Ultrasonic image processing device, image processing method thereof, system and program

Abstract

A communication module (130) configured to communicate with an ultrasonic irradiation device (10), an ultrasonic imaging device (20), and a display device (30); and a processor (120) to control an operation related to ultrasonic image processing, the processor (120) is configured to: receive an ultrasonic image from the imaging device (20) through the communication module (130); extract an irradiation area image for a region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasonic image of the imaging device (20) associated with an ultrasonic irradiation signal from the irradiation device (10); correct the irradiation area image according to a variation of the irradiation signal in the irradiation area image in a focused ultrasound state of the irradiation device (10); and control the display device (30) to display the corrected irradiation area image on the display device (30).Fig. of the abridged version: Fig.1.

Description

Title of the invention: Ultrasonic image processing device, image processing method thereof, system and program Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasound image processing device, an image processing method thereof, a system, and a program. Prior Art

[0002] By ultrasound is meant a wave with a frequency of 20 kHz or more and which has the property of penetrating water, and which is widely used in medical fields such as an ultrasound diagnostic device and an ultrasound therapy device.

[0003] The most representative use of ultrasound in the medical field is an ultrasound imaging device utilizing the emission and reflection properties of ultrasound. For example, a device visualizes the reflected time and intensity degree of ultrasound by transmitting ultrasound through the organs of a human body and acquires cross-sectional images within the human body.

[0004] Furthermore, a device burns specific subcutaneous tissues such as tumors in the skin using heat generated by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) or causes degeneration and regeneration of skin tissues.

[0005] However, a conventional device using ultrasound has limitations in effectively monitoring the position on which ultrasound is focused and the degeneration process of tumors, so there is a limit in preventing a safety accident caused by inaccuracies in irradiation and focusing of ultrasound while improving the accuracy of irradiation and focusing of ultrasound.

[0006] [Prior Art Literature]

[0007] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2009-0115728 (published on November 5, 2009) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0009] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the position at which ultrasound is focused and the degeneration process of tumors are effectively monitored, and thus a safety accident caused by inaccuracies in irradiation and focusing of ultrasound can be prevented while improving the accuracy of irradiation and focusing of ultrasound.

[0010] The technical problems of the inventive concept are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0011] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0012] An ultrasound image processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may comprise: a communication module configured to perform communication with an ultrasound irradiation device, an ultrasound imaging device, and a display device; and a processor configured to control an operation in relation to ultrasound image processing, and the processor is configured to: receive an ultrasound image from the ultrasound imaging device through the communication module; extract an irradiation area image for a region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image of the ultrasound imaging device associated with an ultrasound irradiation signal of the ultrasound irradiation device;correcting T irradiation area image according to a variation of the ultrasonic irradiation signal in T irradiation area image in a focused ultrasound state of the ultrasonic irradiation device; and controlling the display device to display T corrected irradiation area image on the display device. ;

[0013] Further, the processor may extract the irradiation area image based on amplitude and phase data.

[0014] Further, the processor may correct a brightness of the irradiation area image to a predefined level.

[0015] Further, the processor may correct an edge of the irradiation area image to a predefined level.

[0016] Furthermore, the processor may further control the display device to display a degeneration area image in the corrected irradiation area image on the display device.

[0017] Furthermore, an ultrasound image processing method performed by an ultrasound image processing device according to another aspect of the present disclosure may comprise: receiving an ultrasound image from an ultrasound imaging device; extracting an irradiation area image for a region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image of the ultrasound imaging device associated with an ultrasound irradiation signal of an ultrasound irradiation device; correcting T irradiation area image according to a variation of the ultrasound irradiation signal in T irradiation area image in a focused ultrasound state of the ultrasound irradiation device; and controlling the display device to display the corrected irradiation area image on the display device.

[0018] Further, the operation of correcting the irradiation area image may comprise correcting a brightness of the irradiation area image to a predefined level.

[0019] Further, the operation of correcting the irradiation area image may include correcting an edge of the irradiation area image to a predefined level.

