KR20210112674A - Ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising an unified controller and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a method for operating the same, comprising: displaying a setting value for each of a plurality of scan parameters for photographing an ultrasound image; selecting one of the plurality of scan parameters according to a user's selection input received through an integrated controller; changing the setting value of the scan parameter selected according to the user's rotation input of rotating the integrated controller; and displaying a photographed ultrasound image based on the changed setting value.

Description

Ultrasound imaging device including integrated controller and operating method thereof

The present disclosure relates to an ultrasound imaging apparatus including an integrated controller and an operating method thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging apparatus that is controlled to select a scan parameter through a user input using an integrated controller and change a setting value of the selected scan parameter, and an operating method thereof.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus generates an ultrasound signal with respect to a predetermined portion inside an object using a probe, and obtains an image of a portion inside the object by using information on an echo signal reflected from the object. In particular, the ultrasound imaging apparatus is used for medical purposes, such as detecting a foreign substance inside an object, measuring and observing an injury. These ultrasound imaging devices have the advantages of high stability compared to X-rays, real-time display, and safety due to no radiation exposure. The device is widely used in conjunction with other imaging diagnostics devices.

In general, scan parameters related to an operation of an ultrasound imaging apparatus and an image output are set to be universally used. However, since various characteristics of the ultrasound signal reflected from the object are different for each object, the user adjusts scan parameters to obtain an accurate image and diagnoses the object. Recent ultrasound imaging apparatuses have various functions and include numerous buttons to operate various functions, and the user can control the functions only by recognizing the functions that can be operated through the buttons and the exact position of the buttons. . In particular, a user who is inexperienced in setting scan parameters of the ultrasound imaging apparatus may have difficulty in operating the ultrasound imaging apparatus because the position of a button related to a function to be controlled cannot be clearly known. Also, even for those skilled in manipulating the ultrasound imaging apparatus, it is cumbersome and may cause mistakes to operate a plurality of buttons to change scan parameters during ultrasound diagnosis.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasound imaging apparatus controlled by an integrated controller capable of selecting one of a plurality of scan parameters and changing a setting value of the selected scan parameter, and an operating method thereof.

In order to solve the above-described technical problem, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a step of displaying a set value for each of a plurality of scan parameters for capturing an ultrasound image on a display unit of the ultrasound imaging apparatus, and receiving through an integrated controller. selecting any one scan parameter from among the plurality of scan parameters according to a user's selection input, changing the setting value of the selected scan parameter according to a user's rotation input for rotating the integrated controller, and receiving the changed setting value Provided is a method of operating an ultrasound image, comprising displaying an ultrasound image captured based on the ultrasound image on the display unit.

For example, the integrated controller may be at least one of a jog dial, a touch wheel, and a dial switch that receives a selection input and a rotation input through touch or click from a user. can

For example, the selecting of any one of the plurality of scan parameters may include an indicator displayed on any one of the plurality of scan parameters based on a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller. The method may include moving a position of an indicator, and selecting a scan parameter in which the indicator is displayed from among the plurality of scan parameters based on a selection input of a user touching or clicking the integrated controller.

For example, the method includes identifying and displaying a position of an input device related to the selected scan parameter among input devices including a plurality of buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, and a knob button included in a control panel of the ultrasound imaging apparatus It may further include the step of outputting.

For example, the plurality of scan parameters may include a line type, a gain, a dynamic range, a frame average, a reject level, a power, It may include at least one of a filter, a frequency of an ultrasound signal, and TGC.

For example, the method may further include adding a scan parameter not included in the displayed plurality of scan parameters or deleting at least one scan parameter from among the plurality of scan parameters based on a user input. can

For example, the method may further include moving a position where the plurality of scan parameters are displayed based on a user input.

For example, the method further includes determining, based on a user input, an immutable parameter whose set value cannot be changed from among the plurality of scan parameters, and selecting any one scan parameter from among the plurality of scan parameters The step of doing may include skipping the non-changeable parameter so as not to be selected when a rotation input of a user for rotating the integrated controller is received.

For example, selecting any one scan parameter from among the plurality of scan parameters includes selecting a photographing mode for changing a scanning angle of an ultrasound beam, and changing a set value of the scan parameter includes: , adjusting a scanning direction and an angle of the ultrasound beam based on a direction and a rotation angle of a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller, wherein the displaying of the ultrasound image includes: the adjusted ultrasound beam The method may include changing and displaying a steer direction and angle of the view of the ultrasound image according to the scanning direction and angle of .

For example, the changing of the set value of the scan parameter may include an interval of scan lines according to a depth value of the ultrasound image based on a direction and a rotation angle of a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller. changing the shape of the view of the ultrasound image by adjusting It may include the step of displaying.

In order to solve the above technical problem, an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display unit and an integrated controller, and a user receiving a selection input for touching or clicking the integrated controller and a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller from the user an input unit, a memory storing at least one instruction, and a processor executing the at least one instruction stored in the memory, wherein the processor is configured to display a plurality of scan parameters for ultrasound imaging. control unit, select any one of the plurality of scan parameters according to a user's selection input received through the integrated controller, and set the selected scan parameter according to a user's rotation input for rotating the integrated controller Provided is an ultrasound imaging apparatus that changes a value and controls the display unit to display a photographed ultrasound image based on the changed setting value.

For example, the processor obtains a user's rotation input for rotating the integrated controller from the user input unit, and based on the rotation input, an indicator displayed on any one of the plurality of scan parameters. may move the position of , obtain a selection input of a user touching or click the integrated controller from the user input unit, and select a scan parameter on which the indicator is displayed from among the plurality of scan parameters based on the selection input.

For example, the ultrasound imaging apparatus may include a control panel including at least one of a plurality of buttons for controlling functions of the ultrasound imaging apparatus, a track ball, a jog switch, and an input device including a knob button. ), wherein the processor controls the control panel to output an identification mark on a location of an input device related to the selected scan parameter among a plurality of buttons, trackballs, jog switches, and knob buttons included in the control panel. can do.

For example, the plurality of scan parameters may include a line type, a gain, a dynamic range, a frame average, a reject level, a power, It may include at least one of a filter, a frequency of an ultrasound signal, and TGC.

For example, the processor may further add a scan parameter that is not included in the plurality of scan parameters displayed on the display unit, or at least one of the plurality of scan parameters, based on the user input received through the user input unit. One scan parameter can be deleted.

For example, the processor may move a position where the plurality of scan parameters are displayed based on a user input received through the user input unit.

E.g, The processor determines a non-changeable parameter whose set value cannot be changed among the plurality of scan parameters based on a user input received through the user input unit, and a user's rotation input for rotating the integrated controller through the user input unit is received, the non-changeable parameter may be skipped so that it is not selected.

For example, the user input unit receives a photographing mode selection input for selecting a photographing mode for changing a scanning angle of an ultrasound beam and a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller, and the processor is configured to: The display is configured to adjust the scanning direction and angle of the ultrasound beam based on the rotation angle, and change the steer direction and angle of the view of the ultrasound image according to the adjusted scanning direction and angle of the ultrasound beam to be displayed. You can control wealth.

For example, the user input unit receives a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller, and the processor receives a scan line according to a depth value of the ultrasound image based on a direction and a rotation angle of the rotation input. By adjusting the interval of , the shape of the view of the ultrasound image may be changed, and the display unit may be controlled to display the changed shape of the view of the ultrasound image as the rotation input is received.

