WO2020105822A1

WO2020105822A1 - Ultrasonic imaging apparatus and ultrasonic image generation method

Info

Publication number: WO2020105822A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/005779
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김동현; 김기덕; 원창연
Original assignee: 삼성메디슨 주식회사
Priority date: 2018-11-21
Filing date: 2019-05-14
Publication date: 2020-05-28
Also published as: KR20200059668A

Abstract

In an ultrasonic imaging apparatus for generating an ultrasonic image, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may comprise: a user input unit for receiving an input related to an ultrasonic transmission condition from a user; an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of transducer elements for transmitting an ultrasonic signal into an object on the basis of the input ultrasonic transmission condition, and receiving an echo signal from the object, and a plurality of channels connected to the plurality of transducer elements, respectively; at least one processor for selecting a weighting function on the basis of a reception depth corresponding to a reception time of the echo signal, and generating ultrasonic image data corresponding to the reception depth by applying a weight value to each ultrasonic echo signal output from the plurality of channels on the basis of the selected weighting function; and a display unit for displaying the generated ultrasonic image data.

Description

Ultrasound imaging device and ultrasound image generation method

The present disclosure relates to an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a method for generating ultrasound images using the same.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus irradiates an ultrasound signal generated from a probe transducer to an object, and receives information of a signal reflected from the object, thereby acquiring information about a region (eg, soft tissue or blood flow) inside the object. Obtain at least one video.

Such an ultrasound imaging apparatus is advantageous in that it is small, inexpensive, and can be displayed in real time. In addition, the ultrasound imaging apparatus has an advantage of high stability because there is no exposure such as radioactivity, and other image diagnostic apparatuses such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, a computerized tomography (CT) scanner, a magnetic resonance image (MRI) apparatus, and a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus. It is widely used with.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus obtains the final received signal by adding and applying a different weight to each of the echo signals output from each of the channels included in the probe.

Although the weighting function having a good contrast ratio of the ultrasound image differs according to the ultrasound transmission conditions and the reception depth of the echo signal, the conventional ultrasound imaging apparatus degrades the quality of the ultrasound image by applying only one weighting function to the echo signal. There was a problem.

The disclosed embodiments can provide an ultrasound imaging apparatus and an ultrasound image generating method to improve the quality of an ultrasound image by applying different weighting functions based on the ultrasound transmission conditions and the reception depth of the echo signal.

As a technical means for achieving the above technical problem, a first aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasound image generating method, comprises receiving an input related to an ultrasound transmission condition from a user, based on the input ultrasound transmission condition, an object Transmitting the ultrasonic signal into, receiving the echo signal from the object, based on the reception depth corresponding to the reception time of the echo signal, selecting a weighting function, based on the selected weighting function, a plurality Generating ultrasound image data corresponding to the reception depth by applying weights to ultrasound echo signals output from each of a plurality of channels connected to each of the transducer elements of the display, and displaying the generated ultrasound image data It may include.

In addition, the ultrasound transmission conditions include at least one of a portion of the object to which the ultrasound signal is to be transmitted, a type of ultrasound image to be generated, a location of a focal point of the ultrasound signal, a type of ultrasound probe, and a frequency of the ultrasound signal. can do.

In addition, the step of selecting the weighting function may include a weighting function having the highest contrast ratio among the plurality of weighting functions, based on the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal obtained from the ultrasound transmission conditions and the receiving depth. And selecting.

In addition, selecting the weighting function may include selecting the weighting function based on the relative positions of each of the plurality of transducer elements with respect to the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal. .

In addition, the step of selecting the weighting function may include selecting the weighting function based on a relative position of the receiving depth of the echo signal with respect to the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal.

In addition, in the step of selecting the weighting function, the weighting value to be applied to each of the ultrasound echo signals output from the plurality of channels is a look-up table using the selected weighting function. Generating and applying a weight to each of the plurality of channels using the generated look-up table.

In addition, in the step of selecting the weighting function, the first weight value corresponding to the first reception depth is determined between the second weight value corresponding to the second reception depth and the third weight value corresponding to the third reception depth. And modifying the first weight value by interpolating the second weight value and the third weight value so as to be a value of, and generating the ultrasound image data comprises: And generating ultrasound image data, wherein the first reception depth is shallower than the second reception depth and may be deeper than the third reception depth.

In addition, the step of selecting the weighting function includes: selecting a first weighting function based on the first reception depth and selecting a second weighting function based on the second reception depth, and wherein Generating the corresponding ultrasound image data includes: generating first ultrasound image data based on the first weighting function; generating second ultrasound image data based on the second weighting function; and And generating third ultrasound image data corresponding to a third reception depth between the first reception depth and the second reception depth by interpolating the first ultrasound image data and the second ultrasound image data. .

As a technical means for achieving the above technical problem, a second aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasound imaging apparatus, a user input unit that receives an input related to an ultrasound transmission condition from a user, based on the input ultrasound transmission condition, an object The ultrasonic probe including a plurality of channels connected to each of the plurality of transducer elements and the plurality of transducer elements for transmitting an ultrasonic signal into the object and receiving the echo signal from the object, corresponding to the reception time of the echo signal Based on the reception depth, a weighting function is selected, and based on the selected weighting function, ultrasound image data corresponding to the reception depth is applied by applying a weight value to each of the ultrasound echo signals output from the plurality of channels. It may include at least one processor to generate and a display unit to display the generated ultrasound image data.

In addition, the ultrasound transmission condition may include at least one of a portion of the object to which the ultrasound signal is to be transmitted, a type of ultrasound image to be generated, a location of a focal point of the ultrasound signal, a type of the ultrasound probe, and a frequency of the ultrasound signal. It can contain.

Further, the at least one processor may select a weighting function having the highest contrast ratio among a plurality of weighting functions, based on the position of the focal point of the ultrasound signal obtained from the ultrasound transmission conditions and the reception depth. .

