, and the like. The components shown in Fig. 1 are not essential, so that the ultrasound system can be implemented with more or fewer components.

The phase control unit 11 receives an electric signal for inducing generation of ultrasonic waves. The phase control unit 11 converts the input electric signal into two signals having different phases and outputs the converted signals. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the phase controller 11 outputs signals having a phase difference of 180 degrees.

Each of the waveform generators 12 and 13 is connected to an output terminal of the phase control unit 11 and receives signals output from the phase control unit 11, respectively. Each of the waveform generators 12 and 13 converts the input signal into a continuous wave or a pulse wave and outputs the continuous wave or the pulse wave.

Each of the amplifiers 16 and 17 is connected to the output terminals of the waveform generators 12 and 13 and receives a continuous wave or a pulse wave signal output from the waveform generators 12 and 13. Each of the amplifiers 16 and 17 amplifies and outputs the input continuous wave or pulsed wave signal.

Each of the transmitters 18 and 19 is connected to the output terminals of the amplifiers 16 and 17 and converts the signal output from each of the amplifiers 16 and 17 into an ultrasonic signal using the multiple element 50. Further, the converted ultrasonic signal is transmitted to a predetermined site of the object for treatment of the object.

The multiple element 50 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 51 and 52 and the ultrasonic transducers 51 and 52 are composed of circular round elements of different diameters. Each of the ultrasonic transducers 51 and 52 receives signals output from the different transmission units 18 and 19.

Signals output from the transmission units 18 and 19 are signals whose phases are inverted from each other by the phase control unit 11 so that signals having mutually inverted phases are supplied to the respective ultrasonic converters 51 and 52, .

2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of transmitting an ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the phase control unit 11 converts an electric signal input to induce generation of ultrasonic waves into two signals having different phases (S101).

Each of the waveform generators 12 and 13 converts the signals output through the phase control unit 11 into a continuous wave or a pulsed wave signal, and outputs the continuous wave or pulsed wave signal (S102).

Each of the amplifiers 16 and 17 receives a continuous wave or a pulse wave signal output through the waveform generators 12 and 13, amplifies and outputs the continuous wave or pulse wave signal (S103).

Each of the transmitting units 18 and 19 converts the continuous wave or pulsed wave signals amplified and outputted through the amplifiers 16 and 17 into the ultrasonic signals by using the multiple elements 50. [ In addition, the ultrasound signals converted by the ultrasound transducers are transmitted to a predetermined site of a target object for treatment (S104).

According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the ultrasonic system can apply the signals having different phases to the multiple elements 50 constituted by the plurality of circular short elements 51, 52 having different diameters, Value of the image. Thereby, there is an effect that the treatment region of the ultrasonic signal is increased.

Hereinafter, an ultrasonic wave generating method of the ultrasonic wave system and the ultrasonic wave system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a structural view illustrating an ultrasonic system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a diagnostic ultrasonic system of a mechanical scanning type.

3, an ultrasound system includes a transmitter 20 that transmits an ultrasound signal using a multi-element 50, a multi-element 50, a reflected wave signal of an ultrasound signal transmitted to a target object through a multi- And a transmitting / receiving switch 40 for performing a switching function between the transmitting apparatus 20 and the receiving apparatus 30. On the other hand, the ultrasound system may be implemented with more or fewer components, rather than requiring the components shown in Fig.

The transmitting apparatus 20 may include a phase control section 21, waveform generators 22 and 23, amplifiers 26 and 27, transmitters 28 and 29, and the like. On the other hand, the waveform generators 22 and 23, the amplifiers 26 and 27, and the transmitters 28 and 29 of the transmitting apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 3 correspond to the components of the ultrasonic system described with reference to FIG. The detailed description will be omitted below.

The phase control unit 21 receives an electric signal for inducing generation of ultrasonic waves. In addition, the input electrical signal is alternately converted into two signals having a phase difference and two signals having no phase difference to be output. That is, two signals having a phase difference of 180 degrees are output for a predetermined time, and two signals having no phase difference are output for a predetermined time.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the case where two signals having a phase difference are output in the first section in the phase control section 21, and two signals having the same phase difference are output in the second section will be described as an example. However, it should be clearly understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the phase control unit 21 may output two identical signals having no phase difference in the first section, and then output two signals having the phase difference in the second section.

Each of the waveform generators 22 and 23 converts each signal output from the phase control unit 21 into a pulse wave signal and outputs it.

Each of the amplifiers 26 and 27 amplifies and outputs a pulse wave signal output from each of the waveform generators 22 and 23.

