Ultrasound imaging apparatus and methods performed thereby

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a method performed thereby. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes an ultrasound transceiver module, a memory storing instructions, and at least one processor including processing circuitry, wherein, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, the ultrasound imaging apparatus is configured to: based on receiving a user input for obtaining an elasticity value of a region of interest (ROI) of a subject, repeatedly perform elasticity imaging on the ROI by the ultrasound transceiver module; when an elasticity image of the ROI is obtained by the elasticity imaging, identify an elasticity measurement ROI on the elasticity image; obtain an elasticity value from the identified elasticity measurement ROI; accumulate the obtained elasticity value as elasticity data; display information about a number of the accumulated elasticity data together with the obtained elasticity image; and obtain a next elasticity image by next elasticity imaging.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0180227, filed on December 6, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to an ultrasound imaging apparatus for providing information about elastography, a method for providing information about elastography, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program for performing the method. Background Technology

[0003] In the medical field, many different types of medical imaging devices are widely used to obtain information about human biological tissues by imaging them for the purpose of early diagnosis of various diseases or surgery. Representative examples of these imaging devices include ultrasound imaging devices, computed tomography (CT) devices, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices.

[0004] An ultrasound imaging device is a device that non-invasively obtains at least one image of the internal parts of an object (e.g., soft tissue or blood flow) by projecting an ultrasound signal generated from a transducer of a probe onto the object and receiving information about the signal reflected from the object. Ultrasound imaging devices can be used for medical purposes, such as observing the interior of an object, detecting foreign objects, and measuring damage. Compared to X-ray-based imaging devices, ultrasound imaging devices are widely used along with other imaging apparatuses due to their high stability, the ability to display images in real time, and safety without radiation exposure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Other aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be readily understood from the description, or may be learned by practicing the embodiments presented in this disclosure.

[0006] According to an embodiment, an ultrasound imaging device is provided. The ultrasound imaging device includes: an ultrasound transceiver module; a memory storing instructions; and at least one processor including processing circuitry. When the instructions are executed individually or jointly by the at least one processor, the ultrasound imaging device can repeatedly perform elastic imaging on the ROI via the ultrasound transceiver module based on user input received for obtaining elasticity values ​​of the region of interest (ROI) of an object; when an elastic image of the ROI is obtained through elastic imaging, identify the elastic measurement ROI on the elastic image; obtain elasticity values ​​from the identified elastic measurement ROI; accumulate the obtained elasticity values ​​as elastic data; display information about the amount of accumulated elastic data along with the obtained elastic image; and obtain a next elastic image through a next elastic imaging.

[0007] According to an embodiment, a method for providing information about elastic imaging is provided. The method includes: repeatedly performing elastic imaging on the ROI based on user input received for obtaining elastic values ​​of a region of interest (ROI) of an object; identifying elastic measurement ROIs on the elastic image when an elastic image of the ROI is obtained through elastic imaging; obtaining elastic values ​​from the identified elastic measurement ROIs; accumulating the obtained elastic values ​​as elastic data; displaying information about the amount of accumulated elastic data along with the obtained elastic image; and obtaining a next elastic image through a next elastic imaging.

[0008] According to an embodiment, a computer-readable recording medium is provided, on which a program is recorded, which, when executed by a computer, performs a method for providing information about elastic imaging. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of this disclosure will be more readily understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound imaging system when the probe is a wired probe or a hybrid probe. Figure 1B This is a control block diagram for configuring an ultrasound imaging system when the probe is a wireless probe or a hybrid probe. Figures 2A to 2D This is a diagram illustrating an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 3 A method for determining the elastic value of a region of interest (ROI) performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 4 A method for providing information about the progress of an elasticity value measurement, performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment, is illustrated. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for measuring elasticity values ​​performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment; Figure 6 A method for obtaining additional elasticity data from a volatility index based on elasticity data, performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment, is illustrated. Figure 7 A method for determining representative values ​​of elasticity data by excluding outliers, performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment, is illustrated. Figure 8 A method for selecting a target number of elastic values ​​from elastic data, performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment, is illustrated. Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for displaying the measurement progress of elasticity values ​​performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment; Figure 10A method for measuring the progress of updating elasticity values ​​performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 11 A method for determining the measurement progress of elasticity values ​​based on user input excluding elasticity images, performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment, is illustrated. Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a method performed by an ultrasound imaging device to display an elasticity measurement ROI on an elasticity image when the ultrasound imaging device obtains an elasticity image, according to an embodiment. Figure 13 A method for determining the ROI of elasticity measurement performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 14 A method for changing the ROI of an elasticity measurement based on user input, performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment, is illustrated. Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a method for stopping elastic imaging based on the measurement progress of elasticity values ​​performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment; and Figure 16 A method for displaying elastic images performed by an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Throughout this disclosure, the expression "at least one of a, b or c" means only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b and c, or variations thereof.

[0011] Embodiments will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will enable them to be readily implemented by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. However, this disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Furthermore, portions irrelevant to the description of this disclosure have been omitted to clearly illustrate the disclosure in the accompanying drawings, and the same reference numerals consistently denote the same elements.

[0012] The terms currently widely used are selected for use herein by taking into account the functions of this disclosure; however, these terms are intended to encompass a variety of other terms, based on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedent, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Therefore, the terms used herein should not be defined by their simple appellations, but rather based on their meanings and the overall description of this disclosure.

[0013] Furthermore, although ordinal terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by the terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element or component from another.

[0014] Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular expressions used herein are also intended to include the plural expressions. Additionally, throughout this specification, it will be understood that when a part is referred to as “connected” or “coupled” to another part, it may be directly connected to or electrically coupled to the other part without any intermediate elements. Furthermore, throughout this specification, when a part “comprises” or “contains” an element, it should be understood that the part may also include other elements, but not exclude other elements, unless there is a specific description to the contrary.

[0015] Not all elements of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described, and descriptions of content commonly known in the art or overlapping with each other in the embodiments will be omitted. Throughout this specification, the terms "module" or "unit" may refer to a module implemented by at least one of software, hardware, or firmware, and multiple modules or units may be implemented in a single element, or a single module or unit may include multiple elements according to embodiments.

[0016] The expressions such as “in some embodiments of this disclosure” or “in an embodiment” described in various parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments.

[0017] Furthermore, as used herein, "object" refers to the target to be imaged and can include a person, an animal, or a part thereof. For example, an object can include a part of a body (organ, tissue, etc.) or a phantom.

[0018] Throughout this specification, "ultrasound image" refers to an image of an object generated or processed based on ultrasound signals sent to and reflected from the object.

[0019] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B The ultrasound imaging system 100 may include a probe 20 and an ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0020] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can be implemented not only as a push-type ultrasound imaging device, but also as a portable ultrasound imaging device. Examples of portable ultrasound imaging devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers (PCs), etc., each of which includes a probe and an application. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can be integrally formed with the probe 20.

[0021] The probe 20 may include a wired probe, a wireless probe, and / or a hybrid probe. The wired probe is wired to the ultrasound imaging device 40 for wired communication with the ultrasound imaging device 40, the wireless probe is wirelessly connected to the ultrasound imaging device 40 for wireless communication with the ultrasound imaging device 40, and the hybrid probe is wired or wirelessly connected to the ultrasound imaging device 40 for wired or wireless communication with the ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0022] According to various embodiments, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may include, for example: Figure 1A The ultrasonic transceiver module 110 or probe 20 shown may include, for example: Figure 1B The ultrasonic transceiver module 110 is shown. According to various embodiments, both the ultrasonic imaging device 40 and the probe 20 may include the ultrasonic transceiver module 110.

[0023] According to various embodiments, probe 20 may also include at least one of image processor 130, display 140, or input interface 170. The descriptions of ultrasound transceiver module 110, image processor 130, display 140, or input interface 170 included in ultrasound imaging device 40 in this disclosure also apply to ultrasound transceiver module 110, image processor 130, display 140, or input interface 170 included in probe 20.

[0024] Figure 1A This is a block diagram of the configuration of the ultrasound imaging system 100 when probe 20 is a wired probe or a hybrid probe.

[0025] The probe 20 may include multiple transducers. These transducers are arranged in a specific array to form a transducer array. The transducer array may correspond to a one-dimensional (1D) array or a two-dimensional (2D) array. The multiple transducers can transmit ultrasound signals to the object 10 in response to a transmission signal applied from the transmitter module 113. The multiple transducers can receive ultrasound (echo) signals reflected from the object 10 to form a received signal. Additionally, the probe 20 may be integrally formed with the ultrasound imaging device 40, or it may be implemented as a separate part wired to the ultrasound imaging device 40. Furthermore, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may be connected to one or more probes 20 depending on its implemented configuration.

[0026] When probe 20 is a wired probe or a hybrid probe, probe 20 may include a cable and connector that can be connected to a connector of ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0027] According to an embodiment, probe 20 can be implemented as a 2D probe. When probe 20 is implemented as a 2D probe, a plurality of transducers included in probe 20 can be arranged in 2D to form a 2D transducer array.

[0028] For example, a 2D transducer array may include multiple subarrays, each of which includes multiple transducers arranged along a first direction, wherein the multiple subarrays are arranged along a second direction different from the first direction.

[0029] Additionally, according to an embodiment, when the probe 20 is implemented as a 2D probe, the ultrasonic transceiver module 110 may include at least one of an analog beamformer or a digital beamformer. Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the 2D probe may include at least one of an analog beamformer or a digital beamformer depending on the configuration in which it is implemented.

[0030] The processor 120 can control the transmitter module 113 to form transmission signals to be applied to the multiple transducers respectively based on the position and focus of the multiple transducers.

