Patent Publication Number: US-2015065867-A1

Title: Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and method of operating the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0105697, filed on Sep. 3, 2013, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     One or more exemplary embodiments relate to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a method for operating the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly, to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which is usable for treatment or diagnosis to be carried out by inserting a needle into an object, and a method for operating the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Ultrasound systems irradiate an ultrasonic signal which is generated from a transducer of an ultrasound probe onto an internal part of an object and receive information which relates to an echo signal reflected from the internal part of the object, thereby acquiring an image of the internal part of the object. In particular, ultrasound systems are used for the medical purpose of observing the inside of an object, detecting a foreign material, and assessing an injury. 
     Ultrasound systems have stabilities which are typically higher than those of diagnostic apparatuses using X-rays, display an image in real time, and are safe because there is no exposure to radioactivity, and thus may be widely used in conjunction with other medical image diagnostic apparatuses. 
     When a user uses a syringe for treatment or a biopsy in a medical field, because an internal part of a patient, into which a needle of the syringe is inserted, is not seen, it may be difficult to determine a location of the inserted needle or an insertion degree. For example, when the user draws blood from a specific blood vessel of the patient, it may take a long time to determine an accurate location of the blood vessel or an insertion degree of the needle. 
     Therefore, the user may use an ultrasound system to carry out treatment or a biopsy that uses the syringe so as to reduce a time taken and increase accuracy. The ultrasound system provides images of the object and the needle inserted into the object, thereby increasing diagnosis or treatment accuracy. 
     However, a general ultrasound system displays an ultrasound image via a display unit  11  which is fixed to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, for example, when the user uses an ultrasound probe  20  and a syringe  30  to carry out a biopsy of an object  105 , because the user is provided with an ultrasound image via the display unit  11  which is disposed relatively far away from the user, it is difficult to accurately determine a location of a needle or an insertion degree. 
     Furthermore, it may be inconvenient for the user to acquire the ultrasound image of the object  105  by using the ultrasound probe  20  due to a communication cable which is used to connect the ultrasound probe  20  and the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  10 . In addition, there may be a problem in that it is unsanitary when the patient contacts the communication cable. 
     SUMMARY 
     One or more exemplary embodiments include an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a method for operating the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus whereby a location of a needle or an insertion degree may be more conveniently and accurately determined when a user treats or diagnoses an object by inserting the needle into the object. 
     Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented exemplary embodiments. 
     According to one or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including: a transceiver configured to receive, from an ultrasound probe, ultrasound image data which relates to an object and to a needle which is inserted into the object; a first display device configured to display a first ultrasound image which is generated from the ultrasound image data; a needle detector configured to detect a region which corresponds to the needle from the first ultrasound image; a controller configured to generate a second ultrasound image which includes the region which corresponds to the needle based on an output from the needle detector; and a second display device configured to display the second ultrasound image. 
     The controller may be further configured to generate the second ultrasound image by enlarging a part of the first ultrasound image which includes the region which corresponds to the needle by a predetermined enlargement factor. The controller may be further configured to determine the enlargement factor based on a user input. 
     The needle detector may be further configured to detect a change in a location of an edge of the needle from the first ultrasound image, and the controller may be further configured to update the second ultrasound image based on the detected change in the location of the edge of the needle. 
     The second ultrasound image may include an emphasized portion which relates to the needle. 
     The needle detector may include a location detector configured to detect a location of the needle from within the object, and to detect the region which corresponds to the needle from the first ultrasound image based on the detected location of the needle. 
     The second display device may be further configured to wirelessly receive the second ultrasound image from the transceiver. 
     The second display device may be fixable to the ultrasound probe. 
     The transceiver may be further configured to wirelessly receive the ultrasound image data from the ultrasound probe. 
     According to one or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a method for operating an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, the method including: receiving, from an ultrasound probe, ultrasound image data which relates to an object and to a needle which is inserted into the object; displaying, on a first display device, a first ultrasound image which is generated from the received ultrasound image data; detecting a region which corresponds to the needle from the first ultrasound image; generating a second ultrasound image which includes the region which corresponds to the needle based on a result of the detecting; and displaying, on a second display device, the second ultrasound image. 