Also, the at least one processor may select the weighting function based on the relative positions of the plurality of transducer elements with respect to the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal.

In addition, the at least one processor may select the weighting function based on the position of the received depth of the echo signal with respect to the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal.

In addition, the at least one processor, using the selected weighting function, generates a weight value to be applied to each of the ultrasound echo signals output from the plurality of channels as a look-up table, and a look-up table, Weights may be applied to each of the plurality of channels using the generated look-up table.

Further, the at least one processor may have a predetermined value between a first weight value corresponding to the first reception depth and a second weight value corresponding to the second reception depth and a third weight value corresponding to the third reception depth. Preferably, the first weight value is corrected by interpolating the second weight value and the third weight value, ultrasound image data is generated using the modified first weight value, and the first reception depth is the It may be shallower than the second reception depth and deeper than the third reception depth.

In addition, the at least one processor selects a first weighting function based on a first reception depth, generates first ultrasound image data based on the first weighting function, and based on a second reception depth. By selecting a second weighting function, generating second ultrasound image data based on the second weighting function, and interpolating the first ultrasound image data and the second ultrasound image data, the first reception depth and Third ultrasound image data corresponding to a third reception depth between the second reception depths may be generated.

A computer program product comprising a recording medium and a recording medium readable by a computer in which instructions that can be executed on a computer are recorded, which are the third aspect of the present disclosure as a technical means for achieving the above-described technical problem, the recording medium The first aspect of the present disclosure may record commands that cause an ultrasound image generation method to be performed in an ultrasound imaging apparatus.

The present invention can be easily understood by combining the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, and reference numerals refer to structural elements.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

2A is a diagram illustrating an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

2B are diagrams illustrating an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

2C are diagrams illustrating an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating an ultrasound image according to an embodiment.

4 is a diagram illustrating that an ultrasound imaging apparatus receives an input related to an ultrasound transmission condition from a user according to an embodiment.

5 is a diagram illustrating that an ultrasound imaging apparatus receives an input related to an ultrasound transmission condition from a user according to an embodiment.

6 is a diagram illustrating the relative position of each of a plurality of transducer elements with respect to a position of a focal point of an ultrasonic signal, according to an embodiment.

7 is a diagram illustrating the relative position of each of a plurality of transducer elements with respect to a position of a focal point of an ultrasonic signal, according to an embodiment.

8 is a diagram illustrating a relative position of a receiving depth of an echo signal with respect to a position of a focal point of an ultrasonic signal, according to an embodiment.

9 is a graph showing the contrast ratio of an ultrasound image generated by applying a weighting function to an echo signal according to an embodiment.

10 is a graph showing the contrast ratio of an ultrasound image generated by applying a weighting function to an echo signal, according to an embodiment.

11 is a diagram illustrating a distribution of weight values applied to an echo signal according to an embodiment.

12 is a diagram illustrating that an ultrasound imaging apparatus generates ultrasound image data through interpolation according to an embodiment.

13 is a diagram illustrating that an ultrasound imaging apparatus generates ultrasound image data through interpolation according to an embodiment.

14 shows a user interface for applying a profile by an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

This specification clarifies the scope of the present invention, and describes the principles of the present invention and discloses embodiments so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may implement the present invention. The disclosed embodiments can be implemented in various forms.

The same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout the specification. This specification does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and overlaps between general contents or embodiments in the technical field to which the present invention pertains are omitted. The term 'part, portion' used in the specification may be implemented in software or hardware, and according to embodiments, a plurality of 'parts' may be implemented as one unit, or one' It is also possible that the wealth 'includes a plurality of elements. Hereinafter, working principles and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this specification, the image may include a medical image obtained by a medical imaging device such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, an ultrasound imaging device, or an x-ray imaging device.

In the present specification, an 'object' is an object of photographing, and may include a person, an animal, or a part thereof. For example, the subject may include a body part (organ or organ; organ) or a phantom.

Throughout the specification, an “ultrasound image” refers to an image of an object transmitted to an object and processed based on an ultrasound signal reflected from the object.

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

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment includes a probe 20, an ultrasound transceiving unit 110, a control unit 120, an image processing unit 130, a display unit 140, a storage unit 150, and a communication unit 160 ), And an input unit 170.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may be implemented not only in a cart type, but also in a portable type. Examples of the portable ultrasound imaging apparatus may include, but are not limited to, a smart phone including a probe and an application, a laptop computer, a PDA, and a tablet PC.

The probe 20 may include a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers may transmit an ultrasonic signal to the object 10 according to the transmitted signal applied from the transmitter 113. The plurality of transducers may receive an ultrasonic signal reflected from the object 10 and form a received signal. Further, the probe 20 may be implemented integrally with the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100, or may be implemented as a separate type connected to the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 by wire or wireless. Also, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may include one or a plurality of probes 20 according to an implementation form.

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

The control unit 120 converts a received signal received from the probe 20 into analog-digital conversion, and adds the digitally converted received signal in consideration of the positions and focal points of a plurality of transducers to generate ultrasonic data. ) Control.

The image processing unit 130 uses the ultrasound data generated by the ultrasound receiving unit 115 to generate an ultrasound image.

The display 140 may display the generated ultrasound image and various information processed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may include one or a plurality of display units 140 according to an implementation form. In addition, the display unit 140 may be implemented as a touch screen in combination with a touch panel.

The controller 120 may control overall operation of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 and signal flow between internal components of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100. The controller 120 may include a memory for storing a program or data for performing the function of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100, and at least one processor for processing the program or data. The processor may include a general purpose processor (for example, a CPU) or a special purpose processor manufactured to generate an ultrasound image. In addition, the control unit 120 may control the operation of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 by receiving a control signal from the input unit 170 or an external device.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 160, and can be connected to an external device (for example, a server, a medical device, or a portable device (smartphone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.)) through the communication unit 160. have.

