WO2014109588A1 - Ultrasonic imaging apparatus and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Ultrasonic imaging apparatus and method for controlling the same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014109588A1
WO2014109588A1 PCT/KR2014/000295 KR2014000295W WO2014109588A1 WO 2014109588 A1 WO2014109588 A1 WO 2014109588A1 KR 2014000295 W KR2014000295 W KR 2014000295W WO 2014109588 A1 WO2014109588 A1 WO 2014109588A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ultrasonic
time inversion
signal
image
target object
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PCT/KR2014/000295
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jeong Pyo Kim
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Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
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Publication date
Application filed by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. filed Critical Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Publication of WO2014109588A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014109588A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/52—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/5215—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves involving processing of medical diagnostic data
    • A61B8/5238—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves involving processing of medical diagnostic data for combining image data of patient, e.g. merging several images from different acquisition modes into one image
    • A61B8/5246—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves involving processing of medical diagnostic data for combining image data of patient, e.g. merging several images from different acquisition modes into one image combining images from the same or different imaging techniques, e.g. color Doppler and B-mode
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/13—Tomography
    • A61B8/14—Echo-tomography
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4444—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device related to the probe
    • A61B8/4461—Features of the scanning mechanism, e.g. for moving the transducer within the housing of the probe
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/52—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/5207—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves involving processing of raw data to produce diagnostic data, e.g. for generating an image
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0093—Detecting, measuring or recording by applying one single type of energy and measuring its conversion into another type of energy
    • A61B5/0095—Detecting, measuring or recording by applying one single type of energy and measuring its conversion into another type of energy by applying light and detecting acoustic waves, i.e. photoacoustic measurements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4405—Device being mounted on a trolley
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/46—Ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic devices with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
    • A61B8/467—Ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic devices with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient characterised by special input means
    • A61B8/469—Ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic devices with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient characterised by special input means for selection of a region of interest

Definitions

  • the following description relates to an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same.
  • An ultrasonic imaging apparatus irradiates ultrasonic waves to a target part contained in a target object, collects echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target part, and converts the collected echo ultrasonic waves into an electric signal, so that it may generate an ultrasonic image using the electric signal.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and a main frame.
  • the ultrasonic probe generates ultrasonic waves, collects echo ultrasonic waves, and converts the echo ultrasonic waves into an electric signal.
  • An ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic waves is installed at the end of the ultrasonic probe.
  • the transducer converts one form of energy (for example, electric energy) into another form of energy (for example, vibration or light).
  • the ultrasonic transducer vibrates in response to an input current having predetermined pulses, such that it may generate ultrasonic waves in response to such vibration.
  • the ultrasonic transducer vibrates in response to a frequency of ultrasonic waves received from the target object or the like, generates a current of a predetermined pulse, and converts the ultrasonic waves into an electric signal.
  • the main frame of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus focuses the electric signal, generates an ultrasonic image, and performs predetermined image processing on the generated ultrasonic image, such that it obtains an ultrasonic image showing an internal image of the target object.
  • the obtained ultrasonic image is displayed for a user such as a doctor or patient on a display device such as a monitor connected to the main frame.
  • an ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe to collect ultrasonic waves from a target object, convert the collected ultrasonic waves, and output an ultrasonic signal; and a time inversion unit to perform time inversion of the ultrasonic signal generated from the ultrasonic probe, and generate a time inversion signal, wherein the ultrasonic probe generates a time inversion ultrasonic wave in response to the time inversion signal.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may further include: an image processor to generate an ultrasonic image on the basis of the ultrasonic signal collected by the ultrasonic probe.
  • the ultrasonic probe may emit the time inversion ultrasonic wave generated in response to the time inversion signal to a target object, and collect time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  • the generated ultrasonic image and the time inversion echo ultrasonic image may be generated in the same ultrasonic image mode, for example, A mode, B mode, or M mode.
  • the image processor may combine an ultrasonic image generated on the basis of ultrasonic waves received from the target object with a time inversion echo ultrasonic image generated on the basis of the time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may further include: an input unit to receive an indication message for selecting some regions from among the ultrasonic image.
  • the time inversion unit may separately extract an ultrasonic signal corresponding to some selected regions from among the plurality of ultrasonic signals collected by the ultrasonic probe, and generate the time inversion signal on the basis of the extracted ultrasonic signals.
  • the ultrasonic probe may emit ultrasonic waves to some regions of the target object on the basis of the time inversion signal for the some regions, and collects time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  • the image processor may combine an ultrasonic image generated on the basis of ultrasonic waves received from the target object with a time inversion echo ultrasonic image generated on the basis of the time inversion echo ultrasonic waves of the some regions, and thus generate the combined ultrasonic image.
  • the ultrasonic image and the time inversion echo ultrasonic image may be generated in the same ultrasonic image mode.
  • the image processor may control the ultrasonic image to overlap the time inversion echo ultrasonic image, and thus generate a combined ultrasonic image.
  • the image processor may include: a time compensator to compensate for a time of each ultrasonic signal of a plurality of channels of the ultrasonic probe; and a beamforming unit to focus ultrasonic signals of the plurality of channels; and an image generator to generate an ultrasonic image on the basis of the ultrasonic signals focused by the beamforming unit.
  • a method for controlling an ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: collecting ultrasonic waves from a target object; upon receiving an ultrasonic signal of the collected ultrasonic waves, generating a time inversion signal obtained by time inversion of the ultrasonic signal; and generating ultrasonic waves in response to the time inversion signal.
  • the method may further include: emitting ultrasonic waves generated in response to the time inversion signal to a target object, and collecting time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  • the method may further include: generating a time inversion echo ultrasonic image on the basis of the collected time inversion echo ultrasonic waves.
  • the method may further include: generating an ultrasonic image on the basis of the collected ultrasonic waves; and selecting some regions from among the ultrasonic image.
  • the generating the time inversion signal obtained by time inversion of the ultrasonic signal on the basis of the collected ultrasonic signals may include: separately extracting an ultrasonic signal corresponding to some regions selected from among a plurality of ultrasonic signals generated from the ultrasonic probe; and generating a time inversion signal obtained by time inversion of the ultrasonic signal on the basis of the ultrasonic signal corresponding to the some regions selected from among the ultrasonic image.
  • the method may further include: emitting ultrasonic waves to some regions of the target object on the basis of a time inversion signal of the some regions; and collecting time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  • the method may further include: generating a time inversion echo ultrasonic image on the basis of the collected time inversion echo ultrasonic waves for the some regions.
  • the method may further include: combining the ultrasonic image with the time inversion echo ultrasonic image.
  • the method may further include: emitting ultrasonic waves generated in response to the time inversion signal, and collecting time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object; generating a time inversion echo ultrasonic image on the basis of the collectd time inversion echo ultrasonic waves; and combining an ultrasonic image generated on the basis of the ultrasonic waves received from the target object with the time inversion echo ultrasonic image generated on the basis of the time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus and the method for controlling the same can obtain a more definite and precise ultrasonic image when an ultrasonic image is obtained through the ultrasonic imaging apparatus.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may intensively focus ultrasonic waves to tissues or organization of a target object, an image of which is desired by a user.
  • the user can receive a higher-definition and higher-accuracy ultrasonic image for a user-desired target part as compared to other parts.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus can more correctly recognize and diagnose tissues or organization of a target part using an ultrasonic image.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus can improve intensity of a reception signal during collection of ultrasonic waves, minimize noise of an ultrasonic image, such that it may obtain an improved ultrasonic image.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus and the method for controlling the same according to embodiments can more simply perform beamforming as compared to the conventional ultrasonic imaging apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment
  • FIGS. 2A to 2C show generation of a time-inversion signal according to embodiments
  • FIGS. 3A to 3C are conceptual diagrams illustrating ultrasound irradiation based on a time inversion signal
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an image processor according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of the image processor and the time inversion unit according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 8 shows an ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a process for combining the ultrasonic image according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a time inversion unit of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operations of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operations of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe 10 for receiving an ultrasonic wave (u) having a predetermined frequency from a target part (t) contained in a target object (ob), converting the received ultrasonic wave (u) into electric signals and outputting the converted electric signals; and a time inversion unit 100 for inverting a time of a time amplitude spectrum of an ultrasonic signal (u’) output from the ultrasonic probe 10 and generating a time inversion signal (tru’).
  • an ultrasonic probe 10 for receiving an ultrasonic wave (u) having a predetermined frequency from a target part (t) contained in a target object (ob), converting the received ultrasonic wave (u) into electric signals and outputting the converted electric signals
  • a time inversion unit 100 for inverting a time of a time amplitude spectrum of an ultrasonic signal (u’) output from the ultrasonic probe 10 and generating a time inversion signal (tru’).
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 may include an ultrasonic transducer 11 for receiving ultrasonic waves from outside.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 11 may generate ultrasonic waves according to the AC power source. The generated ultrasonic waves are radiated to the target part (t) of the target object (ob), and then return to the ultrasonic probe 10. In this manner, the ultrasonic probe 11 receives eco ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate an ultrasonic image by use of an ultrasonic signal generated based on the eco ultrasonic waves.
  • the time inversion unit 100 may generate a time inversion signal (tru’) time-inverted on a time amplitude spectrum on the basis of the ultrasonic signal (u’) output from the ultrasonic probe 10.
  • FIGS. 2A to 2C show generation of a time-inversion signal according to embodiments.
  • An amplitude of the ultrasonic signal (u’) generated from the ultrasonic probe 10 may be changed with time as shown in FIG. 2A.