     The generating the second ultrasound image may include enlarging a part of the first ultrasound image which includes the region which corresponds to the needle by a predetermined enlargement factor. 
     The generating the second ultrasound image may include determining the enlargement factor based on a user input. 
     The detecting the region which corresponds to the needle may include detecting a change in a location of an edge of the needle from the first ultrasound image, and the generating the second ultrasound image may include updating the second ultrasound image based on the detected change in the location of the edge of the needle. 
     The generating the second ultrasound image may include including, within the second ultrasound image, an emphasized portion which relates to the needle. 
     The detecting the region which corresponds to the needle may include: detecting a location of the needle from within the object; and detecting the region which corresponds to the needle from the first ultrasound image based on the detected location of the needle. 
     The displaying the second ultrasound image may include wirelessly receiving the second ultrasound image by the second display device. 
     The second display device may be fixable to the ultrasound probe. 
     The receiving the ultrasound image data may include wirelessly receiving the ultrasound image data from the ultrasound probe. 
     According to one or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for executing the method of receiving, from an ultrasound probe, ultrasound image data relating to an object and to a needle inserted into the object; displaying, on a first display device, a first ultrasound image which is generated from the received ultrasound image data; detecting a region corresponding to the needle from the first ultrasound image; generating a second ultrasound image which includes the region which corresponds to the needle based on a result of the detecting; and displaying, on a second display device. the second ultrasound image. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a general ultrasound system; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram which illustrates an ultrasound system which includes an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of a method for operating an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are examples of screens displayed on a first display unit and a second display unit in connection with a method for operating an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of an ultrasound system which includes an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the present exemplary embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, to explain aspects of the present description. 
     Throughout the specification, when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it may be “directly connected or coupled” to the other element or “electrically connected or coupled” with intervening elements. 
     When a part “includes” or “comprises” an element, unless there is a particular description contrary thereto, the part may further include other elements, not excluding the other elements. 
     Moreover, each of terms such as “ . . . unit” and “module” as described in specification denotes an element for performing at least one function or operation, and may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. 
     The term “ultrasonic image” used herein denotes an image of an object which image is acquired by using an ultrasonic wave. Further, the term “object” as used herein may include an organic substance or an inorganic substance indicated by the image. The object may include a part of a physical body. For example, an object may include an organ such as a liver, a heart, a womb, a brain, breasts, an abdomen, or the like, or a fetus, and may include a cross-sectional surface of the physical body. 
     Moreover, the term “user” as used herein typically refers to a medical expert, and may be a doctor, a nurse, a medical technologist, a sonographer, a medical image expert, or the like. However, the user is not limited thereto. 
     The present inventive concept will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. The present inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein; rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the present inventive concept to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the present disclosure with unnecessary detail. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram which illustrates an ultrasound system which includes an ultrasound probe  200  and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the ultrasound system according to an exemplary embodiment includes the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  and the ultrasound probe  200  that are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly. 
     The ultrasound probe  200  forms a receiving signal by transmitting an ultrasound signal to an object  105  based on a control signal which is received from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  and receiving the ultrasound signal (i.e. an ultrasound echo signal) which is reflected from the object  105 . The ultrasound probe  200  focuses the receiving signal in order to form ultrasound image data, and then transmits the ultrasound image data to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 . 
     The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  forms an ultrasound image by using the ultrasound image data which is received from the ultrasound probe  200 , and displays the ultrasound image on a first display unit (also referred to herein as a “first display device” and/or a “first display”)  120 . 
     The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment provides a more convenient and accurate determination of a location of a needle  30  or an insertion degree when a user carries out treatment or diagnosis by inserting the needle  30  into the object  105 . 
