Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and operating method for the same

An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a display; a memory storing one or more instructions; and a processor configured to execute the one or more instructions stored in the memory to: generate a plurality of ultrasound images of an object including a plurality of entities, based on echo signals received from the object; detect first and second entities among the plurality of entities in each of the plurality of ultrasound images; acquire size information regarding the detected first entity and size information regarding the detected second entity from each of the plurality of ultrasound images; and control the display to display, based on the size information regarding the first entity and the size information regarding the second entity, a first ultrasound image showing a largest size of the first entity and a second ultrasound image showing a largest size of the second entity, from among the plurality of ultrasound images.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0006748, filed on Jan. 17, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Various embodiments relate to ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses and operating methods for the same, and more particularly, to ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses and operating methods for acquiring size information regarding at least one entity included in an object based on a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound images acquired as a probe scans the object.

2. Description of Related Art

Recently, in the medical field, various types of medical imaging apparatuses have been widely used to visualize and acquire information about living tissue of a human body for early diagnosis or surgery with regard to various diseases. Representative examples of these medical imaging apparatuses may include an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus, a computed tomography (CT) apparatus, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus.

Ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses transmit ultrasound signals generated by transducers of a probe to an object and receive information of echo signals reflected from the object, thereby obtaining an image of an internal part of the object. In particular, ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses are used for medical purposes including observing an internal area of an object, detecting foreign substances, and assessing injuries. Such ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses exhibit high stability, display images in real time, and are safe due to lack of radiation exposure, as compared to diagnostic X-ray apparatuses, and therefore, ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses have been widely used together with other types of imaging diagnostic apparatuses.

Moreover, when an object is scanned using a three-dimensional (3D) probe having transducers arranged in two dimensions (2D), it is possible to measure the entire volume of the object, thereby accurately and easily obtaining a size of an entity included in the object. However, 3D probes are expensive, are heavy, meaning they are not easy to use, and inconvenience users because used probes need to be replaced.

SUMMARY

Provided are ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses and operating methods for the same, which are capable of acquiring a plurality of ultrasound images of an object by scanning the object via a two-dimensional (2D) probe having transducers arranged in one dimension (1D) and easily and accurately acquiring, based on the acquired ultrasound images, size information regarding at least one entity included in the object.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a display; a memory storing one or more instructions; and a processor configured to execute the one or more instructions stored in the memory to: generate a plurality of ultrasound images of an object including a plurality of entities, based on echo signals received from the object; detect first and second entities among the plurality of entities in each of the plurality of ultrasound images; acquire size information regarding the detected first entity and size information regarding the detected second entity from each of the plurality of ultrasound images; and control the display to display, based on the size information regarding the first entity and the size information regarding the second entity, a first ultrasound image showing a largest size of the first entity and a second ultrasound image showing a largest size of the second entity, from among the plurality of ultrasound images.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus may further include a probe configured to transmit ultrasound signals to the object and receive the echo signals from the object, and the probe may be a two-dimensional probe having a plurality of transducers arranged in one dimension.

The plurality of ultrasound images may be consecutive ultrasound images generated based on the echo signals acquired as the probe scans the object along a first direction, and correspond to cross-sections perpendicular to the first direction.

The processor may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to detect the first and second entities in each of the plurality of ultrasound images based on a position and a direction of at least one entity included in each of the plurality of ultrasound images.

The size information regarding the first entity may include at least one of a short axis length, a long axis length, an area, a radius, a diameter, and a circumference of the first entity detected in each of the plurality of ultrasound images, and the size information regarding the second entity may include at least one of a short axis length, a long axis length, an area, a radius, a diameter, and a circumference of the second entity detected in each of the plurality of ultrasound images.

The processor may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to: detect the plurality of entities in each of the plurality of ultrasound images; acquire pieces of size information respectively regarding the plurality of entities; determine a third entity having a largest size from among the plurality of entities, based on the pieces of size information respectively regarding the plurality of entities; and control the display to display a third ultrasound image showing a largest size of the third entity from among the plurality of ultrasound images.

