KR102618496B1 - Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus for displaying elasticity of the object and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An ultrasonic imaging device and an ultrasonic image display method are disclosed.
An ultrasound imaging device according to an disclosed embodiment acquires elasticity data for a measurement target area of an object, and calculates different elasticity values for a plurality of regions included in the measurement target area based on the elasticity data. It calculates based on a method, and may include a processor that calculates a final elasticity value by fusing elasticity values calculated for each of the plurality of regions, and a display unit that displays the final elasticity value.

Description

Ultrasound imaging device and its display method {ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING ELASTICITY OF THE OBJECT AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging device and method for displaying elasticity values for an object. More specifically, it relates to an imaging device and method for measuring the elasticity value of an object in various ways using ultrasound.

An ultrasound diagnosis device irradiates an ultrasound signal generated from a transducer of a probe to an object, receives information on the signal reflected from the object, and transmits it to a site inside the object (for example, soft tissue or blood flow). Obtain at least one video of In particular, ultrasonic diagnostic devices are used for medical purposes such as observing the interior of an object, detecting foreign substances, and measuring injuries. Compared to diagnostic devices using Accordingly, ultrasound diagnostic devices are widely used along with other imaging diagnostic devices, including computed tomography (CT) devices, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, and the like.

According to one embodiment, a method and device for precisely providing elasticity to an object are provided. More specifically, a method and device are provided for calculating elasticity of a plurality of regions included in a measurement target region based on various calculation methods.

An ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment acquires elasticity data for a measurement target area of an object, and calculates elasticity values for a plurality of regions included in the measurement target area based on the elasticity data using different calculation methods. and may include a processor that calculates a final elasticity value by fusing elasticity values calculated for each of the plurality of regions, and a display unit that displays the final elasticity value.

The processor according to an embodiment may determine the first detection position of the shear wave displacement and determine whether the shear wave passes through each of the plurality of regions by comparing the first detection position of the shear wave displacement with the position of each of the plurality of regions. there is.

The processor according to an embodiment uses a first calculation method to calculate the elasticity value of an area determined to be a shear wave passage area among the plurality of areas, and a first calculation method to calculate the elasticity value of an area determined to be a shear wave non-pass area. It is determined using a second calculation method, and the first calculation method may be a method of predicting and calculating the elasticity value of the area determined to be the shear wave passage area based on the elasticity data.

The processor according to an embodiment sets a reference value based on the distance between the first detection position of the shear wave displacement and the focus beam irradiation line, and sets an average distance between each region included in the plurality of regions and the focus beam irradiation line. Based on this, the distance value for each area is set, and by comparing the reference value and the distance value, it is possible to determine whether or not the shear wave passes through each area.

The first calculation method according to an embodiment is a method of calculating the average speed of the shear wave in the shear wave cylinder passage area using the first detection position of the shear wave displacement, and predicting and calculating the elasticity value based on the average speed of the shear wave. You can.

The processor according to an embodiment may calculate the reliability of the elasticity values calculated for each of the plurality of regions based on the determined elasticity value calculation method, and the display unit may further display the reliability.

The processor according to an embodiment uses a first calculation method to calculate the elasticity value of an area determined to be a shear wave passage area among the plurality of areas, and a first calculation method to calculate the elasticity value of an area determined to be a shear wave non-pass area. It is determined using the second calculation method, and the reliability of the elasticity value calculated based on the first calculation method can be set to a preset reliability value.

The processor according to one embodiment may control the display unit to selectively display only a portion of the final elasticity values based on the reliability.

The ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment further includes an input unit that receives a user input, and the processor selects only a portion of the final elasticity values based on the user input, and selects the selected final elasticity value and The display unit may be controlled to display an elasticity value calculation method for the selected final elasticity value.

An ultrasound image display method according to an embodiment is a method of operating an ultrasound diagnosis device, comprising: obtaining elasticity data for a measurement target area of an object; based on the elasticity data, a plurality of elasticity data included in the measurement target area are provided. Calculating elasticity values for regions based on different calculation methods, fusing elasticity values calculated for each of the plurality of regions to calculate a final elasticity value, and calculating the final elasticity value. It may include a display step.

The present invention may be readily understood by combination of the following detailed description with the accompanying drawings, where reference numerals refer to structural elements.
Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
Figures 2 (a) to (c) are diagrams showing an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of displaying the elasticity value of an object by an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method by which an ultrasound diagnosis device displays elasticity and reliability values of an object, according to an embodiment.
FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams for explaining a process in which an ultrasound diagnosis device generates shear waves in an object according to an embodiment.
FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams for explaining a method for detecting shear wave displacement by an ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method in which an ultrasound diagnosis device determines a method for calculating an elasticity value for a specific area, according to an embodiment.
FIGS. 9(a) to 9(d) are diagrams for explaining a method of displaying elasticity values by an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

This specification clarifies the scope of rights of the present invention, explains the principles of the present invention, and discloses embodiments so that those skilled in the art can practice the present invention. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in various forms.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. This specification does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and general content or overlapping content between the embodiments in the technical field to which the present invention pertains is omitted. The term 'part' (portion) used in the specification may be implemented as software or hardware, and depending on the embodiment, a plurality of 'portions' may be implemented as a single element (unit, element), or a single 'portion' may be implemented as a single 'portion'. It is also possible for ' to contain multiple elements. Hereinafter, the operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

In this specification, an image may include a medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, an ultrasonic imaging device, or an X-ray imaging device.

