Ultrasonic volume measurement device and ultrasonic volume measurement system comprising the same

Abstract

The ultrasonic volume measurement device according to the present application can include a first ultrasonic array, a second ultrasonic array, an array control unit, and a volume measurement unit. The first ultrasonic array can emit a first ultrasonic transmission signal and be provided with a plurality of first direction elements in a first direction. The second ultrasonic array can emit a second ultrasonic transmission signal, be provided on a side of the first ultrasonic array, and be provided with a plurality of second direction elements in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The array control unit can provide a control signal required to control the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array. The volume measurement unit can provide volume information of a measurement site present in an image region generated based on a first ultrasonic reception signal received by the first ultrasonic array and a second ultrasonic reception signal received by the second ultrasonic array. The ultrasonic volume measurement device according to the present application is provided with a plurality of second direction elements in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the first ultrasonic array is arranged, and thus, can accurately grasp volume information of a measurement site present in an image region using the second ultrasonic array provided on a side of the first ultrasonic array.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ultrasonic volume measuring device and an ultrasonic volume measuring system including the same. Background Technology

[0002] When using a one-dimensional array to measure the volume of a specified region inside the human body, it can be difficult to measure the volume accurately. Recently, various studies have been conducted to address this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic volume measuring device in which a plurality of second direction elements are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to a first direction in which a first ultrasonic array is arranged, thereby enabling the accurate determination of volume information of a measurement location existing in an image region using a second ultrasonic array arranged on one side of the first ultrasonic array.

[0005] Technical solution

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the ultrasonic volume measuring device of this invention may include a first ultrasonic array, a second ultrasonic array, an array control unit, and a volume measuring unit. The first ultrasonic array can emit a first ultrasonic emission signal and has a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction. The second ultrasonic array can emit a second ultrasonic emission signal, is disposed on one side of the first ultrasonic array, and has a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The array control unit can provide control signals required to control the first and second ultrasonic arrays. The volume measuring unit can provide volume information of a measurement location existing in an image region, the image region being generated based on the first ultrasonic reception signal received by the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic reception signal received by the second ultrasonic array.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are arranged at the scanning position of the human body, the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array can be turned on alternately in sequence to receive the first ultrasonic receiving signal and the second ultrasonic receiving signal.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second ultrasonic array can transmit the second ultrasonic wave signal to the measurement site located in the image area and receive the second ultrasonic wave signal reflected from the measurement site, wherein the second ultrasonic wave signal has a turning angle equivalent to a predetermined angle.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic volume measuring device may further include an image providing unit. The image providing unit may provide a first ultrasonic image corresponding to the first ultrasonic received signal and a second ultrasonic image corresponding to the second ultrasonic received signal to each array position where the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are configured.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the volume measuring unit can calculate maximum area information representing the maximum area of ​​the measuring part based on the first ultrasonic image provided to each of the array positions, and calculate maximum width information representing the maximum width of the measuring part based on the second ultrasonic image corresponding to the first ultrasonic image, so as to provide volume information of the measuring part.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned turning angle may be greater than the reference angle, the aforementioned reference angle being the angle between the first straight line and the second straight line, the aforementioned first straight line connecting the aforementioned array position and the maximum image point in the aforementioned first ultrasonic image corresponding to the maximum image depth, the aforementioned second straight line connecting the center of the aforementioned second ultrasonic array and the aforementioned maximum image point.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the array position may be set based on the center of the first ultrasonic array.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operating modes of the ultrasonic volume measuring device may include a scanning mode and a search mode. In the scanning mode, the maximum area information of the measuring portion existing in the image area can be calculated based on the first ultrasonic image provided by the first ultrasonic array. In the search mode, when scanning using the first ultrasonic array, if a position identical to the maximum area information is detected, the maximum width information of the measuring portion can be calculated using the second ultrasonic array.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the steering angle can be set to increase or decrease sequentially at predetermined angle intervals.

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, the ultrasonic volume measurement system of this invention may include a first ultrasonic array, a second ultrasonic array, an array control unit, a volume measurement unit, and a result providing unit. The first ultrasonic array can emit a first ultrasonic emission signal and has a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction. The second ultrasonic array can emit a second ultrasonic emission signal and is disposed on one side of the first ultrasonic array, with a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The array control unit can provide control signals required to control the first and second ultrasonic arrays. The volume measurement unit can provide volume information of a measurement location existing in an image region, the image region being generated based on the first ultrasonic reception signal received by the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic reception signal received by the second ultrasonic array. The result providing unit can provide a comparison result by comparing the volume information of the measurement location with predetermined volume reference information.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the array control unit may include a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit may be used to provide a first control signal to control the plurality of first directional elements included in the first ultrasonic array. The second control unit may be used to provide a second control signal to control the plurality of second directional elements included in the second ultrasonic array.