     To this end, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may detect an image which indicates the needle  30  from within a first ultrasound image which is displayed on the first display unit  120 . The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may select a partial region of the first ultrasound image which includes the image of the needle  30 , and display a second ultrasound image which is obtained by enlarging the selected region of the first ultrasound image on a second display unit (also referred to herein as a “second display device” and/or a “second display”)  150 . 
     Therefore, the user who uses the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment may be provided with an image which is obtained by enlarging the image of the needle  30  inserted into the object  105  via the second display unit  150 , thereby increasing an accuracy of treatment or diagnosis using the needle  30 . 
     A method for operating the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4  below. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart of a method for operating the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     In operation S 310 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment receives, from the ultrasound probe  200 , ultrasound image data which relates to an object and to a needle inserted into the object. A user may contact the ultrasound probe  200  on a surface of the object in a state where the needle is inserted into the object for treatment or diagnosis. The ultrasound probe  200  transceives an ultrasound signal to the object into which the needle is inserted and receives a resulting reflection ultrasound signal, thereby receiving the ultrasound image data which relates to the object and to the needle. 
     The ultrasound probe  200  that transmits the ultrasound image data to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may be a wireless ultrasound probe. Thus, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may wirelessly receive the ultrasound image data from the ultrasound probe  200 . 
     In operation S 320 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment displays, on the first display unit  120 , a first ultrasound image which is generated from the ultrasound image data. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may generate the first ultrasound image from the ultrasound image data based on information which relates to the object and the needle which is included in the ultrasound image data. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may generate the first ultrasound image by combining an object image which is generated from the ultrasound image data relating to the object and a needle image which is generated from the ultrasound image data relating to the needle. 
     In operation S 330 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention detects a region which corresponds to the needle from the first ultrasound image. In this regard, the “region which corresponds to the needle” may refer to a partial region of the first ultrasound image and/or to a region which includes an image which is generated by using an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the needle. Alternatively, the “region which corresponds to the needle” may refer to a partial region of the first ultrasound image which includes a region which includes an image generated by using an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the needle or the object disposed near the needle. 
     For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may detect the needle from the first ultrasound image and select a predetermined region of the first ultrasound image which includes at least a part of the detected needle. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may determine the selected region of the first ultrasound image as the region corresponding to the needle. 
     As an example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may analyze the ultrasound image data and detect the region corresponding to the needle from the first ultrasound image. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may detect the region corresponding to the needle based on at least one from among brightness of the ultrasound image data, shapes of regions which indicate the same brightness, and a distribution of the regions which indicate the same brightness. In this aspect, the needle is generally displayed as being brighter than the object, and thus a structure which has a brightness level higher than a predetermined threshold brightness level in a straight line may be detected as the needle. 
     As another example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may detect the region corresponding to the needle based on information which relates to a location of the needle. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may detect the location of the needle inserted into the object and detect the region corresponding to the needle from the first ultrasound image based on the detected location of the needle. In order to detect the location of the needle, the ultrasound probe  200  may include a needle location detection unit (also referred to herein as a “needle location detector”) (not shown). 
     For example, the ultrasound probe  200  may include a syringe that is combined with the ultrasound probe  200  and inserted into a body. The ultrasound probe  200  may detect movement information which relates to the syringe. In this regard, the movement information which relates to the syringe may be measured based on a variable resistance that is synchronized with a physical movement of the syringe and that has a variable resistance value. The needle location detection unit (not shown) included in the ultrasound probe  200  may calculate a depth and/or an angle of the needle inserted into the object based on the movement information which relates to the syringe, thereby detecting the location of the needle. 
     The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may detect the region which corresponds to the needle from the first ultrasound image and detect a point which corresponds to an edge of the needle from the detected region. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may detect a predetermined region of the first ultrasound image which includes the detected edge of the needle as the region corresponding to the needle. 
     In operation S 340 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment generates a second ultrasound image which includes the region corresponding to the needle based on a result of the detection performed in operation S 330 . 
