Ultrasonic image processing apparatus, ultrasonic diagnostic system, and ultrasonic image processing method

Abstract

To improve the operability of display operation in an ultrasonic image processor.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic image processing apparatus includes a display device, a detection unit, a setting unit, a display control unit, and a display processing unit. The display device includes a display screen on which an ultrasonic image concerning a subject is displayed. The detection unit detects a touch operation of a user on the display screen. The processing circuitry sets, when a first touch operation on the ultrasonic image is detected, a target point at a position on the ultrasonic image where the first touch operation is performed. The display control part displays a first GUI component for performing display operation to the ultrasonic image with the object point as a reference in a prescribed area of the display screen. When a second touch operation on the first GUI component is detected, the display control unit performs display processing on the ultrasonic image according to the second touch operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the specification and drawings relate to an ultrasound imaging device, an ultrasound diagnostic system, and an ultrasound image processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, compact ultrasound diagnostic systems have been realized by connecting an ultrasound probe to a mobile device such as a smartphone with ultrasound software installed. Users are required to operate the mobile device with one hand and hold it with the other.

[0003] However, operating ultrasound images on a mobile device requires operations such as multi-tapping, which are difficult to perform with one hand while holding the mobile device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-269139 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve the operability of display operations in an ultrasound image processing device. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An ultrasound image processing device according to an embodiment includes a display device, a detection unit, a setting unit, a display control unit, and a display processing unit. The display device includes a display screen on which an ultrasound image related to a subject is displayed. The detection unit detects a user's touch operation on the display screen. When a first touch operation on the ultrasound image is detected, the setting unit sets a target point at the position on the ultrasound image where the first touch operation was performed. The display control unit displays a first GUI component in a predetermined area of ​​the display screen for performing a display operation on the ultrasound image based on the target point. When a second touch operation on the first GUI component is detected, the display control unit performs display processing on the ultrasound image in accordance with the second touch operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of connections in the ultrasound diagnostic system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of ultrasound image processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a target point according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display position of the first GUI component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating display processing for an ultrasound image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is another diagram illustrating the display process for the ultrasound image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the flow of ultrasound image processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a first diagram illustrating an example of superimposed display of an ultrasound image, a region of interest, and supplementary information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a second diagram illustrating an example of superimposed display of an ultrasound image, a region of interest, and supplementary information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a third diagram illustrating an example of superimposed display of an ultrasound image, a region of interest, and supplementary information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a fourth diagram illustrating an example of superimposed display of an ultrasound image, a region of interest, and supplementary information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a target point according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating display processing for an ultrasound image according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the positions of the first display area and the second display area according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the positions of the first display area and the second display area according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of an ultrasound image processing device, an ultrasound diagnostic system, and an ultrasound image processing method will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the ultrasound image processing device 1 has an ultrasound probe 2 and a mobile device 3. The ultrasound probe 2 and the mobile device 3 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless connection so that they can communicate with each other.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the connection between an ultrasonic probe 2 and a mobile device 3. The ultrasonic probe 2 and mobile device 3 shown in FIG. 2 are connected via a wired connection. A user holds the ultrasonic probe 2 and the mobile device 3 in different hands and adjusts the contact position of the ultrasonic probe 2 with the subject P while observing an ultrasound image on the mobile device 3. The mobile device 3 is operated with the fingers of the hand holding it. Specifically, it is preferable to operate the mobile device 3 with the thumb of the hand holding it. For simplicity, the ultrasonic probe 2 and wired cable are not shown below.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe 2 performs an ultrasonic scan of a scan region within the subject P under control of, for example, the mobile device 3. The ultrasonic probe 2 is, for example, a 1D array linear probe in which multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a predetermined direction, a 2D array probe in which multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a matrix, or a mechanical 4D probe that can perform ultrasonic scanning by mechanically moving an array of ultrasonic transducers in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction. The ultrasonic probe 2 includes a processing circuit 21, a transducer unit 22, an ultrasonic transmission / reception circuit 23, and a communication interface 24.

[0012] The transducer section 22 includes, for example, an ultrasonic vibrator array, a matching layer provided on the ultrasonic vibrator, a backing material that prevents ultrasonic waves from propagating backward from the ultrasonic vibrator, etc. The ultrasonic vibrator is, for example, a piezoelectric vibrator, and is manufactured from, for example, piezoelectric ceramic.

[0013] The ultrasonic transducer array generates ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from the ultrasonic transmission / reception circuit 23. As a result, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the transducer unit 22 to the subject P. When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the transducer unit 22 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected one after another by discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the internal tissue of the subject P. The reflected waves are received by the ultrasonic transducer array and converted into electrical signals (echo signals). The amplitude of the received reflected signals depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surfaces from which the ultrasonic waves are reflected. Furthermore, when a transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the surface of a moving blood flow or a heart wall, etc., the echo signal undergoes a frequency shift due to the Doppler effect depending on the velocity component in the ultrasonic transmission direction of the moving object.

[0014] The ultrasonic transmission / reception circuit 23 is a processor that supplies a drive signal to the transducer section 22. For convenience of explanation, the ultrasonic transmission / reception circuit 23 will be described below separately as an ultrasonic transmission circuit and an ultrasonic reception circuit.

[0015] The ultrasonic transmission circuit is realized by, for example, a trigger generation circuit, a transmission delay circuit, and a pulser circuit (pulser group). The trigger generation circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses at a predetermined rate frequency to form transmission ultrasonic waves. The transmission delay circuit provides each rate pulse generated by the trigger generation circuit with a delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator required to focus the ultrasonic waves generated from the transducer unit 22 onto a beam and determine the transmission directivity. The pulser circuit applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic vibrator array provided in the transducer unit 22 at a timing based on the rate pulse. By changing the delay time provided to each rate pulse by the transmission delay circuit, the transmission direction from the surface of the piezoelectric vibrator can be adjusted as desired.

