Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment and method for operating the same

Abstract

An ultrasonic diagnostic device and a method for operating the same are provided. The ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: a memory storing one or more instructions; and a processor configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: based on an echo signal received from an object, acquiring motion (M) mode data of the object at a first cycle and Doppler data of the object at a second cycle; generating an M-mode image based on the M-mode data; generating Doppler sound based on the Doppler data; controlling a display to display the M-mode image; and controlling a speaker to output the Doppler sound, wherein the second cycle is determined based on the first cycle.

Description

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0011307 filed on January 29, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method of operating the same, and more particularly, to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of simultaneously providing a motion (M) mode image and Doppler sound and a method of operating the same. Background Art

[0003] Recently, in the medical field, various types of medical imaging devices have been widely used to visualize and obtain information about human living tissue for use in early diagnosis or surgery of various diseases. Representative examples of these medical imaging devices may include ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, computed tomography (CT) equipment, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment.

[0004] Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment transmits ultrasonic signals generated by a probe's transducer into an object and receives information about the echo signals reflected from the object, thereby obtaining an image of the object's internal parts. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment is particularly used for medical purposes, including observing the internal areas of an object, detecting foreign matter, and assessing injuries and illnesses. Such ultrasonic diagnostic equipment exhibits high stability, displays images in real time, and is safer than X-ray diagnostic equipment due to the lack of radiation exposure. Therefore, ultrasonic diagnostic equipment has become widely used alongside other types of diagnostic imaging equipment.

[0005] When examining the fetal heart using Doppler ultrasound in early pregnancy, stability issues can arise due to the energy applied to the fetal heart. Consequently, several academic groups in the field of ultrasound have recommended limiting the use of Doppler ultrasound to early pregnancy (first trimester).

[0006] In addition, when the fetal heart is examined only in ultrasound M-mode, Doppler sound of the fetal heart cannot be provided. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Provided are an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of providing Doppler sound of a fetal heart (particularly in the early stages of pregnancy) while minimizing the influence on the fetal heart and a method of operating the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

[0008] 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.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: a memory storing one or more instructions; and a processor configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: based on an echo signal received from an object, acquiring motion (M) mode data of the object according to a first cycle and acquiring Doppler data of the object according to a second cycle, generating an M-mode image based on the M-mode data, generating Doppler sound based on the Doppler data, controlling a display to display the M-mode image, and controlling a speaker to output the Doppler sound, wherein the second cycle is determined based on the first cycle.

[0010] The ultrasonic diagnostic equipment may further include a probe configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to the object and receive the echo signal from the object, and the processor may further be configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: control the probe to transmit a first ultrasonic signal corresponding to a first ultrasonic pulse to the object according to a first cycle, and acquire the M-mode data based on a first echo signal corresponding to the first ultrasonic signal; control the probe to transmit a second ultrasonic signal corresponding to a second ultrasonic pulse different from the first ultrasonic pulse to the object according to a second cycle, and acquire the Doppler data based on a second echo signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.

[0011] The processor can also be configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: acquiring brightness (B) mode data about the object based on the echo signal, generating a B-mode image based on the B-mode data, and controlling the display to display the B-mode image; setting M lines and regions of interest in the B-mode image based on user input, wherein the M-mode data is data corresponding to the M lines, and the Doppler data is data corresponding to the region of interest.

[0012] The display may display the B-mode image of the object and the M-mode image corresponding to the M-line on a single screen, and the speaker may be configured to output the Doppler sound corresponding to the region of interest while displaying the B-mode image and the M-mode image.

[0013] The processor may also be configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: acquire first Doppler data during a first time interval, acquire second Doppler data during a second time interval discontinuous with the first time interval, acquire the M-mode data during a third time interval between the first time interval and the second time interval, and generate third Doppler data corresponding to the third time interval based on the first Doppler data and the second Doppler data.

[0014] The processor can also be configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: acquire B-mode data about the object during a fourth time interval that is between the first time interval and the second time interval and different from the third time interval, generate a B-mode image based on the B-mode data, and control the display to display the B-mode image.

[0015] The processor may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to control the display to display a user interface (UI) capable of adjusting the quality of the Doppler sound and adjust the quality of the Doppler sound based on user input via the UI.

[0016] The processor may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to automatically adjust the quality of the Doppler sound based on information about the object.

[0017] The processor may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to detect a heart rate of the subject based on the M-mode image and control a display to display the heart rate.

[0018] The processor may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operation: adjusting the quality of the Doppler sound by adjusting a second period of acquiring the Doppler data.

[0019] The processor may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: determine whether the heart rate is abnormal and control the display to display a result of the determination.