Each of the transmitting units 28 and 29 converts the respective pulse wave signals output from the amplifiers 26 and 27 into ultrasonic signals by using the multiple elements 50. [ The converted ultrasonic signal is transmitted to a predetermined site of the object for imaging of the object.

The multi-element 50 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 51 and 52, each of which is constituted by circular circular elements of different diameters, as described above. Each of the ultrasonic transducers 51 and 52 receives signals output from different transmission units 28 and 29.

On the other hand, the transmission units 28 and 29 output signals whose phases are inverted from each other by the phase control unit 21 in the first section, and outputs signals having the same phase in the second section, respectively. Accordingly, signals having mutually inverted phases during the first period are input to the respective ultrasonic transducers 51 and 52, and signals having mutually identical phases are input during the second period.

The receiving apparatus 30 includes a receiving unit 31, an amplifier 32, a signal processing unit 34, a memory 35, a combining unit 36, a display 37, and the like.

The receiving unit 31 converts an ultrasonic signal reflected from a target object into an electric signal using the multi-element 50 and outputs the electric signal.

The amplifier 32 is connected to an output terminal of the receiving unit 31 and receives a reflected wave signal converted into an electric signal through the receiving unit 31. Also, the input signal is amplified to a predetermined size and output.

The signal processing unit 34 is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier 32 and receives a reflected wave signal amplified by the amplifier 32. Further, an input signal is converted into a digital signal, and image data is generated using the converted digital signal. In addition, the generated image data is stored in the memory 35.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the transmitting apparatus 20 sequentially applies the signals of the same phase as the signals that are phase-inverted to the multi-element 50. Accordingly, the transmitting apparatus 20 sequentially transmits the ultrasonic signal having the multi-focal depth and the ultrasonic signal having the single focal depth. The transmission order of these two signals may be mutually different.

The signal processor 34 separately stores image data corresponding to a reflected wave signal of an ultrasonic signal having a multiple focal depth and image data corresponding to a reflected wave signal of an ultrasonic signal having a single focal depth when storing image data.

The combining unit 36 sequentially reads the image data corresponding to the reflected wave signal of the ultrasonic signal having the multiple focal depth and the image data corresponding to the reflected wave signal of the ultrasonic signal having the single focal depth from the memory 35. Further, the two image data are combined and output as one image data.

On the other hand, the combining unit 36 can combine the two image data in units of scan lines. In this case, the memory 35 stores each image data in units of scan lines, and the combining unit 36 sequentially reads and combines the image data on a scan line basis.

In addition, the combining unit 36 can combine the two image data in frame units. In this case, the memory 35 stores each image data frame by frame, and the combining unit 36 sequentially reads and combines the image data frame by frame.

The display 37 displays the diagnostic ultrasound image on the screen using the image data output from the combining unit 36.

The transmission / reception switch 40 controls the transmission units 28, 29 and the reception unit 31 to alternately operate in the transmission mode in which the ultrasonic system transmits the ultrasonic signal to the object and the reception mode in which the reflected wave signal of the transmitted ultrasonic signal is received Lt; / RTI >

4 is a flowchart illustrating an ultrasound image displaying method of an ultrasound system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, when an electric signal for inducing generation of ultrasonic waves is input, the transmitter 20 sequentially generates a plurality of signals having different phases and a plurality of signals having the same phase through the phase control unit 21 (S201).

 Thereafter, the transmitting apparatus 20 converts the respective signals output through the phase control unit 21 to pulsed wave signals by using the waveform generators 22 and 23 (S202).

The amplifiers 26 and 27 amplify the continuous wave or the pulse wave signal output through the phase control section 21 and amplify the amplified signals using a plurality of circular end elements 51, 52 to the multi-element 50. Accordingly, the transmitting apparatus 20 sequentially transmits the first ultrasonic signal having the multiple focal depth and the second ultrasonic signal having the single focal depth to the target object (S203).

In step S202, the ultrasonic transmission method of the transmitting apparatus 20 is performed in a manner similar to steps S103 to S104 of FIG. 2 described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step S202, when a plurality of signals having different phases are applied to the multi-element 50, the transmitting apparatus 20 transmits a first ultrasonic signal having a multiple focal depth to the object. On the other hand, when a plurality of signals having the same phase are applied to the multiple elements 50, a second ultrasonic signal having a single depth of focus is transmitted to the object.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the receiving apparatus 30 sequentially receives the first and second reflected wave signals corresponding to the first and second ultrasonic signals using the multi-element 50. The first and second reflected wave signals sequentially received are converted into electric signals (S204). The amplifier 32 amplifies and outputs the electric signal output from the receiver 31 (S205).