[0020] Furthermore, the operation of controlling the display device may further comprise controlling the display device to display a degeneration area image in the corrected irradiation area image on the display device.

[0021] Further, an ultrasound image providing system according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure may comprise: an ultrasound irradiation device; an ultrasound imaging device; a display device; and an ultrasound image processing device configured to perform communication with the ultrasound irradiation device, the ultrasound imaging device, and the display device, and the ultrasound image processing device is configured to: receive an ultrasound image from the ultrasound imaging device; extract an irradiation area image for a region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image of the ultrasound imaging device associated with an ultrasound irradiation signal of the ultrasound irradiation device;correcting the irradiation area image according to a variation of the ultrasonic irradiation signal in the irradiation area image in a focused ultrasound state of the ultrasonic irradiation device; and controlling the display device to display the corrected irradiation area image on the display device.

[0022] In addition to the above, a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium for implementing the present disclosure may further be provided.

[0023] In addition to the above, a computer-readable recording medium recording a computer program for implementing the present disclosure may further be provided.

[0024] ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0025] According to the technical solution for solving the problem according to the present disclosure, there is an effect that the position on which ultrasound is focused and the degeneration process of tumors are effectively monitored, and thus a safety accident caused by inaccuracies in irradiation and focusing of ultrasound can be prevented while improving the accuracy of irradiation and focusing of ultrasound.

[0026] The advantages of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned advantages, and other advantages, which are not specifically mentioned herein, will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] [Fig.l] is a diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasound image delivery system according to the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figs.2] illustrates the configuration of an ultrasound image processing device shown in [Fig.l].

[0029] [Figs. 3 to 9] are diagrams illustrating an ultrasound image processing method according to the present disclosure.

[0030] BEST MODE

[0031] In the figures, the same reference numeral designates the same element. This description does not describe all elements of embodiments, and general contents in the technical field to which this description belongs or repeated contents of the embodiments will be omitted. Terms, such as "unit, module, member, and block" may be incorporated as hardware or software, and a plurality of "units, modules, members, and blocks" may be implemented as one element, or "a unit, module, member, or block" may include a plurality of elements.

[0032] Throughout this description, when a part is referred to as being "connected" to another part, this includes a direct connection and an indirect connection, and the indirect connection may include a connection via a wireless communications network.

[0033] Further, where a certain part "includes" a certain element, other elements are not excluded unless explicitly stated otherwise, and other elements may be included.

[0034] Throughout the description of the present invention, when any member is located "on" another member, this includes a case where yet another member is present between the two members as well as a case where one member is in contact with another member.

[0035] It will be understood that terms such as "first" and "second" may be used in the description to distinguish one element from another element, and the elements are not limited by the above terms.

[0036] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless there is a clear exception in the context.

[0037] An identification code in each of the operating steps is used for convenience of description and not to describe the order of the operating steps, and the operating steps may be implemented differently from the described order unless there is a specific order explicitly described in the context.

[0038] Hereinafter, the operating principle and the embodiments of the present description will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0039] In the description of the invention, the ultrasound image processing device may comprise various types of devices capable of performing a functional process and providing a result to a user. For example, the ultrasound image processing device according to the present description may comprise all or any one of a computer, a server device, and a portable terminal.

[0040] Here, the computer may comprise, for example, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet PC, a slate PC, or the like in which a web browser is provided.

[0041] The server device is a server for carrying out communication with an external device and processing information and may comprise an application server, a computer server, a database server, a file server, a messaging server, a proxy server, a web server, or the like.

[0042] The portable terminal is a wireless communication device that secures portability and mobility and may include all types of portable wireless communication devices such as a Personal Communication System (PCS) terminal, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), a Personal Digital Cellular (PDC), a Personal Mobile Telephone System (PHS), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-2000, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-2000, Code Division Multiple Access-W (W-CDMA) and Wireless Broadband Internet (WiBro), or a smartphone, and a wearable device such as a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, a contact lens, or a virtual reality headset (HMD).

