Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a control method thereof. Disclosed is a control method of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a display configured to display an ultrasound image corresponding to a scanning area scanned by a probe, the control method including: recognizing an object included in the scanning area; determining a diagnostic topic based on at least one of the object or a user input received from an input interface; determining a scannable time for each object or diagnostic subject; and displaying, on the display, an indicator for displaying the scannable time.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0150331 filed on November 2, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0094542 filed on July 17, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for obtaining an ultrasonic image and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0003] Recently, in the medical field, various medical imaging devices have been widely used to image biological tissues of the human body and obtain information about the biological tissues of the human body for the purpose of early diagnosis or surgery of various diseases. Representative examples of such medical imaging devices may include ultrasonic diagnostic devices, CT devices, and MRI devices.

[0004] An ultrasonic imaging device is a device that transmits an ultrasonic signal generated from a transducer of a probe to an object and non-invasively obtains at least one image of an area (e.g., soft tissue or blood flow) inside the object by receiving information of the signal reflected from the object. In particular, the ultrasonic diagnostic device is used for medical purposes such as observing the inside of an object, detecting foreign matter, and measuring damage. Such an ultrasonic diagnostic device is widely used along with other imaging diagnostic devices because the ultrasonic imaging device has higher stability than a diagnostic device using X-rays, can display images in real time, and is safe due to no radiation exposure.

[0005] In order to use the ultrasonic diagnostic device safely, it is necessary to use the ultrasonic diagnostic device while maintaining the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, that is, "maintaining the lowest level that is reasonably achievable".

[0006] Therefore, conventional ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses provide various UIs so that users can comply with the ALARA principle, and as an example, display a mechanical index (MI) indicating a mechanical effect applied to an object or a thermal index (TI) indicating a possibility of a temperature rise due to irradiation of an ultrasound beam to an object on a display device. However, a UI providing information on a scan time, which is one of the most important factors for complying with the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Possible) principle, is not displayed, which may lead to a problem in which the user cannot be properly guided. Summary of the invention

[0007] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a control method thereof, which can prevent a subject from being exposed to ultrasound for a long time by displaying a cumulative scanning time so that a user can comply with the ALARA principle.

[0008] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be understood from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control method for an ultrasound diagnostic device (the ultrasound diagnostic device includes a display configured to display an ultrasound image corresponding to a scanning area scanned by a probe) includes: identifying an object included in the scanning area; determining a diagnostic subject based on the object or a user input received from an input interface; determining a scannable time for each object or diagnostic subject; and displaying an indicator on the display for displaying the scannable time.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasound diagnostic device includes: a display configured to display an ultrasound image; an input interface configured to receive user input for controlling the display of the ultrasound image; and a processor configured to: identify objects included in a scanning area; determine a diagnostic subject based on the user input or the object received from the input interface; determine a scannable time for each object or diagnostic subject; and control the display to display an indicator for displaying the scannable time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] These and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent and more easily understood through the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 1 shows a control block diagram of the ultrasound imaging system 100 in the case where the probe 20 is a wired probe or a hybrid probe; Figure 2 1 shows a control block diagram of the ultrasound imaging system 100 in the case where the probe 20 is a wireless probe or a hybrid probe; Figures 3 to 6 is a view showing an ultrasonic imaging system 100 according to an embodiment; Figure 7 is a diagram showing a screen D11 and a plurality of indicators displayed on a display of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 8 is a diagram showing an indicator providing a scannable time according to an embodiment; Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a follow-up Figure 7A diagram of a screen D12 and a plurality of indicators then displayed on a display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; Fig.10 is a diagram showing a follow-up Fig. 9 A diagram of a screen D13 and a plurality of indicators then displayed on a display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; Fig.11 is a diagram showing a screen D21 and a plurality of indicators displayed on a display of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment; Fig.12 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.11 A diagram of a screen D22 and a plurality of indicators then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; Fig.13 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.12 A diagram of a screen D23 and a plurality of indicators then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; Fig.14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen D31 and a plurality of indicators displayed on a display of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment; Fig.15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen D32 and a plurality of indicators displayed on a display of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment; Fig.16 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.14 A diagram of a screen D33 and a plurality of indicators then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; Fig.17 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.16 A diagram of a screen D34 and a plurality of indicators then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; Fig.18 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.17 A diagram of a screen D35 and a plurality of indicators then displayed on a display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; Fig.19 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.18 A diagram of a screen D36 and a plurality of indicators then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.19 A diagram of a screen D37 and a plurality of indicators then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; Fig.21 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig. 20 A diagram of a screen D38 and a plurality of indicators then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; Fig. 22is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.21 A diagram of a screen D39 and a plurality of indicators then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; Fig.23 is a diagram showing a screen D41 displayed on a display of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment and a form of an indicator for displaying a scannable time; Fig.24 is a diagram showing a screen D42 displayed on a display of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment and a form of an indicator for displaying a scannable time; Fig.25 is an example of a control flowchart of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 according to the embodiment; and Fig.26 is another example of a control flowchart of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] This disclosure will explain the principles of the present disclosure and disclose embodiments of the present disclosure to clarify the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments.The embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms.

[0013] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification. This specification does not describe all components of the embodiment, and will not describe the common content in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs or the repetitive content between the embodiments. The "module" or "unit" used in the specification may be implemented as one or a combination of two or more of software, hardware or firmware, and according to the embodiment, multiple "modules" or "units" may be implemented as a single element, or a single "module" or "unit" may include multiple elements.

[0014] Singular forms of nouns corresponding to items may include a single item or a plurality of items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0015] In the present disclosure, each of phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases or all possible combinations of them.

[0016] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related components or any one of a plurality of related components.

[0017] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “primary,” and “secondary” may be used only to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other aspects (eg, importance or order).

[0018] The terms "front surface", "rear surface", "upper surface", "lower surface", "side surface", "left side", "right side", "upper part", "lower part" and the like used in the present disclosure are defined with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0019] The terms “including”, “having” and the like are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof described in the present disclosure, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0020] When any component is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes the case where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other via a third component as well as being directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other.

[0021] When any component is referred to as being “on” or “over” other components, this includes not only the case where any component is in contact with other components but also the case where other components exist between the two components.

[0022] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic device according to various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be assigned to the same or corresponding components, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0023] In the present disclosure, the image may include a medical image obtained by a medical imaging apparatus such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, a computer tomography (CT) apparatus, an ultrasound imaging apparatus, and an x-ray imaging apparatus.

[0024] In the present disclosure, the “object” being photographed may include a person, an animal, or a part thereof. For example, the object may include a part of a human body (an organ, etc.) or a phantom.

[0025] Throughout the present disclosure, an 'ultrasound image' refers to an image of an object that has been processed based on an ultrasound signal transmitted to and reflected from the object.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ultrasound imaging system 100 may include a probe 20 and an ultrasound diagnostic device 40 .

[0028] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 may be implemented not only in a cart type but also in a portable type. The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus may include, for example, a smartphone including a probe and an application, a laptop computer, a PDA, a tablet PC, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0029] The probe 20 may include a wired probe that is wiredly connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device 40 to communicate with the ultrasound diagnostic device 40 by wire, a wireless probe that is wirelessly connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device 40 to communicate with the ultrasound diagnostic device 40 by wire, and / or a hybrid probe that is wired or wirelessly connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device 40 to communicate with the ultrasound diagnostic device 40 by wire or wirelessly.

[0030] According to various embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 may include an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving module 110, or Figure 2 As shown, the probe 20 may include an ultrasound transmission / reception module 110. According to various embodiments, both the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 and the probe 20 may further include an ultrasound transmission / reception module 110.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the probe 20 may further include an image processor 130 , a display 140 , and / or an input interface 170 .

[0032] Therefore, the description of the ultrasound transmit / receive module 110, image processor 130, display 140 and / or input interface 170 included in the ultrasound diagnostic device 40 may also be applied to the ultrasound transmit / receive module 110, image processor 130, display 140 and / or input interface 170 included in the probe 20.

[0033] Figure 1 A control block diagram of the ultrasound imaging system 100 is shown in the case where the probe 20 is a wired probe or a hybrid probe.

[0034] The probe 20 may include a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers may transmit an ultrasonic signal to the object 10 in response to a transmission signal applied from the transmission module 113. The plurality of transducers may form a reception signal by receiving an ultrasonic signal (echo signal) reflected from the object 10. The probe 20 may be implemented as a type integrated with the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40, or may be implemented as a separate type connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 by wire. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 may be connected to one or more probes 20 according to the implementation type.

[0035] In the case where the probe 20 is a wired probe or a hybrid probe, the probe 20 may include a cable and a connector that can be connected to a connector of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 .

[0036] The probe 20 according to the embodiment may be implemented as a two-dimensional probe. In the case where the probe 20 is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, a plurality of transducers included in the probe 20 may be arranged in two dimensions to form a two-dimensional transducer array.

[0037] For example, the two-dimensional transducer array may have a form in which a plurality of sub-arrays including a plurality of transducers arranged in a first direction are arranged in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0038] In addition, when the probe 20 according to the embodiment is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, the ultrasound transmission / reception module 110 may include an analog beamformer and a digital beamformer. Optionally, the two-dimensional probe may include one or both of the analog beamformer and the digital beamformer according to the implementation type.