The receiving apparatus 30 converts the signal output from the amplifier 32 into a digital signal using the signal processing unit 34, and obtains the first and second image data from the converted digital signal (S206). In addition, the acquired first and second image data are stored in the memory 35 on a scan line or frame basis.

In step S206, the first and second image data correspond to the first and second reflected wave signals, respectively.

The receiving apparatus 30 reads the first and second image data obtained in step S206 from the memory 35 using the combining unit 36 and combines the read image data on a scan line or frame basis 3 image data (S207).

Further, the ultrasound diagnostic image for the third image data is displayed on the screen using the display 37 (S208).

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasound system transmits an ultrasound image having the extended depth of focus to the target using the transmitting device 20, There is an effect of improving the image quality of the image.

Further, by combining the ultrasound image acquired using the ultrasound signal having a single peak depth and the ultrasound image acquired using the ultrasound signal having the multiple peak depths having the two peak values, May compensate for the lowering of some sonic intensity between peak values.

Meanwhile, in the first and second embodiments of the present invention, when the method of extending the depth of focus by generating the multi-focal depth by using the phase control technique is applied to a mechanical scanning type ultrasonic system using multiple elements The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

Hereinafter, the ultrasonic wave generating method of the ultrasonic wave system 60 and the ultrasonic wave system 60 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a structural view illustrating an ultrasound system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and shows an ultrasound system for treating an electrical scanning type.

Referring to FIG. 5, the ultrasound system includes an ultrasound transducer array 100, a transmitter 30 for transmitting an ultrasound signal to a target object using the ultrasound transducer array 100, and the like. The transmission apparatus 30 may also include a phase control unit 61, waveform generators 62 and 63, transmission beamformers 64 and 65, amplifiers 66 and 67, transmitters 68 and 69, . The components shown in Fig. 5 are not essential, so that the ultrasound system 60 can be implemented with more or fewer components.

When an electric signal for inducing the generation of ultrasonic waves is inputted, the phase control unit 61 converts the electric signals into two signals whose phases are mutually inverted and outputs them.

Each of the waveform generators 62 and 63 receives two signals whose phases are inverted from the phase control unit 61, respectively. Further, the input signal is converted into a continuous wave or a pulse wave signal and output.

Each of the transmission beam formers 64 and 65 is connected to the output terminals of the waveform generators 62 and 63 and receives a continuous wave or a pulse wave signal output from the waveform generators 62 and 63.

In addition, each of the transmission beamformers 64 and 65 performs a transmission beamforming function of forming a transmission pattern. That is, in order to form a transmission pattern so that the ultrasonic signal transmitted to the object is focused at a desired point, a time delay is generated in the input continuous wave or pulsed wave signal to be output. Accordingly, signals having a time difference are input to the ultrasonic transducers 101, which will be described later, and the ultrasonic signals output thereby can be focused to a predetermined point.

 Each of the amplifiers 66 and 67 is connected to an output terminal of the transmission beam formers 64 and 65 and receives a continuous wave or a pulse wave signal that is beamformed and output through each of the transmission beam formers 64 and 65. Each of the amplifiers 66 and 67 amplifies and outputs the input signal.

Each of the transmitters 68 and 69 is connected to the output terminals of the amplifiers 66 and 67 and converts the signals output from the amplifiers 66 and 67 into ultrasonic signals using the ultrasonic transducer array 100. Further, the converted ultrasonic signal is transmitted to a predetermined site of the object for treatment of the object.

The ultrasound transducer array 100 represents an ultrasound transducer group in which a plurality of ultrasound transducers 101 are arranged in a predetermined form. For example, the ultrasound transducer array 100 may be configured by arranging the ultrasound transducers 101 in a linear, annular, or curved shape. Each ultrasonic transducer 101 operates as a vibrator that converts an input continuous wave or pulsed wave electrical signal into a sound wave vibration and outputs it.

The ultrasonic transducers 101 forming the ultrasonic transducer array 100 are divided into a plurality of groups as shown in FIG. 5, and each ultrasonic transducer group is divided into a plurality of groups, .

The signals output from the transmission units 68 and 69 are signals whose phases are inverted from each other by the phase control unit 61. Accordingly, signals having mutually inverted phases are input to the ultrasound transducer groups.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of transmitting an ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the phase control unit 61 converts an electric signal input to induce ultrasonic wave generation into two signals having different phases (S301).