[0043] An ultrasound image providing system according to the present disclosure may receive an ultrasound image from the ultrasound imaging device, extract an irradiation area image for a region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image of the ultrasound imaging device associated with an ultrasound irradiation signal of the ultrasound irradiation device, correct the irradiation area image according to a variation amount of the ultrasound irradiation signal in the irradiation area image in a focused ultrasound state, and control the display device to display the corrected irradiation area image on the display device.

[0044] According to the ultrasound image providing system according to the present disclosure, the position on which ultrasound is focused and the degeneration process of tumors are effectively monitored, a safety accident caused by Inaccuracies in ultrasound irradiation and focusing can be prevented while improving the accuracy of ultrasound irradiation and focusing.

[0045] Subsequently, the ultrasound image delivery system will be described in detail.

[0046] [Fig. 1] is a diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasound image providing system according to the present disclosure. [Fig. 2] illustrates the configuration of an ultrasound image processing device shown in [Fig. 1].

[0047] With reference to [Fig.l] and [Fig.2], an ultrasound image providing system 1000 may include an ultrasound irradiation device 10, an ultrasound imaging device 20, a display device 30, and an ultrasound image processing device 100.

[0048] The ultrasonic irradiation device 10 may be a device for irradiating ultrasound. In this case, the ultrasonic irradiation device 10 may comprise a handpiece or an irradiation head equipped with a transducer. However, the present description is not limited thereto, and the ultrasonic irradiation device 10 may be any device capable of irradiating ultrasound.

[0049] The ultrasound imaging device 20 may obtain an ultrasound image and transmit the ultrasound image to the ultrasound image processing device 100. In this case, the ultrasound imaging device 20 may have a probe, and the probe may be mounted on one side of the ultrasound irradiation device 10. For example, the probe may be mounted on a central portion of the irradiation head of the ultrasound irradiation device 10. However, the present description is not limited thereto, and the ultrasound imaging device 20 may be any device capable of obtaining an ultrasound image.

[0050] The ultrasound image processing device 100 may implement operations related to processing an ultrasound irradiation signal and processing an ultrasound image. In this case, the ultrasound image processing device 100 may comprise a memory 110, a processor 120, and a communication module 130.

[0051] The communication module 130 may perform communication with the ultrasound irradiation device 10, the ultrasound imaging device 20, and the display device 30. The communication module 130 may receive an ultrasound image from the ultrasound imaging device 20. The communication module 130 may comprise at least one of a wired communication module or a wireless communication module.

[0052] The wired communication module may include various cable communication modules such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232), power line communication, or telephone service. traditional (POTS) as well as various wired communication modules such as a local area network (LAN) module, a wide area network (WAN) module, or a value-added network (VAN) module.

[0053] The wireless communication module may comprise a wireless communication module that supports various wireless communication schemes such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), 4G, 5G, 6G, and the like as well as a Wi-Fi module and a wireless broadband module.

[0054] The memory 110 may store an algorithm for controlling operations of the elements of the device and data of a program reproducing the algorithm. The processor 120 may perform the operations described above using the data stored in the memory 110. Here, the memory 110 and the processor 120 may be implemented in separate chips, respectively. Alternatively, the memory 110 and the processor 120 may be implemented in a single chip.

[0055] The memory 110 may store data that supports various functions of the device, operating programs of the elements in the device, input / output data, a plurality of application programs (or applications) executed in the device, and operating data and commands of the device. At least a portion of the application programs may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.

[0056] The memory 110 may comprise at least one type of storage medium such as flash memory, hard disk, solid state disk (SSD), silicon hard disk (SDD), micro multimedia card type, card memory type (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, optical disk.

[0057] The memory 110 may store data related to processing of an ultrasound irradiation signal and processing of an ultrasound image. The processor 120 may control operations related to processing of an ultrasound irradiation signal and processing of an ultrasound image.

[0058] The processor 120 may receive an ultrasound image from the ultrasound imaging device 20 and extract an irradiation area image for a region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image from the ultrasound imaging device associated with an ultrasound irradiation signal from the ultrasound irradiation device 10. In this case, the processor 120 may extract the irradiation area image by function of amplitude and phase data. For example, the processor 120 may extract the irradiation area image based on Quadrature Data (IQ).

