Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, method of operating the same, and computer readable recording medium

Abstract

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a method for operating the same, and a computer-readable recording medium are provided. The method includes: obtaining first Doppler data of a blood flow introduced into a ventricle of a subject and second Doppler data of a blood flow discharged from the ventricle; setting a mark corresponding to a predetermined motion of the ventricle in each of a first Doppler image generated based on the first Doppler data and a second Doppler image generated based on the second Doppler data; synchronizing the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the set mark; and displaying the synchronized first Doppler image and the second Doppler image.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 532,645, filed in the U.S. Patent Office on Jul. 14, 2017, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0109490, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Aug. 29, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Background Art

[0003] Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment transmits an ultrasonic signal generated by a transducer of a probe to an object, and receives information of an echo signal reflected from the object, thereby obtaining an image of the internal parts of the object. In particular, ultrasonic diagnostic equipment is used for medical purposes such as observing the internal organs of an object, detecting abnormalities, and evaluating injuries. Such ultrasonic diagnostic equipment is safer than other diagnostic equipment using X-rays, can display images in real time, and has no risk of radioactive exposure, and therefore, ultrasonic imaging equipment is widely used together with other image diagnostic equipment. Summary of the invention

[0004] Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which is capable of synchronizing a first Doppler image generated based on first Doppler data with a second Doppler image generated based on second Doppler data by using a marker, even when the cycle of a heartbeat obtained by first Doppler data of a blood flow introduced into a ventricle is different from the cycle of a heartbeat obtained by second Doppler data of a blood flow discharged from the ventricle.

[0005] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus may display a synchronized first Doppler image and a synchronized second Doppler image, and may obtain and display a value of at least one parameter regarding a heart function.

[0006] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a method for operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: obtaining first Doppler data of a blood flow introduced into a ventricle of a subject and second Doppler data of a blood flow discharged from the ventricle; setting a mark corresponding to a predetermined action of the ventricle in each of a first Doppler image generated based on the first Doppler data and a second Doppler image generated based on the second Doppler data; synchronizing the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the set mark; and displaying the synchronized first Doppler image and the second Doppler image.

[0008] The step of synchronizing the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image includes: determining a first cycle of the heartbeat of the object based on the first Doppler data and determining a second cycle of the heartbeat of the object based on the second Doppler data; when the first cycle and the second cycle are different from each other, correcting at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image to make the first cycle and the second cycle consistent with each other; and synchronizing the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image having consistent heartbeat cycles due to the correction based on the mark.

[0009] The step of correcting at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image includes: correcting the ratio of the time axis of the spectrum in at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image so that the first period and the second period are consistent with each other; and correcting the Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the ventricle or the Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle in the spectrum of at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the correction of the ratio of the time axis.

[0010] The step of correcting at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image includes: determining one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image as a reference Doppler image; and correcting the other Doppler image that is not determined as the reference Doppler image based on the determined reference Doppler image so that the first period and the second period are consistent with each other.

[0011] The ventricle is a right ventricle, and the predetermined action of the ventricle includes one of closing a pulmonary valve (PV) of the right ventricle, opening the PV of the right ventricle, closing a tricuspid valve (TV) of the right ventricle, and opening the TV of the right ventricle.

[0012] The step of obtaining the first Doppler data and the second Doppler data includes: obtaining an ultrasound image of the heart of the subject; obtaining the first Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the ventricle based on a sample volume gate set relative to a TV of the ventricle in the ultrasound image; and obtaining the second Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle based on a sample volume gate set relative to a PV of the ventricle in the ultrasound image.

[0013] The method further includes: obtaining a value of at least one parameter regarding cardiac function based on the synchronized first Doppler image and the second Doppler image; and displaying the value of the at least one parameter.

[0014] The at least one parameter includes at least one of a closing time of TV, an opening time of PV, a myocardial performance index (MPI) with respect to the heartbeat, an isovolumetric relaxation time (ICRT) of the heart, and an isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT) of the heart.

[0015] The step of displaying the value of the at least one parameter includes: displaying the at least one parameter and the value of the at least one parameter with respect to at least one of the synchronized first Doppler image and the synchronized second Doppler image; and displaying diagnostic information of the heart based on the value of the at least one parameter.

[0016] The step of setting the mark includes receiving an input of setting a mark corresponding to the predetermined motion of the ventricle in each of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image through a user interface device for controlling the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0017] According to one aspect of another embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: a probe configured to: send an ultrasonic signal to a heart of an object; and receive an echo signal reflected from the heart; a processor configured to: obtain first Doppler data of blood flow introduced into a ventricle and second Doppler data of blood flow discharged from the ventricle based on the echo signal; set a mark corresponding to a predetermined action of the ventricle in each of a first Doppler image generated based on the first Doppler data and a second Doppler image generated based on the second Doppler data; and synchronize the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the set mark; and a display configured to display the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image synchronized with each other.

[0018] The processor is also configured to determine a first cycle of the object's heartbeat based on the first Doppler data and a second cycle of the object's heartbeat based on the second Doppler data; when the first cycle and the second cycle are different from each other, correct at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image to make the first cycle and the second cycle consistent with each other; and based on the mark, synchronize the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image having consistent heartbeat cycles due to the correction.

[0019] The processor is also configured to: correct the ratio of the time axis of the spectrum in at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image so that the first period and the second period are consistent with each other; and correct the Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the ventricle or the Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle in the spectrum of at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the correction of the ratio of the time axis.

[0020] The processor is also configured to: determine one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image as a reference Doppler image; and correct the other Doppler image that is not determined as the reference Doppler image based on the determined reference Doppler image so that the first cycle and the second cycle are consistent with each other.

[0021] The ventricle is a right ventricle, and the predetermined action of the ventricle includes one of closing a pulmonary valve (PV) of the right ventricle, opening the PV of the right ventricle, closing a tricuspid valve (TV) of the right ventricle, and opening the TV of the right ventricle.

[0022] The processor is also configured to: obtain an ultrasound image of the heart of the subject based on the echo signal; obtain the first Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the ventricle based on a sampling volume gate set relative to the TV of the ventricle in the ultrasound image; and obtain the second Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle based on the sampling volume gate set relative to the PV of the ventricle in the ultrasound image.