In this specification, ‘object’ is something that is subject to photography and may include a person, an animal, or a part thereof. For example, the object may include a part of the body (organ, etc.) or a phantom.

Throughout the specification, “ultrasonic image” refers to an image of an object that is transmitted to the object and processed based on ultrasonic signals reflected from the object.

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

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to an embodiment. The ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to one embodiment includes a probe 20, an ultrasound transceiver 110, a control unit 120, an image processor 130, a display unit 140, a storage unit 150, and a communication unit 160. ), and may include an input unit 170.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 100 can be implemented not only in a cart type but also in a portable form. Examples of portable ultrasound diagnostic devices include, but are not limited to, smart phones, laptop computers, PDAs, and tablet PCs that include probes and applications.

Probe 20 may include a plurality of transducers. A plurality of transducers may transmit ultrasonic signals to the object 10 according to a transmission signal applied from the transmitter 113. A plurality of transducers may receive ultrasonic signals reflected from the object 10 to form a received signal. Additionally, the probe 20 may be implemented integrally with the ultrasound diagnosis device 100, or may be implemented as a separate type connected to the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 by wire or wirelessly. Additionally, the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 may include one or more probes 20 depending on the implementation type.

The control unit 120 controls the transmission unit 113 to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers in consideration of the positions and focal points of the plurality of transducers included in the probe 20.

The control unit 120 converts the received signal received from the probe 20 into analog-to-digital, considers the positions and focus points of the plurality of transducers, and sums the digitally converted received signals to generate ultrasonic data. ) is controlled.

The image processor 130 uses ultrasound data generated by the ultrasound receiver 115 to generate an ultrasound image.

The display unit 140 may display the generated ultrasound image and various information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis device 100. The ultrasound diagnosis device 100 may include one or more display units 140 depending on the implementation type. Additionally, the display unit 140 can be implemented as a touch screen by combining with a touch panel.

The control unit 120 may control the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 and signal flow between internal components of the ultrasound diagnosis device 100. The control unit 120 may include a memory that stores programs or data for performing the functions of the ultrasound diagnosis device 100, and a processor that processes the programs or data. Additionally, the control unit 120 may control the operation of the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 by receiving a control signal from the input unit 170 or an external device.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 100 includes a communication unit 160 and can be connected to an external device (e.g., server, medical device, portable device (smart phone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.)) through the communication unit 160. there is.

The communication unit 160 may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, and may include, for example, at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

The communication unit 160 receives control signals and data from an external device and transmits the received control signal to the control unit 120, allowing the control unit 120 to control the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to the received control signal. It is also possible.

Alternatively, it is possible for the control unit 120 to transmit a control signal to an external device through the communication unit 160, thereby controlling the external device according to the control signal from the control unit.

For example, the external device may process data from the external device according to a control signal from the control unit received through the communication unit.

A program capable of controlling the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 may be installed in the external device, and this program may include commands that perform some or all of the operations of the control unit 120.

The program may be pre-installed on an external device, or the user of the external device may download and install the program from a server that provides the application. A server that provides an application may include a recording medium on which the program is stored.

The storage unit 150 may store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasound diagnosis device 100, input/output ultrasound data, acquired ultrasound images, etc.

The input unit 170 may receive a user's input for controlling the ultrasound diagnosis device 100. For example, the user's input includes manipulating buttons, keypad, mouse, trackball, jog switch, and knob, input by touching the touch pad or touch screen, voice input, motion input, and biometric information input ( For example, iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.), but is not limited thereto.

An example of the ultrasound diagnosis device 100 according to an embodiment will be described later through (a) to (c) of FIG. 2.

Figures 2 (a) to (c) are diagrams showing an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B , the ultrasound diagnosis devices 100a and 100b may include a main display unit 121 and a sub-display unit 122. One of the main display unit 121 and the sub display unit 122 may be implemented as a touch screen. The main display unit 121 and the sub display unit 122 may display ultrasound images or various information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis devices 100a and 100b. In addition, the main display unit 121 and the sub-display unit 122 are implemented as touch screens and provide a GUI, so that data for controlling the ultrasound diagnosis device (100a, 100b) can be input from the user. For example, the main display unit 121 may display an ultrasound image, and the sub-display unit 122 may display a control panel for controlling the display of the ultrasound image in a GUI form. The sub-display unit 122 can receive data for controlling the display of images through a control panel displayed in GUI form. The ultrasound diagnosis devices 100a and 100b can control the display of ultrasound images displayed on the main display unit 121 using input control data.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 2, the ultrasound diagnosis device 100b may further include a control panel 165 in addition to the main display unit 121 and the sub-display unit 122. The control panel 165 may include buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, a knob, etc., and may receive data input for controlling the ultrasound diagnosis device 100b from the user. For example, the control panel 165 may include a Time Gain Compensation (TGC) button 171, a Freeze button 172, etc. The TGC button 171 is a button for setting the TGC value for each depth of the ultrasound image. Additionally, when the ultrasound diagnosis device 100b detects the Freeze button 172 input while scanning an ultrasound image, the frame image at that point in time can be displayed.

