Ultrasonic imaging system and method for controlling same

Abstract

An ultrasonic imaging system of the present disclosure comprises: an input interface (170); a probe (20); and at least one processor (50), wherein the at least one processor (50) can determine an anatomical feature corresponding to a blood vessel selected by a user through the input interface (170), input a color Doppler image to a first artificial neural network model (51) to detect a region in which the determined anatomical feature appears, determine a region of interest (ROI) in the color Doppler image on the basis of the region in which the anatomical feature appears, determine whether aliasing has occurred on the basis of the color Doppler image acquired from the determined region of interest, and determine a sample volume corresponding to a region for acquiring blood flow Doppler data for the blood vessel selected by the user on the basis of the region in which aliasing has occurred.

Description

Ultrasonic imaging system and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging system and a control method thereof.

[0002] In recent years, various medical imaging devices have been widely used in the medical field to obtain visual information about human tissues for the early diagnosis of various diseases or for surgical procedures. Representative examples of these medical imaging devices include ultrasound imaging devices, CT devices, and MRI devices.

[0003] An ultrasound imaging device is a device that non-invasively obtains at least one image of a part inside the object (e.g., soft tissue or blood flow) by irradiating an ultrasound signal generated from a transducer of a probe to the object and receiving information on the signal reflected from the object. In particular, ultrasound imaging devices are used for medical purposes such as observing the inside of an object, detecting foreign substances, and measuring injuries. These ultrasound imaging devices have the advantages of higher stability than imaging devices that use X-rays, real-time image display, and safety due to the absence of radiation exposure, and are therefore widely used along with other imaging devices.

[0004] The disclosed invention is to detect an area in which anatomical features corresponding to a blood vessel from which a user wants to detect information about blood flow appear using an artificial neural network model in a color Doppler image, and to automatically determine a sample volume based thereon.

[0005] An ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an input interface (170) for receiving a command from a user to select at least one blood vessel among a plurality of blood vessels; a probe (20) for transmitting an ultrasound beam to a target object and receiving an ultrasound echo signal; And at least one processor (50) for generating a color Doppler image representing the velocity of blood flow based on the received ultrasound echo signal; wherein the at least one processor (50) determines an anatomical feature corresponding to the blood vessel selected by the user based on obtaining information about the blood vessel selected by the user through the input interface (170), inputs the generated color Doppler image to a first artificial neural network model (51) to detect an area in which the determined anatomical feature appears among the generated color Doppler image, determines a region of interest (ROI) in the color Doppler image based on the area in which the anatomical feature appears, determines whether aliasing has occurred based on the color Doppler image acquired in the determined region of interest, and if it is determined that aliasing has occurred, determines a sample volume corresponding to an area for acquiring blood flow Doppler data for the blood vessel selected by the user based on the area in which the aliasing has occurred.

[0006] A method for controlling an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: transmitting an ultrasound beam to a subject and receiving an ultrasound echo; receiving a command from a user to select at least one blood vessel from among a plurality of blood vessels through an input interface (170); generating a color Doppler image representing a blood flow velocity based on the received ultrasound echo signal; determining an anatomical feature corresponding to the blood vessel selected by the user based on information about the blood vessel selected by the user through the input interface (170); inputting the generated color Doppler image into a first artificial neural network model (51) to detect an area in which the determined anatomical feature appears among the generated color Doppler image; determining a region of interest (ROI) within the color Doppler image based on the area in which the anatomical feature appears; determining whether aliasing occurs based on a color Doppler image acquired from the determined region of interest; And, if it is determined that the aliasing has occurred, determining a sample volume corresponding to an area for acquiring blood flow Doppler data for a blood vessel selected by the user based on the area where the aliasing has occurred;

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, an artificial neural network model is used in a color Doppler image to detect an area in which anatomical features corresponding to a blood vessel from which a user wants to detect information about blood flow appear, and a sample volume is automatically determined based thereon.

[0008] Accordingly, according to one aspect of the disclosed invention, it is effective to increase user convenience by providing a method for automatically determining a sample volume to the user.

[0009] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0010] The present invention can be readily understood by the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals refer to structural elements.

[0011] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are block diagrams illustrating the configuration of an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are drawings showing an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an image output by an input interface included in an ultrasonic imaging device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image and blood flow spectrum output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 24 is a flowchart illustrating data transmitted between components of an ultrasonic imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0035] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0036] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0037] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0039] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0040] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0041] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0042] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0043] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0044] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0045]

[0046] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic device according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are assigned similar drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0047] In the present disclosure, the image may include a medical image acquired by a medical imaging device such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, an ultrasound imaging device, or an X-ray imaging device.

[0048] In the present disclosure, the 'object (10)' refers to a subject to be photographed, and may include a human, an animal, or a part thereof. For example, the object (10) may include a part of the body (such as an organ or system) or a phantom.

[0049] Throughout this disclosure, the term 'ultrasonic image' means an image of an object (10) that is processed based on an ultrasonic signal transmitted to the object (10) and reflected from the object (10).

[0050] FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b are block diagrams illustrating the configuration of an ultrasonic imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the ultrasonic imaging system (1) may include a probe (20) and an ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0052] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) may be implemented in a cart-type as well as a portable type. Examples of portable ultrasonic imaging devices include, but are not limited to, smart phones, laptop computers, PDAs, tablet PCs, etc., which include probes and applications.

[0053] The probe (20) may include a wired probe that is connected to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) by wire and communicates with the ultrasonic imaging device (40) by wire, a wireless probe that is connected wirelessly to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and communicates wirelessly with the ultrasonic imaging device (40), and / or a hybrid probe that is connected wired or wirelessly to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and communicates wired or wirelessly with the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0054] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) may include an ultrasonic transmission / reception module (111), and as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the probe (20) may include an ultrasonic transmission / reception module (111). According to various embodiments, it is also possible for both the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the probe (20) to include an ultrasonic transmission / reception module (111).