[0016] The ultrasonic receiving circuit is a processor that performs various processes on the echo signals received by the transducer unit 22. Specifically, the ultrasonic receiving circuit is realized by, for example, a preamplifier (preamplifier group), an A / D converter, a demodulator, and a beamformer (reception delay and addition circuit). The preamplifier amplifies the echo signals received by the transducer unit 22 for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D converter converts the gain-corrected echo signals into digital signals. The demodulator demodulates the digital signals. The beamformer, for example, applies a delay time required to determine the reception directivity to the demodulated digital signals and adds together the multiple digital signals that have been given the delay time. The addition processing of the beamformer generates a reception signal in which the reflection components from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity are emphasized.

[0017] The processing circuitry 21 is, for example, a processor that controls the operation of the ultrasound probe 2. The processing circuitry 21 executes a mode switching function 211, a probe control function 212, and the like by a processor that executes a program stored in a memory (not shown). Each of the functions 211-212 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single processing circuit. A processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each of the functions 211-212.

[0018] The processing circuit 21 switches the operation mode of ultrasonic transmission and reception in the mode switching function 211. The processing circuit 21 switches the operation mode in response to an instruction from the mobile device 3 using the mode switching function 211.

[0019] The operating modes include, for example, B mode, M mode, Color Doppler Imaging (CDI) mode, Power mode, Super Microvascular Imaging (SMI) mode, Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) mode, and Doppler mode.

[0020] B-mode is a mode that converts echo signal strength into brightness and displays an image. M-mode is a mode that displays images of changes over time in moving echo sources. CDI mode is a mode that displays blood flow velocity information. Power mode is a mode that displays blood flow power information. SMI mode is a mode that displays minute blood flow information by highlighting blood flow and suppressing clutter. TDI mode is a mode that uses the Doppler effect to display information on the movement of tissues within a living body in color.

[0021] Doppler mode is a mode that uses the Doppler effect to display information about the velocity of blood flow within the body. Doppler mode is further divided into Pulse Wave (PW) mode and Continuous Wave (CW) mode. PW mode is a mode that uses the pulsed Doppler method. CW mode is a mode that uses the continuous wave Doppler method.

[0022] In the probe control function 212, the processing circuitry 21 controls basic operations such as transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 2. For example, the processing circuitry 21 controls each part and each circuit of the ultrasonic probe 2 based on instructions from the mobile device 3 using the probe control function 212.

[0023] The communication interface 24 is wirelessly connected to the mobile device 3 in accordance with, for example, any wireless communication standard. Note that the communication interface 24 may have, for example, a USB port or the like, and may be wired via an interface cable (IFC) with a USB terminal. The communication interface 24 may also be connected to an external device via, for example, a network, and may perform data communication with the external device.

[0024] The mobile device 3 controls the ultrasound probe 2 and generates and displays ultrasound images based on echo signals received by the ultrasound probe 2. The mobile device 3 is a portable computer terminal.

[0025] The mobile device 3 comprises a processing circuit 31, a memory 32, an image memory 33, an input interface , a display 35 and a communication interface .

[0026] The memory 32 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an integrated circuit storage device that stores various information. The memory 32 stores, for example, a program for implementing ultrasound transmission and reception, ultrasound image data, and various data. In addition to an HDD or SSD, the memory 32 may be a portable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a flash memory. The memory 32 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various information from and to semiconductor memory elements such as flash memory and RAM. The storage area of ​​the memory 32 may be located inside the mobile device 3 or in an external storage device connected via a network.

[0027] The image memory 33 includes a processor-readable storage medium, such as a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, or a semiconductor memory. The image memory 33 stores image data corresponding to a plurality of frames immediately before a freeze operation, which is input via the input interface 34. The image data stored in the image memory 33 is displayed continuously (cine display), for example.

[0028] The memory 32 and the image memory 33 do not necessarily have to be realized by independent storage devices. The memory 32 and the image memory 33 may be realized by a single storage device. Furthermore, each of the memory 32 and the image memory 33 may be realized by multiple storage devices.

[0029] The input interface 34 receives various instructions from the user, converts the received input operations into electrical signals, and outputs them to the processing circuit 31. As the input interface 34, for example, a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, rotary encoder, operation panel, touch command screen (TCS), touchpad, touch panel display, etc. can be used as appropriate.

[0030] The display 35 displays various types of information. For example, the display 35 outputs ultrasound images generated by the processing circuit 31, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the user, and the like. Any of a variety of displays can be used as the display 35 as appropriate. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an organic electroluminescence display (OLED), or a plasma display can be used as the display 35. The display 35 is part of a display screen on which ultrasound images and a user interface are displayed.

[0031] The mobile device 3 according to this embodiment has at least a touch panel display as a component of the input interface 34 and the display 35. Hereinafter, the display screen will be referred to as a touch panel display. However, the display screen is not limited to a touch panel display.

[0032] The communication interface 36 is wirelessly connected to the ultrasound probe 2 according to, for example, any wireless communication standard. The communication interface 36 may have, for example, a USB port or the like, and may be wired via an IFC having a USB terminal. The communication interface 36 may also be connected to an external device via a network, for example, and may perform data communication with the external device.

[0033] The processing circuitry 31 controls the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 in response to electrical signals of input operations output from the input interface 34. For example, the processing circuitry 31 has, as hardware resources, a processor such as a CPU and memories such as ROM and RAM. The processing circuitry 31 executes a B-mode processing function 311, a Doppler processing function 312, an image generation function 313, a display control function 314, a system control function 315, a detection function 316, a setting function 317, and a display processing function 318, etc., using a processor that executes a program loaded in the memory 32. Each of the functions 311-318 is not limited to being realized by a single processing circuit. A processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each of the functions 311-318.

