KR102416511B1 - Method and apparatus for generating a body marker - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one aspect, a method of generating a body marker includes: detecting a portion corresponding to the shape of the object in a first body marker by comparing a shape of the object displayed on a medical image with a first body marker; generating a second body marker in which a portion detected in the first body marker is emphasized; and outputting a second body marker.

Description

Method and apparatus for generating body markers. {Method and apparatus for generating a body marker}

A method and apparatus for generating a body marker are provided.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus irradiates an ultrasound signal generated from a transducer of a probe to an object, receives information on an echo signal reflected from the object, and applies it to a part inside the object (eg, soft tissue or blood flow). Get at least one image for In particular, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus is used for medical purposes, such as observing the inside of an object, detecting a foreign substance, and measuring an injury. Such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has advantages of higher stability than a diagnostic apparatus using X-rays, real-time image display, and safety because there is no radiation exposure. Accordingly, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus is widely used together with other imaging apparatus including a computed tomography (CT) apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, and the like.

In general, a body marker attached to an ultrasound image is determined by a user selecting one from among pre-generated body markers. Accordingly, there is a problem in that it is difficult to determine the exact position of the object shown in the ultrasound image through the body marker attached to the ultrasound image.

A method and apparatus for generating a body marker are provided. Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing the method in a computer is recorded. The technical problem to be solved is not limited to the technical problems as described above, and other technical problems may exist.

According to one aspect, a method of generating a body marker includes: detecting a portion corresponding to the shape of the object in the first body marker by comparing a shape of the object displayed on a medical image with a first body marker; generating a second body marker in which the detected portion of the first body marker is emphasized; and outputting the second body marker.

In the above method, the first body marker and the second body marker include a two-dimensional body marker or a three-dimensional body marker.

In the above-described method, the first body marker includes a body marker selected from among a plurality of pre-stored body markers according to a user input.

In the above-described method, the method further comprises dividing the shape of the object in the medical image, wherein the first body marker is a body marker selected from among a plurality of body markers stored in advance based on the divided shape of the object. includes

In the above-described method, the method comprising: receiving a user input designating any one of the plurality of pre-stored body markers; and changing the selected body marker to the designated body marker.

In the above-described method, the generating comprises dividing the first body marker into a plurality of parts, and generating the second body marker by emphasizing a part including the detected part among the divided parts. .

In the above-described method, the first body marker is divided to include a portion corresponding to the shape of the object displayed on the medical image.

In the above-described method, the first body marker is divided based on a pre-stored anatomical theory.

In the above-described method, the generating comprises generating the second body marker by displaying the detected portion of the first body marker as a line having a thickness different from that of the line on which the first body marker is shown. do.

In the above-described method, the generating generates the second body marker by displaying the detected portion of the first body marker in a color different from that in which the first body marker is shown.

In the above-described method, the generating generates the second body marker by displaying the detected portion of the first body marker larger than the portion from which the detected portion is excluded.

In the above-described method, the medical image includes any one of an A-mode (amplitude mode) ultrasound image, a B-mode (brightness mode) ultrasound image, an M-mode (motion mode) ultrasound image, and a Doppler mode ultrasound image.

A computer-readable recording medium according to another aspect includes a recording medium recording a program for executing the above-described method in a computer.

The apparatus for generating a body marker according to another aspect detects a portion corresponding to the shape of the object in the first body marker by comparing a shape of the object displayed on a medical image with a first body marker, and a control unit generating a second body marker in which the detected portion of the first body marker is emphasized; and a display unit for outputting the second body marker.

In the above device, the first body marker and the second body marker include a two-dimensional body marker or a three-dimensional body marker.

In the above-described device, the first body marker includes a body marker selected from among a plurality of body markers previously stored according to a user input.

In the above-described apparatus, further comprising: an image processing unit that divides the shape of the object in the medical image, wherein the first body marker is a body selected from among a plurality of body markers stored in advance based on the divided shape of the object Includes markers.

In the above-described apparatus, the apparatus further includes an input unit for receiving a user input for designating any one of the plurality of pre-stored body markers, wherein the control unit changes the selected body marker to the specified body marker.

In the above-described apparatus, the controller divides the first body marker into a plurality of parts, and generates the second body marker by emphasizing a part including the detected part among the divided parts.

In the above-described apparatus, the first body marker is divided to include a portion corresponding to the shape of the object displayed on the medical image.

In the above-described device, the first body marker is divided based on a pre-stored anatomical theory.

In the above-described apparatus, the controller generates the second body marker by displaying the detected portion of the first body marker as a line having a thickness different from that of the line on which the first body marker is shown.

In the above-described apparatus, the controller generates the second body marker by displaying the detected portion of the first body marker in a color different from that of the first body marker.

In the above-described device, the controller generates the second body marker by displaying the detected portion of the first body marker larger than the portion from which the detected portion is excluded.

In the above-described apparatus, the medical image includes any one of an A-mode (amplitude mode) ultrasound image, a B-mode (brightness mode) ultrasound image, an M-mode (motion mode) ultrasound image, and a Doppler mode ultrasound image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention can be easily understood by the following detailed description and combination of the accompanying drawings, in which reference numerals mean structural elements.
1A to 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of an ultrasound diagnosis system according to an exemplary embodiment.
2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasound diagnosis system according to an exemplary embodiment.
3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a wireless probe according to an embodiment.
4 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an apparatus for generating a body marker according to an embodiment.
5 to 6 are views for explaining an example of a first body marker according to an embodiment.
7A is a view for explaining an example of a second body marker according to an embodiment.
7B is a view for explaining an example of a three-dimensional body marker according to an embodiment.
8 is a configuration diagram illustrating another example of an apparatus for generating a body marker according to an embodiment.
9A to 9B are diagrams for explaining an example in which the input unit receives a user input designating a first body marker, according to an embodiment.
9C to 9D are diagrams for explaining another example in which the input unit receives a user input designating a first body marker, according to an embodiment.
10 is a configuration diagram illustrating another example of an apparatus for generating a body marker according to an embodiment.
11A to 11B are diagrams for explaining an example in which an image processing unit divides a shape of an object in a medical image, according to an exemplary embodiment.
11C to 11D are diagrams for explaining another example in which an image processing unit divides a shape of an object in a medical image, according to an exemplary embodiment.
12 is a configuration diagram illustrating another example of an apparatus for generating a body marker according to an embodiment.
13A to 13D are diagrams for explaining an example in which a controller replaces a first body marker according to an exemplary embodiment.
13E to 13H are diagrams for explaining another example in which the controller replaces the first body marker according to an exemplary embodiment.
14A to 14C are diagrams for explaining an example in which a controller generates a second body marker according to an exemplary embodiment.
15A to 15C are diagrams for explaining another example in which a controller generates a second body marker according to an exemplary embodiment.
15D to 15F are diagrams for explaining another example in which a controller generates a second body marker according to an exemplary embodiment.
16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of generating a body marker according to an embodiment.

The terms used in the present invention have been selected as currently widely used general terms as possible while considering the functions in the present invention, which may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technology, and the like. In addition, in a specific case, there is a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the term used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than the name of a simple term.

