KR102433401B1 - Ultrasound imaging apparatus and control method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, when setting an ROI of an ultrasound image, a TGC (Time Gain Compensation) or LGC (Lateral Gain Compensation) adjusting means corresponding to the set ROI is provided. The art relates to indicating a gain compensation adjustment means comprising:
An ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes an input unit for receiving a command for setting a region of interest of an ultrasound image, a first region displaying the ultrasound image, and a gain compensation adjusting means provided to change a gain compensation value of the ultrasound image. a display unit including a second region to be displayed, wherein the display unit corresponds to the region of interest of the ultrasound image input to the second region when a command for setting a region of interest of the ultrasound image displayed in the first region is input and displaying only the gain compensation adjustment means.

Description

Ultrasound imaging apparatus and control method thereof

The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, when setting an ROI of an ultrasound image, a gain including a TGC (Time Gain Compensation) or LGC (Lateral Gain Compensation) adjusting means corresponding to the set ROI Indicating compensation adjustment means.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus irradiates an ultrasound signal generated from a transducer of a probe from the body surface of the object toward a target part of the body, and receives information of the reflected ultrasound signal (ultrasound echo signal) to be inside the object. An image of a soft tissue tomography or blood flow to a site is obtained non-invasively, and is used for medical purposes such as observation of the inside of a subject, detection of foreign substances, and injury measurement.

Compared with other imaging devices such as X-ray diagnostic devices, X-ray CT scanners (Computerized Tomography Scanner), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image), and nuclear medicine diagnostic devices, these ultrasound imaging devices are small, inexpensive, and can be displayed in real time. In addition, it is widely used together with other imaging devices because it has the advantage of high safety because there is no exposure to radiation.

Meanwhile, in order to observe an object, it is essential to acquire an optimal ultrasound image that clearly shows the object. For this, image parameters (Gain) for adjusting the brightness, resolution, and contrast of the ultrasound image , DR (Dynamic Range), TGC (Time Gain Compensation), LGC (Lateral Gain Compensation)) values can be adjusted by the user.

In order to control the TGC or LGC of the ultrasound image, by displaying the TGC or LGC control means corresponding to the region of interest set by the user in the ultrasound image, the purpose of enabling accurate and detailed TGC or LGC control of the region do.

An ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment for achieving the above object,

A display unit including an input unit for receiving a command for setting a region of interest of an ultrasound image, a first region for displaying the ultrasound image, and a second region for displaying a gain compensation adjusting means provided to change a gain compensation value of the ultrasound image and displaying, in the display unit, only gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the input ultrasound image in the second region when a command for setting a region of interest of the ultrasound image displayed on the first region is input. do.

Also, the region of interest of the ultrasound image may be a region set by enlarging, reducing, expanding, or rotating the ultrasound image, and setting the region of interest may include changing a screen displayed on the display unit.

In addition, the gain compensation adjusting means may include at least one of a Time Gain Compensation (TGC) adjusting means and a Lateral Gain Compensation (LGC) adjusting means.

In addition, the display unit may include increasing or decreasing the level of the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the ultrasound image to enable granular gain compensation for the ROI of the ultrasound image.

In addition, the display unit emphasizing the display form of the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the ultrasound image, and emphasizing and displaying the gain compensation adjusting means is a gain corresponding to the region of interest of the ultrasound image. It may include changing the color of the compensation adjusting means and displaying it.

The display unit may include displaying the region of interest of the ultrasound image on the first region, and overlapping the region of interest of the ultrasound image and gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the ultrasound image. have.

Also, the command for setting the region of interest of the ultrasound image may include a command for enlarging or reducing a specific portion of the ultrasound image.

The apparatus may further include a sub-display panel displaying the ultrasound image set as the region of interest and a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the ultrasound image, wherein the display unit displays the entire ultrasound image before setting the region of interest in the ultrasound image. and displaying a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding thereto, and the sub-display panel may include displaying the ROI of the ultrasound image and the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the ultrasound image.

Also, the sub-display panel may include overlapping the region of interest of the ultrasound image and a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the ultrasound image.

In addition, the display unit and the sub-display panel set the ROI as the ROI by a user inputting a touch command for setting the ROI of the ultrasound image and touching a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the displayed ultrasound image. A touch panel for adjusting a gain compensation value corresponding to the ultrasound image may be included.

In addition, the display unit may include at least one of a TGC adjusting means for adjusting a TGC value corresponding to a depth direction of the ultrasound image set as the region of interest and an LGC adjusting means for adjusting an LGC value corresponding to a lateral direction. may include displaying

Also, the display unit may include displaying at least one of a TGC adjustment line or a TGC adjustment object for adjusting a TGC value corresponding to a depth direction of the ultrasound image set as the region of interest.

Also, the display unit may include displaying at least one of an LGC adjustment line or an LGC adjustment object for adjusting LGC values corresponding to the left and right directions of the ultrasound image set as the region of interest.

In addition, when a command for setting a region of interest of the ultrasound image displayed on the first region of the display unit is input, a processor that controls to display a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the input ultrasound image on the second region; may include more.

The apparatus may further include a memory configured to store information on the input region of interest of the ultrasound image and gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the input ultrasound image.

In addition, a method of controlling an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment for achieving the above object includes:

A control method of an ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising: a display unit including a display unit including a first area for displaying an ultrasound image and a second area for displaying a gain compensation adjusting means provided to change a gain compensation value of the ultrasound image, the first area and receiving a command for setting the ROI of the ultrasound image displayed in , and displaying only the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the input ultrasound image in the second region.

In addition, the displaying of the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the input ultrasound image includes a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the ultrasound image so that the subdivided gain compensation for the ROI of the ultrasound image is possible. It may include displaying by increasing or decreasing the level of

In addition, displaying the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the input ultrasound image by emphasizing and displaying the display form of the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the ultrasound image, and using the gain compensation adjusting means The emphasizing display may include changing and displaying a color of the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the ultrasound image.

In addition, the display of the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the input ultrasound image may include overlapping the ROI of the ultrasound image displayed in the first region and the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the ultrasound image. may include displaying.

Also, receiving the command for setting the ROI of the ultrasound image may include a command for enlarging or reducing a specific portion of the ultrasound image.

In addition, the gain compensation adjusting means includes at least one of a TGC (Time Gain Compensation) adjusting means or an LGC (Lateral Gain Compensation) adjusting means, and displaying the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the input ultrasound image. This may include displaying at least one of a TGC adjusting means for adjusting a TGC value corresponding to a depth direction of the ultrasound image set as the region of interest or an LGC adjusting means for adjusting an LGC value corresponding to a left and right direction.

In addition, displaying the TGC adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the input ultrasound image includes at least one of a TGC adjustment line or a TGC adjustment object for adjusting a TGC value corresponding to a depth direction of the ultrasound image set as the ROI. may include displaying.

In addition, displaying the LGC adjustment means corresponding to the region of interest of the input ultrasound image includes selecting at least one of an LGC adjustment line or an LGC adjustment object that adjusts LGC values corresponding to the left and right directions of the ultrasound image set as the region of interest. may include displaying.

The method may further include storing information about the ROI of the input ultrasound image and the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the input ultrasound image.

By displaying the TGC or LGC adjusting means for the ROI that the user wants to observe in the ultrasound image of the object, the TGC or LGC adjusting means for the portion not set as the ROI is prevented from being displayed unnecessarily, and It has the effect of adjusting the precise and detailed TGC or LGC value.