  • the time inversion unit 100 receives the ultrasonic signal (u’) shown in FIG. 2A, and performs time inversion of the ultrasonic signal (u’).
  • the time inversion unit 100 may receive the ultrasonic signal (u’) in real time. In addition, the time inversion unit 100 may receive an ultrasonic signal (u’) stored in a separate storage space.
  • the ultrasonic signal (u’) received by the time inversion unit 100 may be an ultrasonic signal that has been output from the ultrasonic probe 10 and focused.
  • the ultrasonic signal (u’) may be an ultrasonic signal obtained before focusing.
  • the ultrasonic signal (u’) received by the time inversion unit 100 may be an ultrasonic signal (u’) output from the ultrasonic probe 10, and may be a copied ultrasonic signal obtained by copying the ultrasonic signal (u’) output from the ultrasonic probe 10.
  • the time inversion unit 100 may generate a time inversion signal (tru’) by inverting a time of the input ultrasonic signal (u’) or a time of the copied ultrasonic signal.
  • the ultrasonic signal (u’) may be inverted in real time. That is, a first input value obtained whenever the ultrasonic signal (u’) is input in real time is generated later than a second input value subsequent to the first input value, and a time inversion signal (tru’) of the ultrasonic signal (u’) may be generated.
  • the ultrasonic signal (u’) is separately stored and the stored signal is then time-inverted.
  • the time-inversion signal (tru’) shown in FIG. 2C is generated through the above-mentioned time inversion.
  • the time inversion signal (tru’) generated from the time inversion unit 100 is transferred to the ultrasonic probe 10, and the ultrasonic probe 10 outputs a current source to the ultrasonic transducer 11 on the basis of the time inversion signal (tru’), such that a time inversion signal (tru) based on the time inversion signal (tru’) is generated and emitted.
  • the emitted time inversion ultrasonic waves (tru) are applied to the target object (ob).
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B are conceptual diagrams illustrating time inversion signal irradiation.
  • the time inversion unit 100 may generate a time inversion signal (tru’) on the basis of the ultrasonic signal (u’) based on the ultrasonic waves (u) received from a specific target part (t). If the transducer 11 generates ultrasonic waves in response to the time inversion signal (tru’) and applies the ultrasonic waves to the target object (ob), the resultant ultrasonic waves are focused on the target part (t) as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. Therefore, the ultrasonic waves may be focused on the specific target part (t) as needed. In this case, instead of using the ultrasonic waves focused to only one specific target part (t), the ultrasonic waves may also be spatially focused to a plurality of target parts (t).
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 receives echo ultrasonic waves obtained when ultrasonic waves focused to the specific target part (t) are reflected, and may convert the echo ultrasonic waves into an electric signal, i.e., an ultrasonic signal.
  • the following image processor 300 may generate an ultrasonic image on the basis of the ultrasonic signal related to the received echo ultrasonic waves.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may include an ultrasonic probe (p) provided at one end portion thereof with at least one ultrasonic transducer 11 configured to generate ultrasonic waves in response to an electric signal, and a main frame (m) connected to the ultrasonic probe (p).
  • the ultrasonic probe (p) includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11, and the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are fixed to a fixing frame located at an end portion of the ultrasonic probe (p).
  • the fixing frame may be provided in various shapes including a flat shape, a curved shape or any other shape.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 of the ultrasonic probe (p) may be installed at the end of the ultrasonic probe (p) and may be arranged in the form of a plane, curve, or other shapes, and may be installed at a fixed frame configured to fix the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 10. Arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers 11 may be decided according to a shape of the fixed frame.
  • the fixed frame may be formed of any of various materials used for fixing the ultrasonic transducer 11.
  • the fixe frame may be formed of a silicon material.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 11 may receive the AC power from an external power-supply unit or an embedded storage unit (e.g., a battery), and have a piezoelectric vibrator or a thin film of the ultrasonic transducer 11 vibrate according to the AC power, such that ultrasonic waves are generated.
  • an external power-supply unit or an embedded storage unit e.g., a battery
  • the ultrasonic transducer 11 may receive either ultrasonic waves (i.e., echo ultrasonic waves) reflected from a target part (t) or other ultrasonic waves generated from the target part (t) due to other external factors (e.g., laser irradiation).
  • ultrasonic waves reflected or generated from the target part (t) arrive at a piezoelectric vibrator or a thin film of the ultrasonic transducer 10
  • the piezoelectric vibrator or thin film vibrates according to the received ultrasonic waves, resulting in the occurrence of the AC current.
  • the output AC current may be an electric signal (i.e., an ultrasonic signal u’) obtained prior to generation of an ultrasonic image.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 11 may receive external ultrasonic waves.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 may be any of various ultrasonic transducers, for example, a magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducer configured to use the magnetostrictive effect of a magnetic substance, a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer configured to use the piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric material, and a capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (cMUT) configured to transmit/receive ultrasonic waves using vibration of hundreds or thousands of micromachined thin films.
  • cMUT capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer
  • the main frame (m) receives the ultrasonic signal (u’) from the ultrasonic probe (p), generates an ultrasonic image on the basis of the ultrasonic signal (u’) or performs predetermined image processing of the generated ultrasonic image, so that the ultrasonic image may be corrected.
  • the main frame (m) may include an input unit (i) for receiving a predetermined indication or command from the user, and a display unit (d) for displaying the generated ultrasonic image or a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for various indication or commands.
  • the input unit (i) may be any of a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touchscreen, a paddle, and a joystick, etc. and may also be a combination of at least two of them.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may include an ultrasonic probe 10, a time inversion unit 100, an image processor 200, and a controller 300.
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 may include at least one of the time inversion unit 100, the image processor 200 and the controller 300.
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 may include the ultrasonic transducer 11.
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 irradiates ultrasonic waves to the target object (ob) through the ultrasonic transducer 11, receives echo ultrasonic waves (u) generated by reflection of the irradiated ultrasonic waves, converts the echo ultrasonic waves (u) into an electric signal, and transmits the ultrasonic waves to the image processor 200.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 11 receives ultrasonic waves through a plurality of channels, such that the image processor 200 may apply an ultrasonic signal to a plurality of channels.
  • the image processor 200 may generate an ultrasonic image on the basis of the ultrasonic signal related to the received echo ultrasonic waves (u).
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an image processor according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the image processor 200 may include a beamforming unit 210, an image generator 220, an image storage unit 221, an image combiner 230, and a post-processing unit 240.
  • the beamforming unit 210 may include a time delay unit 211 and a focusing unit 210.
  • Each of respective elements (for example, T1 to T6 of FIG. 6) of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 may output ultrasonic signals of a plurality of channels according to the collected echo ultrasonic waves.
  • the beamforming unit 200 may include the time delay unit 211 and the focusing unit 212.
  • the time delay unit 211 may correct a time difference (i.e., a channel delay value) between a plurality of ultrasonic signals output from an ultrasonic receiver 10b, and may focus an ultrasonic signal caused by echo ultrasonic waves reflected from internal tissues of the target part (t) of the same target object (ob) located at the same position.
  • a time difference i.e., a channel delay value
  • the individual piezoelectric elements T1 to T6 may receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the same target part (t) at different times due to a distance difference between each element (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 or T6) and the tissue (t) from which the ultrasonic waves are reflected. Accordingly, ultrasonic signals, output through conversion from eco ultrasonic waves reflected even at the same reflection position, are output from the individual piezoelectric elements T1 to T6 at different times.
  • the ultrasonic signals output from the individual piezoelectric elements T1 to T6 are obtained by conversion of the echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the same reflection position, the ultrasonic signals may be output at different times. Therefore, there may be a slight time difference between the ultrasonic signals output from the individual elements T1 to T6. Accordingly, before focusing the ultrasonic signals output from the individual piezoelectric elements (T1 to T6) of the ultrasonic probe 10, it is necessary to compensate for a time difference between the output ultrasonic signals.
  • the time delay unit 211 of the beamforming unit 210 may independently delay an ultrasonic signal output from each element by a predetermined time, such that it outputs a time-difference-compensated ultrasonic signal (u’’) obtained when a time difference between the ultrasonic signals output from the individual elements T1 to T6 is corrected.
  • the plurality of ultrasonic signals (u’’) obtained by time-difference correction may be transmitted to a focusing unit 212 through the time delay unit 110.
  • the ultrasonic signals (u’’) obtained by conversion of echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the same target part (t) may arrive at the focusing unit 212 at the same time.
  • the focusing unit 212 focuses a plurality of time-difference-compensated ultrasonic signals (u’’) to a specific position, such that it outputs the beamformed ultrasonic signal (u’).
  • the beamformed ultrasonic signal (u’) may be transmitted to the image generator 220.
  • the focusing unit 212 applies a predetermined weight to each ultrasonic signal (u’’) so as to perform beamforming of the plurality of ultrasonic signals, emphasizes a specific ultrasonic signal (u’’) received by each element of some ultrasonic transducers 11, and relatively attenuates the ultrasonic signals (u’’) received by the remaining elements, resulting in the implementation of beamforming.
  • the focusing unit 212 may focus only some signals from among ultrasonic signals (u’’) output from individual elements, and may perform beamforming of the focused ultrasonic signals.
  • the image generator 220 may generate an ultrasonic image on the basis of the beamformed ultrasonic signal (u'). In accordance with one embodiment, the image generator 220 may temporarily or permanently store the generated ultrasonic image in a separate image storage unit 221. The image generator 220 may transmit the generated ultrasonic image to the post processing unit 240. Of course, the image generator 220 may transmit the ultrasonic image generated by the image generator 220 to the display unit (d), and may also display another ultrasonic image in which post processing is not performed to a user.