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

The communication unit 160 receives control signals and data from an external device, and transmits the received control signals to the control unit 120 so that the control unit 120 controls the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 according to the received control signals. It is also possible.

Alternatively, the control unit 120 may control the external device according to the control signal of the control unit by transmitting a control signal to the external device through the communication unit 160.

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

A program capable of controlling the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may be installed in the external device, and the program may include a command for performing part or all of the operation of the controller 120.

The program may be installed in advance on an external device, or a user of the external device may download and install the program from a server providing an application. The server providing the application may include a recording medium in which the corresponding program is stored.

The storage unit 150 may store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100, input / output ultrasound data, and acquired ultrasound images. The storage unit 150 may include temporary memory (eg, RAM, buffer, etc.) or non-transitory memory (eg, data storage such as a magnetic disk).

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

An example of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C.

2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

2A and 2B, the

ultrasound imaging apparatuses

100a and 100b may include a main display unit 121 and a sub display unit 122. One of the main display unit 121 and the sub display unit 122 may be implemented as a touch screen. The main display unit 121 and the sub display unit 122 may display various information processed by the ultrasound image or the

ultrasound imaging apparatus

100a or 100b. In addition, the main display unit 121 and the sub display unit 122 are implemented as a touch screen, and by providing a GUI, data for controlling the

ultrasound imaging apparatuses

100a and 100b may be input from a user. For example, the main display unit 121 may display an ultrasound image, and the sub display unit 122 may display a control panel for controlling the display of the ultrasound image in a GUI form. The sub display unit 122 may receive data for controlling display of an image through a control panel displayed in a GUI form. The

ultrasound imaging apparatuses

100a and 100b may control the display of the ultrasound image displayed on the main display unit 121 using the received control data.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100b may further include a control panel 165 in addition to the main display unit 121 and the sub display unit 122. The control panel 165 may include a button, a trackball, a jog switch, a knob, and the like, and may receive data for controlling the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100b from a user. For example, the control panel 165 may include a Time Gain Compensation (TGC) button 171, a Freeze button 172, and the like. The TGC button 171 is a button for setting the TGC value for each depth of the ultrasound image. In addition, when the input of the Freeze button 172 is detected while scanning the ultrasound image, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100b may maintain a state in which the frame image of the corresponding time point is displayed.

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

Referring to FIG. 2C, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100c may also be implemented as a portable type. Examples of the portable ultrasound imaging apparatus 100c may include, but are not limited to, a smart phone including a probe and an application, a laptop computer, a PDA, and a tablet PC.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100c includes a probe 20 and a body 40, and the probe 20 may be connected to one side of the body 40 by wire or wireless. The body 40 may include a touch screen 145. The touch screen 145 may display an ultrasound image, various information processed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus, and a GUI.

Referring to step S310, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may receive an input related to an ultrasound transmission condition from a user (S310). The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may determine an ultrasound transmission condition based on a user input.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may receive an input related to an ultrasound transmission condition from a user using the input unit 170 of FIG. 1. Also, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may receive an input related to an ultrasound transmission condition from a user using a touch screen. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may provide an interface for receiving input from a user. It will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound transmission conditions may include at least one of a portion of an object to which an ultrasound signal is to be transmitted, a type of ultrasound image to be generated, a location of a focal point of the ultrasound signal, a type of ultrasound probe, and a frequency of the ultrasound signal. have.

Referring to step S330, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may transmit an ultrasound signal into the object 10 using the ultrasound probe 20 based on the ultrasound transmission conditions determined in step S310. Specifically, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may transmit the ultrasound signal toward the focal point of the ultrasound signal at a frequency determined using the determined ultrasound probe 20. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may steer the scan line of the ultrasound signal in response to the position of the focal point of the ultrasound signal. That is, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may steer the transmission angle of the ultrasound signal.

Also, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may receive ultrasound echo signals generated by reflecting the ultrasound signal transmitted to the focal point using the ultrasound probe 20 from the object 10.

Referring to step S350, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may select a weighting function to be applied to the ultrasound echo signal based on the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal.

The reception depth of the ultrasonic echo signal refers to the depth from the surface of the object with respect to the position where the ultrasonic echo signal is generated by reflection from the object 10. That is, the reception depth of the ultrasonic echo signal refers to the distance at which the ultrasonic echo signal is generated based on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 20 in contact with the object 10.

The processor may acquire a reception depth of the ultrasonic echo signal from a time between a time at which the ultrasonic signal is transmitted and a time at which the ultrasonic echo signal is received.

The processor may obtain a weighting function to be applied to the ultrasound echo signal based on the position of the focal point of the ultrasound signal and the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal.

According to an embodiment, the processor may select a weighting function based on the position of the receiving depth of the ultrasonic echo signal relative to the depth of the focal point of the ultrasonic signal.

For example, when the receiving depth of the ultrasonic echo signal is equal to or greater than the depth of the focal point of the ultrasonic signal, the processor may select a square function as a weighting function.

For another example, when the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal is less than the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal, the processor may select a trigonometric function as a weighting function.

For another example, the processor may select a trigonometric function corresponding to the ratio of the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal and the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal as a weighting function.

For another example, the memory may store weighting functions corresponding to each of the receiving depths of the ultrasonic echo signal with respect to the depth of the focal point of the ultrasonic signal. The memory may store weighting functions in a look-up table format. The stored weight application functions may be functions having the highest contrast ratio of the ultrasound image with respect to the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal and the reception depths of the ultrasound echo signal. The weighting functions stored in the memory may be generated according to specifications of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 and may be pre-loaded. The processor may select a weighting function corresponding to the depth of the ultrasound focusing point and the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal from among the stored weighting functions.

According to an embodiment, the processor may select a weighting function based on the relative position of each of the plurality of transducer elements included in the ultrasound probe with respect to the position of the focal point of the ultrasound signal.

