KR20180096342A - Ultrasound probe and manufacturing method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an ultrasound imaging apparatus capable of setting a probe marker attached to a body marker of an ultrasound image more conveniently when a user obtains the ultrasound image of an object having a symmetrical structure, and diagnosing the object more accurately based on the same, and a control method thereof. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasound imaging apparatus comprises: an ultrasound probe for obtaining an ultrasound image of an object; a display unit for displaying an image including the ultrasound image; an input unit for receiving control commands of a first probe marker set based on a position of the ultrasound probe and a body marker set based on a type of the object; and a control unit allowing the user to set the body marker through the input unit and to set a first probe marker corresponding to the body marker through the input unit and to form a symmetric body marker symmetric with the body marker and a second probe marker corresponding to the symmetric body marker and symmetric with the first probe marker if the symmetric structure exists.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a control method thereof,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging apparatus that generates an image of a target object using ultrasound.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus irradiates an ultrasound signal from a body surface of a target object toward a target portion in the body and obtains an image related to a tomography or blood flow of the soft tissue using information of the reflected ultrasound signal (ultrasound echo signal) .

The ultrasound imaging device is small, inexpensive, real-time displayable, and easy to use in comparison with other imaging devices such as X-ray diagnostic apparatus, X-ray CT scanner, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) , Radiation and radiation exposure because it has a high safety advantage, is widely used for diagnosis of heart, abdomen, urinary and obstetrics.

An ultrasound imaging apparatus transmits an ultrasound signal to a target object to obtain an ultrasound image of the target object, an ultrasound probe for receiving the ultrasound echo signal reflected from the target object, and an ultrasound echo signal received from the ultrasound probe, And the like.

In order to efficiently diagnose a target object, the ultrasound imaging apparatus provides a body marker that simplifies the object and a probe marker that corresponds to the position of the probe that acquires an image of the target object.

Generally, a body marker attached to an ultrasound image is determined by the user selecting one of the created body markers. In addition, the user may set a probe marker for displaying the position of the ultrasonic probe on the body marker in acquiring the ultrasound image of the object.

In acquiring an ultrasound image of a target object, it is useful for a user to acquire an ultrasound image at the position of the same ultrasound probe based on a probe marker attached to the body marker.

However, when a user sets an ultrasonic marker attached to a body marker, if the object is a symmetric structure, there is an inefficiency in setting a probe that is symmetrical with one ultrasonic probe separately.

In one aspect of the present invention, when a user acquires an ultrasound image of a target object having a bilateral symmetry structure, a probe marker attached to a body marker of the ultrasound image is more conveniently set, and ultrasound A video apparatus and a control method thereof are provided.

An ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes an ultrasound probe for acquiring an ultrasound image of a target object; A display unit for displaying an image including the ultrasound image; A first probe marker set on the basis of the position of the ultrasonic probe and a body marker set on the basis of the type of the object; And the user sets the body marker through the input unit, the user sets the first probe marker corresponding to the body marker through the input unit, and if the object has a symmetric structure, And a controller for forming a symmetric body marker and forming a second probe marker corresponding to the symmetric body marker and symmetrical to the first probe marker.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus may further include a display unit for displaying an image including the ultrasound image,

Wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display at least one of the body marker, the symmetric body marker, the first probe marker, and the second probe marker based on the display command when the user inputs a display command through the input unit Can be displayed.

Wherein the controller sets a plurality of the second probe markers corresponding to the symmetrical body markers to the order of the plurality of first probe markers and the plurality of second probe markers corresponding to the body marker, Can be formed to correspond to the number.

The control unit may acquire history information corresponding to a plurality of the first probe markers, the plurality of second probe markers, and a plurality of the first probe marker setting procedures, and output the history information to the display unit.

The input unit may receive the object information from the user,

The control unit may acquire the first guide information by associating the object information with the first probe marker and the second probe marker.

The controller may output the first probe marker and the second probe marker to the display unit to guide the position of the ultrasonic probe based on the first guide information when the user inputs the object information. .

The input unit may receive the ultrasound image information from the user and may acquire second guide information corresponding to the first probe marker information and the second probe marker information.

When the user inputs the ultrasound image information, the controller may output the first probe marker and the second probe marker to the display unit based on the second guide information to guide the setting of the ultrasound image .

The subject may be symmetrical in body structure.

The subject may include an arm, a palm, a chest, and a sole.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an ultrasound system, including: acquiring an ultrasound image of a target object; providing a first probe marker set based on the position of the ultrasound probe; An input unit for receiving a control command of a body marker; And setting a body marker set by a user on the basis of the type of the object, setting the first probe marker corresponding to the body marker through the input unit by the user, and if the object has a symmetric structure, Forming a symmetrical body marker that is symmetrical to the body marker, forming a second probe marker corresponding to the symmetric body marker and symmetrical to the first probe marker, and displaying the symmetric body marker and the second probe marker; .