1 is an external view of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
2 is a diagram illustrating a change in a TGC value for an ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.
3 is a diagram illustrating a change in an LGC value for an ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.
4 is a diagram illustrating a display form of a TGC adjusting means when a region of interest of an ultrasound image is set according to the prior art.
5 is a control block diagram of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
6 is a diagram illustrating a display form of a TGC adjusting means when a region of interest of an ultrasound image is set according to an exemplary embodiment.
7 is a diagram illustrating an emphasizing display form of a TGC adjusting means when a region of interest of an ultrasound image is set according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an increase in the level of a TGC adjusting means corresponding to an ROI of an ultrasound image and display thereof, according to an exemplary embodiment.
9 is a diagram illustrating display of only a TGC adjustment object or only a TGC adjustment line among TGC adjustment means corresponding to a region of interest of an ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a TGC adjustment object corresponding to an ROI of an ultrasound image to be displayed while being superimposed on an ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.
11A is a diagram illustrating an entire ultrasound image and an entire TGC adjusting unit being displayed on a display unit, and an ROI of an ultrasound image and a corresponding TGC adjusting unit being displayed on a sub-display panel, according to an exemplary embodiment.
11B is a diagram illustrating an ROI of an ultrasound image and a TGC adjusting means corresponding thereto are displayed on the display unit, and the entire ultrasound image and the entire TGC adjusting unit are displayed on the sub-display panel, according to an exemplary embodiment.
11C is a diagram illustrating an entire ultrasound image and an entire TGC adjusting unit displayed on the display unit, and a TGC adjustment object corresponding to a region of interest of the ultrasound image is displayed on a sub-display panel overlaid on the ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. .
12 is a diagram illustrating adjusting a TGC value by touching a TGC adjusting means corresponding to a region of interest in an ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.
13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of adjusting a TGC value by manipulating a TGC adjustment object corresponding to an ROI of an ultrasound image.
14A is a diagram illustrating storing a TGC value adjusted for a region of interest in a memory according to an exemplary embodiment.
14B is a diagram illustrating retrieval of a stored TGC value adjusted for a region of interest from a memory according to an exemplary embodiment.
15 is a diagram illustrating a display of a region of interest when the entire region is returned after adjusting a TGC value of a region of interest in an ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.
16 is a diagram illustrating an enlarged display of scales in X and Y directions of an ROI when an ROI of an ultrasound image is set and enlarged according to an exemplary embodiment.
17 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and a method of achieving them, will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there are various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings of the present specification at the time of filing of the present application. do.

Hereinafter, an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same will be described in detail according to embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As used herein, "subject" may include a human or animal, or a part of a human or animal. For example, the object may include organs such as liver, heart, uterus, brain, breast, abdomen, or blood vessels. Also, in the present specification, a “user” may be a doctor, a nurse, a clinical pathologist, a medical imaging expert, or the like, and may be a technician repairing a medical device, but is not limited thereto.

As used throughout the specification, the term "ultrasound image" refers to an image of an object obtained using ultrasound, as well as an X-ray diagnostic device, a computerized tomography (CT) scanner, a magnetic resonance image (MRI) device, and nuclear medicine. It may refer to an image of an object obtained by using a diagnosis apparatus. In addition, the diagnostic apparatus to which the technology for the ultrasound imaging apparatus and the control method thereof according to an embodiment is applied or can be used includes an X-ray imaging apparatus, an X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus, a CT scanner, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography. It can be applied to one of an apparatus and an ultrasound imaging apparatus. In the description of the disclosed embodiments, an ultrasound imaging apparatus will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In the entire specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it means that other components may be further included, rather than excluding other components, unless otherwise stated. In addition, terms such as "~ unit" and "module" described in the specification mean 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.

1 is an external view of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

1 , the ultrasound imaging apparatus may include a main body 100 , an input unit 150 connected to the main body 100 , a display unit 160 , a sub-display panel 161 , and an ultrasound probe 200 . can

Meanwhile, a plurality of casters (not shown) for mobility of the ultrasound imaging apparatus may be provided under the main body 100 of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 . The plurality of casters may fix the ultrasound imaging apparatus in a specific place or move it in a specific direction. Such an ultrasound imaging apparatus is called a cart-type ultrasound imaging apparatus.

Alternatively, unlike FIG. 1 , the ultrasound imaging apparatus may be a portable ultrasound imaging apparatus that can be carried while moving over a long distance. In this case, the portable ultrasound imaging apparatus may not include a caster. Examples of the portable ultrasound imaging apparatus include, but are not limited to, a fax viewer (PA CS Viewer), a smart phone, a laptop computer, a PDA, a tablet PC, and the like.

The ultrasound probe 200 is a portion in contact with the body surface of the object, and may transmit and receive ultrasound to the object. Specifically, the ultrasound probe 200 may generate ultrasound waves according to input pulses, transmit them to the inside of the object, and receive echo ultrasound reflected from a specific portion inside the object.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus main body 100 may transmit an ultrasound signal to the ultrasound probe 200 , receive an echo ultrasound signal from the ultrasound probe 200 , and generate an ultrasound image based thereon.

The generated ultrasound image may be provided to the user through the display 160 . The user may diagnose the object, that is, the patient, by visually checking the ultrasound image of the inside of the object provided through the display unit 160 .

The display 160 may display various UIs related to the control of the ultrasound apparatus. The user may check the UI provided through the display unit 160 and input a control command for the ultrasound imaging apparatus or one configuration of the ultrasound imaging apparatus through the input unit 150 .

Also, the display 160 may display ultrasound images obtained during an ultrasound diagnosis process. The display unit 160 may be implemented as one of known embodiments such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and it is possible to provide not only a two-dimensional image but also a three-dimensional image. can

By touching the display unit 160, the user can input a control command for the ultrasound imaging apparatus, as well as a touch command for setting a region of interest where the user wants to observe and diagnose in the ultrasound image of the object. can also be entered.

Also, the display 160 may display a gain compensation adjusting means for compensating for a gain of the ultrasound image. Sharpness or brightness of an ultrasound image may vary according to a difference in depth or lateral pixel values. This is because the degree or time difference in which the ultrasound signal is reflected and returned according to the depth of the object occurs. When displaying the ultrasound image, it is necessary to compensate for the difference value. Although there may be various values related to the gain of the ultrasound image, the gain compensation value according to an embodiment of the present invention is a TGC adjustment means or LGC adjustment for adjusting a Time Gain Compensation (TGC) or Lateral Gain Compensation (LGC) value. The means will be described as an example. TGC is a value according to depth, LGC is a value related to the difference between left and right pixels, and the disclosed embodiments take TGC as an example. Examples may exist.

According to the disclosed embodiment, the display unit 160 may display the TGC or LGC adjustment means for the portion set as the ROI by the user in the ultrasound image of the object. That is, the TGC or LGC adjusting means for the region of interest is displayed without displaying the TGC or LGC adjusting means for the portion not set as the ROI by the user, so that accurate and detailed gain compensation for the ROI can be performed.

The user may set the ROI by touching the display unit 160 that displays the ultrasound image, and may adjust the TGC or LGC value by touching the TGC adjusting means or LGC adjusting means for the ROI. The display unit 160 may include a touch panel capable of receiving a user's touch input, and the touch panel is a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or It may be implemented as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel or the like.

Like the display unit 160 , the sub display panel 161 may display various UIs related to the control of the ultrasound imaging apparatus, and the user checks the UI provided through the sub display panel 161 , and selects the input unit 150 or A control command for the ultrasound imaging apparatus or one configuration of the ultrasound imaging apparatus may be input through the touch screen of the sub-display panel 161 .

In addition, the sub-display panel 161 may display ultrasound images obtained during an ultrasound diagnosis process, and by touching the sub-display panel 161, the user can provide a control command for the ultrasound imaging apparatus or setting a region of interest in the ultrasound image. You can enter commands. The sub-display panel 161 may also display a gain compensation adjusting means for compensating for a gain of an ultrasound image, and may display a TGC or LGC adjusting means for a portion set as a region of interest by the user in an ultrasound image of an object. have.

The user may set the ROI by touching the sub-display panel 161 displaying the ultrasound image, and may adjust the TGC or LGC value by touching the TGC adjusting means or LGC adjusting means for the ROI. The sub display panel 161 may include a touch panel capable of receiving a user's touch input, and the touch panel includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, Alternatively, it may be implemented as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel or the like.

The input unit 150 is a part that can receive a command related to the operation of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 . The user may input a command for starting a diagnosis, selecting a diagnosis region, selecting a diagnosis type, and selecting a mode for a finally output ultrasound image through the input unit 150 .