The processor may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to: detect the plurality of entities and sizes thereof in each of the plurality of ultrasound images; determine, based on the sizes of the plurality of entities, ultrasound images respectively showing largest sizes of the plurality of entities as being ultrasound images respectively corresponding to the plurality of entities; and control the display to display ultrasound images corresponding to a predetermined number of entities, from among the plurality of entities, in order from largest to smallest in size.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus may further include a user input interface configured to receive the predetermined number.

the processor may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to control the display to display size information regarding the first entity included in the first ultrasound image and size information regarding the second entity included in the second ultrasound image.

The object may be an ovary, and the plurality of entities may include follicles contained in the ovary.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an operating method of an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: generating a plurality of ultrasound images of an object including a plurality of entities, based on echo signals received from the object; detecting first and second entities among the plurality of entities in each of the plurality of ultrasound images; acquiring size information regarding the detected first entity and size information regarding the detected second entity from each of the plurality of ultrasound images; and displaying, based on the size information regarding the first entity and the size information regarding the second entity, a first ultrasound image showing a largest size of the first entity and a second ultrasound image showing a largest size of the second entity, from among the plurality of ultrasound images.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the same drawing reference numerals are used for the same elements even in different drawings. The matters defined in the description, such as detailed construction and elements, are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments. Thus, it is apparent that exemplary embodiments can be carried out without those specifically defined matters. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure exemplary embodiments with unnecessary detail.

Terms such as “part” and “portion” used herein denote those that may be embodied by software or hardware. According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of parts or portions may be embodied by a single unit or element, or a single part or portion may include a plurality of elements.

In exemplary embodiments, an image may include any medical image acquired by various medical imaging apparatuses such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, a computed tomography (CT) apparatus, an ultrasound imaging apparatus, or an X-ray apparatus.

Also, in the present specification, an “object”, which is a thing to be imaged, may include a human, an animal, or a part thereof. For example, an object may include a part of a human, that is, an organ or a tissue, or a phantom.

Throughout the specification, an ultrasound image refers to an image of an object processed based on ultrasound signals transmitted to the object and reflected therefrom.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100, i.e., a diagnostic apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may include a probe20, an ultrasound transceiver110, a controller120, an image processor130, one or more displays140, a storage150, e.g., a memory, a communicator160, i.e., a communication device or an interface, and an input interface170.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may be of a cart-type or a portable-type ultrasound diagnosis apparatus, that is portable, moveable, mobile, or hand-held. Examples of the portable-type ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may include a smart phone, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a tablet personal computer (PC), each of which may include a probe and a software application, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

The probe20may include a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers may transmit ultrasound signals to an object10in response to transmitting signals received by the probe20, from a transmitter113. The plurality of transducers may receive ultrasound signals reflected from the object10to generate reception signals. In addition, the probe20and the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may be formed in one body (e.g., disposed in a single housing), or the probe20and the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may be formed separately (e.g., disposed separately in separate housings) but linked wirelessly or via wires. In addition, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may include one or more probes20according to embodiments.

The controller120may control the transmitter113for the transmitter113to generate transmitting signals to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers based on a position and a focal point of the plurality of transducers included in the probe20.

The controller120may control the ultrasound receiver115to generate ultrasound data by converting reception signals received from the probe20from analogue to digital signals and summing the reception signals converted into digital form, based on a position and a focal point of the plurality of transducers.

The image processor130may generate an ultrasound image by using ultrasound data generated from the ultrasound receiver115.

The display140may display a generated ultrasound image and various pieces of information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may include two or more displays140according to the present exemplary embodiment. The display140may include a touch screen in combination with a touch panel.

The controller120may control the operations of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100and flow of signals between the internal elements of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100. The controller120may include a memory for storing a program or data to perform functions of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100and a processor and/or a microprocessor (not shown) for processing the program or data. For example, the controller120may control the operation of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100by receiving a control signal from the input interface170or an external apparatus.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may include the communicator160and may be connected to external apparatuses, for example, servers, medical apparatuses, and portable devices such as smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), wearable devices, etc., via the communicator160.

The communicator160may include at least one element capable of communicating with the external apparatuses. For example, the communicator160may include at least one among a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

The communicator160may receive a control signal and data from an external apparatus and transmit the received control signal to the controller120so that the controller120may control the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100in response to the received control signal.

The controller120may transmit a control signal to the external apparatus via the communicator160so that the external apparatus may be controlled in response to the control signal of the controller120.

