Ultrasonic volume measuring device and ultrasonic volume measuring system including the same

Abstract

An ultrasonic volume measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first ultrasonic array, a second ultrasonic array, an array controller, and a volume measuring unit. The first ultrasonic array may include a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction and may transmit a first ultrasonic transmission signal. The second ultrasonic array may include a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and may transmit a second ultrasonic transmission signal and may be disposed on one side of the first ultrasonic array. The array controller may provide a control signal for controlling the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array. The volume measuring unit may provide volume information of a measurement site included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasonic reception signal received by the first ultrasonic array and a second ultrasonic reception signal received by the second ultrasonic array. The ultrasonic volume measuring device according to the present invention may include a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in which the first ultrasonic array is arranged, and may accurately grasp volume information of a measurement site included in an image area using the second ultrasonic array disposed on one side of the first ultrasonic array.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasound volume measuring device and an ultrasound volume measuring system including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] When using a one-dimensional array to measure the volume of a predetermined region inside the human body, various inconveniences may arise in measuring the volume accurately. Recently, various researches have been conducted to solve such problems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic volume measuring device that includes a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to a first direction in which a first ultrasonic array is arranged, and that can accurately grasp volume information of a measurement site included in an imaging area by using a second ultrasonic array arranged on one side of the first ultrasonic array. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In order to solve the above problem, an ultrasonic volume measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first ultrasonic array, a second ultrasonic array, an array controller, and a volume measuring unit. The first ultrasonic array may include a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction, and may transmit a first ultrasonic transmission signal. The second ultrasonic array may include a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and may transmit a second ultrasonic transmission signal and may be arranged on one side of the first ultrasonic array. The array controller may provide a control signal for controlling the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array. The volume measuring unit may provide volume information of a measurement site included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasonic reception signal received by the first ultrasonic array and a second ultrasonic reception signal received by the second ultrasonic array.

[0005] In one embodiment, when the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are positioned at a scanning position of the human body, the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array can be turned on alternately in sequence to receive the first ultrasonic reception signal and the second ultrasonic reception signal.

[0006] In one embodiment, the second ultrasonic array can transmit the second ultrasonic transmission signal having a steering angle corresponding to a predetermined angle to the measurement site included in the image area and receive the second ultrasonic reception signal reflected from the measurement site.

[0007] In an embodiment, the ultrasound volume measuring device may further include an image providing unit that provides a first ultrasound image corresponding to the first ultrasound reception signal and a second ultrasound image corresponding to the second ultrasound reception signal for each array position where the first ultrasound array and the second ultrasound array are arranged.

[0008] In one embodiment, the volume measurement unit may calculate maximum width information, which is the maximum width of the measurement area, based on the first ultrasound image provided for each array position, and calculate maximum width information, which is the maximum width of the measurement area, based on the second ultrasound image corresponding to the first ultrasound image, to provide volume information of the measurement area.

[0009] In one embodiment, an angle between a first line connecting the array position to a maximum imaging point corresponding to a maximum imaging depth in the first ultrasound image corresponding to the maximum width information and a second line connecting the center of the second ultrasound array to the maximum imaging point may be a reference angle, and the steering angle may be greater than the reference angle.

[0010] In one embodiment, the array position may be set with reference to the center of the first ultrasound array.

[0011] In one embodiment, the operation mode of the ultrasound volume measuring device may include a scan mode and a search mode. In the scan mode, the maximum width information of the measurement region included in the image area may be calculated by a first ultrasound image provided by the first ultrasound array. In the search mode, when a position equal to the maximum width information is detected while scanning using the first ultrasound array, the maximum width information of the measurement region may be calculated by using the second ultrasound array.

[0012] In one embodiment, the steering angle can be set to increase or decrease in sequence according to a predetermined angle interval.