[0039] The processor 120 controls the transmission module 113 to form a transmission signal to be applied to each transducer 115 in consideration of the positions and focal points of the plurality of transducers included in the probe 20 .

[0040] Considering the positions and focal points of the plurality of transducers, the processor 120 may control the receiving module 117 to generate ultrasound data by analog-to-digital converting reception signals received from the probe 20 and summing the digitally converted reception signals.

[0041] In the case where the probe 20 is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, for each of the multiple subarrays included in the two-dimensional transducer array, the processor 120 may calculate a time delay value for digital beamforming for each subarray. The processor 120 may also calculate a time delay value for analog beamforming for each transducer included in one of the multiple subarrays. The processor 120 may control the analog beamformer and the digital beamformer according to the time delay value for analog beamforming and the time delay value for digital beamforming to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the multiple transducers. The processor 120 may also control the analog beamformer to sum the signals received from the multiple transducers of each subarray according to the time delay value for analog beamforming. The processor 120 may also control the ultrasound transmission / reception module 110 to perform analog-to-digital conversion on the summed signal of each subarray. The processor 120 may also control the digital beamformer to generate ultrasound data by summing the digitally converted signals according to the time delay value for digital beamforming.

[0042] The image processor 130 generates an ultrasound image using the generated ultrasound data.

[0043] The display 140 may display a generated ultrasound image and various information processed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 and / or the probe 20. The probe 20 and / or the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 may include one or more displays 140 according to an implementation type. The display 140 may also include a touch panel or a touch screen.

[0044] The display 140 may output a four-dimensional ultrasound image according to a control command of the processor 120. The four-dimensional ultrasound image may mean providing a three-dimensional image in real time by adding a time dimension. For example, the four-dimensional ultrasound image may be an ultrasound image including fetal movement, heartbeat, or other movement of biological tissue over time. The four-dimensional ultrasound image may be implemented based on ultrasound image data obtained in real time or ultrasound image data previously stored in the memory 150.

[0045] The processor 120 may control the overall operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 and the signal flow between the internal components of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40. The processor 120 may perform or control various operations or functions of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 by running programs or instructions stored in the memory 150. The processor 120 may also control the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 by receiving a control signal from the input interface 170 or an external device.

[0046] The ultrasound diagnostic device 40 may include a communication module 160 , and may be connected to an external device (eg, the probe 20 , a server, a medical device, a portable device (smart phone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.)) through the communication module 160 .

[0047] The communication module 160 may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, and may include, for example, at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

[0048] The communication module 160 may receive a control signal and data from an external device, and may transmit the received control signal to the processor 120 so that the processor 120 can control the ultrasound diagnostic device 40 according to the received control signal.

[0049] Optionally, the processor 120 may transmit a control signal to an external device through the communication module 160 to control the external device according to the control signal of the processor.

[0050] For example, the external device may process data in the external device according to a control signal of the processor received through the communication module.

[0051] A program capable of controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 may be installed in an external device, and the program may include instructions for executing some or all operations of the processor 120 .

[0052] The program may be pre-installed on the external device, or a user of the external device may download and install the program from a server providing the application. The server providing the application may include a recording medium in which the program is stored.

[0053] The memory 150 may store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 , input and output ultrasonic data, ultrasonic images, and the like.

[0054] The input interface 170 may receive user input for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40. For example, the user input may include, but is not limited to, input from manipulating buttons, a keypad, a mouse, a trackball, a micro switch, a knob, etc., input from touching a touch panel or a touch screen, voice input, motion input, biometric information input (e.g., iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.), etc.

[0055] Figure 2 A control block diagram of the ultrasound imaging system 100 is shown in the case where the probe 20 is a wireless probe or a hybrid probe.

[0056] According to various embodiments, Figure 2 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 shown in FIG. Figure 1 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 is described instead.

[0057] According to various embodiments, Figure 1 The probe 20 shown in FIG. Figure 2 The probe 20 described is substituted.

[0058] The probe 20 may include a transmitting module 113, a battery 114, a transducer 115, a charging module 116, a receiving module 117, a processor 118, and a communication module 119. Figure 1 The probe 20 is shown to include both the transmission module 113 and the reception module 117, but the probe 20 may include only a portion of the configuration of the transmission module 113 and the reception module 117 according to the implementation type, and the portion of the configuration of the transmission module 113 and the reception module 117 may be included in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40. Optionally, the probe 20 may further include an image processor 130.

[0059] The transducer 115 may include a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers may transmit an ultrasonic signal to the object 10 in response to a transmission signal applied from the transmission module 113. The plurality of transducers may receive the ultrasonic signal reflected from the object 10 to form a reception signal.

[0060] The charging module 116 may charge the battery 114. The charging module 116 may receive power from the outside. The charging module 116 may receive power wirelessly. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the charging module 116 may receive power by wire. The charging module 116 may transmit the received power to the battery 114.

[0061] The processor 118 controls the transmission module 113 to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers, taking into account the positions and focal points of the plurality of transducers.

[0062] Taking into account the positions and focal points of the multiple transducers, the processor 118 controls the receiving module 117 to generate ultrasound data by performing analog-to-digital conversion on the received signals received from the transducers 115 and summing the digitally converted received signals. Optionally, in the case where the probe 20 includes an image processor 130, the probe 20 may generate an ultrasound image using the generated ultrasound data.

[0063] In the case where the probe 20 is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, for each of the multiple subarrays included in the two-dimensional transducer array, the processor 118 may calculate a time delay value for digital beamforming for each subarray. The processor 118 may also calculate a time delay value for analog beamforming for each transducer included in one of the multiple subarrays. The processor 118 may control the analog beamformer and the digital beamformer according to the time delay value for analog beamforming and the time delay value for digital beamforming to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the multiple transducers. The processor 118 may also control the analog beamformer to sum the signals received from the multiple transducers of each subarray according to the time delay value for analog beamforming. The processor 118 may also control the ultrasound transmission / reception module 110 to perform analog-to-digital conversion on the summed signal of each subarray. The processor 118 may also control the digital beamformer to generate ultrasound data by summing the digitally converted signals according to the time delay value for digital beamforming.

[0064] The processor 118 may control the overall operation of the probe 20 and the signal flow between the internal components of the probe 20. The processor 118 may execute or control various operations or functions of the probe 20 by running programs or instructions stored in the memory 111. The processor 118 may also control the operation of the probe 20 by receiving a control signal from the input interface 170 of the probe 20 or an external device (e.g., the ultrasound diagnostic device 40).

[0065] The communication module 119 may wirelessly transmit the generated ultrasound data or ultrasound image to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 through a wireless network. The communication module 119 may also receive control signals and data from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40.

[0066] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 may receive ultrasound data or an ultrasound image from the probe 20 .

[0067] In an embodiment, in the case where the probe 20 includes the image processor 130 capable of generating an ultrasound image using ultrasound data, the probe 20 may transmit the ultrasound data and / or the ultrasound image generated by the image processor 130 to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 .

[0068] In an embodiment, in a case where the probe 20 does not include the image processor 130 capable of generating an ultrasound image using ultrasound data, the probe 20 may transmit the ultrasound data to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40. The ultrasound data may include ultrasound raw data, and the ultrasound image may refer to ultrasound image data.

[0069] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 may include a processor 120 , an image processor 130 , a display 140 , a memory 150 , a communication module 160 , and an input interface 170 .

[0070] The image processor 130 generates an ultrasound image using the ultrasound data received from the probe 20 .

[0071] The display 140 may display an ultrasound image received from the probe 20, an ultrasound image generated by processing ultrasound data received from the probe 20, and various information processed by the ultrasound imaging system 100. Depending on the implementation type, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 may include one or more displays 140. The display 140 may also include a touch panel or a touch screen.

[0072] The processor 120 may control the overall operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 and the signal flow between the internal components of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40. The processor 120 may perform or control various operations or functions of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 by running programs or applications stored in the memory 150. The processor 120 may also control the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 by receiving a control signal from the input interface 170 or an external device.

[0073] The ultrasound diagnostic device 40 may include a communication module 160 , and may be connected to an external device (eg, the probe 20 , a server, a medical device, a portable device (smart phone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.)) through the communication module 160 .

[0074] The communication module 160 may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, and may include, for example, at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

[0075] The communication module 160 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 and the communication module 119 of the probe 20 can communicate using a network or a short-range wireless communication method. For example, the communication module 160 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 and the communication module 119 of the probe 20 can communicate using any one of wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless Broadband Internet (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP), Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig), RF communication, wireless data communication methods including 60GHz millimeter wave (mm wave) short-range communication, etc.

[0076] To this end, the communication module 160 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 and the communication module 119 of the probe 20 may include at least one of the following communication modules: a wireless LAN communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, a ZigBee communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a Near Field Communication (NFC) module, a Wireless Broadband Internet (WiBro) communication module, a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication module, a Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP) communication module, a Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig) communication module, an RF communication module, and a 60GHz millimeter wave (mm wave) short-range communication module.

[0077] In an embodiment, the probe 20 can send device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe 20 using a first communication method (e.g., BLE), can be wirelessly paired with the ultrasound diagnostic device 40, and can send ultrasound data and / or ultrasound images to the paired ultrasound diagnostic device 40.

[0078] The device information of the probe 20 may include various information related to the serial number, model name, and battery status of the probe 20 .