In order to solve the above-described technical problem, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for execution in a computer is recorded.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
4A to 4E are diagrams illustrating an integrated controller included in each of the ultrasound imaging apparatuses according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
5A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present disclosure selects a scan parameter based on a rotation input for rotating an integrated controller.
5B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present disclosure selects a scan parameter based on a selection input through an integrated controller and changes a setting value of the selected scan parameter based on a rotation input.
6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which an ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present disclosure outputs an identification mark to a position of a button on a control panel related to a scan parameter selected based on an input through an integrated controller.
7 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to the present disclosure selects a scan parameter through an integrated controller.
8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to the present disclosure adds or deletes some of a plurality of scan parameters or changes a display position of a plurality of scan parameters based on a user input; .
9 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present disclosure selects a scan parameter based on a rotation input of a user rotating an integrated controller.
10A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which an ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present disclosure selects a photographing mode based on a selection input of touching or clicking an integrated controller.
10B and 10C are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which an ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present disclosure changes a steer direction and an angle of a view of an ultrasound image based on a rotation input of a user rotating an integrated controller.
11A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which an ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present disclosure selects a photographing mode based on a selection input of touching or clicking an integrated controller.
11B and 11C are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present disclosure changes the shape of a view of an ultrasound image based on a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller.
12A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which an ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present disclosure selects a photographing mode based on a selection input of touching or clicking an integrated controller.
12B and 12C are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus of the present disclosure changes the shape of a view of an ultrasound image based on a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller.

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

The singular expression may include the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art described herein.

In the present disclosure, 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", "... module", etc. described in this specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is implemented as hardware or software, or is a combination of hardware and software. can be implemented.

As used herein, the expression “configured to (or configured to)” depends on the context, for example, “suitable for”, “having the capacity to” It can be used interchangeably with "," "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of". The term “configured (or configured to)” may not necessarily mean only “specifically designed to” in hardware. Instead, in some circumstances, the expression “a system configured to” may mean that the system is “capable of” with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or configured to perform) A, B, and C" refers to a dedicated processor (eg, an embedded processor) for performing the operations, or by executing one or more software programs stored in memory; It may refer to a generic-purpose processor (eg, a CPU or an application processor) capable of performing corresponding operations.

As used herein, an 'ultrasound image' refers to an image of an object transmitted to and processed based on an ultrasound signal reflected from the object. The ultrasound image may be implemented in various ways. For example, the ultrasound image may be at least one of an A-mode (amplitude mode) image, a B-mode (brightness mode) image, a C-mode (color mode) image, and a D-mode (Doppler mode) image. Also, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound image may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

In the present specification, an 'object' is a subject to be photographed, and may include a person, an animal, or a part thereof. For example, the object may include a body part (such as an organ or an organ) or a phantom.

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

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

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of an ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that receives an ultrasound echo signal from a probe 1100 and image-processes the received ultrasound echo signal to generate an ultrasound image of an object, that is, an internal part of a patient's body. . The ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may be configured in a cart type, but is not limited thereto. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may be implemented as a portable device including, for example, at least one of a fax viewer, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet PC, and a PDA.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may include a probe 1100 , a control panel 1310 , a sub-display unit 1320 , and a main display unit 1600 .

The probe 1100 may transmit an ultrasound signal to the object and receive an echo signal reflected from the object. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may acquire ultrasound image data based on an echo signal acquired through the probe 1100 . The ultrasound imaging apparatus may process ultrasound image data to obtain an ultrasound image.

The control panel 1310 may include an input device for changing or adjusting a set value of a scan parameter for the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 to capture an ultrasound image. In an embodiment, the control panel 1310 may include at least one of a plurality of buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, and a knob button.

The sub-display unit 1320 may display at least one of a plurality of buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, and a knob included in the control panel 1310 in the form of a graphic user interface (GUI). In an embodiment, the sub-display unit 1320 may be configured as a touch screen that receives a touch input from a user. The sub-display unit 1320 may receive a user input for adjusting a plurality of scan parameters for controlling the display of an ultrasound image through a button, a track ball, a jog switch, a knob, etc. displayed in the form of a GUI. The plurality of scan parameters are, for example, Line Type, Gain, Dynamic Range, Frame Average, Reject Level, Power, Filter ( filter), a frequency of an ultrasound signal, and TGC.

The integrated controller 1330 may be displayed on the sub display unit 1320 . In an embodiment, the integrated controller 1330 may be a GUI in the form of a jog dial. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the integrated controller 1330 may be a GUI of at least one of a touch wheel and a dial switch. The integrated controller 1330 may receive a selection input through touch or click and a rotation input for rotating the jog dial from the user. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 selects one of a plurality of scan parameters through a user selection input received through the integrated controller 1330 , and changes or adjusts a setting value of the selected scan parameter through a rotation input. can

Although it is illustrated that the integrated controller 1330 is displayed on the sub-display unit 1320 in FIG. 1 , the present invention is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the integrated controller 1330 may be displayed on the main display unit 1600 in the form of a GUI or may be implemented as a hardware jog dial on the control panel 1310 . Various implementation examples of the integrated controller 1330 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4E .

The main display unit 1600 may display an ultrasound image. The main display unit 1600 may display setting values of the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 and the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 for capturing an ultrasound image, respectively. The plurality of scan parameters UI 2000 may include a type of a plurality of scan parameters and a setting value of each of the scan parameters. In an embodiment, the plurality of scan parameter UI 2000 may be configured as a GUI including at least one of letters, numbers, and images.

In one embodiment, when a user's rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 is received, the main display unit 1600 displays an indicator (indicator) ( 2000i) can be displayed. In an embodiment, the indicator 2000i may be displayed while skipping a plurality of scan parameters based on a direction and a rotation angle of a rotation input that rotates the integrated controller 1330 . 1 , the indicator 2000i is displayed on the scan parameter UI indicating the power value through the rotation input received through the integrated controller 1330 . When a selection input of touching, tapping, or clicking the integrated controller 1330 is received, a power value may be selected from among a plurality of scan parameters.

A user of a conventional ultrasound imaging apparatus has to use a button, a trackball, a knob, etc. provided as a hardware device in the control panel 1310 to adjust a set value of a scan parameter or use a function to capture an ultrasound image. . For scan parameters that are frequently used, the user is familiar with the physical location by memorizing it, but a mistake may occur because the user moves his/her gaze while diagnosing the object. In addition, when the control panel is implemented as a touch screen, the location of the GUI configured to change or adjust each setting value of a plurality of scan parameters displayed on the touch screen while diagnosing an object must be visually selected and selected. It is cumbersome and may reduce the efficiency of the operation. Also, in the case of a portable ultrasound imaging apparatus, there is a problem in that it cannot include all of the hardware buttons capable of controlling a plurality of scan parameters, respectively.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure includes an integrated controller 1330 , and a plurality of images displayed on the main display unit 1600 based on a user's selection input and rotation input input through the integrated controller 1330 . Any one of the scan parameter UI 2000 may be selected, and a setting value of a scan parameter corresponding to the selected scan parameter UI may be changed. The user of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure may use the integrated controller 1330 to control the main scan parameters even if the user of the buttons on the control panel 1310 does not know the exact location of the buttons for adjusting the scan parameters to be changed. It can be easily adjusted, and thus convenience can be improved. In addition, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure may select a scan parameter through the integrated controller 1330 even when a function display label is displayed in a language other than the native language on the button of the control panel 1310 . It can be used easily regardless of the language being used.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may include only the integrated controller 1330 and may not include the control panel 1310 , and in this case, the cost is reduced. In addition, in the case of a portable ultrasound imaging apparatus having limitations in hardware implementation, only one integrated controller 1330 can select any one of a plurality of scan parameters and change or adjust a set value of the selected scan parameter, the control panel Since the 1310 is unnecessary, the convenience of carrying can be improved. In addition, the portable ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is easy to design and has an effect of reducing costs.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may include a probe 1100 , an ultrasound transceiver 1200 , a user input unit 1300 , a processor 1400 , a memory 1500 , and a display unit 1600 . can The components shown in FIG. 2 are only according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the components included in the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2 . The ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may not include some of the components illustrated in FIG. 2 , and may further include components not illustrated in FIG. 2 .