Meanwhile, buttons, trackballs, jog switches, knobs, etc. included in the control panel 165 may be provided as a GUI on the main display unit 121 or the sub display unit 122.

Referring to (c) of FIG. 2, the ultrasound diagnosis device 100c can also be implemented as a portable device. As an example of the portable ultrasound diagnosis device 100c,

There may be a smart phone, a laptop computer, a PDA, a tablet PC, etc. that include a probe and an application, but the device is not limited thereto.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 100c includes a probe 20 and a main body 40, and the probe 20 may be connected to one side of the main body 40 by wire or wirelessly. The main body 40 may include a touch screen 145. The touch screen 145 can display ultrasound images, various information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis device, and a GUI.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 according to one embodiment includes an input unit 310, a processing unit 320, and a display unit 330. Depending on the embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may include fewer components than those shown in FIG. 3 or may further include other additional components. For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300 may receive a user input from a separate device instead of including the input unit 310.

The processor 320 according to one embodiment may acquire elasticity data about the object. Additionally, the processing unit 320 may obtain a measurement value from elasticity data. The measured value may refer to values that can be obtained from elasticity data, such as the speed of the measured shear wave, elasticity value, reliability of the elasticity value, and standard deviation for the elasticity value.

The method by which the processing unit 320 obtains the elasticity value of the object may be implemented in various ways depending on the embodiment. For example, when a user sets a region of interest (ROI) for an ultrasound image, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300 uses the ultrasound transceiver 110 and the probe 20 of FIG. 1 to detect a portion of the object. Ultrasonic signals for pushing an area can be irradiated to the object.

The processing unit 320 may determine a focus beam irradiation line for determining the irradiation position of the ultrasonic signal. The processing unit 320 may irradiate an ultrasonic signal to a shear wave inducing position on the determined focus beam irradiation line. The ultrasound diagnosis device 300 may obtain an elasticity value by tracking a shear wave induced by an irradiated ultrasound signal.

In one embodiment, the ultrasonic signal for inducing a shear wave may be an Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI). As shear waves are induced in the tissues within the object by ARFI, shear wave displacement may occur. The processing unit 320 may measure the shear wave displacement of the object, track the shear wave, and calculate the elasticity value of the object based on this. However, the technical idea of obtaining the elasticity value is not limited to the above example.

The processing unit 320 may calculate elasticity values for a plurality of regions included in the measurement target region based on different calculation methods. In one embodiment, when the shear wave displacement is first detected, the processing unit 320 determines each elasticity value based on the first calculation method for the area through which the shear wave has already passed and based on the second calculation method for the area through which the shear wave has not yet passed. can be calculated.

When transverse waves are induced in tissue using ultrasonic signals, the speed of the induced transverse waves varies based on the elasticity value of the tissue area where the transverse waves are induced. For example, when induced inside hard tissue with a high elasticity value, shear waves are transmitted at very high speeds. In this case, there may be an area in the measurement target area of the object through which the shear wave already passes before the shear wave displacement is detected. For these shear wave passage areas, it may be difficult to calculate elasticity values using shear wave displacement.

In one embodiment, the first calculation method calculates the average speed of the shear wave in the area where the shear wave has already passed by using the first detection position of the shear wave displacement, and calculates the elasticity value for the shear wave cylinder and area based on this. It can be. The average speed of the shear wave can be calculated using the time taken from the induction of the shear wave to the detection of the shear wave displacement and the distance from the focus beam irradiation line to the first detection position of the shear wave displacement. However, the method of predicting and calculating the elasticity value for the shear wave cylinder and area is not limited to the above example.

In one embodiment, the processing unit 320 calculates the elasticity value based on the first calculation method for areas where the average distance between the area and the focus beam irradiation line is less than the reference value, and based on the second calculation method for areas where the average distance between the area and the focus beam irradiation line is less than the reference value. You can. The reference value may be determined based on the location at which the shear wave displacement is first detected. At this time, the area where the distance to the focus beam irradiation line is less than the reference value may be an area through which the shear wave has already passed until the first detection of the shear wave displacement.

The processing unit 320 may calculate a reliability value for the elasticity value calculated for each region. For example, the processing unit 320 may calculate a reliability value for the elasticity value based on the size of the detected shear wave to obtain the elasticity value. That is, the processing unit 320 may determine that the larger the size of the shear wave, the higher the reliability of the elasticity value, and the smaller the size of the shear wave, the lower the reliability of the elasticity value. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the processing unit 320 may determine the reliability of the elasticity value using not only the size of the shear wave but also the residual value of the shear wave. In other words, it can be determined that the smaller the residual value, the higher the reliability of the elasticity value, and the larger the residual value, the lower the reliability of the elasticity value.