[0023] The processor is further configured to obtain a value of at least one parameter related to cardiac function based on the synchronized first Doppler image and the second Doppler image, and the display is further configured to display the value of the at least one parameter.

[0024] The at least one parameter includes at least one of a closing time of TV, an opening time of PV, a myocardial performance index (MPI) with respect to the heartbeat, an isovolumetric relaxation time (ICRT) of the heart, and an isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT) of the heart.

[0025] The display is also configured to display the at least one parameter and the value of the at least one parameter regarding at least one of the synchronized first Doppler image and the synchronized second Doppler image; and display diagnostic information of the heart based on the value of the at least one parameter.

[0026] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus further includes a user interface device to control an operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, wherein the user interface device is configured to receive an input of setting a mark corresponding to the predetermined motion of the ventricle in the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image.

[0027] According to one aspect of another embodiment, a computer-readable recording medium is provided on which a method for operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device is implemented, wherein the method includes: obtaining first Doppler data of a blood flow introduced into a ventricle of an object and second Doppler data of a blood flow discharged from the ventricle; setting a mark corresponding to a predetermined action of the ventricle in each of a first Doppler image generated based on the first Doppler data and a second Doppler image generated based on the second Doppler data; synchronizing the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the set mark; and displaying the synchronized first Doppler image and the second Doppler image. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] These and / or other aspects will become more apparent and more readily understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The above and other features and advantages of exemplary embodiments will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings (in which reference numerals represent structural elements).

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C is a diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment;

[0034] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the structure of a human heart according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 7 is a diagram showing Doppler data obtained from a heart according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 8is a flowchart illustrating a method of obtaining Doppler data from a heart of a subject in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0038] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 is a diagram showing an ultrasonic image and a Doppler image provided by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0039] Fig.11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of synchronizing a first Doppler image and a second Doppler image by using a landmark in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0040] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a method of correcting a Doppler image with respect to Doppler data having different cycles in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0041] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating a method of synchronizing a first Doppler image and a second Doppler image using a marker in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0042] Fig.14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of expressing parameters and values ​​of the parameters regarding cardiac function in a Doppler image in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0043] Fig.15 is a diagram of a Doppler image representing parameters regarding cardiac function and values ​​of the parameters in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment;

[0044] Fig.16 is a diagram of a Doppler image representing parameters regarding a cardiac function and values ​​of the parameters in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals always indicate the same elements. In this regard, the present embodiment may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, the following description of the embodiments is only by reference to the accompanying drawings to illustrate various aspects. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one or more of the relevant listed items in all combinations. When a statement such as "at least one of..." is located after a column of elements, it modifies the entire column of elements, rather than modifying the individual elements in the column.

[0046] All terms used herein (including descriptive terms or technical terms) should be understood to have meanings that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. However, terms may have different meanings according to the intentions of those of ordinary skill in the art, previous cases, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, some terms may be selected arbitrarily by the applicant. In this case, the meaning of the selected terms will be described in the specific embodiments. Therefore, the terms used here must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the description in the entire specification.

[0047] It will also be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, it indicates that there are stated components, but does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more components. As used herein, the term "unit" means a software or hardware component (such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that performs a specific task. However, the term "unit" is not limited to software or hardware. "Unit" can advantageously be constructed to be located on an addressable storage medium and to be constructed to be executed based on one or more processors. Therefore, a unit may include, for example, components, processes, functions, attributes, programs, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcodes, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components. Components and "units" that provide functions may be combined into fewer components and "units" or may also be divided into separate components and "units."

[0048] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the second element may be referred to as the first element, and similarly, the first element may be referred to as the second element. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related description items or any one of multiple related description items.

[0049] Throughout the specification, an “image” may refer to multi-dimensional data formed using discrete image elements, such as pixels in a two-dimensional (2D) image and voxels in a three-dimensional (3D) image.

[0050] An “ultrasound image” may refer to an image obtained from an object by using an ultrasonic signal. An ultrasonic image may refer to an image obtained by transmitting an ultrasonic signal generated by a transducer of a probe to an object and receiving information of an echo signal reflected from the object. Here, the ultrasonic image may be variable, for example, may be any one of an amplitude (A) mode, a brightness (B) mode, a color (C) mode, or a Doppler (D) mode, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0051] In addition, the object may be a person, an animal, or a part of a person or an animal. For example, the object may be an organ (e.g., liver, heart, uterus, brain, chest, or abdomen) or a blood vessel. In addition, the object may include a phantom, which may represent a material having a density, effective atomic number, and volume approximately the same as that of a biological body.

[0052] Throughout the specification, a "user" may be, but is not limited to, a medical expert such as a doctor, a nurse, a medical laboratory technician, or a medical imaging expert or a technician who repairs medical equipment.

[0053] Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to the extent that those skilled in the art can perform the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in various ways and is not limited to the one or more embodiments described herein.

[0054] Hereinafter, one or more embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to an embodiment may include a probe 20, an ultrasonic transceiver 110, a controller 120, an image processor 130, a display 140, a memory 150, a communicator 160, and an input unit 170.

[0056] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may be implemented as a portable type as well as a cart type. Examples of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may include a smartphone (including a probe and an application), a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet PC, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0057] The probe 20 may include a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers may transmit an ultrasonic signal to the object 10 according to a transmission signal applied from the transmitter 113. The plurality of transducers may receive an ultrasonic signal reflected by the object 10 to generate a reception signal. In addition, the probe 20 may be implemented as a built-in type in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, or may be a separate type connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 by a wire or wirelessly. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may include one or more probes 20 according to the implementation type.

[0058] The controller 120 controls the transmitter 113 to generate a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers in consideration of the positions and focusing points of the plurality of transducers included in the probe 20 .

[0059] The controller 120 controls the receiver 115 to perform analog-to-digital conversion of reception signals transmitted from the probe 20 in consideration of the positions and focusing points of the plurality of transducers and to generate ultrasound data by adding the digitally converted reception signals.

[0060] The image processor 130 generates an ultrasound image by using the ultrasound data generated by the receiver 115 .

[0061] The display 140 may display a generated ultrasound image and various information processed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may include one or more displays 140 according to an implementation type. In addition, the display 140 may be implemented as a touch screen by being combined with a touch panel.