The probe 1100 may include a plurality of transducer elements that transmit an ultrasound signal to an object, that is, a body of a patient and receive an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the body of the patient. The probe 1100 may be connected to the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 by wire or wirelessly. In an embodiment, the probe 1100 may be a detachable probe that is separated from the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 and operates independently. Also, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may include one or a plurality of probes 1100 according to an implementation form.

In an embodiment, the probe 1100 may include at least one of 1D (Dimension), 1.5D, 2D (matrix), and 3D Probe according to a line type. In an embodiment, the probe 1100 may include at least one of a linear probe and a convex probe according to a shape.

The plurality of transducer elements may transmit an ultrasound signal to the object according to a transmission signal applied from the transmitter 1210 . The plurality of transducer elements may receive the ultrasound echo signal reflected from the object to form a received signal. The processor 1400 configures the transmitter 1210 to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducer elements in consideration of positions and focal points of the plurality of transducer elements included in the probe 1100 . can be controlled In an embodiment, the transmitter 1210 may form a transmission signal for controlling the probe 1100 to transmit one ultrasound beam under the control of the processor 1400 . The processor 1400 performs analog-to-digital conversion (A/D conversion) on a received signal received from the probe 1100 , and sums the digitally converted received signals in consideration of positions and focal points of a plurality of transducer elements. The receiver 1220 may be controlled to generate image data.

The user input unit 1300 may receive a user input for controlling a function of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 . For example, the user input unit 1300 may receive a user input through a button, a key pad, a mouse, a trackball, a jog switch, a knob, or the like, or a touch input for touching a touch pad or a touch screen, a drag input, A swipe input may be received. The user input unit 1300 may include a control panel 1310 and a sub-display unit 1320 .

The control panel 1310 may receive a user input for changing or adjusting a set value of a scan parameter of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 . In an embodiment, the control panel 1310 receives a user input of pressing a button related to a specific shooting mode or pressing a button corresponding to a GUI displayed on the display unit 1600 to enter a specific shooting mode. can

The control panel 1310 may include at least one of a plurality of buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, and a knob button for changing or adjusting a set value of each of a plurality of scan parameters or for selecting a function or a photographing mode. At least one of a button, a trackball, a jog switch, and a knob button included in the control panel 1310 may be configured of physically tangible hardware, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the control panel 1310 may be implemented as a touch pad or a touch screen including a touch panel. When the control panel 1310 is implemented as a touch screen, a GUI corresponding to each of a button, a trackball, a jog switch, and a knob button may be displayed on the control panel 1310 .

The sub-display unit 1320 may be implemented as a touch screen and may display a GUI. The sub-display unit 1320 includes a touch pad (eg, a contact-type capacitive method, a pressure-type resistive film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface ultrasonic conduction method, an integral tension measurement method, a piezo effect method, etc.) and a display unit layer (layer) may be composed of a touch screen forming a structure. The sub-display unit 1320 may receive a user's touch input. For example, the sub display unit 1320 may perform a tap, a touch and hold, a double tap, a drag, a panning, a flick, and a drag and drop according to a touch type. At least one of (drag and drop), swipe, pinching, unpincing, and tilting may be received. Also, the sub-display unit 1320 may receive a 1-point input, a 2-point input, a 3-point input, and a multi-touch input for four or more touch inputs.

The user input unit 1300 may include an integrated controller 1330 (refer to FIG. 1 ). In an embodiment, the integrated controller 1330 may be included in the control panel 1310 in the form of a hardware jog dial or may be displayed in the form of a GUI on the sub-display unit 1320 . The integrated controller 1330 may be, for example, a GUI in the form of a jog dial, a touch wheel, or a dial switch. The integrated controller 1330 may receive a selection input through touch or click and a rotation input for rotating the jog dial from the user. The integrated controller 1330 may provide information about a direction and a rotation angle of a selection input for selecting the jog dial and a rotation input for rotating the jog dial to the processor 1400 .

The processor 1400 controls overall operations of the probe 1100 , the ultrasound transceiver 1200 , the user input unit 1300 , and the display unit 1600 , and a signal flow between internal components of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 . can do. The processor 1400 may execute one or more instructions of a program stored in the memory 1500 . The processor 1400 may be configured as a hardware component that performs arithmetic, logic, input/output operations and signal processing. The processor 1400 may include, for example, a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor (microprocessor), a graphic processing unit (Graphic Processing Unit), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), and Digital Signal Processors (DSPDs). Signal Processing Devices), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) may be configured as at least one, but is not limited thereto.

A program including instructions for controlling the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may be stored in the memory 1500 . The memory 1500 may store one or more instructions and program code readable by the processor 1400 . In the following embodiment, the processor 1400 may be implemented by executing instructions or codes of a program stored in the memory 1500 .

The memory 1500 may include, for example, random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and programmable memory (PROM). Read-Only Memory, flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (such as SD or XD memory), It may include at least one type of storage medium among a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

The processor 1400 displays a plurality of scan parameters for capturing an ultrasound image on the display unit 1600 , and according to a user's selection input received through the integrated controller 1330 , any one scan parameter of the plurality of scan parameters , changes or adjusts a setting value of the selected scan parameter according to a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller 1330, and displays an ultrasound image captured based on the changed or adjusted setting value on the display unit 1600 can be displayed on the Here, the plurality of scan parameters refer to parameters related to capturing and outputting an ultrasound image. For example, a plurality of scan parameters may include Line Type, Gain, Dynamic Range, Frame Average, Reject Level, Power, Filter ( filter), a frequency of an ultrasound signal, and time gain compensation (TGC). However, the plurality of scan parameters is not limited to the examples listed above.

In one embodiment, the processor 1400 displays a GUI corresponding to each of the plurality of scan parameters on the display unit 1600 , and based on a rotation input and a selection input through the integrated controller 1330 , any one of the plurality of GUIs You can choose one GUI. The processor 1400 may select a scan parameter corresponding to the selected GUI, and may change or adjust a setting value of the selected scan parameter.

In an embodiment, the processor 1400 obtains a user's rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 from the user input unit 1300 and displays it on any one of a plurality of scan parameters based on the rotation input. It is possible to move the position of the indicator to be used. The processor 1400 may move the position of the indicator according to the rotation direction and the rotation angle of the integrated controller 1330 , and display the moved indicator on the display unit 1600 . The processor 1400 may obtain a selection input of a user who touches or clicks the integrated controller 1330 from the user input unit 1300 , and selects a scan parameter for which an indicator is displayed from among a plurality of scan parameters based on the selection input. A specific embodiment related thereto will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B .

In an embodiment, the processor 1400 outputs an identification mark to a position of a button related to a selected scan parameter according to a user's selection input for controlling the integrated controller 1330 among a plurality of buttons included in the control panel 1310 . The control panel 1310 may be controlled. The processor 1400 outputs a highlight mark to a position of a button configured to change a setting value of a scan parameter selected through the integrated controller 1330 among a plurality of buttons included on the control panel 1310, or emits a flashing light The control panel 1310 may be controlled to output. For example, when the scan parameter selected through the integrated controller 1330 is the power value, only the power button among the plurality of buttons included in the control panel 1310 may be turned on with an LED light. For another example, when the control panel 1310 is implemented as a touch screen, a power value UI configured to change a power value may be displayed in a different color from other UIs, or a highlight display may be output.