[0013] In order to solve the above problem, an ultrasound volume measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first ultrasound array, a second ultrasound array, an array controller, a volume measurement unit, and a result provider. The first ultrasound array may include a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction, and may transmit a first ultrasound transmission signal. The second ultrasound array may include a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and may transmit a second ultrasound transmission signal and may be arranged on one side of the first ultrasound array. The array controller may provide a control signal for controlling the first ultrasound array and the second ultrasound array. The volume measurement unit may provide volume information of a measurement site included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasound reception signal received by the first ultrasound array and a second ultrasound reception signal received by the second ultrasound array. The result provider may compare the volume information of the measurement site with predetermined volume reference information and provide a comparison result.

[0014] In one embodiment, the array controller can include a first controller and a second controller. The first controller can provide a first control signal to control the first directional element included in the first ultrasonic array. The second controller can provide a second control signal to control the second directional element included in the second ultrasonic array.

[0015] In order to solve such problems, in an operating method of an ultrasound volume measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first ultrasound array including a plurality of first directional elements arranged along a first direction may transmit a first ultrasound transmission signal. A second ultrasound array including a plurality of second directional elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction may transmit a second ultrasound transmission signal. An array controller may provide a control signal for controlling the first ultrasound array and the second ultrasound array. A volume measuring unit may provide volume information of a measurement site included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasound reception signal received by the first ultrasound array and a second ultrasound reception signal received by the second ultrasound array.

[0016] In one embodiment, when the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are positioned at a scanning position of the human body, the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array can be turned on alternately in sequence to receive the first ultrasonic reception signal and the second ultrasonic reception signal.

[0017] In order to solve such problems, in an operating method of an ultrasound volume measuring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first ultrasound array including a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction may transmit a first ultrasound transmission signal. A second ultrasound array including a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction may transmit a second ultrasound transmission signal. An array controller may provide a control signal for controlling the first ultrasound array and the second ultrasound array. A volume measuring unit may provide volume information of a measurement site included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasound reception signal received by the first ultrasound array and a second ultrasound reception signal received by the second ultrasound array. A result providing unit may compare the volume information of the measurement site with predetermined volume reference information and provide a comparison result.

[0018] In addition to the technical problems of the present invention mentioned above, other features and advantages of the present invention will be described below or can be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from such techniques and descriptions. Effect of the Invention

[0019] The present invention as described above has the following advantages.

[0020] The ultrasonic volume measuring device according to the present invention includes a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to a first direction in which a first ultrasonic array is arranged, and can accurately obtain volume information of a measurement area included in an imaging area using a second ultrasonic array arranged on one side of the first ultrasonic array.

[0021] Furthermore, depending on the embodiment of the present invention, still other features and advantages of the present invention may be newly grasped. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an ultrasound volume measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the ultrasound volume measuring device of FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram for explaining one operation of the ultrasonic volume measuring device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another operation of the ultrasonic volume measuring device of FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram for explaining an image providing unit included in the ultrasonic volume measuring device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing a first ultrasound image generated using a first ultrasound array included in the ultrasound volume measuring device of FIG. 1; [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing a first ultrasound image generated using a first ultrasound array included in the ultrasound volume measuring device of FIG. 1; [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second ultrasound image generated using a second ultrasound array included in the ultrasound volume measuring device of FIG. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second ultrasound image generated using a second ultrasound array included in the ultrasound volume measuring device of FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram for explaining a steering angle applied to the ultrasonic volume measuring device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 11] 2A to 2C are diagrams for explaining operation modes of the ultrasound volume measuring device of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a steering angle applied to the ultrasound volume measuring device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram illustrating an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an array control unit included in the ultrasonic imaging device of FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasound device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] In this specification, when assigning reference numbers to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same components will have the same numbers as much as possible, even if they are displayed in different drawings.

[0024] Meanwhile, the meanings of the terms used in this specification should be understood as follows.

[0025] Unless otherwise clearly defined in the context, singular expressions should be understood to include plural expressions, and the scope of rights should not be limited by these terms.