[0034] In the B-mode processing function 311, the processing circuitry 31 generates B-mode data based on the received signal from the ultrasonic probe 2. More specifically, the processing circuitry 31 performs, for example, envelope detection processing and logarithmic compression processing on the received signal received from the ultrasonic probe 2 using the B-mode processing function 311, to generate data (B-mode data) in which signal intensity is expressed as brightness. The generated B-mode data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as B-mode RAW data on a two-dimensional ultrasonic scan line (raster).

[0035] In the Doppler processing function 312, the processing circuitry 31 performs frequency analysis on the received signal from the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate data (Doppler information) that extracts motion information based on the Doppler effect of a moving object within a ROI (Region Of Interest) set in the scan region. The generated Doppler information is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as Doppler RAW data on a two-dimensional ultrasonic scan line.

[0036] In the image generation function 313, the processing circuitry 31 is a function that generates various types of ultrasound image data based on data generated by the B-mode processing function 311 and / or the Doppler processing function 312. Specifically, the processing circuitry 31 uses the image generation function 313 to perform, for example, RAW data-pixel conversion on the B-mode RAW data stored in the RAW data memory, for example, coordinate conversion according to the ultrasound scanning form of the ultrasound probe 2, thereby generating B-mode image data made up of pixels.

[0037] The processing circuitry 31 also generates Doppler image data in which blood flow information is visualized, for example, by performing RAW-to-pixel conversion on the Doppler RAW data stored in the RAW data memory. The Doppler image data is mean velocity image data, variance image data, power image data, or image data that is a combination of these.

[0038] In the display control function 314, the processing circuitry 31 is a function that displays on the display screen an image based on various ultrasound image data generated by the image generation function 313. Specifically, for example, the processing circuitry 31 controls, by the display control function 314, the display on the display screen of an image based on B-mode image data, Doppler image data, or image data including both of these generated by the image generation function 313. Furthermore, in the display control function 314, the processing circuitry 31 displays, in a predetermined area on the display screen, a first GUI component for performing display operations on the ultrasound image based on a target point.

[0039] The first GUI component is a GUI component for performing display processing on an ultrasound image displayed on a display screen. The display processing is image processing related to the display of the ultrasound image displayed on a display screen. The display processing includes, for example, enlarging / reducing the ultrasound image, moving the display area displaying the ultrasound image, and / or processing the image quality of the ultrasound image. The display operation is an operation for executing the display processing.

[0040] More specifically, the processing circuitry 31 converts (scan converts), for example, a scan line signal sequence of an ultrasound scan into a scan line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, using the display control function 314, to generate image data for display. The processing circuitry 31 may also perform various processes on the image data for display, such as dynamic range, brightness, contrast, gamma curve correction, and RGB conversion. The processing circuitry 31 may also generate a user interface for an operator to input various instructions via the input interface 34, and display the user interface on the display screen.

[0041] The system control function 315 is a function that controls the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnostic system 1. For example, the processing circuitry 31 controls the ultrasound probe 2 based on parameters related to the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves using the system control function 315. As an example, the system control function 315 acquires a received signal from the ultrasound probe 2.

[0042] In the detection function 316, the processing circuitry 31 detects a touch operation on the display screen, and transmits an electrical signal corresponding to the detected touch operation to each circuit and each unit.

[0043] When a first touch operation on an ultrasound image is detected, the processing circuitry 31 in the setting function 317 sets a target point at the position on the ultrasound image where the first touch operation was performed. The target point may be set at a pixel on the ultrasound image, or at coordinates set on the ultrasound image. The target point is a point that serves as a reference for display processing.

[0044] When a second touch operation on the first GUI component displayed by the display control function 314 is detected, the processing circuitry 31 in the display processing function 318 performs display processing on the ultrasound image in response to the second touch operation.

[0045] The following describes in detail the mobile device 3, which is the ultrasound image processing device 1. In the following description, the mobile device 3 is treated as a smartphone, but the present embodiment is not limited to this.

[0046] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of ultrasound image processing according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the processing circuitry 31 acquires ultrasound signals by implementing the system control function 315 (step S11). The ultrasound signals are acquired via the ultrasound probe 2. The ultrasound signals may also be called echo signals. Furthermore, the processing circuitry 31 may perform data processing on the acquired reception signals by implementing the B-mode processing function 311 and / or the Doppler processing function 312 to generate B-mode data and / or Doppler RAW data.

[0047] After step S11 is performed, the processing circuitry 31 generates an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound signals collected in step S11 by implementing the image generation function 313 (step S12). The ultrasound image is, for example, a B-mode image, a Doppler mode image, and / or a color Doppler mode image.

[0048] When step S12 is performed, the processing circuitry 31 displays the ultrasound image generated in step S12 (step S13) by implementing the display control function 314. The processing circuitry 31 displays the ultrasound image on a display screen, for example.

[0049] When step S13 is performed, the processing circuitry 31, by implementing the setting function 317, sets a target point at the position on the ultrasound image where the first touch operation was performed if a first touch operation on the ultrasound image displayed in step S13 is detected (step S14). The target point is, for example, the center point in the enlargement process of the ultrasound image. As an example, the first touch operation is a press (long press).

[0050] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting the target point. As shown in Fig. 4, a first display area 351 and a second display area 352 are displayed on the display screen of the mobile device 3. As an example, they may be displayed in a first layout in which the first display area 351 and the second display area 352 are arranged in this order from top to bottom in the longitudinal direction of the display screen. For example, an ultrasound image 81 is displayed in the first display area 351. For example, a user interface that accepts input for the ultrasound image 81 is displayed in the second display area 352.