[0017] To achieve the above objectives, in the operation method of the ultrasonic volume measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first ultrasonic array having a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction can emit a first ultrasonic emission signal. A second ultrasonic array having a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction can emit a second ultrasonic emission signal. An array control unit can provide control signals required to control the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array. When an image region is generated based on the first ultrasonic reception signal received by the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic reception signal received by the second ultrasonic array, the volume measuring unit can provide volume information of the measurement location existing in the image region.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are arranged at the scanning position of the human body, the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array can be turned on alternately in sequence to receive the first ultrasonic receiving signal and the second ultrasonic receiving signal.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, in the operation method of the ultrasonic volume measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first ultrasonic array having a plurality of first-direction elements arranged along a first direction can emit a first ultrasonic emission signal. A second ultrasonic array having a plurality of second-direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction can emit a second ultrasonic emission signal. An array control unit can provide control signals required to control the first and second ultrasonic arrays. When an image region is generated based on the first ultrasonic reception signal received by the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic reception signal received by the second ultrasonic array, a volume measurement unit can provide volume information of the measurement location existing in the image region. A result providing unit can provide a comparison result by comparing the volume information of the measurement location with predetermined volume reference information.

[0020] In addition to the technical solutions of the present invention mentioned above, those skilled in the art can clearly understand other features and advantages of the present invention through the following description.

[0021] The effects of the invention

[0022] The present invention, as described above, has the following effects.

[0023] The ultrasonic volume measuring device of the present invention has a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in which the first ultrasonic array is arranged. Thus, the volume information of the measuring part existing in the image area can be accurately obtained by using the second ultrasonic array arranged on one side of the first ultrasonic array.

[0024] In addition, other features and advantages of the present invention can be rediscovered through the embodiments of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an ultrasonic volume measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 A figure shows an embodiment of an ultrasonic volume measuring device.

[0027] Figure 3 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 A diagram showing the operation of an ultrasonic volume measuring device.

[0028] Figure 4 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 Another working diagram of the ultrasonic volume measuring device.

[0029] Figure 5 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 A diagram of the image supply unit included in the ultrasonic volume measuring device.

[0030] Figure 6 and Figure 7 To demonstrate the use Figure 1 A diagram of multiple first ultrasonic images generated by the first ultrasonic array included in the ultrasonic volume measuring device.

[0031] Figure 8 and Figure 9 To demonstrate the use Figure 1 The image shows multiple second ultrasonic images generated by the second ultrasonic array included in the ultrasonic volume measuring device.

[0032] Figure 10 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 The diagram shows the turning angle used in the ultrasonic volume measuring device.

[0033] Figure 11 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 A diagram showing the working mode of the ultrasonic volume measuring device.

[0034] Figure 12 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 An example diagram illustrating the turning angle used in an ultrasonic volume measuring device.

[0035] Figure 13 A diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 14 For illustrative purposes Figure 13 A diagram showing the operation of the array control unit included in the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0037] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating the operation method of the ultrasonic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating the operation method of the ultrasonic imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] In this specification, it should be noted that, in assigning reference numerals to the structural elements of the various figures, the same reference numerals are assigned as much as possible, even if the same structural elements are shown in different figures.

[0040] On the other hand, the terms used in this specification should be understood as having the following meanings.

[0041] Unless otherwise indicated in the context, singular expressions should be understood to include plural expressions, and such terminology does not limit the scope of the invention claims.

[0042] Furthermore, terms such as “including” or “having” should not be interpreted as pre-excluding the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features, steps, operations, structural elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0043] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the ultrasonic volume measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 2 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 A figure shows an embodiment of an ultrasonic volume measuring device. Figure 3 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the operation of an ultrasonic volume measuring device. Figure 4 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 Another working diagram of the ultrasonic volume measuring device.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 of this embodiment may include a first ultrasonic array 110, a second ultrasonic array 120, an array control unit 200, and a volume measuring unit 300.