[0031] The processor 120 can control the receiver module 115 to perform analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) on the received signal received from the probe 20, and generate ultrasound data by summing the digital received signal based on the position and focus of multiple transducers.

[0032] When probe 20 is implemented as a 2D probe, processor 120 can calculate a time delay value for digital beamforming for each of the plurality of subarrays included in the 2D transducer array. Additionally, processor 120 can calculate a time delay value for analog beamforming for each of the plurality of transducers included in any of the plurality of subarrays. Processor 120 can control the analog beamformer and digital beamformer to form a transmit signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers based on the time delay values ​​for analog and digital beamforming. Processor 120 can also control the analog beamformer to sum the signals received from the plurality of transducers in each subarray according to the time delay value for analog beamforming. Additionally, processor 120 can control the ultrasonic transceiver module 110 to perform an ADC on the summed signal for each subarray. Furthermore, processor 120 can control the digital beamformer to generate ultrasonic data by summing the digital output signal according to the time delay value for digital beamforming.

[0033] The image processor 130 generates or processes ultrasound images using the generated ultrasound data.

[0034] The display 140 can display generated ultrasound images and various information processed by the ultrasound imaging device 40 or probe 20. The probe 20 or ultrasound imaging device 40 may include one or more displays 140 depending on its configuration. Additionally, the display 140 may include a touch panel or touchscreen. The display 140 may also include a flexible display.

[0035] The processor 120 can control all operations of the ultrasound imaging device 40 and the operation of its components. The processor 120 can execute programs or instructions stored in the memory 150 to perform or control various operations or functions of the ultrasound imaging device 40. The processor 120 can also receive control signals from the input interface 170 or external devices to control the operation of the ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0036] The ultrasound imaging device 40 includes a communication module 160, which allows the ultrasound imaging device 40 to connect to and communicate with external devices (e.g., probe 20, server, medical device, and portable device such as smartphone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.) via the communication module 160.

[0037] The communication module 160 may include at least one component enabling communication with an external device. The communication module 160 may include at least one of, for example, a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, or a wireless communication module.

[0038] The communication module 160 can receive control signals and data from an external device. The processor 120 can control the operation of the ultrasound imaging device 40 in response to the control signals received via the communication module 160. Additionally, the processor 120 can send control signals to the external device via the communication module 160 to control the external device in response to the sent control signals. The external device can operate in response to the control signals received from the ultrasound imaging device 40, or process the data received from the ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0039] Programs or applications related to the ultrasound imaging device 40 may be installed on an external device. The programs or applications installed on the external device may control the ultrasound imaging device 40 or operate in response to control signals or data received from the ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0040] External devices can receive or download programs or applications related to the ultrasound imaging device 40 from the ultrasound imaging device 40, probe 20, or server, and install and run the programs or applications thereon. The ultrasound imaging device 40, probe 20, or server providing the programs or applications may include recording media that store instructions, commands, installation files, executable files, or related data of the programs or applications. External devices may also be sold with the programs or applications installed.

[0041] The memory 150 can store various types of data or programs, input and / or output ultrasound data, ultrasound images, etc., used to drive and control the ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0042] Input interface 170 can receive user input for controlling ultrasound imaging device 40. For example, user input may include, but is not limited to, input for manipulating buttons, keypads, mice, trackballs, microswitches or knobs, input for touching touchpads or touchscreens, voice input, motion input, and biometric information input (e.g., iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.).

[0043] At least one processor 120 may include processing circuitry. Instructions in memory 150 are executed individually or jointly by at least one processor 120, thus enabling the ultrasound imaging device 40 to execute embodiments.

[0044] At least one processor 120 may receive user input via input interface 170 for obtaining elastic values ​​of the region of interest (ROI) of an object.

[0045] At least one processor 120 can repeatedly perform elastic imaging on the ROI via the ultrasonic transceiver module 110 based on user input received for obtaining the elasticity value of the ROI of the object.

[0046] At least one processor 120 can obtain an elastic image of the ROI via elastic imaging. The processor 120 obtains the elastic image, thereby identifying at least one elastic measurement ROI on the elastic image.

[0047] At least one processor 120 can obtain an elasticity value from each of the at least one identified elasticity measurement ROI.

[0048] At least one processor 120 can store each of the obtained elastic values ​​as elastic data.

[0049] At least one processor 120 can display information about the quantity of elasticity values ​​stored as elasticity data along with the obtained elasticity image via a display 140.

[0050] At least one processor 120 may perform a next elastic imaging via the ultrasound transceiver module 110 if the amount of stored elastic data is less than the target amount. At least one processor 120 may obtain a next elastic image through the next elastic imaging.

[0051] At least one processor 120 can obtain the next elastic image by next elastic imaging about the ROI, based on the fact that the amount of elastic data is less than the target amount or the volatility index of the elastic data does not meet the volatility index condition.

[0052] At least one processor 120 may display information on display 140 indicating that sufficient elastic data has been obtained, based on the fact that the amount of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target amount and the volatility index of the elastic data meets the volatility index condition.

[0053] At least one processor 120 may terminate elastic imaging based on the quantity of elastic data being greater than or equal to the target quantity and the volatility index of the elastic data satisfying the volatility index condition.

[0054] At least one processor 120 may determine the representative value of the elastic data as the elastic value of the ROI based on the fact that the amount of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target amount and the volatility index of the elastic data meets the volatility index condition.

[0055] The representative value of elasticity data can be the median of the elasticity data. A volatility indicator can be the ratio between the interquartile range (IQR) of the elasticity data and its median. A volatility indicator condition can be a condition where the ratio between the IQR and the median of the elasticity data falls within a predetermined range.

[0056] Since the amount of elastic data exceeds the target amount, at least one processor 120 can select the target amount of elastic values ​​from the elastic data and store the selected elastic values ​​as elastic data. At least one processor 120 can identify whether the amount of stored elastic data is greater than or equal to the target amount and whether the volatility index of the stored elastic data meets the volatility index conditions.

[0057] When an elasticity image is obtained, at least one processor 120 may display on a display 140 information indicating the ratio of the amount of elasticity data in which elasticity values ​​are accumulated to the target amount, as a measure of the elasticity value measurement progress.

[0058] When at least one processor 120 obtains an elasticity image, at least one processor 120 may display on display 140 a volatility index of elasticity data in which elasticity values ​​are accumulated.

[0059] At least one processor 120 can display on a display 140 the elasticity measurement ROI identified on the elasticity image.

[0060] At least one processor 120 may receive user input for deleting an elastic image via input interface 170. At least one processor 120 may exclude elastic values ​​obtained from the deleted elastic image from the elastic data.

[0061] Figure 1B This is a control block diagram of the configuration of the ultrasound imaging system 100 when the probe 20 is a wireless probe or a hybrid probe.

[0062] According to various embodiments, Figure 1B The ultrasound imaging device 40 shown can be used as a reference. Figure 1A The described ultrasound imaging device 40 is replaced.

[0063] According to various embodiments, Figure 1A The probe 20 shown can be used as a reference. Figure 1B The described probe 20 is replaced.

[0064] The probe 20 may include a display 112, a transmitter module 113, a battery 114, a transducer 117, a charging module 116, a receiver module 115, an input interface 109, a processor 118, and a communication module 119. Although Figure 1B The diagram shows probe 20 including both transmitter module 113 and receiver module 115; however, depending on the configuration implemented, probe 20 may include only some components of transmitter module 113 and receiver module 115, and ultrasound imaging device 40 may also include some components of transmitter module 113 and receiver module 115. Additionally, according to an embodiment, probe 20 may also include image processor 130.

[0065] Transducer 117 may include multiple transducers. The multiple transducers are arranged in a specific array to form a transducer array. The transducer array may correspond to a 1D array or a 2D array. The multiple transducers may transmit ultrasonic signals to object 10 in response to a transmission signal applied from transmitter module 113. Additionally, the multiple transducers may receive ultrasonic signals reflected from object 10 to form or generate a received signal.

[0066] The charging module 116 can charge the battery 114. The charging module 116 can receive power from an external source. According to an embodiment, the charging module 116 can receive power wirelessly. Alternatively, according to an embodiment, the charging module 116 can receive power wired. The charging module 116 can transfer the received power to the battery 114.

[0067] The processor 118 can control the transmitter module 113 to generate or form transmission signals to be applied to the multiple transducers respectively based on the position and focus of the multiple transducers.

[0068] The processor 118 can control the receiver module 115 to perform an ADC on the received signal received from the transducer 117 and generate ultrasound data by summing the digital received signal based on the position and focus of multiple transducers. According to an embodiment, when the probe 20 includes an image processor 130, the image processor 130 can generate an ultrasound image based on the generated ultrasound data.

[0069] When probe 20 is implemented as a 2D probe, processor 118 can calculate a time delay value for digital beamforming for each of the plurality of subarrays included in the 2D transducer array. Additionally, processor 118 can calculate a time delay value for analog beamforming for each of the plurality of transducers included in any of the plurality of subarrays. Processor 118 can control the analog beamformer and digital beamformer to form a transmit signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers based on the time delay values ​​for analog and digital beamforming. Processor 118 can also control the analog beamformer to sum the signals received from the plurality of transducers in each subarray according to the time delay value for analog beamforming. Additionally, processor 118 can control the ultrasonic transceiver module 110 to perform an ADC on the summed signal for each subarray. Furthermore, processor 118 can control the digital beamformer to generate ultrasonic data by summing the digital output signal according to the time delay value for digital beamforming.