[0051] Hereinafter, the first display area 351 will be referred to as the image display area 351. The second display area 352 will be referred to as the UI display area 352. The processing circuitry 31 sets a target point by detecting a first touch operation on the ultrasound image 81 displayed in the image display area 351. When the processing circuitry 31 detects multiple first touch operations, it is preferable that the processing circuitry 31 sets the target point at the position where the most recent first touch operation was detected. Setting the target point makes it possible to perform display processing based on a position of interest to the user.

[0052] The first touch operation is not limited to a press. The first touch operation may be a tap, a double tap, a triple tap, a press and hold, a swipe, a drag, a scrub, and / or a scroll, etc. The display screen does not need to be divided into the image display area 351 and the UI display area 352. For example, a user interface may be displayed on the image display area 351 as appropriate in response to a touch operation on the image display area 351.

[0053] When step S14 is performed, the processing circuitry 31, by implementing the display control function 314, displays a first GUI component in a predetermined area of ​​the display screen for performing a display operation on the ultrasound image based on the target point set in step S14 (step S15). The display processing is, for example, a zoom-in / zoom-out process for the ultrasound image displayed in the image display area. The predetermined area is, for example, the UI display area. The first GUI component is, for example, a slider bar. Hereinafter, the first GUI component will be referred to as a zoom-in GUI component. Note that the first GUI component is not limited to zoom-in / zoom-out processing.

[0054] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an enlargement GUI component. As shown in Fig. 5, an image display area 351 and a UI display area 352 are displayed on the display screen of the mobile device 3. An ultrasound image 81 is displayed in the image display area 351. A target point 911 is set on the ultrasound image 81. The UI display area 352 includes, as an enlargement GUI component 821, a slider bar that can slide up and down on the mobile device 3. The enlargement GUI component 821 is a GUI component for adjusting the enlargement magnification of the enlargement process on the ultrasound image 81 based on the target point 911, for example.

[0055] If a GUI component is already displayed at the position where the enlarged GUI component 821 is to be displayed, for example, the processing circuitry 31 hides, reduces, and / or moves the GUI component, and displays the enlarged GUI component 821 at the new position. The enlarged GUI component 821 may be displayed, for example, near the thumb of the hand holding the mobile device 3.

[0056] 5, when the mobile device 3 is held in the right hand, the enlarged GUI component 821 may be displayed in the right half of the UI display area 352. When the mobile device 3 is held in the left hand, the enlarged GUI component 821 may be displayed in the left half of the UI display area 352. As an example, the processing circuit 31 uses a tactile sensor in the ultrasound probe 2 to identify whether the hand holding the mobile device 3 is the right hand or the left hand.

[0057] By using a slider bar that can slide up and down as the enlarged GUI component 821, it is possible to facilitate display operations with the hand that the user is holding the mobile device 3. In addition, by changing the display position of the enlarged GUI component 821 depending on the hand that the user is holding the mobile device 3 with, it is also possible to facilitate display operations with the hand that the user is holding the mobile device 3 with.

[0058] Note that the target point 911 may or may not be displayed. The processing circuitry 31 switches between displaying and hiding the target point in response to, for example, a specific touch operation. Furthermore, the hand holding the mobile device 3 is not limited to being identified by the tactile sensor of the ultrasound probe 2. For example, the hand may be automatically identified by various sensors of the mobile device 3, or may be identified by a user manually inputting the hand into the mobile device 3.

[0059] When step S15 is performed, if the detection function 316 detects a second touch operation on the enlarged GUI component displayed in step S15, the processing circuitry 31 performs display processing on the ultrasound image based on the target point set in step S14 in response to the second touch operation by implementing the display processing function 318 (step S16). The second touch operation is, for example, a swipe or a scrub. The display processing is an enlargement process centered on the target point.

[0060] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing enlargement processing for an ultrasound image 81. As shown in Fig. 6, an image display area 351 and a UI display area 352 are displayed on the display screen of the mobile device 3. The enlarged ultrasound image 81 is displayed in the image display area 351. The UI display area 352 includes an enlargement GUI component 821. As shown in Fig. 6, the enlargement GUI component 821 may be a slider bar that can slide up and down on the display screen.

[0061] 6, by sliding the enlargement GUI component 821 upward, the ultrasound image 81 is enlarged around the target point 911. This enlargement process is performed so that as the ultrasound image 81 is enlarged, the target point 911 approaches the center of the image display area 351. By performing enlargement process on the ultrasound image 81 around the target point 911, it is possible to enlarge and display the area of ​​interest to the user on the display screen without having to move the ultrasound image 81 after enlargement.

[0062] Furthermore, by sliding the enlargement GUI component 821 downward, the ultrasound image 81 is reduced around the center point of the ultrasound image 81 .

[0063] After enlarging the ultrasound image 81, a movement process may be performed on the image display area 351. The movement process is, for example, a process of changing the displayed portion of the ultrasound image 81 by moving the image display area 351 relative to the ultrasound image 81.

[0064] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the ultrasound image 81 of Fig. 6 after movement processing. As shown in Fig. 7, an image display area 351 and a UI display area 352 are displayed on the display screen. An enlarged ultrasound image 81 is displayed in the image display area 351. An enlarged GUI component 821 is displayed in the UI display area 352.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7 , region R1, which was located at the center of the image display region 351 in FIG. 6 , is now located below the center of the image display region 351 by moving the image display region 351 upward from its position in FIG. 6 . This movement process causes the entire region R2, which was not displayed in FIG. 6 , to be included in the image display region 351. By accepting a touch operation with one finger, such as a swipe or flick, on the ultrasound image 81, the processing circuit 31 calculates the direction and amount of movement of the image display region 351 and moves the image display region 351 according to the direction and amount of movement. This touch operation may be referred to as a third touch operation. By moving the image display region 351, it is possible to easily search for the vicinity of a region of interest in the enlarged ultrasound image 81. Furthermore, accepting a touch operation with one finger allows for easy operation while holding the mobile device 3.

