KR20070105607A - Ultrasound system and method for forming ultrasound image - Google Patents

Abstract

An ultrasound system and a method for forming an ultrasound image are provided to enable an unskilled user to conveniently form the accurate ultrasound image by using ultrasound image data extracted based on the position information of a probe. An ultrasound system(100) includes a probe(110), a beam former(120), an image signal processor(130), a storing unit(140), an image processor(150) and a display unit(160). The probe transmits ultrasound signals to an object by moving along the surface of the object, and has at least one sensor(114) which detects the position of the probe when the ultrasound signals are received and generates position information. The image signal processor forms ultrasound image data based on the ultrasound signals. The image processor extracts the ultrasound image data required for forming an ultrasound image based on the position information and image setting information, and forms the ultrasound image based on the extracted ultrasound image data. The display unit displays the ultrasound image processed by the image processor.

Description

ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMING ULTRASOUND IMAGE

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a flowchart showing an ultrasound image forming procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a flowchart showing an ultrasound image forming procedure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to an ultrasound system, and to an ultrasound system and method for forming an ultrasound image based on location information of a probe.

In general, an ultrasound system is an apparatus for transmitting an ultrasound signal from a body surface of an object toward an object and obtaining an image of soft tissue tomography or blood flow as non-invasive using information of an ultrasound signal (ultrasonic echo signal) reflected from the object. to be. Compared with other imaging devices such as X-ray diagnostics, X-ray CT scanners, Magnetic Resonance Images (MRIs), and nuclear medical diagnostics, these devices are compact, inexpensive, and display in real time. Since there is no coating of X-rays and the like, it has high safety and is widely used for diagnosing the heart, abdomen, urinary gynecology and gynecology.

In particular, the ultrasound system includes a probe for transmitting an ultrasound signal to the object to obtain an ultrasound image, in particular a 3D ultrasound image of the object, and for receiving an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the object. A probe for obtaining a three-dimensional ultrasound image, which is a 3D probe that obtains an ultrasonic echo signal with respect to a three-dimensional area that is a moving range of the scanning surface by moving the transducer by oscillating the transducer, or the user moves the probe itself. A 2D probe is used which moves the scanning surface of the image to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal for the three-dimensional region.

In general, the 3D probe may stereoscopically image the overall shape of the object or may image the shape in which the object moves. However, the 3D probe has a disadvantage in that its structure is quite complicated and its price is high.

Due to the shortcomings of the 3D probe described above, 2D probes are now widely used. That is, the 2D probe is moved along the surface of the object by a user at a predetermined speed by a user, thereby obtaining an ultrasound echo signal required to form a 3D ultrasound image.

However, when using a 2D probe, an experienced user may move the 2D probe at a constant speed for a predetermined distance, but an inexperienced user may have difficulty moving the 2D probe at a constant speed for a predetermined distance, thereby causing the 2D probe to move. It is not possible to obtain a more accurate three-dimensional ultrasound image using this, there is a problem that takes a long time to obtain a more accurate three-dimensional ultrasound image.

The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem, by using a sensor mounted on the probe to detect the position of the probe movement, based on the detected position information to extract the ultrasound image data necessary to form an image, and extracted An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound system and method for forming an ultrasound image based on ultrasound image data.

In order to achieve the above object, the ultrasonic system of the present invention comprises a video signal acquisition means for obtaining a plurality of video signals; Position detection means mounted to the video signal acquisition means, for detecting the position of the video signal acquisition means when each video signal is acquired, and for forming position information on the detected position; Video data forming means for forming a plurality of video data based on the plurality of video signals; And extracting image data corresponding to the image setting information from the plurality of image data based on the image setting information and the position information for forming an image, and forming an image based on the extracted image data. And forming means.

In addition, the ultrasonic image forming method of the present invention comprises the steps of: a) obtaining a plurality of image signals from the image acquisition means; b) forming position information by detecting the position of said image acquisition means when each image signal is acquired by the position detection means mounted on said image acquisition means; c) forming a plurality of video data based on the plurality of video signals; d) extracting image data corresponding to the image setting information from the plurality of image data based on the image setting information and the position information for forming an image; And e) forming an image based on the extracted image data.

In addition, the image forming method of the present invention comprises the steps of: a) obtaining an image signal from the image acquisition means; b) detecting position of the image acquisition means when the image signal is acquired by position detection means mounted on the image acquisition means to form position information; c) comparing the image setting information and the position information for forming an image; d) forming image data based on the image signal; e) repeating the steps a) to d) until an image signal corresponding to the image setting information is obtained; And f) forming an image based on the image data.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the ultrasound system 100 according to the present invention includes a probe 110, a beam former 120, an image signal processor 130, a storage 140, an image processor 150, and a display. The unit 160 is included. The image signal processor 130 and the image processor 150 may be implemented as one processor.

The probe 110 moves a predetermined distance along a surface of an object (not shown) by a user, and transmits an ultrasonic signal to the object, and receives a ultrasonic echo signal reflected from the object. A two-dimensional probe of the type, comprising a transducer 112 comprising a plurality of elements and at least one sensor 114.