[0055] According to various embodiments, the probe (20) may further include an image processor (70), a display (150), and / or an input interface (170).

[0056] Accordingly, the description regarding the ultrasound transmission / reception module (111), the image processor (70), the display (150), and / or the input interface (170) included in the ultrasound imaging device (40) may also be applied to the ultrasound transmission / reception module (111), the image processor (70), the display (150), and / or the input interface (170) included in the probe (20).

[0057] Figure 1a illustrates a control block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system (1) when the probe (20) is a wired probe or a hybrid probe.

[0058] The probe (20) may include a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers may transmit an ultrasonic signal to the target object (10) according to a transmission signal applied from the transmission module (113). The plurality of transducers may receive an ultrasonic signal (echo signal) reflected from the target object (10) and form a reception signal. In addition, the probe (20) may be implemented as an integral part with the ultrasonic imaging device (40), or may be implemented as a separate part connected to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) by a wire. In addition, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) may be connected to one or a plurality of probes (20) depending on the implementation form.

[0059] If the probe (20) is a wired probe or a hybrid probe, it may include a cable and connector that can be connected to the connector of the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0060] The probe (20) according to one embodiment may be implemented as a two-dimensional probe. When the probe (20) is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, a plurality of transducers included in the probe (20) may be arranged in two dimensions to form a two-dimensional transducer array.

[0061] For example, a two-dimensional transducer array may be in the form of a plurality of sub-arrays including a plurality of transducers arranged in a first direction in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0062] Additionally, when the probe (20) according to one embodiment is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, the ultrasound transmission / reception module (111) may include an analog beamformer and a digital beamformer. Alternatively, the two-dimensional probe may include one of the analog beamformer and the digital beamformer, or both, depending on the implementation form.

[0063] The processor (50) controls the transmission module (113) to form a transmission signal to be applied to each transducer (117) by considering the positions and focus points of the plurality of transducers included in the probe (20).

[0064] The processor (50) can control the receiving module (115) to generate ultrasonic data by converting an analog-to-digital reception signal received from the probe (20) and adding the digitally converted reception signals by taking into account the positions and focus points of a plurality of transducers.

[0065] When the probe (20) is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, the processor (50) can calculate a time delay value for digital beamforming for each sub-array of a plurality of sub-arrays included in the two-dimensional transducer array. In addition, the processor (50) can calculate a time delay value for analog beamforming for each transducer included in any one of the plurality of sub-arrays. The processor (50) can control the analog beamformer and the digital beamformer to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers according to the time delay value for analog beamforming and the time delay value for digital beamforming. In addition, the processor (50) can control the analog beamformer to add up signals received from the plurality of transducers for each sub-array according to the time delay value for analog beamforming. In addition, the processor (50) can control the ultrasound transmission / reception module (111) to convert the signal added up for each sub-array into analog-to-digital. Additionally, the processor (50) can control the digital beamformer to generate ultrasound data by adding digitally converted signals according to a time delay value for digital beamforming.

[0066] The image processor (70) generates an ultrasound image using the generated ultrasound data. The image processor (70) may be included in the processor (50).

[0067] The display (150) can display the generated ultrasound image and various information processed by the ultrasound imaging device (40) and / or the probe (20). The probe (20) and / or the ultrasound imaging device (40) may include one or more displays (150) depending on the implementation type. In addition, the display (150) may include a touch panel or a touch screen.

[0068] The processor (50) can control the overall operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the signal flow between internal components of the ultrasonic imaging device (40). The processor (50) can perform or control various operations or functions of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) by executing programs or instructions stored in the memory (60). In addition, the processor (50) can receive a control signal from an input interface (170) or an external device and control the operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0069] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) includes a communication module (160) and can be connected to an external device (e.g., a probe (20), a server, a medical device, a portable device (smartphone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.)) through the communication module (160).

[0070] The communication module (160) may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, and may include, for example, at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

[0071] The communication module (160) can also receive control signals and data from an external device and transmit the received control signals to the processor (50) so that the processor (50) can control the ultrasonic imaging device (40) according to the received control signals.

[0072] Alternatively, it is also possible to control the external device according to the control signal of the processor by having the processor (50) transmit a control signal to the external device through the communication module (160).

[0073] For example, the external device can process data from the external device according to control signals from the processor received through the communication module.

[0074] An external device may be installed with a program capable of controlling the ultrasonic imaging device (40), and this program may include commands for performing part or all of the operations of the processor (50).

[0075] The program may be pre-installed on an external device, or the user of the external device may download and install the program from a server providing the application. The server providing the application may include a storage medium containing the program.

[0076] The memory (60) can store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasonic imaging device (40), input / output ultrasonic data, ultrasonic images, etc.

[0077] The input interface (170) can receive user input for controlling the ultrasound imaging device (40). For example, the user input may include, but is not limited to, input for operating a button, keypad, mouse, trackball, jog switch, knob, etc., input for touching a touchpad or touch screen, voice input, motion input, biometric information input (e.g., iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.), etc.

[0078] Fig. 1b illustrates a control block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system (1) when the probe (20) is a wireless probe or a hybrid probe.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) illustrated in FIG. 1b may be replaced with the ultrasonic imaging device (40) described with reference to FIG. 1a.

[0080] According to various embodiments, the probe (20) illustrated in FIG. 1a may of course be replaced with the probe (20) to be described with reference to FIG. 1b.

[0081] The probe (20) may include a transmitting module (113), a battery (114), a transducer (117), a charging module (116), a receiving module (115), a processor (310), and a communication module (119). In FIG. 1B, the probe (20) is illustrated as including both the transmitting module (113) and the receiving module (115), but depending on the implementation form, the probe (20) may include only a part of the configuration of the transmitting module (113) and the receiving module (115), and a part of the configuration of the transmitting module (113) and the receiving module (115) may be included in the ultrasonic imaging device (40). Alternatively, the probe (20) may further include an image processor (70).