[0046] The first ultrasonic array 110 can emit a first ultrasonic emission signal UT1, and has a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction D1. For example, the plurality of first direction elements may include element 1_1 E1_1, element 1_2 to element 1_N E1_N. Element 1_1 E1_1, element 1_2 to element 1_N E1_N can be arranged along the first direction D1, and the first ultrasonic array 110 can emit the first ultrasonic emission signal UT1 using element 1_1 E1_1, element 1_2 to element 1_N E1_N. The second ultrasonic array 120 can emit a second ultrasonic emission signal UT2, and is arranged on one side SD1 of the first ultrasonic array 110, and has a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. For example, the plurality of second direction elements may include element 2_1 E2_1, element 2_2 to element 2_N E2_N. Elements 2_1 (E2_1), 2_2 (E2_2), and 2_N (E2_N) can be arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The second ultrasonic array 120 can be arranged perpendicularly to one side SD1 of the first ultrasonic array 110. The second ultrasonic array 120 can emit a second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2 using elements 2_1 (E2_1), 2_2 (E2_2), and 2_N (E2_N).

[0047] The array control unit 200 can provide control signals required to control the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120. The volume measurement unit 300 can provide volume information VI of the measurement area MR existing in the image area, which is generated based on the first ultrasonic receiving signal UR1 received by the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic receiving signal UR2 received by the second ultrasonic array 120.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 are positioned at a predetermined location on the human body, the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 can be sequentially and alternately activated to receive the first ultrasonic receiving signal UR1 and the second ultrasonic receiving signal UR2. For example, multiple times may include a first time T1, a second time T2, a third time T3, a fourth time T4, and a fifth time T5. The time interval between the first time T1 and the second time T2 can be a first time interval TI1, and the time interval between the second time T2 and the third time T3 can be a second time interval TI2. Furthermore, the time interval between the third time T3 and the fourth time T4 can be a third time interval TI3, and the time interval between the fourth time T4 and the fifth time T5 can be a fourth time interval TI4.

[0049] For example, during the first time interval TI1 and the second time interval TI2, the center of the first ultrasonic array 110 can be configured at a first point P1. In this case, during the first time interval TI1, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 drives the first ultrasonic array 110 to emit a first ultrasonic emission signal UT1 based on a first control signal CS1, and can receive a first ultrasonic reception signal UR1 reflected by the object. Conversely, during the first time interval TI1, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 can turn off the drive of the second ultrasonic array 120 based on a second control signal CS2. During the second time interval TI2, the ultrasonic device can turn off the drive of the first ultrasonic array 110 based on the first control signal CS1, and conversely, the ultrasonic device drives the second ultrasonic array 120 to emit a second ultrasonic emission signal UT2 based on the second control signal CS2, and can receive a second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 reflected by the object. According to an embodiment of the present invention, during the first time interval TI1 and the second time interval TI2, the volume measuring device of the present invention can be located at a first point P1 of the human body and acquire a first ultrasonic image UI1 and a second ultrasonic image UI2 of the object captured at the first point P1. The first ultrasonic image UI1 and the second ultrasonic image UI2 can be stored in a database. When an image region is generated based on the first ultrasonic receiving signal UR1 received by the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic receiving signal UR2 received by the second ultrasonic array 120, the volume measurement unit 300 can provide volume information VI of the measurement part MR existing in the image region.

[0050] Subsequently, during the third time interval TI3 and the fourth time interval TI4, the center of the first ultrasonic array 110 can be positioned at the second point P2. In this case, during the third time interval TI3, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 drives the first ultrasonic array 110 to emit a first ultrasonic emission signal UT1 based on the first control signal CS1, and can receive a first ultrasonic reception signal UR1 reflected by the object. Conversely, during the third time interval TI3, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 can turn off the drive of the second ultrasonic array 120 based on the second control signal CS2. During the fourth time interval TI4, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 can turn off the drive of the first ultrasonic array 110 based on the first control signal CS1, and conversely, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 drives the second ultrasonic array 120 to emit a second ultrasonic emission signal UT2 based on the second control signal CS2, and can receive a second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 reflected by the object. According to an embodiment of the present invention, during the third time interval TI3 and the fourth time interval TI4, the volume measuring device of the present invention can be located at the second point P2 of the human body and acquire the first ultrasonic image UI1 and the second ultrasonic image UI2 of the object captured at the second point P2. The first ultrasonic image UI1 and the second ultrasonic image UI2 can be stored in a database. When an image region is generated based on the first ultrasonic receiving signal UR1 received by the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic receiving signal UR2 received by the second ultrasonic array 120, the volume measurement unit 300 can provide volume information VI of the measurement part MR existing in the image region.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second ultrasonic array 120 transmits a second ultrasonic wave transmission signal UT2 to a measurement site MR located in an image region and receives a second ultrasonic wave reception signal UR2 reflected from the measurement site MR. The second ultrasonic wave transmission signal UT2 has a turning angle SD corresponding to a predetermined angle. For example, in order to acquire an image including the measurement site MR using the second ultrasonic array 120, the delays applied to the plurality of second direction elements included in the second ultrasonic array 120 can be changed. When the delays applied to the second direction elements are changed, the turning angle SD of the second ultrasonic array 120 can be changed.