For example, the processor applies an ultrasonic echo signal received through a transducer element located far from the focal point of the ultrasound signal to have a lower weight value than an ultrasonic echo signal received through transducer elements located near the focal point. The trigonometric function can be selected as a weighting function.

That is, the processor may select a weighting function having a high weight value to the ultrasound echo signal received through the transducer element close to the focal point of the ultrasound signal. In addition, the processor may select a weighting function having a low weight value to the ultrasound echo signal received through the transducer element distant from the focal point of the ultrasound signal.

For another example, the processor may receive received through each of the plurality of transducer elements based on the depth of the focus point of the ultrasound signal and the ratio of each distance of the plurality of transducer elements from the transducer element closest to the focus point. A weighting function applied to each of the ultrasonic echo signals may be selected.

According to an embodiment, the processor may select a weighting function having the highest contrast ratio among a plurality of weighting functions, based on the position of the focal point of the ultrasound signal and the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal.

For example, the memory may store weighting functions corresponding to each of the reception depths of the ultrasound echo signal with respect to the depth of the focusing point of the ultrasound signal. The processor may select a weighting function having the highest contrast ratio of the ultrasound image among weighting functions corresponding to the depth of the ultrasound focal point and the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal among the stored weighting functions. The processor may select a triangular function having the highest contrast ratio of the ultrasound image among the plurality of trigonometric functions as a weighting function.

Referring to step S370, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may generate ultrasound image data corresponding to a reception depth by applying a weight to each of a plurality of channels.

According to an embodiment, the processor may apply a weight value to ultrasonic echo signals received in real time using the selected weighting function.

According to an embodiment, the processor may generate a weight value to be applied to each of the ultrasound echo signals obtained from each of the plurality of transducer elements using a selected weighting function as a look-up table. have. The memory can store the generated look-up table. The look-up table stored in the memory may be generated from each of a plurality of weighting functions and may be pre-loaded. The processor may apply a weight to a signal output from each of a plurality of channels connected to a plurality of transducer elements using the generated look-up table.

According to an embodiment, the processor may modify at least one of the weight values by performing interpolation using the calculated weight values.

For example, when the difference between the first weight value corresponding to the first reception depth and the second weight value corresponding to the second reception depth is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold due to the conversion of the weighting function, the processor may calculate the second weight value. Can be modified. The processor may modify the second weight value by interpolating the first weight value and the third weight value so that the second weight value is a predetermined value between the first weight value and the third weight value corresponding to the third reception depth. have. The processor may input the modified second weight value into the look-up table.

According to an embodiment, the processor may apply a weight to each of the ultrasonic echo signals output from each of the plurality of channels for each reception depth by using a look-up table. If a weight is applied to each of the ultrasound echo signals using a look-up table, a processor of the high-performance ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may not be required.

According to an embodiment, the processor may generate ultrasound image data by beamforming the weighted ultrasound echo signals.

According to an embodiment, the processor may correct at least some of the ultrasound image data by performing interpolation using the ultrasound image data. For example, the processor may include first ultrasound image data corresponding to the first reception depth, second ultrasound image data corresponding to the second reception depth near the first reception depth, and third ultrasound image data corresponding to the third reception depth. When there is a large difference between, the first ultrasound image data may be generated by interpolating the second ultrasound image data and the third ultrasound image data.

Referring to step S390, the processor may control the display 140 to display the ultrasound image using the generated ultrasound image data.

According to an embodiment, the display 140 may display at least one of an ultrasound image and information related to the ultrasound image and an interface for receiving a user input for the ultrasound image.

4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating that an ultrasound imaging apparatus receives an input related to an ultrasound transmission condition from a user according to an embodiment.

The ultrasound transmission conditions may include at least one of a portion of the object to which the ultrasound signal is to be transmitted, the type of ultrasound image to be generated, the location of the focal point of the ultrasound signal, the type of ultrasound probe, and the frequency of the ultrasound signal.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating receiving a user's input for selecting a type and application of an ultrasonic probe, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating receiving a user's input for selecting a portion of an object to transmit an ultrasonic signal.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may receive an input for selecting the type of the ultrasound probe from the user through the input unit 170. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may display an interface 410 for selecting an ultrasound probe connected to the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 on the touch screen 122 so that the user can select the type of ultrasound probe. The ultrasonic probe may include a linear probe, a convex probe, a sector probe, and a trapezoid probe.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may receive an input for selecting an application from a user. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may display an interface 410 for selecting an application on the touch screen 122 so that a user can select an application.

The memory may store diagnostic applications corresponding to body parts of the human body. For example, the diagnostic application may include applications related to the abdomen, musculoskeletal, heart, and gynecological diagnostics. Diagnostic applications related to the abdomen may include applications related to the diagnosis of the thyroid, liver, kidney, heart, stomach, pancreas, charge, spleen, esophagus, large intestine, small intestine, and rectum. The diagnostic application for musculoskeletal may include applications for diagnosis of blood vessels such as muscles, carotid arteries, and aorta for each body part of the human body.

The memory may store at least one image processing application capable of processing and displaying various types of images, such as flat and three-dimensional images.

In the application stored in the memory, at least one of a part of an object, a type of an ultrasound image to be generated, a position of a focal point of an ultrasound signal, a type of an ultrasound probe, and a frequency of an ultrasound signal may be preset.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may receive an input for selecting an organ of an object to transmit an ultrasound signal from a user through the input unit 170. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may display an interface 510 for selecting an organ of the object on the touch screen 122 so that the user can select the organ of the object. The organs of the subject may include, but are not limited to, the thyroid, liver, kidney, heart, stomach, pancreas, charge, spleen, esophagus, large intestine, small intestine, and rectum.

The ultrasonic transmission conditions may be interdependent. Accordingly, when receiving a user input for selecting one of the ultrasonic transmission conditions from the user, other ultrasonic transmission conditions depending on the selected ultrasonic transmission conditions may also be determined.