The second probe markers, which are symmetrical to the first probe markers,

If the user sets a plurality of first probe markers corresponding to the body marker,

And forming a plurality of the second probe markers corresponding to the double-symmetrical body markers so as to correspond to the order and the number of the plurality of first probe markers.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an ultrasound system, including: acquiring an ultrasound image of a target object; providing a first probe marker set based on the position of the ultrasound probe; An input unit for receiving a control command of a body marker; And setting a body marker set by a user on the basis of the type of the object, setting the first probe marker corresponding to the body marker through the input unit by the user, and if the object has a symmetric structure, Forming a symmetrical body marker that is symmetrical to the body marker and forming a second probe marker that is symmetrical with the first probe marker and corresponds to the symmetric body marker.

The method may further include displaying the symmetric body marker and the second probe marker.

The second probe markers, which are symmetrical to the first probe markers,

Wherein when the user sets a plurality of the first probe markers corresponding to the body marker, a plurality of the second probe markers corresponding to the plurality of symmetric body markers are arranged in the order and number of the plurality of first probe markers To correspond to each other.

Acquiring history information corresponding to a plurality of the first probe markers and the plurality of second probe markers and a plurality of the first probe marker setting procedures, and outputting the history information.

Receiving the object information from the user, and acquiring the first guide information in correspondence with the first probe marker and the second probe marker with the object information.

And outputting the first probe marker and the second probe marker based on the first guide information to guide the position of the ultrasonic probe when the user inputs the object information.

And receiving the ultrasound image information from the user and acquiring the second guide information corresponding to the first probe marker information and the second probe marker information with respect to the ultrasound image information.

And outputting the first probe marker and the second probe marker based on the second guide information to guide the setting of the ultrasound image when the user inputs the ultrasound image information.

The subject may be symmetrical in body structure.

The subject may include an arm, a palm, a chest, and a sole.

According to the ultrasonic imaging apparatus and its control method according to one aspect, when a user acquires an ultrasonic image of a target object having a left-right symmetrical structure, the probe marker attached to the body marker of the ultrasonic image can be more conveniently set, It is possible to diagnose the exact object.

1 is an external view of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a control block diagram of the ultrasound imaging apparatus according to the disclosed embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram specifically illustrating a configuration of a main body of the ultrasound imaging apparatus according to the disclosed embodiment.
FIG. 4 illustrates a body marker, a probe marker, and an ultrasound image displayed on the display unit of the ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
5 is a body marker to which a probe marker according to an embodiment is attached.
6 is a view showing a probe marker according to an embodiment attached to a body marker.
FIG. 7 illustrates an image in which a probe marker is attached to a body marker according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8 illustrates a process of setting a probe marker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows a process of setting a probe marker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 and 11 are flow charts according to an embodiment.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. The present specification does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and redundant description between general contents or embodiments in the technical field of the present invention will be omitted. The term 'part, module, member, or block' used in the specification may be embodied in software or hardware, and a plurality of 'part, module, member, and block' may be embodied as one component, It is also possible that a single 'part, module, member, block' includes a plurality of components.

Throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as being "connected" to another part, it includes not only the case directly connected but also the case where the connection is indirectly connected, and the indirect connection includes connection through the wireless communication network do.

Also, when an element is referred to as "comprising ", it means that it can include other elements as well, without departing from the other elements unless specifically stated otherwise.

Throughout the specification, when a member is located on another member, it includes not only when a member is in contact with another member but also when another member exists between the two members.

The terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another, and the elements are not limited by the above-mentioned terms.

The singular forms " a " include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In each step, the identification code is used for convenience of explanation, and the identification code does not describe the order of the steps, and each step may be performed differently from the stated order unless clearly specified in the context. have.

Hereinafter, the working principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig.

FIG. 1 is an external view of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. And FIG. 3 is a control block diagram specifically illustrating a configuration of a main body of the ultrasound imaging apparatus according to the embodiment. 1, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1 includes an ultrasound probe p for transmitting an ultrasound wave to a target object, receiving an ultrasound echo signal from the target object and converting the received ultrasound echo signal into an electrical signal, And a display unit 550 to display an ultrasound image. The ultrasonic probe P is connected to the main body M of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus through the cable 5 to receive various signals required for controlling the ultrasonic probe P or to receive the ultrasonic echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe P And can transmit a corresponding analog signal or digital signal to the main body M. [ However, the embodiment of the ultrasonic probe P is not limited thereto, and it may be implemented as a wireless probe to transmit and receive signals through a network formed between the ultrasonic probe P and the main body M.