The transducer 112 transmits the focused ultrasound signal to the object along the transmission scanline by appropriately delaying the input time of the input pulses, while receiving the ultrasound echo signal reflected from the object and having a different reception time. Receive.

The sensor 114 detects the position of the probe 110 when the ultrasonic echo signal is received through the transducer 112 and generates position information on the detected position. Here, the position information is the position information of the probe 110 when the first ultrasonic echo signal is received by the transducer 112 (hereinafter referred to as initial position information), and the last ultrasonic echo signal is received by the transducer 112. Position information of the probe 110 (hereinafter, referred to as final position information) when the ultrasonic echo signal is received by the transducer 112, the position where the probe 110 moves based on the initial position information. Information (for example, distance information moved by the probe 110) (hereinafter referred to as moving position information). The sensor 114 may be anything as long as it can detect the position of the probe 110, and it is preferable that the sensor 114 is installed at a position capable of accurately detecting the position of the probe 110.

The beam former 120 focuses an ultrasound signal transmitted by the transducer 120 of the probe 110 to the object, and applies a time delay to the ultrasound echo signal reflected from the object and received by the transducer 112. The echo signal is focused.

The image signal processor 130, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) performs ultrasound detection data by performing an envelope detection process for detecting the magnitude of the ultrasonic echo signal based on the focused ultrasound echo signal received by the beamformer 120. To form. That is, the image signal processor 130 forms the ultrasound image data based on the position information of the plurality of points existing on each scan line and the data obtained at each point. Here, the ultrasound image data includes coordinates on the X-Y coordinate system of each point, angle information of each scan line with respect to the vertical scan line, data obtained at each point, and the like.

The storage 140 stores the ultrasound image data and the position information processed by the image signal processor 130. In another embodiment, the storage 140 may store only ultrasound image data.

The image processor 150 extracts ultrasound image data necessary for forming an ultrasound image based on the position information and the image setting information generated by the sensor 114, and forms an ultrasound image based on the extracted ultrasound image data. Here, the image setting information includes scan interval information for extracting ultrasound image data necessary for forming an ultrasound image, and scan range information for setting an area for forming an ultrasound image, which is manually or by a user. Information automatically set by the ultrasound system 100. In addition, the ultrasound image may be a 3D ultrasound image or a panoramic ultrasound image.

The ultrasound image processed by the image processor 150 is displayed on the display 160.

Hereinafter, a procedure of forming an ultrasound image according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

2 is a flowchart illustrating an ultrasound image forming procedure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the sensor 114 determines whether the ultrasonic echo signal is received through the transducer 112 (S102).

If it is determined in step S102 that the ultrasonic echo signal has not been received through the transducer 112, the sensor 114 waits until the ultrasonic echo signal is received.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the ultrasonic echo signal has been received through the transducer 112, the sensor 114 detects the position of the probe 110 (S104), and forms position information on the detected position. (S106). For example, when the transducer 112 receives the first ultrasonic echo signal, the sensor 114 forms initial position information of the probe 110 and receives the ultrasonic echo signal after the initial position information is formed. The sensor 114 forms the movement position information of the probe 110 based on the initial position information, and when the transducer 112 receives the last ultrasonic echo signal, the sensor 114 of the probe 110 The final positional information is formed.

Subsequently, the image signal processor 130 forms ultrasonic image data based on the received ultrasonic echo signal (S108), and stores the formed ultrasonic image data and position information in the storage 140 (S110).

The sensor 114 determines whether the ultrasonic echo signal is no longer received through the transducer 112 (S112).

If it is determined in step S112 that the ultrasonic echo signal is continuously received through the transducer 112, the flow returns to step S102.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S112 that the ultrasonic echo signal is no longer received through the transducer 112, the image processor 150 compares the image setting information and the position information (S114), the scan interval of the image setting information It is determined whether there is location information corresponding to the information (S116).

If it is determined in step S116 that the position information corresponding to the scan interval information does not exist, the image processor 150 detects the position information closest to the scan interval information (S118), and the ultrasound image data corresponding to the detected position information. To extract (S120).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S116 that position information corresponding to the scan interval information exists, step S120 is performed.

Subsequently, the image processor 150 determines whether all the ultrasound image data corresponding to the scan range have been extracted based on the scan range information of the image setting information (S122). If it is determined that all of them are extracted, an ultrasound image is formed based on the extracted ultrasound image data (S124), and the formed ultrasound image is displayed on the display unit 160 (S126).

3 is a flowchart illustrating an ultrasound image forming procedure according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the sensor 114 determines whether the ultrasonic echo signal is received through the transducer 112 (S202).

If it is determined in step S202 that the ultrasonic echo signal has not been received through the transducer 112, the sensor 114 waits until the ultrasonic echo signal is received.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the ultrasonic echo signal is received through the transducer 112, the sensor 114 detects the position of the probe 110 (S204), and forms position information on the detected position. (S206).

Next, the image processor 150 compares the image setting information and the position information (S208), and determines whether the formed position information corresponds to scan interval information of the image setting information (S210).