[0070] Processor 118 controls all operations of probe 20 and the operation of its components. Processor 118 executes programs or instructions stored in memory 111 to perform or control various operations or functions of probe 20. Processor 118 can also receive control signals from input interface 109 of probe 20 or external devices (e.g., ultrasound imaging equipment 40) to control the operation of probe 20. Input interface 109 can receive user input for controlling probe 20. For example, user input may include, but is not limited to, input for manipulating buttons, keypads, mice, trackballs, microswitches, or knobs; input for touching a touchpad or touchscreen; voice input; motion input; and biometric information input (e.g., iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.).

[0071] The display 112 can display ultrasound images generated by the probe 20, ultrasound images generated by processing ultrasound data generated by the probe 20, ultrasound images received from the ultrasound imaging device 40, and various information processed by the ultrasound imaging system 100. Additionally, the display 112 can also display status information of the probe 20. The status information of the probe 20 may include at least one of the following: probe 20 device information, probe 20 battery status information, probe 20 frequency band information, probe 20 output information, information about probe 20 malfunctions, probe 20 setting information, or probe 20 temperature information.

[0072] The probe 20 may include one or more displays 112 depending on the configuration implemented therein. Furthermore, the display 112 may include a touch panel or a touchscreen. The display 112 may also include a flexible display.

[0073] The communication module 119 can wirelessly transmit the generated ultrasound data or ultrasound images to the ultrasound imaging device 40 via a wireless network. The communication module 119 can also receive control signals and data from the ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0074] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive ultrasound data or ultrasound images from the probe 20.

[0075] In an embodiment, when the probe 20 includes an image processor 130 capable of generating an ultrasound image using ultrasound data, the probe 20 can send the ultrasound data or ultrasound image generated by the image processor 130 to the ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0076] In an embodiment, when probe 20 does not include an image processor 130 capable of generating ultrasound images using ultrasound data, probe 20 can transmit ultrasound data to ultrasound imaging device 40. Ultrasound data may include raw ultrasound data, and ultrasound images may refer to ultrasound image data.

[0077] The ultrasound imaging device 40 may include a processor 120, an image processor 130, a display 140, a memory 150, a communication module 160, and an input interface 170.

[0078] The image processor 130 generates or processes ultrasound images using ultrasound data received from the probe 20.

[0079] The display 140 can display ultrasound images received from the probe 20, ultrasound images generated by processing ultrasound data received from the probe 20, and various information processed by the ultrasound imaging system 100. The ultrasound imaging device 40 may include one or more displays 140 depending on its configuration. Additionally, the display 140 may include a touch panel or a touchscreen. Furthermore, the display 140 may include a flexible display.

[0080] The processor 120 can control all operations of the ultrasound imaging device 40 and the operation of its components. The processor 120 can execute programs or applications stored in the memory 150 to perform or control various operations or functions of the ultrasound imaging device 40. The processor 120 can also receive control signals from the input interface 170 or external devices to control the operation of the ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0081] The ultrasound imaging device 40 includes a communication module 160, which allows the ultrasound imaging device 40 to connect to and communicate with external devices (e.g., probe 20, server, medical device, and portable device such as smartphone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.) via the communication module 160.

[0082] The communication module 160 may include at least one component enabling communication with an external device. The communication module 160 may include at least one of, for example, a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, or a wireless communication module.

[0083] The communication module 160 of the ultrasound imaging device 40 can communicate with the communication module 119 of the probe 20 using a network or short-range wireless communication method. For example, the communication module 160 of the ultrasound imaging device 40 can communicate with the communication module 119 of the probe 20 using any of the wireless data communication methods, including Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless Broadband Internet (WiBro), Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX), Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP), Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig), Radio Frequency (RF) communication, 60 GHz millimeter wave (mmWave) short-range communication, etc.

[0084] Therefore, the communication module 160 of the ultrasound imaging device 40 and the communication module 119 of the probe 20 may each include at least one of the following: WLAN communication module, Wi-Fi communication module, Bluetooth communication module, ZigBee communication module, WFD communication module, IrDA communication module, BLE communication module, NFC communication module, WiBro communication module, WiMAX communication module, SWAP communication module, WiGig communication module, RF communication module, or 60GHz mmWave short-range communication module.

[0085] In this embodiment, probe 20 can transmit its device information (e.g., identification (ID) information) to ultrasound imaging device 40 using a first communication method (e.g., BLE), and can wirelessly pair with ultrasound imaging device 40. Additionally, probe 20 can transmit ultrasound data and / or ultrasound images to the paired ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0086] The device information of probe 20 may include various information related to probe 20 such as serial number, model name, and battery status.

[0087] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe 20 from the probe 20 using a first communication method (e.g., BLE) and can wirelessly pair with the probe 20. Additionally, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can send an activation signal to the paired probe 20 and receive ultrasound data and / or ultrasound images from the probe 20. In this regard, the activation signal may include a signal for controlling the operation of the probe 20.

[0088] Additionally, probe 20 can transmit ultrasound data and / or ultrasound images to ultrasound imaging device 40 paired with the first communication method using a second communication method (e.g., 60 GHz mmWave or Wi-Fi).

[0089] Additionally, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can send an activation signal to the paired probe 20 and receive ultrasound data and / or ultrasound images from the probe 20 using a second communication method (e.g., 60 GHz mmWave or Wi-Fi).

[0090] According to an embodiment, a first communication method for pairing the probe 20 with the ultrasound imaging device 40 may have a lower frequency band than a second communication method used by the probe 20 to transmit ultrasound data and / or ultrasound images to the ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0091] The display 140 of the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display a UI indicating device information of the probe 20. For example, the display 140 can display the ID information of the probe 20, the pairing method indicating the method of pairing the ultrasound imaging device 40 with the probe 20, the status of data communication between the probe 20 and the ultrasound imaging device 40, the method of performing data communication with the ultrasound imaging device 40, the battery status of the probe 20, etc.

[0092] When probe 20 includes display 112, display 112 of probe 20 can display a UI indicating device information of probe 20. For example, display 112 can display UI indicating ID information of probe 20, pairing method indicating how to pair probe 20 with ultrasound imaging device 40, data communication status between probe 20 and ultrasound imaging device 40, method of performing data communication with ultrasound imaging device 40, battery status of probe 20, etc.

[0093] The communication module 160 can receive control signals and data from external devices. The processor 120 can control the operation of the ultrasound imaging device 40 in response to the control signals received via the communication module 160.

[0094] Additionally, the processor 120 can send control signals to an external device via the communication module 160 to control the external device in response to the sent control signals. The external device can operate in response to the control signals received from the ultrasound imaging device 40, or process the data received from the ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0095] External devices can receive or download programs or applications related to the ultrasound imaging device 40 from the ultrasound imaging device 40, probe 20, or server, and install and run the programs or applications thereon. The ultrasound imaging device 40, probe 20, or server providing the programs or applications may include recording media that store instructions, commands, installation files, executable files, or related data of the programs or applications. External devices may also be sold with the programs or applications installed.

[0096] The memory 150 can store various types of data or programs, input and / or output ultrasound data, ultrasound images, etc., used to drive and control the ultrasound imaging device 40.

[0097] The following will refer to Figures 2A to 2D An example of an ultrasound imaging system 100 according to an embodiment is described.

[0098] Figures 2A to 2D The diagram shows the ultrasound imaging apparatus 40a to 40d according to an embodiment.

[0099] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B Each of the ultrasound imaging devices 40a and 40b may include a main display 121 and a sub-display 122. The main display 121 and the sub-display 122 may correspond to... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The display 140. At least one of the main display 121 or the sub-display 122 may be implemented as a touch screen. At least one of the main display 121 or the sub-display 122 may display ultrasound images or various information processed by the ultrasound imaging devices 40a and 40b. In addition, at least one of the main display 121 or the sub-display 122 may be implemented as a touch screen and may receive data from the user to control the ultrasound imaging devices 40a and 40b by providing a graphical user interface (GUI). For example, the main display 121 may display ultrasound images, and the sub-display 122 may display a control panel for controlling the display of ultrasound images in the form of a GUI. The sub-display 122 may receive data to control the display of images through the control panel displayed in the form of a GUI. For example, a time gain compensation (TGC) button, a lateral gain compensation (LGC) button, a freeze button, a trackball, a microswitch, or a knob may be provided on the sub-display 122 as a GUI.

[0100] Ultrasonic imaging devices 40a and 40b can use input control data to control the display of ultrasound images on the main display 121. Additionally, ultrasound imaging devices 40a and 40b can be wired or wirelessly connected to probe 20 to send or receive ultrasound signals to or from the object.

[0101] Reference Figure 2BIn addition to the main display 121 and the sub-display 122, the ultrasound imaging device 40b may also include a control panel 165. The control panel 165 may include buttons, a trackball, microswitches, knobs, etc., and can receive data from the user to control the ultrasound imaging device 40b. For example, the control panel 165 may include a TGC button 171, a freeze button 172, etc. The TGC button 171 is a button used to set the TGC value for each depth of the ultrasound image. Furthermore, when input to the freeze button 172 is detected while scanning an ultrasound image, the ultrasound imaging device 40b may maintain the display of the current frame image, capture the current frame image, or store the current frame image.

[0102] Additionally, buttons, trackballs, microswitches, knobs, etc., included in the control panel 165 can be configured as a GUI on the main display 121 or the sub-display 122. Ultrasonic imaging devices 40a and 40b can also be connected to probe 20 to send ultrasonic signals to or receive ultrasonic signals from the object.

[0103] Ultrasonic imaging devices 40a and 40b may include various types of input / output interfaces, such as speakers, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), vibration devices, etc. For example, ultrasonic imaging devices 40a and 40b can output various information in the form of graphics, sound, or vibration through the input / output interfaces. Ultrasonic imaging devices 40a and 40b can also output various types of notifications or data through the input / output interfaces.