For example, in response to an input for selecting the type of ultrasonic probe from the user, the processor may determine the frequency of the ultrasonic signal transmitted by the selected ultrasonic probe.

Specifically, when the user selects the linear probe, the processor may determine the ultrasonic transmission frequency from 3 MHz to 5 MHz. When the user selects the convex probe, the processor can determine the ultrasonic transmission frequency to 2.5 MHz.

For another example, in response to an input for selecting an organ of an object received from the user, the processor may determine the type of ultrasonic probe to be used by the user.

Specifically, in response to a user's input to select the subject's abdomen, superficial organs, and uterus, the processor may determine that the user uses a linear probe. In addition, in response to a user's input to select the diaphragm of an organ, heart, or liver in the pelvis, such as the uterus, ovaries, prostate, and bladder, the processor may determine that the user uses a fan-shaped probe or a convex probe. . In addition, in response to a user's input to select a heart valve, blood vessel, or blood flow, the processor may determine that the user is using a Doppler probe.

For another example, in response to an input for selecting an organ of an object received from a user, the processor may determine the transmission frequency of the ultrasound signal generated by the ultrasound probe. Specifically, in response to a user's input for selecting a subject's abdomen or superficial organ, the processor may determine the transmission frequency of the ultrasound signal to be 4 MHz to 11 MHz. In addition, in response to a user's input for selecting the diaphragm of an organ, heart, or liver in the pelvis, such as the uterus, ovary, prostate, and bladder, the processor may determine the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic signal to be 2 MHz to 5 MHz.

For another example, in response to an input for selecting an organ of an object received from the user, the processor may determine the location of the focal point of the ultrasound signal.

6 and 7 are views showing the relative positions of each of the plurality of transducer elements with respect to the position of the focal point of the ultrasound signal, according to an embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the processor is based on the depth z1 of the

focal points

610 and 710 of the ultrasound signal and the relative position of each of the plurality of

transducer elements

620 and 720, the plurality of transducer elements A weighting function to be applied to the ultrasonic echo signal received through (620, 720) may be selected.

Referring to Figure 6, the processor is a distance between each of the transducer elements (621, 623, 625, 627) and the focal point (610) (s1, s2, s3, s4) and the depth of the focal point (610) z1) may select a weighting function.

For example, the processor may select a weighting function to which a lower weight is applied, as the

transducer elements

621, 623, 625, and 627 are located farther from the focal point 610. That is, the processor may select a weighting function in which a weight value applied to the ultrasonic echo signal received through the transducer element 621 is lower than a weight value applied to the ultrasonic echo signal received through the transducer element 625. .

According to one embodiment, the processor has a distance (s1, s2, s3, s4) between each of the transducer elements (621, 623, 625, 627) and the focal point (610) and the depth of the focal point (610) Based on the first ratio of z1), a weighting function can be selected. For example, the processor may set a plurality of sections to which the first ratio can be applied based on a predetermined ratio, such as 1: 1, 1: 1.1, 1: 1.2, 1: 1.35, and 1: 1.5. The processor may set weighting functions corresponding to each of the plurality of sections. A predetermined ratio, a plurality of sections, and weighting functions corresponding to each of the sections may be pre-loaded in the memory. The processor may select a weighting function corresponding to the section including the first ratio.

Specifically, in the first section, the first ratio may be set to 1: 1 to 1: 1.1. In the second section, the first ratio may be set to 1: 1.1 to 1: 1.2. In the third section, the first ratio may be set from 1: 1.2 to 1: 1.35. In the fourth section, the first ratio may be set as 1: 1.35 to 1: 1.5. In the fifth section, the first ratio may be 1: 1.5 or more.

The processor identifies the first ratio of the distance s1 and the depth z1 to correspond to the first section, and receives the first weighting function corresponding to the first section through the transducer element 621. It can be selected as a weighting function to be applied to.

The processor identifies that the first ratio of the distance s2 and the depth z1 corresponds to the second section, and receives an ultrasonic echo signal that receives a second weighting function corresponding to the second section through the transducer element 623. It can be selected as a weighting function to be applied to.

The processor recognizes that the first ratio of the distance s3 and the depth z1 corresponds to the fourth section, and the ultrasonic echo signal that receives the fourth weighting function corresponding to the fourth section through the transducer element 625 It can be selected as a weighting function to be applied to.

The processor recognizes that the first ratio of the distance s4 and the depth z1 corresponds to the fifth section, and the ultrasonic echo signal receiving the fifth weighting function corresponding to the fifth section through the transducer element 627 It can be selected as a weighting function to be applied to.

According to an embodiment, the processor may select a weighting function applied to the ultrasonic echo signal received through the transducer element 621 closest to the focal point 610 as a square function of the highest weight value.

According to an embodiment, the processor may select a weighting function applied to the ultrasonic echo signal received through the transducer element 627 furthest from the focal point 610 as a square function of the lowest weight value.

Referring to FIG. 7, the processor d1, d2 between the transducer element 721 and the

transducer elements

721, 722, 723, 724, 725, and 726 positioned at the closest distance from the focal point 710 , d3, d4, d5) and a depth z1 of the focal point 710, a weighting function may be selected.

According to one embodiment, the processor is a distance (d1, d2) between the transducer element 721 and the transducer element (721, 722, 723, 724, 725, 726) located at the closest distance from the focal point (710) , d3, d4, d5) and a second ratio of the depth z1 of the focal point 710, a weighting function may be selected. For example, the processor has a second ratio based on a predetermined ratio such as 0.1: 1, 0.2: 1, 0.35: 1, 0.5: 1, 0.7: 1, 1: 1, 1.35: 1, 1.5: 1. Multiple sections can be set. The processor may set weighting functions corresponding to each of the plurality of sections. A predetermined ratio, a plurality of sections, and weighting functions corresponding to each of the sections may be pre-loaded in the memory. The processor may select a weighting function corresponding to the section including the second ratio.