[0082] The transducer (117) may include a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers may transmit ultrasonic signals to the target object (10) according to a transmission signal applied from the transmission module (113). The plurality of transducers may receive ultrasonic signals reflected from the target object (10) and form a reception signal.

[0083] The charging module (116) can charge the battery (114). The charging module (116) can receive power from an external source. The charging module (116) can receive power wirelessly. However, this is not limited to this, and the charging module (116) can also receive power through a wire. The charging module (116) can transmit the received power to the battery (114).

[0084] The processor (310) controls the transmission module (113) to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers by considering the positions and focus points of the plurality of transducers.

[0085] The processor (310) controls the receiving module (115) to generate ultrasound data by converting an analog-to-digital reception signal received from a transducer (117) and adding the digitally converted reception signals by taking into account the positions and focal points of a plurality of transducers. Alternatively, when the probe (20) includes an image processor (70), the generated ultrasound data can be used to generate an ultrasound image.

[0086] When the probe (20) is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, the processor (310) can calculate a time delay value for digital beamforming for each sub-array of a plurality of sub-arrays included in the two-dimensional transducer array. In addition, the processor (310) can calculate a time delay value for analog beamforming for each transducer included in any one of the plurality of sub-arrays. The processor (310) can control the analog beamformer and the digital beamformer to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers according to the time delay value for analog beamforming and the time delay value for digital beamforming. In addition, the processor (310) can control the analog beamformer to add up signals received from the plurality of transducers for each sub-array according to the time delay value for analog beamforming. In addition, the processor (310) can control the ultrasound transmission / reception module (111) to convert the signal added up for each sub-array into analog-to-digital. Additionally, the processor (310) can control the digital beamformer to generate ultrasound data by adding digitally converted signals according to a time delay value for digital beamforming.

[0087] The processor (310) can control the overall operation of the probe (20) and the signal flow between the internal components of the probe (20). The processor (310) can perform or control various operations or functions of the probe (20) by executing programs or instructions stored in the memory (320). In addition, the processor (310) can receive a control signal from the input interface (170) of the probe (20) or an external device (e.g., an ultrasound imaging device (40)) and control the operation of the probe (20).

[0088] The communication module (119) can wirelessly transmit generated ultrasound data or ultrasound images to an ultrasound imaging device (40) via a wireless network. In addition, the communication module (119) can receive control signals and data from the ultrasound imaging device (40).

[0089] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can receive ultrasonic data or ultrasonic images from the probe (20).

[0090] In one embodiment, when the probe (20) includes an image processor (70) capable of generating an ultrasound image using ultrasound data, the probe (20) can transmit the ultrasound data and / or the ultrasound image generated by the image processor (70) to the ultrasound imaging device (40).

[0091] In one embodiment, when the probe (20) does not include an image processor (70) capable of generating an ultrasound image using ultrasound data, the probe (20) may transmit the ultrasound data to the ultrasound imaging device (40). The ultrasound data may include ultrasound raw data, and the ultrasound image may mean ultrasound image data.

[0092] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) may include a processor (50), an image processor (70), a display (150), a memory (60), a communication module (160), and an input interface (170).

[0093] The image processor (70) generates an ultrasonic image using ultrasonic data received from the probe (20).

[0094] The display (150) can display an ultrasound image received from the probe (20), an ultrasound image generated by processing ultrasound data received from the probe (20), and various information processed in the ultrasound imaging system (1). The ultrasound imaging device (40) may include one or more displays (150) depending on the implementation type. In addition, the display (150) may include a touch panel or a touch screen.

[0095] The processor (50) can control the overall operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the signal flow between internal components of the ultrasonic imaging device (40). The processor (50) can execute a program or app stored in the memory (60) to perform or control various operations or functions of the ultrasonic imaging device (40). In addition, the processor (50) can receive a control signal from an input interface (170) or an external device to control the operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0096] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) includes a communication module (160) and can be connected to an external device (e.g., a probe (20), a server, a medical device, a portable device (smartphone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.)) through the communication module (160).

[0097] The communication module (160) may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, and may include, for example, at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

[0098] The communication module (160) of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the communication module (119) of the probe (20) may communicate using a network or a short-range wireless communication method. For example, the communication module (160) of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the communication module (119) of the probe (20) may communicate using any one of wireless data communication methods including wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association), BLE (Bluetooth LowEnergy), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet, Wibro), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX), SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol), WiGig (Wireless Gigabit Alliance, WiGig), RF communication, 60GHz millimeter wave (mm Wave) short-range communication, etc.

[0099] To this end, the communication module (160) of the ultrasound imaging device (40) and the communication module (119) of the probe (20) may include at least one of a wireless LAN communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, a zigbee communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association) module, a BLE (Bluetooth LowEnergy) communication module, an NFC (Near Field Communication) communication module, a Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet, Wibro) communication module, a WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX) communication module, a SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol) communication module, a WiGig (Wireless Gigabit Alliance, WiGig) communication module, an RF communication module, and a 60GHz millimeter wave (mm Wave) short-range communication module.

[0100] In one embodiment, the probe (20) may transmit device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe (20) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE), may be wirelessly paired with an ultrasound imaging device (40), and may transmit ultrasound data and / or ultrasound images to the paired ultrasound imaging device (40).

[0101] The device information of the probe (20) may include various information related to the serial number, model name, battery status, etc. of the probe (20).

[0102] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) may receive device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe (20) from the probe (20) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE), may be wirelessly paired with the probe (20), may transmit an activation signal to the paired probe (20), and may receive ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images from the probe (20). At this time, the activation signal may include a signal for controlling the operation of the probe (20).