Similarly, the processor 1400 scans selected according to a user's selection input for controlling the integrated controller 1330 among a plurality of button UIs, trackball UIs, switch UIs, and knob button UIs displayed on the sub-display unit 1320 . The sub-display unit 1320 may be controlled to output an identification mark on a UI configured to change or adjust a parameter setting value. A specific embodiment related thereto will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B .

In an embodiment, the processor 1400 displays at least one of an additional function, a user preset, and an application of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 on the display unit 1600 , and through the integrated controller 1330 , At least one of the displayed additional function, additional parameter, user preset, and application may be selected based on the input rotation input and the selection input. For example, the processor 1400 displays a list including at least one of Edge Enhance, Line Density, Rotation, and ultrasonic beam propagation speed (Speed) on the display unit 1600 on the display unit 1600, Any one parameter from the list may be selected based on a user input received through the integrated controller 1330 , and a function may be controlled through the selected parameter. A specific embodiment related thereto will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 .

In an embodiment, the processor 1400 further adds a scan parameter that is not included in the plurality of scan parameters displayed on the display unit 1600 based on the user input received through the user input unit 1300, or At least one scan parameter among the plurality of scan parameters may be deleted. In an embodiment, the processor 1400 may move a position where a plurality of scan parameters are displayed on the display 1600 based on a user input received through the user input unit 1300 . A specific embodiment related thereto will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C .

In an embodiment, the processor 1400 selects an immutable parameter whose set value cannot be changed from among a plurality of scan parameters based on a user input received through the user input unit 1300 , and rotates the integrated controller 1330 . When the user's rotation input is received, the non-changeable parameter among the plurality of scan parameters may not be selected. A specific embodiment related thereto will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9 .

In an embodiment, when the imaging mode is a steer mode, the processor 1400 determines the scanning direction and angle of the ultrasound beam based on the direction and rotation angle of a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller 1330 . The probe 1100 may be controlled to adjust, and the steer direction and angle of the view of the ultrasound image displayed on the display unit 1600 may be changed and displayed according to the adjusted scanning direction and angle of the ultrasound beam. A specific embodiment related thereto will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10C .

In an embodiment, the processor 1400 receives a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 from the user input unit 1300 , and according to a depth value of the ultrasound image based on a direction and a rotation angle of the rotation input. By adjusting the interval of the scan lines, the shape of the view of the ultrasound image displayed on the display unit 1600 may be changed. Whenever a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 is received, the processor 1400 may control the display unit 1600 to display the changed shape of the view of the ultrasound image. A specific embodiment related thereto will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11A to 12C .

The display 1600 may display an ultrasound image and a GUI related to function setting of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 . In an embodiment, the display unit 1600 may display a plurality of GUIs indicating the types and setting values of each of the plurality of scan parameters. The display unit 1600 is, for example, a CRT display, an LCD display, a PDP display, an OLED display, an FED display, an LED display, a VFD display, a Digital Light Processing (DLP) display, a flat panel display (Flat Panel Display), a 3D display, and a physical device including at least one of a transparent display, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the display unit 1600 may be configured as a touch screen including a touch interface. When the display unit 1600 is configured as a touch screen, the display unit 1600 may be a component integrated with the user input unit 1300 configured as a touch panel.

3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In operation S310, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 displays set values for each of a plurality of scan parameters for capturing an ultrasound image. In an embodiment, the processor 1400 (refer to FIG. 2 ) of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 displays a GUI indicating a parameter type for each of a plurality of scan parameters and a current setting value of the parameter on the display unit 1600 (see FIG. 2 ). ) can be displayed on the Here, the plurality of scan parameters refer to parameters related to capturing and outputting an ultrasound image. For example, a plurality of scan parameters may include Line Type, Gain, Dynamic Range, Frame Average, Reject Level, Power, Filter ( filter), a frequency of an ultrasound signal, and time gain compensation (TGC). However, the plurality of scan parameters is not limited to the examples listed above.

In operation S320 , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 selects one of the plurality of scan parameters according to a user's selection input input through the integrated controller. In one embodiment, the user input unit 1300 (refer to FIG. 2 ) rotates the integrated controller to receive a rotation input for moving an indicator to a location of a GUI corresponding to a specific scan parameter among GUIs corresponding to each of a plurality of scan parameters. and receiving a user's selection input for selecting a GUI on which an indicator is displayed by touching or clicking the integrated controller. The processor 1400 may obtain a selection input from the user input unit 1300 , identify a scan parameter corresponding to the selected GUI based on the selection input, and select the identified scan parameter.

In an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may determine a non-changeable parameter whose setting value cannot be changed among a plurality of scan parameters based on a user input received through the user input unit 1300 . For example, the user input unit 1300 may display a gain, a dynamic range, a frame average, a reject level, a power, a filter, and an ultrasound signal. When receiving a user input for selecting a frequency and a frequency of an ultrasound signal as an immutable parameter among time gain compensation (TGC), the processor 1400 may determine the frequency parameter of the ultrasound signal as an immutable parameter. When a rotation input of a user moving the position of the indicator is received by rotating the integrated controller, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may skip the non-changeable parameter so that it is not selected and may control the selection of another parameter.

In operation S330 , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 changes the setting value of the selected scan parameter according to a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller. In an embodiment, the user input unit 1300 may receive a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller from a user, and the processor 1400 may change a set value of a scan parameter based on the received rotation input. In an embodiment, the processor 1400 may change the setting value by reflecting the rotation direction and rotation angle of the integrated controller. For example, the processor 1400 increases the numerical value of the set value when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller in a clockwise direction is received, and increases the numerical value of the set value when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller in a counterclockwise direction is received. can be adjusted small. For example, the processor 1400 may set the numerical control range of the set value differently depending on how many multiples the angle of rotating the integrated controller is a preset unit angle. For example, when the unit angle is 10° and the integrated controller 1330 receives a rotation input rotating by the unit angle, the processor 1400 may be set to adjust the setting value by 10.

In operation S340 , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 displays the captured ultrasound image based on the changed setting value. In an embodiment, the processor 1400 acquires ultrasound image data of an object using set values of a plurality of scan parameters, and processes the acquired ultrasound image data to display an ultrasound image on the display unit 1600 (see FIG. 2 ). ) can be displayed.

In an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may display the ultrasound image in a different form according to a photographing mode. For example, in the steer mode, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 adjusts a scanning direction and an angle of an ultrasound beam based on a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller, and adjusts the scanning direction and angle of the adjusted ultrasound beam. The steer direction and angle of the view of the ultrasound image may be changed and displayed according to the angle. For another example, in the trapezoidal mode, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 adjusts an interval between scan lines according to a depth value of an ultrasound image based on a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller, thereby It can be displayed by changing the size of the width of the view.

4A to 4E are diagrams illustrating integrated controllers 1330a to 1330e included in each of the ultrasound imaging apparatuses 1000A to 1000E according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each of the plurality of ultrasound imaging apparatuses 1000A to 1000E illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4E may include different components according to implementation examples.

Referring to FIG. 4A , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000A may include a control panel 1310 , and the integrated controller 1330a may be integrated into the control panel 1310 . In an embodiment, the integrated controller 1330a may be implemented as a hardware jog dial. In an embodiment, the integrated controller 1330a may receive a rotation input for holding and turning the hardware jog dial, and may receive a selection input for pressing the hardware jog dial.

Referring to FIG. 4B , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000B includes a control panel 1312 and a main display unit 1600 , and a GUI of the integrated controller 1330b may be displayed on the control panel 1312 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B , the control panel 1312 may be configured as a touch screen in which a touch pad or a touch panel forms a layer structure with the display unit, unlike the control panel 1310 shown in FIG. 4A . have. The control panel 1312 includes not only the integrated controller 1330b but also a plurality of settings for changing or adjusting each setting value of a plurality of scan parameters for photographing an ultrasound image, or for selecting a function or a photographing mode of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000B. A GUI related to at least one of a button, a trackball, a jog switch, and a knob button may be displayed. An ultrasound image may be displayed on the main display unit 1600 .