[0059] The processor 120 can correct the irradiation area image according to a variation amount of the ultrasonic irradiation signal in the irradiation area image in a focused ultrasound state of the ultrasonic irradiation device 10. In this case, when the processor 120 corrects the irradiation area image, the processor 120 can correct a brightness of the irradiation area image to a predetermined level. Furthermore, the processor 120 can correct an edge of the irradiation area image to a predetermined level when the processor 120 corrects the irradiation area image.

[0060] The processor 120 may control the display device 30 to display the corrected irradiation area image on the display device 30. In this case, the processor 120 may further control the display device 30 to display a degeneration area image in the corrected irradiation area image on the display device 30.

[0061] [Fig.3] to 9 are diagrams illustrating an image processing method by ultrasound according to the present description.

[0062] With reference to [Fig.3] to [Fig.9], the ultrasonic image processing method may comprise a receiving operation S300, an extracting operation S310, a determining operation S320, a correcting operation S330, and a checking operation S340.

[0063] In the receiving operation S300, an ultrasound image can be received from the ultrasound imaging device 20 through the communication module 130 (operation S300).

[0064] In the extraction operation S310, the processor 120 may extract an irradiation area image for a region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image of the ultrasound imaging device 20 associated with an ultrasound irradiation signal of the ultrasound irradiation device 10 (operation S310).

[0065] Here, as shown in [Fig.4], the ultrasonic irradiation device 10 can output the ultrasonic irradiation signal corresponding to the ultrasonic irradiation position from an ultrasonic irradiation starting point PI to an ultrasonic irradiation ending point Pn, and the ultrasonic imaging device 20 can output an ultrasonic image I associated with the ultrasonic irradiation signal. For example, the ultrasonic irradiation device 10 can irradiate ultrasound according to an area of ​​the myoma from the ultrasonic irradiation starting point PI to the ultrasonic irradiation ending point Pn to necrotize the myoma. The ultrasonic irradiation device 10 can necrotize the myoma by accumulating heat while moving from the irradiation starting point PI to the ultrasonic irradiation ending point Pn. In In this case, the ultrasonic irradiation device 10 may comprise a handpiece or an irradiation head equipped with a transducer. In addition, the ultrasonic imaging device 20 may obtain an ultrasonic image. Here, the ultrasonic imaging device 20 may include a probe, and the probe may be mounted on one side of the ultrasonic irradiation device 10. For example, the probe may be mounted on a central portion of the irradiation head of the ultrasonic irradiation device 10.

[0066] In this case, the processor 120 can extract the irradiation area image based on amplitude and phase data. For example, the processor 120 can extract the irradiation area image based on Quadrature Intensity (IQ) data. Here, the IQ data can intuitively represent the amplitude and phase data. In this case, the IQ data can also derive a frequency motion value because a phase component is known. Since the processor 120 based on the IQ data can even perform IQ processing with beamforming data when processing with the IQ data, the data rate can also be reduced. Furthermore, the processor 120 can extract a pre-irradiation area image for the region of interest. In this case, the processor 120 can use the extracted pre-irradiation area image data as a default reference value.

[0067] In the determining operation, the processor 120 may determine whether the ultrasound irradiation device 10 is in the focused ultrasound state, based on a variation amount of the ultrasound irradiation signal in the irradiation area image (operation S320). At this time, in the case where there is a variation amount of the ultrasound irradiation signal, the processor 120 may determine that the ultrasound irradiation device 10 is in the focused ultrasound state, and in the case where there is no variation amount of the ultrasound irradiation signal, the processor 120 may determine that the ultrasound irradiation device 10 is in the unfocused ultrasound state. For example, the processor 120 may check for a presence of a variation amount of an ultrasound echo signal. Here, the echo may indicate a color degree of the lesion seen on the ultrasound screen.