[0066] The movement process is not limited to moving the image display region 351 upward relative to the ultrasound image 81. The movement process can move the image display region 351 in any direction relative to the ultrasound image 81.

[0067] When step S16 is performed, the ultrasound image processing according to the first embodiment is completed.

[0068] When multiple first touch operations are detected by the detection function 316, the processing circuitry 31 may set target points at the positions of the multiple first touch operations. In this case, in step S5, the processing circuitry 31 displays multiple first GUI components corresponding to the multiple target points, respectively. The movement process of the ultrasound image is not limited to a touch operation on the ultrasound image. For example, a GUI component for executing the movement process may be displayed in the UI display area 351 in response to a third touch operation, such as a double tap or triple tap, on the ultrasound image, and the movement process may be performed in response to a touch operation (fourth touch operation) on the displayed GUI component. Furthermore, when a target point is set, a display process may be performed on the ultrasound image in response to a specific touch operation, in which the ultrasound image before the enlargement / reduction process is immediately displayed. The ultrasound probe 2 does not necessarily need to be held. For example, this embodiment is applicable as long as the mobile device 3 is held in one hand. This embodiment is also applicable during periods when ultrasound diagnosis is not being performed.

[0069] According to the first embodiment, by setting a target point at an arbitrary position on an ultrasound image with one hand and performing enlargement processing on the ultrasound image based on the target point, it becomes possible to display an enlarged ultrasound image centered on an arbitrary position with one hand without moving the image display area, thereby facilitating display operations with the hand holding the mobile device 3. Furthermore, by moving the image display area in response to a touch operation on the ultrasound image and / or a touch operation on a GUI component with one hand, it becomes possible to easily display a portion of the enlarged ultrasound image that is not included in the image display area with one hand.

[0070] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the user manually sets a target point at a desired position on an ultrasound image. In the second embodiment, a region of interest is automatically set, and a target point is automatically set for the set region of interest. An ultrasound diagnostic system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below. However, components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will be described only when necessary.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0072] The processing circuitry 31 controls the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 in response to electrical signals of input operations output from the input interface 34. For example, the processing circuitry 31 has, as hardware resources, a processor such as a CPU and memories such as ROM and RAM. The processing circuitry 31 executes a B-mode processing function 311, a Doppler processing function 312, an image generation function 313, a display control function 314, a system control function 315, a detection function 316, a setting function 317, a display processing function 318, and an auxiliary information generation function 319, etc., using a processor that executes a program loaded in the memory 32. Each of the functions 311-319 is not limited to being realized by a single processing circuit. A processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each of the functions 311-319.

[0073] When a fifth touch operation on the ultrasound image is detected, the setting function 317 of the processing circuitry 31 sets a region of interest on the ultrasound image and sets the center position of the region of interest as a target point. The fifth touch operation may be, for example, a press, a tap, a double tap, a triple tap, a press and hold, a swipe, a drag, a scrub, and / or a scroll. The fifth touch operation may be assigned the same touch operation as the first touch operation.

[0074] In the incidental information generation function 319, the processing circuitry 31 generates incidental information that can identify each of the multiple regions of interest set by the setting function 317. The incidental information is, for example, text information of various parameters related to the ultrasound image, a scale, a body mark, etc.

[0075] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of ultrasound image processing according to the second embodiment. Steps S21, S22, and S23 shown in Fig. 9 may be similar to steps S11, S12, and S13 shown in Fig. 3. The following description will begin with step S24.

[0076] When step S23 is performed, if the detection function 316 detects a touch operation on the ultrasound image displayed in step S23, the processing circuitry 31 sets a region of interest on the ultrasound image by implementing the setting function 317 (step S24). The touch operation is preferably an operation that can be performed with one finger. The touch operation is, for example, a press. The processing circuitry 31 sets the region of interest according to the brightness, signal strength, color, etc. of the ultrasound image.

[0077] When multiple regions of interest are set, the processing circuitry 31 may generate auxiliary information that can identify each of the multiple regions of interest by implementing the auxiliary information generation function 319. The generated auxiliary information is linked to the corresponding region of interest. Furthermore, the processing circuitry 31 may superimpose the region of interest and / or the auxiliary information on the ultrasound image by implementing the display control function 314.

[0078] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image 81 on which a region of interest and supplementary information are superimposed. As shown in Fig. 10, a UI display area 352 and an image display area 351 are displayed on the display screen of the mobile device 3. In the UI display area 352, various UIs related to the ultrasound image 81 displayed in the image display area 351, including GUI components (not shown), may be displayed. In the image display area 351, the ultrasound image 81 is displayed.

[0079] A portion of the ultrasound image 81 is set as a region of interest. As shown in Fig. 10, three regions of interest, region of interest 91a, region of interest 91b, and region of interest 91c, are set in the ultrasound image 81. As an example, the regions of interest are set in regions of the ultrasound image 81 where the brightness is lower than a threshold value. The regions of interest may be highlighted on the ultrasound image 81. As an example, the regions of interest are highlighted by being superimposed and displayed in a color tone different from the color tone contained in the ultrasound image 81.

[0080] Each of the multiple regions of interest is associated with accompanying information. As shown in FIG. 10, the accompanying information is numbered consecutively from 1 to 3. The accompanying information may be numbered consecutively, for example, starting from 1, in order of increasing abnormal value. The abnormal value may be, for example, the magnitude of the difference between the brightness and a threshold and / or the size of the area of ​​the region of interest. The regions of interest and accompanying information are superimposed and displayed on the ultrasound image 81. As shown in FIG. 10, three regions of interest and accompanying information are superimposed and displayed on the ultrasound image 81.

[0081] By automatically setting a region of interest in response to a touch operation with one finger, users can easily set multiple regions of interest.