A connector 6 can be provided at one end of the cable 5 connected to the ultrasonic probe P and at the other end to the slot 7 of the main body M. [ The body (M) and the ultrasonic probe (P) can exchange control commands and data using the cable (5). For example, when the user inputs information on the focal depth, the size or shape of the aperture, or the steering angle through the input unit 540, the information is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe P through the cable 5 And can be used for transmitting and receiving beamforming of the transmitting apparatus 100 and the receiving apparatus 200. Alternatively, when the ultrasonic probe P is implemented as a wireless probe as described above, the ultrasonic probe P is connected to the main body M via a wireless network rather than the cable 5. [ Even when the main body M and the ultrasonic probe P are connected to the main body M through the wireless network, the main body M and the ultrasonic probe P can transmit and receive the control commands and data described above.

The main body M may include a control unit 100, an image processing unit 530, an input unit 540, and a display unit 550, as shown in FIG.

The controller 100 controls the overall operation of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1. Specifically, the control unit 100 controls each component of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1, for example, the transmitting apparatus 100, the T / R switch 10, the receiving apparatus 200, the image processing unit 530 And the display unit 550, and controls the operation of each of the above-described components. In the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transmitting / receiving beamformer is included in the ultrasonic probe P rather than the main body, but the transmitting / receiving beamformer may be included in the main body instead of the ultrasonic probe P.

The control unit 100 calculates a delay profile for a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 60 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array TA and outputs the delay profile to the ultrasonic transducer array TA based on the calculated delay profile. And calculates a time delay value according to a distance difference between a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 60 included in the ultrasonic transducer element 60 and a focal point of the object. Then, the control unit 100 controls the transmission / reception beam former to generate a transmission / reception signal.

The control unit 100 may control the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1 by generating a control command for each component of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1 according to an instruction or command input by the user through the input unit 540.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 1 may provide various markers to increase efficiency in acquiring ultrasound images of a target object. The controller 100 may provide a body marker that roughly represents a target object to be acquired by the user and a probe marker that indicates the position of the ultrasonic probe at the time of diagnosis.

The control unit 100 can set the body marker and the probe marker based on the command inputted by the user through the input unit 540. [ When acquiring an ultrasound image through an ultrasonic probe, the body marker is set based on the position of the ultrasonic probe and is written to indicate the position information of the ultrasonic probe. When the object is symmetrical, the probe marker used on the right side surface is referred to as a first probe marker, and the probe marker used on the left side surface is referred to as a second probe marker. The first probe marker and the second probe marker may be in a symmetrical position. The control unit may form a second probe marker in a symmetrical position with the first probe marker based on the first probe marker. In addition, if the user forms a plurality of first probe markers in order through the input unit 540, the controller 100 may acquire the history information based on the set order of the first probe markers.

Symmetry used in the present specification is a point, a line segment, or a part located on both sides in a plane in the same shape, and includes a point symmetry in the case of points, a line symmetry in the case of a line segment, and a plane symmetry relationship in the case of a plane. Further, the symmetry of the body marker and the symmetrical body marker, the first probe marker and the second probe marker includes a line symmetry relationship, a point symmetry relationship and a plane symmetry relationship. In particular, when the body marker and the symmetrical body marker or the first probe marker and the second probe marker are line-symmetrical, the symmetry line may exist in all directions. Thus, the symmetry relationship may include up-down symmetry and symmetry, and the shape of the symmetry along the angle of the symmetry line is not limited.

In addition, the user can input the object information and the ultrasound image information through the input unit 540. The user can input the first guide information and the second guide information using the object information and the ultrasound image information input by the user and the probe markers . The first guide information is for guiding the position of the ultrasonic probe P based on the object information, and the second guide information is for guiding the setting of the ultrasonic image on the basis of the ultrasonic image information. A detailed description related thereto will be described later.

The image processing unit 530 generates an ultrasound image for a target site inside the target object based on the focused ultrasound signals through the receiving apparatus 200. [

3, the image processing unit 530 may further include an image forming unit 531, a signal processing unit 533, a scan converter 535, a storage unit 537, and a volume rendering unit 539.

The image forming unit 531 generates a coherent two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image for a target site inside the object based on the ultrasound signals focused through the receiving apparatus 200.

The signal processing unit 533 converts the coherent image information formed by the image forming unit 531 into ultrasound image information according to a diagnosis mode such as a B-mode or a Doppler mode. For example, when the diagnostic mode is set to the B-mode, the signal processing unit 533 performs processing such as A / D conversion processing and creates ultrasound image information for the B-mode image in real time. When the diagnostic mode is set to the D-mode (Doppler mode), the signal processing unit 533 extracts the phase change information from the ultrasound signal and outputs the phase change information to the blood flow corresponding to each point of the imaging cross- And generates ultrasound image information for the D-mode image in real time.