[0052] The ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 of the present invention includes a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to a first direction D1 in which a first ultrasonic array 110 is arranged, and can accurately grasp the volume information VI of the measurement site MR existing in the image area using a second ultrasonic array 120 arranged on one side SD1 of the first ultrasonic array 110.

[0053] In the above description, although the operation of alternating scanning of the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 is explained in order to distinguish time, the ultrasonic device 10 of the present invention can also simultaneously use the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 to emit ultrasonic emission signals and simultaneously use the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 to receive ultrasonic reception signals reflected by the object, and then process the signals to obtain ultrasonic images.

[0054] Furthermore, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 of this embodiment can use the first ultrasonic array 110 to measure the length of the deepest part of the bladder, and can also use the second ultrasonic array 120 arranged at a 90-degree angle to the first ultrasonic array 110 to measure the height of the image obtained from the bladder to measure the three-dimensional volume of the bladder.

[0055] Figure 5 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 A diagram of the image providing unit included in the ultrasonic volume measuring device. Figure 6 and Figure 7 To demonstrate the use Figure 1 A diagram of multiple first ultrasonic images generated by the first ultrasonic array included in the ultrasonic volume measuring device. Figure 8 and Figure 9 To demonstrate the use Figure 1 The image shows a plurality of second ultrasonic images UI2 generated by the second ultrasonic array included in the ultrasonic volume measuring device.

[0056] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 may further include an image providing unit 310. The image providing unit 310 provides a first ultrasonic image UI1 corresponding to a first ultrasonic received signal UR1 and a second ultrasonic image UI2 corresponding to a second ultrasonic received signal UR2 to each array position where the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 are configured. For example, when the center of the first ultrasonic array 110 is located at a first point P1, the first ultrasonic image U1_1 generated based on the first ultrasonic received signal UR1 received by the first ultrasonic array 110 can be generated as follows: Figure 6 As shown, in Figure 6 In this process, the height and width of the measurement site MR can be A1. Next, a second ultrasonic wave transmission signal UT2 is transmitted to the measurement site MR using the second ultrasonic array 120. The second ultrasonic image U2_1 generated based on the second ultrasonic wave reception signal UR2 received from the measurement site MR can be as follows: Figure 8 As shown, in Figure 8 In this context, the width of the MR measurement site can be A1.

[0057] Subsequently, the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 can be moved to the second point P2. When the center of the first ultrasonic array 110 is positioned at the second point P2, the first ultrasonic image U1_2 generated based on the first ultrasonic received signal UR1 received by the first ultrasonic array 110 can be generated as follows: Figure 7 As shown, in Figure 7 In the measurement site MR, the height and width can be A2. Then, the second ultrasonic array 120 transmits a second ultrasonic wave signal UT2 to the measurement site MR. The second ultrasonic image U2_2 generated based on the second ultrasonic wave signal UT2 received from the measurement site MR can be as follows: Figure 9 As shown, in Figure 9 In this context, the width of the MR measurement site can be A2.