[0079] The ultrasound diagnostic device 40 may receive device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe 20 from the probe 20 using a first communication method (e.g., BLE), may be wirelessly paired with the probe 20, may send an activation signal to the paired probe 20, and may receive ultrasound data and / or ultrasound images from the probe 20. In this case, the activation signal may include a signal for controlling the operation of the probe 20.

[0080] In an embodiment, the probe 20 can use a first communication method (e.g., BLE) to send device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe 20, can be wirelessly paired with an ultrasound diagnostic device 40, and can use a second communication method (e.g., 60 GHz millimeter wave and Wi-Fi) to send ultrasound data and / or ultrasound images to the ultrasound diagnostic device 40 paired via the first communication method.

[0081] The ultrasound diagnostic device 40 can receive device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe 20 from the probe 20 using a first communication method (e.g., BLE), can be wirelessly paired with the probe 20, can send an activation signal to the paired probe 20, and can receive ultrasound data and / or ultrasound images from the probe 20 using a second communication method (e.g., 60 GHz millimeter wave and Wi-Fi).

[0082] According to various embodiments, a frequency band of a first communication method for pairing the probe 20 and the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 with each other may be lower than a frequency band of a second communication method for transmitting ultrasound data and / or ultrasound images by the probe 20 to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 .

[0083] The display 140 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 40 may display a UI indicating device information of the probe 20. For example, the display 140 may display a UI indicating identification information of the wireless probe 20, a pairing method indicating a pairing method with the probe 20, a data communication state between the probe 20 and the ultrasound diagnostic device 40, a method of performing data communication with the ultrasound diagnostic device 40, and a battery state of the probe 20.

[0084] In the case where the probe 20 includes the display 140, the display 140 of the probe 20 may display a UI indicating device information of the probe 20. For example, the display 140 may display a UI indicating identification information of the wireless probe 20, a pairing method indicating a pairing method with the probe 20, a data communication state between the probe 20 and the ultrasound diagnostic device 40, a method of performing data communication with the ultrasound diagnostic device 40, and a battery state of the probe 20.

[0085] The communication module 160 may also receive a control signal and data from an external device, and transmit the received control signal to the processor 120 , so that the processor 120 controls the ultrasound diagnostic device 40 according to the received control signal.

[0086] Optionally, the processor 120 may transmit a control signal to an external device through the communication module 160 to control the external device according to the control signal of the processor 120 .

[0087] For example, the external device may process data of the external device according to a control signal of the processor 120 received through the communication module.

[0088] A program capable of controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 may be installed in an external device, and the program may include instructions for executing some or all operations of the processor 120 .

[0089] The program may be pre-installed on the external device, or a user of the external device may download and install the program from a server providing the application. The server providing the application may include a recording medium in which the program is stored.

[0090] The memory 150 may store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 , input and output ultrasonic data, ultrasonic images, and the like.

[0091] Will be passed later Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example of an ultrasound imaging system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0092] Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a view showing an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0093] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the ultrasonic imaging devices 40a and 40b may include a main display 121 (140) and a sub-display 122 (140). At least one of the main display 121 and the sub-display 122 may be implemented as a touch screen. At least one of the main display 121 and the sub-display 122 may display an ultrasonic image or various information processed by the ultrasonic imaging devices 40a and 40b. In addition, at least one of the main display 121 and the sub-display 122 may be implemented as a touch screen and provide a GUI so that data for controlling the ultrasonic imaging devices 40a and 40b may be input from a user. For example, the main display 121 may display an ultrasonic image, and the sub-display 122 may display a control panel for controlling the display of the ultrasonic image in the form of a GUI (for example, Figure 4 The sub-display 122 may provide data for controlling the display of an image through a control panel displayed in the form of a GUI. For example, a time gain compensation (TGC) button, a freeze button, a trackball, a micro switch, a knob, etc. may be provided on the sub-display 122 as a GUI.

[0094] The ultrasonic imaging devices 40a and 40b may use the input control data to control the display of the ultrasonic image displayed on the main display 121. The ultrasonic imaging devices 40a and 40b may also be connected to the probe 20 by wire or wirelessly to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals to and from the subject.

[0095] Reference Figure 4 , the ultrasonic imaging device 40b may further include a control panel 165 in addition to the main display 121 and the sub-display 122. The control panel 165 may include buttons, trackballs, micro switches, knobs, etc., and data for controlling the ultrasonic imaging device 40b may be provided by a user. For example, the control panel 165 may include a time gain compensation (TGC) button 171, a freeze button 172, etc. The TGC button 171 is a button for setting the TGC value of each depth of the ultrasonic image. When the input of the freeze button 172 is sensed when scanning the ultrasonic image, the ultrasonic imaging device 40b may maintain the state of displaying the frame image at that time point.

[0096] Buttons, trackballs, micro switches, knobs, etc. included in the control panel 165 may be provided as a GUI on the main display 121 or the sub-display 122. The ultrasonic imaging devices 40a and 40b may be connected to the probe 20 to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals to and from the subject 10.

[0097] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The ultrasonic diagnostic device 40c may also be implemented in a portable form. The portable ultrasonic imaging device 40c may include, for example, a smart phone including a probe and an application, a laptop computer, a PDA, a tablet PC, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0098] The ultrasonic imaging device 40c may include a main body 41. Figure 5 , the probe 20 may be wired to one side of the body 41. To this end, the body 41 may include a connection terminal to which a cable connected to the probe 20 may be attached and detached, and the probe 20 may include a connection terminal to which a cable connected to the body 41 may be attached and detached.

[0099] Reference Figure 6 , the probe 20 may be wirelessly connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device 40. The body 41 may include an input / output interface (eg, a touch screen) 145 (140 and 170). Ultrasonic images, various information processed by the ultrasound imaging device, GUI, etc. may be displayed on the input / output interface 145.

[0100] The ultrasound image may be displayed on the input / output interface 145. The ultrasound imaging device 40c may use AI to correct the ultrasound image displayed on the input / output interface 145. The ultrasound imaging device 40c may provide an alarm for notifying information about a lesion in the ultrasound image displayed on the input / output interface 145 using AI using various audio-visual tools such as graphics, sound, and vibration.

[0101] The ultrasonic imaging device 40 c may output a control panel displayed in the form of a GUI through the input / output interface 145 .

[0102] The ultrasound imaging device 40d and the probe 20 may establish communication or pairing using short-range wireless communication. For example, the ultrasound imaging device 40d and the probe 20 may communicate using Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi Direct.

[0103] The ultrasonic imaging devices 40c and 40d may run a program or application related to the probe 20 to control the probe 20, and output information related to the probe 20. The ultrasonic imaging devices 40c and 40d may perform operations related to the probe 20 while communicating with a predetermined server. The probe 20 may be registered with the ultrasonic imaging devices 40c and 40d, or may be registered with a predetermined server. The ultrasonic imaging devices 40c and 40d may communicate with the registered probe 20 and perform operations related to the probe 20.

[0104] The ultrasonic imaging devices 40c and 40d may include various types of input / output interfaces, such as speakers, LEDs, and vibration devices. For example, the ultrasonic imaging devices 40c and 40d may output various information in the form of graphics, sound, or vibration through the input / output interface. The ultrasonic imaging devices 40c and 40d may also output various notifications or data through the input / output interface.

[0105] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic imaging device 40a, 40b, 40c or 40d may use an artificial intelligence (AI) model to process an ultrasonic image or obtain additional information from an ultrasonic image. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic imaging device 40a, 40b, 40c or 40d may use an AI model to generate an ultrasonic image or perform processing such as correction, image quality improvement, encoding and decoding on the ultrasonic image. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic imaging device 40a, 40b, 40c or 40d may use an AI model to perform processing on the ultrasonic image, such as baseline definition, anatomical information acquisition, lesion information acquisition, surface extraction, boundary definition, length measurement, area measurement, volume measurement, and annotation creation.

[0106] The AI ​​model may be provided on the ultrasound imaging device 40a, 40b, 40c, or 40d, or may be provided on a server.

[0107] The AI ​​model can be implemented using various artificial neural network models or deep neural network models. In addition, various machine learning algorithms or deep learning algorithms can be used to learn and create the AI ​​model. The AI ​​model can be implemented using, for example, models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), generative adversarial networks (GANs), and long short-term memory (LSTMs).

[0108] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a screen D11 and a plurality of indicators displayed on a display of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the display 140 (eg, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The main display 121 or the sub-display 122 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 may display at least one of indicators 71 , 72 , and 73 for displaying an ultrasonic image or various information processed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 .

[0110] In this case, at least one of the indicators 71 , 72 , and 73 may be implemented in the form of a GUI on the main display 121 or the sub-display 122 .

[0111] The display 140 may display an indicator 71 for displaying information on a diagnosis topic (application). That is, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 may provide the user with information on a diagnosis topic related to an ultrasound image currently displayed on the display 140 through the indicator 71 displayed on the display 140 .

[0112] For example, when an obstetric examination (e.g., fetal ultrasound) is performed using the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40, the indicator 71 for displaying information on the diagnosis subject (application) may include a sub-indicator indicating that an examination for diagnosing the condition of a fetus during pregnancy is performed (e.g., Figure 7 OB in ), a sub-indicator indicating that the diagnostic topic is a cardiovascular modality for diagnosing the cardiac or vascular structures of the fetus (e.g. Figure 7 CV in ) and / or a sub-indicator indicating the type and frequency range of the probe 20 used for the inspection (e.g., Figure 7 1-8A in the text).