For example, the external apparatus connected to the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may process the data of the external apparatus in response to the control signal of the controller120received via the communicator160.

A program for controlling the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may be installed in the external apparatus. The program may include command languages to perform part of operation of the controller120or the entire operation of the controller120.

The program may be pre-installed in the external apparatus or may be installed by a user of the external apparatus by downloading the program from a server that provides applications. The server that provides applications may include a recording medium where the program is stored.

The storage150may store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100, input and/or output ultrasound data, ultrasound images, applications, etc.

The input interface170may receive a user's input to control the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100and may include a keyboard, button, keypad, mouse, trackball, jog switch, knob, a touchpad, a touch screen, a microphone, a motion input means, a biometrics input means, etc. For example, the user's input may include inputs for manipulating buttons, keypads, mice, trackballs, jog switches, or knobs, inputs for touching a touchpad or a touch screen, a voice input, a motion input, and a bioinformation input, for example, iris recognition or fingerprint recognition, but an exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

An example of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100according to the present exemplary embodiment is described below with reference toFIGS.2A,2B, and2C.

FIGS.2A,2B, and2Care diagrams illustrating ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.2A and2B, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may include a main display121and a sub-display122. At least one among the main display121and the sub-display122may include a touch screen. The main display121and the sub-display122may display ultrasound images and/or various information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100. The main display121and the sub-display122may provide graphical user interfaces (GUI), thereby receiving user's inputs of data to control the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100. For example, the main display121may display an ultrasound image and the sub-display122may display a control panel to control display of the ultrasound image as a GUI. The sub-display122may receive an input of data to control the display of an image through the control panel displayed as a GUI. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may control the display of the ultrasound image on the main display121by using the input control data.

Referring toFIG.2B, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may include a control panel165. The control panel165may include buttons, trackballs, jog switches, or knobs, and may receive data to control the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100from the user. For example, the control panel165may include a time gain compensation (TGC) button171and a freeze button172. The TGC button171is to set a TGC value for each depth of an ultrasound image. Also, when an input of the freeze button172is detected during scanning an ultrasound image, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may keep displaying a frame image at that time point.

The buttons, trackballs, jog switches, and knobs included in the control panel165may be provided as a GUI to the main display121or the sub-display122.

Referring toFIG.2C, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may include a portable device. An example of the portable ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may include, for example, smart phones including probes and applications, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or tablet PCs, but an exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may include the probe20and a main body40. The probe20may be connected to one side of the main body40by wire or wirelessly. The main body40may include a touch screen145. The touch screen145may display an ultrasound image, various pieces of information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100, and a GUI.

FIG.3is a flowchart of an operating method of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100, according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may transmit ultrasound signals to an object, acquire ultrasound data based on echo signals received from the object, and generate a plurality of ultrasound images of the object based on the ultrasound data (S310). For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire brightness (B)-mode data with respect to the object based on echo signals. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may then generate a B-mode ultrasound image based on the B-mode data and display the generated B-mode ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may extract B-mode components from ultrasound data and generate a B-mode ultrasound image in which signal intensities are represented as brightness based on the extracted B-mode components.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound probe20for receiving echo signals from the object may be a 2D probe having a plurality of transducers arranged in 1D. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may generate a plurality of consecutive ultrasound images based on echo signals acquired as the ultrasound probe20scans the object in a first direction. The ultrasound images may represent cross-sections of the object perpendicular to the first direction. as will be described in detail below with reference toFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may detect, in each of the ultrasound images, first and second entities from among a plurality of entities included in the object (S320).

According to an embodiment, the object may include a body part (e.g., a woman's lower abdomen) that requires examination with respect to a gynecological disease. In detail, according to an embodiment, the object may be an ovary including a plurality of follicles, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, according to an embodiment, each of the first and second entities may include a follicle.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may detect the first and second entities in each of the ultrasound images by using an object tracking method or the like. For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may detect a plurality of entities (e.g., follicles) included in a first ultrasound image among the ultrasound images by segmenting the first ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may segment the first ultrasound image into a plurality of regions based on values of pixels in the first ultrasound image, and each of the regions may be composed of a set of pixels having pixel values in a predetermined range. Each of the regions may be a set of pixels corresponding to a follicle. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may assign a label to each of the regions such that the regions are distinguished from one another.

Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may detect a plurality of entities (e.g., follicles) included in a second ultrasound image among the ultrasound images by segmenting the second ultrasound image in the same manner as for the first ultrasound image.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may match each of the entities detected in the first ultrasound image with a corresponding one of the entities detected in the second ultrasound image. For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may identify, from among the entities detected in the second ultrasound image, the same entity as a first entity (e.g., a first follicle) among the entities detected in the first ultrasound image, based on information about a size, a position, and a direction of each of the entities detected in each of the first and second ultrasound images, a distance of each entity from another entity, and an angle of each entity relative to another entity. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may identify, from among the entities detected in the second ultrasound image, the same entity as a second entity (e.g., a second follicle) among the entities detected in the first ultrasound image, based on the same information as described above.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire pieces of size information respectively regarding the first and second entities from each of the ultrasound images (S330).

For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire at least one of a short axis length, a long axis length, an area, a radius, a diameter, and a circumference of the entity identified as being the first entity in each of the ultrasound images. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire at least one of a short axis length, a long axis length, an area, a radius, a diameter, and a circumference of the entity identified as being the second entity in each of the ultrasound images.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display, based on the pieces of size information respectively regarding the first and second entities and acquired from each the ultrasound images, a first ultrasound image showing a largest size of the first entity and a second ultrasound image showing a largest size of the second entity (S340).

Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display the size information regarding the first entity in the first ultrasound image and the size information regarding the second entity in the second ultrasound image.

FIG.4is a reference diagram for describing a method of generating a plurality of ultrasound images by the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.4, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire ultrasound data by scanning an object using the ultrasound probe20having a plurality of transducers arranged in 1D.

As shown inFIG.4, the ultrasound data may be represented as volume data410. An axial direction defined in the ultrasound data indicates a propagation direction of ultrasound signals with respect to transducers of the ultrasound probe20, a lateral direction indicates a direction of movement of a scan line, and an elevation direction indicates a depth direction, i.e., a direction of movement of the ultrasound probe20. In other words, the volume data410may be generated based on echo signals acquired as the ultrasound probe20scans the object in a first direction (elevation direction)430. Furthermore, the first direction430indicates a direction of movement of a frame (i.e., a scan plane). According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire volume data with respect to an object without using a 3D probe.

Furthermore, orthogonal slices in the volume data410represent a slice412corresponding to a sagittal view, a slice414corresponding to a coronal view, and a slice416corresponding to an axial view.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may generate a plurality of ultrasound images420from the volume data410based on ultrasound data corresponding to slices (e.g., the sagittal view) perpendicular to the elevation direction, the ultrasound images420being continuously arranged in the elevation direction. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may store the generated ultrasound images420.

FIG.5is a reference diagram for describing a method of detecting first and second entities in a plurality of ultrasound images by the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.5, according to an embodiment, an object may include a plurality of entities. For example, according to an embodiment, the object may be an ovary including a plurality of follicles. Accordingly, each of a plurality of ultrasound images acquired by scanning the object (e.g., the ovary) may have a plurality of follicles shown therein.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may detect a plurality of follicles in each of a plurality of ultrasound images, i.e., first through fifth ultrasound images510,520,530,540, and540. For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may segment the first ultrasound image510into a plurality of regions. In this case, each of the regions may be composed of a set of pixels having pixel values in a predetermined range. Each of the regions may be a set of pixels corresponding to a follicle, and the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may identify a plurality of entities including first and second entities501and502in the first ultrasound image510. Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may perform segmentation using a trained neural network.

In addition, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may perform segmentation on the second ultrasound image520in the same manner as performed on the first ultrasound image510to detect a plurality of entities including the first and second entities501and502in the second ultrasound image520.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may match each of the entities detected in the first ultrasound image510with a corresponding one of the entities detected in the second ultrasound image520.

For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may identify, from among the entities detected in the second ultrasound image520, the same entity as the first entity (e.g., a first follicle)501among the entities detected in the first ultrasound image510.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may match the first entity501in the first ultrasound image510with the first entity501in the second ultrasound image520, based on pieces of information about a size, a position, and a direction of each of the entities in the first ultrasound image510, a distance of each entity from another entity, and an angle of each entity relative to another entity and information about a size, a position, and a direction of each of the entities in the second ultrasound image520, a distance of each entity from another entity, and an angle of each entity relative to another entity. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may match the second entity502in the first ultrasound image510with the second entity502in the second ultrasound image520.