[0062] The controller 120 may control the overall operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the signal flow between the internal elements of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. The controller 120 may include a memory for storing a program or data for performing the functions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and a processor for processing the program or data. In addition, the controller 120 may receive a control signal from the input unit 170 or an external device to control the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.

[0063] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a communicator 160 , and can be connected to an external device (eg, a server, a medical device, and a portable device (a smart phone, a tablet PC, a wearable device, etc.)) through the communicator 160 .

[0064] The communicator 160 may include one or more elements allowing communication with an external device, for example, the communicator 160 may include at least one of a near field communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

[0065] The communicator 160 may receive a control signal and data from an external device and transmit a control signal to the controller 120 so that the controller 120 controls the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the control signal.

[0066] In addition, the controller 120 may transmit a control signal to the external device via the communicator 160 to control the external device according to the control signal of the controller.

[0067] For example, the external device may process its data according to a control signal of the controller transmitted through the communicator.

[0068] The external device may include a program for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 , and thus, the program may include instructions for executing some or all operations of the controller 120 .

[0069] The program may be pre-installed on the external device, or a user of the external device may download the program from a server providing the application program and install the program on the external device. The server providing the application program may include a recording medium having the corresponding program thereon.

[0070] The memory 150 may store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 , input / output ultrasonic data, obtained ultrasonic images, and the like.

[0071] The input unit 170 may receive a user input for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. For example, the user input may include input from an operation button, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a roller switch, a knop, etc., input from touching a touch pad or a touch screen, voice input, motion input, and biometric information input (e.g., iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.), but is not limited thereto.

[0072] Later, we will refer to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C An example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the embodiment is described.

[0073] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C is a diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0074] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 100a and 100b may each include a main display 121 and a sub-display 122. One of the main display 121 and the sub-display 122 may be implemented as a touch screen. The main display 121 and the sub-display 122 may display ultrasonic images and various information processed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 100a and 100b. In addition, the main display 121 and the sub-display 122 may be implemented as a touch screen providing a graphical user interface (GUI), thereby receiving data for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 100a and 100b from a user. For example, the main display 121 may display an ultrasonic image, and the sub-display 122 may display a control panel as a GUI for controlling the display of the ultrasonic image. The sub-display 122 may receive data for controlling the display of an image by displaying the control panel as a GUI. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 100a and 100b may control the display of the ultrasonic image on the main display 121 by using the received data.

[0075] Reference Figure 2BIn addition to the main display 121 and the sub-display 122, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100b may further include a control panel 165. The control panel 165 may include buttons, a trackball, a roller switch, a ball handle, etc., and may receive data for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100b from a user. For example, the control panel 165 may include a time gain compensation (TGC) button 171, a freeze button 172, etc. The TGC button 171 is a button for setting a TGC value according to the depth of the ultrasonic image. In addition, when an input through the freeze button 172 is sensed, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100b may maintain the state of the frame image displayed at the corresponding time point.

[0076] In addition, buttons, a track ball, a jog switch, a knob, etc. included in the control panel 165 may be provided as a GUI on the main display 121 or the sub-display 122 .

[0077] Reference Figure 2C The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100c may be implemented as a portable type. Examples of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100c may include a smartphone (including a probe and an application), a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet personal computer (PC), etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0078] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100c may include a probe 20 and a body 40, and the probe 20 may be connected to one side of the body 40 by wire or wirelessly. The body 40 may include a touch screen 145. The touch screen 145 may display an ultrasonic image, various information processed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a GUI.

[0079] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 according to an embodiment.

[0080] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may include a probe 310, a processor 320, and a display 330. However, Figure 3 Not all of the components are necessary. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may include Figure 3 There are more or fewer elements than shown in Figure 3 There are few elements shown in FIG. Hereinafter, these elements will be described below.

[0081] The probe 310 may include a plurality of transducer devices for converting ultrasonic signals and electrical signals into each other. That is, the probe 310 may include a transducer array including a plurality of transducer devices, and the plurality of transducer devices may be arranged in one dimension or two dimensions. Each of the plurality of transducer devices may generate an ultrasonic signal individually, and the plurality of transducer devices may generate an ultrasonic signal simultaneously. The ultrasonic signal transmitted from each of the transducer devices is reflected by the discontinuous surface of the impedance in the object. Each transducer device may convert the reflected echo signal into an electrical receiving signal. The probe 310 transmits an ultrasonic signal to the heart of the object, and may receive an echo signal reflected from the heart. Here, the object may be a person. In detail, the object may include an adult, a child, a fetus, etc.

[0082] The processor 320 may obtain first Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the ventricle and second Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle based on the echo signal. In detail, the processor 320 may obtain an ultrasonic image of the heart of the subject based on the echo signal. Here, the ventricle of the heart may correspond to the right ventricle. The processor 320 may obtain first Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the right ventricle based on a sampling volume gate set on the tricuspid valve (TV) of the right ventricle in the ultrasonic image. In addition, the processor 320 may obtain second Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the right ventricle based on a sampling volume gate set on the pulmonary valve (PV) of the right ventricle in the ultrasonic image.

[0083] The processor 320 may obtain a first Doppler image generated based on the first Doppler data and a second Doppler image generated based on the second Doppler data. The processor 320 may set a mark corresponding to a predetermined action of the ventricle in each of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image. Here, the ventricle may correspond to the right ventricle. The predetermined action may be one of an action of closing the PV in the right ventricle, an action of opening the PV in the right ventricle, an action of closing the TV in the right ventricle, and an action of opening the TV in the right ventricle, but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor 320 may set a mark corresponding to an action of closing the PV in the right ventricle in each of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image.

[0084] The processor 320 may synchronize the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the set mark. Here, "synchronization" may refer to a process of making a first period of a cyclic action of an object obtained from the first Doppler data in the first Doppler image and a second period of a cyclic action of the object obtained from the second Doppler data in the second Doppler image equal to each other and matching the number of times of the predetermined action of the object. In addition, "synchronization" may include a process of adjusting the time interval so that the predetermined action of the object in the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image may occur simultaneously or there is a predetermined interval between the predetermined actions of the object.

[0085] In detail, the processor 320 may determine a first cycle of the heartbeat of the subject based on the first Doppler data, and determine a second cycle of the heartbeat of the subject based on the second Doppler data. Here, when the first cycle and the second cycle are equal to each other, the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image may be synchronized with each other based on the set marked point.