[0026] It should be understood that terms such as "comprise" or "have" do not preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention devised to solve the above problems will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an ultrasonic volume measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the ultrasonic volume measuring device of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining one operation of the ultrasonic volume measuring device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another operation of the ultrasonic volume measuring device of FIG. 1.

[0029] 1 to 4, an ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first ultrasonic array 110, a second ultrasonic array 120, an array control unit 200, and a volume measuring unit 300.

[0030] The first ultrasonic array 110 includes a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction D1, and can transmit a first ultrasonic transmission signal UT1. For example, the plurality of first direction elements can include a 1_1 element E1_1, a 1_2 element E1_2 to a 1_N element E1_N. The 1_1 element and the 1_2 elements E1_2 to the 1_N elements E1_N can be arranged along the first direction D1, and the first ultrasonic array 110 can transmit the first ultrasonic transmission signal UT1 using the 1_1 element E1_1, the 1_2 elements E1_2 to the 1_N elements E1_N. The second ultrasonic array 120 includes a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, transmits a second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2, and can be arranged on one side SD1 of the first ultrasonic array 110. For example, the plurality of second direction elements may include a 2_1 element E2_1, and a 2_2 element to a 2_N element E2_N. The 2_1 element E2_1, and the 2_2 element to the 2_N element E2_N may be arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, and the second ultrasonic array 120 may be arranged perpendicular to one side SD1 of the first ultrasonic array 110. The second ultrasonic array 120 may transmit a second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2 using the 2_1 element E2_1, and the 2_2 element to the 2_N element E2_N.

[0031] The array control unit 200 can provide a control signal for controlling the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120. The volume measurement unit 300 can provide volume information VI of a measurement region MR included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasonic reception signal UR1 received by the first ultrasonic array 110 and a second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 received by the second ultrasonic array 120.

[0032] In one embodiment, when the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 are placed at a predetermined position on the human body, the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 can be turned on alternately in order to receive the first ultrasonic reception signal UR1 and the second ultrasonic reception signal UR2. For example, the multiple times can include a first time T1, a second time T2, a third time T3, a fourth time T4, and a fifth time T5. The time interval from the first time T1 to the second time T2 can be a first time interval TI1, and the time interval from the second time T2 to the third time T3 can be a second time interval TI2. In addition, the time interval from the third time T3 to the fourth time T4 can be a third time interval TI3, and the time interval from the fourth time T4 to the fifth time T5 can be a fourth time interval TI4.

[0033] For example, the center of the first ultrasonic array 110 may be located at the first point P1 during the first time interval TI1 and the second time interval TI2. In this case, during the first time interval TI1, the ultrasonic volume measurement device 10 may drive the first ultrasonic array 110 based on the first control signal CS1 to transmit the first ultrasonic transmission signal UT1 and receive the first ultrasonic reception signal UR1 reflected from the target object. Meanwhile, during the first time interval TI1, the ultrasonic volume measurement device 10 may turn off and not drive the second ultrasonic array 120 based on the second control signal CS2. During the second time interval TI2, the ultrasonic device may turn off and not drive the first ultrasonic array 110 based on the first control signal CS1, while the ultrasonic device may drive the second ultrasonic array 120 based on the second control signal CS2 to transmit the second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2 and receive the second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 reflected from the target object. In one embodiment, the volume measuring device according to the present invention is located at a first point P1 of a human body during a first time interval TI1 and a second time interval TI2, and can obtain both a first ultrasound image UI1 and a second ultrasound image UI2 of an object photographed at the first point P1. The first ultrasound image UI1 and the second ultrasound image UI2 can be stored in a database, and the volume measuring unit 300 can provide volume information VI of a measurement region MR included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasound reception signal UR1 received by the first ultrasound array 110 and a second ultrasound reception signal UR2 received by the second ultrasound array 120.