     The second ultrasound image may include an image which is obtained by enlarging a part of the first ultrasound image, which part includes the region corresponding to the needle, by a predetermined enlargement factor. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may determine the enlargement factor based on a user input. The enlargement factor may be a previously stored value. 
     When the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  wholly displays the first ultrasound image which is displayed on the first display unit  120  on the second display unit  150 , the enlargement factor which relates to the first ultrasound image may be equal to 100%. Thus, when the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  displays a partial image of the first ultrasound image which corresponds to one-fourth of the first ultrasound image on a whole screen of the second display unit  150  as the second ultrasound image, the enlargement factor which relates to the first ultrasound image may be equal to 400%. When the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  displays a partial image of the first ultrasound image which corresponds to one-eighth of the first ultrasound image on a whole screen of the second display unit  150  as the second ultrasound image, the enlargement factor which relates to the first ultrasound image may be equal to 800%. 
     The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may generate a part of the first ultrasound image which part includes the region corresponding to the needle as the second ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may detect a location change in the edge of the needle from the first ultrasound image and then update the second ultrasound image based on the detected location change in the edge of the needle. 
     For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may select a partial region of the first ultrasound image that may be enlarged and displayed in such a manner that the edge of the needle is disposed at a predetermined location of the second ultrasound image. Thus, the edge of the needle which is inserted into the object changes, and thus the selected region of the first ultrasound image may be different. The selected region of the first ultrasound image is different, and thus the second ultrasound image displayed on the second display unit  150  is updated. An updating of the second ultrasound image will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 4  below. 
     The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may generate the second ultrasound image such that an emphasized portion which relates to the needle is included in the image. In particular, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may generate the second ultrasound image such that a color, a contrast, and/or a shape of an image which indicates the needle is corrected in such a manner that the needle and the object may be clearly distinguished from each other. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may correct the ultrasound image data and generate the second ultrasound image from the corrected ultrasound image data in such a manner that the image indicating the needle may be displayed to be brighter and distinguished from the image of the object which has a relatively low brightness. 
     In operation S 350 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment displays the second ultrasound image on the second display unit  150 . In this regard, the second display unit  150  that displays the second ultrasound image may receive a control signal via the second display unit  150  or via a user input unit (also referred to herein as a “user input device”) (not shown) which is included in the ultrasound probe  200 . For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may receive the enlargement factor which relates to the first ultrasound image for generating the second ultrasound image via the second display unit  150  or via the user input unit (not shown) which is included in the ultrasound probe  200 . 
     The second display unit  150  may wirelessly receive the second ultrasound image from a main body of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 . The main body of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  includes the first display unit  120 . The main body of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  performs functions of receiving the ultrasound image data from the ultrasound probe  200 , displaying the first ultrasound image, and generating the second ultrasound image. 
     The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may process the ultrasound image data which is received from the ultrasound probe  200 , and then wirelessly transmit a high resolution image to the second display unit  150 . The main body of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  and the ultrasound probe  200  may be connected to each other in a wireless gigabit alliance (WiGig) manner in order to facilitate transmission and reception of the high resolution image. 
     In particular, the second display unit  150  may be configured as a wireless monitor that wirelessly receives the ultrasound image from the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 . The second display unit  150  may be wirelessly connected to the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  so that the second display unit  150  may be placed at a location and an angle desired by the user. For example, the second display unit  150  may be located in a user&#39;s line of sight while the user is treating or diagnosing a patient by using the needle. 
     The second display unit  150  may be fixed to the ultrasound probe  200 . Thus, the second display unit  150  may be small enough to be fixed to the ultrasound probe  200 . A coupling unit (also referred to herein as a “coupler”) (not shown) that is mechanically coupled to the ultrasound probe  200  may be disposed on an outer surface of the second display unit  150 . A coupling unit (also referred to herein as a “coupler”) (not shown) that is mechanically coupled to a tripod or an arm installed near the object as well as the ultrasound probe  200  may be disposed on the outer surface of the second display unit  150 . 