[0103] In one embodiment, the probe (20) may transmit device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe (20) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE), be wirelessly paired with an ultrasound imaging device (40), and transmit ultrasound data and / or ultrasound images to the ultrasound imaging device (40) paired by the first communication method using a second communication method (e.g., 60 GHz millimeter wave, Wi-Fi).

[0104] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can receive device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe (20) from the probe (20) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE), can be wirelessly paired with the probe (20), can transmit an activation signal to the paired probe (20), and can receive ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images from the probe (20) using a second communication method (e.g., 60 GHz millimeter wave, Wi-Fi).

[0105] According to various embodiments, the first communication method used to pair the probe (20) and the ultrasonic imaging device (40) with each other may have a lower frequency band than the frequency band of the second communication method used to transmit ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images from the probe (20) to the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0106] The display (150) of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) can display UIs indicating device information of the probe (20). For example, the display (150) can display UIs indicating identification information of the wireless probe (20), a pairing method indicating a pairing method with the probe (20), a data communication status between the probe (20) and the ultrasonic imaging device (40), a method of performing data communication with the ultrasonic imaging device (40), and a battery status of the probe (20).

[0107] When the probe (20) includes a display (150), the display (150) of the probe (20) can display UIs indicating device information of the probe (20). For example, the display (150) can display UIs indicating identification information of the wireless probe (20), a pairing method indicating a pairing method with the probe (20), a data communication status between the probe (20) and the ultrasonic imaging device (40), a method of performing data communication with the ultrasonic imaging device (40), and a battery status of the probe (20).

[0108] It is also possible for the communication module (160) to receive control signals and data from an external device and transmit the received control signals to the processor (50) so that the processor (50) controls the ultrasonic imaging device (40) according to the received control signals.

[0109] Alternatively, it is also possible to control the external device according to the control signal of the processor (50) by having the processor (50) transmit a control signal to the external device through the communication module (160).

[0110] For example, the external device can process data of the external device according to a control signal of the processor (50) received through the communication module.

[0111] An external device may be installed with a program capable of controlling the ultrasonic imaging device (40), and this program may include commands for performing part or all of the operations of the processor (50).

[0112] The program may be pre-installed on an external device, or the user of the external device may download and install the program from a server providing the application. The server providing the application may include a storage medium containing the program.

[0113] The memory (60) can store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasonic imaging device (40), input / output ultrasonic data, ultrasonic images, etc.

[0114] An example of an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d.

[0115] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are drawings showing an ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) according to one embodiment.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b) may include a main display (151; 150) and a sub-display (152; 150). At least one of the main display (151) and the sub-display (152) may be implemented as a touch screen. At least one of the main display (151) or the sub-display (152) may display an ultrasonic image or various information processed in the ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b). In addition, at least one of the main display (151) or the sub-display (152) may be implemented as a touch screen and may provide a GUI, thereby receiving data for controlling the ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b) from a user. For example, the main display (151) may display an ultrasonic image, and the sub-display (152) may display a control panel for controlling the display of the ultrasonic image in the form of a GUI. The sub-display (152) can receive data for controlling the display of images through a control panel displayed in GUI format. For example, a TGC (Time Gain Compensation) button, a Freeze button, a trackball, a jog switch, a knob, etc. can be provided as a GUI on the sub-display (152).

[0117] The ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b) can control the display of the ultrasonic image displayed on the main display (151) using the input control data. In addition, the ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b) can be connected to the probe (20) by wire or wirelessly to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals to and from the target object (10).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 2b, the ultrasonic imaging device (40b) may further include a control panel (165) in addition to the main display (151) and the sub-display (152). The control panel (165) may include buttons, a trackball, a jog switch, a knob, etc., and may receive data for controlling the ultrasonic imaging device (40b) from a user. For example, the control panel (165) may include a TGC (Time Gain Compensation) button (171), a Freeze button (172), etc. The TGC button (171) is a button for setting a TGC value according to the depth of the ultrasonic image. In addition, when the ultrasonic imaging device (40b) detects an input of the Freeze button (172) while scanning an ultrasonic image, the ultrasonic imaging device (40b) may maintain a state in which a frame image at the corresponding point in time is displayed.

[0119] Meanwhile, buttons, trackballs, jog switches, knobs, etc. included in the control panel (165) may be provided as GUIs on the main display (151) or sub-display (152). In addition, the ultrasonic imaging device (40a, 40b) may be connected to the probe (20) to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals to and from the target object (10).

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 2c and 2d, the ultrasound imaging devices (40c, 40d) may also be implemented in a portable form. Examples of portable ultrasound imaging devices (40c, 40d) include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a PDA, a tablet PC, etc., including a probe and an application.

[0121] The ultrasonic imaging device (40c) may include a main body (41). Referring to FIG. 2c, a probe (20) may be connected to one side of the main body (41) by a wire. To this end, the main body (41) may include a detachable connection terminal for a cable connected to the probe (20), and the probe (20) may include a detachable connection terminal for a cable connected to the main body (41).

[0122] Referring to FIG. 2d, the probe (20) can be wirelessly connected to an ultrasonic imaging device (40d). The main body (41) can include an input / output interface (e.g., a touch screen) (155; 150, 170). The input / output interface (155) can display ultrasonic images, various information processed by the ultrasonic imaging device, and a GUI, etc.

[0123] Additionally, an ultrasound image may be displayed on the input / output interface (155). The ultrasound imaging device (40d) may correct the ultrasound image displayed on the input / output interface (155) using AI. The ultrasound imaging device (40d) may provide an alarm that notifies information about a lesion among the ultrasound images displayed on the input / output interface (155) using various audiovisual tools such as graphics, sound, and vibration using AI.

[0124] The ultrasonic imaging device (40d) can output a control panel displayed in GUI format through the input / output interface (155).