[0034] Next, during the third time interval TI3 and the fourth time interval TI4, the center of the first ultrasonic array 110 may be located at the second point P2. In this case, during the third time interval TI3, the ultrasonic volume measurement device 10 may drive the first ultrasonic array 110 based on the first control signal CS1 to transmit the first ultrasonic transmission signal UT1 and receive the first ultrasonic reception signal UR1 reflected from the target object. Meanwhile, during the third time interval TI3, the ultrasonic volume measurement device 10 may turn off and not drive the second ultrasonic array 120 based on the second control signal CS2. During the fourth time interval TI4, the ultrasonic volume measurement device 10 may turn off and not drive the first ultrasonic array 110 based on the first control signal CS1, while the ultrasonic volume measurement device 10 may drive the second ultrasonic array 120 based on the second control signal CS2 to transmit the second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2 and receive the second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 reflected from the target object. In one embodiment, the volume measuring device according to the present invention is positioned at a second point P2 of the human body during a third time interval TI3 and a fourth time interval TI4, and can obtain both a first ultrasound image UI1 and a second ultrasound image UI2 of the object photographed at the second point P2. The first ultrasound image UI1 and the second ultrasound image UI2 can be stored in a database, and the volume measuring unit 300 can provide volume information VI of the measurement region MR included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasound reception signal UR1 received by the first ultrasound array 110 and a second ultrasound reception signal UR2 received by the second ultrasound array 120.

[0035] In one embodiment, the second ultrasonic array 120 may transmit a second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2 having a steering angle SD corresponding to a predetermined angle to a measurement site MR included in an image area, and receive a second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 reflected from the measurement site MR. For example, in order to obtain an image including the measurement site MR using the second ultrasonic array 120, a delay applied to a plurality of second direction elements included in the second ultrasonic array 120 may be changed. When the delay applied to the second direction elements is changed, the steering angle SD of the second ultrasonic array 120 may be changed.

[0036] The ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 according to the present invention includes a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to a first direction D1 in which the first ultrasonic array 110 is arranged, and can accurately grasp volume information VI of a measurement area MR included in an imaging area using a second ultrasonic array 120 arranged on one side SD1 of the first ultrasonic array 110.

[0037] Although the above describes an operation of alternately scanning the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 in a time division manner, the ultrasonic device 10 according to the present invention can also transmit ultrasonic transmission signals using the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 simultaneously, receive ultrasonic reception signals reflected from a target object using the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 simultaneously, and then process the signals to obtain an ultrasonic image.

[0038] In addition, the ultrasound volume measuring device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can also measure the three-dimensional volume of the bladder by using the first ultrasound array 110 to measure the length of the deepest part of the bladder, and using the second ultrasound array 120 arranged at a 90 degree angle to the first ultrasound array 110 to measure the height of an image obtained from the bladder.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an image providing unit included in the ultrasound volume measuring device of FIG. 1, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are diagrams showing a first ultrasound image generated using a first ultrasound array included in the ultrasound volume measuring device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are diagrams showing a second ultrasound image UI2 generated using a second ultrasound array included in the ultrasound volume measuring device of FIG. 1.

[0040] 1 to 9, the ultrasound volume measuring device 10 may further include an image providing unit 310. The image providing unit 310 may provide a first ultrasound image UI1 corresponding to the first ultrasound reception signal UR1 and a second ultrasound image UI2 corresponding to the second ultrasound reception signal UR2 for each array position where the first ultrasound array 110 and the second ultrasound array 120 are arranged. For example, when the center of the first ultrasound array 110 is arranged at the first point P1, a first_1 ultrasound image U1_1 generated based on the first ultrasound reception signal UR1 received by the first ultrasound array 110 may be illustrated as shown in FIG. 6, and the height and width of the measurement site MR illustrated in FIG. 6 may be A1. Next, a second ultrasound transmission signal UT2 is transmitted to the measurement site MR using the second ultrasound array 120, and a second_1 ultrasound image U2_1 generated based on the second ultrasound reception signal UR2 received from the measurement site MR may be illustrated as shown in FIG. 8, and the width of the measurement site MR illustrated in FIG. 8 may be A1.