Accordingly, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may detect the first and second entities501and502in each of the first through fifth ultrasound images510,520,530,540, and550.

According to an embodiment, when the first and second entities501and502are detected in each of the first through fifth ultrasound images510,520,530,540, and550, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire pieces of size information respectively regarding the first and second entities501and502from each of the first through fifth ultrasound images510,520,530,540, and550.

For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire at least one of a short axis length, a long axis length, an area, a radius, a diameter, and a circumference of the first entity501in the first ultrasound image510as a first piece of size information regarding the first entity501. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire at least one of a short axis length, a long axis length, an area, a radius, a diameter, and a circumference of the first entity501in the second ultrasound image520as a second piece of size information regarding the first entity501, and may acquire third through fifth pieces of size information respectively regarding the first entities501in the third through fifth ultrasound images530,540, and550as well.

In this case, the first through fifth pieces of size information regarding the first entity501may be values of the same parameter. For example, all the first through fifth pieces of size information are values for a short axis length of the first entity501or values for an area of the first entity501.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may compare the first through fifth pieces of size information regarding the first entity501with one another and determine an ultrasound image (e.g., the third ultrasound image530), in which a size (e.g., a long axis length) of the first entity501is shown to be largest, to be an ultrasound image corresponding to the first entity501.

Furthermore, in the same manner as for the first entity501, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire at least one of a short axis length, a long axis length, an area, a radius, a diameter, and a circumference of the second entity502in the first ultrasound image510as a first piece of size information regarding the second entity502. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire at least one of a short axis length, a long axis length, an area, a radius, a diameter, and a circumference of the second entity502in the second ultrasound image520as a second piece of size information regarding the second entity502, and may acquire third through fifth pieces of size information respectively regarding the second entities502in the third through fifth ultrasound images530,540, and550as well. In this case, the first through fifth pieces of size information regarding the second entity502may be values of the same parameter. Furthermore, all the first through fifth pieces of size information are values for the same parameter as the first through fifth pieces of size information regarding the first entity501.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may compare the first through fifth pieces of size information regarding the second entity502with one another and determine an ultrasound image (e.g., the fourth ultrasound image540), in which a size (e.g., a long axis length) of the second entity502is shown to be largest, to be an ultrasound image corresponding to the second entity502.

AlthoughFIG.5shows a plurality of ultrasound images as including five ultrasound images, this is for convenience of description and the ultrasound images may include a larger number of ultrasound images.

FIG.6illustrates an example in which the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100displays an ultrasound image based on size information regarding an entity, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.6, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display a plurality of consecutive ultrasound images610of an object in a first region631of the display140. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may generate the consecutive ultrasound images610based on echo signals acquired as the ultrasound probe20scans the object along a first direction, and display the generated consecutive ultrasound images610. In this case, the consecutive ultrasound images610may be ultrasound images representing cross-sections of the object perpendicular to the first direction.

According to an embodiment, the object may include a plurality of entities, and each of the ultrasound images610may include the entities. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may identify the entities in each of the ultrasound images610and acquire pieces of size information respectively regarding the entities therein. For example, when the object (e.g., an ovary) includes first through fourth entities (e.g., first through fourth follicles)601through604, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire pieces of size information respectively regarding the first through fourth entities601through604in each of the ultrasound images610. Descriptions of the method of acquiring pieces of size information regarding entities are already provided above with respect toFIG.5, and thus, are not repeated below.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display, in a second region632of the display140, ultrasound images respectively showing largest sizes of the first through fourth entities601through604from among the ultrasound images610, based on the pieces of size information respectively regarding the first through fourth entities601through604.

For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display in the second region632a first ultrasound image611showing a largest size of the first entity601(e.g., a first follicle) from among the ultrasound images610, based on the pieces of size information respectively regarding the first through fourth entities601through604. In this case, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display the first entity601(i.e., the first follicle) included in the first ultrasound image611to be distinguished from the other follicles. A border of the first entity601that is the first follicle may be highlighted by a thick solid line. Furthermore, size information regarding the first follicle (e.g., “a long axis length: 10.5 mm”) may be displayed.