  • the image generator 220 may generate various modes of ultrasonic images on the basis of the beamformed ultrasonic signal.
  • the A mode, the B mode, etc. may be used as any of various modes.
  • an ultrasonic image is displayed using an amplitude
  • the target part (t) is displayed using a distance or time from the ultrasonic probe 10
  • the reflection intensity may be denoted by amplitude
  • the amplitude of echo ultrasonic waves is displayed on the screen on the basis of brightness. If the ultrasonic image is generated in the B mode, the user can intuitively recognize internal tissues or organization of the target object (ob) using only the ultrasonic image, such that the B mode is frequently used.
  • An exemplary ultrasonic image of the B mode is shown in FIG. 8.
  • the post processing unit 240 may correct an ultrasonic image generated by the image generator 220 according to user intention or user convenience.
  • the post processing unit 240 may correct brightness, contrast, and color for the user who desires to more clearly view tissues of the ultrasonic image, and may generate a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonic image using a plurality of ultrasonic images.
  • the ultrasonic image corrected by the post processing unit 240 may be displayed for the user through the display unit (d).
  • the image generator 220 may generate a plurality of ultrasonic images
  • the image combiner 230 may generate a new ultrasonic image by combining at least two ultrasonic images from among the generated ultrasonic images.
  • the image combiner 230 may combine an image by overlapping the plurality of ultrasonic images with each other.
  • individual values ( ⁇ ) of the ultrasonic images may be adjusted and the ultrasonic waves may overlap each other as necessary.
  • the ultrasonic images may be ultrasonic images showing the same target part.
  • any one of the plurality of combined ultrasonic images may be an ultrasonic image showing some parts of another ultrasonic image.
  • the ultrasonic image showing some parts of the ultrasonic image overlaps a specific part corresponding to another ultrasonic image and generates a new ultrasonic image, resulting in formation of an improved ultrasonic image in which brightness and chroma of some ultrasonic images are improved or definition, accuracy, or resolution of some ultrasonic images are improved.
  • FIG. 7 embodiment of the image processor and the time inversion unit according to one embodiment.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may include the time inversion unit 100.
  • the time inversion unit 100 receives an ultrasonic signal from the image processor 220, such that it generates a time inversion signal.
  • the time inversion unit 100 may directly receive an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic probe 10 differently from FIG. 5. In this case, the time inversion unit 100 may receive some ultrasonic signals from among the ultrasonic signals output from the ultrasonic probe 10.
  • the time inversion unit 100 may directly receive time-delayed ultrasonic signals (u’’) output from the time delay unit 211. In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the time inversion unit 100 may receive ultrasonic signals (u’) focused by the focusing unit 212. Similarly, the time inversion unit 100 may receive some time-delayed ultrasonic signals from among the time-delayed ultrasonic signals (u’’), or may receive some ultrasonic signals from among the focused ultrasonic signal (u’).
  • the time-delayed ultrasonic signal (u’’) or the focused ultrasonic signal (u’) may be temporarily or permanently stored in the signal storage unit 201 before it is transferred to the time inversion unit 100.
  • the time inversion unit 100 may retrieve the time-delayed ultrasonic signal (u’’) or the focused ultrasonic signal (u’) stored in the signal storage unit 201 according to an external command input or predetermined setup information, and may perform time inversion of the retrieved time-delayed ultrasonic signal (u’’) or the focused ultrasonic signal (u’), such that it may generate a time inversion signal.
  • some time-delayed ultrasonic signals (u’’) or the focused ultrasonic signal (u’) from among the retrieved time-delayed ultrasonic signal (u’’) or the focused ultrasonic signal (u’) may be retrieved so that a time inversion signal may be generated.
  • FIG. 8 shows an ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a process for combining the ultrasonic image according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the time inversion unit of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.
  • the ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) generated by the image generator 220 is displayed for a user through the display (d) as shown in FIG. 8A.
  • the ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) shown in FIG. 8A is an ultrasonic image represented by the B mode.
  • the user may desire to view in more detail a specific region from among the ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) shown in FIG. 8A, for example, a selected region ( ⁇ ’) shown in FIG. 8B.
  • the selected region ( ⁇ ’) may include a specific part indicating lesion.
  • the user may select a desired region through the input unit (i), so that the user may designate the selected region ( ⁇ ’).
  • the user may select the selected region ( ⁇ ’) through various methods.
  • the user may manipulate a mouse, a keyboard, or a touchscreen, may directly designate coordinates of the selected region ( ⁇ ’), or may enter and designate a detailed coordinate value.
  • the selected region ( ⁇ ’) may include a square shape as shown in FIG. 8B, and the selected region ( ⁇ ’) may be formed in various shapes such as a circle, an oval, a triangle, or a pentagon, and may be separated from other regions of the ultrasonic image.
  • the selected region ( ⁇ ’) is selected or designated by the user, the selected region A may be automatically designated according to the setup information of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus in accordance with another embodiment. For example, if a specific section doubted to be a lesion part is retrieved through analysis of the generated ultrasonic image, the doubted section or its neighbor region may be selected as the selected region ( ⁇ ’) by the ultrasonic imaging apparatus.
  • the time inversion unit 100 may select only an ultrasonic signal corresponding to the selected region ( ⁇ ’), such that it may generate a time inversion signa (tru’).
  • the time inversion unit 100 may include a time inversion signal generator 110 and a signal selection unit 120.
  • the time inversion signal generator 110 may generate a time inversion signal (tru’) on the basis of the ultrasonic signal, and the signal selection unit 120 may separately extract an ultrasonic signal of the selected region ( ⁇ ’) and transmit the extracted ultrasonic signal to the time inversion signal generator 110.
  • the signal selection unit 120 may include a region information receiver 121, a signal selector 122, and a signal extractor 123.
  • the signal selection unit 120 may receive a plurality of focused ultrasonic signals (u'1 to u'5) output from the focusing unit 212.
  • the signal selection unit 120 may directly receive data from the input unit (i) through the region information receiver 121, or may receive data of the selected region ( ⁇ ’) through the controller 300.
  • the signal selection unit 120 may receive coordinate values of the selected region ( ⁇ ’).
  • the signal selection unit 120 may receive data of the selected region ( ⁇ ’) from the controller 300 without receiving a user-selected command through the input unit (i).
  • the signal selector 122 of the signal selection unit 120 may extract ultrasonic signals corresponding to the selected region ( ⁇ ’) of the focused ultrasonic signals (u'1 to u'5) upon receiving data of the selected region ( ⁇ ’) from the input unit (i) or the controller 300. For example, the signal selector 122 may extract the ultrasonic signals (u'2 to u'4).
  • the signal extractor 123 extracts the ultrasonic signals (u'2 to u'4) corresponding to the region A selected by the signal selector 121 from among the plurality of ultrasonic signals (u'1 to u'5), and transmits the extracted ultrasonic signals (u'2 to u'4) to the time inversion signal generator 110.
  • the time inversion signal generator 110 may perform time inversion of ultrasonic signals (for example, ultrasonic signals u'2 ⁇ u'4) corresponding to the selected region ( ⁇ ’) in the same manner as FIGS. 2A to 2C, such that it may generate a time inversion signal (tru').
  • ultrasonic signals for example, ultrasonic signals u'2 ⁇ u'4
  • the time inversion signal (tru') generated by the time inversion signal generator 110 generates a pulse signal, and transmits the pulse signal to the transducer 11, such that it may directly transmit the pulse signal to a pulser 311 configured to vibrate the transducer 11.
  • the time inversion signal (tru') may be transferred to the controller 300.
  • the controller 300 may generate a predetermined control command (i.e., a control signal based on a time inversion signal) in response to the time inversion signal (tru’), and may transmit the control command to the pulser 311.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 11 may generate an ultrasonic signal by vibrating according to the pulse signal generated by the time inversion signal.
  • the generated ultrasonic waves are emitted to the target part (t).
  • ultrasonic waves are concentrated on the internal tissues of the target object (ob) corresponding to a specific part (i.e., the selected region ( ⁇ ’)) as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C.
  • the tissues (i.e., target part t) of the target object (ob) corresponding to the selected region ( ⁇ ’) to which ultrasonic waves are focused may reflect the concentrated ultrasonic waves, such that echo ultrasonic waves of the selected region ( ⁇ ’) are received by the ultrasonic transducer 11.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 11 may output an electric signal (i.e., an ultrasonic signal) corresponding to echo ultrasonic waves, and the image processor 200 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may generate an ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) of the selected region ( ⁇ ’) on the basis of the newly received echo ultrasonic waves.
  • the ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) of the selected region ( ⁇ ’) is shown in FIG. 8C.
  • the image processor 200 generates an ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) of the selected region ( ⁇ ’), stores the ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) in the image storage unit 221, and transmits the ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) to the post processing unit 240 in such a manner that it may perform post processing.
  • the image processor 200 may also display an ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) of the selected region ( ⁇ ’) on the display unit (d).
  • the image combiner 230 of the image processor 200 may combine a pre-stored ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) with an ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) of the new selected region ( ⁇ ’), and may generate a combined image as shown in FIG. 8D. Therefore, the user may view an overall ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) of the target object (ob) and an improved ultrasonic image ( ⁇ ) having improved image quality and higher definition.
  • FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operations of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus emits ultrasonic waves to the target object (ob), collects a first echo ultrasonic wave, and acquires a first ultrasonic image.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus re-emits ultrasonic waves to the target object on the basis of the first echo ultrasonic wave, and collects a second echo ultrasonic wave, such that it may acquire a second ultrasonic wave.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may combine a first ultrasonic image with a second ultrasonic image as needed.