[0041] Next, the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 may move to a second point P2. When the center of the first ultrasonic array 110 is located at the second point P2, a first_2 ultrasonic image U1_2 generated based on a first ultrasonic reception signal UR1 received by the first ultrasonic array 110 may be illustrated as in FIG. 7, and the height and width of the measurement site MR illustrated in FIG. 7 may be A2. Next, a second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2 is transmitted to the measurement site MR using the second ultrasonic array 120, and a second_2 ultrasonic image U2_2 generated based on a second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 received from the measurement site MR may be illustrated as in FIG. 9, and the width of the measurement site MR illustrated in FIG. 9 may be A2.

[0042] The volume measurement unit 300 can provide volume information VI of the measurement site MR based on a first ultrasound image UI1 generated according to a first ultrasound reception signal UR1 received by the first ultrasound array 110 and a second ultrasound image UI2 generated according to a second ultrasound reception signal UR2 received by the second ultrasound array 120. For example, the volume information VI of the measurement site MR can be obtained using parameters including the height and width of the measurement site MR included in the 1_1 ultrasound image U1_1 and the width and steering angle of the measurement unit included in the 2_1 ultrasound image U2_1.

[0043] In one embodiment, the volume measuring unit 300 may calculate maximum width information, which is the maximum width of the measurement site MR, based on the first ultrasound image UI1 provided for each array position, and calculate maximum width information, which is the maximum width of the measurement site MR, based on the second ultrasound image UI2 corresponding to the first ultrasound image UI1, to provide volume information VI of the measurement site MR. For example, when the center of the first ultrasound array 110 is disposed at the second point P2, the height and width of the measurement site MR included in the first_2 ultrasound image U1_2 may be maximum, and the width of the measurement site MR included in the second_2 ultrasound image U2_2 may be maximum. In this case, the volume measuring unit 300 may provide maximum volume information VI of the measurement site MR using parameters including the height and width of the measurement site MR included in the first_2 ultrasound image U1_2, the width of the measurement site MR included in the second_2 ultrasound image U2_2, and the steering angle. The parameters may be used to correct the width of the measurement site MR included in the second_2 ultrasound image U2_2.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a steering angle applied to the ultrasonic volume measuring device of FIG. 1, FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an operation mode of the ultrasonic volume measuring device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a steering angle applied to the ultrasonic volume measuring device of FIG. 1.

[0045] 1 to 12, in one embodiment, an angle between a first straight line LN1 connecting the array position to a maximum image point MP corresponding to a maximum image depth MD in a first ultrasound image UI1 corresponding to maximum width information and a second straight line LN2 connecting a center CA1 of the second ultrasound array 120 to the maximum image point MP may be a reference angle RD, and a steering angle SD may be larger than the reference angle RD. For example, in order to obtain an image including a measurement site MR using the second ultrasound array 120, a delay applied to a plurality of second direction elements included in the second ultrasound array 120 may be changed. When the delay applied to the second direction elements is changed, a steering angle SD of the second ultrasound array 120 may be changed. When the steering angle SD of the second ultrasound array 120 is set to be larger than the reference angle RD, a wider second direction ultrasound image including the measurement site MR may be obtained. In one embodiment, the array position may be set based on the center of the first ultrasound array 110.

[0046] In one embodiment, the operation mode OM of the ultrasound volume measuring device may include a scan mode SCM and a search mode SEM. In the scan mode SCM, maximum width information of the measurement region MR included in the image area may be calculated by the first ultrasound image UI1 provided by the first ultrasound array 110. In the search mode SEM, when a position equal to the maximum width information is detected while scanning using the first ultrasound array 110, maximum width information of the measurement region MR may be calculated by using the second ultrasound array 120.