[0113] In addition, the display 140 may display an indicator 72 for displaying information about the basic index. That is, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 may provide the user with information about the basic index related to the ultrasound image currently displayed on the display 140 through the indicator 71 displayed on the display 140.

[0114] The basic index may include at least one of a mechanical index MI and a temperature index TI.

[0115] The mechanical index MI (a measure that indicates in an exponential manner the possibility that ultrasound has a mechanical effect on tissue) may include information on non-thermal effects that may occur when ultrasound is irradiated. The mechanical index MI may be determined by the amplitude or frequency of ultrasound irradiated onto the object.

[0116] The temperature index TI (a measure of the thermal effect of ultrasound applied to an object expressed in an exponential manner) may include information about the temperature increase effect that may occur when ultrasound is irradiated to the object. The temperature index TI may include at least one of a soft tissue thermal index (TIs) including information about the temperature increase in soft tissue, a bone thermal index (TIb) including information about the temperature increase in tissue adjacent to the bone, and a skull thermal index (TIc) including information about the temperature increase in the skull.

[0117] The basic index value may be determined based on the diagnosis theme. The type of basic index to be indicated for each diagnosis theme and its index value may be preset and stored in the memory 150. In addition, the index value of the basic index may change as the user changes the set value when using the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40.

[0118] For example, when performing an obstetric examination (eg, fetal ultrasound) using the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40, the indicator 72 for displaying information about the basic index may include a sub-indicator including information about temperature rise in soft tissue (eg, Figure 7 2.0 in ), sub-indicators including information about temperature rise in tissue adjacent to the bone (e.g. Figure 7 TIb 2.6 in 2.6) and / or a sub-indicator including information about non-thermal effects that may occur when irradiating ultrasound (e.g. Figure 7 MI 1.0 in ).

[0119] In addition, the display 140 may display an indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 may provide information about the scannable time from the current time point through the indicator 73 displayed on the display 140. In this case, the scannable time may be preset based on the basic index value and stored in the memory 140.

[0120] According to various embodiments, the processor 120 may control the display 140 not to display the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time on the screen based on receiving a user input.

[0121] Refer to the following Figure 8 The indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time is described in more detail.

[0122] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating providing an indicator of a scannable time according to an embodiment.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to be displayed on the display 140 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 40 may include: a first sub-indicator 73a displaying information about an object or diagnostic subject, a second sub-indicator 73b displaying information about the time when the scan has been performed, and / or a third sub-indicator 73c displaying information about the remaining scannable time.

[0124] By combining the second sub-indicator 73b displaying information on the time when scanning has been performed and the third sub-indicator 73c displaying information on the remaining scannable time, information on the maximum scannable time for each object or diagnosis subject may be displayed.

[0125] The maximum scannable time of each object or diagnostic subject may correspond to the maximum time during which scanning can be continuously performed when scanning of each object or diagnostic subject is performed. The maximum scannable time of each object or diagnostic subject may be preset based on various setting values ​​of the scanned object or the ultrasonic diagnostic device 40 and stored in the memory 150. In addition, when the updated guidelines or country-specific guidelines regarding the maximum scan time are different, the maximum scan time of each object or diagnostic subject stored in the memory 150 may be changed by receiving the updated guidelines or country-specific guidelines from an external device (e.g., a server).

[0126] In this case, the first sub-indicator 73a, the second sub-indicator 73b, or the third sub-indicator 73c may each be included as a single unit or a plurality of units in the indicator 73 providing information on the scannable time. Figure 8 As shown, the third sub-indicator 73c displaying information on the remaining scannable time of each object may be implemented as a bar-shaped icon indicator and a text-shaped indicator (eg, 15 seconds).

[0127] The indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time may improve user visibility by including the first sub-indicator 73a, the second sub-indicator 73b, or / and the third sub-indicator 73c.

[0128] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a follow-up Figure 7 A diagram of a screen D12 and a plurality of indicators is then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0129] Fig.10 is a diagram showing a follow-up Fig. 9 A screen D13 and a diagram of a plurality of indicators are then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0130] According to an embodiment, when a user performs an object scan on at least one diagnostic subject, the processor 120 may change at least one of indicators 71, 72, and 73 displayed on the display 140 for displaying various information processed in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 as the diagnostic subject changes.

[0131] For example, in an obstetric examination, the user can change the diagnosis topic from fetal diagnosis (see Figure 7 ) changes to a diagnosis of the abdomen of a pregnant woman (see Fig. 9 ), and then the diagnosis topic is taken from the pregnant woman's abdomen (see Fig. 9 ) changes to the diagnosis of bladder in pregnant women (see Fig.10 ).

[0132] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 71 for displaying information on a diagnosis theme (application) to display information on a changed diagnosis theme.

[0133] That is, when the diagnosis subject is changed from the diagnosis of the fetus to the diagnosis of the pregnant woman's abdomen, the processor 120 controls the display 140 so that the indicator 71 for displaying information about the diagnosis subject (application) includes "abdomen" instead of "OB". In addition, when the diagnosis subject is changed from the diagnosis of the pregnant woman's abdomen to the diagnosis of the pregnant woman's bladder, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the indicator 71 for displaying information about the diagnosis subject (application) includes "bladder" instead of "abdomen".

[0134] According to an embodiment, when the diagnosis theme changes, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 72 for displaying information about the preset basic index corresponding to each diagnosis theme. Changing the indicator 72 for displaying information about the basic index may include: changing the index value of the mechanical index or the temperature index included in the basic index. In addition, changing the indicator 72 for displaying information about the basic index may include changing the index type included in the temperature index (e.g., Tis, Tib, and Tic).

[0135] That is, when the diagnosis subject is changed from diagnosis of pregnant woman's abdomen to diagnosis of pregnant woman's bladder, the processor 120 may control the indicator 72 for displaying information about the basic index to include "Tis 2.0 / Tib 3.1 / MI 1.0" instead of "Tis 2.0 / Tib 2.6 / MI 1.0".

[0136] According to an embodiment, when the user performs an object scan on at least one diagnostic topic, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time when the diagnostic topic changes. That is, when the diagnostic topic changes, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include an indicator for displaying the scannable time for the changed diagnostic topic.

[0137] Specifically, the processor 120 may sum the scan information of each diagnosis subject, and display an indicator ( ) of the scannable time for each diagnosis subject on the display device 40 for at least one diagnosis subject. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 731, 732 and 733 in the .

[0138] Specifically, when the user performs an object scan on at least one diagnostic subject, the processor 120 may automatically identify the scan area to determine whether the diagnostic subject has changed. In this case, the automatic identification of the scan area may be performed by a machine learning model.

[0139] Therefore, the processor 120 may display the scannable time for the changed diagnostic subject on the display 140. In this case, in addition to the diagnostic subject currently being scanned (e.g., the changed diagnostic subject), the processor 120 may display on the display 140 an indicator for displaying the scannable time of at least one diagnostic subject for which a scan has been performed in the past and an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the changed diagnostic subject.

[0140] For example, refer to Fig. 9 , when the diagnosis subject is changed from the diagnosis of the fetus to the diagnosis of the pregnant woman's abdomen, the processor 120 may control the display 140 to display the indicator 732 indicating the scannable time when the pregnant woman's abdomen is diagnosed. That is, when the diagnosis subject is changed from the diagnosis of the fetus to the diagnosis of the pregnant woman's abdomen, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include the indicator 732 indicating the scannable time when the pregnant woman's abdomen is diagnosed.

[0141] The processor 120 may control the display 140 to display an indicator 731 indicating a scannable time at a diagnosis of a fetus performed in the past, in addition to the indicator 732 indicating a scannable time at a diagnosis of the pregnant woman's abdomen (eg, a changed diagnosis subject).

[0142] Reference Fig.10, when the diagnosis subject is changed from the diagnosis of the abdomen of the pregnant woman to the diagnosis of the bladder of the pregnant woman, the processor 120 may further control the display 140 to display the indicator 733 indicating the scannable time at the diagnosis of the bladder of the pregnant woman. That is, when the diagnosis subject is changed from the diagnosis of the abdomen of the pregnant woman to the diagnosis of the bladder of the pregnant woman, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include the indicator 733 indicating the scannable time at the diagnosis of the bladder of the pregnant woman.

[0143] In addition to the indicator 733 indicating the scannable time at the diagnosis of the pregnant woman's bladder (e.g., a changed diagnostic subject), the processor 120 may also display an indicator indicating the scannable time of the diagnostic subject performed in the past. Therefore, the processor 120 may control the display 140 to display the indicator 731 indicating the scannable time at the diagnosis of the fetus and the indicator 732 indicating the scannable time at the diagnosis of the pregnant woman's abdomen together.

[0144] That is, when the diagnostic topic changes, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the changed diagnostic topic and / or at least one indicator for displaying the scannable time of at least one diagnostic topic performed in the past.

[0145] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating a screen D21 and a plurality of indicators displayed on a display of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0146] Fig.12 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.11 A diagram of a screen D22 and a plurality of indicators is then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0147] Fig.13 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.12 A diagram of a screen D23 and a plurality of indicators is then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0148] According to an embodiment, when a user performs scanning on at least one object, the processor 120 may modify at least one of indicators 71, 72, and 73 for displaying various information processed in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 displayed on the display 140 when the object changes.