     Therefore, the user who uses the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment may arrange the second display unit  150  that displays the second ultrasound image for guiding treatment or diagnosis using the needle to be located near the patient. Thus, the user may more easily and accurately determine a location of the needle and/or an insertion degree. 
     The second display unit  150  may display an enlarged ultrasound image that is automatically updated based on a change in the location of the needle. The second display unit  150  may further enlarge and display the second ultrasound image based on a user input. When the second display unit  150  enlarges and displays the second ultrasound image based on the user input, the second display unit  150  may enlarge the second ultrasound image with respect to a location of an edge of the needle. In particular, the second display unit  150  may enlarge and display the second ultrasound image in such a manner that the location of the edge of the needle of the second ultrasound image may be disposed on a predetermined location of a screen of the second display unit  150 , for example, the edge of the needle may be centered with respect to the screen of the second display unit  150 . 
     Therefore, the user who uses the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment may be provided with the second ultrasound image showing an enlarged and detailed location of the edge of the needle inside the object, thereby increasing an accuracy of treatment or diagnosis using the needle. 
     The second display unit  150  may operate by using a battery, and may be designed not to have any curves or joints. The second display unit  150  according to an exemplary embodiment may be easily sterilized, whereby the user may more sanitarily use the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are examples of screens which are respectively displayed on the first display unit  120  and the second display unit  150  in connection with a method for operating the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may detect a region  415  which corresponds to a needle inserted into an object from a first ultrasound image  411  which is displayed on the first display unit  120 . The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may select a partial region  413  of the first ultrasound image  411  for generating a second ultrasound image  412  based on the detected region  415  which corresponds to the needle and a previously set enlargement factor. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may generate the second ultrasound image  412  which includes the partial region  413  of the first ultrasound image  411 . The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may display the second ultrasound image  412  on the second display unit  150 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4B , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may detect a region  425  which corresponds to the needle inserted into the object from a first ultrasound image  421  which is displayed on the first display unit  120 . The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may change a partial region  423  of the first ultrasound image  421  which partial region  423  is selected in order to generate a second ultrasound image  422  based on a change in a location of an edge of the needle. Thus, when the location of an edge of the needle is changed because the needle is deeply inserted into the object, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may automatically update the second ultrasound image  422  which is displayed on the second display unit  150 . The second display unit  150  may display the updated second ultrasound image  422 . 
     Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment provides a second ultrasound image that is automatically updated based on the change in the edge of the needle via the second display unit  150 , thereby providing a user with an environment in which the user may accurately treat or diagnose a patient by using the needle. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     Elements of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment are configured to perform the operations of the method for operating the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  which is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Thus, although omitted below, the descriptions of the method for operating the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  of  FIG. 3  above may apply to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  of  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment includes a communication unit (also referred to herein as a “communicator” and/or as a “transceiver”)  110 , the first display unit (also referred to herein as “the first display device” and/or as “the first display”)  120 , a needle detection unit (also referred to herein as a “needle detector”)  130 , a control unit (also referred to herein as a “controller”)  140 , and the second display unit (also referred to herein as “the second display device” and/or as “the second display”)  150 . 
     The communication unit  110  receives ultrasound image data which relates to an object and ultrasound image data which relates to a needle inserted into the object from the ultrasound probe  200 . 
     The first display unit  120  displays the first ultrasound image which is generated from the ultrasound image data. 
     The needle detection unit  130  detects a region which corresponds to the needle from the first ultrasound image. The needle detection unit  130  may include a location detection unit (also referred to herein as a “location detector”) (not shown) that detects a location of the needle with respect to the object. The needle detection unit  130  may detect the region corresponding to the needle from the first ultrasound image based on the detected location of the needle. The needle detection unit  130  may analyze the ultrasound image data and detect an ultrasound image which corresponds to the needle. 