[0020] The processor may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: determining a heartbeat sound corresponding to the heart rate of the subject and controlling a speaker to output the heartbeat sound.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: acquiring M-mode data of the object according to a first period and acquiring Doppler data of the object according to a second period based on an echo signal received from the object; generating an M-mode image based on the M-mode data; generating Doppler sound based on the Doppler data; displaying the M-mode image; and outputting the Doppler sound, wherein the second period is determined based on the first period. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C are diagrams respectively illustrating ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses according to exemplary embodiments;

[0025] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 is a reference diagram for explaining a method of acquiring motion (M) mode data and Doppler data performed by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 is a reference diagram for explaining a method of adjusting the quality of Doppler sound performed by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displayed by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0029] 7A to 7D is a reference diagram for explaining a method of generating and outputting Doppler sound when operating in an M mode, performed by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 8 An example of a user interface (UI) capable of adjusting the quality of Doppler sound output by an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment is shown;

[0031] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 10 shows an example of a screen displayed by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment; and

[0033] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Certain exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements even in different drawings. Matters defined in the specification (such as detailed structures and elements) are provided to help a comprehensive understanding of the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, it is apparent that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced without those specifically defined matters. In addition, because well-known functions or structures would obscure the exemplary embodiments with unnecessary detail, they are not described in detail.

[0036] Terms such as "part" and "section" used herein refer to "parts" and "sections" that can be implemented by software or hardware. According to exemplary embodiments, multiple parts or sections can be implemented by a single unit or element, or a single part or section can include multiple elements. Expressions such as "at least one of...", when placed after a listed element, modify the entire list of elements rather than modifying the individual listed elements.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the image may include any medical image acquired by various medical imaging devices such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, an ultrasound imaging device, or an X-ray device.

[0038] In addition, in this specification, the "subject" as an object to be imaged may include a human, an animal, or a part of a human or an animal. For example, the object may include a part of a human (ie, an organ or tissue) or a phantom.

[0039] Throughout the specification, an ultrasound image refers to an image of an object that is processed based on an ultrasound signal transmitted to and reflected from the object.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 (ie, a diagnostic apparatus) according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may include a probe 20 , an ultrasound transceiver 110 , a controller 120 , an image processor 130 , one or more displays 140 , a storage 150 (eg, memory), a communicator 160 (ie, a communication device or interface), and an input interface 170 .

[0043] The ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 may be a cart-type or portable ultrasonic diagnostic device that is portable, mobile, mobile, or handheld. Examples of portable ultrasonic diagnostic devices may include smartphones, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and tablet personal computers (PCs), each of which may include a probe and a software application, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0044] The probe 20 may include a plurality of transducers. In response to transmitting a signal received by the probe 20 from the transmitter 113, the plurality of transducers may transmit an ultrasonic signal to the object 10. The plurality of transducers may receive the ultrasonic signal reflected from the object 10 to generate a received signal. In addition, the probe 20 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may be formed as one body (e.g., placed in a single housing), or the probe 20 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may be formed separately (e.g., placed in separate housings) and linked wirelessly or via wires. In addition, according to an embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may include one or more probes 20.

[0045] The controller 120 may control the transmitter 113 to cause the transmitter 113 to generate a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers based on the positions and focal points of the plurality of transducers included in the probe 20 .

[0046] The controller 120 may control the ultrasound receiver 115 to generate ultrasound data by converting reception signals received from the probe 20 from analog signals to digital signals and summing the reception signals converted into digital form based on the positions and focal points of the plurality of transducers.

[0047] The image processor 130 may generate an ultrasound image by using ultrasound data generated from the ultrasound receiver 115 .

[0048] The display 140 may display a generated ultrasound image and various information processed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may include two or more displays 140. The display 140 may include a touch screen combined with a touch panel.

[0049] The controller 120 can control the 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 programs or data for performing the functions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and a processor and / or microprocessor (not shown) for processing the programs or data. For example, the controller 120 may control the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 by receiving a control signal from the input interface 170 or an external device.

[0050] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may include a communicator 160 and may be connected to external devices, for example, a server, a medical device, and a portable device such as a smartphone, a tablet PC, a wearable device, etc., via the communicator 160 .

[0051] The communicator 160 may include at least one element capable of communicating with an external device. For example, the communicator 160 may include at least one module among a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

[0052] The communicator 160 may receive a control signal and data from an external device.

[0053] The memory 150 may store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 , inputting and / or outputting ultrasound data, ultrasound images, applications, and the like.

[0054] The input interface 170 may receive user input for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and may include a keyboard, buttons, a keypad, a mouse, a trackball, a jog switch, a knob, a touchpad, a touch screen, a microphone, a motion input device, a biometric input device, etc. For example, the user input may include input for manipulating a button, a keypad, a mouse, a trackball, a jog switch, or a knob, input for touching a touchpad or a touch screen, voice input, motion input, and biometric information input such as iris recognition or fingerprint recognition, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0055] Refer to the following Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C An example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment is described.