Furthermore, in the same manner as for the first entity601, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display in the second region632a second ultrasound image612showing a largest size of the second entity602, i.e., the second follicle, from among the ultrasound images610, such that the second entity602, i.e., the second follicle, may be identified in the second ultrasound image612, and display size information regarding the second follicle together with the second ultrasound image612. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display, in the second region632, a third ultrasound image613showing a largest size of the third entity603(i.e., the third follicle) from among the ultrasound images610and a fourth ultrasound image614showing a largest size of the fourth entity604(i.e., a fourth follicle) thereamong.

In addition, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display, based on the pieces of size information regarding the first through fourth entities601through604(i.e., the first through fourth follicles), the first through fourth ultrasound images611through614in order from largest to smallest in size. For example, when size decreases in the order of the first entity (follicle)601, the fourth entity (follicle)604, the second entity (follicle)602, and the third entity (follicle)603, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display, in the second region632, the first ultrasound image611, the fourth ultrasound image614, the second ultrasound image612, and the third ultrasound image613in the stated order, but is not limited thereto.

FIG.7illustrates an example in which the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100displays an ultrasound image based on size information regarding an entity, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.7, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display a plurality of ultrasound images710in a first region731of the display140and acquire pieces of size information regarding a plurality of entities in each of the ultrasound images710. For example, when the object (e.g., an ovary) includes first through fourth entities (e.g., first through fourth follicles)701through704, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire pieces of size information respectively regarding the first through fourth entities701through704in each of the ultrasound images710. Descriptions of a method of acquiring pieces of size information regarding entities are already provided in detail above with respect toFIG.5, and thus, are not repeated below.

An ultrasound image corresponding to an entity having a largest size from among a plurality of entities may be displayed based on pieces of size information regarding the entities.

For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may determine a largest size (a first size) of the first entity701based on pieces of size information regarding the first entity701, which are respectively acquired from the ultrasound images710, a largest size (a second size) of the second entity702based on pieces of size information regarding the second entity702acquired therefrom, a largest size (a third size) of the third entity703based on pieces of size information regarding the third entity703acquired therefrom, and a largest size (a fourth size) of the fourth entity704based on pieces of size information regarding the fourth entity704acquired therefrom.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may determine a largest one from among the first through fourth sizes, and display an ultrasound image corresponding to the largest size in a second region732of the display140. For example, when the second size is largest among the first through fourth sizes, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display, in the second region732, a second ultrasound image712in which a size of the second entity702is shown to be largest. In addition, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display the second entity702to be identified in the second ultrasound image712, together with size information750regarding the second entity702.

FIG.8illustrates an example in which the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100displays an ultrasound image based on size information regarding an entity, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.8, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display a plurality of ultrasound images810in a first region831of the display140and acquire pieces of size information regarding a plurality of entities. For example, when the object (e.g., an ovary) includes first through fourth entities (e.g., first through fourth follicles), the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display pieces of size information regarding the first through fourth entities from each of the ultrasound images810. Descriptions of the method of acquiring pieces of size information regarding entities are already provided above with respect toFIG.5, and thus, are not repeated below.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may set the number840of entities whose size information is to be displayed from among a plurality of entities. For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may receive a user input of setting the number of entities and set the number840of entities whose size information is to be displayed.

For example, as shown inFIG.8, when the number840of entities is set to ‘3’ based on a user input, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may determine three (3) entities respectively having three largest sizes from among a plurality of entities included in the object and display ultrasound images respectively corresponding to the three entities and pieces of size information regarding the three entities. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may not display all ultrasound images respectively corresponding to the first through fourth entities but display only three ultrasound images811through813respectively corresponding to three largest entities in a second region832of the display140. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display an entity corresponding to each of the three ultrasound images811through813to be distinguished from other entities, and display size information regarding the entity.

In addition, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus may enlarge and display, from among the three ultrasound images811through813displayed in the second region833, a second ultrasound image812corresponding to a second entity802having a largest size in a third region833.