[0125] Hereinafter, for convenience, it is assumed and explained that the ultrasound imaging system (1) according to the present disclosure operates according to a control block diagram in the case where the probe (20) is a wired probe or a hybrid probe, as illustrated in FIG. 1a.

[0126] Therefore, it is not limited to what is shown in Fig. 1a, and it is also possible to operate according to a control block diagram such as Fig. 1b.

[0127] At least one processor (50) can generate a color Doppler image that represents the velocity of blood flow in color based on an ultrasound echo signal received by the probe (20) and reflected from the object (10).

[0128] At least one processor (50) can control a display (150) to output the generated color Doppler image and provide it to a user.

[0129] A color Doppler image is an image that represents the speed of blood flow of a subject (10) in color. That is, a color Doppler image is acquired in a color Doppler mode, which moves a scan line that scans the subject (10) and emits an ultrasound signal a predetermined number of times or more and receives an echo signal for each scan line. The data acquired in the color Doppler mode is output in color by matching the color value of each pixel using a color map that matches the measured blood flow speed with a color value.

[0130] In addition to the color regions, which are displayed in color, color Doppler images may also include grayscale regions, which are displayed solely by brightness. In other words, color Doppler images may include both color regions corresponding to blood flow and grayscale regions that are not.

[0131] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a control method of an ultrasonic imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0132] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an image output by an input interface (170) included in an ultrasonic imaging device (40) according to one embodiment.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 3, the input interface (170) can receive a command from the user to select at least one blood vessel among a plurality of blood vessels. At least one processor (50) can obtain a command from the user to select at least one blood vessel among a plurality of blood vessels through the input interface (170). (S110)

[0134] That is, the user can select at least one blood vessel from among multiple blood vessels from which he or she wants to detect information about blood flow.

[0135] Multiple vessels may include the middle cerebral artery (MCA), ductus venosus (DV), umbilical artery (Um.A), and uterine artery (Ut.A).

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, at least one processor (50) can control an input interface (170) to provide a manual for a user to select at least one blood vessel from among a plurality of blood vessels.

[0137] The manual for selecting a blood vessel may include a first button (M1) provided to select the middle cerebral artery (MCA), a second button (M2) provided to select the ductus venosus (DV), a third button (M3) provided to select the umbilical artery (Um.A), and a fourth button (M4) provided to select the uterine artery (Ut.A).

[0138] Accordingly, the user can transmit information about at least one blood vessel to at least one processor (50) by selecting at least one of the first button, the second button, the third button and the fourth button provided in the manual through the input interface.

[0139] At least one processor (50) can determine anatomical features corresponding to a blood vessel selected by the user based on obtaining information about the blood vessel selected by the user through the input interface (170). (S120)

[0140] At least one processor (50) can determine that, if the blood vessel selected by the user is the middle cerebral artery, the anatomical feature corresponding to the middle cerebral artery is a first anatomical feature (F1) related to the Circle of Willis.

[0141] Additionally, at least one processor (50) may determine that if the blood vessel selected by the user is a venous duct, the anatomical feature corresponding to the venous duct is a second anatomical feature (F2) related to the inferior vena cava and the umbilical vein.

[0142] Additionally, at least one processor (50) can determine that if the blood vessel selected by the user is the umbilical artery, the anatomical feature corresponding to the umbilical artery is a third anatomical feature (F3) associated with a structure of two arteries and one vein twisted together (2A1V).

[0143] Additionally, at least one processor (50) may determine that if the blood vessel selected by the user is a uterine artery, the anatomical feature corresponding to the uterine artery may be a fourth anatomical feature (F4) related to the external iliac artery.

[0144] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, at least one processor (50) can input the generated color Doppler image into a first artificial neural network model (51) to detect an area in which an anatomical feature corresponding to a blood vessel selected by the user appears. (S130)

[0146] That is, the first artificial neural network model (51) may be trained to recognize at least one anatomical feature among a plurality of anatomical features corresponding to each of a plurality of blood vessels from a color Doppler image.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 5, at least one processor (50) can detect an area in which a first anatomical feature (F1) corresponding to the blood vessel selected by the user is the middle cerebral artery through a first artificial neural network model (51).

[0148] At least one processor (50) can control the display (150) to display in color an area where the first anatomical feature (F1) appears in a color Doppler image output through the display.

[0149] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0150] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, at least one processor (50) can determine a region of interest (ROI) within a color Doppler image based on an area where an anatomical feature appears.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 6, at least one processor (50) can determine a region of interest (R) based on an area where a first anatomical feature (F1) appears. In addition, at least one processor (50) can control a display (150) to display the determined region of interest (R) superimposed on a color Doppler image.

[0152] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, at least one processor (50) can determine whether aliasing occurs based on a color Doppler image acquired from a determined region of interest (R). (S150, S160)

[0154] Aliasing is a phenomenon in which color or Doppler waveforms appear inverted in areas of high blood flow velocity. This occurs when the Doppler shift exceeds the limit of the maximum measurable frequency. For example, if the Doppler shift exceeds half the pulse repetition frequency, a reversed blood flow waveform is displayed, which is called aliasing.

[0155] That is, the limit frequency at which aliasing does not occur is half the pulse repetition frequency, which is called the Nyquist limit.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 7, at least one processor (50) can determine whether first aliasing (A1) has occurred based on a color Doppler image acquired in a determined region of interest (R). In other words, at least one processor (50) can identify an area in which first aliasing (A1) has occurred in relation to a first anatomical feature (F1) in the determined region of interest (R).

[0157] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, if at least one processor (50) determines that aliasing has occurred, it can determine a sample volume based on the area where aliasing has occurred. (S161)

[0159] Referring to FIG. 8, at least one processor (50) can determine a sample volume (SV) based on an area where a first aliasing (A1) occurs in relation to a first anatomical feature (F1). The sample volume (SV) refers to an area for acquiring blood flow Doppler data.