Specifically, in the first section, the second ratio may be set to 0.1: 1 to 0.2: 1. In the second section, the second ratio may be set to 0.2: 1 to 0.35: 1. In the third section, the second ratio may be set to 0.35: 1 to 0.5: 1. In the fourth section, the second ratio may be set from 0.5: 1 to 0.7: 1. In the fifth section, the second ratio may be set from 0.7: 1 to 1: 1. In the sixth section, the second ratio may be set from 1: 1 to 1.35: 1. In the seventh section, the second ratio may be set to 1.35: 1 to 1.5: 1. In the eighth section, the second ratio may be set to 1.5: 1 or more.

The processor recognizes that the second ratio of the distance d1 and the depth z1 corresponds to the first section, and receives the first weighting function corresponding to the first section through the transducer element 722. It can be selected as a weighting function to be applied to.

The processor recognizes that the second ratio of the distance d2 and the depth z1 corresponds to the third section, and the ultrasonic echo signal that receives the third weighting function corresponding to the third section through the transducer element 723 It can be selected as a weighting function to be applied to.

The processor recognizes that the second ratio of the distance d3 and the depth z1 corresponds to the fourth section, and the ultrasonic echo signal that receives the fourth weighting function corresponding to the fourth section through the transducer element 724. It can be selected as a weighting function to be applied to.

The processor identifies the second ratio of the distance d4 and the depth z1 to correspond to the fifth section, and the ultrasonic echo signal that receives the fifth weighting function corresponding to the fifth section through the transducer element 725 It can be selected as a weighting function to be applied to.

The processor recognizes that the second ratio of the distance d5 and the depth z1 corresponds to the seventh section, and the ultrasonic echo signal receiving the seventh weighting function corresponding to the seventh section through the transducer element 726 It can be selected as a weighting function to be applied to.

8 is a diagram illustrating a relative position of a receiving depth of an ultrasonic echo signal with respect to a position of a focal point of an ultrasonic signal, according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the processor may set the plurality of transducer elements 830 based on the relative values of the depth z1 of the focal point 810 of the ultrasound signal and the reception depths z2 and z3 of the ultrasound echo signal. A weighting function to be applied to the received ultrasonic echo signal may be selected.

For example, the processor may select a square function including a preset weight value as a weighting function for the ultrasonic echo signal generated at a position 821 deeper than the depth z1 of the focal point 810.

For another example, the processor weights a trigonometric function in which a weight value is differently applied to the ultrasound echo signal generated at a position 823 shallower than the depth z1 of the focal point 810. It can be selected as an applied function.

For another example, the processor may select a trigonometric function corresponding to a relative value between the reception depths z2 and z3 of the ultrasound echo signal and the depth z1 of the focal point 810 of the ultrasound signal as a weighting function. The processor may set a plurality of sections to which a relative value can be applied based on a predetermined ratio. The processor may set weighting functions corresponding to each of the plurality of sections. The predetermined relative values, the plurality of sections, and weighting functions corresponding to each of the plurality of sections may be pre-loaded in the memory. The processor may select a weighting function corresponding to the section containing the relative value.

According to an embodiment, the processor may calculate the relative value of the receiving depth of the ultrasonic echo signal with respect to the depth of the focal point 810 as shown in Equation (1).

Here, Z is a relative value of the receiving depth of the ultrasonic echo signal with respect to the depth of the focal point, c is the sound velocity, and n is the number of channels connected to a plurality of transducer elements that have received the ultrasonic echo signal. And, dt means the ultrasound scan time interval, and Z _focus means the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal.

Also, the processor may select a weighting function based on the calculated relative value. For example, the processor may select a weighting function as in Equation 2 and Equation 3.

Here, i is an index number, and w _i is a weight applied to the i-th channel.

When the relative value is less than 1, the processor may select a weighting function to be applied to the ultrasonic echo signal as a trigonometric function such as Equation (2). That is, when the receiving depth z3 of the ultrasonic echo signal is shallower than the depth z1 of the focal point 810 of the ultrasonic signal, the processor may select a weighting function to be applied to the ultrasonic echo signal as a trigonometric function such as Equation (2). have.

When the relative value is 1 or more, the processor may select a weighting function to be applied to the ultrasonic echo signal as a square function having a function value of 1. That is, when the receiving depth z2 of the ultrasonic echo signal is deeper than the depth z1 of the focal point 810 of the ultrasonic signal, the processor sets a weighting function to be applied to the ultrasonic echo signal as shown in Equation (3). It can be selected as a square function.

9 and 10 are graphs illustrating contrast ratios of ultrasound images generated by applying a weighting function to an echo signal according to an embodiment.

9 is a graph showing the contrast ratio of an ultrasound image for each reception depth of an ultrasound echo signal corresponding to each of a plurality of weighting functions when the depth of the focal point is 35 mm.

10 is a graph showing the contrast ratio of an ultrasound image for each reception depth of an ultrasound echo signal corresponding to each of a plurality of weighting functions when the depth of the focal point is 70 mm.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the depth of the focal point is 35 mm, a weighting function having a high contrast ratio at a reception depth of about 25 mm may be differently selected. Specifically, when the reception depth is less than 25 mm, when selecting a weighting function that is a trigonometric function, the contrast ratio of the ultrasound image is high. When the reception depth is 25 mm or more, the contrast ratio of the ultrasound image is high when selecting a weighting function that is a square function.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the depth of the focal point is 70 mm, a weighting function having a high contrast ratio at a reception depth of around 35 mm may be differently selected. Specifically, when the reception depth is less than 35 mm, the contrast ratio of the ultrasound image is high when a weighting function that is a trigonometric function is selected. When the reception depth is 35 mm or more, the contrast ratio of the ultrasound image is high when selecting a weighting function that is a square function.