The scan converter 535 converts the converted ultrasound image information received from the signal processing unit 533 or the converted ultrasound image information stored in the storage unit 537 into a general video signal for the display unit 550, Lt; / RTI >

The storage unit 537 temporarily stores the converted ultrasound image information through the signal processing unit 533 or temporarily stores it. The storage unit 537 may store the first probe markers corresponding to the body markers set by the user and the corresponding second probe markers. When the user sets a plurality of probe markers, the storage unit 537 may store the history information acquired by the control unit 100 based on the bodybarker setting order.

The volume rendering unit 539 performs volume rendering based on the video signal transmitted from the scan converter 535, corrects the rendered image information, generates a final result image, And transmits it to the display unit 550.

The input unit 540 is provided so that the user can input a command related to the operation of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1. [ The user inputs a diagnosis mode selection command such as an ultrasound diagnosis start command, a B-mode (Brightness mode), an M-mode (Motion mode), a D-mode (Doppler mode), an elastic mode, And ROI setting information including the size and position of a region of interest (ROI).

The B-mode represents the cross-sectional image of the inside of the object, and the reflection echoes indicate the difference between the strong and weak portions. The B-mode image is constructed based on information obtained from tens to hundreds of scan lines.

The M-mode is an image that displays how the biometric information (e.g., brightness information) of a specific part (M line) changes with time in a sectional image (B-mode image) The mode image and the M-mode image are simultaneously displayed on one screen so that the user can compare and analyze both data to make an accurate diagnosis.

The D-mode refers to a Doppler effect in which the frequency of sound emitted from a moving object changes. The mode using the Doppler effect can be further divided into the PDI mode, the color flow mode (S Flow), and the DPDI mode.

The PDI (Power Doppler Imaging) mode is an image of the degree of Doppler signal and the number of structures (erythrocyte in the blood), which is less sensitive to the incidence angle, so there is no stray signal and less image damping due to noise. The PDI mode also records reflected Doppler energy, making it very sensitive to detect small blood vessels and slow blood flow.

The color flow mode (S Flow) provides a power image (PDI) representing the power of a Doppler signal in a two-dimensional distribution and a velocity image showing a velocity distribution of a Doppler signal in a two-dimensional distribution. The image in the color flow mode not only can visualize the blood flow in real time, but also can express a wide range of blood flow state from a high velocity blood flow in a large blood vessel to a low velocity blood flow in a small blood vessel.

The DPDI mode refers to a direction image in which the direction information of the Doppler signal is represented in a two-dimensional distribution in the PDI mode. Therefore, it is possible to detect information on the flow of blood flow more accurately than PDI. Also, an M mode image can be generated for a Doppler mode image.

The three-dimensional mode generally refers to an image displaying a geometric solid or space including X, Y, and Z values representing depth, width, and height, and a series of images indicating a three-dimensional effect or a three- . For example, using the 3D effect of the 3D mode, the user can display the face shape of the fetus and display the face of the fetus to the parent.

 The input unit 540 may include various means by which a user may input data, instructions, or commands, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a tablet, or a touch screen module. Meanwhile, the user can input a control command through the input unit 540 to set the probe marker. The user can input a command for moving, rotating, creating, and deleting probe markers on the input unit 540.

In addition, the user can input information of a target object to be diagnosed to the input unit 540 and input ultrasound image information. The object information and the ultrasound image information input by the user can be used to derive the guide information for guiding the position of the ultrasonic probe together with the probe marker. A detailed description related thereto will be described later.

The user can input a command to output the body marker, the symmetric body marker, the first probe marker, and the second probe marker formed on the control unit to the display unit 550 through the input unit 540. The command input by the user may be a direct command that causes the markers through the input unit 540 to be output to the display unit, but may be an indirect command such that the user diagnoses an object in symmetry with the existing object.

The display unit 550 displays menus and information items necessary for the ultrasound diagnosis, and ultrasound images acquired during the ultrasound diagnostic process. The display unit 550 displays an ultrasound image of a target site inside the object generated by the image processing unit 530. [ The ultrasound image displayed on the display unit 550 may be a B-mode ultrasound image, an elastic mode ultrasound image, or a 3D ultrasound image. The display unit can display various ultrasound images according to the above-described modes. The display unit 550 may be implemented by various known display methods such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) and a liquid crystal display (LCD).