[0047] For example, while the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 operates in the scan mode SCM, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 may move to a first point P1, a second point P2, and a third point P3, and scan the height and width of the measurement region MR using the first ultrasonic array 110 to calculate the area information. The area information of the first point P1 to the third point P3 may be stored in a database. Thereafter, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 may operate in the search mode SEM. When the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 operates in the search mode SEM and detects a second point P2 corresponding to the same position as the maximum area information while scanning using the first ultrasonic array 110, the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 may transmit a second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2 to the measurement region MR using the second ultrasonic array 120, and calculate the maximum width information of the measurement region MR based on the second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 received from the measurement region MR.

[0048] In one embodiment, the steering angle SD may be set to increase or decrease in sequence according to a predetermined angle interval. For example, when the steering angle SD is set to a first angle, the steering angle SD may be set to an angle increased by 15 degrees from the reference angle RD, and when the steering angle SD is set to a second angle, the steering angle SD may be set to an angle increased by 30 degrees from the reference angle RD. Also, when the steering angle SD is set to a third angle, the steering angle SD may be set to an angle increased by 45 degrees from the reference angle RD. A user of the ultrasound volume measuring device 10 according to the present invention may adjust the steering angle SD to obtain a proper image of the surroundings including the measurement region MR.

[0049] The ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 according to the present invention includes a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to a first direction D1 in which the first ultrasonic array 110 is arranged, and can accurately grasp volume information VI of a measurement area MR included in an imaging area using a second ultrasonic array 120 arranged on one side SD1 of the first ultrasonic array 110.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an array controller included in the ultrasonic imaging device of FIG.

[0051] 1 to 14, an ultrasound volume measuring system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first ultrasound array 110, a second ultrasound array 120, an array controller 200, a volume measuring unit 300, and a result providing unit 400. The first ultrasound array 110 may include a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction D1, and may transmit a first ultrasound transmission signal UT1. The second ultrasound array 120 may include a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, and may transmit a second ultrasound transmission signal UT2, and may be disposed on one side SD1 of the first ultrasound array 110. The array controller 200 may provide a control signal for controlling the first ultrasound array 110 and the second ultrasound array 120. The volume measuring unit 300 may provide volume information VI of a measurement region MR included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasound reception signal UR1 received by the first ultrasound array 110 and a second ultrasound reception signal UR2 received by the second ultrasound array 120. The result providing section 400 can compare the volume information VI of the measurement region MR with predetermined volume reference information VRI and provide a comparison result CR.

[0052] In one embodiment, the array control unit 200 may include a first control unit 210 and a second control unit 220. The first control unit 210 may provide a first control signal CS1 for controlling a first direction element included in the first ultrasonic array 110. The second control unit 220 may provide a second control signal CS2 for controlling a second direction element included in the second ultrasonic array 120. For example, the first control unit 210 may provide a first ultrasonic transmission signal UT1 by driving only odd-numbered elements among the 1_1 element E1_1, the 1_2 element E1_2 to the 1_N element E1_N corresponding to the plurality of first direction elements based on the first control signal CS1, and may also provide a first ultrasonic transmission signal UT1 by turning off some elements on both sides of the center of the first ultrasonic array among the 1_1 element E1_1, the 1_2 element E1_2 to the 1_N element E1_N corresponding to the plurality of first direction elements.

[0053] The second controller 220 may provide a second control signal CS2 for controlling the second direction elements included in the second ultrasonic array 120. For example, the second controller 220 may provide the second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2 by driving only even-numbered elements among the 2_1 element E2_1, the 2_2 element to the 2_N element E2_N corresponding to the plurality of second direction elements based on the second control signal CS2, and may provide the second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2 by turning off some elements on both sides of the center of the second ultrasonic array among the 2_1 element E2_1, the 2_2 element to the 2_N element E2_N corresponding to the plurality of second direction elements.