[0160] At least one processor (50) can determine the area of ​​the sample volume (SV) based on the area of ​​the region where the first aliasing (A1) occurs in relation to the first anatomical feature (F1).

[0161] At least one processor (50) can acquire blood flow Doppler data in a determined sample volume (SV) using a scan line (L) passing through the determined sample volume (SV). (S170)

[0162] At least one processor (50) can control the display (150) to display a determined sample volume (SV) and a scan line (L) passing through it superimposed on a color Doppler image.

[0163] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image and blood flow spectrum output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 9, at least one processor (50) can obtain a blood flow spectrum of a sample volume (SV) based on blood flow Doppler data obtained from the sample volume (SV). (S180)

[0165] Referring to FIG. 9, at least one processor (50) can control a display to output a blood flow spectrum of the acquired sample volume and provide it to a user. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the display can simultaneously output a blood flow spectrum along with a color Doppler image.

[0166] Through this, the user can easily obtain blood flow Doppler data for a desired blood vessel by automatically determining a sample volume corresponding to an area where aliasing occurs, and can confirm this through a display, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0167] In one embodiment, at least one processor (50) may analyze a blood flow spectrum to obtain spectral analysis data. For example, at least one processor (50) may obtain a blood flow spectrum of a sample volume (SV) based on blood flow Doppler data obtained from the sample volume (SV), and may analyze the blood flow spectrum of the obtained sample volume to obtain spectral analysis data. The spectral analysis data may include a maximum velocity of vasoconstriction, a minimum velocity of vasodilation, a width of a blood flow spectrum, an acceleration time of a vasoconstriction, a blood flow resistance index, a shape of a blood flow spectrum, and the like.

[0168] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 10, at least one processor (50) can determine whether aliasing occurs based on a color Doppler image acquired from a determined region of interest (R). (S150, S160)

[0170] At least one processor (50) can identify an area (NA1) in which no first aliasing (A1) occurs in relation to the first anatomical feature (F1) in the determined area of ​​interest (R).

[0171] At least one processor (50) can input a color Doppler image acquired from a determined region of interest (R) into a second artificial neural network model (52) to determine the expected location of a blood vessel selected by the user, if it is determined that the first aliasing (A1) has not occurred (S162).

[0172] That is, the color Doppler image acquired from the region of interest (R) contains information about the region where the anatomical feature detected by the first artificial neural network model (51) appears. Accordingly, the second artificial neural network model (52) may be trained to recognize a specific location corresponding to at least one anatomical feature detected by the first artificial neural network model (51) from the color Doppler image acquired from the region of interest (R).

[0173] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 11, at least one processor (50) can determine a sample volume (SV) based on the determined expected location. (S163)

[0175] Referring to FIG. 11, at least one processor (50) may determine a sample volume (SV) based on a first predicted location determined in relation to a first anatomical feature (F1) by a second artificial neural network model (52). The first predicted location may include a location corresponding to a proximal blood vessel located at a 45 degree angle to the ultrasound beam axis of the Circle of Willis. However, the first predicted location according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may include a predicted location related to the first anatomical feature (F1) according to various embodiments.

[0176] Likewise, at least one processor (50) can acquire blood flow Doppler data in a determined sample volume (SV) using a scan line (L) passing through the determined sample volume (SV). (S170)

[0177] At least one processor (50) can control the display (150) to display a determined sample volume (SV) and a scan line (L) passing through it superimposed on a color Doppler image.

[0178] Therefore, even when it is difficult to determine the sample volume (SV) because aliasing does not occur, there is an effect of being able to estimate the expected location of the blood vessel based on a specific location learned in advance by the second artificial neural network model (52).

[0179] In the above, an embodiment in which a user selects the middle cerebral artery has been described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11.

[0180] The following describes an embodiment in which a user selects a venous catheter with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15.

[0181] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 12, at least one processor (50) can detect an area in which a second anatomical feature (F2) corresponding to a blood vessel selected by a user is a venous vessel appears through a first artificial neural network model (51).

[0183] At least one processor (50) can control the display (150) to display in color an area where a second anatomical feature (F2) appears in a color Doppler image output through the display (150).

[0184] At least one processor (50) can determine a region of interest (R) based on an area where a second anatomical feature (F2) appears. In addition, at least one processor (50) can control a display (150) to display the determined region of interest (R) superimposed on a color Doppler image.

[0185] At least one processor (50) can determine whether second aliasing (A2) has occurred based on a color Doppler image acquired in the determined region of interest (R). In other words, at least one processor (50) can identify an area in the determined region of interest (R) where second aliasing (A2) has occurred in relation to the second anatomical feature (F2).

[0186] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0187] At least one processor (50) can determine a sample volume (SV) based on an area where a second aliasing (A2) occurs in relation to a second anatomical feature (F2).

[0188] At least one processor (50) can determine the area of ​​the sample volume (SV) based on the area of ​​the region where the second aliasing (A2) occurs in relation to the second anatomical feature (F2).

[0189] At least one processor (50) can control the display (150) to display a determined sample volume (SV) and a scan line (L) passing through it superimposed on a color Doppler image.

[0190] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 14, an area (NA2) in which no second aliasing (A2) occurs in relation to a second anatomical feature (F2) in the determined area of ​​interest (R) can be identified.

[0192] At least one processor (50) can input a color Doppler image acquired from the determined region of interest (R) into a second artificial neural network model (52) to determine the expected location of the blood vessel selected by the user, if it is determined that the second aliasing (A2) has not occurred.

[0193] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 15, at least one processor (50) can determine a sample volume (SV) based on a second expected location determined in relation to a second anatomical feature (F2) by a second artificial neural network model (52).

[0195] The second anticipated location may include a narrow location in the mid-abdomen below the diaphragm between the inferior vena cava (IVCaVa) and the umbilical vein (UV). However, the second anticipated location according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may include, according to various embodiments, an anticipated location associated with a second anatomical feature (F2).