The control panel 1312 may receive a user's touch input. The integrated controller 1330b may be implemented as a GUI in the form of, for example, a jog dial, a touch wheel, or a dial switch. The integrated controller 1330b rotates, drags, or swipe the GUI and a selection input such as a touch or tap, a touch and hold, a double tap, etc. may receive a rotation input from the user.

Referring to FIG. 4C , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000C may include a main display unit 1600 , a control panel 1310 , and a sub display unit 1320 . The integrated controller 1330c may be displayed on the sub-display unit 1320 in the form of a GUI. The sub-display unit 1320 illustrated in FIG. 4C may be configured as a touch screen in which a touch pad or a touch panel forms a layer structure with the display unit. The sub-display unit 1320 may receive a user's touch input. The integrated controller 1330c may be implemented as a GUI in the form of, for example, a jog dial, a touch wheel, or a dial switch. The integrated controller 1330c rotates, drags, or swipe the GUI and a selection input such as a touch or tap, a touch and hold, a double tap, etc. may receive a rotation input from the user.

Referring to FIG. 4D , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000D may include a main display unit 1600 and a control panel 1310 . The integrated controller 1330d may be displayed on the main display unit 1600 in the form of a GUI. The main display unit 1600 illustrated in FIG. 4D may be configured as a touch screen in which a touch pad or a touch panel forms a layer structure with the display unit. The main display unit 1600 may receive a user's touch input. The integrated controller 1330d shown in FIG. 4D is the same as the integrated controller 1330c shown in FIG. 4C except that it is displayed on the main display unit 1600 in the form of a GUI, and thus a redundant description will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 4E , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000E may be implemented as a portable type. The portable ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 1000E may be implemented as, for example, a smart phone including a probe and an application, a laptop computer, a PDA, or a tablet PC, but is not limited thereto. The portable ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000E may include a main display unit 1600 . The main display unit 1600 may be configured as a touch screen, and the integrated controller 1330e may be displayed on the main display unit 1600 in the form of a GUI. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the portable ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000E may include an integrated controller 1330e configured as a hardware device. The integrated hardware controller 1330e may be implemented as, for example, a jog dial.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure selects a scan parameter based on a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 .

Referring to FIG. 5A , the main display unit 1600 may display the ultrasound image 100 and a plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 related to each of a plurality of scan parameters for photographing the ultrasound image 100 . In an embodiment, the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 may be displayed on one side of the main display unit 1600 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A , the plurality of scan parameters UI 2000 is a line type, a gain, a dynamic range, a frame average, a power, and an ultrasonic wave. It may be implemented as a GUI in which a scan parameter type for each of a plurality of scan parameters including a frequency and a depth value of a signal and a set value of each are indicated by letters or numbers. However, the scan parameters listed above are exemplary, and the scan parameters of the present disclosure are not limited to the examples.

When the user's rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 is received, the main display unit 1600 displays an indicator 2000i at the location of the currently selectable scan parameter UI among the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 . can be displayed In an embodiment, the indicator 2000i may be displayed while skipping the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 based on the rotation direction and rotation angle of the rotation input that rotates the integrated controller 1330 .

In an embodiment, the processor 1400 (refer to FIG. 2 ) of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 recognizes a rotation direction of a rotation input input through the integrated controller 1330, and based on the rotation direction, a plurality of scan parameter UIs ( 2000), the position of the indicator 2000i may be moved. For example, when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 clockwise is received, the processor 1400 moves the indicator 2000i from left to right to display it on the display unit 1600, and the integrated controller When a rotation input for rotating 1330 counterclockwise is received, the processor 1400 may move the indicator 2000i from right to left to display it on the display unit 1600 .

In an embodiment, the processor 1400 may recognize a rotation angle of a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 , and move the position of the indicator 2000i based on the rotation angle. For example, when the preset unit rotation angle of the rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 is α°, when the rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 is received by α°, the indicator 2000i is moved by one scan parameter UI can be displayed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A , when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 by a preset unit rotation angle is received from the user, that is, when the integrated controller 1330 is rotated to a position of 1, the processor 1400 ) may move the position of the indicator 2000i from the scan parameter '2D' indicating the line type to the gain UI 2001 as the scan parameter indicating the parameter type GAIN and the gain value 'G50'. When a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 again by a preset unit rotation angle is received from the user and the integrated controller 1330 is rotated to the position of 2, the processor 1400 adjusts the position of the indicator 2000i to the gain UI (2001) can move to the dynamic range UI (2002). In this way, as the user's rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 is received, the integrated controller 1330 is rotated to be positioned at positions 3 and 4, respectively, and the processor 1400 controls the integrated controller 1330 ), the position of the indicator 2000i may be moved to the frame average UI 2003 and the power value UI 2004, respectively.

FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure selects a scan parameter based on a selection input through the integrated controller 1330 and changes a setting value of the selected scan parameter based on a rotation input. It is a drawing.

Referring to FIG. 5B , the processor 1400 (refer to FIG. 2 ) of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 selects a scan parameter based on a selection input input through the integrated controller 1330 and rotates the integrated controller 1330 . Based on the rotation input, the set value of the scan parameter may be changed or adjusted. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B , when a selection input for touching or clicking the integrated controller 1330 is input while the indicator is positioned on the power value UI 2004, the processor 1400 sets the power value. A changeable UI may be displayed on the display unit 1600 . When a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 is received while the power value is selected, the processor 1400 may increase or decrease the power value.

In an embodiment, the processor 1400 may recognize a direction and a rotation angle of a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 , and may change or adjust a setting value of a scan parameter based on the recognized rotation direction and rotation angle. . For example, when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 in a clockwise direction is received, the processor 1400 increases a set value of a scan parameter, and a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 in a counterclockwise direction is received. When received, the processor 1400 may change the set value by reducing the set value of the scan parameter.

In an embodiment, the processor 1400 may recognize an angle of a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 , and may adjust a setting value according to the rotation angle. When an input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 by a preset unit rotation angle is received, the processor 1400 may adjust a set value of the scan parameter by a preset unit. For example, when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 clockwise by 1 unit rotation angle is received, the processor 1400 increases the power value from 90 to 100 by 10 units, and the integrated controller 1330 . When a rotation input for rotating in the counterclockwise direction by one rotation angle is received, the processor 1400 may decrease the power value from 90 to 80. Here, the adjustment unit of the set value of the scan parameter may be a preset value, but is not limited thereto. The adjustment unit of the set value of the scan parameter can be adjusted by user input.

6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure outputs an identification mark to a position of a button on a control panel related to a scan parameter selected based on an input through an integrated controller.

Referring to FIG. 6A , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 is a control panel 1310 configured to receive a user input for various controls, such as adjusting a set value of a scan parameter, entering a specific shooting mode, or operating a specific function. may include. The control panel 1310 may include at least one of a plurality of buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, and an input device including a knob button. In an embodiment, at least one of a button, a trackball, a jog switch, and a knob button included in the control panel 1310 may be configured of physically tangible hardware.