[0054] FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasound device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] 1 to 15, in an operation method of the ultrasonic volume measuring device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first ultrasonic array 110 including a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction D1 can transmit a first ultrasonic transmission signal UT1 (S100). A second ultrasonic array 120 including a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 can transmit a second ultrasonic transmission signal UT2 (S200). An array controller 200 can provide a control signal for controlling the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 (S300). A volume measuring unit 300 can provide volume information VI of a measurement region MR included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasonic reception signal UR1 received by the first ultrasonic array 110 and a second ultrasonic reception signal UR2 received by the second ultrasonic array 120 (S400).

[0056] In one embodiment, when the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 are positioned at a scanning position of the human body, the first ultrasonic array 110 and the second ultrasonic array 120 can be turned on alternately in sequence to receive the first ultrasonic reception signal UR1 and the second ultrasonic reception signal UR2.

[0057] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] 1 to 16, in an operation method of an ultrasound volume measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first ultrasound array 110 including a plurality of first direction elements arranged along a first direction D1 may transmit a first ultrasound transmission signal UT1 (S100). A second ultrasound array 120 including a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 may transmit a second ultrasound transmission signal UT2 (S200). An array controller 200 may provide a control signal for controlling the first ultrasound array 110 and the second ultrasound array 120 (S300). A volume measuring unit 300 may provide volume information VI of a measurement region MR included in an image region generated based on a first ultrasound reception signal UR1 received by the first ultrasound array 110 and a second ultrasound reception signal UR2 received by the second ultrasound array 120 (S400). A result providing unit 400 may compare the volume information VI of the measurement region MR with predetermined volume reference information VRI and provide a comparison result CR (S500).

[0059] In the operating method of the ultrasonic volume measurement system according to the present invention, the second ultrasonic array 120 includes a plurality of second direction elements arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 in which the first ultrasonic array 110 is arranged, and is arranged on one side SD1 of the first ultrasonic array 110, so that the volume information VI of the measurement area MR included in the imaging area can be accurately grasped.

Claims

1. a first ultrasonic array including a plurality of first directional elements arranged along a first direction and configured to transmit a first ultrasonic transmission signal; a second ultrasonic array including a plurality of second directional elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, transmitting a second ultrasonic transmission signal, the second ultrasonic array being arranged on one side of the first ultrasonic array; an array controller that provides control signals to control the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array; a volume measurement unit that provides volume information of a measurement site included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasonic reception signal received by the first ultrasonic array and a second ultrasonic reception signal received by the second ultrasonic array, The operation modes of the ultrasonic volume measurement device include a scan mode and a search mode; In the scan mode, a maximum width of the measurement region included in the image area is calculated based on a first ultrasound image provided by using the first ultrasound array; and, in the search mode, when a position equal to the maximum width information is sensed while scanning using the first ultrasonic array, the device calculates maximum width information of the measurement area using the second ultrasonic array.

2. When the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are disposed at a scanning position of a human body, 2. The ultrasonic volume measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are alternately turned on in sequence to receive the first ultrasonic reception signal and the second ultrasonic reception signal.

3. 3. The ultrasonic volume measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the second ultrasonic array transmits the second ultrasonic transmission signal having a steering angle corresponding to a predetermined angle to the measurement area included in the image area and receives the second ultrasonic reception signal reflected from the measurement area.

4. The ultrasonic volume measuring device comprises:

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising an image providing unit that provides a first ultrasound image corresponding to the first ultrasound reception signal and a second ultrasound image corresponding to the second ultrasound reception signal for each scan position where the first ultrasound array and the second ultrasound array are arranged.

5. The volume measuring unit is Calculating maximum width information indicating a maximum width of the measurement region based on the first ultrasound image provided for each scan position; 5. The ultrasound volume measuring device of claim 4, further comprising: calculating maximum width information, which is a maximum width of the measurement region, based on the second ultrasound image corresponding to the first ultrasound image, to provide volume information of the measurement region.