Each of the waveform generators 62 and 63 converts the signals output through the phase control unit 61 into continuous waves or pulsed waves, respectively, and outputs the continuous waves or pulsed waves (S302).

Each of the transmission beam formers 64 and 65 receives the continuous wave or pulsed wave signal output from the waveform generators 62 and 63, and performs transmission beamforming for forming a transmission pattern (S303).

Each of the amplifiers 66 and 67 amplifies and outputs the continuous wave or pulse wave signals output from the transmission beamformer through the transmission beamformers 64 and 65 (S304).

Each of the transmission units 68 and 69 converts the continuous wave or pulsed wave signal output from the amplifiers 66 and 67 into an ultrasonic signal by using the ultrasonic transducer array 100 arranged in a predetermined form. The ultrasound signal converted by the ultrasound transducer array 100 is transmitted to a predetermined site of a target object for treatment of the target object (S305).

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic system applies signals having different phases to the ultrasonic transducer 101 at different positions in the ultrasonic transducer array 100, Thereby generating multiple focal depths. Thereby, there is an effect that the treatment region of the ultrasonic signal is increased.

Hereinafter, the ultrasonic wave generation method of the ultrasonic wave system and the ultrasonic wave system according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a structural view illustrating an ultrasonic system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and shows an ultrasonic diagnostic system for an electronic scanning method.

Referring to FIG. 7, the ultrasound system includes a transmitter 70 for transmitting an ultrasound signal to a target using an ultrasound transducer array 100, an ultrasound transducer array 100, Receiving switch 80 for performing a switching function between the receiving apparatus 80 and the transmitting apparatus 70 and the receiving apparatus 80. The transmitting / On the other hand, the illustrated components shown in Fig. 7 are not essential, and the ultrasound system may be implemented with more or fewer components.

The transmission apparatus 70 may include a phase control unit 71, waveform generators 72 and 73, transmission beamformers 74 and 75, amplifiers 76 and 77, transmitters 78 and 79, and the like. On the other hand, the waveform generators 72 and 73, the transmission beamformers 74 and 75, the amplifiers 76 and 77, and the transmission units 78 and 79 of the transmission apparatus 70 shown in FIG. The operation of each component of the ultrasound system is similar to that of FIG.

The phase control unit 71 receives an electric signal for inducing generation of ultrasonic waves. In addition, the input electrical signal is alternately converted into two signals having a phase difference and two signals having no phase difference to be output. That is, two signals having a phase difference of 180 degrees are output for a predetermined time, and two signals having no phase difference are output for a predetermined time.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the case where two signals having a phase difference are output in the first section in the phase control section 21, and two signals having the same phase difference are output in the second section will be described as an example. However, it should be clearly understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the phase controller 71 may output two identical signals having no phase difference in the first section, and then output two signals having the phase difference in the second section.

Each of the waveform generators 72 and 73 converts each signal output from the phase controller 71 into a pulsed wave signal and outputs it.

Each of the transmission beamformers 74 and 75 forms a transmission beamformer for each of the pulse wave signals output from the waveform generators 72 and 73 to obtain a desired transmission pattern.

 The amplifiers 76 and 77 amplify and output the respective pulse waveform signals output from the transmission beam former 74 and 75, respectively.

Each of the transmission units 78 and 79 converts each pulse waveform signal output from the amplifiers 76 and 77 into an ultrasonic signal by using the ultrasonic transducer array 100 of a predetermined type, To a predetermined part of the object.

The ultrasound transducer array 100 represents an ultrasound transducer group in which a plurality of ultrasound transducers 101 are arranged in a specific form as described above. For example, the ultrasound transducer array 100 may be configured by arranging the ultrasound transducers 101 in a linear, annular, or curved shape. Each ultrasonic transducer 101 operates as a vibrator that converts an input pulsed wave electric signal into a sound wave vibration and outputs it.

The ultrasonic transducers 101 forming the ultrasonic transducer array 100 are divided into a plurality of groups as shown in FIG. 7, and each ultrasonic transducer group is divided into a plurality of groups, .

Meanwhile, the transmitting units 78 and 79 sequentially output the signals whose phases are mutually inverted and the signals having the same phase. Accordingly, the signals having mutually inverted phases and the signals having the same phase are sequentially input to the respective ultrasonic transducer groups.

The receiving apparatus 80 includes a receiving unit 81, an amplifier 82, a receiving beam former 83, a signal processing unit 84, a memory 85, a combining unit 86, a display 87 and the like.

The receiving unit 81 converts an ultrasonic signal reflected from a target object into an electric signal using the ultrasonic transducer array 100 and outputs the electric signal.