[0056] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C is a diagram illustrating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0057] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100a or 100b may include a main display 121 and a sub-display 122. At least one of the main display 121 and the sub-display 122 may include a touch screen. The main display 121 and the sub-display 122 may display ultrasound images and / or various information processed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100a or 100b. The main display 121 and the sub-display 122 may provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to receive user input to control the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100a or 100b. For example, the main display 121 may display an ultrasound image, and the sub-display 122 may display a control panel for controlling the display of the ultrasound image as the GUI. The sub-display 122 may receive data input to control the display of the image via the control panel displayed as the GUI. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100a or 100b may control the display of the ultrasound image on the main display 121 by using the input control data.

[0058] Reference Figure 2BThe ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100b may include a control panel 165. The control panel 165 may include buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, or a knob, and may receive data from a user to control the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100b. For example, the control panel 165 may include a time gain compensation (TGC) button 171 and a freeze button 172. The TGC button 171 is used to set the TGC value for each depth of the ultrasound image. In addition, when an input of the freeze button 172 is detected during scanning of the ultrasound image, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100b may continue to display the frame image at that time point.

[0059] The buttons, the trackball, the jog switch, and the knob included in the control panel 165 may be provided as a GUI to the main display 121 or the sub display 122 .

[0060] Reference Figure 2C , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100c may include a portable device. Examples of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may include a smartphone, a laptop computer, a PDA, or a tablet PC including a probe and an application, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0061] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100c may include a probe 20 and a body 40. The probe 20 may be connected to one side of the body 40 by a 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 100c, and a GUI.

[0062] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object and acquire ultrasonic data based on the echo signal received from the object. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire brightness (B) mode data regarding the object based on the echo signal. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may then generate a B-mode ultrasonic image based on the B-mode data and display the generated B-mode ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may extract a B-mode component from the ultrasonic data and, based on the extracted B-mode component, generate a B-mode ultrasonic image whose signal strength is indicated by a brightness value.

[0064] In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may set one scan line among a plurality of scan lines included in the B-mode ultrasound image as an M line. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may also set a region located on the M line as a region of interest (ROI).

[0065] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire M-mode data corresponding to an M line in a first cycle and acquire Doppler data corresponding to an ROI in a second cycle ( S310 ).

[0066] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire M-mode data indicating signal strength in terms of brightness values over time based on ultrasound data corresponding to the M-line.

[0067] Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may extract a Doppler component from the ultrasound data corresponding to the ROI and acquire Doppler data based on the extracted Doppler component. In this case, the second period for acquiring Doppler data may be determined based on the first period for acquiring M-mode data. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may set the first period and the second period so that M-mode data is acquired n times (n is an integer value) every time Doppler data is acquired once, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0068] Reference Figure 3 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate an M-mode image based on the M-mode data ( S320 ).

[0069] The M-mode data may represent motion information of an object corresponding to an M-line with respect to time, and the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate an M-mode image based on the M-mode data.

[0070] In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate Doppler sound based on the Doppler data ( S330 ).

[0071] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may interpolate non-acquired Doppler data corresponding to an interval in which Doppler data is not acquired by using discontinuously acquired Doppler data. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate Doppler sound by using the acquired Doppler data and the interpolated Doppler data.

[0072] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may display an M-mode image ( S340 ) and output Doppler sound ( S350 ).

[0073] Figure 4 1 is a reference diagram for explaining a method of acquiring M-mode data and Doppler data, which is performed by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0074] Reference Figure 4 The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate a first ultrasound pulse according to an M-mode pulse repetition frequency (PRF). The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may transmit a first ultrasound signal corresponding to the first ultrasound pulse toward the subject and receive a first echo signal corresponding to the first ultrasound signal. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire M-mode data based on the first echo signal and generate an M-mode image based on the M-mode data.

[0075] In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate a second ultrasound pulse according to a pulse wave (PW) mode PRF. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may transmit a second ultrasound signal corresponding to the second ultrasound pulse toward the subject and receive a second echo signal corresponding to the second ultrasound signal. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire Doppler data based on the second echo signal and generate Doppler sound based on the Doppler data.

[0076] In addition, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire M-mode data and Doppler data together by alternately generating the first ultrasound pulse and the second ultrasound pulse. Figure 4 As shown, during the first interval A, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate a first ultrasound pulse and transmit the first ultrasound pulse to the object, thereby acquiring M-mode data. During the second interval B, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate a second ultrasound pulse and transmit the second ultrasound pulse to the object, thereby acquiring Doppler data.