The memory may store contrast values of each of a plurality of weighting functions corresponding to each of the reception depths of the ultrasound echo signal with respect to the depth of the focal point. The contrast ratio values stored in the memory may be pre-loaded. The processor may select a weighting function having the highest contrast ratio value among a plurality of weighting functions stored in the memory for the depth of the focal point and the reception depth of the ultrasonic echo signal.

By selecting a weighting function having the highest contrast ratio value for the depth of the focal point and the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may generate and display an ultrasound image having the best contrast ratio.

The memory may store a weight value applied to each channel of the ultrasound probe for each depth of reception of the ultrasound echo signal with respect to the depth of the focal point. For example, the memory may store weight values created with a look-up table. The weight value stored in the memory may be pre-loaded.

The processor may apply a weight to the ultrasonic echo signal received through the plurality of transducer elements using the weight value stored in the memory. For example, the processor may apply a weight to a signal output from each of a plurality of channels connected to each of the plurality of transducer elements using a look-up table stored in memory.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a distribution of weight values applied to each channel of the ultrasound probe according to the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal when the depth of the focal point is 35 mm.

Referring to FIG. 11, the processor may select a weighting function having a high weight value to the ultrasound echo signal received through the transducer element close to the focal point of the ultrasound signal. In addition, the processor may select a weighting function having a low weight value to the ultrasound echo signal received through the transducer element distant from the focal point of the ultrasound signal.

Also, the processor may select a weighting function based on the position of the focal point of the ultrasound signal and the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal. When the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal is deeper than the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal, the processor may select a weighting function to be applied to the ultrasound echo signal as a square function. When the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal is shallower than the depth of the focusing point of the ultrasound signal, a trigonometric function that calculates a weight value based on a relative value between the reception depth and the focusing point may be selected as a weighting function.

12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating generating ultrasound image data through interpolation according to an embodiment.

12 shows a boundary surface generated from an ultrasound image according to a weighting function selected according to a reception depth of an ultrasound echo signal, and FIG. 13 shows an ultrasound image on which interpolation is performed.

Referring to FIG. 12, a boundary surface may appear in some

regions

1220a and 1220b of the first ultrasound image 1210. Corresponding to each of the reception depths of the ultrasound echo signal, the processor may select a weighting function and apply a weight value to the ultrasound echo signal. The processor may select a first weighting function in response to the first ultrasound reception depth and a second weighting function in response to the second ultrasound reception depth. The first weighting function may be a trigonometric function, and the second weighting function may be a square function. As another weighting function is selected according to the reception depth of the ultrasound echo signal, an ultrasound image generated using the weighted ultrasound echo signal may have a boundary surface in some

areas

1220a and 1220b.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may perform interpolation in order to remove the boundary surface displayed on some

regions

1220a and 1220b of the ultrasound image 1210.

According to an embodiment, the processor may remove the boundary surface by performing interpolation on the weight value and correcting the weight value.

For example, when the difference between the first weight value corresponding to the first reception depth and the second weight value corresponding to the second reception depth is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold due to the conversion of the weighting function, the processor may calculate the second weight value. Can interpolate. The processor may modify the second weight value by interpolating the first weight value and the third weight value so that the second weight value is a predetermined value between the first weight value and the third weight value corresponding to the third reception depth. have. The processor may input the modified second weight value into the look-up table.

Specifically, the processor may modify the weight value by performing interpolation as shown in Equation (4).

Here, i is the index number (index number), wi is the weight applied to the i-th channel, Z is the relative value of the receiving depth of the ultrasonic echo signal to the depth of the focal point, n is the ultrasonic echo It means the number of channels connected to a plurality of transducer elements that have received a signal.

The processor may generate ultrasound image data by applying the modified weight value to the ultrasound echo signal. The display 140 may output the ultrasound image 1310 using the generated ultrasound image data.

The memory may store a look-up table with modified weight values. The look-up table whose weight value is modified through interpolation stored in the memory may be pre-loaded.

According to an embodiment, the processor may remove the boundary surface by performing interpolation on the ultrasound image data.

For example, the processor may use the ultrasound data of the regions located in the vicinity of some

regions

1220a and 1220b of the ultrasound image 1210 where the boundary surface is generated, so that some of the

regions

1220a and 1220b of the ultrasound image 1210 are generated. Interpolation may be performed on ultrasound data.

Specifically, the processor may generate third ultrasound data corresponding to the third reception depth by interpolating first ultrasound image data corresponding to the first reception depth and second ultrasound image data corresponding to the second reception depth.

The display 140 may output the ultrasound image 1310 using the generated third ultrasound image data.

14 illustrates a user interface for applying a profile, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may provide a user interface for a user to execute at least one of the disclosed embodiments with reference to FIGS. 3 to 13.

Specifically, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 acquires an ultrasound image using a conventional weighting function, or another weighting function (hereinafter, improved weighting) based on the reception depth of the echo signal disclosed with reference to FIGS. 3 to 13. Using an applied function), a user interface for selecting to acquire an ultrasound image may be provided.

According to an embodiment, a user input for selecting a weighting function is received using a touch screen 1400 included in at least one of the main display unit 121 and the sub display unit 122 of the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100. can do.

Referring to FIG. 14, the touch screen 1400 may display a GUI 1420 for controlling the display of the ultrasound image 1410 and receive a user input touching the GUI 1420. Also, the touch screen 1400 may receive a user input touching the GUI 1430 for selecting a weighting function from the user.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 acquires an ultrasound image using a conventional weighting function based on a user input touching the GUI 1430 for selecting a weighting function, or an ultrasound image using an improved weighting function Can be obtained.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may indicate a weighting function being used to acquire an ultrasound image through the GUI 1430 for selecting a weighting function. Therefore, the user can easily identify the weighting function being used to acquire the ultrasound image through the GUI 1430 and easily select the weighting function.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may receive a user input for selecting a weighting function using the control panel 165. For example, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may select a weighting function in response to a received user input using a button for selecting a weighting function included in the control panel 165. For another example, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 uses a trackball as a user input to the GUI 1430 for selecting a weighting function displayed on at least one of the main display unit 121 and the sub display unit 122. Can be received.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 controls the control panel GUI 1431 to adjust the intensity of the weighting function for each depth in response to an input for selecting the enhanced weighting function received using the GUI 1430 Can be displayed.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may adjust the intensity of the weighting function applied to each of the ultrasound reception depths in response to a user input adjusting the control panel GUI 1431.