Meanwhile, the display unit 550 may display a probe marker attached to the ultrasound image, the body marker, and the body marker acquired by the ultrasound probe. Also, the control unit 550 may output the acquired history information. The user can diagnose the target object by changing the position of the ultrasonic probe P based on the history information output to the display unit 550. [

The ultrasonic probe P according to one embodiment may include a transducer array TA, a T / R switch 10, a transmitting apparatus 100, and a receiving apparatus 200, as shown in FIG. The transducer array TA is provided at the end of the ultrasonic probe p. The ultrasonic transducer array TA means a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements 60 arranged in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array. The ultrasonic transducer array TA generates ultrasonic waves by vibrating with an applied pulse signal or alternating current. The generated ultrasonic waves are transmitted to a target site inside the object. In this case, the ultrasonic waves generated in the ultrasonic transducer array TA may be transmitted while focusing on a plurality of target portions inside the object. In other words, the generated ultrasonic waves may be transmitted by multi-focusing to a plurality of target portions.

Ultrasonic waves generated in the ultrasonic transducer array TA are reflected at a target portion inside the object and then returned to the ultrasonic transducer array TA. The ultrasonic transducer array TA receives an ultrasonic echo signal that is reflected back from the target site. When the ultrasonic echo signal reaches the ultrasonic transducer array TA, the ultrasonic transducer array TA oscillates at a predetermined frequency corresponding to the frequency of the ultrasonic echo signal, and outputs an alternating current having a frequency corresponding to the vibration frequency. Accordingly, the ultrasonic transducer array TA can convert the received ultrasonic echo signal into a predetermined electric signal. Each element 60 receives an ultrasonic echo signal and outputs an electrical signal, so that the ultrasonic transducer array TA can output electrical signals of a plurality of channels.

Ultrasonic transducers can be classified into a magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducer, a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer using piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric material, and vibration of several hundreds or thousands of microfabricated thin films A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and the like. In addition, other types of transducers capable of generating ultrasonic waves according to electrical signals or generating electrical signals according to ultrasonic waves may also be an example of ultrasonic transducers.

For example, the ultrasonic transducer element 60 according to the disclosed embodiment may include a piezoelectric vibrator or a thin film. When an alternating current is applied from a power source, the piezoelectric vibrator or thin film vibrates at a predetermined frequency according to an applied alternating current, and generates ultrasonic waves of a predetermined frequency according to the oscillating frequency. On the contrary, when the ultrasonic echo signal of a predetermined frequency reaches the piezoelectric vibrator or the thin film, the piezoelectric oscillator or the thin film vibrates according to the ultrasonic echo signal and outputs an alternating current having a frequency corresponding to the oscillation frequency.

The transmitting apparatus 100 applies a transmission pulse to the transducer array TA to cause the transducer array TA to transmit the ultrasonic signal to the target site in the object. The transmitting device may include a transmit beamformer and a pulsar.

The transmission beamformer 110 forms a transmission signal pattern according to a control signal of the control unit 100 of the main body M and outputs the transmission signal pattern to the pulser 120. The transmission beamformer 110 forms a transmission signal pattern based on a time delay value for each ultrasonic transducer element 60 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array TA calculated through the control unit 100, And transmits the signal pattern to the pulser 120.

The receiving apparatus performs predetermined processing on the ultrasonic echo signal received by the transducer array (TA) and performs reception beamforming. The reception apparatus 200 may include a reception signal processing unit and a reception beamformer. The electric signal converted in the transducer array TA is input to the reception signal processing unit. The reception signal processing unit amplifies the signal before the signal processing or the time delay processing for the electric signal in which the ultrasonic echo signal is converted, and can adjust the gain or compensate the attenuation according to the depth. More specifically, the received signal processing unit includes a low noise amplifier (LNA) for reducing noise with respect to an electric signal inputted from the ultrasonic transducer array TA, and a variable noise amplifier And may include a variable gain amplifier (VGA). The variable gain amplifier may be, but is not limited to, TGC (Time Gain compensation) that compensates for the gain depending on the distance from the focal point.

The receiving beamformer performs beam forming on an electrical signal input from the receiving signal processing unit. The reception beamformer strengthens the intensity of a signal through superposition of an electrical signal input from the reception signal processing unit. The beamformed signal from the receiving beamformer is converted into a digital signal via an analog-to-digital converter and transmitted to the image processor 530 of the main body M. [ When the analog-to-digital converter is provided in the main body M, the beam-shaped analog signal in the reception beamformer may be transmitted to the main body M and converted into a digital signal in the main body M. Or the receive beamformer may be a digital beam former. In the case of a digital beam former, a storage unit capable of sampling and storing an analog signal, a sampling period control unit for controlling a sampling period, an amplifier capable of adjusting a sample size, and an anti-aliasing low pass filter, a bandpass filter for selecting a desired frequency band, an interpolation filter for increasing a sampling rate at the time of beamforming, and a high-pass filter for removing a DC component or a low frequency band signal have.