In addition, the user may input a command for setting a region of interest of the ultrasound image displayed on the display unit 160 or the sub display panel 161 through the input unit 150 , and the display unit 160 or the sub display panel 161 . ), the TGC adjusting means or LGC adjusting means displayed on the screen may be adjusted by manipulating the button of the input unit 150 in addition to adjusting the TGC adjusting means or the LGC adjusting means by touching the ROI of the ultrasound image displayed in FIG. Furthermore, the input unit 150 may receive a save command for storing the adjusted TGC value and the LGC value for the region of interest and a command to call the stored data. In an embodiment, the input unit 150 may be located on the upper portion of the main body 100 as shown in FIG. 1 . In this case, the input unit 150 may include at least one of a switch, a key, a wheel, a joystick, a trackball, and a knob.

The ultrasonic probe 200 may be connected to one end of the cable 130 , and the other end of the cable 130 may be connected to the male connector 140 . The male connector 140 connected to the other end of the cable 130 may be physically coupled to the female connector 145 of the main body 100 .

According to the above-described method, one ultrasonic probe 200 may be connected to one main body 100 , and a plurality of ultrasonic probes 200 may be connected to one main body 100 in a similar manner. To this end, a plurality of female connectors may be installed in the main body 100 . 1 exemplifies a case in which two ultrasound probes 200 are connected to one main body 100 .

Alternatively, unlike FIG. 1 , the ultrasound probe 200 may be wirelessly connected to the main body 100 . In this case, the ultrasound probe 200 may wirelessly transmit an echo ultrasound signal corresponding to the echo ultrasound received from the object to the main body 100 .

The ultrasound probe 200 may contact the body surface of the object to transmit and receive ultrasound to the object. Specifically, the ultrasonic probe 200 irradiates ultrasonic waves into an object according to an ultrasonic signal, which is an electrical signal, provided from the main body 100 , collects echo ultrasonic waves reflected from a specific part inside the object, and corresponds to the echo ultrasonic waves. It serves to transmit a signal to the main body 100 .

To this end, the ultrasound probe 200 may include a transducer and a MultipleXer (MUX) circuit. The transducer may include a plurality of elements capable of converting an electrical signal into an ultrasonic wave or converting an ultrasonic wave into an electrical signal by vibrating. The plurality of elements may be arranged on one surface of the housing of the ultrasound probe. Specifically, a plurality of transducers may be arranged in a direction parallel to the opening so that ultrasonic wave transmission and reception may be performed through the opening provided on one surface of the housing.

2 is a diagram illustrating a change in a TGC value for an ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Time gain compensation (TGC) serves to adjust a gain with respect to a depth of an ultrasound image. Since the ultrasound signal arrives at the deep part of the object and returns to the depth of the object is weak, the ultrasound image of the deep part may be displayed relatively darkly and unclearly. Therefore, it is necessary to compensate the gain value for the dark and unclear part of the ultrasound image by the time difference between the transmitted and received ultrasound signals.

2A is a screen on which an ultrasound image of an object is displayed on the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 according to an exemplary embodiment. In this case, the ultrasound image may be displayed on the first area A1 of the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 , and the gain compensation adjustment means including the TGC adjustment means is displayed on the second area A2 . can be

The TGC control means according to the prior art was composed of a physical button or a control panel in an analog format, but the recent TGC control means may be displayed in a digital format on the display panel as described above.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 may display the TGC adjustment object 700 and the TGC adjustment line L1 as a TGC adjustment means in the second area A2 . The TGC adjustment object 700 may include a plurality of objects 700a, 700b, 700c, 700d, 700e, 700f, 700g, 700h, 700i, 700j, and 10 TGC adjustment objects are shown in FIG. 2 , The number and shape of the object is not limited, and various embodiments may exist. The plurality of TGC adjustment objects 700 may be displayed on the depth reference line R1 in the x-axis direction indicating the level of the depth of the ultrasound image. That is, as shown in FIG. 2 , ten TGC adjustment objects 700 may be displayed on ten depth reference lines R1 . In this case, the level value for the depth of the ultrasound image displayed in the first area A1 . may be distinguished by the depth reference line R1 of 10 steps. The number and steps of the depth reference lines R1 are also not limited, and various embodiments may exist according to a user's setting. In general, a basic setting value (initial setting value) may be set for the TGC value for the ultrasound image in designing the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 . That is, the TGC value may be set so that the ultrasound image does not look dark but has uniform brightness. Furthermore, the user may adjust the TGC value to view the ultrasound image brighter or darker.

Also, when adjusting the TGC value of the ultrasound image displayed in the first area A1 , the TGC level reference line R1 ′ in the Y-axis direction may be displayed to serve as a reference for the adjusted TGC value. The TGC level reference line R1' indicates the degree of adjustment of the TGC value based on the Y-axis direction. Accordingly, when the TGC adjustment object 700 is positioned on the far left, the ultrasound image of the region controlled by the corresponding object may be displayed as the darkest, and when the TGC adjustment object 700 is positioned on the far right, it may be displayed the brightest.

The TGC adjustment means displayed in the second area A2 may include the TGC adjustment line L1 in addition to the TGC adjustment object 700 . The TGC adjustment line L1 may reflect the TGC adjustment value for a continuous depth, unlike the TGC adjustment object 700 which is divided and displayed according to the depth of the ultrasound image. The TGC adjustment line L1 may be displayed in association with the TGC adjustment object 700 , and when the position of the TGC adjustment object 700 is changed, the shape of the TGC adjustment line L1 may be changed accordingly. As will be described later, at least one of the TGC adjustment object 700 and the TGC adjustment line L1 may be displayed on the second area A2 of the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 . The user may adjust the TGC of the ultrasound image by touching the TGC adjustment object 700 , and as the position of the TGC adjustment object 700 changes, the TGC adjustment line L1 may also change accordingly. Also, when only the TGC adjustment line L1 is displayed in the second area A2, the user may touch the TGC adjustment line L1 to adjust the TGC of the ultrasound image.

FIG. 2A illustrates that an ultrasound image of an object is displayed on the display unit 160 or the first area A1 of the sub-display panel 161 before the TGC value is adjusted. As shown in (a), when the displayed ultrasound image is divided into a region ①, region ②, and region ③, the depth of the ultrasound image increases from region ① to region ③. In this case, as described above, when the user wants to observe the ultrasound image of the object more brightly, it is necessary to adjust the TGC value of the region ② where the object is located.

FIG. 2(b) shows an image in which the TGC value of the area ② of the ultrasound image shown in (a) is adjusted. As shown in (b), it can be confirmed that the brightness of the ultrasound image corresponding to the region ② is brightened by adjusting the TGC value for region ② of the ultrasound image. The user allows the objects 700d, 700e, 700f, and 700g corresponding to the ② region among the individual objects of the TGC adjustment object 700 to be located on the right side of the other objects 700a, 700b, 700c, 700h, 700i, and 700j. You can adjust the TGC value for area ②. According to the adjustment of the TGC adjustment object 700 , the TGC adjustment line L1 may also be displayed such that the portion LD corresponding to the area ② is biased to the right. The user may adjust the TGC adjustment object 700 by inputting a control command through the input unit 150 or directly touching the display 160 or the sub-display panel 161 .

3 is a diagram illustrating a change in an LGC value for an ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.

LGC (Lateral Gain Compensation) serves to adjust the gain for the left and right sides of the ultrasound image. Like the TGC value, the LGC value for the ultrasound image may be set as a basic setting value (initial setting value) in the design of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 . Under these basic LGC values, there may be a difference in brightness between the left and right sides of the ultrasound image depending on the state or condition of the object, and furthermore, the user can adjust the LGC value to view the ultrasound images in the left and right directions brighter or darker. have.