[0086] On the other hand, when the first cycle and the second cycle are different from each other, the processor 320 may correct at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image so that the first cycle and the second cycle are consistent with each other. The processor 320 may synchronize the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image whose heartbeat cycles are consistent with each other through correction based on the marked point.

[0087] Regarding the method of correcting at least one Doppler image to make the first cycle and the second cycle consistent, the processor 320 may correct the ratio of the time axis in the spectrum of the first Doppler image or the second Doppler image. The processor 320 may correct the Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the ventricle in the spectrum of the first Doppler image or the Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle in the spectrum of the second Doppler image according to the correction of the ratio of the time axis.

[0088] In addition, regarding the method of correcting at least one Doppler image so that the first cycle and the second cycle are consistent with each other, the processor 320 may determine one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image as a reference Doppler image. The processor 320 may correct another Doppler image other than the reference Doppler image based on the determined reference Doppler image so that the first cycle is consistent with the second cycle.

[0089] The processor 320 may obtain a value of at least one parameter related to the cardiac function based on the synchronized first Doppler image and the synchronized second Doppler image. The value of the at least one parameter may be an index for diagnosing the cardiac function.

[0090] Here, the parameters may include at least one of TV closing time, PV opening time, myocardial performance index (MPI) with respect to heartbeat, cardiac isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) and cardiac isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT), but are not limited thereto.

[0091] The display 330 displays a predetermined screen. In detail, the display 330 may display a predetermined screen according to the control of the processor 320. The display 330 includes a display panel, and may display an ultrasound image, etc. on the display panel.

[0092] The display 330 may display the value of the at least one parameter. In addition, the display 330 may display the at least one parameter and the value of the at least one parameter regarding at least one of the synchronized first Doppler image and the synchronized second Doppler image.

[0093] In addition, the display 330 may display diagnostic information about the heart based on the value of at least one parameter.

[0094] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 includes a central processor to control the overall operation of the probe 310, the processor 320, and the display 330. The central processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing programs executable in the microprocessor. In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the central processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0095] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 400 according to another embodiment.

[0096] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 400 may include a probe 410 , a processor 420 , a display 430 , a user interface device 440 , and a communicator 450 .

[0097] exist Figure 4 In the present invention, the probe 410, the processor 420 and the display 430 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 400 are the same as those in the above reference. Figure 3 The probe 310, the processor 320, and the display 330 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 shown correspond to each other, and therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted. Figure 4 More or less elements are shown in Figure 4 The components shown are few and far between.

[0098] The user interface device 440 is a device for receiving data for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 400 from a user. The processor 420 may control the display 430 to generate and output a user interface screen for receiving a predetermined command or data from the user. The display 430 may display an input screen for setting a mark corresponding to a predetermined action of the ventricle in each of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image on the display panel. Here, the predetermined action may be one of an action of closing the PV of the right ventricle, an action of opening the PV of the right ventricle, an action of closing the TV of the right ventricle, and an action of opening the TV of the right ventricle.

[0099] The user interface device 440 may receive a user input for setting a mark corresponding to a predetermined motion of the ventricle in each of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image. The processor 420 may set a mark in each of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the user input, and may synchronize the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image with each other based on the set mark.

[0100] The communicator 450 may receive data from / send data to an external device. For example, the communicator 450 may send a synchronized first Doppler image and a synchronized second Doppler image to an external device. In addition, the communicator 450 may send at least one parameter and the value of the parameter about cardiac function to an external device. Here, the external terminal may be a terminal of the patient. In addition, the external device may be a server that manages the patient's diagnostic history or a relay server of an application that provides health information to the patient. The communicator 450 may be connected to a wireless probe or an external device via a communication network based on WiFi or WiFi direct connection. In detail, the wireless communication network accessible to the communicator 450 may include wireless LAN, WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, WiFi direct connection (WFD), ultra-wideband (UWB), infrared data protocol proposed by the infrared data organization (IrDA), Bluetooth low energy (BLE) and near field communication (NFC), but is not limited thereto.

[0101] In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may further include a memory (not shown). The memory (not shown) may be connected to Figure 1 The memory (not shown) may store data about ultrasound images (e.g., ultrasound images, ultrasound data, scan data, Doppler data, Doppler images, patient's diagnostic data, etc.) and data sent from an external device to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. The data sent from the external device may include information about the patient, data required for diagnosing and treating the patient, the patient's previous medical history, and a medical work list corresponding to the patient's prescription, etc.

[0102] The memory (not shown) may store first Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the ventricle and second Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle. In addition, the memory (not shown) may store a first Doppler image generated based on the first Doppler data and a second Doppler image generated based on the second Doppler data. In addition, the memory (not shown) may store each of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image on which a mark is set, respectively. In addition, the memory (not shown) may store the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image synchronized based on the mark. In addition, the memory (not shown) may store a value of at least one parameter about cardiac function, which is obtained based on the synchronized first Doppler image and the second Doppler image.

[0103] In addition, the memory (not shown) may store a program for executing the method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic device. The memory (not shown) may include a code representing the method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic device. For example, the code may include a code for obtaining first Doppler data of a blood flow introduced into the ventricle of the subject and second Doppler data of a blood flow discharged from the ventricle, a code for setting a mark corresponding to a predetermined action of the ventricle in each of a first Doppler image generated based on the first Doppler data and a second Doppler image generated based on the second Doppler data, a code for synchronizing the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the set mark, and a code for displaying the synchronized first Doppler image and the synchronized second Doppler image. In addition to the above-mentioned code, it can be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art that other codes for operating the ultrasonic diagnostic device may be used.

[0104] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 400 includes a central processor to control the overall operation of the probe 410, the processor 420, the display 430, the user interface device 440, the communicator 450, and the memory (not shown). The central processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing programs that can be executed in the microprocessor. In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the central processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0105] Hereinafter, various operations or applications performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 or 400 will be described. Even when the probe 310 or 410, the processor 320 or 420, the display 330 or 430, the user interface device 440, the communicator 450, and the memory (not shown) are not explicitly described, the features that will be understood or expected by those of ordinary skill in the art may be regarded as their common features. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the names or physical / logical structures of specific components.

[0106] Figure 5 400. FIG. 400 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 according to the embodiment.