The amplifier 82 is connected to an output terminal of the receiving unit 81 and receives a reflected wave signal converted into an electric signal through the receiving unit 81. Also, the input signal is amplified to a predetermined size and output.

The reception beam former 83 is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier 82 and receives the amplified signal through the amplifier 82. It also receives and outputs the received signal. Considering that the phase difference of the reflected wave signals inputted to the respective ultrasonic transducers occurs due to the difference in distance between the ultrasonic transducers 101 of the receiving unit 81 and the focusing point, Delay is made to make the phases the same, and reception beam forming is performed to combine signals of the same phase.

The signal processing unit 84 is connected to the output terminal of the reception beam former 83 and receives a signal received and focused by the reception beam former 83. Also, image signals are generated by converting the input signals into digital signals, and sequentially scanning the images corresponding to the positions of the respective transducers of the receiving unit 81 in the converted digital signals. Further, the generated image data is stored in the memory 85.

According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the transmission apparatus 70 sequentially applies signals having the same phase as the signals that are phase-inverted to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 101 arranged in a specific form. Accordingly, the transmitting device 70 sequentially transmits the ultrasonic signal having the multi-focal depth and the ultrasonic signal having the single focal depth.

The signal processing unit 84 stores image data corresponding to a reflected wave signal of an ultrasonic signal having a multiple focal depth and image data corresponding to a reflected wave signal of an ultrasonic signal having a single focal depth when image data is stored.

The combining unit 86 sequentially reads the image data corresponding to the reflected wave signal of the ultrasonic signal having the multiple focal depth and the image data corresponding to the reflected wave signal of the ultrasonic signal having the single focal depth from the memory 85. Further, the two image data are combined and output as one image data.

Meanwhile, the combining unit 86 may combine the two image data in units of scan lines. In this case, the memory 85 stores each image data on a scan line basis, and the combining unit 86 sequentially reads and combines the image data on a scan line basis.

Further, the combining unit 86 may combine the two image data in frame units. In this case, the memory 85 stores each image data frame by frame, and the combining unit 86 sequentially reads and combines the image data frame by frame.

The display 87 displays the ultrasound diagnostic image on the screen using the image data output from the combining unit 86.

The transmission / reception switch 90 controls the transmission units 78 and 79 and the reception unit 81 to alternately operate in the transmission mode in which the ultrasonic system transmits the ultrasonic signal to the object and the reception mode in which the reflected ultrasonic signal of the transmitted ultrasonic signal is received Lt; / RTI >

On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when the analog signal output from the receiving unit 81 is processed through the amplifier 82 and the receiving beam former 83 and then converted into a digital signal through the signal processing unit 84 However, the present invention is not limited to this. According to the present invention, it is also possible that the analog signal amplified by the amplifier 82 is converted into a digital signal through a separate analog-to-digital converter and then input to the reception beamformer 83.

8 is a flowchart illustrating an ultrasound image displaying method of an ultrasound system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

8, when an electric signal for inducing the generation of ultrasonic waves is input, the transmitter 70 sequentially generates a plurality of signals having different phases and a plurality of signals having the same phase through the phase control unit 71 (S401).

 Thereafter, the transmitting device 70 converts the respective signals output through the phase control unit 21 to pulsed wave signals using the waveform generators 72 and 73, and outputs the pulsed wave signals (S402).

Further, the transmission beamformers 74 and 75, the amplifiers 76 and 77, and the like are used to form transmission beamforming, pulse amplification, and amplification to apply an array type ultrasonic transducer. Accordingly, the transmitting apparatus 70 sequentially transmits the first ultrasonic signal having the multiple focal depth and the second ultrasonic signal having the single focal depth to the target object (S403).

In step S402, the ultrasonic transmission method of the transmitting apparatus 70 is performed in a manner similar to steps S303 to S305 of FIG. 6, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, in step S402, when a plurality of signals having different phases are applied to the ultrasound transducer array 100, the transmitting device 70 transmits a first ultrasound signal having a multiple depth of focus to a target object. On the other hand, when a plurality of signals having the same phase are applied to the ultrasound transducer array 100, a second ultrasound signal having a single depth of focus is transmitted to the object.

Referring to FIG. 8 again, the receiving apparatus 80 sequentially receives the first and second reflected wave signals corresponding to the first and second ultrasonic signals using the ultrasonic transducer array 100. The first and second reflected wave signals sequentially received are converted into electric signals (S404). The amplifier 82 amplifies and outputs the electric signal output from the receiver 81 (S405).