3A is a screen on which an ultrasound image of an object is displayed on the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 according to an exemplary embodiment, similar to FIG. 2 . In this case, the ultrasound image may be displayed on the first area A1 of the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 , and the gain compensation adjusting means including LGC adjustment may be displayed on the second area A2 . can

The LGC control means according to the prior art was composed of a physical button or a control panel in an analog format, but the recent LGC control means may be displayed in a digital format on the display panel as described above.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 may display the LGC adjustment object 800 and the LGC adjustment line L2 as LGC adjustment means in the second area A2 . The LGC adjustment object 800 may include a plurality of objects 800a, 800b, 800c, 800d, 800e, 800f, 800g, 800h, 800i, 800j, and 10 LGC adjustment objects are shown in FIG. 3 , The number and shape of the object is not limited, and various embodiments may exist. The plurality of LGC adjustment objects 800 may be displayed on the brightness reference line R2 in the y-axis direction indicating the levels of brightness on the left and right sides of the ultrasound image. That is, as shown in FIG. 3 , ten LGC adjustment objects 800 may be displayed on the ten brightness reference lines R2 , and in this case, the left and right brightnesses of the ultrasound image displayed in the first area A1 are displayed. The level value for the 'A' may be divided by the brightness reference line R2 of 10 steps, and the brightness of the ultrasound image may be displayed differently along the left and right sides of the brightness reference line R2. The number and steps of the brightness reference lines R2 are also not limited, and various embodiments may exist according to a user setting.

Also, although not shown in the drawing, an LGC reference line (not shown) in the x-axis direction may be displayed together with the brightness reference line R2. That is, the LGC reference line indicates the degree of adjustment of the LGC value in the y-axis direction. Accordingly, when the LGC adjustment object 800 is positioned at the bottom, the ultrasound image of the region controlled by the corresponding object may be displayed as the darkest, and when the LGC adjustment object 800 is positioned at the top, it may be displayed the brightest. The LGC reference line is also not limited in the number and steps, and various embodiments may exist according to the user's setting.

The LGC adjustment means displayed in the second area A2 may include the LGC adjustment line L2 in addition to the LGC adjustment object 800 . The LGC adjustment line L2 may reflect the LGC adjustment values for continuous left and right brightness, unlike the LGC adjustment object 800 which is divided and displayed according to the left and right brightness of the ultrasound image. The LGC adjustment line L2 may be displayed in association with the LGC adjustment object 800 , and when the position of the LGC adjustment object 800 is changed, the shape of the LGC adjustment line L2 may be changed accordingly. Like the TGC adjustment means, at least one of the LGC adjustment object 800 and the LGC adjustment line L2 may be displayed on the second area A2 of the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 . The user may adjust the LGC of the ultrasound image by touching the LGC adjustment object 800 , and as the position of the LGC adjustment object 800 changes, the LGC adjustment line L2 may also change accordingly. In addition, when only the LGC adjustment line L2 is displayed in the second area A2, the user may touch the LGC adjustment line L2 to adjust the LGC of the ultrasound image.

3A illustrates that an ultrasound image of an object is displayed on the display unit 160 or the first area A1 of the sub-display panel 161 before the LGC value is adjusted. As shown in (a), when the displayed ultrasound image is divided into the ④ region, ⑤ region, and ⑥ region, the brightness of the ⑤ region where the object is located is dark, so it is necessary to adjust the LGC value of the ⑤ region.

FIG. 3(b) shows an image in which the LGC value for region ⑤ of the ultrasound image shown in (a) is adjusted. As shown in (b), it can be confirmed that the LGC value for region ⑤ of the ultrasound image is adjusted, so that the brightness of the ultrasound image corresponding to region ⑤ is increased. The user allows the objects (800d, 800e, 800f, 800g) corresponding to region ⑤ among the individual objects of the LGC adjustment object 800 to be positioned above the other objects 800a, 800b, 800c, 800h, 800i, and 800j. You can adjust the LGC value for area ⑤ by adjusting it. According to the adjustment of the LGC adjustment object 800 , the LGC adjustment line L2 may also be displayed such that the portion LD′ corresponding to the region ⑤ is biased upward. The user may adjust the LGC control object 800 by inputting a control command through the input unit 150 or directly touching the display 160 or the sub-display panel 161 .

4 is a diagram illustrating a display form of a TGC adjusting means when a region of interest of an ultrasound image is set according to the prior art.

FIG. 4A is a screen of the display unit 160 indicating that a region of interest (ROI) is set for the object of the ultrasound image displayed in the first region A1. There is no limit to the setting region or the setting range for setting the ROI of the ultrasound image, and the set ROI may be enlarged or reduced and displayed. In addition, the set ROI may be moved or rotated, and the ROI itself to be set may be expanded. The user inputs a command for the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image through the input unit 150 or sets the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image directly on the screen of the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 . You can also input touch commands. When the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image input from the user is enlarged and displayed, it may be displayed as shown in FIG. 4B . In this case, an image enlargement technique generally used in ultrasound imaging apparatuses may be used. An image enlargement technique used in an ultrasound imaging apparatus includes a read zoom technique and a write zoom technique.

The lead zoom technique is a technique of enlarging a specific area of a still image after freezing the image, by refilling the entire screen with data corresponding to a specific area in the image data of one frame stored in the memory. An enlarged image may be provided. In this case, values of empty pixels corresponding to portions to which data before enlargement and monitor pixels are not mapped are generally obtained using linear interpolation.

In the light zoom technique, an array converter and other parts are designed to form a transmit/receive scan line that is denser than a transmit/receive scan line used in an image when an ultrasound imaging device is designed, and an unmagnified image is viewed. It is a technique of composing an image only with some scan lines (for example, even-numbered scan lines), and enlarging the image by using all the dense transmission/reception scan lines in the part where the image is to be enlarged.

Referring to FIG. 4B , even though the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image is enlarged and displayed, the TGC adjustment objects 700a to 700j and the TGC adjustment line L1 are the entire image before the enlargement of the region of interest A3. marked to correspond to That is, in (b), the TGC adjustment objects 700d, 700e, 700f, and 700g corresponding to the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image are adjustment means necessary to adjust the TGC value of the region of interest A3, but are not displayed on the screen. The TGC adjustment objects 700a , 700b , 700c , 700h , 700i , and 700j corresponding to portions other than the non-interested region A3 correspond to objects that do not affect the TGC adjustment of the ROI A3 . Accordingly, only the TGC adjustment objects 700d, 700e, 700f, and 700g corresponding to the region of interest A3 are not displayed, so that the user can use the TGC adjustment objects 700a, 700b, and 700c corresponding to parts other than the region of interest A3. , 700h, 700i, and 700j) are required to be manipulated unnecessarily, and there is a problem in that accurate and fine adjustment of the TGC value for the region of interest A3 cannot be performed.

5 is a control block diagram of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment includes an input unit 150 , a display unit 160 , a sub-display panel 161 , an ultrasound probe 200 , a beamformer 300 , and a processor. 400 , an image processing unit 500 , and a memory 600 .

The ultrasound probe 200 may be implemented in various ways within the technical concept of acquiring volume data of an object. The ultrasound probe 200 is a portion in contact with the body surface of the object, and may transmit and receive ultrasound to the object. Specifically, the ultrasound probe 200 generates ultrasound waves according to input pulses, transmits the ultrasound waves to the inside of the object, and receives echo ultrasound waves reflected from a specific part inside the object.

The beamformer 300 may perform beamforming so that the ultrasonic waves transmitted and received by the ultrasonic probe 200 may be focused. The beamformer 300 includes a transmit beamformer (not shown) and a receive beamformer (not shown) to mutually convert an analog signal and a digital signal, and at least one transducer transmits, or at least one transformer. The time difference of ultrasonic waves received from the transducer can be adjusted. The beamformer 300 may be included in the ultrasound imaging apparatus main body 100 as shown in FIG. 1 , but may be provided in the ultrasound probe 200 itself to perform its role. Even when the ultrasound probe is a wireless probe connected to the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 through a wireless communication network, the beamformer 300 may be provided inside the wireless probe. The beamformer 300 may adopt any one of known beamforming methods, and it may be possible to apply a combination of a plurality of methods or to selectively apply them.