[0149] According to an embodiment, when the user performs scanning on at least one object, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time when the object changes. That is, when the object changes, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the changed object.

[0150] For example, in an obstetric examination, when an examination of twins is performed, when both twins as subjects are being scanned (see Fig.11 ), the scan object can be changed to one of the twin fetuses (hereinafter referred to as object A) ( Fig.12 ), and then when scanning one fetus of the twins, the scanning object can be changed to the other fetus of the twins (hereinafter referred to as object B) ( Fig.13 ).

[0151] According to an embodiment, when the user performs scanning on at least one object, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time when the object changes. That is, when the object changes, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the changed object.

[0152] Specifically, when the scannable times of the plurality of objects are the same, the processor 120 may display indicators for displaying the scannable times of the plurality of objects as a single indicator.

[0153] For example, refer to Fig.11 , when an examination of twins is performed and both twins are scanned as subjects, the time to perform the scans for the corresponding twins (eg, subject A and subject B) may be the same, and thus the remaining scannable time for each subject may also be the same.

[0154] Therefore, the processor 120 may modify the first sub-indicator 73 a (displaying information about the subject currently being scanned) among the sub-indicators of the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include information that both twins are being scanned as subjects.

[0155] For example, Fig.11 As shown, the first sub-indicator 73 a displaying information about the object currently being scanned may include “OB (A+B)”. The processor 120 may display an identifier for identifying each object (eg, object A and object B) on the ultrasound image.

[0156] When the scan object changes, the processor 120 may further display an indicator ( ) for displaying the scannable time of each object on the display 140 for at least one object by summing the scan information of each object. Fig.12 and Fig.13 Each of 734 and 735).

[0157] Specifically, when the user performs a scan on at least one object, the processor 120 can determine whether the object has changed by automatically identifying the scan area. In this case, the automatic identification of the scan area can be performed by a machine learning model.

[0158] Therefore, the processor 120 may display the scannable time of the changed object on the display 140. In this case, the processor 120 may display, on the display 140, an indicator for displaying the scannable time of at least one object for which scanning has been performed in the past and an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the changed object, in addition to the object currently being scanned (e.g., the changed object).

[0159] For example, refer to Fig.12 , when the scan object is changed from both twins (e.g., object A and object B) to object A, the processor 120 may control the display 140 to display the indicator 734 indicating the scannable time of object A. That is, when the scan object is changed from both twins (e.g., object A and object B) to object A, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 734 for displaying the scannable time to include the indicator 734 indicating the scannable time of object A.

[0160] In addition to the indicator 734 indicating the scannable time of the object A (eg, the changed object), the processor 120 may further control the display 140 to display an indicator 735 indicating the scannable time of the object B for which scanning has been performed in the past.

[0161] Reference Fig.13 , when the scanning object changes from object A to object B, the processor 120 may further control the display 140 to display the indicator 735 indicating the scannable time of object B. That is, when the scanning object changes from object A to object B, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include the indicator 735 indicating the scannable time of object B.

[0162] In addition to the indicator 735 indicating the scannable time of the object B, the processor 120 may further control the display 140 to display an indicator 734 indicating the scannable time of the object A for which scanning has been performed in the past.

[0163] That is, when the scan object changes, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the changed object and / or at least one indicator for displaying the scannable time of at least one object performed in the past.

[0164] Fig.14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen D31 and a plurality of indicators displayed on a display of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0165] Fig.15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen D32 and a plurality of indicators displayed on a display of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0166] The processor 120 may identify an object in the ultrasound image corresponding to the scan area and determine whether at least one of the diagnosis subject and the object has changed. In this case, the recognition of the object in the ultrasound image may be performed by a machine learning model.

[0167] The processor 120 may extract “region information” which is information about a region occupied by each of a plurality of objects included in an ultrasound image obtained based on an echo signal from a scanning region received from the ultrasound transmit / receive module 110 .

[0168] The processor 120 may classify a plurality of objects included in an ultrasound image corresponding to a scan region into preset categories based on the extracted region information. A category may mean a cluster classified based on a preset standard so as to identify a specific part, organ, tissue of a body or fetus classified according to clinical significance. Information about the objects included in each category may be preset and stored in the memory 150.

[0169] The processor 120 may automatically recognize the scan region based on the categories into which a plurality of objects included in the ultrasound image corresponding to the scan region are classified.

[0170] For example, the processor 120 may extract the area information occupied by the head of the fetus, the right hand of the fetus, the left hand of the fetus, the right foot of the fetus, and the left foot of the fetus in the ultrasound image corresponding to the scan area. Therefore, the processor 120 may classify the head of the fetus, the right hand of the fetus, the left hand of the fetus, the right foot of the fetus, and the left foot of the fetus as categories for identifying the body of the fetus based on a preset standard. Therefore, the processor 150 may identify the scan area as containing the fetus.

[0171] The operation of dividing and detecting a plurality of objects included in an ultrasound image and then classifying the plurality of objects by category may be performed according to various known methods.

[0172] For example, an operation of segmenting and detecting a plurality of objects from an ultrasound image and an operation of classifying a plurality of objects by category can be performed by machine learning. Any one of a plurality of known machine learning models can be used for the machine learning operation. Specifically, a convolutional neural network (CNN) recurrent neural network (RNN), LSTM, encoder-decoder, autoencoder, and generative adversarial network (GAN) model based on a neural network can be used.

[0173] As another example, the operation of detecting multiple objects and classifying the multiple objects by category may be performed by a "semantic segmentation" method. "Semantic segmentation" may refer to a method of dividing objects having a specific meaning within an object. The processor 120 may learn which category of multiple categories a specific part, organ, or tissue of a body or fetus corresponds to based on a predetermined algorithm. The processor 120 may detect and classify each of the multiple objects from the three-dimensional volume data of the object based on the learning result. The processor 120 may classify each of the multiple detected objects into a predetermined category based on the learning result and the category information stored in a separate memory 150.

[0174] In an obstetric examination, when ultrasound is irradiated to a pregnant woman, both the pregnant woman and the fetus may be scanned. In this case, the processor 120 may determine whether the pregnant woman or the fetus is included in the scanning area. That is, the processor 120 may identify an object included in the ultrasound image.

[0175] When a fetus is included in the scanning area, the processor 120 may determine a diagnostic theme for scanning the fetus. The diagnostic theme for scanning the identified object may be preset and stored in the memory 150. That is, the processor 120 may determine a diagnostic theme based on the fetus identified in the ultrasound image.

[0176] The diagnosis theme may be changed by the user before or during scanning. That is, the processor 120 may determine the diagnosis theme to scan the identified object based on at least one of a user input for the identified object or the diagnosis theme.

[0177] Based on the object or the diagnosis theme of the object, the processor 120 may control the display 140 to display the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time at the time of fetal diagnosis determined based on a preset basic index.

[0178] For example, Fig.14 As shown, when the diagnosis subject is determined to be "OB", the processor 120 may determine that the maximum scannable time of the fetus may be 1 minute based on TIb being set to 2.6. Therefore, because the fetal scan has not yet been performed, the processor 120 may display the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time on the display 140, so that the third sub-indicator 73c displaying information about the remaining scannable time of the fetus may indicate 1 minute.

[0179] The processor 120 may also control the display 140 to display at least one of an indicator 71 for displaying information on the determined diagnosis subject, an indicator 72 for displaying information on the basic index, and an indicator 73 for displaying a scannable time.

[0180] When a pregnant woman is included in the scanning area, the processor 120 may determine a diagnostic theme for scanning the pregnant woman. The diagnostic theme for scanning the pregnant woman may be preset and stored in the memory 150. That is, the processor 120 may determine the diagnostic theme based on identifying the pregnant woman in the ultrasound image.

[0181] The diagnosis theme may be changed by the user before or during scanning. That is, the processor 120 may determine the diagnosis theme to scan the identified object based on at least one of a user input for the identified object or the diagnosis theme.

[0182] When a diagnosis theme for scanning a pregnant woman is determined, the processor 120 may control the display 140 to display an indicator 73 for displaying a scannable time at the time of diagnosis of the pregnant woman determined based on a preset basic index.

[0183] For example, Fig.15 As shown, when the diagnosis subject is determined to be the "abdomen" of a pregnant woman, the processor 120 may determine that the maximum scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen may be 4 minutes based on TIb being set to 2.6. Therefore, because the pregnant woman scan has not yet been performed, the processor 120 may display an indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time on the display 140, so that the third sub-indicator 73c displaying information about the remaining scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen may indicate 4 minutes.

[0184] The processor 120 may also control the display 140 to display at least one of an indicator 71 for displaying information on the determined diagnosis theme, an indicator 72 for displaying information on the basic index, and an indicator 73 for displaying a scannable time.

[0185] Fig.16 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.14 A diagram of a screen D33 and a plurality of indicators is then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0186] As mentioned above Fig.15 As described, processor 120 may determine a diagnostic topic for scanning a fetus based on the fetus being determined to be included in a scanning area (e.g., based on the fetus being identified in an ultrasound image), and may display an indicator 73 on display 140 for providing information about a maximum scanning time for the fetus based on a basic index preset prior to performing the scan.

[0187] As scanning of an object is initiated by a user and the scanning time of the object elapses, the scannable time of the object currently being scanned decreases.