[0077] The repetition period of the M-mode data acquisition interval for acquiring M-mode data (interval for generating the first ultrasonic pulse sequence) may be the first period T1. In addition, the repetition period of the Doppler data acquisition interval for acquiring Doppler data (interval for generating the second ultrasonic pulse sequence) may be the second period T2. In this case, the second period T2 may be determined based on the first period T1. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the second period T2 may be twice the first period T1. In this case, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire M-mode data twice while acquiring Doppler data once, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0078] In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 can generate Doppler data corresponding to an interval in which Doppler data is not acquired by using the acquired Doppler data. For example, when a plurality of pieces of Doppler data are acquired during the second interval B and the fourth interval D, respectively, and Doppler data is not acquired during the third interval C, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 can interpolate the unacquired Doppler data corresponding to the third interval C by using the plurality of pieces of Doppler data acquired during the second interval B and the fourth interval D.

[0079] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate an M-mode image based on the M-mode data, and generate a Doppler sound to be output based on the acquired Doppler data and the interpolated Doppler data.

[0080] When the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 operates in the M-mode plus Doppler mode, the energy applied to the subject (e.g., a fetus) is reduced compared to when operating only in the Doppler mode. Therefore, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 can perform ultrasound scanning of the fetal heart in the M-mode plus Doppler mode, thereby minimizing the energy applied to the fetal heart and providing Doppler sound and M-mode images together.

[0081] Figure 5 is a reference diagram for explaining a method of adjusting the quality of Doppler sound performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may control the quality of Doppler sound by adjusting a Doppler data acquisition period.

[0083] Reference Figure 5 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 can acquire M-mode data, Doppler data, and B-mode data. For example, M-mode data and Doppler data can be acquired at a first cycle T1 and a second cycle T2, respectively, while B-mode data can be acquired at any specific cycle. Furthermore, B-mode data can be acquired during intervals when M-mode data and Doppler data are not being acquired.

[0084] During the M-mode data acquisition interval, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate a first ultrasound pulse to transmit a first ultrasound signal corresponding to the first ultrasound pulse toward the subject and receive a first echo signal from the subject. Furthermore, during the Doppler data acquisition interval, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate a second ultrasound pulse to transmit a second ultrasound signal corresponding to the second ultrasound pulse toward the subject and receive a second echo signal from the subject. Furthermore, during the B-mode data acquisition interval, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate a third ultrasound pulse based on the B-mode PRF to transmit a third ultrasound signal corresponding to the third ultrasound pulse toward the subject and receive a third echo signal from the subject.

[0085] In this case, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may adjust the quality of the Doppler sound generated based on the Doppler data by adjusting the period or length of the Doppler data acquisition interval.

[0086] For example, included in Figure 5 The first ultrasonic pulse sequence (M-mode pulse sequence) in the first pulse sequence may have a first period T1, and the second ultrasonic pulse sequence (PW-mode pulse sequence) included in the first pulse sequence may have a second period T2 and a first length P1. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire Doppler data by using the first pulse sequence and generate Doppler sound having a first quality based on the acquired Doppler data.

[0087] In addition, if Figure 5The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may set a period of the second ultrasound pulse sequence to a third period T3 shorter than the second period T2, thereby generating a Doppler sound having a second quality higher than the first quality.

[0088] Alternatively, as Figure 5 For the third pulse sequence, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may set the period of the second ultrasonic pulse sequence to the second period T2 and the length of the second ultrasonic pulse sequence to a second length P2 longer than the first length P1, thereby generating a Doppler sound having a third quality higher than the first quality.

[0089] Alternatively, as Figure 5 The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may set the period of the second ultrasound pulse sequence to the third period T3 and the length of the second ultrasound pulse sequence to the second length P2, thereby generating a Doppler sound having a fourth quality higher than the first to third qualities.

[0090] Figure 6 An example of a screen displayed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the embodiment is shown.

[0091] Reference Figure 6 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate a B-mode image 610 based on the B-mode data about the object and display the B-mode image 610 on the display 140 .

[0092] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may display an M-line 620 superimposed on one of the plurality of scan lines in the B-mode image 610 and change the position of the M-line 620 based on a user input. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate an M-mode image 630 based on M-mode data corresponding to the M-line 620 and display the M-mode image 630 on the display 140.

[0093] Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate a Doppler sound 650 based on Doppler data corresponding to the ROI located on the M line 620 and output the Doppler sound 650 via the speaker. Furthermore, an ROI 645 may be indicated on the M-mode image 630 .

[0094] Therefore, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 can display the B-mode image 610 and the M-mode image 630 while simultaneously outputting the Doppler sound 650. Furthermore, when the object is a heart (particularly a fetal heart), the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 can detect a heart rate 660 from the M-mode data and display the detected heart rate 660 on the display 140. Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 can compare the detected heart rate with a preset reference value to determine whether the detected heart rate is abnormal, and display the determination result on the display 140.