In the entire specification, when a part “includes” a certain element, it means that other elements may be further included, rather than excluding other elements, unless otherwise stated. In addition, the “… wealth", "… The term “module” means a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Throughout the specification, the term “ultrasound image” refers to an image of an object obtained using ultrasound or an image indicating a region of interest included in the object. Here, the region of interest is a region in the object that the user wants to observe with attention, and may correspond to, for example, a lesion. Also, a subject may include a human or animal, or part of a human or animal. For example, the object may include at least one of organs, such as a liver, heart, uterus, brain, breast, and abdomen, and blood vessels. In addition, the object may be a phantom, and the phantom may refer to a material that closely approximates the density and effective atomic number of an organism and closely approximates the volume of the organism. For example, the phantom may be a spherical phantom having characteristics similar to those of a human body.

In addition, throughout the specification, a "user" may be a medical professional, such as a doctor, a nurse, a clinical pathologist, a medical imaging specialist, or a technician repairing a medical device, but is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1A to 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of an ultrasound diagnosis system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1A , in the ultrasound diagnosis system 1000 , the probe 20 and the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may be connected by wire. In other words, the probe 20 in charge of transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves may be connected to the main body of the ultrasound diagnosis system 1000 , that is, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 through the cable 110 .

Referring to FIG. 1B , in the ultrasound diagnosis system 1001 , the probe 20 and the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may be wirelessly connected. In other words, the probe 20 may be connected through the same wireless network as the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 . For example, the probe 20 and the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 are coupled to a millimeter wave (mmWave)-based wireless network, and an echo signal received through the transducer is transmitted to the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 in a 60 GHz frequency band. can do. In addition, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may generate ultrasound images of various modes by using the echo signal received in the 60 GHz frequency band, and may display the generated ultrasound images. Here, the millimeter wave-based wireless network may use a wireless communication method according to the WiGig standard of the Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WGA), but is not limited thereto.

2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasound diagnosis system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the ultrasound diagnosis system 1002 may include a probe 20 and an ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 . Here, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 includes an ultrasound transceiver 1100 , an image processing unit 1200 , a communication unit 1300 , a display unit 1400 , a memory 1500 , an input unit 1600 , and a control unit 1700 . The above-described various components may be connected to each other through the bus 1800 .

For example, the ultrasound diagnosis system 1002 may be implemented not only as a cart type but also as a portable type. Examples of the portable ultrasound diagnosis apparatus may include, but are not limited to, a picture archiving and communication system viewer (PACS), a smart phone, a laptop computer, a PDA, and a tablet PC.

The probe 20 transmits an ultrasound signal to the object 10 (or a region of interest within the object 10) according to a driving signal applied from the ultrasound transceiver 1100, and the object 10 ( Alternatively, the echo signal reflected from the ROI within the object 10 is received. The probe 20 includes a plurality of transducers, and the plurality of transducers vibrate according to a transmitted electrical signal and generate ultrasonic waves, which are acoustic energy. Also, the probe 20 may be connected to the main body of the ultrasound diagnosis system 1002 by wire or wirelessly, and the ultrasound diagnosis system 1002 may include a plurality of probes 20 according to an implementation form.

The transmitter 1110 supplies a driving signal to the probe 20 , and includes a pulse generator 1112 , a transmission delay unit 1114 , and a pulser 1116 . The pulse generator 1112 generates a pulse for forming a transmission ultrasound according to a predetermined pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and the transmission delay unit 1114 determines the transmission directionality. A delay time is applied to the pulse. Each pulse to which the delay time is applied corresponds to a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators included in the probe 20 , respectively. The pulser 1116 applies a driving signal (or a driving pulse) to the probe 20 at a timing corresponding to each pulse to which a delay time is applied.

The receiver 1120 generates ultrasonic data by processing the echo signal received from the probe 20 , and an amplifier 1122 , an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 1124 , a reception delay unit 1126 , and A summation unit 1128 may be included. The amplifier 1122 amplifies the echo signal for each channel, and the ADC 1124 analog-digitizes the amplified echo signal. The reception delay unit 1126 applies a delay time for determining reception directionality to the digitally converted echo signal, and the summing unit 1128 sums the echo signals processed by the reception delay unit 1166. Generate ultrasound data. Meanwhile, the receiver 1120 may not include the amplifier 1122 depending on its implementation. That is, when the sensitivity of the probe 20 is improved or the number of processing bits of the ADC 1124 is improved, the amplifier 1122 may be omitted.

The image processing unit 1200 generates an ultrasound image through a scan conversion process on the ultrasound data generated by the ultrasound transceiver 1100 . Meanwhile, the ultrasound image is a gray scale image obtained by scanning an object in A mode (amplitude mode), B mode (brightness mode), and M mode (motion mode), as well as a Doppler effect. It may be a Doppler image expressing a moving object by using it. The Doppler image may be a blood flow Doppler image (or also referred to as a color Doppler image) indicating blood flow, a tissue Doppler image indicating tissue movement, or a spectral Doppler image indicating a movement speed of an object as a waveform.

The B-mode processing unit 1212 extracts and processes the B-mode component from the ultrasound data. The image generator 1220 may generate an ultrasound image in which signal intensity is expressed as brightness based on the B mode component extracted by the B mode processor 1212 .

Similarly, the Doppler processor 1214 may extract a Doppler component from the ultrasound data, and the image generator 1220 may generate a Doppler image expressing the motion of the object as a color or a waveform based on the extracted Doppler component.

The image generator 1220 according to an embodiment may generate a 3D ultrasound image through a volume rendering process for volume data, and may generate an elastic image obtained by imaging the degree of deformation of the object 10 according to pressure. may be Furthermore, the image generator 1220 may express various types of additional information as text or graphics on the ultrasound image. Meanwhile, the generated ultrasound image may be stored in the memory 1500 .

Also, the image processing unit 1200 may divide the shape of the object displayed in the ultrasound image.

The display unit 1400 displays the generated ultrasound image. The display unit 1400 may display not only an ultrasound image but also various information processed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1002 on a screen through a graphical user interface (GUI). Meanwhile, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 1000 may include two or more display units 1400 according to an implementation form.

Also, the display unit 1400 displays a body marker selected according to a user input. Also, the display unit 1400 displays the second body marker generated by the control unit 1700 .

The communication unit 1300 is connected to the network 30 by wire or wirelessly to communicate with an external device or server. Also, when the probe 20 is connected to the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1002 through a wireless network, the communication unit 1300 may communicate with the probe 20 .

The communication unit 1300 may exchange data with a hospital server connected through a medical image information system (PACS) or other medical devices in the hospital. Also, the communication unit 1300 may perform data communication according to a digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) standard.

The communication unit 1300 may transmit/receive data related to diagnosis of the object, such as an ultrasound image, ultrasound data, and Doppler data, of the object 10 through the network 30 , and may include other medical devices such as a CT apparatus, an MRI apparatus, and an X-ray apparatus. Medical images captured by the device can also be transmitted and received. Furthermore, the communication unit 1300 may receive information about a patient's diagnosis history or treatment schedule from the server and use it for diagnosis of the object 10 . Furthermore, the communication unit 1300 may perform data communication with a portable terminal of a doctor or a patient as well as a server or medical device in a hospital.