[0068] In this case, if there is no variation amount of the ultrasonic irradiation signal, the processor 120 may notify by a warning message indicating the state of unfocused ultrasound through at least one of the ultrasonic irradiation device 10 or the display device 30, and may stop the use of the ultrasonic irradiation device 10. In the case where there is a variation amount of the ultrasonic irradiation signal, the processor 120 may notify the state of focused ultrasound through at least one of the ultrasonic irradiation device 10 or the display device 30. Further, if there is a variation amount of the irradiation signal by ultrasound, the processor 120 can display the amount of variation in the ultrasound echo signal.

[0069] Furthermore, the processor 120 can identify the amount of signal variation (echo change) before the ultrasound is irradiated and the amount of signal variation after the ultrasound is irradiated in the irradiation area image, based on Quadrature Phase (QP) data, and output the amount of signal variation for each operation in a time domain and a frequency domain. Here, the amount of signal variation before the ultrasound is irradiated may have a small amplitude value due to a low reflection coefficient of the tissue, and the amount of signal variation after the ultrasound is irradiated may have a large amplitude value due to a high reflection coefficient of the tissue. In this case, as shown in [Fig.5], the processor 120 can output an amplitude variation amount S by comparing amplitudes before and after ultrasound is irradiated for each time region based on the IQ data. For example, the processor 120 can have an amplitude value of 10 mVpp for one time of ultrasound irradiation, and an amplitude value of 20 mVpp for two time periods of ultrasound irradiation. In this way, the processor 120 can determine the signal variation amount of tissue that becomes hard by being deformed due to ultrasound irradiation. In addition, as shown in [Fig. 6], the processor 120 can analyze a frequency region of the frequency domain by fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the signal for each time region of the time domain, and output frequency components f0 to f4 and amplitude values ​​S2 to S7 associated with the frequency components f0 to f4 based on the analyzed frequency region..

[0070] Furthermore, the processor 120 may further control the display device 30 to display the amount of signal variation for each operation that is output in the time domain and the frequency domain on the display device 30. In this case, the processor 120 may display, for each operation, the amount of amplitude variation obtained by comparing the amplitudes before the ultrasonic irradiation and after the ultrasonic irradiation for each time region, and may display, for each operation, the amplitude value associated with the frequency component according to the analyzed frequency region.

[0071] For example, as shown in (a) of [Fig. 7], the processor 120 may control the display device 30 to display a signal variation amount S8 for 2D-shaped ultrasonic irradiation spots VP1 to VP2 corresponding to a selected B mode (brightness mode) in an irradiation area image II through the display device 30 as an irradiation area image corresponding to an M mode (motion mode). For another example, as shown in (b) of [Fig.7], the processor 120 can control the display device 30 to display a portion designated by a scanning line L (ultrasonic line) in a 2D-shaped irradiation area image 12 corresponding to the above B mode (brightness mode) through the display device 30 as an irradiation area image 13 corresponding to the M mode (motion mode) in a time axis direction. Here, the irradiation area image 13 corresponding to the M mode can intuitively display the variation amount in the time axis direction.In this case, the processor 120 can control the display device 30 to designate an area focused by the scanning line L (ultrasonic line), compare the signal before ultrasonic irradiation with the signal under ultrasonic irradiation according to the designated scanning line L (ultrasonic line), and receive the signal variation amount according to the comparison result and display it as an irradiation area image through the display device 30.

[0072] In the correction operation, the processor 120 can correct the irradiation area image in a focused ultrasound state of the ultrasound irradiation device 10 (operation S330).

[0073] In one example, when correcting the irradiation area image, the processor 120 may correct a brightness of the irradiation area image within a predefined level. Here, as shown in [Fig.8], the processor 120 may extract the irradiation area image for a region of interest (ROI) (operation S331) and distinguish the brightness of the irradiation area image for the region of interest (ROI) (operation S332).

[0074] Then, the processor 120 can correct the brightness of the irradiation area image for the region of interest (ROI) by increasing the brightness to a predefined level (operation S333). Here, the process of correcting the brightness of the irradiation area image by distinguishing and increasing it refers to a process of making the distinction clearer by increasing the distinction between black and white within the image.