     The control unit  140  generates a second ultrasound image by enlarging at least a part of the first ultrasound image based on a result of detection of the needle detection unit  130 . The control unit  140  may generate a part of the first ultrasound image which part includes the region corresponding to the needle as the second ultrasound image. The control unit  140  may determine an enlargement factor which is used to enlarge the at least part of the first ultrasound image on the second ultrasound image based on a user input. The control unit  140  may update the second ultrasound image based on a change in the edge of the needle on the first ultrasound image. The control unit  140  may generate the second ultrasound image such that an emphasized portion which relates to the region corresponding to the needle is included in the second ultrasound image. 
     The second display unit  150  displays the second ultrasound image. In this regard, the second display unit  150  may wirelessly receive the second ultrasound image that is based on the ultrasound data transmitted from the communication unit  110  and is generated by the control unit  140 . The second display unit  150  may include a WiGig communication module in order to receive the second ultrasound image that has a high resolution. 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram of an ultrasound system which includes the ultrasound probe  200  and the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the ultrasound system may include the ultrasound probe  200  and the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment may include an image processing unit (also referred to herein as an “image processor”)  160 , a memory  170 , and an input unit (also referred to herein as an “input device”)  180  in addition to the communication unit  110 , the first display unit  120 , the needle detection unit  130 , the control unit  140 , and the second display unit  150 . 
     The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may be configured as a cart type diagnostic apparatus and/or as a portable diagnostic apparatus. The portable diagnostic apparatus may include any one or more of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) viewer, a hand-carried cardiac ultrasound (HCU) device, a smart phone, a lap-top computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a tablet personal computer (PC), but is not limited thereto. 
     The communication unit  110  may perform wired and/or wireless communication with the ultrasound probe  200 . The communication unit  110  may transmit a control signal which is received from the control unit  140  to the ultrasound probe  200 , and receive ultrasound image data which is transmitted by the ultrasound probe  200 . 
     The communication unit  110  may be connected to a network  40  by wire or wirelessly and communicate with an external device and/or a server. The communication unit  110  may transmit and receive data to and from a hospital server or other medical devices of a hospital via a PACS. The communication unit  110  may perform data communication based on the digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) standard. 
     The communication unit  110  may transmit and receive data which is associated with a diagnosis of the object, such as an ultrasound image of the object, ultrasound data, and Doppler data, over the network  40 , and may also transmit and receive a medical image which is captured by another medical apparatus such as a computed tomography (CT) apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, an X-ray apparatus, and/or the like. Furthermore, the communication unit  110  may receive a diagnosis history and/or a treatment schedule of a patient from the server, and use the received diagnosis history and/or treatment schedule in diagnosing the object. The communication unit  110  may communicate with a mobile terminal of a doctor or a customer, in addition to the server and/or the medical apparatus of the hospital. 
     The communication unit  110  may use short distance communication, such as wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi direct (WFD), ultra wideband (UWB), infrared data association (IrDA), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), near field communication (NFC), and/or the like, but the communication unit  110  is not limited thereto. 
     Wired communication technology used by the communication unit  110  may include any one or more of a pair cable, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber cable, an Ethernet cable, and the like. 
     Mobile communication technology used by the communication unit  110  may be employed for transmitting and/or receiving a wireless signal with at least one of a base station of a mobile communication network, an external terminal, and a server. In this regard, the wireless signal may include any one or more of a voice signal, a video call signal, and/or various forms of data according to transmission and receiving of text and multimedia messages. 
     The control unit  140  may generally control operations of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 . In particular, the control unit  140  may control operations between the ultrasound probe  200 , the communication unit  110 , the first display unit  120 , the needle detection unit  130 , the control unit  140 , the second display unit  150 , the image processing unit  160 , the memory  170 , and the input unit  180 . 
     The image processing unit  160  may generate and display an ultrasound image by scanning and converting the transmission data received from the ultrasound probe  200  via the communication unit  110 . The ultrasound image may include a gray scale ultrasound image which is obtained by scanning the object according to an amplitude A mode, a brightness B mode, and a motion M mode as well as a Doppler image of a motion of the object. The Doppler image may include a blood flow Doppler image (also referred to as a color Doppler image) which shows a blood flow, a tissue Doppler image which shows a motion of a tissue, and a spectral Doppler image which shows a wave type moving speed of the object. 