In an embodiment, when the scan parameter 2000a is selected according to the rotation input and the selection input received through the integrated controller among the plurality of scan parameter UI 2000 displayed on the main display unit, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 is An identification mark may be output to a position of an input device related to the selected scan parameter 2000a among a plurality of buttons, trackballs, jog switches, and knob buttons included in the control panel 1310 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A , when the power value UI 2000a is selected from among the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 based on a selection input received through the integrated controller 1330, the control panel 1310 includes An identification mark may be output to the power button 1310a configured to change or adjust the power value among the input devices. The identification mark may be implemented as, for example, an LED light output to a position of a button, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 6B , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may include a control panel 1312 configured as a touch screen. A GUI corresponding to each of a plurality of buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, and a knob button may be displayed on the control panel 1312 .

Like the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A , in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B , according to the rotation input and selection input received through the integrated controller among the plurality of scan parameter UI 2000 displayed on the main display unit, the When 2000b) is selected, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may output an identification mark to a location of a GUI related to the selected scan parameter 2000b among a plurality of GUIs included in the control panel 1312 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B , when the power value UI 2000b is selected from among the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 based on a selection input received through the integrated controller 1330 , it is displayed on the control panel 1312 . A highlight display may be output to distinguish the power value UI 1312b configured to change or adjust the power value among the plurality of GUIs from other GUIs.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B scans selected through the integrated controller 1330 among buttons, trackballs, jog switches, and knob buttons included in control panels 1310 and 1312 . By outputting the identification mark to the input device configured to adjust the parameter set value, the user can intuitively recognize which input device can change or adjust the scan parameter. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user does not need to worry about which input device among numerous input devices included in the control panel 1310 and 1312 to adjust the scan parameter, and changes the setting value of the scan parameter. Since it is possible to intuitively grasp the input device configured to perform or adjust the operation, user convenience can be improved.

7 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure selects a scan parameter through the integrated controller 1330 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , an ultrasound image 100 , a plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 related to photographing of the ultrasound image 100 , and an additional parameter UI list 2100 may be displayed on the display unit 1600 . The plurality of scan parameter UI 2000 is the same as the plurality of scan parameter UI 2000 illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, and thus overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

The additional parameter UI list 2100 may include a UI indicating parameter types and setting values related to a parameter related to a function of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 or an additional parameter related to imaging of the ultrasound image 100 . In an embodiment, the additional parameter UI list 2100 may include, but is not limited to, Edge Enhance, Line Density, Rotation, and ultrasound beam propagation speed (Speed).

The processor 1400 (refer to FIG. 2 ) of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 selects any one parameter from the additional parameter UI list 2100 based on a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 and a selection input through touch or click. You can select and change or adjust the set value of the selected parameter. A method for the processor 1400 to adjust a set value of a parameter is the same as the method described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B , and thus a redundant description will be omitted.

8A to 8C illustrate an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 according to the present disclosure adds or deletes some of a plurality of scan parameters or changes a display position of the plurality of scan parameters based on a user input. it is one drawing

Referring to FIG. 8A , a plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 may be displayed on the display unit 1600 . The ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 determines a scan parameter that is not included in the plurality of scan parameters UI 2000 based on a user input received through the control panel 1310 (refer to FIG. 2 ) or the sub-display unit 1320 (refer to FIG. 2 ). UI (2010) can be added. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may add a harmonic UI 2010 related to a harmonic parameter based on a user input.

Referring to FIG. 8B , a plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 may be displayed on the display unit 1600 . The ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may delete at least one scan parameter UI included in the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 based on a user input received through the control panel 1310 or the sub-display unit 1320 . Comparing the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B with the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 deletes a depth parameter and a harmonic parameter UI 2010 (refer to FIG. 8A ) based on a user input. can In an embodiment, when the display unit 1600 is configured as a touch screen, the display unit 1600 may receive a user's touch input for deleting at least one UI from among the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 .

Referring to FIG. 8C , a plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 may be displayed on the display unit 1600 . The ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may change the display position of the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 based on a user input received through the control panel 1310 or the sub-display unit 1320 . In an embodiment, when the display unit 1600 is configured as a touch screen, the display unit 1600 may receive a user's touch input for changing a display position of the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 .

Also, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8C , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may further add an SCI parameter UI 2020 and a depth value UI 2030 based on a user input.

9 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 according to the present disclosure selects a scan parameter based on a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller 1330 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , the display 1600 may display the ultrasound image 100 and a plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 related to each of a plurality of scan parameters for capturing the ultrasound image 100 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , the plurality of scan parameters UI 2000 is a line type, a gain, a dynamic range, a frame average, a power, and an ultrasonic wave. It may be implemented as a GUI in which a scan parameter type for each of a plurality of scan parameters including a frequency and a depth value of a signal and a set value of each are indicated by letters or numbers. However, the scan parameters listed above are exemplary, and the scan parameters of the present disclosure are not limited to the examples.

Receives a user input for selecting any one scan parameter UI from among the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000 of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000, and a change in which a setting value among the plurality of scan parameters cannot be changed based on the received user input Impossible parameters can be determined. For example, the user input unit 1300 (refer to FIG. 2 ) of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 receives a user input for selecting a frequency UI 2005 from among the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000, and the processor 1400 (refer to FIG. 2 ) reference) may determine the frequency parameter as an immutable parameter based on a user input.

When a rotation input of a user who rotates the integrated controller 1330 is received, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 changes the positions of the indicators 2000i displayed on the plurality of scan parameter UIs 2000, but does not change the unchangeable parameters. The UI 2005 of the non-changeable parameter may be skipped so that it is not selected. For example, when a user input for moving the integrated controller 1330 by one rotation unit is received, the indicator 2000i is located on the gain UI 2001, and when a user input for moving the integrated controller 1330 by one rotation unit is received again , the indicator 2000i may be moved to the dynamic range UI 2002 . Also, when a user input for moving the integrated controller 1330 by one rotation unit is received again, the indicator 2000i may be sequentially moved to the frame average UI 2003 and the power value UI 2004 . When a user input for moving the integrated controller 1330 by one rotation unit is received again, the indicator 2000i should be moved to the frequency UI 2005, which is the next parameter UI of the power value UI 2004, but the frequency UI 2005 Since is determined as the immutable parameter UI, it may be moved to the depth value UI 2006 .

In the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 , when a user sets a scan parameter desired to be fixed without changing a set value, it cannot be changed even if a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 is received. Since the set value of the parameter cannot be changed, a mistake that may occur in operating the integrated controller 1330 during ultrasound diagnosis can be prevented in advance.

10A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure selects a photographing mode based on a selection input of touching or clicking the integrated controller 1330 .

Referring to FIG. 10A , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may receive a selection input of touching or clicking the integrated controller 1330 , and may select a photographing mode based on the user input. In operation S1000 , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may enter a steer mode according to a selection input received through the integrated controller 1330 . The steer mode is a photographing mode for capturing an ultrasound image using a linear probe, and is a mode for setting a direction and an angle for transmitting and receiving an ultrasound beam.

10B and 10C illustrate an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure changes a steer direction and angle of a view of an ultrasound image based on a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller 1330 are one drawing.

Referring to FIG. 10B , when the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 operates in the steer mode, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 adjusts the scanning direction and angle of the ultrasound beam based on the direction and rotation angle of a rotation input that rotates the integrated controller 1330 , The steer direction and angle of the view of the image 100 may be changed and displayed on the display unit 1600 . In an embodiment, the processor 1400 (refer to FIG. 2 ) of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 recognizes a rotation direction of a rotation input input through the integrated controller 1330 , and generates the ultrasound image 100 based on the rotation direction. You can determine the tilted direction of the view. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10B , when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 clockwise is received, the processor 1400 changes the irradiation direction of the ultrasound beam to the right direction, and You can adjust the view to tilt to the right.