[0107] exist Figure 5 In operation S510, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may obtain first Doppler data of a blood flow introduced into a ventricle of a subject and second Doppler data of a blood flow discharged from the ventricle. Figures 8 to 10 A method of obtaining the first Doppler data and the second Doppler data is described in detail.

[0108] In operation S520, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may set a mark corresponding to a predetermined action of the ventricle in each of a first Doppler image generated based on the first Doppler data and a second Doppler image generated based on the second Doppler data. Here, the predetermined action may be one of an action of closing the PV of the right ventricle, an action of opening the PV of the right ventricle, an action of closing the TV of the right ventricle, and an action of opening the TV of the right ventricle, but is not limited thereto.

[0109] In detail, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may set a mark corresponding to at least one of PV closing the right ventricle, PV opening the right ventricle, TV closing the right ventricle, and TV opening the right ventricle in each of the first Doppler spectrum of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler spectrum of the second Doppler image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may set a plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of actions of the heart, respectively, in the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image.

[0110] In operation S530, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may synchronize the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the marker. In detail, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may perform an operation of adjusting the time interval so that the predetermined motion of the object in the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image may occur simultaneously or there is a predetermined interval between the predetermined motions of the object.

[0111] For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may set a point corresponding to a time point when the action of closing the PV occurs in the first Doppler spectrum of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler spectrum of the second Doppler image as a mark. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may synchronize the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the marks set in the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image so that the action of closing the PV may occur simultaneously in the first Doppler spectrum and the second Doppler spectrum.

[0112] In operation S540, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may display the synchronized first Doppler image and the synchronized second Doppler image.

[0113] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a human heart according to an embodiment.

[0114] Reference Figure 6 In the image 600, the heart is an organ that transmits blood to the whole body. The blood vessels in which the blood from the heart flows are arteries, and the blood vessels in which the blood flowing into the heart flows are veins. The blood circulates in the order of right atrium, right ventricle, lung, left atrium, left ventricle, whole body and right atrium.

[0115] like Figure 6As shown in , the heart includes a right ventricle, a right atrium, a left ventricle, a left atrium, a tricuspid valve (TV) 610, a pulmonary valve (PV) 620, and a mitral valve. The blood vessels introduced into the heart may include the superior vena cava, the inferior vena cava, and the pulmonary vein. The blood vessels leading out of the heart may include the pulmonary trunk and the aorta.

[0116] The TV 610 is a valve that exists between the right atrium and the right ventricle and prevents backflow of blood from the right atrium to the right ventricle. Diseases associated with the TV 610 may include tricuspid stenosis, tricuspid regurgitation, Ebstein's anomaly, tricuspid endocarditis, and the like.

[0117] PV 620 is a valve that exists between the right ventricle and the pulmonary trunk and prevents backflow of blood flowing through the pulmonary trunk. Diseases associated with PV 620 may include pulmonary stenosis, pulmonary regurgitation, aortic stenosis, aortic insufficiency, and the like.

[0118] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating Doppler data obtained from a heart according to an embodiment.

[0119] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may generate a first Doppler image after obtaining first Doppler data of blood flow introduced into the ventricle. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may obtain second Doppler data of blood flow discharged from the ventricle to generate a second Doppler image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may obtain a value of at least one parameter related to cardiac function based on the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image.

[0120] like Figure 7 As shown in , the parameters may include closing time 710 of ventricle TV, opening time to closing time 720 of ventricle PV, IVCT 730 of the heart, IVRT 740 of the heart, and MPI associated with the heartbeat, but are not limited thereto.

[0121] The IVRT of the heart can be used as an index of cardiac diastolic dysfunction. For example, the IVRT of a normal heart may range from about 70±12 ms. In addition, the IVCT of the heart can be used as an index of cardiac systolic dysfunction.

[0122] In addition, MPI can be calculated according to the following formula 1.

[0123]

[0124] Here, MPI can be calculated as a time ratio and is not affected by the shape of the ventricle. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 can calculate MPI by using the spectrum of the Doppler image, and can quantitatively diagnose the functions of the left ventricle and the right ventricle. In addition, MPI can be used to quantitatively evaluate the function of the heart of adults and children with congenital heart defects.

[0125] In addition, MPI can be calculated according to the following formula 2.

[0126]

[0127] MPI may be calculated according to Equation 1 and Equation 2 above, and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that MPI may be calculated according to an equation in combination with other parameters.

[0128] In addition, since the first Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the TV and the second Doppler data of the blood flow discharged into the PV of different cycles are obtained, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may correct at least one of the first Doppler data and the second Doppler data so that the first cycle of the heart obtained from the first Doppler data and the second cycle of the heart obtained from the second Doppler data may be consistent with each other. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may obtain parameters regarding the function of the heart based on the corrected Doppler data.

[0129] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of obtaining Doppler data from a heart of a subject in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0130] In operation S810, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may obtain an ultrasound image of a subject's heart.

[0131] In operation S820, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may obtain first Doppler data of a blood flow introduced into the ventricle based on a sampling volume gate set on a TV of the ventricle in the ultrasound image.

[0132] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may obtain Doppler data of a sample volume located at the changed sample volume gate while changing the position of the sample volume gate. The sample volume refers to a limited area where a Doppler signal is received according to the operation of the sample volume gate.

[0133] In detail, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may position the sample volume gate on the TV of the ventricle, and may obtain first Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the ventricle from the sample volume gate located at the TV.

[0134] In operation S830, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may obtain second Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle based on the sampling volume gate set on the PV of the ventricle in the ultrasound image. In detail, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may position the sampling volume gate at the PV of the ventricle, and may obtain second Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle from the sampling volume gate located at the PV.

[0135] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 2 is a diagram illustrating an ultrasonic image and a Doppler image provided by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 according to the embodiment.

[0136] like Fig. 9 As shown in , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 radiates an ultrasonic signal to the heart of the subject by using a probe, and receives an echo signal reflected from the heart to obtain an ultrasonic image about the heart. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 can display the obtained ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 can position a sample volume gate at a position 910 corresponding to the TV of the ventricle in the ultrasonic image by using a scan line. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 can obtain first Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the ventricle from the sample volume gate. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 can represent the first Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the ventricle as a first Doppler spectrum 920.

[0137] like Fig.10 As shown in , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 can position the sample volume gate at a position 930 corresponding to the PV of the ventricle in the ultrasound image by using the scan line. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 can obtain second Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle from the sample volume gate. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 can represent the second Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle as a second Doppler spectrum 940.