[0095] 7A to 7D is a reference diagram for explaining a method of generating and outputting Doppler sounds when operating in the M mode, performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0096] Reference Figure 7A According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may operate in an M-mode.

[0097] For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate a first ultrasound pulse according to the M-mode PRF and transmit a first ultrasound signal corresponding to the first ultrasound pulse to the subject to acquire M-mode data according to a first cycle. In this case, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire M-mode data corresponding to an M line set on a B-mode image.

[0098] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate an M-mode image 720 corresponding to the M-line 710 based on the acquired M-mode data and display the M-mode image 720 on the display 140 .

[0099] Reference Figure 7B According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may receive a user input of an input of a Doppler sound key 730 included in a setting menu screen or a Doppler sound button included in a control panel.

[0100] Therefore, if Figure 7C As shown, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may display an element 740 for setting a ROI on the M line.

[0101] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may set the ROI based on the user input of the mobile element 740 , and when the ROI is set, acquire Doppler data corresponding to the ROI according to the second cycle.

[0102] For example, as referenced Figure 4 As described above, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 can acquire M-mode data and Doppler data together by alternately generating a first ultrasound pulse sequence (M-mode ultrasound pulse sequence) according to a first cycle and generating a second ultrasound pulse sequence (PW-mode ultrasound pulse sequence) according to a second cycle. In this case, the second cycle for acquiring Doppler data can be determined based on the first cycle for acquiring M-mode data.

[0103] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may also generate Doppler data corresponding to an interval in which Doppler data is not acquired by using the acquired Doppler data. For example, when a plurality of pieces of Doppler data are acquired during the second interval and the fourth interval, respectively, and Doppler data is not acquired during the third interval, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may interpolate the unacquired Doppler data corresponding to the third interval by using the plurality of pieces of Doppler data acquired during the second interval and the fourth interval.

[0104] Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 can generate Doppler sound by using the acquired Doppler data and the interpolated Doppler data and output the Doppler sound.

[0105] Figure 8 An example of a UI capable of adjusting the quality of Doppler sound output by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0106] Reference Figure 8 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may display a menu screen for adjusting the quality of the Doppler sound.

[0107] For example, the menu screen may include a first element 810 allowing the user to adjust the quality of the Doppler sound and a second element 820 allowing the user to set whether to automatically select the quality of the Doppler sound.

[0108] The first element 810 may include a first slide bar 811 including a first icon 812 that can be moved to the left or right side of the first slide bar 811 .

[0109] The user can adjust the quality of the Doppler sound by moving the first icon 812 left or right. For example, as the first icon 812 moves left, the quality of the Doppler sound can be adjusted to decrease, and as the first icon 812 moves right, the quality of the Doppler sound can be adjusted to increase.

[0110] Furthermore, the first slider bar 811 can be indicated in a first color to a third color. For example, the portion of the first slider bar 811 from the left end of the first slider bar 811 to the first point where the first icon 812 is located can be shown in the first color, while the portion of the first slider bar 811 from the first point to the second point can be shown in the second color. In this case, the second point can represent the quality of the Doppler sound that can be output when the output of the ultrasound signal corresponding to the PW mode pulse and applied to the object is set to the maximum value within a safe range. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 can provide the user with guidance on setting the quality of the Doppler sound by indicating the second point on the first slider bar 811.

[0111] Furthermore, a portion of the first slide bar 811 from the second point to the right end of the first slide bar 811 may be shown in a third color.

[0112] In addition, the second element 820 may include an on icon and an off icon, and when the user selects the on icon, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may automatically set the quality of the Doppler sound to the best quality. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0113] According to an embodiment, when the object is a fetus, the Doppler sound quality may be set according to the gestational age of the fetus.

[0114] For example, when receiving information about a patient (eg, information about a pregnant woman), the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire information about the fetus corresponding to the received information about the patient. The information about the fetus may include, but is not limited to, the fetal age.

[0115] According to an embodiment, when the fetal gestational age is less than 12 weeks (in the first trimester), the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may set the Doppler acoustic quality to a first value. When the fetal gestational age is 12 weeks or longer (in the second and third trimesters), the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may set the Doppler acoustic quality to a second value greater than the first value. In this case, information about the fetal gestational age may be obtained based on at least one of B-mode data, M-mode data, and Doppler data about the fetus. In addition, the information about the fetal gestational age may include at least one of the fetal gestational age and a biometric parameter related to the fetal gestational age (i.e., head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, abdominal thickness, abdominal transverse diameter, and crown-rump length). However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0116] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to an embodiment.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may transmit an ultrasonic signal to a subject and acquire ultrasonic data based on the echo signal received from the subject. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire B-mode data regarding the subject based on the echo signal. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may then generate a B-mode ultrasonic image based on the B-mode data and display the generated B-mode ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may extract a B-mode component from the ultrasonic data and, based on the extracted B-mode component, generate a B-mode ultrasonic image whose signal strength is indicated by a brightness value.