The communication unit 1300 may be connected to the network 30 by wire or wirelessly to exchange data with the server 32 , the medical device 34 , or the portable terminal 36 . The communication unit 1300 may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, and may include, for example, a short-range communication module 1310 , a wired communication module 1320 , and a mobile communication module 1330 . can

The short-distance communication module 1310 refers to a module for short-distance communication within a predetermined distance. Short-distance communication technology according to an embodiment of the present invention includes wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), ultra wideband (UWB), infrared communication ( IrDA, infrared Data Association), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), etc. may be included, but is not limited thereto.

The wired communication module 1320 refers to a module for communication using an electrical signal or an optical signal. Wired communication technology according to an embodiment includes a twisted pair cable, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber cable, and Ethernet. There may be cables, etc.

The mobile communication module 1330 transmits/receives wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signal may be a voice call signal, a video call call signal, or various types of data according to text/multimedia message transmission/reception.

The memory 1500 stores various pieces of information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 1000 . For example, the memory 1500 may store medical data related to diagnosis of the object 10 , such as input/output ultrasound data and ultrasound images, and may store an algorithm or program executed in the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1002 . have.

Also, the memory 1500 may store a plurality of pre-generated body markers and a body marker generated by the controller 1700 .

The memory 1500 may be implemented with various types of storage media, such as a flash memory, a hard disk, and an EEPROM. Also, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1002 may operate a web storage or a cloud server that performs a storage function of the memory 1500 on the web.

The input unit 1600 means a means for receiving data for controlling the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1002 from a user. Examples of the input unit 1600 may include a hardware configuration such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, a touch screen, a track ball, and a jog switch, and a software module operating the same. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the input unit 1600 may further include various input means such as an electrocardiogram measurement module, a respiration measurement module, a voice recognition sensor, a gesture recognition sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a depth sensor, and a distance sensor. can

Also, the input unit 1600 receives a user input for selecting one of a plurality of body markers pre-stored in the memory 1500 .

The controller 1700 controls the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 1000 . That is, the control unit 1700 includes the probe 20 , the ultrasound transceiver 1100 , the image processing unit 1200 , the communication unit 1300 , the display unit 1400 , the memory 1500 , and the input unit 1600 shown in FIG. 1 . ) can be controlled.

The controller 1700 according to an exemplary embodiment compares the shape of the object displayed on the medical image (eg, ultrasound image) with the first body marker. Here, the first body marker is any one of a plurality of body markers stored in the memory 1500 , and refers to body markers that are preset and stored regardless of a shape or location of an object displayed on a medical image.

Also, the controller 1700 detects a portion corresponding to the shape of the object from the first body marker according to the comparison result. Then, the controller 1700 generates a second body marker in which the detected portion of the first body marker is emphasized. Here, the first body marker and the second body marker may be body markers in which the object is depicted in a two-dimensional shape (hereinafter, referred to as a 'two-dimensional body marker'), or a body marker in which the object is depicted in a three-dimensional shape ( Hereinafter, referred to as a 'three-dimensional body marker').

As an example, the controller 1700 may detect a portion corresponding to the shape of the object from the first body marker, and display the detected portion as a line having a thickness different from that of the line in which the first body marker is illustrated. For example, if it is assumed that the first body marker is shown as a 1 mm solid line, the controller 1700 controls the portion corresponding to the shape of the object in the first body marker to be displayed as a 2 mm solid line or a 0.5 mm solid line. can create Also, the controller 1700 may generate a second body marker in which a portion of the first body marker corresponding to the shape of the object is indicated by a dashed line of 1 mm. Meanwhile, the thickness of the above-described lines is merely an example described for convenience of description, and is not limited thereto.

As another example, the controller 1700 may detect a portion corresponding to the shape of the object from the first body marker, and display the detected portion in a color different from that of the first body marker. In other words, assuming that the first body marker is shown as a white line, the controller 1700 may generate a second body marker in which a portion of the first body marker corresponding to the shape of the object is marked with a red line. Meanwhile, the colors of the above-described lines are merely examples described for convenience of description, and are not limited thereto.

As another example, the controller 1700 may detect a portion corresponding to the shape of the object in the first body marker and display the detected portion larger than other portions in the first body marker excluding the detected portion. have. In other words, the controller 1700 may generate a second body marker in which only a portion corresponding to the shape of the object is enlarged from the first body marker.

Also, the controller 1700 may divide the first body marker into a plurality of parts.

As an example, the controller 1700 may divide the first body marker to include a portion corresponding to the shape of the object displayed on the medical image. As another example, the controller 1700 may divide the first body marker according to a pre-stored anatomical theory. Also, the controller 1700 may display a part including the shape of the object among the divided parts differently from a line in which the first body marker is shown or a color in which the first body marker is shown. Also, the controller 1700 may enlarge and display a portion including the shape of the object among the divided portions compared to other portions of the first body marker.

Some or all of the probe 20 , the ultrasonic transceiver 1100 , the image processing unit 1200 , the communication unit 1300 , the display unit 1400 , the memory 1500 , the input device 1600 , and the control unit 1700 are software It may operate by a module, but is not limited thereto, and some of the above-described components may be operated by hardware. In addition, at least some of the ultrasound transceiver 1100 , the image processing unit 1200 , and the communication unit 1300 may be included in the control unit 1600 , but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a wireless probe according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the wireless probe 2000 includes a plurality of transducers as described above with reference to FIG. 2 , and includes some or all of the configuration of the ultrasound transceiver 1100 of FIG. 2 according to an implementation form. can do.

The wireless probe 2000 shown in FIG. 3 includes a transmitter 2100 , a transducer 2200 , and a receiver 2300 , and each configuration has been described above with reference to FIG. 2 , and detailed description is omitted. do. Meanwhile, the wireless probe 2000 may selectively include a reception delay unit 2330 and a summation unit 2340 according to an implementation form thereof.

The wireless probe 2000 may transmit an ultrasound signal to the object 10 , receive an echo signal, generate ultrasound data, and wirelessly transmit the ultrasound data to the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1002 of FIG. 2 .

4 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an apparatus for generating a body marker according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the body marker generating apparatus 101 includes a control unit 1701 and a display unit 1401 . Here, some or all of the control unit 1701 and the display unit 1401 may be operated by a software module, but is not limited thereto, and some of the above-described components may be operated by hardware. Also, the display unit 1401 may include an independent control module.

Also, the control unit 1701 may be the same as the control unit 1700 illustrated in FIG. 2 , and the display unit 1401 may be the same as the display unit 1400 illustrated in FIG. 2 . If it is assumed that the body marker generating apparatus 101 is a partial component included in the ultrasound imaging apparatus, the body marker generating apparatus 101 includes the ultrasound transceiver shown in FIG. 2 in addition to the controller 1701 and the display unit 1401 . 1100 , an image processing unit 1200 , a communication unit 1300 , a memory 1500 , and an input unit 1600 may be further included.

The controller 1701 compares the shape of the object 10 displayed on the medical image with the first body marker. Then, the controller 1701 detects a portion corresponding to the shape of the object 10 from the first body marker. Here, the first body marker means any one of a plurality of body markers stored in a memory (not shown) of the body marker generating apparatus 101 .