[0104] Reference Figure 2C and Figure 2D The ultrasound imaging devices 40c and 40d can be implemented in a portable form. Examples of portable ultrasound imaging devices 40c and 40d may include, but are not limited to, smartphones, laptops, PDAs, or tablet PCs containing probes and applications.

[0105] The ultrasound imaging device 40c may include a main body 51. (See reference...) Figure 2C The probe 20 can be connected to the side of the body 51 via a wire. For this purpose, the body 51 may include a connection terminal to which a cable connected to the probe 20 can be attached or detached. The probe 20 may include a cable with connection terminals that can be connected to the body 51.

[0106] Reference Figure 2D The probe 20 can be wirelessly connected to the ultrasound imaging device 40d. The main body 51 may include an input / output interface (e.g., a touch screen). The input / output interface can display ultrasound images, various information processed by the ultrasound imaging device 40d, or a GUI.

[0107] The ultrasound imaging device 40d and the probe 20 can establish communication or pair via short-range wireless communication. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40d and the probe 20 can communicate with each other using Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi Direct.

[0108] Ultrasonic imaging devices 40c and 40d can execute programs or applications related to probe 20 to control probe 20 and output information related to probe 20. Ultrasonic imaging devices 40c and 40d can perform operations related to probe 20 while communicating with a specific server. Probe 20 can be registered with ultrasonic imaging devices 40c and 40d or registered with a specific server. Ultrasonic imaging devices 40c and 40d can communicate with the registered probe 20 and perform operations related to probe 20.

[0109] In addition, ultrasound imaging devices 40c and 40d may include various types of input / output interfaces, such as speakers, LEDs, vibration devices, etc. For example, ultrasound imaging devices 40c and 40d can output various information in the form of graphics, sound, or vibration through the input / output interfaces. Ultrasound imaging devices 40c and 40d can output various types of notifications or data through the input / output interfaces.

[0110] In embodiments, ultrasound imaging devices 40a, 40b, 40c, or 40d may use artificial intelligence (AI) models to process ultrasound images or obtain additional information from ultrasound images. In embodiments, ultrasound imaging devices 40a, 40b, 40c, or 40d may use AI models to generate ultrasound images or perform processes such as correction, image quality enhancement, encoding, or decoding on ultrasound images. Additionally, in embodiments, ultrasound imaging devices 40a, 40b, 40c, or 40d may use AI models to perform processes such as defining baselines, obtaining anatomical information, obtaining lesion information, extracting surfaces, defining boundaries, measuring length, measuring area, measuring volume, or generating annotations from ultrasound images.

[0111] AI models can be provided on ultrasound imaging devices 40a, 40b, 40c or 40d or on a server.

[0112] AI models can be implemented using various artificial neural networks or deep neural networks. They can also be trained or generated using various machine learning or deep learning algorithms. AI models can be implemented, for example, using models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), generative adversarial networks (GANs), and long short-term memory (LSTM).

[0113] Figure 3 A method for determining the elasticity value of a region of interest (ROI) performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0114] Reference Figure 3 The ultrasound imaging device 40 can accumulate elasticity data by repeatedly acquiring elasticity images of the ROI and determine a representative value of the elasticity data as the elasticity value of the ROI.

[0115] Theoretically, measurements within the same area should be identical. However, even when elasticity values ​​are repeatedly obtained for the same area, significant differences can exist between the values ​​due to the movement of the object or the user. Therefore, to improve the accuracy of elasticity value measurements, it is necessary to repeat the measurements for the same area more times than the reference number. For example, to ensure accurate elasticity value measurements, 10 or more repeated measurements may be required.

[0116] Furthermore, elasticity data may include outliers that significantly deviate from normal elasticity values ​​due to the movement of the object. Therefore, a representative value for elasticity data could be the median, which is less affected by outliers. However, this disclosure is not limited to this; for example, a representative value for elasticity data could be a adjusted mean.

[0117] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can exclude outliers from the elasticity data and calculate the degree of change of the elasticity data excluding outliers relative to the representative value as a volatility index. The greater the volatility of the elasticity data, the larger the volatility index may be. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can increase the reliability of the representative value by repeating elastic imaging until the volatility index of the elasticity data is less than or equal to the reference value.

[0118] For example, the ratio of the interquartile range to the median of elasticity data can be calculated as a volatility indicator. The interquartile range of elasticity data can be obtained by subtracting the values ​​corresponding to the bottom 25% from the values ​​corresponding to the top 75% of the elasticity data, but is not limited to this. The ratio of the interquartile range to the median of elasticity data (e.g., IQR / Med) can indicate the degree of dispersion of elasticity data relative to the median, excluding outliers.

[0119] In addition, volatility indicators may include, for example, adjusted variance or adjusted standard deviation.

[0120] Users may need to repeatedly measure elasticity values ​​until the volatility indicator is less than or equal to a reference value. For example, users may need to repeatedly measure elasticity values ​​until the ratio of the middle 50th percentile (IQR) of elasticity data to the median of elasticity data (IQR / Med) is less than or equal to a reference ratio (e.g., 0.3).

[0121] Return to reference Figure 3The ultrasound imaging device 40 can repeatedly acquire elasticity images and obtain 13 elasticity values ​​from the acquired elasticity images as elasticity data. When the elasticity data are arranged in ascending order, the value corresponding to the bottom 25% is 4.0, and the value corresponding to the top 75% is 7.0. Therefore, the IQR of the elasticity data is 3.0 (the value obtained by subtracting 4 from 7). The median of the elasticity data is 6.0, and the ratio of the interquartile range of the elasticity data to the median is 0.5 (3 / 6), which is greater than the reference ratio of 0.3. Therefore, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may not determine 6.0, which is the median of the elasticity data, as the elasticity value of the ROI.

[0122] When repeatedly acquiring elastography images, it may be necessary to minimize the motion of the subject. For example, when repeatedly acquiring elastography images of the liver to measure liver stiffness, it may be necessary to minimize liver motion by having the patient hold their breath while raising their arms above their head to open the space between their ribs.

[0123] When repeatedly acquiring elasticity images, because it is difficult to know whether the accumulated elasticity values ​​are greater than or equal to the target number, or whether the volatility index of the elasticity data is less than or equal to the reference value, users repeat elasticity imaging with their experience values.

[0124] If the number of elasticity data points is less than the target number, or if the variability index exceeds the reference value after elastography, the user may have to repeat the elastography. Furthermore, even if the number of elasticity data points is greater than or equal to the target number and the variability index is less than the reference value, the user may not be able to identify whether the conditions have been met and continue performing elastography. Because patients may need to stop breathing during elastography, exceeding the necessary additional elastography or the elastography time can be a significant burden on patients.

[0125] According to an embodiment, when the number of elastic values ​​accumulated as elastic data while repeatedly acquiring elastic images is greater than or equal to a target number and the volatility index of the elastic data is less than or equal to a reference value, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display information indicating that sufficient elastic data has been acquired.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the measurement progress of the elastic value while accumulating the elastic value, and display the determined measurement progress of the elastic value.

[0127] Figure 4 A method for providing information about the measurement progress 74a of elasticity values, performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0128] Reference Figure 4When the number of elastic values ​​accumulated as elastic data during repeated acquisition of elastic images is greater than or equal to the target number and the volatility index of the elastic data is less than or equal to the reference value, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display information indicating that sufficient elastic data has been acquired.

[0129] Reference Figure 4 In the left image, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display an elasticity image 61a, a reliability image 63a, and information 70 about elasticity data on a B-mode image 50a.

[0130] For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can acquire a B-mode image (not shown) of the subject via B-mode scanning after the patient assumes a posture. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive user input for setting an elastography region on the B-mode image (not shown). The ultrasound imaging device 40 can radiate strong ultrasound pulses to the tissue of the subject corresponding to the elastography region.

[0131] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can repeatedly perform elastography. In one elastography, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can generate ultrasonic shear waves in the tissue by radiating a strong ultrasound pulse to the tissue corresponding to the elastography area.

[0132] Following the radiation of a high-intensity ultrasonic pulse, the ultrasound imaging device 40 acquires ultrasound data from the elastic imaging region by radiating ultrasound waves for high-speed frame capture into the region. It detects changes in tissue position caused by ultrasonic shear waves from the acquired ultrasound data and calculates the velocity of the ultrasonic shear waves based on these detected changes. The ultrasound imaging device 40 determines the elasticity value of the elastic imaging region based on the propagation velocity of the ultrasonic shear waves and generates an elastic image 61a. Additionally, the ultrasound imaging device 40 generates a B-mode image 50a of the object by radiating ultrasound waves for B-mode scanning into the object.

[0133] The elasticity image 61a can use color to represent the elasticity value at each point. For example, the elasticity values ​​in the elasticity image 61a can range from 0 to 40 kPa, and the elasticity image 61a can use colors in the order of blue, light blue, yellow, and red to represent the elasticity values ​​in the range of 0 to 40 kPa. Therefore, hard tissue can be represented by red (indicating high energy), while soft tissue can be represented by blue (indicating low energy). The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display an elasticity color bar 92 together with the elasticity image 61a. The elasticity color bar 92 can indicate the colors shown in the elasticity image 61a and the corresponding elasticity values.