The receiving apparatus 80 receives the signal amplified by the amplifier 82 using the receiving beamformer 83, and outputs the signal to the receiving beamformer (S406).

The receiving apparatus 80 converts the signal output from the receiving beam former 83 into a digital signal using the signal processing unit 84 and acquires the first and second image data from the converted digital signal (S407 ). In addition, the acquired first and second image data are stored in the memory 85 on a scan line or frame basis.

In step S407, the first and second image data correspond to the first and second reflected wave signals, respectively.

The receiving device 80 reads the first and second image data acquired in step S207 from the memory 85 using the combining unit 86 and combines the read image data on a scan line or frame basis 3 image data (S408).

Further, the ultrasound diagnostic image for the third image data is displayed on the screen using the display 87 (S409).

According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasound system transmits an ultrasound image having the extended depth of focus to the target using the transmitting device 70, There is an effect of improving the image quality of the image. Further, by combining the ultrasound image acquired using the ultrasound signal having a single peak depth and the ultrasound image acquired using the ultrasound signal having the multiple peak depths having the two peak values, This also has the effect of compensating for lowering of the intensity of some ultrasonic waves between peak values.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining the principle of generating multiple depth of focus by the therapeutic ultrasound system according to the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an example of an ultrasonic intensity distribution diagram when signals having the same phase are applied. Fig. 9A is a graph showing the ultrasonic intensity in a two-dimensional distribution diagram, Fig. 9B is a graph showing the ultrasonic wave intensity in a lateral distribution diagram, and Figs. 3C and 3D are graphs showing ultrasonic wave intensity Axis direction.

Referring to FIG. 9, when a signal having the same phase is applied to the multiple element 50 or the ultrasonic transducer array 100, the ultrasonic intensity distribution diagram has a depth of focus having one peak value.

10 shows an example of an ultrasonic intensity distribution diagram when applying the signals that are phase-inverted to the multi-element 50 or the ultrasonic transducer array 100 when the phase control technique shown in the embodiments of the present invention is used. It is. Fig. 10 (A) shows the ultrasonic intensity in a two-dimensional distribution diagram, Fig. 10 (B) shows the ultrasonic intensity in a lateral distribution diagram, Fig. 3 (C) Axis direction.

Referring to FIG. 10, when two signals having phases inverted from each other are applied to the multiple element 50 or the ultrasonic transducer array 100, the ultrasonic intensity distribution diagram generates a multiple depth of focus having two peak values. Further, it can be seen that the depth of focus is enlarged accordingly.

11 is a view for explaining the effect of the therapeutic ultrasound system according to the embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show examples of regions to be ultrasonically treated by the ultrasonic treatment region according to the prior art and the therapeutic ultrasound system according to the embodiments of the present invention, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the object is ultrasonically treated using the ultrasonic treatment system using the phase control technique according to the embodiments of the present invention, the ultrasonic treatment area is approximately 70 % Increase. The lowering of some ultrasound intensity between peak values due to multiple focus depths can be compensated for by nonlinear phenomena occurring during treatment.

12 to 14 are views for explaining the principle of generating multiple depth of focus by the diagnostic ultrasound system according to the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows an example of intensity distribution diagram of ultrasonic signals transmitted and received when signals having the same phase are applied.

Fig. 12 (A) shows the ultrasonic intensity in a two-dimensional distribution diagram, Fig. 12 (B) shows the ultrasonic intensity in a lateral distribution diagram, Axis direction.

Referring to FIG. 12, when a signal having the same phase is applied to the multiple element 50 or the ultrasonic transducer array 100, the ultrasonic intensity distribution diagram generates a depth of focus having one peak value.

FIG. 13 shows an example of intensity distribution diagram of ultrasonic signals transmitted and received when signals having different phases are applied.

Fig. 13A is a diagram showing the ultrasonic intensity in a two-dimensional distribution diagram, Fig. 13B is a diagram showing the ultrasonic intensity in a lateral distribution diagram, Figs. 13C and 13D are diagrams showing ultrasonic intensity Axis direction.

Referring to FIG. 13, when two signals whose phases are inverted from each other are applied to the multiple element 50 or the ultrasonic transducer array 100, the ultrasonic intensity distribution diagram generates a multi-focal depth having two peak values. Further, it can be seen that the depth of focus is enlarged accordingly. However, there is a problem that the intensity of some ultrasonic waves between peak values is lowered due to the multiple focal depth.

FIG. 14 shows an example of intensity distribution of an ultrasonic signal transmitted and received when signals having different phases and signals having the same phase are sequentially applied.