The body marker refers to a picture attached to a medical image (eg, an ultrasound image) so that a person (eg, a user) who reads the medical image can easily identify the object 10 displayed in the medical image. do.

The first body marker according to an embodiment means a body marker that is previously generated and stored in the marker generating apparatus 101 . That is, the first body marker refers to a body marker previously created by a manufacturer or a user without reflecting information on the current location of the object 10 displayed on the medical image.

Since the first body marker does not reflect the current location of the object 10 , when the first body marker is attached to a medical image, it may be difficult for a person viewing the medical image to identify the exact location of the object 10 . . Hereinafter, the first body marker will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 6 .

5 to 6 are views for explaining an example of a first body marker according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5 , an example of a plurality of pre-stored body markers 3120 output on a screen 3110 is illustrated. The controller 1701 selects one of the plurality of body markers 3120 as the first body marker based on the object 10 displayed on the medical image.

As an example, the controller 1701 may select the first body marker based on a user input input through an input unit (not shown). As another example, the controller 1701 may select the first body marker based on the shape of the object 10 divided by the image processing unit (not shown) in the medical image. Examples in which the controller 1701 selects one of the plurality of body markers 3120 as the first body marker will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13 .

The plurality of body markers 3120 may be arranged according to types of application groups 3130 . Here, the application means a diagnosis subject, and may be determined based on a body part or body organ of a human or animal.

For example, the application groups 3130 include an abdominal group, a small part group including chest, oral cavity, genitalia, etc., a vascular group, and a musculoskeletal group. , an obstetrics group (OB/GYN group), a cardiac group, a brain group, a urinary group, and a vet group. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and body parts or organs of a human or animal may be classified into a plurality of application groups according to a predetermined criterion.

The display unit 1401 may output the body markers arranged for each of the plurality of application groups 3130 on the screen 3110 . For example, when the user selects (eg, clicks or taps) 'vascular' among the icons representing the application groups 3130 output on the screen 3110, the display unit 1401 displays a plurality of body markers. Among them, body markers 3120 included in the vascular system group may be output on the screen 3110 .

In this case, the body markers 3120 are body markers previously created and stored. Accordingly, after reviewing all of the plurality of body markers, the user must select a first body marker most suitable for the object 10 included in the medical image. Accordingly, it may take a lot of time for the user to select the first body marker.

Also, the first body marker selected from among the body markers 3120 may not include accurate information on the object 10 . Hereinafter, it will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 .

6 shows an example of a medical image 3220 output on the screen 3210 and a first body marker 3230 attached thereto. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 6 , it is assumed that the medical image 3220 is an ultrasound image representing a portion of blood vessels.

A first body marker 3230 may be attached to the medical image 3220 in order to help a person who reads the medical image 3220 later. Therefore, only the first body marker 3230 can be used to know that the medical image 3220 is an image obtained by photographing blood vessels, and it is difficult to know exactly which part of the blood vessels the medical image 3220 represents.

That is, the blood vessel displayed in the medical image 3220 may represent a partial region included in the blood vessel illustrated in the first body marker 3230 . Alternatively, the blood vessel shown in the medical image 3220 may represent a wider area including the blood vessel shown in the first body marker 3230 . However, since the first body marker 3230 is a pre-generated and non-deformable body marker, it is not possible to accurately indicate which part of the blood vessel shown in the medical image 3220 represents in the blood vessel shown in the first body marker 3230 . .

As described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 6 , the first body marker, which is a pre-generated body marker, may not accurately represent information on the current object 10 included in the medical image.

Meanwhile, the controller 1701 according to an exemplary embodiment generates the second body marker by emphasizing a portion corresponding to the object (ie, blood vessel) displayed on the medical image 3220 in the first body marker 3230 . Accordingly, the controller 1701 may generate a body marker that accurately indicates information about the object currently displayed in the medical image 3220 . Hereinafter, the second body marker will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 .

7A is a view for explaining an example of a second body marker according to an embodiment.

7A shows an example of a medical image 3420 output to the screen 3410 and a second body marker 3430 attached thereto. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 7A , it is assumed that the medical image 3420 is an ultrasound image representing the blood vessel 3421 . However, a portion of blood vessels distributed in the body is enlarged and shown in the medical image 3420 .

As described above with reference to FIG. 6 , the first body marker attached to the medical image 3420 includes only information on the type of blood vessel 3421 displayed in the medical image 3420 . For example, the first body marker only indicates whether the blood vessel 3421 is a coronary artery or a pulmonary artery, and the like. Accordingly, the first body marker does not inform a person who reads the medical image 3420 accurate information on which part of the coronary artery the blood vessel 3421 corresponds to.

Meanwhile, a position corresponding to the blood vessel 3421 is displayed on the second body marker 3430 to be distinguished from other positions. In other words, the controller 1701 according to an embodiment generates the second body marker 3430 in which the portion corresponding to the blood vessel 3421 is emphasized in the first body marker. As an example, the controller 1701 may display a portion corresponding to the blood vessel 3421 in the first body marker as a line having a thickness different from that of other portions. As another example, the controller 1701 may display the portion corresponding to the blood vessel 3421 in the first body marker in a color different from that of the other portions. Accordingly, a person who reads the medical image 3420 may accurately determine the location of the blood vessel 3421 included in the medical image 3420 .

Meanwhile, the first body marker or the second body marker may be a three-dimensional body marker. Hereinafter, the 3D body marker will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7B .

7B is a view for explaining an example of a three-dimensional body marker according to an embodiment.

7B shows an example of a medical image 3520 output on the screen 3510 and a second body marker 3530 attached thereto. Here, the second body marker 3530 may be a 3D body marker. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 7B , it is assumed that the medical image 3520 is an ultrasound image representing a region 3521 of the liver.

In general, the first body marker attached to the medical image 3520 includes only information on the type of organ shown in the medical image 3520 . For example, since the first body marker is a body marker indicating the overall shape of the liver, a person viewing the medical image 3520 may determine which part of the medical image 3520 is a photograph of the liver only with the first body marker. none.

Meanwhile, one region 3521 of the liver shown in the medical image 3530 is displayed on the second body marker 3530 to be distinguished from other regions of the liver. In other words, the controller 1701 according to an exemplary embodiment generates the second body marker 3530 in which the region 3521 displayed in the medical image 3530 is emphasized in the first body marker. For example, the controller 1701 divides the liver displayed on the first body marker into a plurality of parts. Then, the controller 1701 generates the second body marker 3530 by emphasizing a portion including the region 3521 displayed in the medical image 3530 among the divided portions. As an example, in the second body marker 3530 , a portion including the region 3521 displayed in the medical image 3530 may be displayed as a line having a thickness different from that of other portions. As another example, in the second body marker 3530 , a portion including the area 3521 displayed in the medical image 3530 may be displayed in a different color from other portions. Accordingly, a person who reads the medical image 3520 may accurately determine which part of the liver is the liver region 3521 shown in the medical image 3520 .

Meanwhile, although it has been described that the second body marker 3530 is a body marker having a three-dimensional shape in FIG. 7B , the first body marker may also be a body marker having a three-dimensional shape.