The processor 400 may receive beamforming data from the beamformer 300 and transmit the data so that the image processing unit 500 may perform image processing. In addition, information received from the input unit 150 may be stored in the memory 600 , and when the user sets the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image according to an embodiment, the information is displayed on the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 . The ROI A3 may be controlled to be displayed. When the user inputs a command for setting the ROI A3 of the ultrasound image, the processor 400 may control to display the TGC adjusting means corresponding to the input ROI A3. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. For example, the image processing unit 500 may be implemented as a general-purpose GPU.

The image processing unit 500 may generate an ultrasound image by processing the beamformed echo ultrasound signal. The image processing unit 500 may process the echo ultrasound signal according to any one of known image processing methods. For example, the image processing unit 500 may perform time gain compensation (TGC) on the beamformed echo ultrasound signal. Next, the image processing unit 500 may set a dynamic range (DR). After setting the dynamic range, the image processing unit 500 may compress the echo ultrasound signal of the set dynamic range. Finally, the image processing unit 500 may remove noise after rectifying the echo ultrasound signal. The image processing unit 500 may generate an ultrasound image by using the echo ultrasound signal processed in this way. The image processing unit 500 may generate various types of ultrasound images. Examples of the ultrasound images generated by the image processing unit 500 include an Amplitude Mode (A-Mode) image, and a Brightness Mode (B) image. -Mode) image, M-mode (M-mode) image, and Doppler mode (Doppler Mode) image may be included.

According to an embodiment, when a command for setting the ROI A3 of the ultrasound image is input from the user, the image processing unit 500 may generate an enlarged or reduced image of the object of the set ROI A3. . In this case, the image processing unit 500 may correspond to one or a plurality of processors.

The memory 600 may store the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image set according to an embodiment and information about the TGC adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest A3. Specifically, the user can save the region of interest A3 set by the user and retrieve the data for the region of interest A3 when observing the region of interest A3 again later, and adjust the TGC corresponding to the region of interest A3. The position of the object 700 or the section of the TGC control line L1 may be stored.

In addition, the user may store the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image, the TGC adjustment object 700 corresponding to the region of interest A3, and information on the optimal TGC adjustment value for the region of interest A3, and the user can easily perform observation of the ROI A3 of the ultrasound image based on the stored data.

The memory 600 may include, for example, a high-speed random access memory, a magnetic disk, an SRAM, a DRAM, a ROM, and the like, but is limited thereto. it's not going to be Also, the memory 600 may be detachable from the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 . For example, the memory 600 may include a compact flash card (CF card), a secure digital card (SD card), a smart media card (SM card), a multimedia card (MMC), or a memory stick (Memory Stick). , but is not limited thereto. Also, the memory 600 is provided outside the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 and may transmit or receive data to or from the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 through a wired or wireless connection.

As described with reference to FIG. 1 , the input unit 150 may input a control command for the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 or one configuration of the ultrasound imaging apparatus, and the user may input the control command to the display unit 160 or the sub through the input unit 150 . A command for setting the ROI of the ultrasound image displayed on the display panel 161 may be input. A duplicate description will be omitted.

The display unit 160 and the sub-display panel 161 may display various UIs related to the control of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 , may display ultrasound images obtained during an ultrasound diagnosis process, and may display 3D images as well as 2D images. It is also possible to provide a dimensional image.

By touching the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 , the user can input a control command for the ultrasound imaging apparatus, as well as interest in the user's interest in observing and diagnosing the ultrasound image of the object. You can also input a touch command to set the area. Also, the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 may display a gain compensation adjusting means for compensating for a gain of an ultrasound image. The user can set the ROI by touching the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 that displays the ultrasound image, and can adjust the TGC or LGC value by touching the TGC adjusting means or LGC adjusting means for the ROI. have.

6 is a diagram illustrating a display form of a TGC adjusting means when a region of interest of an ultrasound image is set according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6(a) is a screen of the display unit 160 indicating that the ROI A3 for the object of the ultrasound image displayed in the first area A1 is set, similar to that of FIG. 4(a). That is, it is a screen for setting only the ROI A3 of the ultrasound image prior to manipulation of the TGC adjustment object 700 .

The user inputs a command for the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image through the input unit 150 or sets the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image directly on the screen of the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 . You can also input touch commands.

When the ROI A3 of the ultrasound image input from the user is enlarged and displayed, it may be displayed as shown in FIG. ), only the TGC adjustment objects 700d, 700e, 700f, and 700g corresponding to the can be displayed. In addition, only the TGC control line LD corresponding to the region of interest A3 may be displayed. (b) shows the TGC control objects 700d, 700e, 700f, and 700g corresponding to the region of interest A3 and the TGC control line LD, and the user selects the region of interest A3 on the display screen of (b). In order to adjust the TGC value, the TGC adjustment objects 700d, 700e, 700f, and 700g may be adjusted. A detailed description of adjusting the TGC value of the region of interest A3 will be described later with reference to FIG. 12 . The processor 400 may store the TGC adjustment objects 700a to 700j corresponding to the depth of the image in the ultrasound image of (a) before the setting for the region of interest A3 is input, and as in (b), the When the region A3 is set, the TGC adjustment objects 700d, 700e, 700f, and 700g corresponding to the region of interest A3 among the stored TGC adjustment objects 700a to 700j may be displayed. In FIGS. 6A and 6B , only four TGC adjustment objects 700d, 700e, 700f, and 700g corresponding to the region of interest A3 are displayed. It is possible to change the number and range of the TGC control objects 700 to be used.

The user may adjust the TGC value of the region of interest A3 through the TGC adjustment objects 700d, 700e, 700f, and 700g corresponding to the region of interest A3, and accordingly, the TGC adjustment line corresponding to the region of interest A3. (LD) can also be changed.

7 is a diagram illustrating an emphasizing display form of a TGC adjusting means when a region of interest of an ultrasound image is set according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a screen of the display 160 displaying setting of an ROI A3 for an object of an ultrasound image displayed in the first area A1 as in FIG. 4A .

When the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image input by the user is enlarged and displayed, it may be displayed as shown in FIG. Only the adjustment objects 700d, 700e, 700f, and 700g may be highlighted and displayed. That is, TGC adjustment objects 700a, 700b, 700c, 700h, 700i, and 700j corresponding to portions other than the region of interest A3 and TGC adjustment objects 700d, 700e, 700f, and 700g corresponding to the region of interest A3). can be displayed differently. As shown in (b) of FIG. 7 , the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' corresponding to the region of interest A3 may be displayed with different colors from the other TGC adjustment objects. have. Alternatively, the size of the other TGC control objects may be different to be displayed, or the shape may be different and displayed. Accordingly, the user can intuitively know the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' that can adjust the TGC value of the ultrasound image set as the region of interest A3, and only the region of interest A3. Even when the entire ultrasound image is enlarged on the displayed screen, the TGC adjustment object corresponding to the ROI A3 may be distinguished. The user can precisely and precisely adjust the TGC value of the ultrasound image of the region of interest A3 corresponding to the highlighted TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g'.

A method of highlighting and displaying the TGC control objects 700d, 700e, 700f, and 700g corresponding to the region of interest A3 is not limited to displaying with different colors, and various embodiments may be used.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an increase in the level of a TGC adjusting means corresponding to a region of interest of an ultrasound image and display thereof, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In FIG. 8(a) , the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' corresponding to the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image are highlighted and displayed as in FIG. 7(b). As described above, the user may adjust the TGC value of the ultrasound image of the region of interest A3 corresponding thereto by adjusting the highlighted TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g'.