[0188] In this case, as the scanning time of the object elapses, the processor 120 may modify the second sub-indicator 73b and the third sub-indicator 73c to update and display information on the time when the scanning has been performed and the remaining scannable time.

[0189] For example, Fig.16 As shown, when the scan of the fetus is performed for 45 seconds, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to increase the length of the bar of the second sub-indicator 73b that displays information about the time when the scan for each object has been performed, and reduce the length of the bar of the third sub-indicator 73c that displays information about the remaining scannable time for each object. In addition, the indicator in the form of characters included in the third sub-indicator 73c may also reduce the amount of time it takes to perform the scan (e.g., 45 seconds) from 1 minute to 15 seconds.

[0190] When performing object scanning, the processor 120 may also modify the second sub-indicator 73b and the third sub-indicator 73c to update and display information about the remaining scannable time based on the change in the index value of the basic index due to the change in the setting value of the ultrasound diagnostic device 40.

[0191] For example, as the output value of the ultrasound probe 20 increases, the index value of the temperature indicator TI may increase. Therefore, the maximum scannable time of the object may decrease.

[0192] In this case, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time so that the length of the bar of the third sub-indicator 73c is relatively reduced, and the third sub-indicator 73c displays information about the remaining scannable time of each object based on the changed index value of the temperature index TI. In this case, the length of the bar of the second sub-indicator 73b may be displayed as if it is relatively increased, and the second sub-indicator 73b displays information about the time when the scan has been performed on each object. In addition, the indicator in the form of characters included in the third sub-indicator 73c may also be reduced as the index value of the temperature index TI increases, and the amount of time (for example, 45 seconds) is reduced and changed from 1 minute to 15 seconds.

[0193] In other words, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time when performing scanning to display the scannable time updated based on the accumulated scanning time.

[0194] The processor 120 may also modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time during the execution of the scan to display the scannable time updated based on the index value of the changed basic index.

[0195] Fig.17 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.16A screen D34 and a diagram of a plurality of indicators are then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0196] Fig.18 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.17 A diagram of a screen D35 and a plurality of indicators is then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0197] In the process of performing scanning, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time based on the changed object. That is, when the object changes, the processor 120 may control the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include an indicator for displaying the scannable time for the changed object.

[0198] For example, Fig.17 As shown, when the scan for the fetus is performed for 45 seconds and the object is changed to the abdomen of the pregnant woman, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to be displayed on the display 140 .

[0199] According to an embodiment, when the object changes, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include an indicator for displaying the scannable time for the changed object. In other words, when the object changes, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the object currently being scanned. For example, the processor 120 may display an indicator 732 for displaying the scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen (the object currently being scanned) on the display 140.

[0200] In this case, in addition to the object currently being scanned (e.g., the changed object), the processor 120 may further display an indicator for displaying the scannable time of at least one object on which scanning has been performed in the past and an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the changed object on the display 140. That is, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time so that the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time includes an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the object currently being scanned and at least one indicator for displaying the scannable time of at least one object on which scanning has been performed before the object is changed.

[0201] For example, refer to Fig.17 , the processor 120 may display an indicator 731 on the display 140, the indicator 731 being used to display a scannable time of the fetus for which the scan has been performed before the scan object is changed to the abdomen of the pregnant woman.

[0202] When scanning is performed after the object is changed, the processor 120 may modify the second sub-indicator 73b and the third sub-indicator 73c in the sub-indicator of the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to update and display information about the time when scanning of the changed object has been performed and the remaining scannable time. That is, when scanning is performed after the object is changed, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time of the changed object includes an indicator for displaying the updated scannable time of the object.

[0203] The processor 120 may also modify the second sub-indicator 73b and the third sub-indicator 73c in the sub-indicator of the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to update and display information about the remaining scannable time of at least one object for which scanning has been performed in the past before the object is changed. That is, when scanning is performed after the object is changed, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time includes an indicator for displaying the updated scannable time of at least one object for which scanning has been performed in the past. In this case, updating the information about the remaining scannable time of at least one object for which scanning has been performed in the past before the object is changed may include: during the time when scanning has been performed on the changed object, increasing the remaining scannable time of at least one object for which scanning has been performed in the past.

[0204] For example, Fig.18 As shown, when scanning is performed for 20 seconds after the scanning object is changed to the abdomen of a pregnant woman, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to be displayed on the display 140 .

[0205] For example, Fig.18 As shown, when the scan of the pregnant woman's abdomen is performed for 20 seconds, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to increase the length of the bar of the second sub-indicator 73b (displaying information about the time when the scan has been performed) among the sub-indicators of the indicator 732 for displaying the scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen, and reduce the length of the bar of the third sub-indicator 73c (displaying information about the remaining scannable time for each object) among the sub-indicators of the indicator 732 for displaying the scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen. In addition, the indicator in the form of characters included in the third sub-indicator 73c may also reduce the amount of time it takes to perform the scan (e.g., 20 seconds) from 4 minutes (the maximum scannable time) to 3 minutes and 40 seconds.

[0206] The processor 120 may also modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to increase the length of the bar of the third sub-indicator 73c (displaying information about the remaining scannable time for each object) in the sub-indicator of the indicator 731 for displaying the scannable time of the fetus. Therefore, the processor 120 may display the length of the bar of the second sub-indicator 73b (displaying information about the time when the scan has been performed) in the sub-indicator of the indicator 731 for displaying the scannable time of the fetus as if it has been reduced. In addition, the indicator in the form of characters included in the third sub-indicator 73c may also increase the remaining scannable time by the amount of time it takes to perform an abdominal scan of a pregnant woman (e.g., 20 seconds) from 15 seconds to 45 seconds.

[0207] Fig.19 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.18 A diagram of a screen D36 and a plurality of indicators is then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0208] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.19 A diagram of a screen D37 and a plurality of indicators is then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0209] During the scanning process, the processor 120 can modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time based on the change of the diagnosis theme. That is, when the diagnosis theme changes, the processor 120 can control the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the changed diagnosis theme.

[0210] For example, Fig.19 As shown, when the scanning of the abdomen of a pregnant woman is performed for 20 seconds and the diagnosis subject is changed to the bladder of the pregnant woman, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to be displayed on the display 140 .

[0211] According to an embodiment, when the diagnosis theme changes, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the changed diagnosis theme. In other words, when the diagnosis theme changes, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the diagnosis theme currently being scanned. For example, the processor 120 may display on the display 140 an indicator 733 for displaying the scannable time of the bladder of a pregnant woman (the currently selected diagnosis theme).

[0212] In this case, in addition to the currently selected diagnostic subject (e.g., the changed diagnostic subject), the processor 120 may display an indicator for displaying the scannable time of at least one object for which a scan has been performed in the past and an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the changed diagnostic subject on the display 140. That is, the processor 120 may change the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to include an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the currently selected diagnostic subject and at least one indicator for displaying the scannable time of at least one diagnostic subject for which a scan has been performed before the diagnostic subject is changed.

[0213] For example, refer to Fig.19 , the processor 120 may display an indicator 732 and an indicator 733 on the display 140, wherein the indicator 732 is used to display the scannable time of the abdomen of the pregnant woman that has been scanned before the diagnosis subject is changed to the bladder of the pregnant woman, and the indicator 733 is used to display the scannable time of the bladder of the pregnant woman.

[0214] When scanning is performed after the diagnosis theme is changed, the processor 120 may modify the second sub-indicator 73b and the third sub-indicator 73c in the sub-indicator of the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to update and display information about the time of scanning of the changed diagnosis theme that has been performed and the remaining scannable time. That is, when scanning is performed after the diagnosis theme is changed, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time of the changed diagnosis theme includes an indicator for displaying the updated scannable time of the changed diagnosis theme.

[0215] The processor 120 may also modify the second sub-indicator 73b and the third sub-indicator 73c in the sub-indicator of the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to update and display the information about the remaining scannable time of at least one diagnostic theme that has been scanned in the past before the diagnostic theme is changed. That is, when performing a scan after the diagnostic theme is changed, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time includes an indicator for displaying the updated scannable time of at least one diagnostic theme that has been scanned in the past. In this case, updating the information about the remaining scannable time of at least one diagnostic theme that has been scanned in the past before the diagnostic theme is changed may include: during the time period of the scan of the changed diagnostic theme, increasing the remaining scannable time of at least one diagnostic theme that has been scanned in the past.

[0216] For example, Fig. 20 As shown, when scanning is performed for 10 seconds after the diagnosis subject is changed to the bladder of a pregnant woman, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to be displayed on the display 140 .

[0217] For example, Fig. 20 As shown, when the scanning of the pregnant woman's bladder is performed for 10 seconds, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to increase the length of the bar of the second sub-indicator 73b displaying information about the time when the scanning has been performed, and reduce the length of the bar of the third sub-indicator 73c displaying information about the remaining scannable time of each object, among the sub-indicators of the indicator 733 for displaying the scannable time of the pregnant woman's bladder. In addition, the indicator in the form of characters included in the third sub-indicator 73c may also reduce the amount of time taken to perform the scanning (e.g., 10 seconds) from 1 minute (maximum scannable time) to 50 seconds.