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 generates ultrasonic waves and irradiates the ultrasonic waves to the target object (ob) (See FIG. 101).
  • Ultrasonic waves applied to various tissues or organization of the target object (ob) may be reflected or penetrated according to characteristics of various tissues or organization of the target object.
  • the reflected ultrasonic waves i.e., first echo ultrasonic waves
  • arrive at the ultrasonic probe 10 See FIG. 102
  • a target object (ob) irradiated with ultrasonic waves may be identical to or different from a part for receiving the ultrasonic waves from the target object.
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 may convert a first echo ultrasonic wave into an electric signal, and the image processor 200 may generate a first ultrasonic image on the basis of the first echo ultrasonic wave.
  • the time inversion unit 100 may generate a time inversion signal on the basis of all or some ultrasonic signals based on the first echo ultrasonic wave, and may transmit the time inversion signal to the ultrasonic probe 10.
  • the ultrasonic probe generates a time inversion ultrasonic wave on the basis of the time inversion signal, and re-emits the time inversion ultrasonic wave to the target object (ob) (See FIG. 103).
  • Tissues or organization of the target object (ob) may reflect time inversion ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic probe 10 may collect the second echo ultrasonic wave reflected from the target object (ob) (See FIG. 104).
  • the image processor 200 may acquire a second ultrasonic image on the basis of the second echo ultrasonic wave.
  • the time inversion unit 100 may regenerate the time inversion signal on the basis of the second echo ultrasonic wave.
  • the generated time inversion signal is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe 10, and the ultrasonic probe 10 generates ultrasonic waves in response to the time inversion signal based on the second echo ultrasonic wave, and emits the ultrasonic waves to the target object (ob).
  • Each of the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal may be displayed on the display unit (d), and a combination of the first and second ultrasonic signals may be displayed on the display unit (d).
  • FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operations of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may include a laser irradiation unit 10a. That is, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may be a photoacoustic imaging apparatus, or a combination of the photoacoustic imaging apparatus and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may be used.
  • the laser irradiation unit 10a may generate the laser corresponding to a voltage received from an external power source in response to a predetermined indication or command, and may emit the laser to the external part (See FIG. 111).
  • the emitted laser may arrive at the target part (t) of the target object (ob). If the laser is emitted to the target object (ob) (for example, the target part (t) of a human being), acoustic waves such as ultrasonic waves are generated from the target part (t) (See FIG. 112).
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 collects ultrasonic waves generated from the target part (t), and converts the collected ultrasonic waves into an electric signal (i.e., an ultrasonic signal).
  • the image processor 200 may generate a first ultrasonic image on the basis of ultrasonic waves caused by laser, and the time inversion unit 100 may generate a time inversion signal on the basis of all or some ultrasonic signals based on ultrasonic waves caused by laser at the same time or at different times, such that the time inversion signal is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe 10.
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 may generate a time inversion ultrasonic wave on the basis of the received time inversion signal. Therefore, ultrasonic waves are emitted to the target object (ob) (See FIG. 103).
  • All or some ultrasonic waves emitted to the target part (t) of the target object (ob) may be reflected from the target part (t).
  • the second echo ultrasonic waves are collected by the ultrasonic probe (See FIG. 104).
  • the image processing unit 200 may obtain a second ultrasonic image on the basis of the second echo ultrasonic wave.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may collect ultrasonic waves (u) from the target object (ob) in step 400.
  • the ultrasonic waves are generated from the ultrasonic probe 10, may be echo ultrasonic waves emitted to the target object (ob), or may be ultrasonic weaves generated by the laser emitted form the laser irradiation unit 10a.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate an electric signal (i.e., an ultrasonic signal u') corresponding to the collected ultrasonic waves (u) in step 410. This process may be carried out by the ultrasonic transducer 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate a time inversion signal (tru’) on the basis of all or some of the collected ultrasonic signals (u’) in step 420.
  • the time inversion signal (tru') is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe 10, and the ultrasonic transducer 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 may generate ultrasonic waves according to the time inversion signal (tru’) in step 430.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment.
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate ultrasonic waves according to a power source received by the ultrasonic transducer 11 of the ultrasonic probe.
  • the generated ultrasonic waves are emitted to the target object (ob) in step 500.
  • Ultrasonic waves emitted to the target object (ob) are reflected from a specific part (e.g., a target part (t)) of the target object, and the ultrasonic probe 10 may collect the first echo ultrasonic wave (u) reflected from the target object in step 510.
  • a specific part e.g., a target part (t)
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 may collect the first echo ultrasonic wave (u) reflected from the target object in step 510.
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 may generate the ultrasonic signal (u’) of the first echo ultrasonic wave (u) in step 511.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate a first ultrasonic image on the basis of the generated ultrasonic signal (u’) in step 512.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate a time inversion signal (tru’) on the basis of the ultrasonic signal (u’) of the first echo ultrasonic wave (u) in step 520.
  • the current is applied to the ultrasonic probe 10 in response to the time inversion signal (tru’), such that a time inversion ultrasonic wave (tru) corresponding to the time inversion signal (tru’) is generated in step 521.
  • the time inversion ultrasonic wave (tru) is emitted to the target object (ob) in step 522.
  • the ultrasonic probe 10 may collect the second echo ultrasonic wave caused by the time inversion ultrasonic wave (tru) from the target object (ob) in step 523, and generate an ultrasonic signal of the second echo ultrasonic wave in step 524. Subsequently, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate a second ultrasonic image on the basis of the second echo ultrasonic wave in step 525.
  • the first ultrasonic image based on the first echo ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic image based on the second echo ultrasonic wave may be displayed separately from each other in step 531.
  • the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image may be displayed on different display units (d) such as two monitors, or may be displayed on different image display units, for example, a smartphone, a tablet PC, and a monitor device.
  • the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image may be sequentially displayed on a single display (d) or may be displayed on the display (d) at different times.
  • the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image are combined to generate a new ultrasonic image, such that the generated ultrasonic image may be displayed in step 532.
  • a second ultrasonic image may overlap the first ultrasonic image.
  • FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment.
  • ultrasonic waves are emitted to the target object (ob) in step 600, such that the first echo ultrasonic waves are collected in step 610.
  • an ultrasonic signal corresponding to the collected ultrasonic waves is output in step 611, a first ultrasonic image is generated on the basis of the output ultrasonic signal in step S612, and the first ultrasonic image is displayed on the display unit (d).
  • the user may confirm a first ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit (d), and may select some regions of the first ultrasonic image in step 613 (See FIG. 8B).
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may select an ultrasonic signal corresponding to the selected region ( ⁇ ’) indicating some selection regions from among the ultrasonic signals derived from the first echo ultrasonic signal in step 614.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may invert a time of the time amplitude spectrum in association with the ultrasonic signal corresponding to the selected region ( ⁇ ’) indicating some selection regions, and may generate a time inversion signal in step 620.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate a time inversion ultrasonic wave in response to the time inversion signal in step 621, and may emit the time inversion ultrasonic wave to the target object in step 622.
  • the emitted time inversion ultrasonic waves are concentrated to the selected region ( ⁇ ’).
  • the time inversion ultrasonic waves are reflected from the target part (t) corresponding to the selected region ( ⁇ ’) of the target object (ob), and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may collect the reflected time inversion ultrasonic waves (i.e., the second echo ultrasonic waves) in step 623.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may convert the second echo ultrasonic waves into an electric signal (i.e., an ultrasonic signal) in step 624, and may generate the second ultrasonic image on the basis of the converted ultrasonic signal in step 625.
  • an electric signal i.e., an ultrasonic signal
  • the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image may be displayed separately from each other in step 631.
  • a combination of the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image may also be displayed as necessary in step 632.
  • the second ultrasonic image indicates some parts of the first ultrasonic image
  • the second ultrasonic image overlaps the first ultrasonic image, such that the overlap result is displayed as shown in FIG. 8D.
  • the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may obtain a high-definition and high-precise ultrasonic image showing a user-desired part from among the overall ultrasonic images.

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Abstract

An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe to collect ultrasonic waves from a target object, convert the collected ultrasonic waves, and output an ultrasonic signal; and a time inversion unit to perform time inversion of the ultrasonic signal generated from the ultrasonic probe, and generate a time inversion signal. The ultrasonic probe generates a time inversion ultrasonic wave in response to the time inversion signal.

Description

ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME
The following description relates to an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same.
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus irradiates ultrasonic waves to a target part contained in a target object, collects echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target part, and converts the collected echo ultrasonic waves into an electric signal, so that it may generate an ultrasonic image using the electric signal.
The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and a main frame. The ultrasonic probe generates ultrasonic waves, collects echo ultrasonic waves, and converts the echo ultrasonic waves into an electric signal. An ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic waves is installed at the end of the ultrasonic probe. The transducer converts one form of energy (for example, electric energy) into another form of energy (for example, vibration or light). The ultrasonic transducer vibrates in response to an input current having predetermined pulses, such that it may generate ultrasonic waves in response to such vibration. The ultrasonic transducer vibrates in response to a frequency of ultrasonic waves received from the target object or the like, generates a current of a predetermined pulse, and converts the ultrasonic waves into an electric signal.
The main frame of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus focuses the electric signal, generates an ultrasonic image, and performs predetermined image processing on the generated ultrasonic image, such that it obtains an ultrasonic image showing an internal image of the target object. The obtained ultrasonic image is displayed for a user such as a doctor or patient on a display device such as a monitor connected to the main frame.