FIG. 4 illustrates a body marker, a probe marker, and an ultrasound image displayed on a display unit of the ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

4, the ultrasound image acquired by the ultrasound probe is displayed on the display unit and the probe marker M1 is displayed on one side of the display unit. The probe marker M1 may be attached to the body marker H1 set by the user. The probe marker M1 indicates the position of the ultrasonic probe when the user acquires the ultrasonic image of the object. The ultrasound image acquired by the ultrasound probe may differ depending on the position where the ultrasound probe contacts the target object, so that the user can set the probe marker M1 corresponding to the ultrasound image. The probe marker M1 can be set by the user through the input unit. For example, the user can set the user through an input unit provided with a trackball. The user can adjust the angle as well as the horizontal and vertical positions of the probe markers. When a user diagnoses the same object at a different time, the user can acquire an ultrasound image at the same position as the previously acquired ultrasonic image through the probe marker, and based on the acquired state, Can be determined.

5 is a body marker to which a probe marker according to an embodiment is attached.

Referring to Figure 5, Figures 5A-5D are body markers showing a subject that is part of the body. 5A to 5D are body markers showing palms, arms, chest, and soles, respectively. The bodies shown in FIG. 5 correspond to a symmetrical structure in the body. In particular, the objects shown in Fig. 5 may correspond to symmetry. The user can set the body marker corresponding to the object through the input unit. For example, when the user desires to acquire an ultrasound image of the palm, a command to set a body marker corresponding to the palm can be set, and the controller can display the body marker shown in FIG. 5A on the display unit. In the case of a symmetric object, a pair of objects may exist, and the user acquires an ultrasound image of the object and acquires the other object image. The user can acquire the ultrasound image of each object and diagnose the abnormality of the object through comparison.

In the case of the palm shown in Fig. 5A, the left and right palms are symmetrical. When the user acquires the ultrasound image of the palm, the ultrasound probe can be positioned at various positions of the palm to acquire the ultrasound image. For example, the user can obtain an ultrasound image by contacting an ultrasonic probe to the index finger of the left palm. In this case, the user can diagnose the object by comparing the ultrasonic image of the left index finger with the index finger ultrasonic image of the right palm. According to an embodiment, when a user obtains an ultrasound image of the index finger of the palm of the left hand, a palm body marker can be set, and the control unit forms a symmetrical body marker at a symmetrical position based on the body marker set by the user . Details related to this will be described later.

In the case of the arm shown in FIG. 5B, since the size of the object is larger than that of the palm, the ultrasonic probe may be located in various places when acquiring the ultrasonic image of the arm. As described in FIG. 5A, And the control unit can set a symmetrical body marker of the right arm based on the body marker set in the left arm.

In the case of the chest shown in FIG. 5c, ultrasound images can be obtained by positioning an ultrasonic probe in various places around the papilla located on the chest. The user can obtain a variety of ultrasound images by positioning the ultrasonic probe in various places by setting the direction and distance around the papilla of the chest. As described with reference to FIG. 5A, the user can diagnose the chest by comparing the both, and the controller can set the symmetric body marker of the right chest on the basis of the body marker set on the left chest.

In the case of the sole shown in FIG. 5D, the ultrasonic probe can be positioned in various places to acquire an ultrasound image. As described in FIG. 5A, the user can diagnose the sole by comparing the two, The symmetrical body marker of the right soles can be set based on the set body markers.

The object shown in Fig. 5 is an example that is symmetric in the body, and the type of the object is not limited as long as it is an object that needs to acquire an ultrasound image symmetrically.

6 is a view showing a probe marker according to one embodiment attached to a body organ schematics; FIG. 6 shows body markers (H1 and H2) and probe markers (M1 and M2) indicating the right palm and the left palm.

Referring to FIG. 6, the user can acquire an ultrasound image of the right palm H1 using an ultrasonic probe. When the user intends to acquire an ultrasound image of the detection of the right palm H1, the ultrasound image is obtained by touching the index finger of the palm of the right hand of the ultrasound probe, and the position of the ultrasound image can be displayed using the first probe marker M1 . The control unit may form a second probe marker M2 in a symmetrical relationship with the first probe marker M1 based on the position of the first probe marker M1 set as described above. Generally, a symmetrical object acquires both ultrasound images and compares the acquired ultrasound images to diagnose the object. Therefore, if one of the objects is diagnosed and the probe markers are set, the other probe markers must be set separately. It is troublesome to set a probe marker. However, according to one embodiment, in the case of a symmetric object, setting only the first probe marker M1 attached to the body maker H1 corresponding to one object corresponds to the other object The second probe markers M2 attached to the symmetrical body markers can be set without requiring the user to set them, which can increase convenience.