In (a), the TGC adjustment object corresponding to the region of interest A3 is divided into four levels and is located on four depth reference lines, respectively. Therefore, in order to adjust the TGC value of the region of interest A3, the region of interest A3 is divided into four regions, and the TGC value can be adjusted by the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g', respectively. have. As shown in (a), a line dividing the ROI A3 into four regions may be displayed on the ROI A3 of the ultrasound image. This line can divide the region of interest A3 into four regions N1, N2, N3, and N4, so that each region corresponds to the TGC adjustment object 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g'. display, so that the user can easily adjust the TGC value for each corresponding region. That is, the N1 region corresponds to 700d' and the N2 region corresponds to 700e'. There may be a one-to-one correspondence, for example, if 700d' is adjusted, the TGC value of the N1 region may be changed. The number and shape of the region dividing the region of interest A3 and the shape corresponding to the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' may also exist in various shapes according to settings.

As shown in (b), the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 controls the region of interest (A3) of the same ultrasound image 10 times so that the user can make more fine-grained TGC adjustment than in (a). TGC control objects 701a' to 701j' divided into n levels may be displayed. Of course, the TGC adjustment objects 701a' to 701j' divided into ten levels may also be highlighted and displayed with different colors, as described above with reference to FIG. 7 .

Displaying the TGC control objects 701a' to 701j' by further subdividing a section for the same region of interest A3 may be performed by a control command input by the user through the input unit 150, and the display unit 160 ) or by performing a touch input to the sub display panel 161 .

The user may more precisely TGC-adjust the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image for each of 10 sections through the TGC adjustment objects 701a' to 701j' divided into 10 levels. That is, as shown in (b), a line dividing the ROI A3 into 10 regions may be displayed on the ROI A3 of the ultrasound image. This line can divide the region of interest A3 into ten regions (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8, M9, M10), and each region is a TGC control object 701a', 701b', 701c', 701d', 701e', 701f', 701g', 701h', 701i', 701j') may be displayed so that the user can easily adjust the TGC value for each corresponding region. That is, the M1 region corresponds to 701a' and the M2 region corresponds to 701b'. Each region (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8, M9, M10) and the TGC control object 701a ', 701b', 701c', 701d', 701e', 701f', 701g', 701h', 701i', 701j') may correspond one-to-one. For example, if 701a' is adjusted, the TGC value of the M1 region is can be changed. Corresponds to the number and shape of regions dividing the region of interest A3 and TGC control objects 701a', 701b', 701c', 701d', 701e', 701f', 701g', 701h', 701i', 701j' The form to be used may also exist in various forms depending on the setting.

9 is a diagram illustrating display of only a TGC adjustment object or only a TGC adjustment line among TGC adjustment means corresponding to a region of interest of an ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In FIG. 9(a) , the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' corresponding to the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image are highlighted and displayed as in FIG. 7(b) . However, unlike FIG. 7 , only the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' for the region of interest A3 may be highlighted and displayed, and the TGC adjustment line may not be displayed.

On the other hand, (b) of FIG. 9 shows the TGC control line L2 corresponding to the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image, unlike (a). The TGC adjustment line L2 may be displayed on the horizontal reference line R2 for classifying the depth level of the ultrasound image and the vertical reference line R3 for classifying the degree of adjustment of the TGC value. The user may adjust the TGC value for the ROI A3 by adjusting the TGC adjustment line L2 based on the ultrasound image depth division of the horizontal reference line R2 .

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a TGC adjustment object corresponding to an ROI of an ultrasound image to be displayed while being superimposed on an ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the enlarged ROI A3 of the ultrasound image may be displayed on the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 , and a TGC adjustment object 702d' corresponding to the ROI may be displayed thereon. , 702e', 702f', 702g') may be displayed. That is, unlike the display unit 160 or the second area A2 of the sub-display panel 161 as shown in FIG. 7B , the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' are displayed. TGC adjustment objects 702d', 702e', 702f', and 702g' may be displayed in the first area A1 where the ultrasound image is displayed, overlapping the ultrasound image. These TGC adjustment objects 702d', 702e', 702f', and 702g' may be displayed on the depth reference line R1 and the TGC level reference line R1' of the ultrasound image, and the user may display the TGC adjustment object 702d' , 702e', 702f', 702g') may be adjusted to adjust the TGC value for the region of interest A3. When the user adjusts the TGC adjustment objects 702d', 702e', 702f', and 702g', the depth reference line R1 and the TGC level reference line R1' may be displayed or disappear.

11A is a diagram illustrating an entire ultrasound image and a TGC adjusting unit displayed on the display unit, and an ROI of an ultrasound image and a corresponding TGC adjusting unit are displayed on the sub-display panel, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11A , an ultrasound image may be displayed on the display unit 160 and the sub-display panel 161 of the ultrasound imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1 , respectively. At this time, the entire ultrasound image of the object may be displayed on the display unit 160 in the first area A1 as in FIG. 4A , and the TGC adjustment object 700 in the second area A2 . and a TGC control line L1 may be displayed.

When the user sets the ROI A3 for the ultrasound image displayed on the display 160 , the ROI A3 may be displayed on the sub-display panel 161 . Also, the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' and the TGC adjustment line LD corresponding to the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image may be displayed on the sub-display panel 161 . In this case, the TGC control line LD corresponding to the region of interest A3 may be displayed separately from the TGC control line L1 , and may be displayed as a dotted line as shown in FIG. 11A and displayed in a different color. it might be The screens for the ultrasound image and the TGC adjusting means displayed in FIG. 11A are the same as the screens of (a) and (b) described with reference to FIG. 7 . However, in FIG. 7 , the ultrasound image before setting the region of interest A3 and the ultrasound image after setting the region of interest A3 and the corresponding TGC adjusting means are displayed on the display unit 160 or the sub display panel 161, respectively. , 11A , the ultrasound image before the setting of the ROI A3 is displayed on the display unit 160 , and the set ROI A3 and the corresponding TGC adjusting means may be displayed on the sub-display panel 161 .

The user can simultaneously view the entire screen and the entire TGC adjustment means of the ultrasound image displayed on the display unit 160 and the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image displayed on the sub-display panel 161 and the TGC adjustment means corresponding thereto. , it is also possible to simultaneously input a control command for each ultrasound image screen. As described with reference to FIG. 9 , only the TGC control objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' corresponding to the ROI A3 may be displayed on the sub display panel 161, and may be displayed on the ROI A3. Of course, only the corresponding TGC control line LD may be displayed. The processor 400 displays the entire ultrasound image on the display unit 160 and the It is possible to control the display of the corresponding TGC adjusting means, and control so that the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image and the corresponding TGC adjusting means are displayed on the sub-display panel 161 .

FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a region of interest of an ultrasound image and a TGC adjusting means corresponding thereto are displayed on the display unit, and the entire ultrasound image and the entire TGC adjusting unit are displayed on the sub-display panel, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11B , contrary to FIG. 11A , the entire ultrasound image of the object, the TGC adjustment object 700 and the TGC adjustment line L1 may be displayed on the sub display panel 161 . The ROI A3 of the ultrasound image may be displayed on the display 160 , and the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' corresponding to the ROI A3 and the TGC adjustment line LD ) may be displayed. That is, the user controls the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image displayed on the sub-display panel 161 in FIG. 11A and the TGC adjusting means corresponding thereto to be displayed on the display unit 160 to display a larger size on the display unit 160 . The TGC value for the ROI A3 may be adjusted. As in FIG. 11A , the TGC control line LD corresponding to the region of interest A3 may be displayed separately from the TGC control line L1 , and may be displayed as a dotted line as shown in FIG. 11B , and other It can also be displayed in color.

11C is a diagram illustrating an entire ultrasound image and an entire TGC adjusting unit being displayed on the display unit, and a TGC adjustment object corresponding to a region of interest of the ultrasound image being displayed on the sub-display panel overlaid on the ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. .

Referring to FIG. 11C , the entire ultrasound image of the object may be displayed in the first area A1 on the display unit 160 as in FIG. 11A , and the TGC adjustment object 700 and the second area A2 in the second area A2 , as in FIG. 11A . A TGC control line L1 may be displayed. Since the description for this has been described with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11B , the overlapping description will be omitted.