The processor 1400 may recognize the rotation angle of the integrated controller 1330 and adjust the steer angle of the view of the ultrasound image 100 based on the recognized rotation angle. For example, when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 by a predetermined unit rotation angle is received, the processor 1400 recognizes that the integrated controller 1330 is rotated by a unit rotation angle, and the probe 1100, FIG. 2), the irradiation angle of the ultrasonic beam transmitted and received may be adjusted by a preset angle. As the irradiation angle of the ultrasound beam is adjusted, the processor 1400 may tilt and display the view of the ultrasound image 100 displayed on the display unit 1600 to form an angle of α°, which is a preset angle with respect to the horizontal line. have.

Referring to FIG. 10B , when an input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 once by a preset unit rotation angle is received, the view of the ultrasound image 100 forms an angle of α°, which is a preset angle with respect to the horizontal line. When an input for tilting and rotating the integrated controller 1330 once more by a preset unit rotation angle is received, the view of the ultrasound image 100 may be tilted to form an angle of β° with respect to the horizontal line. In one embodiment, the angular magnitude of β° may be twice the angular magnitude of α°.

Referring to FIG. 10C , when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 counterclockwise is received, the processor 1400 changes the irradiation direction of the ultrasound beam to the left direction and changes the view of the ultrasound image 100 . It can be adjusted to tilt to the left.

The processor 1400 may recognize the rotation angle of the integrated controller 1330 and adjust the steer angle of the view of the ultrasound image 100 based on the recognized rotation angle. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10C , when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 counterclockwise by a preset unit rotation angle is received, the processor 1400 causes the integrated controller 1330 to rotate by a unit rotation angle. Recognizing that it has been done, the irradiation angle of the ultrasound beam transmitted and received through the probe 1100 (refer to FIG. 2 ) may be adjusted by a preset angle. As the irradiation angle of the ultrasound beam is adjusted, the processor 1400 may tilt and display the view of the ultrasound image 100 displayed on the display unit 1600 to form an angle of α°, which is a preset angle with respect to the horizontal line. have. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10C , the ultrasound image 100 is performed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 based on the rotation angle of the integrated controller 1330 except that the view of the ultrasound image 100 is inclined to the left. The method of tilting the view of is the same as the method described with reference to FIG. 10B , and thus a redundant description will be omitted.

11A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure selects a photographing mode based on a selection input of touching or clicking the integrated controller 1330 .

Referring to FIG. 11A , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may receive a selection input of touching or clicking the integrated controller 1330 and may select a photographing mode based on the user input. In operation S1100 , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may enter the trapezoidal mode according to a selection input received through the integrated controller 1330 . The trapezoidal mode is a photographing mode in which an ultrasound image is captured using a linear probe, and the shape of the ultrasound image view is changed to a trapezoidal shape by widening the interval between scan lines according to a depth value. This mode is set to

11B and 11C are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure changes the shape of a view of an ultrasound image based on a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller 1330 .

Referring to FIG. 11B , when the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 operates in the trapezoidal mode, the scan line interval according to the depth is widened based on the direction and the rotation angle of a rotation input that rotates the integrated controller 1330 . Alternatively, the shape of the view of the ultrasound image 100 may be adjusted by narrowing it. In an embodiment, the processor 1400 (refer to FIG. 2 ) of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 recognizes a rotation direction of a rotation input input through the integrated controller 1330 , and generates the ultrasound image 100 based on the rotation direction. You can change the trapezoidal shape of the view. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11B , when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 clockwise is received, the processor 1400 adjusts the interval between scan lines to be wider as the depth value increases, and the display unit The trapezoidal shape of the view of the ultrasound image 100 displayed in 1600 may be changed to become wider in the horizontal direction.

The processor 1400 may recognize the rotation angle of the integrated controller 1330 and adjust the horizontal size of the trapezoid of the view of the ultrasound image 100 based on the recognized rotation angle. For example, when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 by a predetermined unit rotation angle is received, the processor 1400 recognizes that the integrated controller 1330 is rotated by a unit rotation angle, and scans according to the depth value. By adjusting the line spacing as wide as the unit interval size, the sizes of the upper and lower sides of the trapezoid of the view of the ultrasound image 100 may be increased by a preset unit size.

Referring to FIG. 11C , when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 counterclockwise is received, the processor 1400 adjusts the interval between the scan lines according to the depth value to be narrow, and displays the The trapezoidal shape of the view of the displayed ultrasound image 100 may be changed to be narrower in the horizontal direction.

The processor 1400 may recognize the rotation angle of the integrated controller 1330 and adjust the horizontal size of the trapezoid of the view of the ultrasound image 100 based on the recognized rotation angle. For example, when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 counterclockwise by a preset unit rotation angle is received, the processor 1400 recognizes that the integrated controller 1330 is rotated by a unit rotation angle, and the depth By adjusting the interval of the scan line according to the value to be narrower by the unit interval size, the sizes of the upper and lower sides of the trapezoid of the view of the ultrasound image 100 may be reduced by a preset unit size.

12A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure selects a photographing mode based on a selection input of touching or clicking the integrated controller 1330 .

Referring to FIG. 12A , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may receive a selection input of touching or clicking the integrated controller 1330 and may select a photographing mode based on the user input. In operation S1200 , the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 may enter the wide view mode according to a selection input received through the integrated controller 1330 . The wide view mode is a shooting mode in which an ultrasound image is captured using a convex probe, and the shape of the view of the ultrasound image is widened by widening the interval between scan lines according to the depth value. This is the mode to set in view form.

12B and 12C are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 of the present disclosure changes the shape of a view of an ultrasound image based on a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller 1330 .

Referring to FIG. 12B , when the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 operates in the wide view mode, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 determines a scan line interval according to a depth value based on a direction and a rotation angle of a rotation input that rotates the integrated controller 1330 . It can be adjusted to be wide or narrow, and the shape of the view of the ultrasound image 100 can be adjusted. In an embodiment, the processor 1400 (refer to FIG. 2 ) of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 recognizes a rotation direction of a rotation input input through the integrated controller 1330 , and generates the ultrasound image 100 based on the rotation direction. You can change the shape of the view. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12B , when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 clockwise is received, the processor 1400 adjusts the interval between scan lines to be widened as the depth value increases, and the display unit The shape of the view of the ultrasound image 100 displayed on 1600 may be changed to be wider in the horizontal direction.

The processor 1400 may recognize the rotation angle of the integrated controller 1330 and adjust the horizontal size of the view of the ultrasound image 100 based on the recognized rotation angle. For example, when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 by a predetermined unit rotation angle is received, the processor 1400 recognizes that the integrated controller 1330 is rotated by a unit rotation angle, and scans according to the depth value. By adjusting the line spacing to be as wide as the unit interval size, the width of the view of the ultrasound image 100 may be increased by a preset unit size.

Referring to FIG. 12C , when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 in a counterclockwise direction is received, the processor 1400 adjusts the interval between the scan lines according to the depth value to be narrow, and displays the The shape of the view of the displayed ultrasound image 100 may be changed to be narrower in the horizontal direction.

The processor 1400 may recognize the rotation angle of the integrated controller 1330 and adjust the size of the width of the view of the ultrasound image 100 based on the recognized rotation angle. For example, when a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller 1330 counterclockwise by a preset unit rotation angle is received, the processor 1400 recognizes that the integrated controller 1330 is rotated by a unit rotation angle, and the depth By adjusting the interval of the scan line according to the value to be as narrow as the unit interval size, the size of the view width of the ultrasound image 100 may be reduced by the preset unit size.

Embodiments included in the present disclosure may be implemented as a S/W program including instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

The computer may include the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 according to the disclosed embodiments as an apparatus capable of calling a command stored from a storage medium and operating according to the called command according to the disclosed embodiment.

The computer-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' means that the storage medium does not include a signal and is tangible, and does not distinguish that data is semi-permanently or temporarily stored in the storage medium.