Referring again to FIG. 4 , the display unit 1401 outputs a medical image representing the object 10 on the screen. Also, the display unit 1401 may output the second body marker generated by the control unit 1701 on the screen. In this case, the display unit 1401 may output the first body marker and the second body marker together on a single screen.

Hereinafter, examples in which the first body marker is selected from among a plurality of pre-stored body markers will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13B .

8 is a configuration diagram illustrating another example of an apparatus for generating a body marker according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the body marker generating apparatus 102 includes a control unit 1702 , a display unit 1402 , and an input unit 1601 . Here, some or all of the control unit 1702 , the display unit 1402 , and the input unit 1601 may be operated by a software module, but is not limited thereto, and some of the above-described components may be operated by hardware. In addition, the display unit 1402 and the input unit 1601 may each include an independent control module.

Also, the control unit 1702 may be the same as the control unit 1701 illustrated in FIG. 4 , and the display unit 1402 may be the same as the display unit 1401 illustrated in FIG. 4 . Also, the input unit 1601 may be the same as the input unit 1600 illustrated in FIG. 2 . If it is assumed that the body marker generating apparatus 102 is a part included in the ultrasound imaging apparatus, the body marker generating apparatus 102 is shown in FIG. 2 in addition to the control unit 1702, the display unit 1402, and the input unit 1601. The illustrated ultrasound transceiver 1100 , an image processing unit 1200 , a communication unit 1300 , and a memory 1500 may be further included.

The operation of the display unit 1402 is the same as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 . Therefore, a detailed description of the display unit 1402 will be omitted below.

The input unit 1601 receives a user input for designating any one of a plurality of pre-stored body markers. For example, the user may view a medical image output on the display unit 1402 and select a body marker similar to the object 10 .

The controller 1702 selects the first body marker based on the user input transmitted from the input unit 1601 . Then, the controller 1702 generates a second body marker in which a portion corresponding to the object 10 is emphasized in the first body marker. Hereinafter, an example in which the input unit 1601 receives a user input and the control unit 1702 selects the first body marker will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9D .

9A to 9B are diagrams for explaining an example in which the input unit receives a user input designating a first body marker, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9A , a plurality of body markers 4120 pre-stored in the body marker generating apparatus 102 are output on the screen 4110 . In this case, as described above with reference to FIG. 5 , that the plurality of body markers 4120 may be arranged according to the type of the application groups 4130 .

The user may designate any one 4140 from among the plurality of body markers 4120 output on the screen 4110 . As an example, assuming that the input unit 1601 includes a hardware configuration such as a keyboard, mouse, trackball, and jog switch and a software module operating the same, the user clicks any one 4140 of the plurality of body markers 4120 can do. As another example, assuming that the input unit (not shown) includes a touch screen and a software module operating the same, the user may tap any one 4140 of the plurality of body markers 4120 .

The controller 1702 selects the first body marker based on the user input. In other words, the body marker 4140 designated by the user is selected as the first body marker. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B , the display unit 1402 outputs the first body marker 4160 on the screen 4150 .

9C to 9D are diagrams for explaining another example in which the input unit receives a user input designating a first body marker, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9C , a plurality of body markers 4121 pre-stored in the body marker generating apparatus 102 are output on the screen 4111 . In this case, as described above with reference to FIG. 5 , the plurality of body markers 4121 may be arranged according to the types of the application groups 4131 .

The user may designate any one 4141 from among the plurality of body markers 4121 output on the screen 4111 . An example in which the input unit 1601 receives a user input designating the body marker 4141 is the same as described above with reference to FIG. 9A .

Meanwhile, the body markers 4121 output on the screen 4111 may be 3D body markers. In other words, each of the plurality of body markers 4121 may be body markers including a three-dimensional shape.

The controller 1702 selects the first body marker based on the user input. In other words, the body marker 4141 designated by the user is selected as the first body marker. As an example, if the body markers 4121 output on the screen 4111 are 2D body markers, the controller 1702 converts the designated body marker 4141 into a 3D body marker and transmits it to the display unit 1402 . can As another example, if the body markers 4121 output on the screen 4111 are 3D body markers, the controller 1702 may transmit information on the designated body marker 4141 to the display unit 1402 .

Then, as shown in FIG. 9D , the display unit 1402 outputs the first body marker 4161 on the screen 4151 . That is, the 3D body marker 4161 may be output on the screen 4151 .

As described above with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9D , the controller 1702 determines the body marker designated by the user as the first body marker. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the controller 1702 may select the first body marker based on the shape of the object 10 displayed on the medical image. Hereinafter, an example in which the controller 1702 selects the first body marker based on the shape of the object 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 11D .

10 is a configuration diagram illustrating another example of an apparatus for generating a body marker according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the body marker generating apparatus 103 includes a control unit 1703 , a display unit 1403 , and an image processing unit 1201 . Here, some or all of the control unit 1703 , the display unit 1403 , and the image processing unit 1201 may be operated by a software module, but is not limited thereto, and some of the above-described components may be operated by hardware. . In addition, the display unit 1403 and the image processing unit 1201 may each include an independent control module.

Also, the control unit 1703 may be the same as the control unit 1701 illustrated in FIG. 4 , and the display unit 1403 may be the same as the display unit 1401 illustrated in FIG. 4 . Also, the image processing unit 1201 may be the same as the image processing unit 1200 illustrated in FIG. 2 . If it is assumed that the body marker generating apparatus 103 is a partial component included in the ultrasound imaging apparatus, the body marker generating apparatus 102 includes the controller 1703 , the display unit 1403 , and the image processing unit 1201 , as shown in FIG. 2 . The ultrasonic transceiver 1100, the communication unit 1300, the memory 1500, and the input unit 1600 shown in may further include.

The operation of the display unit 1403 is the same as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9B . Therefore, a detailed description of the display unit 1403 will be omitted below.

The image processing unit 1201 divides the shape of the object 10 in the medical image. For example, the image processing unit 1201 may detect an outline of the object 10 from the medical image and divide the shape of the object 10 by connecting the detected outlines. In this case, the image processing unit 1201 may include a thresholding method, a K-means algorithm, a compression-based method, a histogram-based method, an edge detection ( Edge detection), a region-growing method, a partial differential equation-based method, and a graph partitioning method to divide the shape of the object 10 using various methods. can Since the above-described methods are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The controller 1703 selects the first body marker based on the shape divided by the image processing unit 1201 . For example, the controller 1703 may determine a body marker most similar to the shape of the object 10 among a plurality of body markers stored in the body marker generating apparatus 103 as the first body marker.

Then, the controller 1703 generates a second body marker in which a portion corresponding to the object 10 is emphasized in the first body marker. Hereinafter, an example in which the image processing unit 1201 divides the shape of the object 10 in a medical image and the control unit 1703 selects the first body marker will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11D .

11A to 11B are diagrams for explaining an example in which an image processing unit divides a shape of an object in a medical image, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11A , a medical image 4220 representing an object 4230 is output on the screen 4210 . The image processing unit 1201 divides the shape of the object 4230 in the medical image 4220 . For example, the image processor 1201 may segment the shape of the object 4230 in the medical image 4220 by using any one of the methods described above with reference to FIG. 10 .