[0196] The following describes an embodiment in which a user selects a cervical artery with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 19.

[0197] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 16, at least one processor (50) can detect an area in which a third anatomical feature (F3) corresponding to the blood vessel selected by the user is an artery appears through a first artificial neural network model (51).

[0199] At least one processor (50) can control the display (150) to display in color an area where a third anatomical feature (F3) appears in a color Doppler image output through the display (150).

[0200] At least one processor (50) can determine a region of interest (R) based on an area where a third anatomical feature (F3) appears. In addition, at least one processor (50) can control a display (150) to display the determined region of interest (R) superimposed on a color Doppler image.

[0201] At least one processor (50) can determine whether third aliasing (A3) has occurred based on a color Doppler image acquired in the determined region of interest (R). In other words, at least one processor (50) can identify an area in the determined region of interest (R) where third aliasing (A3) has occurred in relation to the third anatomical feature (F3).

[0202] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0203] At least one processor (50) can determine a sample volume (SV) based on an area where third aliasing (A3) occurs in relation to a third anatomical feature (F3).

[0204] At least one processor (50) can determine the area of ​​the sample volume (SV) based on the area of ​​the region where the third aliasing (A3) occurs in relation to the third anatomical feature (F3).

[0205] At least one processor (50) can control the display (150) to display a determined sample volume (SV) and a scan line (L) passing through it superimposed on a color Doppler image.

[0206] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 18, an area (NA3) in which no third aliasing (A3) occurs in relation to a third anatomical feature (F3) in the determined area of ​​interest (R) can be identified.

[0208] At least one processor (50) can input a color Doppler image acquired from the determined region of interest (R) into a second artificial neural network model (52) to determine the expected location of the blood vessel selected by the user, if it is determined that the third aliasing (A3) has not occurred.

[0209] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 19, at least one processor (50) can determine a sample volume (SV) based on a third expected location determined in relation to a third anatomical feature (F3) by a second artificial neural network model (52).

[0211] The third predicted location may include the location of a vessel with a small diameter in the umbilical artery. However, the third predicted location according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may include a predicted location associated with a third anatomical feature (F3) according to various embodiments.

[0212] The following describes an embodiment in which a user selects a venous catheter with reference to FIG. 20 to FIG. 23.

[0213] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0214] Referring to FIG. 20, at least one processor (50) can detect an area in which a fourth anatomical feature (F4) corresponding to the blood vessel selected by the user is an artery appears through a first artificial neural network model (51).

[0215] At least one processor (50) can control the display (150) to display in color an area where the fourth anatomical feature (F4) appears in a color Doppler image output through the display (150).

[0216] At least one processor (50) can determine a region of interest (R) based on an area where a fourth anatomical feature (F4) appears. In addition, at least one processor (50) can control a display (150) to display the determined region of interest (R) superimposed on a color Doppler image.

[0217] At least one processor (50) can determine whether fourth aliasing (A4) has occurred based on a color Doppler image acquired in the determined region of interest (R). In other words, at least one processor (50) can identify an area in the determined region of interest (R) where fourth aliasing (A4) has occurred in relation to the fourth anatomical feature (F4).

[0218] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0219] At least one processor (50) can determine a sample volume (SV) based on an area where a fourth aliasing (A4) occurs in relation to a fourth anatomical feature (F4).

[0220] At least one processor (50) can determine the area of ​​the sample volume (SV) based on the area of ​​the region where the fourth aliasing (A4) occurs in relation to the fourth anatomical feature (F4).

[0221] At least one processor (50) can control the display (150) to display a determined sample volume (SV) and a scan line (L) passing through it superimposed on a color Doppler image.

[0222] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 22, an area (NA4) in which no fourth aliasing (A4) occurs in relation to the fourth anatomical feature (F4) in the determined area of ​​interest (R) can be identified.

[0224] At least one processor (50) can input a color Doppler image acquired from the determined region of interest (R) into a second artificial neural network model (52) to determine the expected location of the blood vessel selected by the user, if it is determined that the fourth aliasing (A4) has not occurred.

[0225] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a color Doppler image output to a display (150) included in an ultrasound imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0226] Referring to FIG. 23, at least one processor (50) can determine a sample volume (SV) based on a fourth expected location determined in relation to a fourth anatomical feature (F4) by a second artificial neural network model (52).

[0227] The fourth predicted location may include a location approximately 1 cm from the intersection of the external iliac artery. However, the fourth predicted location according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may include a predicted location associated with the fourth anatomical feature (F4) according to various embodiments.

[0228] Fig. 24 is a flowchart illustrating data transmitted between components of an ultrasonic imaging system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 24, first, a user can transmit data for a command (D1) for selecting at least one blood vessel among a plurality of blood vessels to at least one processor (50) via an input interface. This corresponds to step S110 in FIG. 3.

[0230] At least one processor (50) can input a color Doppler image into the first artificial neural network model (51) to detect an area in which anatomical features corresponding to a blood vessel selected by the user appear. To this end, at least one processor (50) can transmit data (D2) regarding the generated color Doppler image to the first artificial neural network model (51).

[0231] The first artificial neural network model (51) can transmit data (D3) regarding the results of detecting an area where anatomical features appear to at least one processor (50).

[0232] At least one processor (50) can determine a region of interest (ROI) based on the results of detecting an area where anatomical features appear. Furthermore, if aliasing occurs in the determined region of interest, at least one processor (50) can determine a sample volume based on the area where aliasing occurs.

[0233] At least one processor (50) can input a color Doppler image acquired in the region of interest to a second artificial neural network model (52) to determine the expected location of the blood vessel selected by the user, if no aliasing occurs in the determined region of interest.

[0234] To this end, at least one processor (50) can transmit data (D4) on a color Doppler image acquired in an area of ​​interest to a second artificial neural network model (52).