Also, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1000 and an operating method thereof according to the disclosed embodiments may be included in a computer program product and provided. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities.

The computer program product may include a S/W program and a computer-readable storage medium in which the S/W program is stored. For example, computer program products may include products (eg, downloadable apps) in the form of S/W programs distributed electronically through manufacturers of ultrasound imaging devices or electronic markets (eg, Google Play Store, App Store). can For electronic distribution, at least a portion of the S/W program may be stored in a storage medium or may be temporarily generated. In this case, the storage medium may be a server of a manufacturer, a server of an electronic market, or a storage medium of a relay server temporarily storing a SW program.

The computer program product may include a storage medium of the server or a storage medium of the apparatus in a system including a server and an apparatus (eg, an ultrasound imaging apparatus). Alternatively, when there is a server or a third device (eg, a smart phone) that is communicatively connected to the device, the computer program product may include a storage medium of the third device. Alternatively, the computer program product may include the S/W program itself transmitted from the server to the device or the third device, or transmitted from the third device to the terminal.

In this case, one of the server, the apparatus and the third apparatus may execute a computer program product to perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments. Alternatively, two or more of a server, a device, and a third device may execute a computer program product to distribute the method according to the disclosed embodiments.

For example, a server (eg, a cloud server or an artificial intelligence server, etc.) may execute a computer program product stored in the server to control a device communicatively connected with the server to perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments.

As another example, the third device may execute a computer program product to control the device communicatively connected with the third device to perform the method according to the disclosed embodiment.

When the third device executes the computer program product, the third device may download the computer program product from the server and execute the downloaded computer program product. Alternatively, the third device may execute the computer program product provided in a preloaded state to perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium storing instructions and data executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, a predetermined program module may be generated to perform a predetermined operation. Further, the instruction, when executed by a processor, may perform certain operations of the disclosed embodiments.

The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings as described above. Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will understand that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in a form different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims (20)

A method of operating an ultrasound imaging apparatus, comprising:
displaying a set value for each of a plurality of scan parameters for capturing an ultrasound image on a display unit of the ultrasound imaging apparatus;
selecting any one of the plurality of scan parameters according to a user's selection input received through an integrated controller;
changing a setting value of a selected scan parameter according to a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller; and
displaying an ultrasound image photographed based on the changed setting value on the display unit;
A method comprising
According to claim 1,
The method of claim 1, wherein the integrated controller is at least one of a jog dial, a touch wheel, and a dial switch that receives a selection input and a rotation input through touch or click from a user.
According to claim 1,
The step of selecting any one scan parameter from among the plurality of scan parameters may include: based on a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller, an indicator displayed on any one scan parameter of the plurality of scan parameters. moving the position; and
selecting a scan parameter in which the indicator is displayed from among the plurality of scan parameters based on a selection input of a user touching or clicking the integrated controller;
A method comprising
According to claim 1,
outputting an identification mark to a position of an input device related to the selected scan parameter among input devices including a plurality of buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, and a knob button included in a control panel of the ultrasound imaging apparatus;
A method further comprising:
According to claim 1,
The plurality of scan parameters may include a line type, a gain, a dynamic range, a frame average, a reject level, a power, and a filter. , the frequency of the ultrasound signal, and at least one of TGC.
According to claim 1,
based on a user input, further adding a scan parameter not included in the plurality of displayed scan parameters or deleting at least one scan parameter from among the plurality of scan parameters;
A method further comprising:
According to claim 1,
moving a position where the plurality of scan parameters are displayed based on a user input;
A method further comprising:
According to claim 1,
determining a non-changeable parameter whose set value cannot be changed from among the plurality of scan parameters based on a user input; further comprising,
The step of selecting any one of the plurality of scan parameters may include skipping the non-changeable parameter so that the non-changeable parameter is not selected when a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller is received;
A method comprising
According to claim 1,
The selecting of any one scan parameter from among the plurality of scan parameters includes selecting a photographing mode for changing a scanning angle of an ultrasound beam,
Changing the set value of the scan parameter includes adjusting the scanning direction and angle of the ultrasound beam based on a direction and a rotation angle of a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller,
The displaying of the ultrasound image includes changing and displaying a steer direction and angle of a view of the ultrasound image according to a scanning direction and angle of the adjusted ultrasound beam.
According to claim 1,
The changing of the set value of the scan parameter may include adjusting an interval between scan lines according to a depth value of the ultrasound image based on a direction and a rotation angle of a rotation input of a user rotating the integrated controller, changing the shape of the view of the ultrasound image,
The displaying of the ultrasound image includes displaying the changed shape of the view of the ultrasound image as a rotation input of a user through the integrated controller is received.
display unit;
a user input unit including an integrated controller and receiving a selection input for touching or clicking the integrated controller and a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller from a user;
a memory storing at least one instruction; and
a processor executing the at least one instruction stored in the memory;
including,
The processor is
controlling the display unit to display a plurality of scan parameters for taking an ultrasound image;
selecting any one of the plurality of scan parameters according to a user's selection input received through the integrated controller;
According to the user's rotation input to rotate the integrated controller, change the set value of the selected scan parameter,
and controlling the display unit to display the captured ultrasound image based on the changed setting value.
12. The method of claim 11,
The processor is
obtaining a user's rotation input for rotating the integrated controller from the user input unit, and moving an indicator displayed on any one of the plurality of scan parameters based on the rotation input;
Obtaining a selection input of a user touching or clicking the integrated controller from the user input unit, and selecting a scan parameter on which the indicator is displayed from among the plurality of scan parameters based on the selection input.
12. The method of claim 11,
a control panel including at least one of an input device including a plurality of buttons, a track ball, a jog switch, and a knob button for controlling a function of the ultrasound imaging apparatus; further comprising,
The processor is
and controlling the control panel to output an identification mark on a position of an input device related to the selected scan parameter among a plurality of buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, and a knob button included in the control panel.
12. The method of claim 11,
The plurality of scan parameters may include a line type, a gain, a dynamic range, a frame average, a reject level, a power, and a filter. , a frequency of an ultrasound signal, and at least one of TGC.
12. The method of claim 11,
The processor is
based on a user input received through the user input unit, further adding a scan parameter not included in the plurality of scan parameters displayed on the display unit, or deleting at least one scan parameter from among the plurality of scan parameters , ultrasound imaging devices.
12. The method of claim 11,
The processor is
An ultrasound imaging apparatus that moves a position where the plurality of scan parameters are displayed based on a user input received through the user input unit.
12. The method of claim 11,
The processor is
Based on a user input received through the user input unit, a non-changeable parameter whose set value cannot be changed among the plurality of scan parameters is determined, and a user's rotation input for rotating the integrated controller is received through the user input unit , the non-changeable parameter is skipped so that it is not selected.
12. The method of claim 11,
The user input unit receives a photographing mode selection input for selecting a photographing mode for changing the scanning angle of the ultrasound beam and a rotation input for rotating the integrated controller,
The processor adjusts a scanning direction and an angle of the ultrasound beam based on a direction and a rotation angle of the received rotation input, and steers the view of the ultrasound image according to the adjusted scanning direction and angle of the ultrasound beam. steer) controlling the display unit to display by changing the direction and angle.
12. The method of claim 11,
The user input unit receives a user's rotation input for rotating the integrated controller,
The processor is
The shape of the view of the ultrasound image is changed by adjusting an interval of scan lines according to a depth value of the ultrasound image based on the direction and rotation angle of the rotation input, and when the rotation input is received, the and controlling the display unit to display the changed shape of the view of the ultrasound image.
A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing the method of claim 1 in a computer is recorded.

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