[0218] The processor 120 may also modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time to increase the length of the bar of the third sub-indicator 73c, which displays information about the remaining scannable time for each object, in the sub-indicator of the indicator 732 for displaying the scannable time of the abdomen of the pregnant woman. Therefore, the processor 120 may display the length of the bar of the second sub-indicator 73b (which displays information about the time when the scan has been performed) in the sub-indicator of the indicator 732 for displaying the scannable time of the abdomen of the pregnant woman as if it has been reduced. In addition, the indicator in the form of characters included in the third sub-indicator 73c may also increase the remaining scannable time by the amount of time taken to perform the bladder scan of the pregnant woman (e.g., 10 seconds) from 3 minutes and 40 seconds to 3 minutes and 50 seconds.

[0219] Fig.21 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig. 20 A diagram of a screen D38 and a plurality of indicators is then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0220] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a further embodiment according to Fig.21 A diagram of a screen D39 and a plurality of indicators is then displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0221] When the scannable time for the object or diagnosis subject is updated during the execution of the scan, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time based on the fact that the scannable time is changed to the maximum scannable time. That is, when the scan is performed, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time includes information that the scannable time is changed to the maximum scannable time.

[0222] As described above, when performing a scan for a changed object or diagnostic subject, the scannable time of the object or diagnostic subject before the change may be updated. Updating the scannable time may include increasing the scannable time of the object or diagnostic subject before the change during the time when the scan has been performed for the changed object or diagnostic subject. As the scannable time of the object or diagnostic subject before the change increases, the scannable time of the object or diagnostic subject before the change may reach a preset maximum scannable time.

[0223] For example, when the scan of the pregnant woman's bladder is performed for 10 seconds, the remaining scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen can be increased from 3 minutes and 50 seconds to 4 minutes by the amount of time it takes to perform the pregnant woman's bladder scan (e.g., 10 seconds). That is, the scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen can become 4 minutes (maximum scannable time).

[0224] Therefore, if Fig.21 As shown, the processor 120 may not display the bar of the second sub-indicator 73b displaying information about the time when the scan has been performed among the sub-indicators of the indicator 732 for displaying the scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen, and may display the bar of the third sub-indicator 73c for displaying information about the remaining scannable time with a length corresponding to the maximum scannable time. In addition, the processor 120 may also change the remaining scannable time of the indicator in the form of characters included in the third sub-indicator 73c to 4 minutes (maximum scannable time).

[0225] The processor 120 may also not display an indicator for displaying the scannable time of each object or diagnosis subject based on the scannable time of each object or diagnosis subject being changed to the maximum scannable time.

[0226] For example, Fig. 22 As shown, the processor 120 may not display the indicator 732 for displaying the scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen based on the scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen being changed to the maximum scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen.

[0227] Fig.23 is a diagram showing a form of a screen D41 and an indicator for displaying a scannable time displayed on a display of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0228] Fig.24 : is a diagram showing a form of a screen D42 and an indicator for displaying a scannable time displayed on a display of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0229] According to various embodiments, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time displays the scannable time of the object or diagnosis subject currently being scanned.

[0230] For example, when the scanning object is changed to a fetus while performing a scan of the abdomen of a pregnant woman, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the indicator 73 for displaying the scanning time only includes an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the fetus, and does not include an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the abdomen of the pregnant woman to perform the examination before scanning the fetus.

[0231] According to various embodiments, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time displays the scannable time of objects or diagnosis subjects that have been scanned in the past (excluding an object or diagnosis subject that is currently being scanned).

[0232] For example, when the scanning object is changed to a fetus when performing a scan of a pregnant woman's abdomen, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the indicator 73 for displaying the scanning time only includes an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen, and does not include an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the fetus.

[0233] According to various embodiments, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time displays the scannable time of an object or diagnosis subject that has been scanned in the past and an object or diagnosis subject that is currently being scanned.

[0234] For example, when the scan object is changed to a fetus when performing a scan of a pregnant woman's abdomen, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the indicator 73 for displaying the scan time includes an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the fetus and an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the pregnant woman's abdomen.

[0235] According to various embodiments, the indicator 73 for displaying the scannable time may be implemented in various types and forms.

[0236] As described above, the indicator can display information about the scannable time in the form of a bar, but it is also possible to use Fig.23 The characters 74 and circles 75 shown show the scannable time of each object.

[0237] The implementation form and / or position of the indicator 73 displaying the information about the scannable time is not limited to the present disclosure, and may adopt any form and / or position capable of effectively delivering the information about the scannable time to the user.

[0238] According to various embodiments, when the maximum scannable time of each object or diagnosis subject is exceeded, the processor 120 may display that the maximum scannable time has been exceeded in various types and manners.

[0239] For example, the processor 120 may control the display 140 to display a pop-up window, or control the audio to provide a sound notification. Any method that can effectively notify the user that the maximum scannable time has been exceeded may be used.

[0240] For example, the processor 120 may display that the maximum scannable time has been exceeded in a manner that can convey that the maximum scannable time has been exceeded only to the user of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 and can not convey that the maximum scannable time has been exceeded to the patient.

[0241] As another example, the processor 120 may display that the maximum scannable time has been exceeded in a manner that can be communicated to both the user and the patient, rather than just to the user of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 40 .

[0242] According to various embodiments, the processor 120 may control the probe 20 not to transmit ultrasound from the probe 20 based on the scanning time reaching the maximum scannable time. Therefore, ultrasound energy may not be transmitted to the patient.

[0243] According to various embodiments, the processor 120 may display a scan time approaching the maximum scannable time based on a preset amount of time remaining from the scan time to the maximum scannable time.

[0244] For example, refer to Fig.24 , based on the scan time remaining a preset amount of time (eg, 15 seconds) from the maximum scannable time, the processor 120 may display the approach to the maximum scannable time by causing the area corresponding to the object currently being scanned to flash red 76 .

[0245] Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize that the maximum scannable time is approaching, and use the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 while complying with the maximum scan time.

[0246] Fig.25 is an example of a control flowchart of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 according to the embodiment.

[0247] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may identify an object included in a scanning area (1001). For example, the processor 120 may use a machine learning model to identify the object. In this case, the method of identifying the object using the machine learning model may correspond to the method described above with reference to Fig.14 and Fig.15 Describe the method.

[0248] The processor 120 may display the scannable time determined based on at least one of the identified object or the diagnosis subject corresponding thereto (1002). That is, the processor 120 may display an indicator for displaying the scannable time on the display 140 based on at least one of the identified object or the diagnosis subject corresponding thereto.

[0249] The processor 120 may determine a diagnostic subject for scanning the object based on the object included in the scanning area. The diagnostic subject for scanning the identified object may be preset and stored in the memory 150. That is, the processor 120 may determine a diagnostic subject based on the object identified in the ultrasound image.

[0250] The diagnosis theme may be changed by the user before or during scanning. That is, the processor 120 may determine the diagnosis theme for scanning the identified object based on at least one of a user input for the identified object or the diagnosis theme.

[0251] When the diagnosis subject is determined, the processor 120 may display information about the maximum scan time determined based on the preset basic index on the display 140. That is, because the scan for the object has not yet been performed, the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the third sub-indicator 73c displaying information about the remaining scannable time of the object indicates the determined maximum scannable time. In this case, the second sub-indicator 73b for displaying information about the time when the scan has been performed may not be displayed. For example, when the identified object is the abdomen of a pregnant woman, the preset maximum scannable time may be 4 minutes, so the processor 120 may control the display 140 so that the third sub-indicator 73c may display 4 minutes.

[0252] The processor 120 may calculate the cumulative scan time when performing the scan (1003). In this case, the cumulative scan time may correspond not only to the time when the scan of a given object or diagnostic subject has been continuously performed, but also to the time when the scan has been discontinuously performed. For example, when the abdomen of a pregnant woman is scanned for 10 seconds, the bladder of the pregnant woman is scanned for 20 seconds, and the abdomen of the pregnant woman is scanned again for 10 seconds, the cumulative scan time when performing the scan may be 10 seconds + 10 seconds = 20 seconds.

[0253] The processor 120 may control the display 140 to display an updated scannable time based on the calculated cumulative scan time ( 1004 ).

[0254] Specifically, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scanning time displayed on the display 140 in step 1002 by reflecting the cumulative scanning time. For example, when the abdomen of a pregnant woman is scanned for 10 seconds, the bladder of the pregnant woman is scanned for 20 seconds, and the abdomen of the pregnant woman is scanned again for 10 seconds, because the maximum scannable time of the abdomen of the pregnant woman is 4 minutes, and the cumulative scanning time of the abdomen of the pregnant woman is 20 seconds, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the displayed scanning time so that the third sub-indicator 73c may indicate 3 minutes and 40 seconds. That is, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the displayed scanning time so that the length of the bar of the second sub-indicator 73b increases by a length corresponding to 20 seconds out of a total of 4 minutes, and the length of the bar of the third sub-indicator 73c decreases by a length corresponding to 3 minutes and 40 seconds out of a total of 4 minutes.

[0255] Fig.26 is another example of a control flowchart of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 40 according to the embodiment.

[0256] Fig.26 Steps 1101 to 1104 may correspond to the above Fig.25 Steps 1001 to 1004 described in .

[0257] The processor 120 may determine whether the diagnosis subject has changed from the first object (or the first diagnosis subject) to the second object (or the second diagnosis subject) (1105). In this case, identifying the object in the ultrasound image corresponding to the current scanning area and determining whether at least one of the diagnosis subject and the object has changed may be performed by a machine learning model. The method of determining whether at least one of the diagnosis subject and the object has changed using the machine learning model may correspond to the above reference Fig.14 and Fig.15 Describe the method.