[0075] In this case, the processor 120 may extract a histogram range on a black and white channel as a method for distinguishing and increasing the brightness of the irradiation area image. Here, the histogram may be a graphical representation of a degree of distribution of brightness values ​​in the image, and the extraction of the histogram range may be an extraction of a distribution of brightness values ​​distributed from black to white. Indeed, the processor 120 may determine whether a currently visible image is too bright, too dark, or appropriate by extracting the histogram range. For example, the processor 120 may extract the histogram range in a predefined section of 5% to 95% in an image stretching method so that the irradiation area image is clearly seen. However, the The present description is not limited thereto, and the processor 120 may extract the histogram range to another section by setting a parameter appropriate for the condition of the irradiation area image.

[0076] Next, when correcting the irradiation area image, the processor 120 can correct the edge, which is a point where the brightness change is strong depending on the brightness of the irradiation area image, to a predefined level. Here, the processor 120 can extract and synthesize through the x and y Sobel filter using a Sobel algorithm applied with a 3x3 kernel (operation S334). In this case, the Sobel algorithm can highlight and display the boundary line seen in the irradiation area image, adjust the values ​​of the 3x3 dimensional matrix (kernel), and detect the amount of variation in each direction based on the adjusted values ​​of the 3x3 sized matrix (kernel).Additionally, the Sobel filter can extract an image with a highlighted X-direction boundary line and an image with a highlighted y-direction boundary line and synthesize the two images to generate a synthesized image with highlighted boundary lines in all directions.

[0077] Later, the processor 120 can synthesize the original irradiation area image and the Sobel filter and obtain an image with increased brightness and edge (operation S335). In this case, the processor 120 can obtain a sharp image where the boundary line is revived from the original irradiation area image and synthesize the original irradiation area image and the Sobel filter to acquire the image with increased brightness and edge.

[0078] In the control operation, the processor 120 can control the display device 30 to display the corrected irradiation area image on the display device (operation S340). In this case, the processor 120 can further control the display device 30 to display a degeneration area image in the corrected irradiation area image on the display device 30. Here, the display device 30 can visualize the area that is degenerated in the region of interest. In this case, a user can accurately identify the area being degenerated and the area where ultrasound is focused.

[0079] For example, as shown in (a) of [Fig. 9], the display device 30 can display an image before the ultrasound irradiation, and as shown in (b) to (e), the display device 30 can display an image where the degeneration of the myoma in the corrected irradiation area image increases from operation (b) to operation (e) during the ultrasound irradiation. In this case, the ultrasound irradiation device 10 can maintain a focusing depth and a focusing time of the ultrasound in the same state to necrotize the myoma, and can irradiate ultrasound according to an area of ​​the myoma from the irradiation starting point PI by ultrasound (see [Fig. 4]) to the ultrasound irradiation end point Pn (see [Fig. 4]). The ultrasound irradiation device 10 can necrotize the myoma by accumulating heat while moving from the ultrasound irradiation start point PI (see [Fig. 4]) to the ultrasound irradiation end point Pn (see [Fig. 4]). Here, as shown in (f), since the display device 30 concentrates a lot of heat in the middle, the myoma is more necrotic in the Z-axis direction at the ultrasound irradiation points located in the middle rather than at the ultrasound irradiation start point PI (see [Fig. 4]) and the ultrasound irradiation end point Pn (see [Fig. 4]), and the final degenerated shape can be displayed in a spherical shape.In this case, before ultrasound irradiation, the myoma tissue is in a soft state and is marked in black, and during ultrasound irradiation, the myoma tissue is necrotic, hardened, and can be marked in white.

[0080] Thus, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the position at which ultrasound is focused and the process of tumor degeneration are effectively monitored, a safety accident caused by inaccuracies in irradiation and focusing of ultrasound can be prevented while improving the accuracy of irradiation and focusing of ultrasound.