Meanwhile, the processing unit 320 may assign a preset reliability value to the elasticity value. For example, the processing unit 320 may assign a preset low reliability value to the elasticity value calculated based on a low-accuracy calculation method.

The processing unit 320 may assign different reliability values depending on the method of calculating the elasticity value. For example, the processing unit 320 may use a preset reliability value for the elasticity value calculated based on the first calculation method, and a reliability value calculated based on the shear wave for the elasticity value calculated based on the second calculation method. A value can be assigned. The preset reliability value may be lower than the average of reliability values calculated based on shear waves. However, the technical idea of assigning different reliability values depending on the method of calculating the elasticity value is not limited to the above example.

Meanwhile, as the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 300 performs the process of obtaining the elasticity value for the object multiple times, the processing unit 320 calculates a plurality of elasticity values for each region included in the measurement target area of the object. You can. Since the shear wave induced position may vary depending on the process, multiple elasticity values for the same area calculated through multiple processes may be calculated based on different calculation methods.

The processing unit 320 may select a portion of a plurality of elasticity values calculated for the same area. For example, the processing unit 320 may select an elasticity value with a high reliability value from among a plurality of elasticity values.

The processing unit 320 may fuse the elasticity values calculated for each region. For example, the processing unit 320 may generate information indicating the elasticity value for the entire measurement target area. In one embodiment, the processing unit 320 may fuse the elasticity values based on the reliability value of the calculated elasticity values.

The processing unit 320 includes a memory that stores at least one of a program, an algorithm, and application data for calculating elasticity values for a plurality of regions included in the measurement target region based on different calculation methods, and a program stored in the memory. , may be composed of a hardware unit including a processor that processes algorithms or application data. For example, the processing unit 320 may be comprised of a processor including at least one of a central processing unit, a microprocessor, and a graphic processing unit. At this time, the memory and processor may be composed of a single chip, but are not limited to this.

The display unit 330 may display information generated by the processing unit 320. Information displayed on the display unit 330 may change in various ways depending on the embodiment. For example, the display unit 330 may display a graph indicating elasticity values using dots, broken lines, bars, etc. Additionally, the display unit 330 may further display a reliability value for the elasticity value. In addition, the display unit 330 may further display information about the calculation method of the elasticity value. For example, the display unit 330 may display information that the currently displayed elasticity value is an elasticity value calculated by the first calculation method.

The display unit 330 may selectively display only some of the elasticity values. For example, based on the calculation method of the elasticity value, the display unit 330 displays the elasticity value calculated based on the second calculation method, and the elasticity value calculated based on the first calculation method is It may not be displayed. Alternatively, the display unit 330 may not display elasticity values that have a reliability value that is less than the standard value, based on the reliability value. The processing unit 320 may control the selective display operation of the display unit 330 in response to an input from the outside.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of displaying the elasticity value of an object by an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

In step S410, the ultrasound diagnosis device acquires elasticity data for the measurement target area of the object. In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device may cause tissue displacement by applying ultrasound signals to the inside of the body, which is the object to be irradiated, using an ultrasound probe. Transverse waves may be induced in tissues within an object by ultrasound signals, thereby causing tissue displacement. An ultrasound diagnostic device may detect shear wave displacement caused by an induced shear wave and obtain elasticity data of an object.

In step S420, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus calculates elasticity values for a plurality of regions included in the measurement target region based on different calculation methods, based on the elasticity data.

In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device may distinguish a plurality of areas included in the measurement target area based on whether the shear wave has already passed through the area when the shear wave displacement is first detected. The ultrasonic diagnostic device may determine a method for calculating the elasticity value for the corresponding area based on the classification result. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic device may calculate each elasticity value based on a first calculation method for the area where the shear wave passes through, and based on the second calculation method for the area where the transverse wave does not pass.

In one embodiment, the first calculation method calculates the average speed of the shear wave in the area through which the shear wave has already passed using the first detection position of the shear wave displacement, and calculates the elasticity value for the shear wave cylinder and area based on this. It could be a way. The average speed of the shear wave can be calculated using the time taken from the induction of the shear wave to the detection of the shear wave displacement and the distance from the focus beam irradiation line to the first detection position of the shear wave displacement. However, the method of predicting and calculating the elasticity value for the shear wave cylinder and area is not limited to the above example.

In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device may calculate the elasticity value based on a first calculation method for areas where the average distance between the area and the focus beam irradiation line is less than the reference value, and based on the second calculation method for areas where the average distance between the area and the focus beam irradiation line is less than the reference value. there is. The reference value may be determined based on the location at which the shear wave displacement is first detected. At this time, the area where the distance to the focus beam irradiation line is less than the reference value may be an area where the shear wave has already passed by the time of first detection of the shear wave displacement.