Alternatively, when receiving a user input of selecting one of the three ultrasound images811through813displayed in the second region832, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may enlarge the selected ultrasound image and display it in the third region833. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

FIG.9illustrates an example in which the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100displays an ultrasound image based on size information regarding an entity, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.9, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire pieces of size information regarding a plurality of entities from each of a plurality of ultrasound images. For example, when an object (ovary) includes first through third follicles901through903, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire information about at least one of a short axis length, a long axis length, an area, a radius, a diameter, and a circumference of each of the first through third follicles901through903from each of a plurality of ultrasound images. However, for convenience, an example of acquiring information about a diameter of each of the first through third follicles901through903is described with referenced toFIG.9.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display a first indicator931corresponding to the first follicle901by using pieces of information about a diameter of the first follicle901, which are respectively acquired from the ultrasound images.

For example, as described with reference toFIG.4, when the ultrasound images correspond to a slice (the sagittal view) perpendicular to the elevation direction (first direction), a slice930where a first indicator931is displayed may be a slice corresponding to a coronal view or an axial view. A shape of the first indicator931may be determined based on lengths of the diameter of the first follicle901, which are respectively acquired from the ultrasound images. Furthermore, a second indicator932corresponding to the second follicle902may be displayed using pieces of information about a diameter of the second follicle902, which are respectively acquired from the ultrasound images, and a shape of the second indicator932may be determined based on lengths of the diameter of the second follicle902, which are respectively acquired from the ultrasound images.

In addition, a third indicator933corresponding to the third follicle903may be displayed using pieces of information about a diameter of the third follicle903, which are respectively acquired from the ultrasound images, and a shape of the third indicator933may be determined based on lengths of the diameter of the third follicle903respectively acquired from the ultrasound images.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may detect, based on the ultrasound images, a relative position or size of each of the first through third follicles901through903in a sagittal view direction, and as the first through third indicators931through933are indicated on the slice930, the user may identify the overall relative position or size of each of the first through third follicles901through903in the coronal or axial view direction.

In addition, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display lines, i.e., first through third lines L1through L3, respectively indicating positions where largest lengths of diameters are measured in the first through third follicles901through903. For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display the first line L1indicating the position where a largest length of diameter is measured in the first follicle901, the second line L2indicating the position where a largest length of diameter is measured in the second follicle902, and the third line L3indicating the position where a largest length of diameter is measured in the third follicle903.

The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display an ultrasound image corresponding to one of the first through third lines L1through L3. For example, when receiving a user input of selecting the second line L2or a user input of selecting the second follicle932, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may display a second ultrasound image912in which a measured diameter of the second follicle902is shown to be largest from among the ultrasound images. In addition, the first through third follicles901through903may be displayed to be identified in the second ultrasound image912, and size information regarding the second follicle902(e.g., the diameter of the second follicle902) may be displayed.

FIG.10is a block diagram of a configuration of an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus1000according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.10, according to an embodiment, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may include a processor1020, a memory1030, and a display1040.

The processor1020ofFIG.10may correspond to at least one or a combination of the ultrasound transceiver110, the controller120, and the image processor130described with reference toFIG.1, and the display1040may correspond to the display140ofFIG.1. Furthermore, according to an embodiment, some of the components of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may be included in the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus1000ofFIG.10.

According to an embodiment, the processor1020may control all operations of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus1000. According to an embodiment, the processor1020may execute one or more programs stored in the memory1030.

According to an embodiment, the memory1030may store various data, programs, or applications for driving and controlling the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus1000. A program stored in the memory1030may include one or more instructions. Programs (one or more instructions) or applications stored in the memory1030may be executed by the processor1020.

According to an embodiment, the processor1020may transmit ultrasound signals to an object, acquire ultrasound data based on echo signals received from the object, and generate a plurality of ultrasound images of the object based on the ultrasound data. In this case, an ultrasound probe for receiving echo signals from the object may be a 2D probe having a plurality of transducers arranged in 1D. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus1000may generate a plurality of consecutive ultrasound images based on echo signals acquired as the ultrasound probe scans the object along a first direction. The ultrasound images may be ultrasound images representing cross-sections of the object perpendicular to the first direction.

The processor1020may detect a plurality of entities included in the object in each of the ultrasound images.