The controller 1703 selects the first body marker based on the shape of the object 4230 . For example, the controller 1703 may determine a body marker 4240 most similar to the shape of the object 4230 as the first body marker among a plurality of body markers stored in the body marker generating apparatus 103 . And, as shown in FIG. 11B , the display unit 1402 outputs the first body marker 4240 on the screen 4250 .

11C to 11D are diagrams for explaining another example in which an image processing unit divides a shape of an object in a medical image, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11C , a medical image 4221 representing an object 4231 is output on the screen 4211 . The image processing unit 1201 divides the shape of the object 4231 in the medical image 4221 . For example, the image processing unit 1201 may segment the shape of the object 4231 in the medical image 4221 by using any one of the methods described above with reference to FIG. 10 .

The controller 1703 selects the first body marker based on the shape of the object 4231 . Then, as shown in FIG. 11D , the display unit 1402 outputs the first body marker 4241 on the screen 4251 . In this case, the first body marker 4241 may be a body marker having a three-dimensional shape.

Meanwhile, the controller 1703 may change the preselected first body marker to another body marker according to a user input. Hereinafter, an example in which the controller 1703 changes the preselected first body marker to another body marker will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 13H .

12 is a configuration diagram illustrating another example of an apparatus for generating a body marker according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the apparatus for generating a body marker 104 includes a controller 1704 , a display unit 1404 , an input unit 1602 , and an image processing unit 1202 . Here, some or all of the control unit 1704 , the display unit 1404 , the input unit 1602 , and the image processing unit 1202 may be operated by a software module, but is not limited thereto, and some of the above-described components are in hardware. may be operated by In addition, the display unit 1404, the image processing unit 1202, and the input unit 1602 may each include an independent control module.

In addition, the control unit 1704 may be the same as the control unit 1701 illustrated in FIG. 4 , and the display unit 1404 may be the same as the display unit 1401 illustrated in FIG. 4 . Also, the input unit 1602 may be the same as the input unit 1601 illustrated in FIG. 8 , and the image processing unit 1202 may be the same as the image processing unit 1201 illustrated in FIG. 10 . If it is assumed that the body marker generating apparatus 104 is a part included in the ultrasound imaging apparatus, the body marker generating apparatus 104 includes a controller 1704 , a display unit 1404 , an input unit 1602 , and an image processing unit 1202 . ), the ultrasound transceiver 1100, the communication unit 1300, and the memory 1500 shown in FIG. 2 may be further included.

The operation of the display unit 1404 is as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12 . Therefore, a detailed description of the display unit 1404 will be omitted below.

The image processing unit 1202 divides the shape of the object 10 in the medical image. For example, the image processing unit 1201 may detect an outline of the object 10 from the medical image and divide the shape of the object 10 by connecting the detected outlines. A detailed operation of the image processing unit 1202 is the same as described above with reference to FIGS. 10 to 11B . Therefore, detailed description will be omitted below.

The controller 1704 selects the first body marker based on the shape divided by the image processing unit 1201 . For example, the controller 1703 may determine a body marker most similar to the shape of the object 10 among a plurality of body markers stored in the body marker generating apparatus 103 as the first body marker. In addition, the display unit 1404 may output the first body marker selected by the control unit 1703 on the screen. In this case, the first body marker may be a 2D body marker or a 3D body marker.

Thereafter, the input unit 1602 receives a user input for designating any one of a plurality of pre-stored body markers. For example, the user may select a body marker different from the first body marker output on the display unit 1404 . Thereafter, the control unit 1704 changes the preselected first body marker to the body marker selected by the user based on the user input transmitted from the input unit 1602 . Hereinafter, an example in which the controller 1704 changes the first body marker will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13D .

13A to 13D are diagrams for explaining an example in which a controller replaces a first body marker according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13A , a medical image 4310 showing a blood vessel 4320 is shown. The image processing unit 1202 divides the shape of the blood vessel 4320 in the medical image 4310 . For example, the image processor 1202 may segment the shape of the blood vessel 4320 in the medical image 4310 using any one of the methods described above with reference to FIG. 10 .

Referring to FIG. 13B , the controller 1704 selects a first body marker 4330 from among a plurality of pre-stored body markers based on the shape of the blood vessel 4320 . For example, the controller 1704 may select a body marker most similar to the shape of the blood vessel 4320 as the first body marker 4330 .

Meanwhile, the first body marker 4330 selected by the controller 1704 may not include accurate information on the blood vessel 4320 . For example, assuming that the blood vessel 4320 shown in the medical image 4310 is the right coronary artery, the controller 1704 selects a body marker representing the left coronary artery similar to the right coronary artery as the first body marker 4330 . can That is, a case in which the first body marker 4330 needs to be changed may occur.

Referring to FIG. 13C , the input unit 1602 receives a user input designating any one 4350 from among a plurality of body markers 4340 . For example, when the display unit 1404 outputs the first body marker 4330 on the screen, the user can determine whether the first body marker 4330 corresponds to the blood vessel 4320 displayed in the medical image 4310 . have. If it is determined that the first body marker 4330 does not correspond to the blood vessel 4320 , the user may designate a body marker 4350 corresponding to the blood vessel 4320 from among the plurality of body markers 4340 . An example in which the user designates the body marker through the input unit 1602 is as described above with reference to FIGS. 8 to 9B . Therefore, a detailed description is omitted.

Referring to FIG. 13D , the controller 1704 changes the first body marker 4330 to a body marker 4350 designated by the user. Accordingly, the body marker 4350 designated by the user may be determined as the new first body marker.

13E to 13H are diagrams for explaining another example in which the controller replaces the first body marker according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13E , a medical image 4311 showing the liver 4321 is shown. The image processing unit 1202 divides the shape of the liver 4321 in the medical image 4311 . For example, the image processor 1202 may segment the shape of the liver 4321 in the medical image 4311 using any one of the methods described above with reference to FIG. 10 .

Referring to FIG. 13F , the controller 1704 selects a first body marker 4331 from among a plurality of body markers stored in advance based on the divided shape. In this case, the first body marker 4331 may be a body marker having a three-dimensional shape. Meanwhile, the first body marker 4331 selected by the controller 1704 may not be a body marker indicating the liver 4321 .

Referring to FIG. 13G , the input unit 1602 receives a user input designating one 4351 from among a plurality of body markers 4341 . For example, when the display unit 1404 outputs the first body marker 4331 on the screen, the user can determine whether the first body marker 4331 corresponds to the liver 4321 shown in the medical image 4311. have. If it is determined that the first body marker 4331 does not correspond to the liver 4321 , the user may designate a body marker 4351 corresponding to the liver 4321 from among the plurality of body markers 4341 .

Referring to FIG. 13H , the controller 1704 changes the first body marker 4331 to a body marker 4351 designated by the user. Accordingly, the body marker 4351 designated by the user may be determined as the new first body marker. In this case, the body marker 4351 designated by the user may also be output as a body marker having a three-dimensional shape.

When the first body marker is determined according to the method described above with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13H , the controller 1704 generates a second body marker by using the first body marker. Specifically, the controller 1704 may generate the second body marker by displaying a portion corresponding to the object in the first body marker to be emphasized.