In step S430, the ultrasound diagnosis device fuses the calculated elasticity values to calculate the final elasticity value. For example, the final elasticity value may be information representing the elasticity value for the entire measurement target area. Alternatively, the final elasticity value may be information containing only elasticity values calculated based on some selected calculation methods. However, the technical idea of calculating the final elasticity value by fusing the calculated elasticity values is not limited to this.

In step S440, the ultrasound diagnostic device displays the final elasticity value. An ultrasound diagnostic device can display elasticity values in various forms using a graphical user interface.

An ultrasonic diagnostic device may selectively display only some of the elasticity values. For example, based on the calculation method of the elasticity value, the ultrasound diagnostic device displays the elasticity value calculated based on the second calculation method and does not display the elasticity value calculated based on the first calculation method. It may not be possible.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method by which an ultrasound diagnosis device displays elasticity and reliability values of an object, according to an embodiment. The ultrasound diagnosis device of FIG. 5 calculates the reliability of the elasticity value and displays it along with the elasticity value.

In step S510, the ultrasound diagnosis device acquires elasticity data of the object. The method by which an ultrasound diagnostic device acquires elasticity data of an object has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 .

In step S520, the ultrasound diagnosis device calculates elasticity values for a plurality of regions included in the measurement target region based on different calculation methods. The method by which an ultrasound diagnostic device calculates elasticity values for a plurality of regions included in the measurement target region based on different calculation methods has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 .

In step S530, the ultrasound diagnosis device calculates the reliability of the calculated elasticity value of each region. For example, an ultrasound diagnostic device may calculate a reliability value for the elasticity value based on the size of a detected shear wave to obtain the elasticity value. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic device can determine that the larger the shear wave, the higher the reliability of the elasticity value, and the smaller the shear wave, the lower the reliability of the elasticity value. Ultrasound diagnostic devices can use the wave equation to calculate the reliability of elasticity values. However, the technical idea of calculating the reliability of the calculated elasticity value is not limited to this.

Meanwhile, the ultrasonic diagnostic device may provide a preset reliability value to the elasticity value. For example, an ultrasound diagnostic device may assign a preset low reliability value to an elasticity value calculated based on a low-accuracy calculation method.

An ultrasonic diagnostic device may give different reliability values depending on the method of calculating the elasticity value. For example, the ultrasound diagnosis device may provide a preset reliability value for the elasticity value calculated based on the first calculation method, and a reliability value calculated based on the shear wave for the elasticity value calculated based on the second calculation method. can be granted. The preset reliability value may be lower than the average of reliability values calculated based on shear waves. However, the technical idea of assigning different reliability values depending on the method of calculating the elasticity value is not limited to the above example.

Meanwhile, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus may perform the process of obtaining the elasticity value for the object multiple times and calculate a plurality of elasticity values for each region included in the measurement target area of the object. Since the shear wave induced position may vary depending on the process, multiple elasticity values for the same area calculated through multiple processes may be calculated based on different calculation methods.

The ultrasound diagnostic device may select a portion of a plurality of elasticity values calculated for the same area. For example, an ultrasound diagnosis device may select an elasticity value with the highest reliability value among a plurality of elasticity values for the same area.

The ultrasound diagnostic device can fuse the elasticity values calculated for each region. For example, an ultrasonic diagnostic device can generate information representing the elasticity value for the entire measurement target area. In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device may fuse elasticity values based on the reliability value of the calculated elasticity values.

In step S540, the ultrasound diagnostic device displays elasticity values and reliability values. An ultrasound diagnostic device can display elasticity values and corresponding reliability values in various forms using a graphical user interface. For example, an ultrasound diagnostic device can display reliability values in various forms, such as text or graphs.

In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic device may further display information about the method of calculating the elasticity value. For example, the ultrasound diagnosis device may display information that the currently displayed elasticity value is the elasticity value calculated by the first calculation method. In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device may display warning information that the elasticity value calculated by the first calculation method has lower reliability than the elasticity value calculated by the second calculation method.

An ultrasonic diagnostic device may selectively display only some of the elasticity values. For example, based on the calculation method of the elasticity value, the ultrasound diagnostic device displays the elasticity value calculated based on the second calculation method and does not display the elasticity value calculated based on the first calculation method. It may not be possible. Alternatively, the ultrasound diagnostic device may not display elasticity values that have a reliability value that is less than the reference value based on the reliability value.

In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device may include a user input unit that receives user input. The user input unit may include, but is not limited to, hardware components such as a key pad, mouse, trackball, touch pad, touch screen, and jog switch. In one embodiment, the user input unit may receive a user input that sets the display environment to selectively display only some of the elasticity values. The ultrasound diagnosis device may display only a selected portion of the elasticity values based on the received user input.

FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams for explaining a process in which an ultrasound diagnosis device generates shear waves in an object according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6(a), the probe 20 may induce a displacement of the object 10 by irradiating a focus beam 601, which is an ultrasound signal, to the object 10. When the focus beam 601 is irradiated to the object 10, displacement 610 of the object 10 is induced at the shear wave inducing position 602 where the focus beam 601 is focused. Due to the displacement 610 of the object 10, shear waves 620a and 620b are generated from the point where the displacement 610 occurs in a direction perpendicular to the displacement 610. The shear wave generated at the shear wave inducing position 602 progresses in a direction perpendicular to the displacement 610 and gradually attenuates and disappears. The mode for imaging the shear wave of the object 10 is called the shear wave elastic mode, and the shear wave elastic mode may include a 2D shear wave measurement mode and a point shear wave measurement mode, but the present invention The technical features are not limited to this.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6(a), the ultrasound diagnosis device may generate a shear wave in the object by irradiating a focus beam to the shear wave inducing position 630b on the determined focus beam irradiation line 630a.

Figure 6(b) is a diagram for explaining the progression of a shear wave. In one embodiment, the transverse wave generated by the probe 20 induces a displacement 610 at the focusing position and may proceed in the (640a) and (640b) directions as shown in (S610) to (S630). .

FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams for explaining a method for detecting shear wave displacement by an ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment.

Figure 7(a) shows the results of observing the displacement of an object due to a shear wave induced when an ultrasound signal is irradiated to area A. Referring to FIG. 6(a), the ultrasound diagnosis device may irradiate an ultrasound signal to the object in the direction of the focus beam irradiation line 731. The transverse wave induced by the ultrasonic signal travels in the vertical direction of the focus beam irradiation line 731.

The first detection position 741a of the shear wave displacement is determined based on the point at which the shear wave arrives when the first shear wave displacement is observed. Meanwhile, when the first shear wave displacement is observed, the arrival point of the shear wave is determined based on the speed of the shear wave, and the speed of the shear wave is determined based on the elasticity value of the area through which the shear wave passed while traveling. For example, the speed of a shear wave increases as it passes through a region with a large elasticity value, that is, a hard region. Since the elasticity value of the object varies depending on the area, the first detection position 741a of the shear wave displacement also changes depending on the z-axis value.

The ultrasound diagnosis device may determine the distance between the first detection position 741a of the shear wave displacement and the focus beam irradiation line 731 as the reference value (dref1). As seen previously, the reference value (dref1) may vary depending on the z-axis value.

Figure 7(b) shows the results of observing the displacement of an object due to a shear wave induced when an ultrasound signal is irradiated to area B. Referring to FIG. 7(b), the ultrasound diagnosis device may irradiate an ultrasound signal to the object in the direction of the focus beam irradiation line 732. The transverse wave induced by the ultrasonic signal travels in the vertical direction of the focus beam irradiation line 732.

The first detection positions 742a and 742b of the shear wave displacement are determined based on the point where the shear wave arrives when the first shear wave displacement is observed. The ultrasound diagnosis device may determine the distance between the first detection positions 742a and 742b of the shear wave displacement and the focus beam irradiation line 731 as a reference value (dref2). As seen previously, the reference value (dref2) may vary depending on the z-axis value.

Since the reference value (dref2) for area B is greater than the reference value (dref1) for area A, the ultrasound diagnosis device can determine that area B is a hard area with a greater elasticity value than area A.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method in which an ultrasound diagnosis device determines a method for calculating an elasticity value for a specific area, according to an embodiment.

In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device may distinguish a plurality of areas included in the measurement target area based on whether the shear wave has already passed through the area when the shear wave displacement is first detected. The ultrasonic diagnostic device may determine a method for calculating the elasticity value for the corresponding area based on the classification result.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the ultrasound diagnosis device may irradiate an ultrasound signal to the object in the direction of the focus beam irradiation line 830. The transverse wave induced by the ultrasonic signal travels in the vertical direction of the focus beam irradiation line 830. In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device may determine the distance between the first detection position 840a of the shear wave displacement and the focus beam irradiation line 830 as a reference value (dref).

The ultrasonic diagnostic device may determine a method for calculating the elasticity value for the first area 851 based on whether the shear wave has already passed through the first area 851 when initially observing the shear wave displacement. In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device may calculate the first distance d1, which is the average distance between the first area 851 and the focus beam irradiation line 830. The ultrasonic diagnostic device may compare the first distance d1 and the reference value dref to determine whether the shear wave has already passed through the first area 851 when the first shear wave displacement is observed.

Likewise, the ultrasonic diagnostic device may determine a method for calculating the elasticity value for the second area 852 based on whether the shear wave has already passed through the second area 852 when the first shear wave displacement is observed. In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus may calculate the second distance d2, which is the average distance between the second area 852 and the focus beam irradiation line 830. The ultrasound diagnosis device may compare the second distance d2 and the reference value dref to determine whether the shear wave has already passed through the second area 852 when the first shear wave displacement is observed.

The ultrasonic diagnostic device may determine that an area where the distance to the focus beam irradiation line is less than the reference value is an area through which the shear wave has already passed until the first detection of the shear wave displacement. For example, the ultrasound diagnosis device may determine that the first area 851 is a shear wave passage area because the first distance d1 is smaller than the reference value dref. Additionally, since the second distance d2 is greater than the reference value dref, the ultrasound diagnosis device may determine that the second area 852 is an area where the shear wave does not pass.