It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same to obtain a higher-definition ultrasonic image having less noise.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus for focusing ultrasonic waves to tissues or organization of a target object corresponding to some parts of an ultrasonic image desired by a user.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus for improving intensity of received ultrasonic signals when ultrasonic waves for an ultrasonic image are collected, minimizing noise of the ultrasonic signals, and obtaining an improved ultrasonic image.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus for implementing more simplified beamforming using a beamforming algorithm, and a method for controlling the same.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus for acquiring a higher-definition and higher-accuracy ultrasonic image from a selected region.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus for improving accuracy and precision of an image of a user-selected region, such that a user can recognize and diagnose tissues and organization of a target object using an ultrasonic image
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe to collect ultrasonic waves from a target object, convert the collected ultrasonic waves, and output an ultrasonic signal; and a time inversion unit to perform time inversion of the ultrasonic signal generated from the ultrasonic probe, and generate a time inversion signal, wherein the ultrasonic probe generates a time inversion ultrasonic wave in response to the time inversion signal.
The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may further include: an image processor to generate an ultrasonic image on the basis of the ultrasonic signal collected by the ultrasonic probe.
The ultrasonic probe may emit the time inversion ultrasonic wave generated in response to the time inversion signal to a target object, and collect time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object. In this case, the generated ultrasonic image and the time inversion echo ultrasonic image may be generated in the same ultrasonic image mode, for example, A mode, B mode, or M mode.
The image processor may combine an ultrasonic image generated on the basis of ultrasonic waves received from the target object with a time inversion echo ultrasonic image generated on the basis of the time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may further include: an input unit to receive an indication message for selecting some regions from among the ultrasonic image.
The time inversion unit may separately extract an ultrasonic signal corresponding to some selected regions from among the plurality of ultrasonic signals collected by the ultrasonic probe, and generate the time inversion signal on the basis of the extracted ultrasonic signals.
The ultrasonic probe may emit ultrasonic waves to some regions of the target object on the basis of the time inversion signal for the some regions, and collects time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
The image processor may combine an ultrasonic image generated on the basis of ultrasonic waves received from the target object with a time inversion echo ultrasonic image generated on the basis of the time inversion echo ultrasonic waves of the some regions, and thus generate the combined ultrasonic image.
The ultrasonic image and the time inversion echo ultrasonic image may be generated in the same ultrasonic image mode.
The image processor may control the ultrasonic image to overlap the time inversion echo ultrasonic image, and thus generate a combined ultrasonic image.
The image processor may include: a time compensator to compensate for a time of each ultrasonic signal of a plurality of channels of the ultrasonic probe; and a beamforming unit to focus ultrasonic signals of the plurality of channels; and an image generator to generate an ultrasonic image on the basis of the ultrasonic signals focused by the beamforming unit.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: collecting ultrasonic waves from a target object; upon receiving an ultrasonic signal of the collected ultrasonic waves, generating a time inversion signal obtained by time inversion of the ultrasonic signal; and generating ultrasonic waves in response to the time inversion signal.
The method may further include: emitting ultrasonic waves generated in response to the time inversion signal to a target object, and collecting time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
The method may further include: generating a time inversion echo ultrasonic image on the basis of the collected time inversion echo ultrasonic waves.
The method may further include: generating an ultrasonic image on the basis of the collected ultrasonic waves; and selecting some regions from among the ultrasonic image.
The generating the time inversion signal obtained by time inversion of the ultrasonic signal on the basis of the collected ultrasonic signals may include: separately extracting an ultrasonic signal corresponding to some regions selected from among a plurality of ultrasonic signals generated from the ultrasonic probe; and generating a time inversion signal obtained by time inversion of the ultrasonic signal on the basis of the ultrasonic signal corresponding to the some regions selected from among the ultrasonic image.
The method may further include: emitting ultrasonic waves to some regions of the target object on the basis of a time inversion signal of the some regions; and collecting time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
The method may further include: generating a time inversion echo ultrasonic image on the basis of the collected time inversion echo ultrasonic waves for the some regions.
The method may further include: combining the ultrasonic image with the time inversion echo ultrasonic image.
The method may further include: emitting ultrasonic waves generated in response to the time inversion signal, and collecting time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object; generating a time inversion echo ultrasonic image on the basis of the collectd time inversion echo ultrasonic waves; and combining an ultrasonic image generated on the basis of the ultrasonic waves received from the target object with the time inversion echo ultrasonic image generated on the basis of the time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
As is apparent from the above description, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus and the method for controlling the same according to embodiments can obtain a more definite and precise ultrasonic image when an ultrasonic image is obtained through the ultrasonic imaging apparatus.
If a user desires to view a specific part of an ultrasonic image, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may intensively focus ultrasonic waves to tissues or organization of a target object, an image of which is desired by a user.
Therefore, the user can receive a higher-definition and higher-accuracy ultrasonic image for a user-desired target part as compared to other parts.
Therefore, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus can more correctly recognize and diagnose tissues or organization of a target part using an ultrasonic image.
In addition, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus can improve intensity of a reception signal during collection of ultrasonic waves, minimize noise of an ultrasonic image, such that it may obtain an improved ultrasonic image.
The ultrasonic imaging apparatus and the method for controlling the same according to embodiments can more simply perform beamforming as compared to the conventional ultrasonic imaging apparatus.
These and/or other aspects of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment;
FIGS. 2A to 2C show generation of a time-inversion signal according to embodiments;
FIGS. 3A to 3C are conceptual diagrams illustrating ultrasound irradiation based on a time inversion signal;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an image processor according to one embodiment;
FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of the image processor and the time inversion unit according to one embodiment;
FIG. 8 shows an ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a process for combining the ultrasonic image according to one embodiment; FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a time inversion unit of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operations of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operations of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment; and
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment.
Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 1, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 10 for receiving an ultrasonic wave (u) having a predetermined frequency from a target part (t) contained in a target object (ob), converting the received ultrasonic wave (u) into electric signals and outputting the converted electric signals; and a time inversion unit 100 for inverting a time of a time amplitude spectrum of an ultrasonic signal (u’) output from the ultrasonic probe 10 and generating a time inversion signal (tru’).
The ultrasonic probe 10 may include an ultrasonic transducer 11 for receiving ultrasonic waves from outside. In accordance with one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 11 may generate ultrasonic waves according to the AC power source. The generated ultrasonic waves are radiated to the target part (t) of the target object (ob), and then return to the ultrasonic probe 10. In this manner, the ultrasonic probe 11 receives eco ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object. In accordance with an embodiment, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate an ultrasonic image by use of an ultrasonic signal generated based on the eco ultrasonic waves.
The time inversion unit 100 may generate a time inversion signal (tru’) time-inverted on a time amplitude spectrum on the basis of the ultrasonic signal (u’) output from the ultrasonic probe 10.
FIGS. 2A to 2C show generation of a time-inversion signal according to embodiments. An amplitude of the ultrasonic signal (u’) generated from the ultrasonic probe 10 may be changed with time as shown in FIG. 2A. The time inversion unit 100 receives the ultrasonic signal (u’) shown in FIG. 2A, and performs time inversion of the ultrasonic signal (u’).
In accordance with one embodiment, the time inversion unit 100 may receive the ultrasonic signal (u’) in real time. In addition, the time inversion unit 100 may receive an ultrasonic signal (u’) stored in a separate storage space.
In accordance with one embodiment, the ultrasonic signal (u’) received by the time inversion unit 100 may be an ultrasonic signal that has been output from the ultrasonic probe 10 and focused. In addition, the ultrasonic signal (u’) may be an ultrasonic signal obtained before focusing.
The ultrasonic signal (u’) received by the time inversion unit 100 may be an ultrasonic signal (u’) output from the ultrasonic probe 10, and may be a copied ultrasonic signal obtained by copying the ultrasonic signal (u’) output from the ultrasonic probe 10.
As can be seen from FIG. 2B, the time inversion unit 100 may generate a time inversion signal (tru’) by inverting a time of the input ultrasonic signal (u’) or a time of the copied ultrasonic signal.
In accordance with one embodiment, if the time inversion unit 100 receives the ultrasonic signal (u’), the ultrasonic signal (u’) may be inverted in real time. That is, a first input value obtained whenever the ultrasonic signal (u’) is input in real time is generated later than a second input value subsequent to the first input value, and a time inversion signal (tru’) of the ultrasonic signal (u’) may be generated. In accordance with another embodiment, the ultrasonic signal (u’) is separately stored and the stored signal is then time-inverted.
The time-inversion signal (tru’) shown in FIG. 2C is generated through the above-mentioned time inversion.
The time inversion signal (tru’) generated from the time inversion unit 100 is transferred to the ultrasonic probe 10, and the ultrasonic probe 10 outputs a current source to the ultrasonic transducer 11 on the basis of the time inversion signal (tru’), such that a time inversion signal (tru) based on the time inversion signal (tru’) is generated and emitted. The emitted time inversion ultrasonic waves (tru) are applied to the target object (ob).
FIGS. 3A and 3B are conceptual diagrams illustrating time inversion signal irradiation.