Hereinafter, examples in which the controller 1704 generates the second body marker will be described with reference to FIGS. 14A to 15C .

Also, the controller 1704 may divide the first body marker into a plurality of parts. For example, the controller 1704 may divide the first body marker into a plurality of parts based on a user input. In this case, the user input means a signal instructing the user to divide the first body marker, and may be input by selecting (eg, clicking or tapping) a predetermined button displayed on the screen. The user input may be received by the input unit 1602 .

As an example, assuming that the first body marker is a two-dimensional body marker, the controller 1704 may divide the first body marker to include a portion corresponding to the shape of the object displayed on the medical image. For example, if it is assumed that the organ corresponding to the first body marker is the liver and the object shown in the medical image is the left lobe, the controller 1704 controls the first body so that the part corresponding to the left lobe becomes a divided part. You can split body markers.

As another example, assuming that the first body marker is a three-dimensional body marker, the controller 1704 may divide the first body marker according to a pre-stored anatomical theory. Here, the division according to the anatomical theory means division of the organ according to detailed configurations of the organ corresponding to the first body marker. For example, assuming that the organ corresponding to the first body marker is the liver, the fact that the control unit 1704 divides the liver according to anatomical theory means that the control unit 1704 divides the liver into a left lobe and a right lobe ( right lobe), gallbladder, diaphragm, hepatic vein, portal vein, inferior vena cava, falciform ligament of liver, etc.

In addition, the controller 1704 may generate an emphasized second body marker so that some of the divided parts are distinguished from other parts. Here, when a part of the divided parts is emphasized to be distinguished from the other parts, it means that the part is displayed with a line having a thickness different from that of the other parts, or the part is displayed with a different color from the other parts. Alternatively, when some of the divided parts are emphasized to be distinguished from other parts, it means that some of the divided parts are displayed in different sizes from other parts.

As an example, the controller 1704 may generate an emphasized second body marker so that some of the divided parts are distinguished from other parts based on a user input. In this case, the user input means a signal for the user to select at least one of the divided parts, and may be input by selecting (eg, clicking or tapping) any one of the divided parts displayed on the screen. The user input may be received by the input unit 1602 .

As another example, the controller 1704 may generate an emphasized second body marker so that some of the divided parts are distinguished from other parts based on the shape of the object displayed on the medical image. In other words, the controller 1704 may generate a second body marker in which a portion including the shape of the object displayed on the medical image is emphasized.

Hereinafter, an example of generating the second body marker by the controller 1704 dividing the first body marker and displaying the divided portion to be emphasized will be described with reference to FIGS. 15D to 15F .

14A to 14C are diagrams for explaining an example in which a controller generates a second body marker according to an exemplary embodiment.

14A illustrates a medical image 5110 representing the object 5120 . Here, it is assumed that the object 5120 is a part of the heart. The controller 1704 identifies which part of the heart exactly the object 5120 represents. For example, assuming that the medical image 5110 is an image obtained by photographing the left atrium of the heart, the controller 1704 determines that the object 5120 is the left atrium of the heart. In this case, the controller 1704 may determine that the object 5120 is the left atrium of the heart based on the shape of the object 5120 divided by the image processing unit 1202 .

14B and 14C , the controller 1704 searches for a portion corresponding to the object 5120 in the first body marker 5130 . In addition, the controller 1704 displays the portion 5150 corresponding to the object 5120 in the first body marker 5130 as a line having a thickness different from that of the other portions. For example, the controller 1704 may display the portion 5150 corresponding to the object 5120 as a line thicker or thinner than the line in which the first body marker 5130 is illustrated. Alternatively, the controller 1704 may display the portion 5150 corresponding to the object 5120 in the first body marker 5130 as a line different from that of the other portions. For example, assuming that the first body marker 5130 is illustrated with a solid line, the controller 1704 may display a portion 5150 corresponding to the object 5120 with a broken line.

The controller 1704 may generate the second body marker 5140 by processing the first body marker 5130 as described above.

15A to 15C are diagrams for explaining another example in which a controller generates a second body marker according to an exemplary embodiment.

15A illustrates a medical image 5210 representing an object 5220 . Here, it is assumed that the object 5220 is a part of a blood vessel. The controller 1704 identifies which part of the blood vessel exactly the object 5220 represents. For example, assuming that the medical image 5210 is an image obtained by photographing a coronary artery, the controller 1704 determines that the object 5220 is a coronary artery. In this case, the controller 1704 may determine that the object 5220 is a coronary artery based on the shape of the object 5220 divided by the image processing unit 1202 .

15B and 15C , the controller 1704 searches for a portion corresponding to the object 5220 in the first body marker 5230 . In addition, the controller 1704 displays the portion 5250 corresponding to the object 5220 in the first body marker 5230 as a line having a color different from that of the other portions. For example, assuming that the first body marker 5230 is illustrated with a white line, the controller 1704 may display a portion 5250 corresponding to the object 5220 with a red line.

The controller 1704 may generate the second body marker 5240 by processing the first body marker 5230 as described above.

15D to 15F are diagrams for explaining another example in which a controller generates a second body marker according to an exemplary embodiment.

15D shows a first body marker 5260 . 15D to 15F, for convenience of description, it is assumed that the first body marker is a 3D body marker representing the liver.

Referring to FIG. 15E , the controller 1704 divides the first body marker 5260 into a plurality of parts. For example, the controller 1704 may divide the liver displayed on the first body marker 5260 into detailed components 5271 , 5272 , and 5273 .

Referring to FIG. 15F , the controller 1704 may generate an emphasized second body marker 5290 so that some 5281 of the divided parts 5271 , 5272 , and 5273 are distinguished from other parts. In this case, the highlighted portion 5281 may be a portion selected by the user from among the portions 5271, 5272, and 5273 displayed on the screen, and the portion automatically selected by the controller 1704 based on the shape of the object displayed on the medical image is it could be In this case, when the user determines that the portion selected by the controller 1704 is different from the object displayed on the medical image, the user may select another portion displayed on the screen.

For example, the highlighted portion 5281 of the second body marker 5290 may be displayed as a line having a thickness different from that of other portions of the liver, or may be displayed in a color different from other portions.

16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of generating a body marker according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the method of generating a body marker includes the ultrasound diagnosis system 1000 , 1001 , 1002 or the body marker generating apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 , 2 , 4 , 8 , 10 and 12 . , 101, 102, 103, 104) is composed of steps processed in time series. Accordingly, even if omitted below, the ultrasound diagnosis system 1000 , 1001 , 1002 or the body marker generating apparatus 100 , 101 , 102 illustrated in FIGS. 1 , 2 , 4 , 8 , 10 and 12 . , 103, and 104) are also applied to the method of generating the body marker of FIG. 16 .

In operation 6100, the controller detects a portion corresponding to the shape of the object from the first body marker by comparing the shape of the object displayed on the medical image with the first body marker. Here, the first body marker may be any one selected from among a plurality of body markers pre-stored in the memory. As an example, the controller may select the first body marker based on a user input. As another example, the controller may select the first body marker based on the shape of the object divided by the image processing unit from the medical image. As another example, the controller may change the preselected first body marker to another body marker based on a user input. In this case, the first body marker and the second body marker may be a 2D body marker or a 3D body marker.