In one embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic device may calculate each elasticity value based on a first calculation method for the area where the shear wave passes through and based on the second calculation method for the area where the shear wave does not pass. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic device may calculate the elasticity value based on the first calculation method for areas where the average distance between the area and the focus beam irradiation line is less than the reference value, and based on the second calculation method for areas where the average distance between the area and the focus beam irradiation line is less than the reference value. .

In one embodiment, the first calculation method calculates the average speed of the shear wave in the area through which the shear wave has already passed using the first detection position of the shear wave displacement, and calculates the elasticity value for the shear wave cylinder and area based on this. It could be a way. The average speed of the shear wave can be calculated using the time taken from the induction of the shear wave to the detection of the shear wave displacement and the distance from the focus beam irradiation line to the first detection position of the shear wave displacement. However, the method of predicting and calculating the elasticity value for the shear wave cylinder and area is not limited to the above example.

FIGS. 9(a) to 9(d) are diagrams for explaining a method of displaying elasticity values by an ultrasound diagnosis device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9(a) shows the results of displaying the elasticity value calculated by the shear wave induced when the ultrasonic diagnosis device irradiates an ultrasonic signal in the direction of the focus beam irradiation line 931.

The ultrasonic diagnostic device may distinguish a plurality of areas included in the measurement target area based on whether the shear wave has already passed through the area when the shear wave displacement is first detected. The ultrasonic diagnostic device may determine a method for calculating the elasticity value for the corresponding area based on the classification result.

In one embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic device may calculate each elasticity value based on a first calculation method for the area where the shear wave passes through and based on the second calculation method for the area where the shear wave does not pass.

In one embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis device may selectively display only some of the elasticity values. For example, based on the calculation method of the elasticity value, the ultrasound diagnostic device displays the elasticity value calculated based on the second calculation method and does not display the elasticity value calculated based on the first calculation method. It may not be possible.

FIG. 9(a) shows the result of selectively displaying only the elasticity value calculated based on the second calculation method when the ultrasound diagnosis device irradiates an ultrasound signal in the direction of the focus beam irradiation line 931. Referring to FIG. 9(a), some areas of area A are determined to be shear wave passage areas and thus elasticity values are not shown.

FIG. 9(b) shows the result of selectively displaying only the elasticity value calculated based on the second calculation method when the ultrasound diagnosis device irradiates an ultrasound signal in the direction of the focus beam irradiation line 932. Referring to FIG. 9(b), some areas of area B are determined to be shear wave passage areas and thus elasticity values are not shown.

Figure 9(c) displays the result of merging the elasticity values calculated based on the first calculation method and the second calculation method when the ultrasound diagnosis device irradiates an ultrasound signal in the direction of the focus beam irradiation line 933. The results are shown. Referring to Figure 9(c), elasticity values for the entire measurement target area are provided.

Figure 9(d) displays the result of merging the elasticity values calculated based on the first calculation method and the second calculation method when the ultrasound diagnosis device irradiates an ultrasound signal in the direction of the focus beam irradiation line 934. The results are shown. Referring to Figure 9(d), elasticity values for the entire area to be measured are provided.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium that stores instructions and data executable by a computer. The command may be stored in the form of a program code, and when executed by a processor, it may generate a predetermined program module and perform a predetermined operation. Additionally, the instruction, when executed by a processor, may perform certain operations of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims (20)