If it is determined in step S210 that the position information does not correspond to the scan interval information, the received ultrasonic echo signal is removed and the process returns to step S202.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S210 that the position information corresponds to the scan interval information, the image signal processor 130 forms the ultrasound image data based on the received ultrasound echo signal (S212), and the formed ultrasound image data storage unit In operation S214, the processor 140 stores the stored information at 140.

The image processor 150 obtains ultrasound image data corresponding to the scan range based on the scan range information of the image setting information, that is, determines whether the ultrasound echo signal corresponding to the scan range is received through the transducer 112 (S216). ).

If it is determined in step S216 that ultrasound image data corresponding to the scan range has not been acquired, the process returns to step S202.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S216 that the ultrasound image data corresponding to the scan range is obtained, the image processor 150 extracts the ultrasound image data stored in the storage 140 (S218), based on the extracted ultrasound image data By forming an ultrasound image (S220), the formed ultrasound image is displayed on the display unit 160 (S222).

While the invention has been described and illustrated by way of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

As described above, according to the present invention, an ultrasound image (a 3D ultrasound image or a panoramic ultrasound image) may be formed by extracting ultrasound image data necessary to form an ultrasound image based on position information of a sensor mounted on a probe. In this way, even an inexperienced user can conveniently form an accurate ultrasound image.

Claims (17)

Video signal obtaining means for obtaining a plurality of video signals; Position detection means mounted to the video signal acquisition means, for detecting the position of the video signal acquisition means when each video signal is acquired, and for forming position information on the detected position; Video data forming means for forming a plurality of video data based on the plurality of video signals; And Image forming for extracting image data corresponding to the image setting information from the plurality of image data based on the image setting information for forming an image and the position information, and forming an image based on the extracted image data. Way Ultrasound system comprising a. The ultrasound system of claim 1, wherein the image signal is an ultrasound signal. The ultrasound system of claim 1, wherein the image signal obtaining means is a two-dimensional probe. The ultrasound system of claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing the image data and the location information. The method of claim 1, wherein the image setting information is First setting information for extracting image data required to form an image; And Second setting information for setting an area forming the image Ultrasound system comprising a. The method of claim 5, wherein the image forming means Means for detecting position information corresponding to the first setting information and the second setting information in the position information based on the first setting information and the second setting information; Means for extracting image data corresponding to the detected position information; And Means for forming an image based on the extracted image data Ultrasound system comprising a. a) acquiring a plurality of image signals by the image acquisition means; b) forming position information by detecting the position of said image acquisition means when each image signal is acquired by the position detection means mounted on said image acquisition means; c) forming a plurality of video data based on the plurality of video signals; d) extracting image data corresponding to the image setting information from the plurality of image data based on the image setting information and the position information for forming an image; And e) forming an image based on the extracted image data Ultrasonic image forming method comprising a. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the image signal is an ultrasonic signal. The method of claim 7, wherein the step c) further comprises storing the formed image data and the location information. The method of claim 7, wherein the image setting information is Third setting information for extracting image data required to form an image; And Fourth setting information for setting an area forming the image Ultrasonic image forming method comprising a. The method of claim 10, wherein step d) d1) detecting location information corresponding to the third setting information from the location information based on the third setting information and the fourth setting information; And d2) extracting image data corresponding to the detected position information from the plurality of image data Ultrasonic image forming method comprising a. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein step d1) d11) comparing the third setting information with the position information to determine whether there is position information corresponding to the third setting information; d12) if it is determined in step d11) that location information corresponding to the third setting information does not exist, detecting location information closest to the third setting information; d13) extracting location information corresponding to the third setting information if it is determined in step d11) that location information corresponding to the third setting information exists; And d14) repeating the steps d11) to d13) until the image data corresponding to the fourth setting information is obtained; Ultrasonic image forming method comprising a. a) acquiring an image signal from the image acquisition means; b) detecting position of the image acquisition means when the image signal is acquired by position detection means mounted on the image acquisition means to form position information; c) comparing the image setting information and the position information for forming an image; d) forming image data based on the image signal; e) repeating the steps a) to d) until an image signal corresponding to the image setting information is obtained; And f) forming an image based on the image data Ultrasonic image forming method comprising a. The method of claim 13, wherein the image signal is an ultrasonic signal. The image setting information of claim 13, wherein the image setting information comprises: Fifth setting information for extracting image data required to form an image; And Sixth setting information for setting an area forming the image Ultrasonic image forming method comprising a. The method of claim 15, wherein step c) c1) determining whether the location information corresponds to the fifth setting information; c2) if it is determined in step c1) that the location information corresponds to the fifth setting information, storing the video signal corresponding to the location information; And c3) if it is determined in step c1) that the location information does not correspond to the fifth setting information, performing step d) Ultrasonic image forming method comprising a. The method of claim 15, wherein step e) e1) determining whether all the image data of the region corresponding to the sixth setting information is formed based on the sixth setting information; e2) if it is determined in step e1) that all the image data is formed, performing step f); And e3) if it is determined in step e1) that all of the image data is not formed, performing the steps a) to d) Ultrasonic image forming method comprising a.

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