As described with reference to FIG. 10 , an enlarged ROI A3 of an ultrasound image may be displayed on the sub-display panel 161 , and TGC adjustment objects 702d', 702e', 702f', and 702g corresponding to the ROI may be displayed on the sub-display panel 161 . ') may be displayed. These TGC adjustment objects 702d', 702e', 702f', and 702g' may be displayed on the depth reference line R1 of the ultrasound image, and the user may display the TGC adjustment objects 702d', 702e', 702f', 702g' ) to adjust the TGC value for the region of interest A3. When the user adjusts the TGC adjustment objects 702d', 702e', 702f', and 702g', the depth reference line R1 may be displayed or disappeared. That is, the user can view the entire ultrasound image through the display unit 160 , and simultaneously view the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image through the sub-display panel 161 , and a corresponding TGC adjustment object 702d' , 702e', 702f', 702g') may be adjusted to adjust the TGC value for the region of interest A3.

In addition, contrary to the above, the enlarged ROI A3 of the ultrasound image and the TGC adjustment objects 702d', 702e', 702f', and 702g' corresponding to the ROI are displayed on the display unit 160, and the sub-display panel Of course, the entire ultrasound image of the object, the TGC adjustment object 700 and the TGC adjustment line L1 may be displayed at 161 .

12 is a diagram illustrating adjustment of a TGC value by touching a TGC adjusting means corresponding to a region of interest in an ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.

12 , an enlarged image of the ROI A3 of the ultrasound image and a TGC adjusting means corresponding thereto may be displayed on the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 . In (a), the TGC control objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' corresponding to the region of interest A3 are displayed, and in (b) the TGC control line L2 corresponding to the region of interest A3. this is displayed

Referring to (a), the user may adjust the TGC value of the ROI A3 by touching the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g'. Specifically, the user wants to adjust the TGC adjustment objects 700e', 700f', 700g' of the desired depth of the region of interest A3 among the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g'. You can drag it up to the level. In addition, if the position of the TGC level to be adjusted is directly touched instead of dragging, the TGC adjustment object of the corresponding depth is moved to the touched position to adjust the TGC value. Also, as the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' are adjusted, the TGC adjustment line LD corresponding to the ROI A3 of the ultrasound image may also be changed according to the depth of the image. . 12(a) shows the region of interest ( It shows the adjustment of the TGC value of A3). That is, the portion of the region of interest A3 having a depth corresponding to the adjusted TGC adjustment objects 700e', 700f', and 700g' may be displayed brighter.

Referring to (b), the user may adjust the TGC value of the ROI A3 by touching the TGC adjustment line L2. In (b) of FIG. 9 (b), only the TGC control line L2 corresponding to the ROI A3 is displayed, and the user wants to adjust the ROI A3 among the TGC control lines L2. You can drag the TGC adjustment line of the desired depth to the level you want to adjust. In addition, if the position of the TGC level to be adjusted is directly touched instead of dragging, a curve of the TGC adjustment line of the corresponding depth is located at the touched position, so that the TGC value can be adjusted.

13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of adjusting a TGC value by manipulating a TGC adjustment object corresponding to an ROI of an ultrasound image.

The user can adjust the TGC value by touching as if drawing a line on the screen where the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' are located as shown in FIG. have. That is, when the user draws a line L3 connecting the points by designating the start and end points of the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g', the TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f ', 700g') is positioned on the drawn line L3, so that the TGC value can be adjusted. In this case, the line may include both a curved line and a straight line.

14A is a diagram illustrating storing a TGC value adjusted with respect to a region of interest in a memory according to an embodiment, and FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating a TGC value adjusted and stored for a region of interest being retrieved from the memory according to an embodiment. it is one drawing

14A is a screen in which the TGC value is adjusted by manipulating the region of interest A3 and the corresponding TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' as in FIG. 12(a). have.

The user may store the adjusted TGC value for the ROI A3 by touching the TGC SAVE button 900 displayed in the second area A2 . That is, the TGC value set by the user for the ROI A3 is stored in the memory 600 , and can be recalled and used later when the same ROI A3 is to be observed again.

FIG. 14B shows a screen for touching the preset button 910 in order to call the TGC value stored in FIG. 14A while the entire screen of the ultrasound image is displayed. As described above, there is no limit to the region that the user can set as the region of interest on the entire screen of the ultrasound image, and touch the preset button 910 to enlarge the screen for the region of interest A3 set in FIG. When the TGC value adjusted for the region of interest A3 is applied, a screen may be displayed. This TGC value may be stored in the memory 600 , and the user may initialize the stored TGC value through the input unit 150 , the display unit 160 , or the sub-display panel 161 , or use the TGC for another region of interest. You can also store values.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display of a region of interest when the entire region is returned after adjusting the TGC value of the region of interest of the ultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15A is a screen showing that the TGC value is adjusted for the region of interest A3 described in FIG. 12A , and FIG. It is a screen that shows that it is applied to the entire screen described in (a) of (a).

That is, when the portion including the region of interest A3 in the entire ultrasound image of the object is dark and difficult to see, as shown in FIG. By adjusting the values, the sharpness of the region of interest A3 can be increased. After the TGC adjustment for the region of interest A3 is finished, the adjusted TGC value may be stored in the memory 600 , and the user may observe the entire ultrasound image including the region of interest A3 as shown in (b). (A3) It is possible to restore the entire image before magnification. Also, as for the displayed TGC adjustment objects, TGC adjustment objects 700d', 700e', 700f', and 700g' for which TGC values are adjusted may be displayed for the region of interest A3, and the region of interest A3. In other regions, TGC adjustment objects 700a, 700b, 700c, 700h, 700i, and 700j for which the TGC value is not adjusted may be displayed.

At this time, since the TGC value of the region of interest A3 is adjusted, the portion of the region of interest A3 may be displayed brightly, and portions other than the region of interest A3 may be displayed darkly as in (b). When the region of interest (A3) whose TGC value has been adjusted is returned to the full screen, the connection with parts other than the region of interest (A3) may not be good, so the region of interest (A3) with the adjusted TGC value applied It may or may not be applied without being applied.

15 , when the ultrasound image whose TGC value is adjusted for the region of interest A3 is returned to the full screen before magnification, the entire region in the X-axis direction including the region of interest A3 is The TGC value may be returned to an adjusted state. That is, when returning (a) of FIG. 15 to the entire ultrasound image of (b), the TGC adjustment value may be applied to the entire region (②) in the X-axis direction including the region of interest A3 and displayed. . In this case, it may be displayed like the screen shown in FIG. 2B.

As another embodiment, there may be other regions of interest (not shown) set by the user, and when returning to the full screen after adjusting the TGC values for other regions of interest (not shown), the TGC adjustment object is placed in the region. It may be changed and displayed to correspond to it.

The user may move or reduce the set ROI A3, or further enlarge, expand, or rotate to reset it. When the reset or changed ROI A3 is returned to the full screen, the TGC adjusting means may be displayed to be changed in response to the reset or changed ROI A3. In addition, the TGC adjusting means applied to the same ROI A3 may be set differently, and even in this case, the set TGC adjusting means may be displayed to be changed when returning to the full screen.

16 is a diagram illustrating an enlarged display of scales in X and Y directions of an ROI when an ROI of an ultrasound image is set and enlarged according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 16 , before setting the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image, the scale 1000 in the X-axis direction is displayed from 0 to 15.2, and the scale 1100 in the Y-axis direction is They are marked from 0 to 3.4. The shape of the scale displayed on the ultrasound image or the scale value thereof may exist in various embodiments, and is not limited to the one described with reference to FIG. 16 . When the user sets and enlarges the region of interest A3, it may be displayed as shown in (b) of FIG. 16 , and the scales in the X-axis and Y-axis directions may also be changed to correspond to the enlarged region of interest A3. . That is, the scale 1000' in the X-axis direction of the enlarged region of interest A3 may be displayed from 4 to 11.4 corresponding to the region of interest A3, and the scale 1100' in the Y-axis direction is from 1 to 2.4. up to can be displayed. That is, there is an effect of more intuitively checking the size and area of the ROI A3 set by the user.