[0081] At least one element may be added or deleted in response to the performance of the elements shown in [Fig.l], [Fig.2], [Fig.4] to [Fig.7], and [Fig.9]. Furthermore, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the elements may be changed in response to the performance or structure of the system.

[0082] [Fig.3] and [Fig.8] illustrate that several operations are carried out sequentially, but this is only an example of describing the technical concept of this embodiment, and the person skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs may change the order described in [Fig.3] and [Fig.8] or may variably modify the execution of one or more multiple operations in parallel in the field of application not arising from the essential characteristics of this embodiment.

[0083] In this case, the described embodiments may be implemented as a re-encoding medium that stores computer-executable commands. The commands may be stored as program codes, and when the commands are executed by the processor, the commands may generate a program module and perform the operations of the described embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented with a computer-readable recording medium.

[0084] The computer-readable recording medium may comprise any type of recording medium in which the computer-interpretable commands are stored. For example, the recording medium may comprise a read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage device, and the like.

[0085] While the inventive concept has been described with reference to embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept. It should therefore be understood that the above embodiments are not limiting, but illustrative.

Claims

Claims

1. An ultrasound image processing device (100), comprising: a communication module (130) configured to perform communication with an ultrasound irradiation device (10), an ultrasound imaging device (20), and a display device (30); and a processor (120) configured to control an operation in relation to ultrasound image processing, the processor (120) being configured to: receive an ultrasound image from the ultrasound imaging device (20) through the communication module (130); extract an irradiation area image for a region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image of the ultrasound imaging device (20) associated with an ultrasound irradiation signal of the ultrasound irradiation device (10);correcting the irradiation area image according to a variation amount of the ultrasonic irradiation signal in the irradiation area image in a focused ultrasound state of the ultrasonic irradiation device (10); and controlling the display device (30) to display the corrected irradiation area image on the display device (30).;

2. An ultrasound image processing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (120) is configured to extract the irradiation area image based on amplitude and phase data.

3. An ultrasound image processing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (120) is configured to correct a brightness of the irradiation area image to a predefined level.

4. An ultrasound image processing device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the processor (120) is configured to correct an edge of the irradiation area image to a predefined level.

5. The ultrasound image processing device (100) of claim 1, wherein the processor (120) is further configured to control the display device (30) to display a degeneration area image in the corrected irradiation area image on the display device (30).

6. An ultrasound image processing method performed by an ultrasound image processing device (100) according to claims 1 to 5, comprising: receiving (S300) an ultrasound image from an ultrasound imaging device (20); extracting (S310) an irradiation area image for a region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image of the ultrasound imaging device (20) associated with an ultrasound irradiation signal of an ultrasound irradiation device (10); correcting (S330) the irradiation area image according to a variation amount of the ultrasound irradiation signal in the irradiation area image in a focused ultrasound state of the ultrasound irradiation device (10); and controlling (S340) a display device (30) to display the corrected irradiation area image on the display device (30).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein correcting (S330) the irradiation area image comprises correcting a brightness of the irradiation area image to a predefined level.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein correcting (S330) the irradiation area image comprises correcting an edge of the irradiation area image to a predefined level.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein controlling (S340) the display device (30) further comprises controlling the display device (30) to display a degeneration area image in the corrected irradiation area image on the display device (30).

10. An ultrasound image providing system (100), comprising: an ultrasound irradiation device (10); an ultrasound imaging device (20); a display device (30); and an ultrasound image processing device (100) configured to perform communication with the ultrasound irradiation device (10), the ultrasound imaging device (20) and the display device (30), wherein the ultrasound image processing device (100) is configured to: receiving an ultrasound image from the ultrasound imaging device (20); extracting an irradiation area image for a region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image of the ultrasound imaging device (20) associated with an ultrasound irradiation signal of the ultrasound irradiation device (10); correcting the irradiation area image according to a variation amount of the ultrasonic irradiation signal in the irradiation area image in a focused ultrasound state of the ultrasonic irradiation device (10); and controlling the display device (30) to display the corrected irradiation area image on the display device (30).

Images