[0082] The shape of the region of interest is not limited to an ellipse. The shape of the region of interest may be any shape. Furthermore, the accompanying information may be generated regardless of abnormal values. For example, the accompanying information may be generated in order from the top of the ultrasound image 81. The accompanying information is not limited to a serial number. For example, the accompanying information may be a character string or a color.

[0083] Furthermore, in step S24, the processing circuitry 31 may set each of the predetermined regions into which the ultrasound image is divided as a region of interest according to the shape of the ultrasound image displayed in step S23 by implementing the setting function 317. The processing circuitry 31 sets the region of interest, for example, by reading out a look-up table (LUT) that is stored in advance in the memory 32 and defines regions of interest corresponding to the shapes of the ultrasound image.

[0084] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a region of interest in an annular sector-shaped ultrasound image 81a. As shown in FIG. 11, a UI display area 352 and an image display area 351 are displayed on the display screen of the mobile device 3. The UI display area 352 may display various UIs related to the ultrasound image 81a displayed in the image display area 351, including GUI components (not shown). The ultrasound image 81a is displayed in the image display area 351. A portion of the ultrasound image 81a is set as a region of interest in the ultrasound image 81a. As shown in FIG. 11, the annular sector-shaped ultrasound image 81a is divided into four regions, each of which is set as a region of interest. The annular sector-shaped ultrasound image 81a is generated based on ultrasound signals collected by a convex ultrasound probe 2. The annular sector-shaped ultrasound image 81a is used, for example, for diagnosing the abdomen, etc.

[0085] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a region of interest in a rectangular ultrasound image 81b. As shown in FIG. 12, a UI display area 352 and an image display area 351 are displayed on the display screen of the mobile device 3. The UI display area 352 may display various UIs related to the ultrasound image 81b displayed in the image display area 351, including GUI components (not shown). The ultrasound image 81b is displayed in the image display area 351. A portion of the ultrasound image 81b is set as one region of interest in the ultrasound image 81b. As shown in FIG. 12, nine regions of the rectangular ultrasound image 81b are divided, and each region is set as a region of interest. The rectangular ultrasound image 81b is generated based on ultrasound signals collected by the linear ultrasound probe 2. The rectangular ultrasound image 81b is used, for example, to diagnose muscle fibers, blood vessels, etc.

[0086] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a region of interest in a fan-shaped ultrasound image 81c. As shown in FIG. 13, a UI display area 352 and an image display area 351 are displayed on the display screen of the mobile device 3. The UI display area 352 may display various UIs related to the ultrasound image 81c displayed in the image display area 351, including GUI components (not shown). The ultrasound image 81c is displayed in the image display area 351. A portion of the ultrasound image 81c is set as one region of interest in the ultrasound image 81c. As shown in FIG. 13, six regions of the fan-shaped ultrasound image 81c are divided, and each region is set as a region of interest. The fan-shaped ultrasound image 81c is generated based on ultrasound signals collected by a sector-type or single-type ultrasound probe 2. The fan-shaped ultrasound image 81c is used, for example, for diagnosing the circulatory system, etc.

[0087] Note that the region of interest corresponding to the shape of the ultrasound image is not limited to the regions of interest shown in Figures 11 to 13. Any region of interest corresponding to the shape of the ultrasound image may be defined for any shape.

[0088] When step S24 is performed, processing circuitry 31 sets the center position of the region of interest set in step S24 as a target point (step S25) by implementing setting function 317. If multiple regions of interest are set in step S24, processing circuitry 31 sets a target point at the center position of each of the multiple regions of interest by implementing setting function 317.

[0089] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of target points set on an ultrasound image. As shown in Fig. 14, a UI display area 352 and an image display area 351 are displayed on the display screen of the mobile device 3. The UI display area 352 may display various UIs related to the ultrasound image 81 displayed in the image display area 351, including GUI components (not shown). The ultrasound image 81 is displayed in the image display area 351.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 14, three regions of interest, region of interest 91a, region of interest 91b, and region of interest 91c, are set in ultrasound image 81, as in FIG. 10. A target point is set at the center position of each of the three regions of interest. As shown in FIG. 14, target point 911a set in one of the three regions of interest, region of interest 91a, is enabled. Target point 911b set in the other region of interest 91b and target point 911c set in region of interest 91c are disabled. The enabled target point 911a serves as the reference for display processing. The disabled target points 911b and 911c do not serve as the reference for display processing until they are enabled. By automatically setting target points in the regions of interest, it is possible to facilitate the operation of setting target points.

[0091] Furthermore, when a touch operation (sixth touch operation) on the ultrasound image 81 is detected, the processing circuitry 31 sequentially enables one target point based on the accompanying information by implementing the setting function 317. For example, when the processing circuitry 31 receives a touch operation, it disables the enabled target point and enables one target point among the multiple disabled target points in the order of the serial numbers that are the accompanying information.

[0092] 14, when the detection function 316 detects a touch operation on the region of interest 91a, the region of interest 91b, or the region of interest 91c on the ultrasound image 81, the processing circuitry 31 activates a target point set in the region of interest at the position where the touch operation was performed. Also, when the detection function 316 detects a touch operation on a region other than the region of interest 91a, the region of interest 91b, or the region of interest 91c on the ultrasound image 81 in the image display area 351, the processing circuitry 31 activates the target points in the order of their serial numbers. By switching the activated target point among the multiple target points, it is possible to perform display operations based on a specific target point among the multiple target points.

[0093] Although the target point is illustrated for the purpose of explanation, the target point does not have to be displayed. Furthermore, a touch operation at any position on the display screen may be assigned to the touch operation that activates the target point. The region of interest and / or the additional information do not have to be superimposed on the ultrasound image at all times. For example, the region of interest and / or the additional information may be switched between being displayed and not displayed in response to a specific operation.