Referring to FIG. 3A, the time inversion unit 100 may generate a time inversion signal (tru’) on the basis of the ultrasonic signal (u’) based on the ultrasonic waves (u) received from a specific target part (t). If the transducer 11 generates ultrasonic waves in response to the time inversion signal (tru’) and applies the ultrasonic waves to the target object (ob), the resultant ultrasonic waves are focused on the target part (t) as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. Therefore, the ultrasonic waves may be focused on the specific target part (t) as needed. In this case, instead of using the ultrasonic waves focused to only one specific target part (t), the ultrasonic waves may also be spatially focused to a plurality of target parts (t). Thereafter, the ultrasonic probe 10 receives echo ultrasonic waves obtained when ultrasonic waves focused to the specific target part (t) are reflected, and may convert the echo ultrasonic waves into an electric signal, i.e., an ultrasonic signal. As described above, the following image processor 300 may generate an ultrasonic image on the basis of the ultrasonic signal related to the received echo ultrasonic waves.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus.
Referring to FIG. 4, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may include an ultrasonic probe (p) provided at one end portion thereof with at least one ultrasonic transducer 11 configured to generate ultrasonic waves in response to an electric signal, and a main frame (m) connected to the ultrasonic probe (p).
The ultrasonic probe (p) includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11, and the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are fixed to a fixing frame located at an end portion of the ultrasonic probe (p). The fixing frame may be provided in various shapes including a flat shape, a curved shape or any other shape. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 of the ultrasonic probe (p) may be installed at the end of the ultrasonic probe (p) and may be arranged in the form of a plane, curve, or other shapes, and may be installed at a fixed frame configured to fix the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 10. Arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers 11 may be decided according to a shape of the fixed frame. The fixed frame may be formed of any of various materials used for fixing the ultrasonic transducer 11. For example, the fixe frame may be formed of a silicon material.
In more detail, the ultrasonic transducer 11 may receive the AC power from an external power-supply unit or an embedded storage unit (e.g., a battery), and have a piezoelectric vibrator or a thin film of the ultrasonic transducer 11 vibrate according to the AC power, such that ultrasonic waves are generated.
In opposition to the above case of ultrasound irradiation, the ultrasonic transducer 11 may receive either ultrasonic waves (i.e., echo ultrasonic waves) reflected from a target part (t) or other ultrasonic waves generated from the target part (t) due to other external factors (e.g., laser irradiation). In more detail, if ultrasonic waves reflected or generated from the target part (t) arrive at a piezoelectric vibrator or a thin film of the ultrasonic transducer 10, the piezoelectric vibrator or thin film vibrates according to the received ultrasonic waves, resulting in the occurrence of the AC current. The output AC current may be an electric signal (i.e., an ultrasonic signal u’) obtained prior to generation of an ultrasonic image. As a result, the ultrasonic transducer 11 may receive external ultrasonic waves.
The ultrasonic transducer 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 may be any of various ultrasonic transducers, for example, a magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducer configured to use the magnetostrictive effect of a magnetic substance, a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer configured to use the piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric material, and a capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (cMUT) configured to transmit/receive ultrasonic waves using vibration of hundreds or thousands of micromachined thin films.
The main frame (m) receives the ultrasonic signal (u’) from the ultrasonic probe (p), generates an ultrasonic image on the basis of the ultrasonic signal (u’) or performs predetermined image processing of the generated ultrasonic image, so that the ultrasonic image may be corrected. In addition, the main frame (m) may include an input unit (i) for receiving a predetermined indication or command from the user, and a display unit (d) for displaying the generated ultrasonic image or a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for various indication or commands. For example, the input unit (i) may be any of a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touchscreen, a paddle, and a joystick, etc. and may also be a combination of at least two of them.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 5, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may include an ultrasonic probe 10, a time inversion unit 100, an image processor 200, and a controller 300. Although the following description will be made in relation that the ultrasonic probe 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the ultrasonic transducer 11, etc. and the main frame (m) includes the time inversion unit 100, the image processor 200 and the controller 300, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic probe 10 may include at least one of the time inversion unit 100, the image processor 200 and the controller 300.
As described above, the ultrasonic probe 10 may include the ultrasonic transducer 11. The ultrasonic probe 10 irradiates ultrasonic waves to the target object (ob) through the ultrasonic transducer 11, receives echo ultrasonic waves (u) generated by reflection of the irradiated ultrasonic waves, converts the echo ultrasonic waves (u) into an electric signal, and transmits the ultrasonic waves to the image processor 200. The ultrasonic transducer 11 receives ultrasonic waves through a plurality of channels, such that the image processor 200 may apply an ultrasonic signal to a plurality of channels.
The image processor 200 may generate an ultrasonic image on the basis of the ultrasonic signal related to the received echo ultrasonic waves (u). FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an image processor according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the image processor 200 may include a beamforming unit 210, an image generator 220, an image storage unit 221, an image combiner 230, and a post-processing unit 240.
The beamforming unit 210 may include a time delay unit 211 and a focusing unit 210.
Each of respective elements (for example, T1 to T6 of FIG. 6) of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 may output ultrasonic signals of a plurality of channels according to the collected echo ultrasonic waves.
Referring to FIG. 6, the beamforming unit 200 may include the time delay unit 211 and the focusing unit 212.
The time delay unit 211 may correct a time difference (i.e., a channel delay value) between a plurality of ultrasonic signals output from an ultrasonic receiver 10b, and may focus an ultrasonic signal caused by echo ultrasonic waves reflected from internal tissues of the target part (t) of the same target object (ob) located at the same position.
When individual elements (for example, piezoelectric elements T1 to T6) of individual ultrasonic transducers 11 are received, the individual piezoelectric elements T1 to T6 may receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the same target part (t) at different times due to a distance difference between each element (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 or T6) and the tissue (t) from which the ultrasonic waves are reflected. Accordingly, ultrasonic signals, output through conversion from eco ultrasonic waves reflected even at the same reflection position, are output from the individual piezoelectric elements T1 to T6 at different times. That is, although the ultrasonic signals output from the individual piezoelectric elements T1 to T6 are obtained by conversion of the echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the same reflection position, the ultrasonic signals may be output at different times. Therefore, there may be a slight time difference between the ultrasonic signals output from the individual elements T1 to T6. Accordingly, before focusing the ultrasonic signals output from the individual piezoelectric elements (T1 to T6) of the ultrasonic probe 10, it is necessary to compensate for a time difference between the output ultrasonic signals.
The time delay unit 211 of the beamforming unit 210 may independently delay an ultrasonic signal output from each element by a predetermined time, such that it outputs a time-difference-compensated ultrasonic signal (u’’) obtained when a time difference between the ultrasonic signals output from the individual elements T1 to T6 is corrected. The plurality of ultrasonic signals (u’’) obtained by time-difference correction may be transmitted to a focusing unit 212 through the time delay unit 110. In other words, after the ultrasonic signals (u’’) pass through the time delay unit 211, the ultrasonic signals (u’’) obtained by conversion of echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the same target part (t) may arrive at the focusing unit 212 at the same time.
The focusing unit 212 focuses a plurality of time-difference-compensated ultrasonic signals (u’’) to a specific position, such that it outputs the beamformed ultrasonic signal (u’). The beamformed ultrasonic signal (u’) may be transmitted to the image generator 220.
The focusing unit 212 applies a predetermined weight to each ultrasonic signal (u’’) so as to perform beamforming of the plurality of ultrasonic signals, emphasizes a specific ultrasonic signal (u’’) received by each element of some ultrasonic transducers 11, and relatively attenuates the ultrasonic signals (u’’) received by the remaining elements, resulting in the implementation of beamforming.
In addition, the focusing unit 212 may focus only some signals from among ultrasonic signals (u’’) output from individual elements, and may perform beamforming of the focused ultrasonic signals.
The image generator 220 may generate an ultrasonic image on the basis of the beamformed ultrasonic signal (u'). In accordance with one embodiment, the image generator 220 may temporarily or permanently store the generated ultrasonic image in a separate image storage unit 221. The image generator 220 may transmit the generated ultrasonic image to the post processing unit 240. Of course, the image generator 220 may transmit the ultrasonic image generated by the image generator 220 to the display unit (d), and may also display another ultrasonic image in which post processing is not performed to a user.
In accordance with one embodiment of the image processing unit 220, the image generator 220 may generate various modes of ultrasonic images on the basis of the beamformed ultrasonic signal. In this case, the A mode, the B mode, etc. may be used as any of various modes.
During the A mode, an ultrasonic image is displayed using an amplitude, the target part (t) is displayed using a distance or time from the ultrasonic probe 10, and the reflection intensity may be denoted by amplitude.
During the B mode, the amplitude of echo ultrasonic waves is displayed on the screen on the basis of brightness. If the ultrasonic image is generated in the B mode, the user can intuitively recognize internal tissues or organization of the target object (ob) using only the ultrasonic image, such that the B mode is frequently used. An exemplary ultrasonic image of the B mode is shown in FIG. 8.
The post processing unit 240 may correct an ultrasonic image generated by the image generator 220 according to user intention or user convenience. In accordance with one embodiment, the post processing unit 240 may correct brightness, contrast, and color for the user who desires to more clearly view tissues of the ultrasonic image, and may generate a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonic image using a plurality of ultrasonic images. The ultrasonic image corrected by the post processing unit 240 may be displayed for the user through the display unit (d).
Meanwhile, the image generator 220 may generate a plurality of ultrasonic images, and the image combiner 230 may generate a new ultrasonic image by combining at least two ultrasonic images from among the generated ultrasonic images.
For example, the image combiner 230 may combine an image by overlapping the plurality of ultrasonic images with each other. In this case, individual values (α) of the ultrasonic images may be adjusted and the ultrasonic waves may overlap each other as necessary. In this case, the ultrasonic images may be ultrasonic images showing the same target part.