[0258] When it is determined that the diagnosis subject has changed from the first object (or the first diagnosis subject) to the second object (or the second diagnosis subject) (Yes in 1105), the processor 120 may display the scannable time of the second object (or the second diagnosis subject) (1106). That is, the processor 120 may display an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the second object (or the second diagnosis subject) on the display 140.

[0259] In this case, the processor 120 may display information about the first object (or the first diagnosis subject) before the change and an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the second object (or the second diagnosis subject) (1107). The information about the first object (or the first diagnosis subject) may include the scannable time of the first object (or the first diagnosis subject), and the processor 120 may display an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the first object (or the first diagnosis subject) before the change and an indicator for displaying the scannable time of the second object (or the second diagnosis subject).

[0260] The processor 120 may calculate the cumulative scan time based on the scan of the second object (or the second diagnostic subject) (1108). In this case, the cumulative scan time may correspond not only to the time when the scan of the given object or diagnostic subject has been continuously performed, but also to the time when the scan has been discontinuously performed. For example, when the abdomen of a pregnant woman is scanned for 10 seconds, the bladder of the pregnant woman is scanned for 20 seconds, and the abdomen of the pregnant woman is scanned again for 10 seconds, the cumulative scan time when the scan is performed may be 10 seconds + 10 seconds = 20 seconds.

[0261] The processor 120 may control the display 140 to display the updated scannable time of the first object (or the first diagnosis subject) and / or the second object (or the second diagnosis subject) based on the calculated cumulative scan time (1109). That is, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scan time displayed on the display 140 at steps 1106 and 1107 by reflecting the cumulative scan time.

[0262] For example, a case will be described below where the first object is a fetus and the changed second object is the abdomen of a pregnant woman, the fetus is scanned for 40 seconds, and the abdomen of the pregnant woman is scanned for 20 seconds.

[0263] The processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the displayed scanning time based on the maximum scannable time of the abdomen of the pregnant woman being 4 minutes and the abdomen of the pregnant woman being scanned for 20 seconds, so that the second sub-indicator 73b may indicate 20 seconds and the third sub-indicator 73c may indicate 3 minutes and 40 seconds. That is, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the displayed scanning time so that the length of the bar of the second sub-indicator 73b increases by a length corresponding to 20 seconds in a total of 4 minutes, and the length of the bar of the third sub-indicator 73c decreases to a length corresponding to 3 minutes and 40 seconds in a total of 4 minutes. Therefore, the processor 120 may display the updated scannable time of the second object by reflecting the cumulative scanning time calculated when performing the scanning of the second object.

[0264] Since the maximum scannable time of the fetus is 1 minute and the fetus has been scanned for 30 seconds before the abdomen of the pregnant woman is scanned for 20 seconds, the scannable time of the fetus may correspond to 30 seconds at the time point when the object is changed to the abdomen of the pregnant woman. Therefore, at the time point when the object is changed to the abdomen of the pregnant woman, the second sub-indicator 73b may indicate 40 seconds, and the third sub-indicator 73c may indicate 20 seconds.

[0265] In this case, based on performing a scan for the abdomen of the pregnant woman for 20 seconds, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the scan time so that the second sub-indicator 73b may indicate 20 seconds and the third sub-indicator 73c may indicate 40 seconds. That is, the processor 120 may modify the indicator 73 for displaying the displayed scan time so that the length of the bar of the second sub-indicator 73b is reduced by a length corresponding to 20 seconds in a total of 1 minute, and the length of the bar of the third sub-indicator 73c is increased by a length corresponding to 40 seconds in a total of 1 minute. Therefore, the processor 120 can display the updated scannable time of the first object by reflecting the cumulative scan time calculated when performing the scan of the second object.

[0266] As can be readily understood from the above, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to safely use an ultrasound device by guiding a user to an appropriate scanning time.

[0267] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, safety, particularly in obstetric examinations, can be improved by differentiating and directing the cumulative scanning time for each diagnosis subject or object.

[0268] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, even when the use of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by non-professionals increases in the future, the use safety of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be ensured.

[0269] However, the effects that can be achieved by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the control method thereof disclosed in the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs can clearly understand other effects not mentioned through the above description. The disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions that can be executed by a computer. The instructions can be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, a program module can be created to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0270] The computer-readable recording medium includes any type of recording medium in which instructions readable by a computer are stored. For example, the recording medium may include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, etc.

[0271] The computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory storage medium" simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic wave), and the term does not distinguish between a case where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and a case where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer that temporarily stores data.

[0272] According to an embodiment, the methods according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product is a commodity and may be traded between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online, through an application store (e.g., Play Store™), or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable recording medium (such as a memory of a manufacturer server, an application store server, and a relay server).

[0273] Specific embodiments have been shown and described above. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A control method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising a display, the display being configured to display an ultrasonic image corresponding to a scan area scanned by a probe, the control method comprising: identifying an object included in the scanning area; determining a diagnosis theme based on at least one of the object or a user input received from an input interface; Determine the scannable time for each object or diagnostic theme; as well as An indicator for displaying the scannable time is displayed on the display.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The step of displaying an indicator for displaying the scannable time on the display comprises: displaying a first sub-indicator, the first sub-indicator displaying information about the object or the diagnosis subject; displaying a second sub-indicator displaying information about a time when a scan has been performed on the object or the diagnosis subject; and displaying a third sub-indicator, the third sub-indicator displaying information about a remaining scannable time of the object or the diagnosis subject, and The combination of the second sub-indicator and the third sub-indicator displays the maximum scannable time of each object or diagnosis subject.

3. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: The step of displaying an indicator for displaying the scannable time on the display comprises: Based on the object or the diagnosis subject being changed, an indicator for displaying a scannable time of the changed object or the changed diagnosis subject is displayed.

4. The control method according to claim 3, wherein: The step of displaying an indicator for displaying the scannable time on the display comprises: Based on the object or the diagnosis subject being changed, an indicator for displaying a scannable time of the object before the change or the diagnosis subject before the change is displayed.

5. The control method according to claim 4, further comprising: Based on the scanning being performed for the changed object or the changed diagnosis subject, the cumulative scanning time of the changed object or the changed diagnosis subject is calculated.

6. The control method according to claim 5, wherein: The step of displaying an indicator for displaying the scannable time on the display comprises: The scannable time of the changed object or the changed diagnosis subject is updated and displayed based on the calculated cumulative scan time.

7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein: The step of updating and displaying the scannable time of the changed object or the changed diagnosis subject based on the calculated cumulative scan time includes: By the calculated ratio of the accumulated scan time to the maximum scannable time, the ratio of the second sub-indicator is increased and the ratio of the third sub-indicator is decreased in the indicator for displaying the scannable time.

8. The control method according to claim 5, wherein: The step of displaying an indicator for displaying the scannable time on the display comprises: The scannable time of the object before the change or the diagnosis subject before the change is updated and displayed based on the calculated cumulative scan time.

9. The control method according to claim 8, wherein: The step of updating and displaying the scannable time of the object before the change or the diagnosis subject before the change based on the calculated cumulative scan time includes: By the calculated ratio of the accumulated scan time to the maximum scannable time, the ratio of the second sub-indicator is reduced and the ratio of the third sub-indicator is increased in the indicator for displaying the scannable time.

10. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The step of identifying an object included in the scanning area comprises: Performed by a machine learning model stored in memory.

11. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, comprising: a display configured to display an ultrasound image; an input interface configured to receive user input for controlling the display of the ultrasound image; as well as The processor is configured as: identifying an object included in the scan area; determining a diagnosis topic based on at least one of the user input or the object received from the input interface; Determine the scannable time for each object or diagnostic theme; as well as The display is controlled to display an indicator for displaying the scannable time.

12. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The indicator for displaying the scannable time includes at least one of a first sub-indicator displaying information about an object or a diagnostic subject, a second sub-indicator displaying information about a time when a scan of the object or the diagnostic subject has been performed, and a third sub-indicator displaying information about a remaining scannable time of the object or the diagnostic subject.

13. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The processor is configured to display an indicator for displaying a scannable time of the changed object or the changed diagnosis subject based on the object or the diagnosis subject being changed.

14. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: The processor is further configured to: based on the object or the diagnosis subject being changed, display an indicator for displaying a scannable time of the object before the change or the diagnosis subject before the change.

15. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: The processor is configured to calculate a cumulative scan time of the changed object or the changed diagnosis subject based on the scanning being performed on the changed object or the changed diagnosis subject.

16. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: The processor is configured to update and display a scannable time of a changed object or a changed diagnosis subject based on the calculated cumulative scan time.

17. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: The processor is configured to increase a ratio of the second sub-indicator and decrease a ratio of the third sub-indicator in an indicator for displaying the scannable time by a ratio of the calculated cumulative scan time to the maximum scannable time.

18. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: The processor is configured to update and display a scannable time of an object before the change or a diagnosis subject before the change based on the calculated cumulative scan time.

19. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: The processor is configured to reduce a ratio of the second sub-indicator and increase a ratio of the third sub-indicator in an indicator for displaying the scannable time by a ratio of the calculated cumulative scan time to the maximum scannable time.

20. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a memory configured to store the machine learning model, Wherein, the processor is configured to identify the object through the machine learning model.

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