[0058] The volume measurement unit 300 can provide volume information VI of the measurement site MR using a first ultrasonic image UI1 generated based on a first ultrasonic receiving signal UR1 received by the first ultrasonic array 110 and a second ultrasonic image UI2 generated based on a second ultrasonic receiving signal UR2 received by the second ultrasonic array 120. For example, the volume information VI of the measurement site MR can be obtained using various parameters such as the height and width of the measurement site MR present in the first ultrasonic image U1_1, and the width and turning angle of the measurement site MR present in the second ultrasonic image U2_1.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the volume measurement unit 300 can calculate maximum area information representing the maximum area of ​​the measurement site MR based on a first ultrasonic image UI1 provided to each array position, and calculate maximum width information representing the maximum width of the measurement site MR based on a second ultrasonic image UI2 corresponding to the first ultrasonic image UI1, to provide volume information VI of the measurement site MR. For example, when the center of the first ultrasonic array 110 is located at the second point P2, the height and width of the measurement site MR existing in the first_2 ultrasonic image U1_2 can be at their maximum values, and the width of the measurement site MR existing in the second_2 ultrasonic image U2_2 can be at its maximum value. In this case, the volume measurement unit 300 can provide maximum volume information VI of the measurement site MR using multiple references such as the height and width of the measurement site MR existing in the first_2 ultrasonic image U1_2, the width of the measurement site MR existing in the second_2 ultrasonic image U2_2, and the turning angle. Multiple parameters can be used to modify the width of the measurement site MR existing in the second_2 ultrasonic image U2_2.

[0060] Figure 10 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 A diagram showing the turning angle used in the ultrasonic volume measuring device. Figure 11 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the working mode of the ultrasonic volume measuring device. Figure 12 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 An example diagram illustrating the turning angle used in an ultrasonic volume measuring device.

[0061] Reference Figures 1 to 12 In one embodiment of the present invention, the turning angle SD can be greater than the reference angle RD, where the reference angle RD is the angle between the first straight line LN1 and the second straight line LN2. The first straight line LN1 connects the array position to the maximum image point MP in the first ultrasonic image UI1 corresponding to the maximum image depth MD, and the second straight line LN2 connects the center CA1 of the second ultrasonic array 120 to the maximum image point MP. For example, in order to acquire an image including the measurement site MR using the second ultrasonic array 120, the delay applied to the plurality of second direction elements included in the second ultrasonic array 120 can be changed. When the delay applied to the second direction elements is changed, the turning angle SD of the second ultrasonic array 120 can be changed. When the turning angle SD of the second ultrasonic array 120 is set to be greater than the reference angle RD, a relatively wide second-direction ultrasonic image can be acquired compared to the surrounding area including the measurement site MR. In one embodiment of the present invention, the array position can be set based on the center of the first ultrasonic array 110.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operating mode OM of the ultrasonic volume measuring device may include a scanning mode (SCM) and a search mode (SEM). In scanning mode (SCM), the maximum area information of the measurement site MR existing in the image area can be calculated based on the first ultrasonic image UI1 provided by the first ultrasonic array 110. In search mode (SEM), when scanning using the first ultrasonic array 110, if a position with the same maximum area information is detected, the maximum width information of the measurement site MR can be calculated using the second ultrasonic array 120.

[0063] For example, during operation of the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 in scanning mode SCM, as it moves towards the first point P1, the second point P2, and the third point P3, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 can use the first ultrasonic array 110 to scan the height and width of the measurement site MR and calculate the area information. The area information of the first point P1 to the third point P3 can be stored in a database. Next, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 can operate in search mode SEM. During operation in search mode SEM, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 scans using the first ultrasonic array 110. When a second point P2 corresponding to the same position as the maximum area information is detected, a second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2 can be emitted to the measurement site MR using the second ultrasonic array 120, and the maximum width information of the measurement site MR can be calculated based on the second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 received from the measurement site MR.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the steering angle SD can be set to increase or decrease sequentially at predetermined angle intervals. For example, when the steering angle SD is set to a first angle, the steering angle SD can be set to a reference angle RD plus 15 degrees; when the steering angle SD is set to a second angle, the steering angle SD can be set to a reference angle RD plus 30 degrees; and when the steering angle SD is set to a third angle, the steering angle SD can be set to a reference angle RD plus 45 degrees. With respect to the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 of the present invention, the user can obtain appropriate peripheral images including the MR of the measuring part by adjusting the steering angle SD.

[0065] The ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 of the present invention includes a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to a first direction D1 of the first ultrasonic array 110, and can accurately grasp the volume information VI of the measurement site MR existing in the image area by means of a second ultrasonic array 120 arranged on one side SD1 of the first ultrasonic array 110.