[0118] In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may set one of the plurality of scan lines included in the B-mode ultrasound image as the M line. The region located on the M line may also be set as the ROI. In addition, when the subject is a fetus, the fetus's heart may be set as the ROI.

[0119] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire M-mode data corresponding to an M line about an object ( S910 ) and may generate an M-mode image based on the M-mode data and display the M-mode image.

[0120] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may detect a heart rate of a subject (eg, fetus) based on period information of the M-mode data ( S920 ).

[0121] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may output a heartbeat sound corresponding to the detected heart rate ( S930 ).

[0122] For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may pre-store heartbeat sounds corresponding to heart rates. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may store a first heartbeat sound corresponding to a heart rate greater than or equal to 120 beats per minute (bpm) and less than 140 beats per minute (bpm), a second heartbeat sound corresponding to a heart rate greater than or equal to 140 bpm and less than 160 bpm, and a third heartbeat sound corresponding to a heart rate greater than or equal to 160 bpm and less than 180 bpm.

[0123] For example, when the heart rate detected based on the M-mode data is 150 bpm, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may adjust the second heartbeat sound according to 150 bpm (the detected heart rate) and output the resulting sound. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0124] In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may output a heartbeat sound corresponding to a heart rate by further considering information on the gestational age of the fetus.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may acquire information about the fetal gestational age based on the B-mode data or the M-mode data. The information about the fetal gestational age may include at least one of the fetal gestational age and a biometric parameter related to the fetal gestational age (i.e., head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, abdominal thickness, abdominal transverse diameter, and crown-rump length).

[0126] In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may pre-store a standard heartbeat sound for each fetal gestational age. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may adjust the standard heartbeat sound corresponding to the acquired information on the fetal gestational age according to the detected heart rate and output the resulting sound.

[0127] For example, when the fetal gestational age is 10 weeks and the detected heart rate is 170 bpm, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may adjust the standard heartbeat sound corresponding to the gestational age of 10 weeks according to the heart rate of 170 bpm and output the resulting sound.

[0128] Figure 10 An example of a screen displayed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the embodiment is shown.

[0129] Reference Figure 10 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate a B-mode image 1010 based on the B-mode data and display the B-mode image 1010 on the display 140 .

[0130] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may display an M-line 1020 superimposed on one of the plurality of scan lines in the B-mode image 1010 and change the position of the M-line 1020 based on a user input. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate an M-mode image 1030 based on M-mode data corresponding to the M-line 1020 and display the M-mode image 1030 on the display 140.

[0131] In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may detect the heart rate of the subject (eg, fetus) and display the detected heart rate 1040 .

[0132] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may provide a UI that allows selection of whether to output Doppler sound or heartbeat sound. For example, Doppler sound may be acquired based on actual Doppler data. The heartbeat sound may be a pre-stored heartbeat sound corresponding to the heart rate detected in the M-mode data.

[0133] When the user selects the Doppler sound icon 1050, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may display Figure 7C For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may display an element for setting an ROI on the M line and acquire Doppler data corresponding to the ROI. In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may generate Doppler sound based on the acquired Doppler data and output the Doppler sound.

[0134] In addition, when the user selects the heartbeat sound icon 1060, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 may output a heartbeat sound corresponding to the detected heart rate instead of acquiring Doppler data. Figure 9 A detailed description thereof is provided and thus will not be repeated below.

[0135] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1100 according to an embodiment.

[0136] Reference Figure 11 , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1100 according to the embodiment may include a processor 1120 , a memory 1130 , a display 1140 , and a speaker 1150 .

[0137] Figure 11 The processor 1120 can be used with reference to Figure 1 The ultrasonic transceiver 110, the controller 120 and the image processor 130 described above correspond to at least one or a combination thereof, and the display 1140 may be connected to Figure 1 Furthermore, according to an embodiment, some components of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may be included in Figure 11 In the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1100.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the processor 1120 may control all operations of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1100. According to an embodiment, the processor 1120 may execute one or more programs stored in the memory 1130.

[0139] According to an embodiment, the memory 1130 may store various data, programs, or applications for driving and controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1100. The program stored in the memory 1130 may include one or more instructions. The program (one or more instructions) or application stored in the memory 1130 may be executed by the processor 1120.

[0140] According to an embodiment, the processor 1120 may acquire M-mode data according to a first cycle and acquire Doppler data according to a second cycle. In this case, the repetition period of the M-mode data acquisition interval for acquiring M-mode data may be the first cycle ( Figure 4 In addition, the repetition period of the Doppler data acquisition interval for acquiring Doppler data may be the second period ( Figure 4 The processor 1120 may determine the second period T2 based on the first period T1.