[0134] Additionally, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can acquire a reliability image 63a indicating the reliability of the elastic value in the elastic imaging region. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the amplitude of the ultrasonic shear wave, the signal quality of the ultrasonic shear wave, or the noise level of the ultrasonic shear wave based on the acquired ultrasound data. Furthermore, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can generate a reliability image 63a indicating the reliability of the elastic value represented by the elastic image 61a based on the amplitude of the ultrasonic shear wave, the signal quality of the ultrasonic shear wave, or the noise level of the ultrasonic shear wave. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine that the greater the amplitude of the generated shear wave, the higher the signal quality of the shear wave, and the lower the noise level of the shear wave, the higher the reliability of the elastic value. The reliability image 63a can use color to represent reliability. For example, the lower the reliability of the elastic value, the red the reliability; the higher the reliability of the elastic value, the green the reliability. Additionally, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the reliability image 63a and a reliability color bar 91. The reliability color bar 91 indicates the color shown in the reliability image 63a and the corresponding reliability value.

[0135] When the ultrasound imaging device 40 acquires an elasticity image 61a, it can obtain at least one elasticity value as elasticity data from the acquired elasticity image 61a. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine at least one elasticity measurement ROI 62a in which the reliability of the elasticity value is greater than or equal to a reference value based on a reliability image 63a, and obtain an elasticity value from each of the at least one elasticity measurement ROI 62a.

[0136] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can accumulate at least one obtained elasticity value as elasticity data. Furthermore, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine a representative value 72a and a volatility index 73a of the elasticity data based on the accumulated elasticity data. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the representative value 72a of the elasticity data as 5.83 kPa (the median of the elasticity data). Additionally, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the determined volatility index 73a of the elasticity data as 3% (IQR / Med value).

[0137] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the measurement progress 74a of the elasticity value. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the measurement progress 74a of the elasticity value as the ratio between the number of accumulated elasticity values ​​and the target number of elasticity values. For example, when the target number of elasticity values ​​is 10 and the accumulated number of elasticity values ​​is 7, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the measurement progress 74a of the elasticity value as 70%.

[0138] The ultrasonic imaging device 40 can display the representative value 72a of the elasticity data, the fluctuation index 73a of the elasticity data, and the measurement progress 74a of the elasticity value.

[0139] Additionally, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine whether further elastography is needed to obtain elasticity values. Based on the fact that the number of elasticity values ​​included in the elasticity data does not exceed the target number, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine that further elastography is needed to obtain elasticity values.

[0140] When the ultrasound imaging device 40 determines that elastography is still required, it can again radiate strong ultrasound pulses onto the tissue to generate ultrasound shear waves within the tissue and obtain new ultrasound data of the object in which ultrasound shear waves have already appeared. Based on the obtained ultrasound data, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can generate an elastography image 61b and a reliability image 63b. Additionally, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can generate a B-mode image 50b of the object by radiating ultrasound waves used for B-mode scanning onto it.

[0141] When the ultrasound imaging device 40 acquires an elasticity image 61b, it can determine at least one elasticity measurement ROI 62b in the acquired elasticity image 61b, obtain at least one elasticity value from the at least one elasticity measurement ROI 62b, and accumulate the at least one elasticity value as elasticity data. Furthermore, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine a representative value 72b of the elasticity data and a volatility index 73b of the elasticity data based on the accumulated elasticity data.

[0142] In addition, based on the IQR / Med value of 1% indicating the volatility of the elasticity data (meeting the volatility index condition of 30% or less) and the number of cumulative elasticity values ​​of 10 (greater than or equal to the target number of elasticity values ​​of 10), the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine that the measurement progress 74b of the elasticity value is 100%.

[0143] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the representative value 72b of the elasticity data, the fluctuation index 73b of the elasticity data, and the measurement progress of the elasticity value 74b.

[0144] In addition, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine that sufficient elastic data has been obtained and that elastic imaging is no longer needed to obtain elastic values ​​based on the fact that the number of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target number and the fluctuation of the elastic data is less than or equal to the reference value.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can stop elastography based on the determination that elastography is no longer needed to obtain elasticity values.

[0146] According to an embodiment, based on the determination that elastic imaging is no longer needed to obtain elasticity values, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may display information indicating that sufficient elasticity data has been obtained, but may continue elastic imaging to obtain further elasticity values ​​until a user input to stop elastic imaging is received.

[0147] Figure 5This is a flowchart of a method for measuring elasticity values ​​performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment.

[0148] In operation S510, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can repeatedly perform elastic imaging on the ROI based on user input received for obtaining the elasticity value of the ROI of the object.

[0149] For example, when the ultrasound imaging device 40 receives user input, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can repeatedly obtain elastic images by performing elastic imaging at predetermined intervals.

[0150] According to an embodiment, user input for obtaining the elasticity value of an object's ROI may include user input for selecting an elastic imaging menu and user input for selecting an elastic imaging region.

[0151] According to an embodiment, user input for obtaining the elasticity value of an object's ROI may include user input for selecting an elastic imaging menu, user input for selecting an elastic imaging region, and user input for initiating elastic imaging.

[0152] In operation S520, when an elastic image of the ROI is obtained through elastic imaging, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can identify the elastic measurement ROI on the elastic image.

[0153] The ROI for elasticity measurement can be the region from which elasticity values ​​are to be obtained in an elasticity image.

[0154] Whenever the ultrasound imaging device 40 acquires an elasticity image, it can identify an elasticity measurement ROI on the elasticity image. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine at least one elasticity measurement ROI based on the reliability and uniformity of the elasticity values ​​in the elasticity image.

[0155] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine at least one elastic measurement ROI in an elasticity image and display the location of the determined at least one elastic measurement ROI on the elasticity image.

[0156] The ultrasound imaging device 40 may obtain multiple elastic values ​​from an elastic image, or it may not obtain any elastic values.

[0157] In operation S530, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain the elasticity value from the identified elasticity measurement ROI.

[0158] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain elasticity values ​​from each of at least one elasticity measurement ROI. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain the average of the elasticity values ​​in an elasticity measurement ROI as the elasticity value of the elasticity measurement ROI.

[0159] In operation S540, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can accumulate the obtained elasticity values ​​as elasticity data.

[0160] Whenever the ultrasound imaging device 40 obtains an elastic value, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can accumulate the obtained elastic value as elastic data.

[0161] In operation S550, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display information about the amount of accumulated elastic data along with the obtained elastic image.

[0162] When the accumulated elasticity values ​​are used as elasticity data, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display information about the amount of accumulated elasticity data along with the acquired elasticity image. By providing the amount of accumulated elasticity data, the user can determine the progress in obtaining elasticity values.

[0163] According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the obtained elasticity image and display the identified elasticity measurement ROI on the displayed elasticity image.

[0164] In operation S560, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain the next elastic image through the next elastic imaging.

[0165] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain new elastic values ​​from the next elastic image and accumulate the obtained new elastic values ​​again as elastic data. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can perform elastic imaging again if the amount of accumulated elastic data is less than the target amount.

[0166] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display information indicating that sufficient elastic data has been obtained based on the fact that the quantity of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target quantity and the volatility index of the elastic data meets the volatility index condition.

[0167] The target number can be selected by the user. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can provide a user interface that allows selection of the target number and can receive user input for setting the target number through the user interface.

[0168] Volatility indicators represent the degree of change of elastic data relative to a representative value. The greater the volatility of the elastic data, the larger the volatility indicator is likely to be. A condition for a volatility indicator is that it is less than or equal to a reference value. Considering the volatility and quantity of elastic data, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can increase the reliability of the representative value of the elastic data.

[0169] According to the embodiment, the representative value of the elasticity data can be the median of the elasticity data. The volatility indicator can be the ratio between the IQR value and the median of the elasticity data (IQR / Med). The volatility indicator condition can be that the IQR / Med of the elasticity data is less than or equal to the reference value.

[0170] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain the next elastic image by performing another elastic imaging on the ROI, based on the fact that the number of elastic data is less than the target number or the volatility index of the elastic data does not meet the volatility index condition. Even if the number of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target number, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can continue elastic imaging when the volatility index of the elastic data does not meet the volatility index condition.

[0171] According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can stop elastic imaging based on the fact that the number of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target number and the volatility index of the elastic data meets the volatility index condition. When elastic imaging stops, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the representative value of the elastic data as the elastic value of the ROI.

[0172] According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can perform the next elastic imaging without stopping elastic imaging until there is user input to stop elastic imaging based on the quantity of elastic data being greater than or equal to the target quantity and the volatility index of the elastic data meeting the volatility index condition.

[0173] According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can provide a user interface for setting whether to stop elastic imaging when the amount of elastic data is greater than or equal to a target amount and the volatility index of the elastic data meets the volatility index condition. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive user input through the user interface for setting whether to stop elastic imaging when the amount of elastic data meeting the volatility index condition exceeds the target amount. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine whether to stop elastic imaging based on the user's settings.

[0174] According to an embodiment, when the number of elastic data exceeds a target number, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can select the target number of elastic values ​​from the elastic data and update only the selected elastic values ​​as elastic data. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can select elastic values ​​in the elastic data whose difference between representative values ​​is less than or equal to a reference difference. Based on the updated elastic data, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can re-identify whether the volatility index of the elastic data meets the volatility index conditions.

[0175] As the ultrasound imaging device 40 repeatedly acquires elasticity images, it can display the progress of elasticity value measurement. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display information indicating the ratio of the accumulated elasticity data to the target number as the progress of elasticity value measurement.

[0176] Even if the number of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target number, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may not set the measurement progress of the elastic value to 100% if the volatility index of the elastic data does not meet the volatility index condition. For example, even if the number of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target number, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may increase the target number and calculate the progress based on the increased target number if the volatility index of the elastic data does not meet the volatility index condition.

[0177] Whenever the ultrasound imaging device 40 acquires an elastic image, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display an updated fluctuation index of the elastic data.