[0138] Fig.11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of synchronizing a first Doppler image and a second Doppler image by using a marker in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 according to the embodiment.

[0139] In operation S1110 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may determine a first cycle of a heartbeat of the subject based on the first Doppler data, and may determine a second cycle of the heartbeat of the subject based on the second Doppler data.

[0140] For example, the first cycle is a cycle of a heartbeat with respect to first Doppler data of a blood flow introduced into the ventricle, and the second cycle is a cycle of a heartbeat with respect to second Doppler data of a blood flow discharged from the ventricle.

[0141] In operation S1120 , when the first cycle and the second cycle are different from each other, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may correct at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image so that the first cycle and the second cycle coincide with each other.

[0142] The first cycle is determined based on the first Doppler data obtained from TV according to the contraction movement and the relaxation movement of the heart, and the second cycle is determined based on the second Doppler data obtained from PV. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 can obtain the value of the parameter about the cardiac function using the first Doppler image generated based on the first Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the ventricle and the second Doppler image generated based on the second Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle. When the first cycle and the second cycle are different from each other, an error occurs when obtaining the value of the first parameter obtained from the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image, respectively. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 can correct at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image so that the first cycle and the second cycle can be consistent with each other.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may automatically correct the ratio of the time axis in the spectrum of at least one Doppler image so that the first period and the second period may coincide with each other. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may automatically correct the Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into or discharged from the ventricle in the spectrum of at least one Doppler image according to the ratio correction of the time axis.

[0144] According to another embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may determine at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image as a reference Doppler image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may correct another Doppler image other than the reference Doppler image based on the reference Doppler image so that the first cycle and the second cycle may be consistent with each other.

[0145] In operation S1130, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may synchronize the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the marker, and heartbeat cycles of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image may be matched with each other through correction.

[0146] Based on a mark corresponding to a predetermined movement of the heart set in each of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image having a consistent heartbeat cycle, the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 300 can synchronize the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image with each other so that the predetermined movement of the heart can occur simultaneously in the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image.

[0147] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a method of correcting a Doppler image with respect to Doppler data having different cycles in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 according to the embodiment.

[0148] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may position the sample volume gate at a point corresponding to the TV of the right ventricle in the ultrasound image, and may obtain first Doppler data of a blood flow introduced into the ventricle from the sample volume gate at the point corresponding to the TV.

[0149] like Fig.12 As shown in , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may display a first Doppler spectrum 1211 of first Doppler data about the blood flow introduced into the right ventricle. In addition, based on the first Doppler spectrum 1211 of the blood flow introduced into the right ventricle, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may obtain first cycle information about the heart of the subject, wherein the first cycle information indicates that the heart rate of the subject is 124 bpm and one point indicated in the first Doppler spectrum 1211 is 3.333 ms.

[0150] In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may position the sample volume gate at a point corresponding to the PV of the right ventricle in the ultrasound image, and may obtain second Doppler data of blood flow discharged from the ventricle based on the sample volume gate located at the point corresponding to the PV.

[0151] like Fig.12 As shown in , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may display a second Doppler spectrum 1212 of second Doppler data of blood flow discharged from the right ventricle. In addition, based on the second Doppler spectrum 1212 of blood flow discharged from the right ventricle, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may obtain second cycle information about the heart of the subject, wherein the second cycle information indicates that the heart rate of the subject is 140 bpm and one point indicated in the second Doppler spectrum 1212 is 3.333 ms.

[0152] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may display the first Doppler spectrum 1211 and the second Doppler spectrum 1212 together as one Doppler image 1210. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may display the first cycle information and the second cycle information on the first Doppler spectrum 1211 and the second Doppler spectrum 1212, respectively. Fig.12 As shown in , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may display the first cycle information and the second cycle information on the lower portion of the Doppler image 1210 .

[0153] Since the first cycle and the second cycle are different from each other, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may correct at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image so that the first cycle and the second cycle coincide with each other.

[0154] like Fig.12 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may correct the scale of the time axis in the second Doppler spectrum 1212 so that the first period and the second period coincide with each other, and generate a corrected second Doppler spectrum 1222. In detail, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may correct the Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the ventricle and / or the Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the ventricle in the second Doppler spectrum 1212 according to the scale correction of the time axis, and may generate a corrected second Doppler spectrum 1222.

[0155] As a result of the correction, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may obtain corrected second cycle information about the subject's heart based on the corrected second Doppler spectrum 1222 , wherein the corrected second cycle information indicates that the subject's heart rate is 124 bpm and one point in the second Doppler spectrum 1222 is 3.747 ms.

[0156] That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may correct the second cycle information of the second Doppler spectrum 1212 to be consistent with the first cycle information of the first Doppler spectrum 1211. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may display the first Doppler spectrum 1211 and the corrected second Doppler spectrum 1222 together as one Doppler image 1220. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may display the first cycle information and the corrected second cycle information on the lower portion of the Doppler image 1220.

[0157] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating a method of synchronizing a first Doppler image and a second Doppler image by using a marker in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 according to the embodiment.

[0158] Reference Fig.13 The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may set a point corresponding to the operation of closing the PV of the right ventricle as a first mark 1223 in the first Doppler spectrum 1211. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may set a point corresponding to the operation of closing the PV of the right ventricle as a second mark 1224 in the second Doppler spectrum. Here, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may set a point corresponding to the operation of closing the PV of the right ventricle as a second mark 1224 based on a PV closing click signal observed in the right ventricle of the subject. Fig.13 Markers are set on the Doppler image 1220 to accurately obtain IVCT and IVRT.

[0159] Here, although the point corresponding to the operation of PV closing the right ventricle is set as a mark, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a point corresponding to PV opening the right ventricle, a point corresponding to TV closing the right ventricle, and a point corresponding to TV opening the right ventricle may be set as marks.

[0160] Reference Fig.13 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 sets the first mark 1223 in the first Doppler spectrum 1211 and the second mark 1224 in the second Doppler spectrum 1232 at equal time points on the time axis to generate the synchronized first Doppler spectrum 1211 and the second Doppler spectrum 1232.

[0161] Fig.14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of expressing parameters regarding a cardiac function in a Doppler image and values ​​of the parameters in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 according to the embodiment.