[0141] In a first cycle, the processor 1120 may control the probe to transmit a first ultrasound signal corresponding to a first ultrasound pulse toward the subject, and acquire M-mode ultrasound data based on a first echo signal corresponding to the first ultrasound signal. Furthermore, in a second cycle, the processor 1120 may control the probe to transmit a second ultrasound signal corresponding to a second ultrasound pulse, and acquire Doppler data based on a second echo signal corresponding to the second ultrasound signal.

[0142] The processor 1120 may generate an M-mode image based on the M-mode data. The processor 1120 may interpolate the acquired Doppler data to obtain unacquired Doppler data corresponding to intervals in which Doppler data was not acquired. Furthermore, the processor 1120 may generate Doppler sounds based on the acquired Doppler data and the interpolated Doppler data.

[0143] The processor 1120 may adjust the quality of the Doppler sound based on user input and automatically adjust the quality of the Doppler sound based on information of the object. In addition, the processor 1120 may adjust the quality of the Doppler sound by adjusting the second cycle of acquiring Doppler data.

[0144] In addition, the processor 1120 may detect a heart rate of the subject based on the M-mode image, and determine a heartbeat sound corresponding to the detected heart rate.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the display 1140 may display an operating state of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1100 , an ultrasound image, a UI, etc. The display 1140 may include one or more display panels according to an embodiment, and may be formed as a touch screen.

[0146] According to an embodiment, the display 1140 may display an M-mode image and a B-mode image of the object together on a single screen. The display 1140 may also display elements for setting an M line and an ROI in the B-mode image.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the display 1140 may display a UI for adjusting the quality of the Doppler sound.

[0148] According to an embodiment, the speaker 1150 may output a Doppler sound acquired based on the Doppler data or a heartbeat sound corresponding to the detected heart rate.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the Doppler data acquisition period may be determined according to the M-mode data acquisition period, thereby allowing the M-mode to be used in combination with the Doppler mode and to safely examine the fetal heart in early pregnancy.

[0150] Furthermore, Doppler sound and M-mode images of the fetal heart may be provided together with minimal use of the Doppler mode.

[0151] Can provide Figure 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 100 and Figure 11 A block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1100 is provided to illustrate an embodiment. Each component in the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 or 1100 to be implemented. In other words, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be divided into two or more components if necessary. The functions performed in each block are intended to describe the embodiment, and the specific operations or devices associated with the functions do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0152] The method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device can be implemented in the form of program instructions, wherein the program instructions can be executed by various types of computers and can be recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium can include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the non-transitory computer-readable recording medium can be specially designed and configured for the present disclosure, or can be known and used by those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable recording media include magnetic media (such as hard disks, floppy disks, and tapes), optical media (such as compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs) and digital versatile disks (DVDs)), magneto-optical media (such as optical disks), and hardware devices specially configured for storing and executing program instructions (such as ROMs, random access memories (RAMs), flash memories), etc. Examples of program instructions include not only machine codes such as those created by compilers, but also higher-level language codes that can be executed by computers using interpreters, etc.

[0153] In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the method of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be included in a computer program product when provided. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer.

[0154] A computer program product may include a software program and a computer-readable storage medium storing the software program. For example, a computer program product may include a computer program that is provided by a manufacturer of an electronic device or through an electronic market (e.g., Google Play Store). TM and App Store TM ) A product in the form of a software program that is electronically distributed (e.g., a downloadable application). For such electronic distribution, at least a portion of the software program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or may be temporarily generated. In this case, the computer-readable storage medium may be a storage medium of a manufacturer's server, a server of an electronic marketplace, or a relay server for temporarily storing the software program.

[0155] In a system consisting of a server and a client device, the computer program product may include the storage medium of the server or client device. Alternatively, in a case where a third device (e.g., a smartphone) is connected to the server or client device via a communication network, the computer program product may include the storage medium of the third device. Alternatively, the computer program product may include a software program sent from the server to the client device or the third device, or may include a software program sent from the third device to the client device.

[0156] In this case, one of the server, the client device, and the third device may execute the computer program product to perform the method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Alternatively, two or more of the server, the client device, and the third device may execute the computer program product in a distributed manner to perform the method according to the embodiment.

[0157] For example, a server (eg, a cloud server, an artificial intelligence (AI) server, etc.) may execute a computer program product stored in the server to control a client device communicating with the server to perform a method according to an embodiment.