[0178] When the ultrasound imaging device 40 repeatedly performs elastography on the ROI, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display a list of elastography images for which elasticity values ​​have been obtained.

[0179] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can exclude elastic values ​​obtained from the deleted elastic images from the elastic data based on user input received for deleting the displayed elastic images.

[0180] Figure 6 A method for obtaining additional elasticity data based on the volatility indices 610a and 610b of elasticity data, performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0181] Reference Figure 6 When the volatility index of the elasticity data does not meet the volatility index condition, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can continue elastic imaging to obtain the elasticity value.

[0182] Reference Figure 6 As shown in the figure above, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can store multiple elastic values ​​obtained from multiple elastic images by repeatedly capturing ROIs as elastic data.

[0183] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display elasticity data as an elasticity value curve 620a. For example, when an elasticity image is acquired, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the elasticity value curve 620a together with the elasticity image. Additionally, for example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can provide a user interface for displaying elasticity data. Based on received user input for selecting the user interface, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the elasticity value curve 620a.

[0184] The elasticity value curve 620a can represent the median and IQR, and can also represent the degree of separation between the elasticity value and the median.

[0185] Additionally, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the volatility index 610a of the elasticity data. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the number of obtained elasticity values ​​601. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display information 609 regarding the volatility index conditions of the elasticity data. The volatility index conditions of the elasticity data could, for example, be an IQR / Med ratio less than 30%. Although not explicitly stated... Figure 6 As shown, however, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the number of targets with elasticity values. The number of targets can be, for example, 10.

[0186] A representative value for elasticity data could be 19.96 kPa (the median of elasticity data, 605a). An IQR value of 607 could be 7.62 kPa, and the volatility index of elasticity data, 610a, could be 38.2% (IQR / Med value).

[0187] Even if the number of elastic values ​​obtained as elastic data meets the target number, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can continue elastic imaging to obtain elastic values ​​when the volatility index 610a of the elastic data exceeds the volatility index reference value.

[0188] Reference Figure 6 Although the number of elasticity values ​​is 10 (meeting the target number), because the volatility index 610a of the elasticity data is 38.2% (not meeting the volatility index condition of less than 30%), the ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain the next elasticity image. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain the eleventh elasticity value 630 from the obtained next elasticity image. The ultrasound imaging device 40 accumulates the eleventh elasticity value 630 as elasticity data, displays the elasticity data as an elasticity value curve 620b, and recalculates the representative value 605b of the elasticity data and the volatility index 610b of the elasticity data. When the volatility index 610b of the elasticity data decreases to 22.6% (less than the volatility index condition of 30%), the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display information indicating that more than the target number of elasticity values ​​has been obtained and the volatility index of the elasticity data meets the volatility index condition. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the representative value of the elasticity data as the elasticity value of the ROI and can obtain no further elasticity images.

[0189] Figure 7 A method for determining representative values ​​of elasticity data by excluding outliers 731, 732, 733 and 734, performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0190] Reference Figure 7 Even if the number of obtained elasticity values ​​has reached the threshold number, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can still exclude outliers 731, 732, 733 and 734 from the elasticity data based on the fact that the volatility index of the elasticity data does not meet the volatility index conditions.

[0191] For example, refer to Figure 7 As shown in the chart above, even if the amount of elastic data exceeds the target amount and has reached the threshold amount of 14, the IQR / Med 710a of the elastic data may still be 36.2% (not meeting the volatility metric condition of 30% or lower). The threshold amount can be predetermined and stored as greater than or equal to the target amount, and can be changed based on user input.

[0192] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can identify outliers in elasticity data. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can identify a predetermined number of elasticity values ​​as outliers in order of their distance from representative values. Additionally, for example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can identify values ​​in the elasticity data that are less than Q1 (the value at the bottom 25% point) - 1.5IQR or greater than Q3 (the value at the top 25% point) + 1.5IQR as outliers relative to IQR.

[0193] Reference Figure 7 As shown in the figure below, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can recalculate the volatility index of the elasticity data excluding outliers 731, 732, 733, and 734. Since the IQR / Med 710b of the elasticity data is 18.3% (meeting the volatility index condition of 30% or less), the ultrasound imaging device 40 can stop performing elasticity imaging and determine the median of the elasticity data as the elasticity value of the ROI.

[0194] Elastography time may unnecessarily increase due to outliers caused by the motion of the object. Ultrasonic imaging device 40 can exclude outliers 731, 732, 733, and 734 from the elastography data and avoid performing additional elastography, thereby reducing the burden on the object.

[0195] According to an embodiment, if the volatility index of the elastic data does not meet the volatility index condition even after outliers 731, 732, 733 and 734 have been excluded, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may display a notification to guide additional capture.

[0196] Figure 8 A method for selecting a target number of elastic values ​​from elastic data, performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0197] Reference Figure 8 The ultrasound imaging device 40 can select a target number of elastic values ​​from the elasticity data based on the distance from the representative value, and calculate each of the representative value and volatility index of the elasticity value based on the selected elastic values.

[0198] Reference Figure 8 In the first figure 810, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can accumulate 10 elastic values ​​(number of targets) from multiple elastic images as elastic data, and calculate the IQR / Med of the elastic data as 23.7%.

[0199] Reference Figure 8 In the second figure 820, when continuing elastography, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain a first elastography image after multiple elastography images, and obtain an eleventh elastography value 821 from the first elastography image. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can select 10 (target number) elastography values ​​from the 11 elastography values, and exclude the ninth elastography value 823, which is furthest from the median, from the elastography data. Since the ninth elastography value 823 is excluded, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can calculate the IQR / Med of the remaining 10 elastography values ​​as 9.0%, thereby reducing the volatility of the elastography data.

[0200] Reference Figure 8 In Figure 830, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain a second elasticity image after the first elasticity image, and obtain a twelfth elasticity value 831 from the second elasticity image. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can select 10 (target number) elasticity values ​​from the 12 elasticity values, and exclude the eighth and ninth elasticity values ​​833, which are furthest from the median, from the elasticity data. Since the eighth and ninth elasticity values ​​833 are excluded, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can calculate the IQR / Med of the remaining 10 elasticity values ​​as 8.0%, thereby further reducing the volatility of the elasticity data.

[0201] Reference Figure 8 In Figure 840, the ultrasound imaging device 40 obtains a third elasticity image after the second elasticity image and obtains a thirteenth elasticity value 841 from the third elasticity image. The ultrasound imaging device 40 selects 10 elasticity values ​​(as the target number) from the 13 elasticity values ​​and excludes the fifth elasticity value 845, as well as the eighth and ninth elasticity values ​​833 (which are furthest from the median). Since the fifth elasticity value 845, the eighth elasticity value, and the ninth elasticity value 833 are excluded, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can calculate the IQR / Med of the remaining 10 elasticity values ​​as 7.7%, thereby further reducing the volatility of the elasticity data.

[0202] When updating elasticity data, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display a representative value of the elasticity value and an index of the elasticity value's volatility.

[0203] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for displaying the progress of elasticity value measurement performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment.

[0204] In operation S910, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive user input for obtaining the elasticity value of the ROI of an object. See also... Figure 5 Operation S510 describes operation S910.

[0205] In operation S920, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain an elastic image of the ROI through elastic imaging.

[0206] The ultrasound imaging device 40 generates ultrasonic shear waves in the tissue by radiating strong ultrasonic pulses to the tissue corresponding to the elastic imaging region. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the elasticity value of the elastic imaging region based on the propagation speed of the ultrasonic shear waves and generate an elastic image.

[0207] In operation S930, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain at least one elastic value from the acquired elastic image and accumulate the at least one acquired elastic value as elastic data. See also... Figure 5 Operation S930 is described by operations S520 and S540.

[0208] In operation S940, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the measurement progress of the elasticity value based on the amount of accumulated elasticity data and the volatility index.

[0209] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display information indicating the ratio of the accumulated elasticity data to the target number as the measurement progress of the elasticity value. For example, when the target number is 10 and the accumulated elasticity data is 5, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display 50% as the measurement progress of the elasticity value.

[0210] In operation S950, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine whether the amount of accumulated elasticity data is greater than or equal to the target amount and whether the volatility index meets the volatility index conditions.

[0211] For example, a volatility indicator could be IQR / Med, and a volatility indicator condition could be an IQR / Med value of 0.3 or less.

[0212] Based on the determination in operation S950 that the amount of accumulated elasticity data is greater than or equal to the target amount and the volatility index meets the volatility index condition, in operation S960, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display information indicating that sufficient elasticity data has been obtained.

[0213] Information indicating that sufficient elasticity data has been obtained may include information indicating that the measurement progress of the elasticity value is 100%.

[0214] According to an embodiment, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display a representative value of the elasticity data as the elasticity value of the ROI based on the determination that sufficient elasticity data has been obtained, without performing further elasticity imaging.

[0215] If the amount of elasticity data accumulated in operation S950 is less than the target amount or the volatility index does not meet the volatility index conditions, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can return to operation S920 to obtain the next elasticity image of the ROI through the next elasticity imaging.

[0216] Furthermore, even if the amount of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target amount, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may not display the measurement progress of the elastic value as 100% if the volatility index of the elastic data does not meet the volatility index condition. For example, even if the amount of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target amount, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may maintain the progress calculated based on previous elastic images if the volatility index of the elastic data does not meet the volatility index condition. Additionally, even if the amount of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target amount, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may increase the target amount and display the ratio of the accumulated elastic data amount to the increased target amount as progress if the volatility index of the elastic data does not meet the volatility index condition.

[0217] Figure 10 A method for measuring the progress of updating elasticity values ​​performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0218] Reference Figure 10 Whenever an elasticity image is acquired, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can update the measurement progress of the elasticity value and display the updated progress together with the acquired elasticity image.