In operation 6200, the controller generates a second body marker in which a portion detected from the first body marker is emphasized. As an example, the controller may detect a portion corresponding to the shape of the object from the first body marker, and display the detected portion as a line having a thickness different from that of the line in which the first body marker is illustrated. As another example, the controller may detect a portion corresponding to the shape of the object from the first body marker, and display the detected portion in a color different from that of the first body marker. Also, the controller may divide the first body marker into a plurality of parts and generate a second body marker in which some of the divided parts are emphasized.

In operation 6300, the display unit outputs the second body marker. In this case, the display unit may output the first body marker and the second body marker together on a single screen.

As described above, the apparatus for generating a body marker may generate a second body marker that accurately indicates the position of the object displayed on the medical image. Accordingly, a person who reads the medical image may acquire accurate information on the type of the object indicated by the medical image and the current location of the object through the second body marker.

Meanwhile, the above-described method can be written as a program that can be executed on a computer, and can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that operates the program using a computer-readable recording medium. In addition, the structure of the data used in the above-described method may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium through various means. The computer-readable recording medium includes a storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium (eg, ROM, RAM, USB, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and an optically readable medium (eg, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) do.

A person of ordinary skill in the art related to the embodiments of the present invention will understand that it can be implemented in a modified form within a range that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of the description. Therefore, the disclosed methods are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims rather than the detailed description of the invention, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

101: body marker generating device
1401: display unit
1701: control unit

Claims (25)

detecting, by the controller, a portion corresponding to the shape of the object from the first body marker by comparing the shape of the object displayed on the medical image with a first body marker;
generating, by the controller, a second body marker in which the detected portion of the first body marker is emphasized;
outputting the second body marker by the display unit; and
Including; segmenting the shape of the object in the medical image by an image processing unit;
The first body marker is a method of generating a body marker selected from among a plurality of pre-stored body markers based on the divided shape of the object. The method of claim 1,
The first body marker and the second body marker include a two-dimensional body marker or a three-dimensional body marker. The method of claim 1,
The first body marker includes a body marker selected from among a plurality of pre-stored body markers according to a user input. delete The method of claim 1,
receiving, by an input unit, a user input for designating any one of the plurality of pre-stored body markers; and
and changing, by the controller, the selected body marker to the designated body marker. detecting, by the controller, a portion corresponding to the shape of the object from the first body marker by comparing the shape of the object displayed on the medical image with a first body marker;
generating, by the controller, a second body marker in which the detected portion of the first body marker is emphasized; and
Including; outputting the second body marker by the display unit;
The generating step is
The method of generating the second body marker by the controller dividing the first body marker into a plurality of parts, and emphasizing a part including the detected part among the divided parts. 7. The method of claim 6,
The method of dividing the first body marker to include a portion corresponding to the shape of the object shown in the medical image. 7. The method of claim 6,
The first body marker is divided based on a pre-stored anatomical theory (anatomical theory) method. detecting, by the controller, a portion corresponding to the shape of the object from the first body marker by comparing the shape of the object displayed on the medical image with a first body marker;
generating, by the controller, a second body marker in which the detected portion of the first body marker is emphasized; and
Including; outputting the second body marker by the display unit;
The generating step is
The method of generating the second body marker by the control unit displaying the detected portion of the first body marker as a line having a different thickness than a line in which the first body marker is shown. detecting, by the controller, a portion corresponding to the shape of the object from the first body marker by comparing the shape of the object displayed on the medical image with a first body marker;
generating, by the controller, a second body marker in which the detected portion of the first body marker is emphasized; and
Including; outputting the second body marker by the display unit;
The generating step is
The method of generating the second body marker by the control unit displaying the detected portion of the first body marker in a color different from that shown in the first body marker. detecting, by the controller, a portion corresponding to the shape of the object from the first body marker by comparing the shape of the object displayed on the medical image with a first body marker;
generating, by the controller, a second body marker in which the detected portion of the first body marker is emphasized; and
Including; outputting the second body marker by the display unit;
The generating step is
The method of generating the second body marker by the controller displaying the detected portion of the first body marker larger than the portion from which the detected portion is excluded. The method of claim 1,
The medical image includes any one of an A-mode (amplitude mode) ultrasound image, a B-mode (brightness mode) ultrasound image, an M-mode (motion mode) ultrasound image, and a Doppler mode ultrasound image. 13. A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing the method of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 12 in a computer is recorded. A portion corresponding to the shape of the object is detected from the first body marker by comparing the shape of the object displayed on the medical image with a first body marker, and the first body marker in which the detected portion is emphasized 2 a control unit for generating a body marker;
a display unit for outputting the second body marker; and
Including; an image processing unit for segmenting the shape of the object in the medical image;
The first body marker includes a body marker selected from among a plurality of pre-stored body markers based on the divided shape of the object. 15. The method of claim 14,
The first body marker and the second body marker include a two-dimensional body marker or a three-dimensional body marker. 15. The method of claim 14,
The first body marker includes a body marker selected from among a plurality of pre-stored body markers according to a user input. delete 15. The method of claim 14,
Further comprising; an input unit for receiving a user input for designating any one of the plurality of pre-stored body markers,
The control unit changes the selected body marker to the designated body marker. A portion corresponding to the shape of the object is detected from the first body marker by comparing the shape of the object displayed on the medical image with a first body marker, and the first body marker in which the detected portion is emphasized 2 a control unit for generating a body marker; and
a display unit for outputting the second body marker;
The control unit divides the first body marker into a plurality of parts, and generates the second body marker by emphasizing a part including the detected part among the divided parts. 20. The method of claim 19,
The first body marker is divided to include a portion corresponding to the shape of the object shown in the medical image. 20. The method of claim 19,
The first body marker is divided based on a pre-stored anatomical theory (anatomical theory) device. A portion corresponding to the shape of the object is detected from the first body marker by comparing the shape of the object displayed on the medical image with a first body marker, and the first body marker in which the detected portion is emphasized 2 a control unit for generating a body marker; and
a display unit for outputting the second body marker;
The controller generates the second body marker by displaying the detected portion of the first body marker as a line having a thickness different from that of a line on which the first body marker is shown. A portion corresponding to the shape of the object is detected from the first body marker by comparing the shape of the object displayed on the medical image with a first body marker, and the first body marker in which the detected portion is emphasized 2 a control unit for generating a body marker; and
a display unit for outputting the second body marker;
The controller generates the second body marker by displaying the detected portion of the first body marker in a color different from that of the first body marker. A portion corresponding to the shape of the object is detected from the first body marker by comparing the shape of the object displayed on the medical image with a first body marker, and the first body marker in which the detected portion is emphasized 2 a control unit for generating a body marker; and
a display unit for outputting the second body marker;
The control unit generates the second body marker by displaying the detected portion of the first body marker to be larger than a portion from which the detected portion is excluded. 15. The method of claim 14,
The medical image includes any one of an A-mode (amplitude mode) ultrasound image, a B-mode (brightness mode) ultrasound image, an M-mode (motion mode) ultrasound image, and a Doppler mode ultrasound image.

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