[0066] Figure 13 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of the ultrasonic imaging device of the present invention is provided. Figure 14 For illustrative purposes Figure 13 A diagram showing the operation of the array control unit included in the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0067] Reference Figures 1 to 14The ultrasonic volume measurement system of this invention may include a first ultrasonic array 110, a second ultrasonic array 120, an array control unit 200, a volume measurement unit 300, and a result providing unit 400. The first ultrasonic array 110 can emit a first ultrasonic emission signal UT1 and has a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction D1. The second ultrasonic array 120 can emit a second ultrasonic emission signal UT2, is disposed on one side SD1 of the first ultrasonic array 110, and has a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The array control unit 200 can provide control signals required to control the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120. The volume measurement unit 300 can provide volume information VI of a measurement region MR existing in an image region, the image region being generated based on a first ultrasonic reception signal UR1 received by the first ultrasonic array 110 and a second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 received by the second ultrasonic array 120. The result providing unit 400 can provide a comparison result CR by comparing the volume information VI of the measurement region MR with predetermined volume reference information VRI.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, the array control unit 200 may include a first control unit 210 and a second control unit 220. The first control unit 210 may provide a first control signal CS1 to control a plurality of first directional elements included in the first ultrasonic array 110. The second control unit 220 may provide a second control signal CS2 to control a plurality of second directional elements included in the second ultrasonic array 120. For example, in the first element E1_1, the first element E1_2 to the first element E1_N, which correspond to a plurality of first directional elements, the first control unit 210 may drive only the odd-numbered element based on the first control signal CS1 to provide the first ultrasonic transmission signal UT1. In the first element E1_1, the first element E1_2 to the first element E1_N, which correspond to a plurality of first directional elements, the first control unit 210 may also turn off some elements on both sides of the first ultrasonic array with the center as a reference to provide the first ultrasonic transmission signal UT1.

[0069] The second control unit 220 can provide a second control signal CS2 to control the plurality of second directional elements included in the second ultrasonic array 120. For example, in the second_1 element E2_1, the second_2 element E2_2 to the second_N element E2_N, which correspond to the plurality of second directional elements, the second control unit 220 can drive only the even-numbered element based on the second control signal CS2 to provide the second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2. In the second_1 element E2_1, the second_2 element E2_2 to the second_N element E2_N, which correspond to the plurality of second directional elements, the second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2 can also be provided by turning off some elements on both sides with the center of the second ultrasonic array as a reference.

[0070] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating the operation method of the ultrasonic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Reference Figures 1 to 15 According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the operation method of the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10, a first ultrasonic array 110, which has a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction D1, can emit a first ultrasonic emission signal UT1 (step S100). A second ultrasonic array 120, which has a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, can emit a second ultrasonic emission signal UT2 (step S200). The array control unit 200 can provide control signals required to control the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 (step S300). When an image region is generated based on the first ultrasonic reception signal UR1 received by the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 received by the second ultrasonic array 120, the volume measuring unit 300 can provide volume information VI of the measurement site MR existing in the image region (step S400).

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 are arranged at the scanning position of the human body, the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 can be turned on alternately in sequence to receive the first ultrasonic receiving signal UR1 and the second ultrasonic receiving signal UR2.

[0073] Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating the operation method of the ultrasonic imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Reference Figures 1 to 16 According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the operation method of the ultrasonic volume measurement system, a first ultrasonic array 110, which has a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction D1, can emit a first ultrasonic emission signal UT1 (step S100). A second ultrasonic array 120, which has a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, can emit a second ultrasonic emission signal UT2 (step S200). The array control unit 200 can provide control signals required to control the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 (step S300). When an image region is generated based on the first ultrasonic reception signal UR1 received by the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 received by the second ultrasonic array 120, the volume measurement unit 300 can provide volume information VI of the measurement site MR existing in the image region (step S400). The result providing unit 400 can provide a comparison result CR by comparing the volume information VI of the measurement site MR with a predetermined volume reference information VRI (step S500).