[0094] When step S25 is performed, the processing circuitry 31, by implementing the display control function 314, displays a first GUI component for performing display operations on the ultrasound image based on the target point set in step S25 in a predetermined area of ​​the display 35 (step S26). It is preferable that the same processing as step S15 in the first embodiment is performed.

[0095] When step S26 is performed, the processing circuitry 31 performs display processing on the ultrasound image based on the enabled target point by implementing the display processing function 318 (step S27). The display processing is, for example, enlargement processing centered on the target point.

[0096] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the enlargement process for an ultrasound image 81. As shown in FIG. 15, an image display area 351 and a UI display area 352 are displayed on the display screen of the mobile device 3. The ultrasound image 81 that has been enlarged is displayed in the image display area 351. The enlargement process is performed with a target point set in the region of interest 91a as its center point. The UI display area 352 includes an enlargement GUI component 821. As shown in FIG. 15, the enlargement GUI component 821 may be a slider bar that can slide up and down on the display screen.

[0097] 15, by sliding the enlargement GUI component 821 upward, an enlargement / reduction process is performed on the ultrasound image 81 with the enabled target point as the center. This enlargement process is performed so that as the ultrasound image 81 is enlarged, the enabled target point approaches the center of the image display area 351. By performing an enlargement process on the ultrasound image 81 with the enabled target point as the center, the user can enlarge and display a specific region of interest among multiple regions of interest on the display 35 without moving the ultrasound image 81 after enlargement.

[0098] Furthermore, the movement processing shown in the first embodiment may be performed after the enlargement processing according to the second embodiment.

[0099] When step S27 is performed, the ultrasound image processing according to the second embodiment is completed.

[0100] Note that the activation of target points is not limited to the above means. For example, when a plurality of enlarged GUI components corresponding to a plurality of target points are displayed in the UI display area and a touch operation on a specific enlarged GUI component is detected by the detection function 316, the processing circuitry 31 activates only the target point corresponding to the enlarged GUI component and performs enlargement processing on the ultrasound image based on the activated target point.

[0101] According to the second embodiment, the region of interest is automatically set, so that the target point can be automatically set. Also, the region of interest is superimposed on the ultrasound image, so that interpretation of the ultrasound image can be supported.

[0102] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, the image display area and the UI display area are displayed in that order from top to bottom on the display screen. In the third embodiment, the display positions of the image display area and the UI display area are swapped. An ultrasound diagnostic system according to the third embodiment will be described below. However, components having the same functions as those in the first and / or second embodiments are given the same reference numerals and will be described only when necessary.

[0103] In the display control function 314, the processing circuitry 31 swaps the position of the image display area and the position of the UI display area based on a gesture operation of the mobile device 3. The gesture operation includes shaking the mobile device 3. Shaking is an operation of shaking the mobile device 3 in the normal direction of the display screen, which is detected, for example, via an acceleration sensor of the mobile device. By swapping the position of the image display area and the position of the UI display area without a touch operation, the user can swap the position of the image display area and the position of the UI display area while holding the mobile device 3 stably.

[0104] 16 is a diagram showing the swapping of the positions of the image display area 351 and the UI display area 352. As shown in FIG. 16, the image display area 351 and the UI display area 352 are displayed on the display screen of the mobile device 3. The image display area 351 displays an ultrasound image 81. The UI display area 352 may display various UIs related to the ultrasound image 81 displayed in the image display area 351, including GUI components (not shown). The image display area 351 and the UI display area 352 are swapped by a swapping operation such as shaking, and the image display area 351 is disposed below the UI display area 352.

[0105] Note that various display processes may be performed on the ultrasound image 81, GUI components, etc., depending on the interchange between the positions of the image display area 351 and the UI display area 352. For example, a reduced ultrasound image 81 may be displayed in the image display area 351 near the hand holding the mobile device 3.

[0106] According to the third embodiment, by positioning the image display area below the position of the UI display area, it is possible to display an ultrasound image within the touchable range of the thumb of the hand holding the mobile device 3.

[0107] (Fourth embodiment) In the first, second, and third embodiments, the image display area and UI display area are displayed in an orientation where the longitudinal direction of the mobile device is the up-down direction. In the fourth embodiment, the image display area and UI display area are displayed in an orientation where the lateral direction of the mobile device is the up-down direction. An ultrasound diagnostic system according to the fourth embodiment will be described below. However, components having the same functions as those in the first, second, and / or third embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and will be described only when necessary.

[0108] In the display control function 314, when the mobile device 3 is held with both hands, the processing circuitry 31 displays the divided UI display areas in a second layout in which the divided UI display areas are arranged to sandwich the image display area in the longitudinal direction of the mobile device 3. As an example, the processing circuitry 31 uses a tactile sensor in the ultrasound probe 2 to identify whether the hand holding the mobile device 3 is the right hand or the left hand.

[0109] Note that the hand holding the mobile device 3 is not limited to being identified by the tactile sensor of the ultrasound probe 2. For example, the hand may be identified automatically by the mobile device 3, or may be identified by a user manually inputting the hand into the mobile device 3.

[0110] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a second layout of the image display area 351, the UI display area 352a, and the UI display area 352b. The display screen displays various information so that the shorter side of the mobile device 3 is aligned vertically. As shown in FIG. 17, the image display area 351, the UI display area 352a, and the UI display area 352b are displayed on the display screen of the mobile device 3. The image display area 351 displays an ultrasound image 81. The UI display area 352a and the UI display area 352b are arranged to sandwich the image display area 351 from the left and right. The left UI display area 352a displays an image quality GUI component 822 for adjusting the image quality of the ultrasound image 81, for example. The right UI display area 352b displays an enlargement GUI component 821 for enlarging / reducing the ultrasound image 81, for example. As an example, the image quality GUI component 822 may be operated with the left hand. The enlargement GUI component 821 may be operated with the right hand. By dividing and arranging the UI display area, it is possible to improve operability when the mobile device 3 is held with both hands.