Fig. 14 (A) shows the ultrasonic intensity in a two-dimensional distribution diagram, Fig. 14 (B) shows the ultrasonic intensity in a lateral distribution diagram, Fig. 14 (C) Axis direction.

14, when two signals having the same phase as those of two signals whose phases are inverted by the multi-element 50 or the ultrasonic transducer array 100 are sequentially applied, the ultrasonic intensity distribution diagram shows that the ultrasonic intensity distribution diagram has two peak values A multi-focal depth is generated, whereby the focal depth is enlarged. In addition, there is also an effect of compensating for lowering of the intensity of some ultrasonic waves between peak values due to the multiple focal depth.

15 and 16 are views for explaining the effect of the diagnostic ultrasound system according to the embodiments of the present invention.

(A), (b) and (c) show the case where signals having the same phase are applied to the ultrasonic transducers, signals having different phases are applied to the ultrasonic transducers, and (a) And (b) are combined with each other to show an example of ultrasound images.

16A and 16B are graphs showing changes in the maximum signal size for the center scan lines in FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C, in which signals having the same phase are applied to the ultrasonic transducers (Dual-Concentric) in which signals having different phases are applied to the ultrasound transducers and a case in which ultrasound images of (a) and (b) are combined.

15 and 16, when signals having the same phase are applied to the ultrasound transducers, signals having different phases as compared to (a) are applied to the ultrasound transducers, The signal-to-noise ratio and the contrast of the image are improved. Also, when two images are combined, it can be seen that there is an effect of improving some distortion occurring in the case (b) when signals having different phases are applied to the ultrasonic transducers.

As used in this embodiment, the term " portion " refers to a hardware component such as software or an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or ASIC, and 'part' performs certain roles. However, 'part' is not meant to be limited to software or hardware. &Quot; to " may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to play one or more processors. Thus, by way of example, 'parts' may refer to components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, and processes, functions, , Subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided in the components and components may be further combined with a smaller number of components and components or further components and components. In addition, the components and components may be implemented to play back one or more CPUs in a device or a secure multimedia card.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims It can be understood that

Claims (25)