[0075] According to the working method of the ultrasonic volume measurement system of the present invention, since a plurality of second direction elements are arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction in which the first ultrasonic array 110 is arranged, the present invention can accurately grasp the volume information VI of the measurement site MR existing in the image area by utilizing the second ultrasonic array 120 arranged on one side SD1 of the first ultrasonic array 110.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic volume measuring device, characterized in that, include: A first ultrasonic array is used to emit a first ultrasonic emission signal and has a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction. The second ultrasonic array, used to emit a second ultrasonic emission signal, is disposed on one side of the first ultrasonic array and has a plurality of second direction elements disposed along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. An array control unit is configured to provide control signals required for controlling the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array; and The volume measurement unit provides volume information of a measurement area existing in the image region, which is generated based on a first ultrasonic wave signal received by the first ultrasonic wave array and a second ultrasonic wave signal received by the second ultrasonic wave array. When the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are positioned at the scanning location of the human body, the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are alternately activated to receive the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal. The second ultrasonic array transmits the second ultrasonic wave signal to the measurement site located in the image area and receives the second ultrasonic wave signal reflected from the measurement site. The second ultrasonic wave signal has a turning angle equivalent to a predetermined angle. The aforementioned ultrasonic volume measuring device further includes an image providing unit, used to provide a first ultrasonic image corresponding to the first ultrasonic received signal and a second ultrasonic image corresponding to the second ultrasonic received signal to each array position where the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are configured. The volume measurement unit calculates maximum area information representing the maximum area of ​​the measurement location based on the first ultrasonic image provided to each array position, and calculates maximum width information representing the maximum width of the measurement location based on the second ultrasonic image corresponding to the first ultrasonic image, so as to provide volume information of the measurement location. The aforementioned ultrasonic volume measuring device has two operating modes: scanning mode and search mode. In the above scanning mode, the maximum area information of the measurement site existing in the image region is calculated based on the first ultrasonic image provided by the first ultrasonic array. In the search mode described above, when scanning using the first ultrasonic array, if a position identical to the maximum area information is detected, the maximum width information of the measurement location is calculated using the second ultrasonic array.

2. The ultrasonic volumetric measurement device according to claim 1, characterized in that The aforementioned turning angle is greater than the reference angle, which is the angle between the first straight line and the second straight line. The first straight line connects the array position with the maximum image point in the first ultrasonic image corresponding to the maximum image depth, and the second straight line connects the center of the second ultrasonic array with the maximum image point.

3. The ultrasonic volumetric measurement device according to claim 2, characterized in that The aforementioned steering angle can be set to increase or decrease sequentially at predetermined angle intervals.

4. The ultrasonic volumetric measurement device according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: The results providing unit provides comparison results by comparing the volume information of the above-mentioned measurement sites with predetermined volume reference information.

5. The ultrasonic volumetric measurement device according to claim 4, characterized in that The aforementioned array control unit includes: A first control unit is configured to provide a first control signal to control the plurality of first directional elements included in the first ultrasonic array; and The second control unit is used to provide a second control signal to control the plurality of second direction elements included in the second ultrasonic array.

6. A method for operating an ultrasonic volume measuring device, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: A first ultrasonic array, which is configured with a plurality of first-direction elements along a first direction, emits a first ultrasonic emission signal. A second ultrasonic array, which has multiple second-direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, emits a second ultrasonic signal. The array control unit provides the control signals required to control the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array; and When an image region is generated based on the first ultrasonic wave signal received by the first ultrasonic wave array and the second ultrasonic wave signal received by the second ultrasonic wave array, the volume measurement unit provides volume information of the measurement location existing in the image region. When the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are positioned at the scanning location of the human body, the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are alternately activated to receive the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal. The second ultrasonic array transmits the second ultrasonic wave signal to the measurement site located in the image area and receives the second ultrasonic wave signal reflected from the measurement site. The second ultrasonic wave signal has a turning angle equivalent to a predetermined angle. The image providing unit provides a first ultrasonic image corresponding to the first ultrasonic received signal and a second ultrasonic image corresponding to the second ultrasonic received signal to each array position where the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are configured. The volume measurement unit calculates maximum area information representing the maximum area of ​​the measurement location based on the first ultrasonic image provided to each array position, and calculates maximum width information representing the maximum width of the measurement location based on the second ultrasonic image corresponding to the first ultrasonic image, so as to provide volume information of the measurement location. The aforementioned ultrasonic volume measuring device has two operating modes: scanning mode and search mode. In the above scanning mode, the maximum area information of the measurement site existing in the image region is calculated based on the first ultrasonic image provided by the first ultrasonic array. In the search mode described above, when scanning using the first ultrasonic array, if a position identical to the maximum area information is detected, the maximum width information of the measurement location is calculated using the second ultrasonic array.

7. The method of operating an ultrasonic volumetric measurement device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: The results provision department provides comparison results by comparing the volume information of the above-mentioned measurement sites with predetermined volume reference information.

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