For example, any one of the plurality of combined ultrasonic images (for example, two ultrasonic images) may be an ultrasonic image showing some parts of another ultrasonic image. In this case, the ultrasonic image showing some parts of the ultrasonic image overlaps a specific part corresponding to another ultrasonic image and generates a new ultrasonic image, resulting in formation of an improved ultrasonic image in which brightness and chroma of some ultrasonic images are improved or definition, accuracy, or resolution of some ultrasonic images are improved. (See FIG. 8D)
FIG. 7 embodiment of the image processor and the time inversion unit according to one embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may include the time inversion unit 100. The time inversion unit 100 receives an ultrasonic signal from the image processor 220, such that it generates a time inversion signal. In accordance with one embodiment, the time inversion unit 100 may directly receive an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic probe 10 differently from FIG. 5. In this case, the time inversion unit 100 may receive some ultrasonic signals from among the ultrasonic signals output from the ultrasonic probe 10.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the time inversion unit 100 may directly receive time-delayed ultrasonic signals (u’’) output from the time delay unit 211. In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the time inversion unit 100 may receive ultrasonic signals (u’) focused by the focusing unit 212. Similarly, the time inversion unit 100 may receive some time-delayed ultrasonic signals from among the time-delayed ultrasonic signals (u’’), or may receive some ultrasonic signals from among the focused ultrasonic signal (u’).
The time-delayed ultrasonic signal (u’’) or the focused ultrasonic signal (u’) may be temporarily or permanently stored in the signal storage unit 201 before it is transferred to the time inversion unit 100. The time inversion unit 100 may retrieve the time-delayed ultrasonic signal (u’’) or the focused ultrasonic signal (u’) stored in the signal storage unit 201 according to an external command input or predetermined setup information, and may perform time inversion of the retrieved time-delayed ultrasonic signal (u’’) or the focused ultrasonic signal (u’), such that it may generate a time inversion signal. In this case, some time-delayed ultrasonic signals (u’’) or the focused ultrasonic signal (u’) from among the retrieved time-delayed ultrasonic signal (u’’) or the focused ultrasonic signal (u’) may be retrieved so that a time inversion signal may be generated.
FIG. 8 shows an ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a process for combining the ultrasonic image according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the time inversion unit of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.
The ultrasonic image (ε) generated by the image generator 220 is displayed for a user through the display (d) as shown in FIG. 8A. The ultrasonic image (ε) shown in FIG. 8A is an ultrasonic image represented by the B mode.
The user may desire to view in more detail a specific region from among the ultrasonic image (ε) shown in FIG. 8A, for example, a selected region (ε’) shown in FIG. 8B. For example, the selected region (ε’) may include a specific part indicating lesion.
As shown in FIG. 8B, the user may select a desired region through the input unit (i), so that the user may designate the selected region (ε’). In this case, the user may select the selected region (ε’) through various methods. For example, the user may manipulate a mouse, a keyboard, or a touchscreen, may directly designate coordinates of the selected region (ε’), or may enter and designate a detailed coordinate value. In addition, the selected region (ε’) may include a square shape as shown in FIG. 8B, and the selected region (ε’) may be formed in various shapes such as a circle, an oval, a triangle, or a pentagon, and may be separated from other regions of the ultrasonic image.
Although the selected region (ε’) is selected or designated by the user, the selected region A may be automatically designated according to the setup information of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus in accordance with another embodiment. For example, if a specific section doubted to be a lesion part is retrieved through analysis of the generated ultrasonic image, the doubted section or its neighbor region may be selected as the selected region (ε’) by the ultrasonic imaging apparatus.
If the selected region (ε’) is selected as described above, the time inversion unit 100 may select only an ultrasonic signal corresponding to the selected region (ε’), such that it may generate a time inversion signa (tru’).
Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the time inversion unit 100 may include a time inversion signal generator 110 and a signal selection unit 120.
The time inversion signal generator 110 may generate a time inversion signal (tru’) on the basis of the ultrasonic signal, and the signal selection unit 120 may separately extract an ultrasonic signal of the selected region (ε’) and transmit the extracted ultrasonic signal to the time inversion signal generator 110.
Referring to FIG. 9, the signal selection unit 120 may include a region information receiver 121, a signal selector 122, and a signal extractor 123.
Referring to FIG. 9, the signal selection unit 120 may receive a plurality of focused ultrasonic signals (u'1 to u'5) output from the focusing unit 212. The signal selection unit 120 may directly receive data from the input unit (i) through the region information receiver 121, or may receive data of the selected region (ε’) through the controller 300. For example, the signal selection unit 120 may receive coordinate values of the selected region (ε’). In accordance with one embodiment, the signal selection unit 120 may receive data of the selected region (ε’) from the controller 300 without receiving a user-selected command through the input unit (i).
The signal selector 122 of the signal selection unit 120 may extract ultrasonic signals corresponding to the selected region (ε’) of the focused ultrasonic signals (u'1 to u'5) upon receiving data of the selected region (ε’) from the input unit (i) or the controller 300. For example, the signal selector 122 may extract the ultrasonic signals (u'2 to u'4).
The signal extractor 123 extracts the ultrasonic signals (u'2 to u'4) corresponding to the region A selected by the signal selector 121 from among the plurality of ultrasonic signals (u'1 to u'5), and transmits the extracted ultrasonic signals (u'2 to u'4) to the time inversion signal generator 110.
The time inversion signal generator 110 may perform time inversion of ultrasonic signals (for example, ultrasonic signals u'2~u'4) corresponding to the selected region (ε’) in the same manner as FIGS. 2A to 2C, such that it may generate a time inversion signal (tru').
The time inversion signal (tru') generated by the time inversion signal generator 110 generates a pulse signal, and transmits the pulse signal to the transducer 11, such that it may directly transmit the pulse signal to a pulser 311 configured to vibrate the transducer 11. The time inversion signal (tru') may be transferred to the controller 300. In this case, the controller 300 may generate a predetermined control command (i.e., a control signal based on a time inversion signal) in response to the time inversion signal (tru’), and may transmit the control command to the pulser 311.
The ultrasonic transducer 11 may generate an ultrasonic signal by vibrating according to the pulse signal generated by the time inversion signal. The generated ultrasonic waves are emitted to the target part (t). In this case, ultrasonic waves are concentrated on the internal tissues of the target object (ob) corresponding to a specific part (i.e., the selected region (ε’)) as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C.
The tissues (i.e., target part t) of the target object (ob) corresponding to the selected region (ε’) to which ultrasonic waves are focused may reflect the concentrated ultrasonic waves, such that echo ultrasonic waves of the selected region (ε’) are received by the ultrasonic transducer 11. The ultrasonic transducer 11 may output an electric signal (i.e., an ultrasonic signal) corresponding to echo ultrasonic waves, and the image processor 200 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may generate an ultrasonic image (ζ) of the selected region (ε’) on the basis of the newly received echo ultrasonic waves. In this case, the ultrasonic image (ζ) of the selected region (ε’) is shown in FIG. 8C.
The image processor 200 generates an ultrasonic image (ζ) of the selected region (ε’), stores the ultrasonic image (ζ) in the image storage unit 221, and transmits the ultrasonic image (ζ) to the post processing unit 240 in such a manner that it may perform post processing. In addition, the image processor 200 may also display an ultrasonic image (ζ) of the selected region (ε’) on the display unit (d).
The image combiner 230 of the image processor 200 may combine a pre-stored ultrasonic image (ε) with an ultrasonic image (ζ) of the new selected region (ε’), and may generate a combined image as shown in FIG. 8D. Therefore, the user may view an overall ultrasonic image (ε) of the target object (ob) and an improved ultrasonic image (ζ) having improved image quality and higher definition.
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operations of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 10, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus emits ultrasonic waves to the target object (ob), collects a first echo ultrasonic wave, and acquires a first ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus re-emits ultrasonic waves to the target object on the basis of the first echo ultrasonic wave, and collects a second echo ultrasonic wave, such that it may acquire a second ultrasonic wave. In this case, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may combine a first ultrasonic image with a second ultrasonic image as needed.
In more detail, the ultrasonic probe 10 generates ultrasonic waves and irradiates the ultrasonic waves to the target object (ob) (See FIG. 10①). Ultrasonic waves applied to various tissues or organization of the target object (ob) may be reflected or penetrated according to characteristics of various tissues or organization of the target object. The reflected ultrasonic waves (i.e., first echo ultrasonic waves) arrive at the ultrasonic probe 10 (See FIG. 10②). In accordance with one embodiment, a target object (ob) irradiated with ultrasonic waves may be identical to or different from a part for receiving the ultrasonic waves from the target object. The ultrasonic probe 10 may convert a first echo ultrasonic wave into an electric signal, and the image processor 200 may generate a first ultrasonic image on the basis of the first echo ultrasonic wave. The time inversion unit 100 may generate a time inversion signal on the basis of all or some ultrasonic signals based on the first echo ultrasonic wave, and may transmit the time inversion signal to the ultrasonic probe 10. The ultrasonic probe generates a time inversion ultrasonic wave on the basis of the time inversion signal, and re-emits the time inversion ultrasonic wave to the target object (ob) (See FIG. 10③). Tissues or organization of the target object (ob) may reflect time inversion ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic probe 10 may collect the second echo ultrasonic wave reflected from the target object (ob) (See FIG. 10④). The image processor 200 may acquire a second ultrasonic image on the basis of the second echo ultrasonic wave. In accordance with one embodiment, the time inversion unit 100 may regenerate the time inversion signal on the basis of the second echo ultrasonic wave. The generated time inversion signal is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe 10, and the ultrasonic probe 10 generates ultrasonic waves in response to the time inversion signal based on the second echo ultrasonic wave, and emits the ultrasonic waves to the target object (ob). Each of the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal may be displayed on the display unit (d), and a combination of the first and second ultrasonic signals may be displayed on the display unit (d).
FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operations of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 11, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may include a laser irradiation unit 10a. That is, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may be a photoacoustic imaging apparatus, or a combination of the photoacoustic imaging apparatus and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may be used.
In this case, the laser irradiation unit 10a may generate the laser corresponding to a voltage received from an external power source in response to a predetermined indication or command, and may emit the laser to the external part (See FIG. 11①). The emitted laser may arrive at the target part (t) of the target object (ob). If the laser is emitted to the target object (ob) (for example, the target part (t) of a human being), acoustic waves such as ultrasonic waves are generated from the target part (t) (See FIG. 11②). The ultrasonic probe 10 collects ultrasonic waves generated from the target part (t), and converts the collected ultrasonic waves into an electric signal (i.e., an ultrasonic signal). The image processor 200 may generate a first ultrasonic image on the basis of ultrasonic waves caused by laser, and the time inversion unit 100 may generate a time inversion signal on the basis of all or some ultrasonic signals based on ultrasonic waves caused by laser at the same time or at different times, such that the time inversion signal is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe 10. The ultrasonic probe 10 may generate a time inversion ultrasonic wave on the basis of the received time inversion signal. Therefore, ultrasonic waves are emitted to the target object (ob) (See FIG. 10③).
All or some ultrasonic waves emitted to the target part (t) of the target object (ob) may be reflected from the target part (t). The second echo ultrasonic waves are collected by the ultrasonic probe (See FIG. 10④). The image processing unit 200 may obtain a second ultrasonic image on the basis of the second echo ultrasonic wave.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 12, the ultrasonic probe 10 of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may collect ultrasonic waves (u) from the target object (ob) in step 400. In this case, the ultrasonic waves are generated from the ultrasonic probe 10, may be echo ultrasonic waves emitted to the target object (ob), or may be ultrasonic weaves generated by the laser emitted form the laser irradiation unit 10a.
The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate an electric signal (i.e., an ultrasonic signal u') corresponding to the collected ultrasonic waves (u) in step 410. This process may be carried out by the ultrasonic transducer 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10.
The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate a time inversion signal (tru’) on the basis of all or some of the collected ultrasonic signals (u’) in step 420.
The time inversion signal (tru') is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe 10, and the ultrasonic transducer 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 may generate ultrasonic waves according to the time inversion signal (tru’) in step 430.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 13, the ultrasonic probe 10 of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate ultrasonic waves according to a power source received by the ultrasonic transducer 11 of the ultrasonic probe. The generated ultrasonic waves are emitted to the target object (ob) in step 500.
Ultrasonic waves emitted to the target object (ob) are reflected from a specific part (e.g., a target part (t)) of the target object, and the ultrasonic probe 10 may collect the first echo ultrasonic wave (u) reflected from the target object in step 510.
The ultrasonic probe 10 may generate the ultrasonic signal (u’) of the first echo ultrasonic wave (u) in step 511. In this case, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate a first ultrasonic image on the basis of the generated ultrasonic signal (u’) in step 512.
Meanwhile, according to the user manipulation or the setup information of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate a time inversion signal (tru’) on the basis of the ultrasonic signal (u’) of the first echo ultrasonic wave (u) in step 520.
The current is applied to the ultrasonic probe 10 in response to the time inversion signal (tru’), such that a time inversion ultrasonic wave (tru) corresponding to the time inversion signal (tru’) is generated in step 521. The time inversion ultrasonic wave (tru) is emitted to the target object (ob) in step 522.
The ultrasonic probe 10 may collect the second echo ultrasonic wave caused by the time inversion ultrasonic wave (tru) from the target object (ob) in step 523, and generate an ultrasonic signal of the second echo ultrasonic wave in step 524. Subsequently, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate a second ultrasonic image on the basis of the second echo ultrasonic wave in step 525.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the first ultrasonic image based on the first echo ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic image based on the second echo ultrasonic wave may be displayed separately from each other in step 531. For example, the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image may be displayed on different display units (d) such as two monitors, or may be displayed on different image display units, for example, a smartphone, a tablet PC, and a monitor device. In addition, the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image may be sequentially displayed on a single display (d) or may be displayed on the display (d) at different times.
In accordance with another embodiment, the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image are combined to generate a new ultrasonic image, such that the generated ultrasonic image may be displayed in step 532. In this case, a second ultrasonic image may overlap the first ultrasonic image.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to another embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 14, according to the method for controlling the ultrasonic imaging apparatus, ultrasonic waves are emitted to the target object (ob) in step 600, such that the first echo ultrasonic waves are collected in step 610.
In addition, an ultrasonic signal corresponding to the collected ultrasonic waves is output in step 611, a first ultrasonic image is generated on the basis of the output ultrasonic signal in step S612, and the first ultrasonic image is displayed on the display unit (d).
The user may confirm a first ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit (d), and may select some regions of the first ultrasonic image in step 613 (See FIG. 8B).
The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may select an ultrasonic signal corresponding to the selected region (ε’) indicating some selection regions from among the ultrasonic signals derived from the first echo ultrasonic signal in step 614.
The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may invert a time of the time amplitude spectrum in association with the ultrasonic signal corresponding to the selected region (ε’) indicating some selection regions, and may generate a time inversion signal in step 620.
The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may generate a time inversion ultrasonic wave in response to the time inversion signal in step 621, and may emit the time inversion ultrasonic wave to the target object in step 622. In this case, the emitted time inversion ultrasonic waves are concentrated to the selected region (ε’). The time inversion ultrasonic waves are reflected from the target part (t) corresponding to the selected region (ε’) of the target object (ob), and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may collect the reflected time inversion ultrasonic waves (i.e., the second echo ultrasonic waves) in step 623.
The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may convert the second echo ultrasonic waves into an electric signal (i.e., an ultrasonic signal) in step 624, and may generate the second ultrasonic image on the basis of the converted ultrasonic signal in step 625.
The first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image may be displayed separately from each other in step 631. In addition, a combination of the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image may also be displayed as necessary in step 632. In this case, since the second ultrasonic image indicates some parts of the first ultrasonic image, the second ultrasonic image overlaps the first ultrasonic image, such that the overlap result is displayed as shown in FIG. 8D.
Therefore, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may obtain a high-definition and high-precise ultrasonic image showing a user-desired part from among the overall ultrasonic images.
Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (15)

  1. An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising:
    an ultrasonic probe to collect ultrasonic waves from a target object, convert the collected ultrasonic waves, and output an ultrasonic signal; and
    a time inversion unit to perform time inversion of the ultrasonic signal generated from the ultrasonic probe , and generate a time inversion signal,
    wherein the ultrasonic probe generates a time inversion ultrasonic wave in response to the time inversion signal.
  2. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
    an image processor to generate an ultrasonic image on the basis of the ultrasonic signal collected by the ultrasonic probe.
  3. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ultrasonic probe emits the time inversion ultrasonic wave generated in response to the time inversion signal to a target object, and collects time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  4. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processor combines an ultrasonic image generated on the basis of ultrasonic waves received from the target object with a time inversion echo ultrasonic image generated on the basis of the time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  5. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processor combines an ultrasonic image generated on the basis of ultrasonic waves received from the target object with a time inversion echo ultrasonic image generated on the basis of the time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  6. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the time inversion unit separately extracts an ultrasonic signal corresponding to some selected regions from among the plurality of ultrasonic signals collected by the ultrasonic probe, and generates the time inversion signal on the basis of the extracted ultrasonic signals.
  7. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the ultrasonic probe emits ultrasonic waves to some regions of the target object on the basis of the time inversion signal for the some regions, and collects time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  8. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image processor combines an ultrasonic image generated on the basis of ultrasonic waves received from the target object with a time inversion echo ultrasonic image generated on the basis of the time inversion echo ultrasonic waves of the some regions, and thus generates the combined ultrasonic image.
  9. A method for controlling an ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising:
    collecting ultrasonic waves from a target object;
    upon receiving an ultrasonic signal of the collected ultrasonic waves, generating a time inversion signal obtained by time inversion of the ultrasonic signal; and
    generating ultrasonic waves in response to the time inversion signal.
  10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:
    emitting ultrasonic waves generated in response to the time inversion signal to a target object, and collecting time inversion echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:
    generating a time inversion echo ultrasonic image on the basis of the collected time inversion echo ultrasonic waves.
  12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:
    generating an ultrasonic image on the basis of the collected ultrasonic waves.
  13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:
    collecting time inversion eco ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object after emitting ultrasonic waves to the target object, the ultrasonic waves generated on the basis of the time inversion signal;
    generating a time inversion eco ultrasonic image on the basis of the collected time inversion eco ultrasonic waves; and
    combining an ultrasonic image generated on the basis of ultrasonic waves transmitted from inside of the target object with a time inversion eco ultrasonic image generated on the basis of time inversion eco ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object.
  14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:
    selecting some regions from among the ultrasonic image.
  15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the generating the time inversion signal obtained by time inversion of the ultrasonic signal on the basis of the collected ultrasonic signals includes:
    separately extracting an ultrasonic signal corresponding to some regions selected from among a plurality of ultrasonic signals generated from the ultrasonic probe; and
    generating a time inversion signal obtained by time inversion of the ultrasonic signal on the basis of the ultrasonic signal corresponding to the some regions selected from among the ultrasonic image.
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