[0111] The layout of the image display area and the UI display area is not limited to the layout shown in FIG.

[0112] According to the fourth embodiment, by changing the layout of the display area depending on whether the mobile device 3 is held with one hand or both hands, it is possible to improve operability depending on the hand holding the mobile device 3.

[0113] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to improve the operability of display operations in an ultrasound image processing device.

[0114] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a CPU, a GPU, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). A processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Note that instead of storing a program in a memory circuit, the program may be directly embedded in the processor circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. On the other hand, if the processor is, for example, an ASIC, the function is directly embedded in the processor circuit as a logic circuit instead of storing the program in a memory circuit. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIGS. 1 and 8 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0115] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Ultrasound diagnostic system 2...Ultrasonic probe 3. Mobile devices 21...Processing circuit 22...Transducer section 23...Ultrasonic transmitting / receiving circuit 24...Communication interface 31...Processing circuit 32...Memory 33...Image memory 34...input interface 35...Display 36...Communication interface 211...Mode switching function 212 ... Probe control function 311 ...B-mode processing function 312 ...Doppler processing function 313...Image generation function 314 ... Display control function 315 ...System control function 316 ...Detection function 317 ...Setting function 318 ... Display processing function 319 ...Additional information generation function

Claims

1. a display device having a display screen on which an ultrasound image of the subject is displayed; a detection unit that detects a touch operation by a user on the display screen; a setting unit that, when a first touch operation on the ultrasound image is detected, sets a target point at a position on the ultrasound image where the first touch operation is performed; a display control unit that displays a first GUI component for performing a display operation on the ultrasound image based on the target point in a predetermined area of ​​the display screen; a display processing unit that, when a second touch operation on the first GUI component is detected, performs display processing on the ultrasound image in accordance with the second touch operation; An ultrasound imaging device comprising:

2. the target point includes a center point in a magnification operation of the ultrasound image; The ultrasound image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display process includes the zoom operation toward the target point.

3. 2. The ultrasound image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a first display area in which the ultrasound image is displayed and a second display area in which GUI components are displayed in a first layout in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the display screen.

4. The ultrasound image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the display processing unit performs a process of moving the ultrasound image on the display screen when a third touch operation different from the first touch operation on the ultrasound image is detected.

5. the display control unit displays a second GUI component when a third touch operation different from the first touch operation is detected on the ultrasound image; The ultrasound image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display processing unit performs a process of moving the ultrasound image on the display screen when a fourth touch operation on the second GUI component is detected.

6. 2. The ultrasound image processing device according to claim 1, wherein when a fifth touch operation including the first touch operation on the ultrasound image is detected, the setting unit sets a region of interest on the ultrasound image and sets the center position of the region of interest as the target point.

7. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the setting unit sets a region of the ultrasonic image where the brightness is lower than a threshold value as the region of interest.

8. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the setting unit sets each of a plurality of predetermined regions obtained by dividing the ultrasonic image as the region of interest in accordance with the shape of the ultrasonic image.

9. The ultrasound image processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the display control unit displays the region of interest superimposed on the ultrasound image.

10. further comprising an auxiliary information generating unit that generates auxiliary information that can identify each of the plurality of regions of interest; the setting unit sets the target point at a center position of each of the plurality of regions of interest; The ultrasound image processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the display control unit displays the plurality of regions of interest and / or the supplementary information superimposed on the ultrasound image.

11. when a sixth touch operation different from the fifth touch operation on the ultrasound image is detected, the setting unit sequentially enables one target point based on the accompanying information; The ultrasound image processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the display processing unit performs the display processing on the ultrasound image based on the one enabled target point.

12. The ultrasound image processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the additional information is a serial number of each of the plurality of regions of interest.

13. The ultrasound image processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the display control unit swaps the positions of the first display area and the second display area based on a gesture operation on the display device.

14. The ultrasound imaging apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the gesture operation includes shaking the display device.

15. 2. The ultrasound image processing device according to claim 1, wherein, when the display device is held with both hands, the display control unit divides a second display area in which GUI components are displayed, and displays the first display area in which the ultrasound image is displayed in a second layout in which the GUI components are arranged on either side of the display device in the longitudinal direction.

16. The ultrasound imaging device of claim 1 , wherein the first touch operation and / or the second touch operation includes a press, a tap, a double tap, a triple tap, a press and hold, a swipe, a drag, a scrub, and / or a scroll.

17. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first GUI component is displayed near the thumb of one hand holding the display device.

18. The ultrasound image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first touch operation and / or the second touch operation is performed with only one finger of one hand of the user holding the display device.

19. An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising an ultrasound probe and a mobile device, the ultrasound probe transmits ultrasound to a subject and receives ultrasound signals from the subject; The mobile device a generation unit that generates an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound signal; a display device having a display screen on which the ultrasound image is displayed; a detection unit that detects a touch operation by a user on the display screen; a setting unit that, when a first touch operation on the ultrasound image is detected, sets a target point at a position on the ultrasound image where the first touch operation is performed; a display control unit that displays a first GUI component for performing a display operation on the ultrasound image based on the target point in a predetermined area of ​​the display screen; a display processing unit that, when a second touch operation on the first GUI component is detected, performs display processing on the ultrasound image in accordance with the second touch operation; An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising:

20. Displaying an ultrasound image of the subject; Detecting a touch operation by a user on a display screen on which the ultrasound image is displayed; when a first touch operation on the ultrasound image is detected, a target point is set at a position on the ultrasound image where the first touch operation is performed; displaying a first GUI component in a predetermined area of ​​the display screen for performing a display operation on the ultrasound image based on the target point; when a second touch operation on the first GUI component is detected, performing display processing on the ultrasound image in response to the second touch operation; An ultrasound image processing method comprising:

Images