Obtain elasticity data for the measurement target area of the object, calculate elasticity values for a plurality of areas included in the measurement target area based on the elasticity data using different calculation methods, and calculate elasticity values for the plurality of areas included in the measurement target area based on the elasticity data. a processor that fuses the elasticity values calculated for each to calculate a final elasticity value; and
a display unit that displays the final elasticity value;
Including,
The processor determines whether a shear wave passes through each of the plurality of regions based on the elasticity data, and determines an elasticity value calculation method for each of the plurality of regions based on whether the shear wave passes through the ultrasonic wave. Imaging device. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the processor:
An ultrasonic imaging device that determines the first detection position of the shear wave displacement and compares the first detection position of the shear wave displacement with the positions of each of the plurality of areas to determine whether the shear wave passes through each of the plurality of areas. The method of claim 3, wherein the processor:
A reference value is set based on the distance between the first detection position of the shear wave displacement and the focus beam irradiation line, and a reference value is set for each region based on the average distance between each region included in the plurality of regions and the focus beam irradiation line. An ultrasonic imaging device that sets a distance value and compares the distance value with the reference value to determine whether or not a shear wave passes through each area. The method of claim 1, wherein the processor:
Among the plurality of areas, the elasticity value calculation method of the area determined as the shear wave passage area is determined by the first calculation method, and the elasticity value calculation method of the area determined by the shear wave non-passing area is determined by the second calculation method,
The first calculation method is a method of predicting and calculating the elasticity value of the area determined to be the shear wave passage area based on the elasticity data. According to clause 5,
The first calculation method is a method of calculating the average speed of the shear wave in the shear wave cylinder passage area using the first detection position of the shear wave displacement, and predicting and calculating the elasticity value based on the average speed of the shear wave. Ultrasound imaging device. The method of claim 1, wherein the processor calculates reliability of the elasticity values calculated for each of the plurality of regions based on the determined elasticity value calculation method,
The display unit further displays the reliability. The method of claim 7, wherein the processor:
Among the plurality of areas, the elasticity value calculation method of the area determined as the shear wave passage area is determined by the first calculation method, and the elasticity value calculation method of the area determined by the shear wave non-passing area is determined by the second calculation method,
An ultrasound imaging device that sets the reliability of the elasticity value calculated based on the first calculation method to a preset reliability value. The method of claim 8, wherein the processor:
An ultrasound imaging device that controls the display unit to selectively display only a portion of the final elasticity values based on the reliability. The method of claim 9, wherein the ultrasound imaging device:
Further comprising an input unit that receives user input,
The processor controls the display unit to select only some of the final elasticity values based on the user input and to display the selected final elasticity value and an elasticity value calculation method for the selected final elasticity value. , ultrasound imaging device. In a method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device,
Obtaining elasticity data for the measurement target area of the object;
Based on the elasticity data, calculating elasticity values for a plurality of regions included in the measurement target region based on different calculation methods;
Calculating a final elasticity value by fusing elasticity values calculated for each of the plurality of regions; and
comprising displaying the final elasticity value,
The step of calculating elasticity values for a plurality of regions included in the measurement target region based on different calculation methods based on the elasticity data,
determining whether a shear wave passes through each of the plurality of regions based on the elasticity data; and
An ultrasound image display method comprising determining an elasticity value calculation method for each of the plurality of regions based on whether or not the shear wave passes. delete According to clause 11,
The step of determining whether a shear wave passes through each of the plurality of regions based on the elasticity data includes:
Determining the first detection location of shear wave displacement; and
An ultrasound image display method comprising comparing the first detection position of the shear wave displacement with the positions of each of the plurality of areas. According to clause 13,
The step of comparing the first detection position of the shear wave displacement with the position of each of the plurality of areas,
Setting a reference value based on the distance between the first detection position of the shear wave displacement and the focus beam irradiation line;
setting a distance value for each area based on an average distance between each area included in the plurality of areas and the focus beam irradiation line; and
An ultrasound image display method comprising comparing the reference value and the distance value to determine whether a shear wave has passed through each region. According to clause 11,
The step of determining an elasticity value calculation method for each of the plurality of regions based on whether or not the shear wave passes,
Among the plurality of areas, determining the elasticity value calculation method of the area determined as the shear wave passage area using a first calculation method, and determining the elasticity value calculation method of the area determined as the shear wave non-passing area using the second calculation method. Includes,
The first calculation method is a method of predicting and calculating an elasticity value based on the elasticity data. According to clause 15,
The first calculation method is a method of calculating the average speed of the shear wave in the shear wave cylinder passage area using the first detection position of the shear wave displacement, and predicting and calculating the elasticity value based on the average speed of the shear wave. An ultrasound image display method. The method of claim 11, wherein the ultrasound image display method comprises:
Further comprising calculating the reliability of the elasticity values calculated for each of the plurality of regions based on the determined elasticity value calculation method,
The step of displaying the final elasticity value is a step of displaying the final elasticity value and the reliability. According to clause 17,
The step of determining an elasticity value calculation method for each of the plurality of regions based on whether or not the shear wave passes,
Among the plurality of areas, determining the elasticity value calculation method of the area determined as the shear wave passage area using a first calculation method, and determining the elasticity value calculation method of the area determined as the shear wave non-passing area using the second calculation method. Includes,
The step of calculating the reliability of the elasticity values calculated for each of the plurality of regions is,
An ultrasound image display method comprising setting the reliability of the elasticity value calculated based on the first calculation method to a preset reliability value. According to clause 17,
The step of displaying the final elasticity value and the reliability includes,
An ultrasound image display method further comprising selectively displaying only a portion of the final elasticity values based on the reliability. A computer-readable recording medium storing computer program code that, when read and performed by a processor, performs an ultrasonic image display method, the ultrasonic image display method comprising:
Obtaining elasticity data for the measurement target area of the object;
Based on the elasticity data, calculating elasticity values for a plurality of regions included in the measurement target region based on different calculation methods;
Calculating a final elasticity value by fusing elasticity values calculated for each of the plurality of regions; and
displaying the final elasticity value;
Including,
The step of calculating elasticity values for a plurality of regions included in the measurement target region based on different calculation methods based on the elasticity data,
determining whether a shear wave passes through each of the plurality of regions based on the elasticity data; and
A computer-readable recording medium comprising determining a method of calculating an elasticity value for each of the plurality of regions based on whether the shear wave passes through the plurality of regions.

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