[0235] The second artificial neural network model (52) can transmit data (D5) on the result of determining the expected location of the blood vessel to at least one processor (50).

[0236] At least one processor (50) can determine a sample volume based on the expected location of the determined blood vessel.

[0237] At least one processor (50) can correct the angle of the sample volume so that the scan line and the vertical direction of the determined sample volume are aligned with the direction of blood flow passing through the sample volume. That is, the at least one processor (50) can rotate the sample volume to correct the angle of the sample volume.

[0238] Through this, at least one processor (50) can obtain more accurate blood flow Doppler data.

Claims

1. An input interface (170) for receiving a command from a user to select at least one blood vessel among a plurality of blood vessels; A probe (20) that transmits an ultrasonic beam to a target object (10) and receives an ultrasonic echo signal; and At least one processor (50) for generating a color Doppler image representing the velocity of blood flow based on the received ultrasound echo signal; At least one processor (50) above, Based on obtaining information about the blood vessel selected by the user through the input interface (170), anatomical features corresponding to the blood vessel selected by the user are determined, The generated color Doppler image is input into the first artificial neural network model (51) to detect the area where the determined anatomical feature appears among the generated color Doppler image, A region of interest (ROI) is determined within the color Doppler image based on the area where the above anatomical features appear, Based on the color Doppler image acquired in the above-determined area of ​​interest, whether aliasing occurs is determined, An ultrasound imaging system (1) that determines a sample volume corresponding to an area for acquiring blood flow Doppler data for a blood vessel selected by the user based on an area where the aliasing has occurred, if the above aliasing is determined to have occurred.

2. In paragraph 1, At least one processor (50) above, Acquire blood flow Doppler data from the sample volume determined above, An ultrasound imaging system (1) for acquiring a blood flow spectrum of the sample volume based on the acquired blood flow Doppler data.

3. In paragraph 1, The above multiple blood vessels are, Ultrasound imaging system including the Middle Cerebral Artery, Ductus Venosus, Umbilical Artery, and Uterine Artery (1).

4. In paragraph 1, At least one processor (50) above, If it is determined that the above aliasing has not occurred, the color Doppler image acquired in the determined region of interest is input into the second artificial neural network model (52) to determine the expected location of the blood vessel selected by the user. An ultrasound imaging system (1) for determining the sample volume based on the above-determined expected location.

5. In paragraph 3, At least one processor (50) above, An ultrasound imaging system (1) that determines that if the blood vessel selected by the user is the middle cerebral artery, the anatomical feature corresponding to the middle cerebral artery is the first anatomical feature (F1) related to the Circle of Willis.

6. In paragraph 3, At least one processor (50) above, An ultrasound imaging system (1) that determines that if the blood vessel selected by the user is the venous duct, the anatomical feature corresponding to the venous duct is a second anatomical feature (F2) related to the inferior vena cava and the umbilical vein.

7. In paragraph 3, At least one processor (50) above, An ultrasound imaging system (1) that determines that if the blood vessel selected by the user is the umbilical artery, the anatomical feature corresponding to the umbilical artery is a third anatomical feature (F3) related to a structure in which two arteries and one vein are twisted (2A1V).

8. In paragraph 3, At least one processor (50) above, An ultrasound imaging system (1) that determines that if the blood vessel selected by the user is the uterine artery, the anatomical feature corresponding to the uterine artery is the fourth anatomical feature (F4) related to the external iliac artery.

9. In paragraph 1, At least one processor (50) above, An ultrasound imaging system (1) that rotates the sample volume so that the scan line and the vertical direction of the determined sample volume are aligned with the direction of blood flow passing through the sample volume.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a display (150) for outputting the color Doppler image generated above; At least one processor (50) above, An ultrasound imaging system (1) that controls the display (150) to display the determined sample volume by superimposing it on the output color Doppler image.

11. Transmitting an ultrasonic beam to a target (10) and receiving an ultrasonic echo signal; Receiving a command from a user to select at least one blood vessel among a plurality of blood vessels through an input interface (170); Generating a color Doppler image representing the velocity of blood flow based on the received ultrasound echo signal; Determining anatomical features corresponding to the blood vessel selected by the user based on obtaining information about the blood vessel selected by the user through the input interface (170); Inputting the generated color Doppler image into the first artificial neural network model (51) and detecting the area where the determined anatomical feature appears among the generated color Doppler image; Determining a region of interest (ROI) within the color Doppler image based on the area in which the above anatomical features appear; Determining whether aliasing occurs based on the color Doppler image acquired in the above-determined area of ​​interest; and A method for controlling an ultrasound imaging system (1), comprising: determining a sample volume corresponding to an area for acquiring blood flow Doppler data for a blood vessel selected by the user based on an area where the aliasing has occurred, if the above aliasing is determined to have occurred.

12. In paragraph 11, Obtaining blood flow Doppler data from the above determined sample volume; and A control method of an ultrasound imaging system (1), further comprising: acquiring a blood flow spectrum of the sample volume based on the acquired blood flow Doppler data; 13. In paragraph 11, The above multiple blood vessels are, A method for controlling an ultrasound imaging system (1) including the middle cerebral artery, the ductus venosus, the umbilical artery and the uterine artery.

14. In paragraph 11, If it is determined that the above aliasing has not occurred, the color Doppler image acquired in the determined region of interest is input into the second artificial neural network model (52) to determine the expected location of the blood vessel selected by the user; and A control method of an ultrasound imaging system (1), further comprising: determining the sample volume based on the determined expected position; 15. In paragraph 13, Determining the anatomical features corresponding to the blood vessels selected by the user above, A method for controlling an ultrasound imaging system (1), comprising: determining, if the blood vessel selected by the user is the middle cerebral artery, an anatomical feature corresponding to the middle cerebral artery as a first anatomical feature (F1) related to the Circle of Willis;

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