[0219] Reference Figure 10 In the first figure, when the first elasticity image 61a is obtained, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the elasticity measurement ROI 62a to obtain the elasticity value in the first elasticity image 61a based on the reliability 63a of the elasticity value in the first elasticity image 61a. When an elasticity value is obtained from an elasticity measurement ROI 62a as elasticity data, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the measurement progress of the elasticity value.

[0220] For example, when the target quantity is 10, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the progress as 10% of the ratio of the number of elastic data (1) to the target quantity (10). In addition, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can indicate the determined progress as a numerical value 74a and a graphic 71a.

[0221] Reference Figure 10 In the second figure, when the second elasticity image 61b is obtained, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine two elasticity measurement ROIs 62b based on the reliability 63b of the second elasticity image 61b, obtain an elasticity value from each of the two elasticity measurement ROIs 62b, and accumulate each elasticity value as elasticity data. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the progress as the ratio 30% of the number of elasticity data (3) to the number of targets (10), and display the determined progress as a numerical value 74b and a graph 71b.

[0222] Reference Figure 10In the third figure, when the third elasticity image 61c is obtained, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the third elasticity image 61c. However, based on the regions in the third elasticity image 61c that do not have elastic regions that satisfy reference conditions, the elasticity measurement ROI in the third elasticity image 61c can be uncertain. The reference conditions can be, for example, a condition that the reliability value of an elastic region with a predetermined size is greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0223] Since the ROI for elasticity measurement is not determined, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can maintain the measurement progress of the elasticity value at 30% (the progress of the previous elasticity image 61b).

[0224] Reference Figure 10 In the fourth figure, when the fourth elasticity image 61d is obtained, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine two elasticity measurement ROIs 62d and set the measurement progress of the elasticity value to 50%. (Refer to...) Figure 10 In the fifth figure, when the fifth elasticity image 61e is obtained, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine two elasticity measurement ROIs 62e and determine the measurement progress of the elasticity value as 70%.

[0225] Reference Figure 10 In the final image, when the sixth elasticity image 61f is obtained, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine three elasticity measurement ROIs 62f, obtain three elasticity values ​​from the three elasticity measurement ROIs 62f, and accumulate the three obtained elasticity values ​​as elasticity data. Since the three obtained elasticity values ​​are accumulated as elasticity data, the number of elasticity data can reach the target number of 10.

[0226] When the quantity of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target quantity, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can identify whether the volatility index of the elastic data meets the volatility index condition. Based on the volatility index of the elastic data being 1% (less than or equal to 30%), the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the ratio of the quantity of elastic data (10) to the target quantity (10) as progress, and display the determined progress as a value 74f and a graph 71f.

[0227] Although not in Figure 10 As shown in the figure, however, according to the embodiment, even if the number of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target number, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine that the measurement progress of the elastic value is less than 100% based on the fact that the volatility index of the elastic data does not meet the volatility index condition.

[0228] For example, even if the amount of elasticity data is greater than or equal to the target amount, and the volatility index based on the elasticity data exceeds 30%, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can maintain 70% (the progress in the previous elasticity image 61e) without updating the measurement progress of the elasticity value.

[0229] Furthermore, for example, even if the number of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target number, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can increase the target number by a predetermined number based on the volatility index of the elastic data exceeding 30%. For example, when the predetermined number is two, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can increase the target number from 10 to 12. When the target number changes, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the progress as 83% of the ratio of the number of elastic data (10) to the target number (12), and display the determined progress as a numerical value and a graph.

[0230] In addition, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine that additional elastic imaging is necessary to obtain the elastic value and can obtain the next elastic image.

[0231] Figure 11 A method for determining the measurement progress of elasticity values ​​based on user input excluding elasticity images, performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0232] Reference Figure 11 The ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive user input for excluding one of the multiple elastic images 61a, 61b and 61c obtained, elastic image 61b.

[0233] Whenever an elastic image is acquired, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the acquired elastic image. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive user input for one of the multiple elastic images 61a, 61b, and 61c that are excluded from display, namely elastic image 61b.

[0234] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can acquire a third elastic image 61c after acquiring a first elastic image 61a and a second elastic image 61b. When acquiring the third elastic image 61c, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive user input excluding the second elastic image 61b.

[0235] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can exclude two elastic values ​​from the elastic data of the three elastic values ​​corresponding to the elastic measurement ROIs 62a and 62b obtained from the first elastic image 61a and the second elastic image 61b. Additionally, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can exclude elastic values ​​from the third elastic image 61c based on regions in the third elastic image 61c that do not have elastic regions satisfying the reference conditions.

[0236] Therefore, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine only the elastic value of the elastic measurement ROI 62a obtained from the first elastic image 61a as elastic data, and calculate the ratio 10% of the number of elastic data 1 to the target number 10 as progress.

[0237] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the measurement progress of the calculated elastic value on the third elastic image 61c.

[0238] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a method performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment, which displays an elasticity measurement ROI on an elasticity image when the ultrasound imaging device 40 obtains an elasticity image.

[0239] In operation S1210, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive user input for obtaining the elasticity value of the ROI of an object. In operation S1220, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain an elastic image of the ROI through elastic imaging. (See also...) Figure 9 Operations S910 and S920 are used to describe operations S1210 and S1220.

[0240] In operation S1230, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine at least one elastic measurement ROI in the acquired elastic image.

[0241] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can identify regions in an elasticity image where the elasticity value is structurally unmeasurable. Regions where the elasticity value is structurally unmeasurable can be, but are not limited to, blood vessels, cysts, or shadowed areas.

[0242] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can exclude regions in the elasticity image where the elasticity value is structurally unmeasurable, and then identify regions where the reliability of the elasticity value is greater than or equal to the reference value as candidate regions for elasticity value measurement.

[0243] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine at least one elastic measurement ROI based on the reliability of the elastic value, the uniformity of the elastic value, and the size and shape of the elastic measurement ROI in the elastic value measurement candidate region.

[0244] The shape of the elasticity measurement ROI can be circular or square, but is not limited to these. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the shape of the elasticity measurement ROI for each elasticity image based on the reliability and uniformity of the elasticity values. Additionally, for example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive user input for inputting the boundaries of the elasticity measurement ROI.

[0245] Additionally, the size of the elasticity measurement ROI can be a predetermined size and can be adjusted according to user input. The size of the elasticity measurement ROI can be set to be smaller than the size of the elasticity image.

[0246] In operation S1240, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain elasticity values ​​from each of the at least one determined elasticity measurement ROI, and accumulate the obtained elasticity values ​​as elasticity data.

[0247] In operation S1250, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display at least one determined elasticity measurement ROI on the obtained elasticity image.

[0248] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display at least one ROI for elasticity measurement on a reliability image. Therefore, the user can check the reliability value of the area where the elasticity value is obtained.

[0249] In operation S1260, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine whether the amount of accumulated elasticity data is greater than or equal to the target amount and whether the volatility index meets the volatility index conditions.

[0250] Based on the determination in operation S1260 that the amount of accumulated elasticity data is greater than or equal to the target amount and the volatility index meets the volatility index condition, in operation S1270, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display information indicating that sufficient elasticity data has been acquired.

[0251] If the amount of elasticity data accumulated in operation S1260 is less than the target amount or the volatility index does not meet the volatility index conditions, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can return to operation S1220 to perform the next elasticity imaging and obtain the next elasticity image of the ROI.

[0252] Figure 13 A method for determining the ROI of elasticity measurement performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0253] Reference Figure 13 The ultrasonic imaging device 40 can determine at least one effective elasticity measurement ROI 1340, 1350 and 1360 to obtain the elasticity value in the obtained reliability image 1310.

[0254] First, the ultrasonic imaging device 40 can determine candidate regions 1330 for elasticity value measurement in the acquired reliability image 1310. The ultrasonic imaging device 40 can then identify regions 1320 in the reliability image 1310 where the elasticity value is structurally unmeasurable. (Refer to...) Figure 13 The ultrasound imaging device 40 can identify regions in the elasticity imaging region where the elasticity value is less than or equal to a reference value (e.g., regions close to zero) as regions where the elasticity value is structurally unmeasurable 1320. Regions 1320 where the elasticity value is structurally unmeasurable can be, for example, vascular regions, cystic regions, or shadowed regions. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can also identify regions in the reliability image 1310, excluding regions 1320 where the elasticity value is structurally unmeasurable, where the reliability of the elasticity value is greater than or equal to the reference value, as candidate regions 1330 for elasticity value measurement.

[0255] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine at least one valid elasticity measurement ROI 1340, 1350 and 1360 in the candidate region 1330 for elasticity value measurement.

[0256] For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may take into account the size and shape of the elasticity measurement ROI to determine at least one effective elasticity measurement ROI 1340, 1350 and 1360 in the elasticity value measurement candidate region 1330.

[0257] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can identify at least one effective elasticity measurement ROI 1340, 1350 and 1360 as an elasticity measurement ROI, wherein the average reliability of the elasticity value is greater than or equal to a reliability reference value and the uniformity of the elasticity value is greater than or equal to a uniformity reference value.

[0258] When only the first effective elasticity measurement ROI 1340 and the second effective elasticity measurement ROI 1350 among the three effective elasticity measurement ROIs 1340, 1350 and 1360 meet the reliability and uniformity conditions, the ultrasonic imaging device 40 can determine the first effective elasticity measurement ROI 1340 and the second effective elasticity measurement ROI 1350 as elasticity measurement ROIs.