When the second probe marker M2 is formed on the basis of the first probe marker M1 as described above, when the user acquires the ultrasound image of the palm of the left palm, the user moves the ultrasound probe based on the formed second probe marker M2 And the ultrasound image can be obtained at the position of the corresponding ultrasonic probe and compared with the previously obtained ultrasound image of the right palm.

The positions of the first probe marker M1 and the second probe marker M2 shown in FIG. 6 are merely examples, and the positions and angles of the probe markers corresponding to the object are not limited.

FIG. 7 illustrates an image in which a probe marker is attached to a body marker according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7A, FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an ultrasound image acquired by the first probe marker M1 and the ultrasonic probe when the target is the right palm. The display unit can display the ultrasound image acquired by the ultrasonic probe and the body marker attached with the probe marker. The user can set the first probe marker M1 corresponding to the ultrasound image acquired by the ultrasonic probe. Also, the control unit may store the first probe marker M1 stored in the above-described manner in the storage unit.

Referring to FIG. 7B, FIG. 7B shows an ultrasonic image of the left palm in a symmetrical relationship with FIG. 7A and a second probe marker M2 in a symmetrical relationship with the first probe marker M1 attached to the left palm . The control unit may form a second probe marker M2 in a symmetrical relationship with the first probe marker based on the first probe marker M1 set by the user.

On the other hand, the user can input information of the object via the input unit. Based on the information of the object inputted by the user, the control unit can set the body marker corresponding to the object. The information of the object may include a diagnosis part of the patient, a disease name to be diagnosed, a length of the object, a width of the object, and volume information of the object. The control unit may acquire the first guide information corresponding to the first probe marker M1 and the second probe marker M2 based on the information of the target object input by the user, After acquiring the information, if the user again inputs the object information, the control unit can guide the position of the ultrasonic probe based on the first guide information acquired in advance. The user can change the position of the ultrasonic probe using the first probe marker M1 and the second probe marker M2 shown in the first guide information.

Also, the user can input the ultrasound image information through the input unit. The ultrasound image information may include ROI of the object, depth information of the ultrasound image, and the like. Further, the controller may acquire the second guide information corresponding to the first probe marker and the second probe marker based on the ultrasound image information input by the user, and after acquiring the second guide information If the user again inputs the ultrasound image information, the controller can guide the position of the ultrasound probe based on the second guide information obtained in advance. The user can change the position of the ultrasonic probe using the first probe marker M1 and the second probe marker M2 shown in the second guide information.

FIG. 8 illustrates a process of setting a probe marker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8A, FIG. 8A shows that the user sets the first probe markers 1,2,3 of the right arm A1. In the case of the arm, since the size of the object is large, an ultrasonic image is acquired using the ultrasonic probe several times. In this case, a plurality of probe markers corresponding to the ultrasonic probe at the time of diagnosis can be set. When setting a plurality of probe markers, it is possible to set the order of acquiring ultrasound images.

8B is a view showing that the control unit forms the second probe markers (a, b, c) on the basis of the first probe markers 1,2,3 set by the user in FIG. 8A. The second probe markers (a, b, c) corresponding to the first probe markers (1, 2, 3) formed first in the right arm are formed and based on the order of setting the first probe markers Second probe markers (a, b, c) may be formed. When the user sets the first probe markers in the order of 1, 2, and 3, the second probe markers are formed in the order of a, b, c, History information can be obtained as a basis.

8, the type of object to which a plurality of probe markers are set is not limited, and the position of the probe markers is not limited to the probe markers shown in Fig. 8, and the user can set the probe markers without limitation can do.

FIG. 9 shows a process of setting a probe marker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an ultrasound image acquired using an ultrasonic probe and the above-described history information L based on the display unit. The control unit outputs history information (L) based on the setting order to a plurality of probe markers set by the user, and when the user wants to acquire an ultrasonic image of the same object at a later time, the controller sets the position of the ultrasonic probe on the basis of the history information So that it can be adjusted. According to an exemplary embodiment, a user may set a probe marker M3 corresponding to an arm when acquiring an ultrasound image of an arm. In addition, the control unit can output the above-described history information L to the display unit, and the user can adjust the position of the ultrasonic probe based on the outputted history information L. [

10 is a flowchart according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, when acquiring an ultrasound image of a target object, the user can set a body marker corresponding to the target object if the target object is a symmetric structure (1001). Objects of symmetrical structure include both palms, arms, soles and thorax. Based on the body marker set by the user, the control unit may form a symmetric body marker (1002) symmetrical with the body marker. Since the object has a symmetrical structure, the body marker and the symmetrical body marker also have a symmetrical structure.