In an ultrasound system,
A plurality of ultrasound transducers having confocal,
A first ultrasonic signal having a multiple focal depth in which a plurality of ultrasonic waves generated by simultaneously applying a plurality of electric signals having different phases to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers at the same time,
A second ultrasonic signal having a single depth of focus at which a plurality of ultrasonic waves generated by simultaneously applying a plurality of electric signals having the same phase to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers at the same time,
A transmitting device for transmitting the first and second ultrasound signals to a target so as to be converged to a same point; and
A receiver for receiving the first reflected wave signal corresponding to the first ultrasonic signal using the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and for converting the first reflected wave signal into first image data to display an ultrasonic image,
. The method according to claim 1,
The receiving apparatus further receives a second reflected wave signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal, converts the second reflected wave signal into second image data, and combines the first and second image data to generate the ultrasonic image Ultrasonic system to display. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the receiving device combines the first and second image data on a scan line or frame basis. 3. The method of claim 2,
The transmitting apparatus includes:
A phase controller for sequentially converting a plurality of signals having different phases and a plurality of signals having the same phase by phase-converting an electric signal for inducing generation of ultrasonic waves,
A plurality of waveform generators for converting each of the signals output from the phase controller into pulsed waves and outputting the pulsed waves,
A plurality of amplifiers for amplifying and outputting respective signals output from the plurality of waveform generators, and
A plurality of transmitters for converting the signals output from the plurality of amplifiers into the first and second ultrasonic signals using the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and transmitting the signals to the object,
. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the transmission apparatus further comprises a plurality of transmission beamformers connected to output ends of the plurality of waveform generators, each of which outputs a signal output from each of the waveform generators to a transmission beamformer and outputs the signal to each of the amplifiers. 3. The method of claim 2,
A receiving unit sequentially receiving the first and second reflected wave signals using the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, converting the first and second signals into electric signals, and outputting the electric signals,
An amplifier for amplifying and outputting an electric signal output from the receiver,
A signal processor for obtaining the first and second image data from a signal output from the amplifier,
A combining unit for combining the first and second image data to obtain third image data, and
A display for outputting the ultrasound image using the third image data,
. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the receiving apparatus further comprises a reception beam former connected to an output terminal of the amplifier and configured to receive beamforming a signal output from the amplifier and output the signal to the signal processing unit. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of ultrasound transducers are a plurality of circular small antennas having different diameters. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the transmitting device applies each of a plurality of signals having different phases to each circular stray element. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of ultrasound transducers are arranged in a specific form. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the plurality of ultrasound transducers are divided into a plurality of groups,
Wherein the transmitting apparatus applies a plurality of signals having different phases to ultrasonic transducer groups different from each other. A plurality of ultrasound transducers having confocal,
A phase control unit for converting an electric signal for inducing the generation of ultrasonic waves into a plurality of electric signals having different phases and a plurality of electric signals having the same phase,
A first ultrasonic signal having a multiple focal depth in which a plurality of electric signals having different phases are applied to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers at the same time and a plurality of ultrasonic waves having different phases are generated at the same time,
A second ultrasonic signal in which a plurality of electric signals having the same phase are simultaneously applied to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and a plurality of ultrasonic waves having the same phase are generated at the same time on a single point,
A plurality of transmission units for transmitting the first and second ultrasound signals to a target so as to be focused at the same point,
. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the ultrasonic transducer is a circular ultrasonic transducer. 14. The method of claim 13,
And the signals output from the respective transmitting sections are applied as different circular singletons. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the plurality of ultrasound transducers are arranged in a specific form. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the plurality of ultrasound transducers are divided into a plurality of groups,
And the signals output from the respective transmitting sections are applied to different ultrasonic transducer groups. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the plurality of electrical signals having different phases are signals inverted in phase with respect to each other. 13. The method of claim 12,
A plurality of pulse generators connected respectively to the output terminals of the phase control unit and converting the signals output from the phase control unit into a continuous wave or a pulse wave signal,
A plurality of transmission beamformers connected to the output terminals of the plurality of pulse generators, respectively, for forming transmission beams and outputting the respective signals output from the plurality of pulse generators, and
Further comprising a plurality of amplifiers for amplifying respective signals output from the plurality of transmission beamformers and outputting the amplified signals to the plurality of transmission units. A method of displaying an ultrasound image in an ultrasound system,
Sequentially generating a plurality of signals having different phases and a plurality of signals having the same phase;
A plurality of signals having different phases and a plurality of signals having the same phase are sequentially applied to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to successively apply a first ultrasonic signal having a multiple focal depth and a second ultrasonic signal having a single focal depth sequentially Transmitting to the object,
Sequentially receiving a first reflected wave signal corresponding to the first ultrasonic signal and a second reflected wave signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal,
Converting the received first and second reflected wave signals into first and second image data, respectively,
Combining the first and second image data into third image data, and
Displaying the ultrasound image using the third image data
And displaying the ultrasound image. 20. The method of claim 19,
Wherein the plurality of ultrasonic transducers are a plurality of circular short elements having different diameters,
Wherein the transmitting comprises:
Transmitting the first ultrasonic signal to the object by applying a plurality of signals having different phases to each other with different circular singlets; and
And transmitting the second ultrasonic signal to the object by applying a plurality of signals having the same phase to each other with different circular singlets
And displaying the ultrasound image. 20. The method of claim 19,
Wherein the plurality of ultrasound transducers are arranged in a specific form and are divided into a plurality of groups,
Wherein the transmitting comprises:
Transmitting the first ultrasound signals to the object by applying a plurality of signals having different phases to different ultrasound transducer groups, and
And transmitting the second ultrasound signals to the object by applying a plurality of signals having the same phase to different ultrasound transducer groups
And displaying the ultrasound image. 20. The method of claim 19,
Wherein the combining comprises:
And combining the first and second images in units of scan lines or frames. A method of extending the depth of focus of an ultrasound system,
Converting an electric signal for inducing ultrasonic wave generation into a plurality of signals having different phases and a plurality of signals having the same phase;
A first ultrasonic signal having a multiple depth of focus and a second ultrasonic signal having a single depth of focus are generated by applying a plurality of signals having different phases and a plurality of signals having the same phase to a plurality of confocal ultrasonic transducers, Generating, and
Transmitting the first and second ultrasound signals to a target so as to be focused at the same point
/ RTI > 24. The method of claim 23,
Wherein the ultrasonic transducer is a circular short element,
Wherein the generating the first and second ultrasound signals comprises:
Wherein a plurality of signals having different phases are respectively applied to a plurality of circular singlets whose diameters are different from each other. 24. The method of claim 23,
The ultrasound system includes an ultrasound transducer array arranged in a specific form,
Wherein the generating the first and second ultrasound signals comprises:
Wherein a plurality of signals having different phases are applied to first and second ultrasound transducer groups included in the ultrasound transducer array, respectively.

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