[0162] In operation S1410, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may obtain a value of at least one parameter regarding cardiac function based on the synchronized first Doppler image and the synchronized second Doppler image. Here, the at least one parameter may include at least one of a TV off time, a PV on time, an MPI regarding a heartbeat, an IVRT of the heart, and an IVCT of the heart.

[0163] In operation S1420, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may display the obtained value of the at least one parameter. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may display the at least one parameter and the value of the at least one parameter on at least one of the synchronized first Doppler image and the synchronized second Doppler image.

[0164] In operation S1430, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may display diagnostic information of the heart based on a value of at least one parameter.

[0165] Fig.15 : is a diagram of a Doppler image representing parameters regarding a heart function and values ​​of the parameters in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 according to the embodiment.

[0166] Reference Fig.15 The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 sets the first mark 1223 in the first Doppler spectrum 1211 and the second mark 1224 in the second Doppler spectrum 1232 at equal time points on the time axis to generate synchronized first Doppler spectrum 1211 and second Doppler spectrum 1232. Here, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may generate synchronized first Doppler spectrum 1211 and second Doppler spectrum 1232 based on the PV closing click signal observed in the right ventricle of the subject. Fig.15 Markers are set on the Doppler image 1230 to accurately obtain IVCT and IVRT.

[0167] Reference Fig.15 The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may calculate the off time 1241 of the TV based on the first Doppler spectrum 1211. In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may calculate the on time 1242 of the PV based on the second Doppler spectrum 1232. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may represent a portion corresponding to the off time 1241 of the TV and the on time 1242 of the PV in each of the Doppler spectra, and may display the off time 1241 of the TV and the on time 1242 of the PV.

[0168] In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may calculate the IVRT and IVCT of the heart based on the first Doppler spectrum 1211 and the second Doppler spectrum 1232 .

[0169] Fig.16is a diagram of a Doppler image representing parameters related to a cardiac function and values ​​of the parameters in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0170] like Fig.16 As shown in , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 can synchronize a first Doppler spectrum 1211 of a blood flow introduced into the right ventricle and a second Doppler spectrum 1232 of a blood flow discharged from the right ventricle, and can display the first Doppler spectrum 1211 and the second Doppler spectrum 1232 as one Doppler image 1240. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 can determine a parameter regarding cardiac function based on the Doppler image 1240, and can obtain a value of the parameter. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 can indicate a mark and a portion for obtaining the parameter on the Doppler image 1240.

[0171] Here, the parameter may include at least one of the closing time of TV, the opening time of PV, IVCT of the heart, ICRT of the heart, and MPI about the heartbeat, but is not limited thereto. In addition, MPI may be calculated by combining the values ​​of a plurality of parameters.

[0172] Reference Fig.16 In the image 1250 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may display an ultrasound image, and may display parameters used to diagnose cardiac function and values ​​of the parameters (eg, TV closing time: 3.6 s, PV opening time: 3.46 s, IVCT: 68 ms, IVRT: 72 ms).

[0173] In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 may display diagnostic information indicating a diagnostic result of the subject's heart based on the parameters used to diagnose the heart function and the values ​​of the parameters. Fig.16 As shown in the image 1250 of FIG. 1250 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 may display information that the subject's heart is in a normal state based on information indicating “TV off time: 3.6 s, PV on time: 3.46 s, IVCT: 68 ms, IVRT: 72 ms”. In addition, the diagnostic information may be automatically generated based on the medical information related to the heart and the information about the value of the parameter stored in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300. In addition, the diagnostic information may be input by the user.

[0174] The ultrasonic diagnostic equipment described herein can be implemented using hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices and components described in the embodiments can be implemented using, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable array (FPA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers (such as any other device capable of responding and executing instructions in a defined manner).

[0175] The processing device may run an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the OS. The processing device may also access, store, operate, process, and create data in response to the execution of software.

[0176] For ease of understanding, the description of the processing device is used as a singular number, however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing device may include multiple processors or a processor and a controller. In addition, different processing configurations (such as parallel processors) are also possible.

[0177] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more thereof that are used, independently or collectively, to instruct or configure a processing device to operate as desired.

[0178] Software and / or data may be implemented permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component, physical or virtual device, computer storage medium or apparatus, or in a propagating signal wave capable of providing instructions or data to or being interpreted by a processing device. Software may also be distributed over networked computer systems so that the software is stored and executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored by one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0179] The method according to the embodiment may be recorded in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, which includes program instructions for implementing various operations implemented by a computer. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may also include data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination with the program instructions. The media and program instructions may be those designed and constructed specifically for the above purposes, or they may be of a type well known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software.

[0180] Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include: magnetic media, such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical media, such as CD ROM disks and DVDs; magneto-optical media, such as optical magnetic disks; and hardware devices dedicated to storing and executing program instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, etc.

[0181] Examples of the program instructions may include not only machine language codes but also high-level language codes that may be executed by various computing devices using an interpreter.

[0182] The above-described hardware devices may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform exemplary embodiments, and vice versa.

[0183] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in all the appended claims. For example, even if the technology is performed by other methods and procedures different from the above methods and procedures, and / or even if the systems, structures, units and circuits are combined in other ways different from the above or replaced or substituted with other components or their equivalents, the desired results according to the present disclosure can still be obtained.

[0184] Therefore, it should be understood that other implementations, examples and their equivalents related to the claims may be interpreted as fully belonging to the field of the present disclosure.

[0185] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each embodiment should generally be considered as being applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments.