Although the embodiments of the disclosed invention are described with reference to being applied to a 2D ultrasound image, the display of the TGC adjustment object of the disclosed invention may be applied to a 3D ultrasound image, although not shown in the drawings. In the above-described embodiment of the ultrasound imaging apparatus, the gain compensation in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the ultrasound image is defined as Time Gain Compensation, and the gain compensation in the left and right (horizontal) directions (X-axis direction) is lateral. It is defined as Gain Compensation, and if gain compensation in the Z-axis direction is defined as Elevation Gain Compensation, gain compensation adjustment for a 3D ultrasound image may be adjusted with TGC, LGC, or EGC values, respectively. Accordingly, if the disclosed embodiment is also applied to a 3D ultrasound image, the gain compensation adjusting means may be displayed on the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis of the portion set as the region of interest.

17 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the user may input a command for setting the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image ( S100 ). That is, the user may set the region of interest A3 through the input unit 150 , and may input a command for setting the region of interest A3 by touching the display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 . The inputted command for setting the region of interest A3 may be stored in the memory 600 , and the processor 400 may include a corresponding gain compensation adjusting means based on the inputted setting of the region of interest A3 on the display unit 160 . ) or it can be controlled to be displayed on the sub-display panel.

The display unit 160 or the sub-display panel 161 may display a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI A3 of the input ultrasound image (S110). As described above, the gain compensation adjusting means may include at least one of the TGC adjusting means and the LGC adjusting means, and various embodiments of the display form may exist.

The memory 600 may store information on the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI A3 of the input ultrasound image and the ROI A3 of the input ultrasound image ( S120 ). The information about the region of interest A3 and the gain compensation adjusting means stored in the memory 600 may be used to call up the set region of interest A3 or to apply a gain compensation adjustment value corresponding thereto.

The above-described embodiment of setting the region of interest A3 of the ultrasound image and displaying the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding thereto can be equally applied to the case where the region of interest A3 is not only enlarged but also reduced. In addition to the described embodiments, various embodiments may exist in terms of the size and shape of the region.

With reference to the drawings exemplified as described above, the ultrasound imaging apparatus and its control method have been described focusing on preferred embodiments. Examples of the ultrasound imaging apparatus and its control method are not limited thereto, and the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects. Therefore, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention.

100: ultrasound imaging device
150: input unit
160: display unit
161: sub display panel
400 : processor
500: image processing unit
600 : memory
700: TGC control object
800: LGC control object
900 : TGC save button
910: preset button

Claims (24)

an input unit receiving a command for setting an ROI of an ultrasound image;
a display unit including a first area for displaying the ultrasound image and a second area for displaying a gain compensation adjusting means provided to change a gain compensation value of the ultrasound image;
The display unit, when a command for setting the ROI of the ultrasound image displayed in the first region is input, displays only the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the input ultrasound image in the second region,
An ultrasound imaging apparatus for increasing or decreasing a level of a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the ultrasound image to enable granular gain compensation for the ROI of the ultrasound image. The method of claim 1,
The region of interest in the ultrasound image is
It is an area set by enlarging, reducing, expanding or rotating the ultrasound image,
An ultrasound imaging apparatus in which a screen displayed on the display unit is changed when the region of interest is set. The method of claim 1,
The gain compensation adjustment means,
An ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising at least one of a Time Gain Compensation (TGC) adjusting unit and a Lateral Gain Compensation (LGC) adjusting unit. delete The method of claim 1,
The display unit,
and highlighting and displaying the display form of the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the ultrasound image;
The emphasizing display of the gain compensation adjusting means includes changing a color of the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the ultrasound image and displaying the changed color. The method of claim 1,
The display unit,
An ultrasound imaging apparatus displaying the region of interest of the ultrasound image on the first region, and overlapping the region of interest of the ultrasound image and a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the ultrasound image. The method of claim 1,
The command for setting the region of interest of the ultrasound image includes:
and a command for enlarging or reducing a specific portion of the ultrasound image. The method of claim 1,
and a sub-display panel displaying the ultrasound image set as the region of interest and a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the ultrasound image;
The display unit displays the entire ultrasound image before setting the ROI of the ultrasound image and a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding thereto;
The sub-display panel displays the region of interest of the ultrasound image and gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the ultrasound image. 9. The method of claim 8,
The sub display panel,
An ultrasound imaging apparatus for overlapping the region of interest of the ultrasound image and a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the ultrasound image. 9. The method of claim 8,
The display unit and the sub-display panel,
A user inputs a touch command for setting a region of interest in the ultrasound image,
and a touch panel for adjusting a gain compensation value corresponding to the ultrasound image set as the ROI by touching a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the displayed ROI. 4. The method of claim 3,
The display unit,
an ultrasound imaging apparatus displaying at least one of a TGC adjustment unit for adjusting a TGC value corresponding to a depth direction of the ultrasound image set as the region of interest or an LGC adjustment unit for adjusting an LGC value corresponding to a lateral direction . 12. The method of claim 11,
The display unit,
An ultrasound imaging apparatus that displays at least one of a TGC adjustment line and a TGC adjustment object for adjusting a TGC value corresponding to a depth direction of the ultrasound image set as the region of interest. 12. The method of claim 11,
The display unit,
An ultrasound imaging apparatus for displaying at least one of an LGC adjustment line or an LGC adjustment object for adjusting LGC values corresponding to the left and right directions of the ultrasound image set as the region of interest. The method of claim 1,
a processor that controls to display a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the input ultrasound image on the second region when a command for setting a region of interest of the ultrasound image displayed on the first region of the display unit is input; including an ultrasound imaging device. The method of claim 1,
and a memory for storing information on the input region of interest of the ultrasound image and gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the input ultrasound image. A control method of an ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising: a display unit including a first area for displaying an ultrasound image and a second area for displaying a gain compensation adjusting means provided to change a gain compensation value of the ultrasound image, the display unit comprising:
receiving a command for setting a region of interest of the ultrasound image displayed on the first region;
displaying only the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the input ultrasound image in the second region;
Displaying the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the input ultrasound image,
The method of controlling an ultrasound imaging apparatus by increasing or decreasing a level of a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the ultrasound image to enable granular gain compensation for the ROI of the ultrasound image. delete 17. The method of claim 16,
Displaying the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the input ultrasound image,
and highlighting and displaying the display form of the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the ultrasound image;
The emphasizing display of the gain compensation adjusting means includes changing a color of the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the ROI of the ultrasound image and displaying the changed color. 17. The method of claim 16,
Displaying the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the input ultrasound image,
An ultrasound imaging apparatus control method for overlapping a region of interest of the ultrasound image displayed on the first region and a gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the ultrasound image. 17. The method of claim 16,
Receiving a command for setting an ROI of the ultrasound image includes:
and a command for enlarging or reducing a specific portion of the ultrasound image. 17. The method of claim 16,
The gain compensation adjusting means includes at least one of a TGC (Time Gain Compensation) adjusting means and an LGC (Lateral Gain Compensation) adjusting means,
Displaying the gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the input ultrasound image,
and displaying at least one of a TGC adjusting means for adjusting a TGC value corresponding to a depth direction of the ultrasound image set as the region of interest and an LGC adjusting means for adjusting an LGC value corresponding to a left and right direction. 22. The method of claim 21,
Displaying the TGC adjustment means corresponding to the region of interest of the input ultrasound image includes:
The method of controlling an ultrasound imaging apparatus for displaying at least one of a TGC adjustment line and a TGC adjustment object for adjusting a TGC value corresponding to a depth direction of the ultrasound image set as the region of interest. 22. The method of claim 21,
Displaying the LGC adjustment means corresponding to the region of interest of the input ultrasound image includes:
A method of controlling an ultrasound imaging apparatus for displaying at least one of an LGC adjustment line or an LGC adjustment object for adjusting an LGC value corresponding to a left and right direction of the ultrasound image set as the region of interest. 17. The method of claim 16,
and storing information on the input region of interest of the ultrasound image and gain compensation adjusting means corresponding to the region of interest of the input ultrasound image.

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