[0158] Although one or more embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Various changes and modifications in form and detail based on the basic concept of the present disclosure also fall within the spirit and scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device comprising: a memory storing one or more instructions; as well as A processor configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: acquiring motion pattern data about the subject including a fetus at a first cycle and acquiring Doppler data about the subject at a second cycle based on echo signals received from the subject, generating a motion pattern image based on the motion pattern data, generating Doppler sound based on the Doppler data, controlling a display to display the motion pattern image, controlling a speaker to output the Doppler sound, controlling the display to display a user interface allowing adjustment of the quality of the Doppler sound, and adjusting the quality of the Doppler sound by adjusting a length of a Doppler data acquisition interval or adjusting a second cycle for acquiring the Doppler data in response to receiving a user input via the user interface, wherein the user interface includes a guide for setting the quality of the Doppler sound based on information about the fetus, wherein the second period is determined to be longer than the first period, wherein the Doppler data is acquired discontinuously, The processor interpolates the acquired Doppler data to obtain unacquired Doppler data corresponding to a time interval in which the Doppler data is not acquired, and generates the Doppler sound based on the acquired Doppler data and the interpolated Doppler data.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a probe configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to the object and receive the echo signal from the object, in, The processor is further configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: controlling the probe to transmit a first ultrasonic signal corresponding to a first ultrasonic pulse to the object according to a first period, and acquiring the motion pattern data based on a first echo signal corresponding to the first ultrasonic signal; and The probe is controlled to transmit a second ultrasonic signal corresponding to a second ultrasonic pulse different from the first ultrasonic pulse to the object at a second period, and the Doppler data is acquired based on a second echo signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: acquiring brightness pattern data about the object based on the echo signal, generating a brightness pattern image based on the brightness pattern data, and controlling a display to display the brightness pattern image; and A motion line and a region of interest are set in the brightness pattern image based on a user input, wherein the motion pattern data is data corresponding to the motion line, and the Doppler data is data corresponding to the region of interest.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: a display displaying the brightness pattern image of the object and the motion pattern image corresponding to the motion line on a single screen, The speaker is configured to output the Doppler sound corresponding to the region of interest while displaying the brightness mode image and the motion mode image.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The processor is also configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: acquire first Doppler data during a first time interval, acquire second Doppler data during a second time interval discontinuous with the first time interval, acquire the motion pattern data during a third time interval between the first time interval and the second time interval, and generate third Doppler data corresponding to the third time interval based on the first Doppler data and the second Doppler data.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The processor is also configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: acquire brightness pattern data about the object during a fourth time interval that is between the first time interval and the second time interval and different from the third time interval, generate a brightness pattern image based on the brightness pattern data, and control the display to display the brightness pattern image.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to execute the one or more instructions to automatically adjust the quality of the Doppler sound based on information about the object.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: detecting a heart rate of the subject based on the motion pattern image and controlling a display to display the heart rate.

9. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: The processor is further configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: determine whether there is an abnormality in the heart rate and control the display to display a result of the determination.

10. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The processor is further configured to execute the one or more instructions to perform the following operations: determine a heartbeat sound corresponding to the heart rate of the subject and control a speaker to output the heartbeat sound.

11. A method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device, the method comprising: acquiring motion pattern data of a subject including a fetus according to a first cycle and acquiring Doppler data of the subject according to a second cycle based on an echo signal received from the subject; generating a motion pattern image based on the motion pattern data; generating a Doppler sound based on the Doppler data; displaying the motion pattern image; outputting the Doppler sound; displaying a user interface allowing adjustment of the quality of the Doppler sound; and In response to receiving a user input via the user interface, adjusting the quality of the Doppler sound by adjusting the length of a Doppler data acquisition interval or adjusting a second period for acquiring the Doppler data, wherein the user interface includes a guide for setting the quality of the Doppler sound based on information about the fetus, wherein the second period is determined to be longer than the first period, wherein the Doppler data is acquired discontinuously, The method further includes: interpolating, based on the acquired Doppler data, unacquired Doppler data corresponding to a time interval in which the Doppler data is not acquired, and The step of generating the Doppler sound includes: generating the Doppler sound based on the acquired Doppler data and the interpolated Doppler data.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: transmitting an ultrasound signal to the object and receiving the echo signal from the object, The step of acquiring the motion pattern data and the Doppler data includes: transmitting a first ultrasonic signal corresponding to a first ultrasonic pulse to the object according to a first cycle; acquiring the motion pattern data based on a first echo signal corresponding to the first ultrasonic signal; transmitting, according to a second cycle, a second ultrasonic signal corresponding to a second ultrasonic pulse different from the first ultrasonic pulse to the object; and The Doppler data is acquired based on a second echo signal corresponding to a second ultrasound signal.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: displaying a brightness pattern image of the object; and setting a motion line and a region of interest in the brightness mode image based on user input, The motion pattern data is data corresponding to the motion line, and the Doppler data is data corresponding to the region of interest.

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