6. 6. The ultrasound volume measuring device of claim 5, wherein an angle between a first line connecting the scan position to a maximum imaging point corresponding to a maximum imaging depth in the first ultrasound image corresponding to the maximum width information and a second line connecting a center of the second ultrasound array to the maximum imaging point is a reference angle, and the steering angle is greater than the reference angle.

7. The ultrasonic volume measuring device according to claim 5 , wherein the scan position is set based on a center of the first ultrasonic array.

8. 8. The ultrasonic volume measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the steering angle can be set to increase or decrease in sequence according to a predetermined angle interval.

9. a first ultrasonic array including a plurality of first directional elements arranged along a first direction and configured to transmit a first ultrasonic transmission signal; a second ultrasonic array including a plurality of second directional elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, transmitting a second ultrasonic transmission signal, the second ultrasonic array being arranged on one side of the first ultrasonic array; an array controller that provides control signals to control the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array; a volume measurement unit that provides volume information of a measurement site included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasonic reception signal received by the first ultrasonic array and a second ultrasonic reception signal received by the second ultrasonic array; A system for measuring an ultrasound volume, comprising: a result providing unit for comparing volume information of the measurement site with predetermined volume reference information and providing a comparison result, The operation modes of the ultrasound volume measurement system include a scan mode and a search mode; In the scan mode, a maximum width of the measurement region included in the image area is calculated based on a first ultrasound image provided by using the first ultrasound array; and, in the search mode, when a position equal to the maximum width information is sensed while scanning using the first ultrasonic array, the maximum width information of the measurement portion is calculated using the second ultrasonic array.

10. The array control unit a first controller providing a first control signal for controlling the first directional element included in the first ultrasonic array; and a second controller providing a second control signal to control the second directional element included in the second ultrasonic array.

11. a first ultrasonic array including a plurality of first directional elements arranged along a first direction transmitting a first ultrasonic transmit signal; a second ultrasonic array including a plurality of second directional elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, transmitting a second ultrasonic transmit signal; an array controller providing control signals to control the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array; a volume measurement unit providing volume information of a measurement site included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasonic reception signal received by the first ultrasonic array and a second ultrasonic reception signal received by the second ultrasonic array, the volume measurement unit calculating maximum width information of the measurement site included in the image area based on a first ultrasonic image provided using the first ultrasonic array in a scan mode, and calculating maximum width information of the measurement site using the second ultrasonic array when a position equal to the maximum width information is detected while scanning using the first ultrasonic array in a search mode.

12. When the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array are disposed at a scanning position of a human body, 12. The method for operating the ultrasonic volume measuring device according to claim 11, further comprising: alternately turning on the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array in sequence to receive the first ultrasonic reception signal and the second ultrasonic reception signal.

13. a first ultrasonic array including a plurality of first directional elements arranged along a first direction transmitting a first ultrasonic transmit signal; a second ultrasonic array including a plurality of second directional elements arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, transmitting a second ultrasonic transmit signal; an array controller providing control signals to control the first ultrasonic array and the second ultrasonic array; a volume measuring unit providing volume information of a measurement site included in an image area generated based on a first ultrasonic reception signal received by the first ultrasonic array and a second ultrasonic reception signal received by the second ultrasonic array, the volume measuring unit calculating maximum width information of the measurement site included in the image area according to a first ultrasonic image provided by the first ultrasonic array in a scan mode, and calculating maximum width information of the measurement site using the second ultrasonic array when a position equal to the maximum width information is detected while scanning using the first ultrasonic array in a search mode; A method for operating an ultrasound volume measurement system, comprising: a step in which a result providing unit compares volume information of the measurement site with predetermined volume reference information and provides a comparison result.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second ultrasonic array transmits the second ultrasonic transmission signal having a steering angle corresponding to a predetermined angle to the measurement location included in the image area and receives the second ultrasonic reception signal reflected from the measurement location.

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