[0259] According to an embodiment, the number of elastic values ​​(e.g., three) obtainable from an elasticity image can be set in the ultrasound imaging device 40 to prevent deviations in the measurement results of the elastic values. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine at least one elasticity measurement ROI based on the set number of elastic values.

[0260] When two elasticity measurement areas of interest (ROIs) are determined, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display both ROIs on an elasticity image. Furthermore, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain an elasticity value from each of the two ROIs and accumulate each of the obtained elasticity values ​​as elasticity data. The ultrasound imaging device 40 can obtain the average of the elasticity values ​​in the ROIs as the elasticity value of the ROI.

[0261] Figure 14 A method for changing the elasticity measurement ROI based on user input, performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment, is illustrated.

[0262] Reference Figure 14 In the left figure, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive user input for changing the position of the elasticity measurement ROI or removing the elasticity measurement ROI.

[0263] When the elasticity image 1405 and the reliability image 1407 are obtained, the ultrasonic imaging device 40 can determine the first elasticity measurement ROI 1410a and the second elasticity measurement ROI 1410b in the reliability image 1407, and obtain the elasticity value corresponding to the first elasticity measurement ROI 1410a and the second elasticity measurement ROI 1410b.

[0264] When each elasticity value is obtained, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the measurement progress of the elasticity value as 100%.

[0265] When receiving user input for selecting the first elasticity measurement ROI 1410a or the second elasticity measurement ROI 1410b, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may display at least one of the following: the average value of the elasticity values ​​in the first elasticity measurement ROI 1410a or the second elasticity measurement ROI 1410b, the standard deviation of the elasticity values, the minimum value of the elasticity values, the maximum value of the elasticity values, the average value of the reliability values, or the diameter of the first elasticity measurement ROI 1410a or the second elasticity measurement ROI 1410b.

[0266] Additionally, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive user input for moving the first elasticity measurement ROI 1410a on the reliability image 1407 or the elasticity image 1405. Furthermore, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can receive user input for deleting the second elasticity measurement ROI 1410b on the reliability image 1407 or the elasticity image 1405.

[0267] Reference Figure 14 As shown in the right figure, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can reduce the progress 74 from 100% to 90% based on the user input received for deleting the second elasticity measurement ROI 1410b.

[0268] Additionally, based on deleting the second elasticity measurement ROI 1410b and receiving user input for moving the first elasticity measurement ROI 1410a, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can recalculate and display the median 72 and volatility index 73 of the elasticity data.

[0269] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a method for stopping elastic imaging based on the measurement progress of elasticity values, performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment.

[0270] In operation S1510, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may receive user input for obtaining the elasticity value of the ROI of the object. In operation S1520, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may obtain an elastic image of the ROI through elastic imaging. In operation S1530, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may obtain at least one elasticity value from the obtained elastic image and accumulate the obtained at least one elasticity value as elastic data.

[0271] For reference Figure 5 Operations S510 to S540 are used to describe operations S1510 to S1530.

[0272] In operation S1540, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine whether the amount of accumulated elasticity data is greater than or equal to the target amount and whether the volatility index meets the volatility index conditions.

[0273] Based on the determination in operation S1540 that the amount of accumulated elasticity data is greater than or equal to the target amount and the volatility index meets the volatility index condition, in operation S1550, the ultrasound imaging device 40 may stop elasticity imaging and display a representative value of the accumulated elasticity data as the elasticity value of the ROI. The ultrasound imaging device 40 may display information indicating that sufficient elasticity data has been obtained.

[0274] If the amount of elasticity data accumulated in operation S1540 is less than the target amount or the volatility index does not meet the volatility index conditions, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can return to operation S1520 to obtain the next elasticity image of the ROI through the next elasticity imaging.

[0275] Figure 16 A method for displaying elastic images performed by an ultrasound imaging device 40 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0276] Reference Figure 16 The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display a list of multiple elastic images for which elastic data has been obtained.

[0277] When performing elastography repeatedly on the ROI of an object, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can repeatedly acquire elastography images at certain time intervals. The time interval can be, for example, 1 second or 1.5 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

[0278] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display a list 1610 of elastic images for which elastic values ​​have been obtained. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the B-mode image 50, the resilience image, and the reliability image corresponding to each resilience image in the list 1610 of resilience images can be displayed.

[0279] According to an embodiment, whenever an elastic image is acquired, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can update the elastic image to the elastic image list 1610 and obtain an elastic value from the acquired elastic image. Elastic images for which no elastic value has been obtained may not be updated to the elastic image list 1610.

[0280] According to an embodiment, after completing the elastic imaging, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can display a list 1610 of elastic images for which it has obtained elastic values.

[0281] Whenever an elasticity image 61 is acquired, the ultrasound imaging device 40 can determine the elasticity measurement ROI 62 in the elasticity image 61 and display the determined elasticity measurement ROI 62 in the elasticity image 61 and the reliability image 63.

[0282] The ultrasound imaging device 40 can display the location of the elastic measurement ROI corresponding to each elastic image on each elastic image in the list 1610 of elastic images.

[0283] When the ultrasound imaging device 40 receives user input for a list 1610 of scrolling elastic images, it can display hidden elastic images.

[0284] Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory storage media" may refer to a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves) and may not distinguish between storing data semi-permanently and temporarily in a storage medium. For example, a non-transitory storage medium may include a buffer for temporarily storing data.

[0285] In embodiments, the aforementioned methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be a commercial product transactable between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM), or distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) or online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be at least temporarily stored or arbitrarily created in a storage medium that may be readable by a device such as a manufacturer's server, an app store server, or a relay server.

Claims

1. An ultrasound imaging device, comprising: Ultrasonic transceiver module; Memory, storing instructions; as well as At least one processor, including processing circuitry, Wherein, when the instructions are executed individually or jointly by the at least one processor, the ultrasound imaging device is configured to: Based on the user input received for obtaining the elasticity value of the region of interest (ROI) of the object, elastic imaging is repeatedly performed on the ROI via the ultrasound transceiver module; When an elastic image of the ROI is obtained through elastic imaging, the elastic measurement ROI on the elastic image is identified; The elastic value is obtained from the identified ROI (Region of Interest) for elasticity measurement; The accumulated elasticity values ​​are used as elasticity data; Information about the amount of accumulated elasticity data is displayed along with the obtained elasticity graph; and The next elastic image is obtained through the next elastic imaging.

2. The ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to: Based on the fact that the number of elastic data is less than the target number or the volatility index of the elastic data does not meet the volatility index condition, the next elastic image is obtained by the next elastic imaging for the ROI; If the quantity of the elastic data is greater than or equal to the target quantity and the volatility index of the elastic data meets the volatility index condition, the display indicates that sufficient information about the elastic data has been obtained.

3. The ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to terminate the elastic imaging based on the quantity of the elastic data being greater than or equal to a target quantity and the volatility index of the elastic data satisfying a volatility index condition.

4. The ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to determine a representative value of the elastic data as the elastic value of the ROI based on the fact that the quantity of the elastic data is greater than or equal to the target quantity and the volatility index of the elastic data meets the volatility index condition.

5. The ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 3, wherein, The representative value of the elasticity data is the median of the elasticity data, and the volatility index is the ratio between the interquartile range (IQR) value of the elasticity data and the median value, and the volatility index condition is that the ratio is within a predetermined range.

6. The ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 3, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to: When the quantity of elastic data exceeds the target quantity, select the target quantity of elastic values ​​from the elastic data; Update the selected elasticity value as the elasticity data; as well as Identify whether the number of updated elastic data is greater than or equal to the target number and whether the volatility index of the updated elastic data meets the volatility index condition.

7. The ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to, upon obtaining the elasticity image, display a ratio of the number of elastic data in which elasticity values ​​are accumulated to a target number as the measurement progress of the elasticity values.

8. The ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to display a volatility index of elastic data in which elastic values ​​are accumulated when the elasticity image is obtained.

9. The ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to display the identified elasticity measurement ROI on the elasticity image.

10. The ultrasound imaging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to exclude elastic values ​​obtained from the deleted elastic image from the elastic data based on user input received for deleting the elastic image.

11. A method performed by an ultrasound imaging device, the method providing information about elastography, the method comprising: Based on user input received for obtaining elasticity values ​​of the region of interest (ROI) of an object, elastic imaging is repeatedly performed on the ROI; When an elastic image of the ROI is obtained through the elastic imaging, the elastic measurement ROI on the elastic image is identified; The elastic value is obtained from the identified ROI (Region of Interest) for elasticity measurement; The accumulated elasticity values ​​are used as elasticity data; Information about the amount of accumulated elasticity data is displayed along with the obtained elasticity graph; as well as The next elastic image is obtained through the next elastic imaging.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The step of obtaining the next elastic image through the next elastic imaging includes: obtaining the next elastic image through the next elastic imaging targeting the ROI, based on the fact that the amount of elastic data is less than the target amount or the volatility index of the elastic data does not meet the volatility index condition. The method further includes: displaying an indication that sufficient information about the elastic data has been obtained based on the fact that the quantity of the elastic data is greater than or equal to the target quantity and the volatility index of the elastic data meets the volatility index condition.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The elastic imaging process ends when the quantity of elastic data is greater than or equal to the target quantity and the volatility index of the elastic data meets the volatility index condition.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Based on the fact that the quantity of the elastic data is greater than or equal to the target quantity and the volatility index of the elastic data meets the volatility index condition, the representative value of the elastic data is determined as the elastic value of the ROI.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein, The representative value of the elasticity data is the median of the elasticity data, and the volatility index is the ratio between the interquartile range (IQR) value of the elasticity data and the median value, and the volatility index condition is that the ratio is within a predetermined range.

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