In addition, the user may set a first probe marker attached to the body marker (1003), and the control unit may form a second probe marker (1004) symmetrical to the first probe marker and attached to the symmetric body marker. The control unit may display the body marker and the probe marker on the display unit (1005).

11 is a flowchart according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, a user can set a plurality of probe markers in order (1011). When a plurality of first probe markers are set, the controller may form a plurality of second probe markers corresponding to the plurality of first probe markers (1012). The control unit may derive the history information using the first probe marker, the second probe marker, and the first probe marker setting procedure (1013). The history information is output to the display unit (1014). If the user wants to acquire an ultrasound image of the same object later, the user can guide the position of the ultrasonic probe used by the user.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be embodied as a computer-readable recording medium.

The computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording media in which instructions that can be decoded by a computer are stored. For example, it may be a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, or the like.

The embodiments disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings have been described above. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

P: Ultrasonic probe
100:
540: Input section
M1: first probe marker
M2: second probe marker

Claims (20)

An ultrasound probe for acquiring an ultrasound image of a target object;
A first probe marker set on the basis of the position of the ultrasonic probe and a body marker set on the basis of the type of the object; And
The user sets the body marker through the input unit,
The user sets the first probe marker corresponding to the body marker through the input unit,
If the object has a symmetric structure,
Forming a symmetrical body marker that is symmetrical with the body marker,
And a controller for forming a second probe marker corresponding to the symmetric body marker and symmetrical to the first probe marker.
The method according to claim 1,
And a display unit for displaying an image including the ultrasound image,
Wherein,
When the user inputs a display command through the input unit,
And displaying on the display unit at least one of the body marker, the symmetric body marker, the first probe marker, and the second probe marker based on the display command,
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
If the user sets a plurality of first probe markers corresponding to the body marker,
Wherein the plurality of second probe markers corresponding to the symmetrical body markers are formed to correspond to the order and the number of the plurality of first probe markers.
The method of claim 3,
Wherein,
Acquiring history information corresponding to a plurality of the first probe markers, a plurality of the second probe markers, and a plurality of the first probe marker setting procedures,
And outputs the history information to the display unit.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the input unit comprises:
The user can receive the object information from the user,
Wherein,
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for obtaining the first guide information in correspondence with the object information to the first probe marker and the second probe marker,
6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein,
When the user inputs the object information,
And outputs the first probe marker and the second probe marker to the display unit based on the first guide information to guide the position of the ultrasonic probe.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the input unit comprises:
The ultrasound image information can be input from the user,
And acquires second guide information corresponding to the first probe marker information and the second probe marker information with respect to the ultrasound image information.
8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein,
When the user inputs the ultrasound image information,
And outputs the first probe marker and the second probe marker to the display unit based on the second guide information to guide the setting of the ultrasound image.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the object is a symmetrical relationship in terms of body structure.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
An ultrasound imaging device including an arm, a palm, a chest, and a sole.
Acquiring an ultrasound image of the object,
A first probe marker set on the basis of the position of the ultrasonic probe and a body marker set on the basis of the type of the object,
A user sets a body marker set based on the type of the object,
The user sets the first probe marker corresponding to the body marker,
If the object has a symmetric structure,
Forming a symmetrical body marker that is symmetrical with the body marker,
And forming a second probe marker corresponding to the symmetric body marker and symmetrical to the first probe marker.
12. The method of claim 11,
And displaying the symmetric body marker and the second probe marker.
12. The method of claim 11,
The second probe markers, which are symmetrical to the first probe markers,
If the user sets a plurality of first probe markers corresponding to the body marker,
And forming a plurality of second probe markers corresponding to the double-symmetric body marker so as to correspond to the order and number of the plurality of first probe markers.
14. The method of claim 13,
Acquiring history information corresponding to a plurality of the first probe markers, a plurality of the second probe markers, and a plurality of the first probe marker setting procedures,
And outputting the history information.
12. The method of claim 11,
Receiving the object information from the user,
And acquiring the first guide information in correspondence with the object information to the first probe marker and the second probe marker.
16. The method of claim 15,
When the user inputs the object information,
And outputting the first probe marker and the second probe marker based on the first guide information to guide the position of the ultrasonic probe.
12. The method of claim 11,
Receiving the ultrasound image information from the user,
And acquiring the second guide information in correspondence with the first probe marker information and the second probe marker information with respect to the ultrasound image information.
18. The method of claim 17,
When the user inputs the ultrasound image information,
And outputting the first probe marker and the second probe marker based on the second guide information to guide setting of the ultrasound image.
12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the object is a symmetrical relationship in terms of body structure.
12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein,
A method of controlling an ultrasound imaging device including an arm, a palm, a chest, and a sole.

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