For example, the control panel GUI 1431 may include a plurality of slide bars corresponding to each of preset depths. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may adjust the strength of a weighting function applied to ultrasound received from a depth corresponding to the slide bar based on a user's input for moving the slide bar.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 controls a user's input for adjusting the intensity of the weighting function applied to each of the ultrasound reception depths, in response to the enhanced weighting function being selected. You can receive using the slide bar.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 may adjust the intensity of a weighting function applied to ultrasound received from a depth corresponding to the slide bar based on a user input for moving the slide bar of the control panel 165.

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

Claims

A user input unit that receives an input related to an ultrasonic transmission condition from a user;

On the basis of the input ultrasonic transmission conditions, an ultrasound including a plurality of transducer elements for transmitting an ultrasound signal into the object and receiving an echo signal from the object and a plurality of channels connected to each of the plurality of transducer elements Probe;

The weighting function is selected based on the reception depth corresponding to the reception time of the echo signal, and the weighting value is applied to each of the ultrasound echo signals output from the plurality of channels based on the selected weighting function. At least one processor that generates ultrasound image data corresponding to the reception depth; And

And a display unit to display the generated ultrasound image data.
According to claim 1,

The ultrasonic transmission conditions,

An ultrasound imaging apparatus including at least one of a portion of the object to which the ultrasound signal is to be transmitted, a type of ultrasound image to be generated, a location of a focal point of the ultrasound signal, a type of the ultrasound probe, and a frequency of the ultrasound signal.
According to claim 1,

The at least one processor,

An ultrasound imaging apparatus selecting a weighting function having the highest contrast ratio among a plurality of weighting functions, based on the position of the focal point of the ultrasound signal obtained from the ultrasound transmission conditions and the receiving depth.
According to claim 1,

The at least one processor,

The ultrasound imaging apparatus selects the weighting function based on a relative position of each of the plurality of transducer elements with respect to the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal.
According to claim 1,

The at least one processor,

The ultrasound imaging apparatus selects the weighting function based on a relative position of the reception depth of the echo signal with respect to the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal.
According to claim 1,

The at least one processor,

The second weight value and the second weight value such that the first weight value corresponding to the first reception depth becomes a predetermined value between the second weight value corresponding to the second reception depth and the third weight value corresponding to the third reception depth. Modify the first weight value by interpolating a third weight value,

Generate ultrasound image data using the modified first weight value,

The first reception depth,

Shallower than the second reception depth,

An ultrasound imaging apparatus deeper than the third reception depth.
According to claim 1,

The at least one processor,

A first weighting function is selected based on the first reception depth,

First ultrasound image data is generated based on the first weight application function,

Select a second weighting function based on the second reception depth,

Second ultrasound image data is generated based on the second weighting function,

An ultrasound imaging apparatus, by interpolating the first ultrasound image data and the second ultrasound image data, to generate third ultrasound image data corresponding to a third reception depth between the first reception depth and the second reception depth.
A method of generating an ultrasound image by an ultrasound imaging apparatus,

Receiving an input related to an ultrasonic transmission condition from a user;

Transmitting an ultrasound signal into the object and receiving an echo signal from the object based on the input ultrasonic transmission condition;

Selecting a weighting function based on a reception depth corresponding to the reception time of the echo signal;

Generating ultrasound image data corresponding to the reception depth by applying a weight to ultrasound echo signals output from each of a plurality of channels connected to each of the plurality of transducer elements based on the selected weighting function; And

And displaying the generated ultrasound image data.
The method of claim 8,

The ultrasonic transmission conditions,

And at least one of a portion of the object to which the ultrasound signal is to be transmitted, a type of ultrasound image to be generated, a location of a focal point of the ultrasound signal, a type of ultrasound probe, and a frequency of the ultrasound signal.
The method of claim 8,

The step of selecting the weighting function,

And selecting a weighting function having the highest contrast ratio among a plurality of weighting functions, based on the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal obtained from the ultrasound transmission conditions and the receiving depth.
The method of claim 8,

The step of selecting the weighting function,

And selecting the weighting function based on the relative position of each of the plurality of transducer elements with respect to the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal.
The method of claim 8,

The step of selecting the weighting function,

And selecting the weighting function based on the relative position of the receiving depth of the echo signal with respect to the depth of the focal point of the ultrasound signal.
The method of claim 8,

The step of selecting the weighting function,

The second weight value and the second weight value such that the first weight value corresponding to the first reception depth becomes a predetermined value between the second weight value corresponding to the second reception depth and the third weight value corresponding to the third reception depth. And modifying the first weight value by interpolating a third weight value,

The step of generating the ultrasound image data,

Generating ultrasound image data using the modified first weight value,

The first reception depth,

Shallower than the second reception depth,

A method deeper than the third receiving depth.
The method of claim 8,

The step of selecting the weighting function,

Selecting a first weighting function based on the first reception depth; And

And selecting a second weighting function based on the second reception depth,

Generating the corresponding ultrasound image data,

Generating first ultrasound image data based on the first weight application function;

Generating second ultrasound image data based on the second weighting function; And

Generating third ultrasound image data corresponding to a third reception depth between the first reception depth and the second reception depth by interpolating the first ultrasound image data and the second ultrasound image data, Way.
A computer program product comprising a computer readable recording medium, the recording medium recording the method of claim 9.