For example, the processor1020may detect a plurality of entities in each of the ultrasound images by using an object tracking method or the like. The processor1020may segment a first ultrasound image among the ultrasound images to detect a plurality of entities (e.g., follicles) included in the first ultrasound image. Furthermore, the processor1020may segment a second ultrasound image to detect entities (e.g., follicles) included in the second ultrasound image. According to an embodiment, the processor1020may match each of the entities detected in the first ultrasound image with a corresponding one of the entities detected in the second ultrasound image, based on information about a size, a position, and a direction of each of the entities detected in each of the first and second ultrasound images, a distance of each entity from another entity, and an angle of each entity relative to another entity.

The processor1020may acquire pieces of size information respectively regarding the entities from each of the ultrasound images. For example, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100may acquire at least one of a short axis length, a long axis length, an area, a radius, a diameter, and a circumference of an entity identified as being a first entity in each of the ultrasound images. Furthermore, the processor1020may acquire at least one of a short axis length, a long axis length, an area, a radius, a diameter, and a circumference of an entity identified as being a second entity in each of the ultrasound images.

The processor1020may control, based on pieces of size information respectively regarding the first and second entities and acquired from each the ultrasound images, the display1040to display the first ultrasound image showing a largest size of the first entity and a second ultrasound image showing a largest size of the second entity.

According to an embodiment, the display1040may display an operation state of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus1000, an ultrasound image, a user interface, etc. The display1040may include one or more display panels according to embodiments and may be formed as a touch screen.

According to an embodiment, the display1040may display the first ultrasound image showing a largest size of the first entity and a second ultrasound image showing a largest size of the second entity, and display size information regarding the first entity in the first ultrasound image and size information regarding the second entity in the second ultrasound image.

Block diagrams of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses100and1000ofFIGS.1and10may be provided for illustration of embodiments. Each of the components in the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specification of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus100or1100that is actually implemented. In other words, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be split into two or more components if necessary. Functions performed in each block are intended to describe embodiments, and a specific operation or apparatus related to the functions does not limit the scope of the disclosure.

Methods of operating an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus may be implemented in the form of program instructions that may be performed by various types of computers and may be recorded on computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording media may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc. either alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the computer-readable recording media may be designed and configured specially for the disclosure or may be known to and be usable by those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape, optical media such as compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) and digital versatile disks (DVDs), magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program instructions, such as ROM, random access memory (RAM), flash memory, etc. Examples of program instructions include not only machine code such as that created by a compiler but also higher level language code that may be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

In addition, ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses and operating methods for the same according to embodiments of the disclosure may be included in a computer program product when provided. The computer program product may be traded, as a commodity, between a seller and a buyer.

The computer program product may include a software program and a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon the software program. For example, the computer program product may include a product (e.g. a downloadable application) in the form of a software program electronically distributed by a manufacturer of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus or through an electronic market (e.g., Google Play Store™ and App Store™). For such electronic distribution, at least a part of the software program may be stored on the storage medium or may be temporarily generated. In this case, the storage medium may be a storage medium of a server of the manufacturer, a server of the electronic market, or a relay server for temporarily storing the software program.

In a system consisting of a server and a client device, the computer program product may include a storage medium of the server or a storage medium of the client device. Alternatively, in a case where a third device (e.g., a smartphone) is connected to the server or client device through a communication network, the computer program product may include a storage medium of the third device. Alternatively, the computer program product may include a software program itself that is transmitted from the server to the client device or the third device or that is transmitted from the third device to the client device.

In this case, one of the server, the client device, and the third device may execute the computer program product to perform methods according to embodiments of the disclosure. Alternatively, two or more of the server, the client device, and the third device may execute the computer program product to perform the methods according to the embodiments in a distributed manner.

For example, the server (e.g., a cloud server, an artificial intelligence server, or the like) may run the computer program product stored therein to control the client device communicating with the server to perform the methods according to the embodiments of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment, size information regarding an entity included in an object may be acquired easily and accurately without using a 3D probe.

According to an embodiment, size information regarding an entity included in the object may be acquired in consideration of the overall volume of the object without using a 3D probe.

According to an embodiment, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is configured to detect at least one entity included in the object and display an ultrasound image showing a largest size of the detected entity, thereby eliminating the need for the user to individually measure and remember a size of at least one entity included in the object in each of a plurality of 2D ultrasound images.

While one or more embodiments have been particularly described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure and various changes and modifications in form and details based on the basic concept of the disclosure also fall within the scope as defined by the following claims.