[0186] Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made in these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device, the ultrasonic diagnostic device comprising a processor and a display, the method comprising: obtaining, by the processor, first Doppler data of blood flow introduced into the right ventricle of the subject based on a sample volume gate set at a point of the right ventricle in an ultrasound image of the subject's heart; obtaining, by the processor, second Doppler data of blood flow discharged from the right ventricle based on the sample volume gate set at another point of the right ventricle in the ultrasound image by moving the sample volume gate on the ultrasound image; receiving, by the processor, a user input for setting a first mark at a time position corresponding to a predetermined motion of a predetermined valve of the right ventricle on a time axis of a first Doppler image generated based on the first Doppler data; receiving, by the processor, a user input for setting a second mark at a time position corresponding to a predetermined motion of a predetermined valve of the right ventricle on a time axis of a second Doppler image generated based on the second Doppler data; synchronizing, by the processor, the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image; and displaying the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image synchronized with each other through the display, The step of synchronizing the first Doppler image with the second Doppler image comprises: making a first cycle of the heartbeat of the subject obtained from the first Doppler data in the first Doppler image and a second cycle of the heartbeat of the subject obtained from the second Doppler data in the second Doppler image consistent with each other, and The time of the predetermined movement of the predetermined flap is matched based on the first marker and the second marker.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The step of synchronizing the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image further comprises: determining the first cycle of the heartbeat of the subject based on the first Doppler data and determining the second cycle of the heartbeat of the subject based on the second Doppler data; When the first cycle and the second cycle are different from each other, correcting at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image so that the first cycle and the second cycle are consistent with each other; and The first Doppler image and the second Doppler image having a consistent heartbeat cycle due to correction are synchronized based on the first marker and the second marker.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The step of correcting at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image comprises: correcting a ratio of a time axis of a spectrum in at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image so that the first period and the second period coincide with each other; and According to the correction of the scale of the time axis, the Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the right ventricle or the Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the right ventricle in the spectrum of the at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image is corrected.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The step of correcting at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image comprises: determining one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image as a reference Doppler image; and Another Doppler image that is not determined as a reference Doppler image is corrected based on the determined reference Doppler image so that the first period and the second period coincide with each other.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined action of the predetermined valve includes one of closing a pulmonary valve of the right ventricle, opening the pulmonary valve of the right ventricle, closing a tricuspid valve of the right ventricle, and opening the tricuspid valve of the right ventricle.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The step of obtaining the first Doppler data and the second Doppler data comprises: obtaining, by the processor, an ultrasound image of the subject's heart; obtaining the first Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the right ventricle based on a sample volume gate set with respect to the tricuspid valve of the right ventricle in the ultrasound image; and The second Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the right ventricle is obtained based on a sample volume gate set with respect to a pulmonary valve of the right ventricle in the ultrasound image.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Obtaining, by the processor, a value of at least one parameter related to cardiac function based on the synchronized first Doppler image and the second Doppler image, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of a closing time of a tricuspid valve, an opening time of a pulmonary valve, a myocardial function index related to a heartbeat, an isovolumetric relaxation time of the heart, and an isovolumetric contraction time of the heart; and The value of the at least one parameter is displayed via the display.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The step of displaying the value of the at least one parameter comprises: displaying the at least one parameter and the value of the at least one parameter with respect to at least one of the synchronized first Doppler image and the synchronized second Doppler image; and Based on the value of the at least one parameter, diagnostic information of the heart is displayed.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The step of setting the first mark and the second mark includes receiving a user input for setting the first mark and a user input for setting the second mark through a user interface device, the user interface device being used to control the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

10. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, comprising: a probe configured to: send ultrasound signals to a heart of a subject and receive echo signals reflected from the heart; The processor is configured as: obtaining first Doppler data of a blood flow introduced into the right ventricle based on a sample volume gate set at a point of the right ventricle in an ultrasound image of the subject's heart based on the echo signal, obtaining, based on the echo signal, second Doppler data of blood flow discharged from the right ventricle based on the sample volume gate set at another point of the right ventricle in the ultrasound image by moving the sample volume gate on the ultrasound image, receiving a user input for setting a first mark at a time position corresponding to a predetermined motion of a predetermined valve of the right ventricle on a time axis of a first Doppler image generated based on the first Doppler data, receiving a user input for setting a second mark at a time position corresponding to a predetermined motion of a predetermined valve of the right ventricle on a time axis of a second Doppler image generated based on the second Doppler data, and synchronizing the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image; as well as a display configured to display the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image synchronized with each other, Wherein, the processor is further configured to: by making a first cycle of the heartbeat of the object obtained from the first Doppler data in the first Doppler image consistent with a second cycle of the heartbeat of the object obtained from the second Doppler data in the second Doppler image, and matching the time of the predetermined action of the predetermined valve based on the first marker and the second marker.

11. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: The processor is further configured to: determine the first cycle of the heartbeat of the subject based on the first Doppler data and determine the second cycle of the heartbeat of the subject based on the second Doppler data; when the first cycle and the second cycle are different from each other, correct at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image to make the first cycle and the second cycle consistent with each other; And based on the first marker and the second marker, the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image having a consistent heartbeat cycle due to the correction are synchronized.

12. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The processor is further configured to: correct a ratio of a time axis of a spectrum in at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image so that the first period and the second period are consistent with each other; and correcting the Doppler data of the blood flow introduced into the right ventricle or the Doppler data of the blood flow discharged from the right ventricle in the spectrum of at least one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image based on the correction of the scale of the time axis.

13. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The processor is also configured to: determine one of the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image as a reference Doppler image; and correct the other Doppler image that is not determined as the reference Doppler image based on the determined reference Doppler image so that the first cycle and the second cycle are consistent with each other.

14. A computer-readable recording medium having implemented thereon a method for executing an operation of an ultrasonic diagnostic device, wherein: The method comprises: obtaining, by the processor, first Doppler data of blood flow introduced into the right ventricle of the subject based on a sample volume gate set at a point of the right ventricle in the ultrasound image of the subject's heart; obtaining, by a processor, second Doppler data of blood flow discharged from the right ventricle based on the sample volume gate set at another point of the right ventricle in the ultrasound image by moving the sample volume gate on the ultrasound image; receiving, by the processor, a user input for setting a first mark at a time position corresponding to a predetermined motion of a predetermined valve of the right ventricle on a time axis of a first Doppler image generated based on the first Doppler data; receiving, by the processor, a user input for setting a second mark at a time position corresponding to a predetermined motion of a predetermined valve of the right ventricle on a time axis of a second Doppler image generated based on the second Doppler data; synchronizing, by the processor, the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image; and displaying the first Doppler image and the second Doppler image synchronized with each other through a display, The step of synchronizing the first Doppler image with the second Doppler image comprises: making a first cycle of the heartbeat of the subject obtained from the first Doppler data in the first Doppler image and a second cycle of the heartbeat of the subject obtained from the second Doppler data in the second Doppler image consistent with each other, and The time of the predetermined movement of the predetermined flap is matched based on the first marker and the second marker.

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