     The memory  170  stores any one or more of various types of information which are processed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 . For example, the memory  170  may store medical data which is associated with a diagnosis of the object, such as input and output ultrasound data, and an ultrasound image, and may also store an algorithm or a program which is executed in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 . 
     The memory  170  may be configured as any one or more of various types of storage media such as flash memory, hard disk, EEPROM, and/or any other suitable type of storage medium. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may operate web storage and/or a cloud server that performs a storage function of the memory  170  on the web. 
     The first display unit  120  and the second display unit  150  may display the generated ultrasound image. The first display unit  120  and the second display unit  150  may display any one or more of various types of information which are processed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  on a screen via a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI), in addition to displaying the ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  may include an additional display unit based on a configuration shape. 
     The input unit  180  is used to receive, from a user, an input of data which relates to controlling the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 . The input unit  180  includes a unit configured for receiving an enlargement factor which relates to an enlargement of a second ultrasound image with respect to a first ultrasound image. The input unit  180  may include a hardware element such as any one or more of a key pad, a mouse, a touch panel, a touch screen, a trackball, and a jog switch, but the input unit  180  is not limited thereto. The input unit  180  may further include any one or more of various types of input units, such as an ECG measurement module, a respiration measurement module, a voice recognition sensor, a gesture recognition sensor, a finger print recognition sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a depth sensor, a distance sensor, and the like. 
     The ultrasound probe  200 , the communication unit  110 , the first display unit  120 , the needle detection unit  130 , the second display unit  150 , the image processing unit  160 , the memory  170 , and the input unit  180  may wholly or partly operate by using a software module, but these elements are not limited thereto, and may partly operate by using hardware. At least one of the communication unit  110 , the needle detection unit  130 , the image processing unit  160 , and the memory  170  may be included in the control unit  140 , but the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  is not limited thereto. At least one of the communication unit  110 , the control unit  140 , the image processing unit  160 , and the memory  170  may be included in the ultrasound probe  200 , but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. 
     The ultrasound probe  200  sends an ultrasound signal to the object  105  based on a control signal which is received from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 , and receives an echo signal which is reflected from the object  105 . The ultrasound probe  200  includes a plurality of transducers. The transducers may vibrate based on transferred electrical signals, and generate ultrasound waves that include acoustic energy. 
     The ultrasound probe  200  generates pulses which are used to form transmission ultrasound waves based on a predetermined pulse repetition frequency (PRF) in accordance with the control signal which is received from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 . The ultrasound probe  200  applies a delay time that is used to determine a transmission directionality to the pulses. Each pulse to which the delay time is applied corresponds to each of a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators which are included in the transducers. The ultrasound probe  200  applies the pulses which correspond to the piezoelectric vibrators at a time which corresponds to each pulse to which the delay time is applied. 
     The ultrasound probe  200  may generate the transmission data by processing the echo signal reflected from the object  105 . The ultrasound probe  200  may amplify the echo signal for each channel and perform an analog-digital conversion on the amplified echo signal. The ultrasound probe  200  may apply the delay time that is used to determine the transmission directionality to the digitally converted echo signal, and generate the transmission data by summing the echo signal to which the delay time is applied. 
     As described above, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment includes the second display unit  150  that operates as a battery, is wirelessly connected to a main body of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100 , and easily moves, thereby facilitating a biopsy or treatment which is performable by using the ultrasound system. 
     The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment may include the ultrasound probe  200  being disposed near a patient and the second display unit  150  being easily fixable to a tripod or an arm. The second display unit  150  may display a first ultrasound image which is displayed on the first display unit  120  and may also display a second ultrasound image which is obtained by enlarging a part of the first ultrasound image by an enlargement factor desired by the user. 
     When the second display unit  105  displays the second ultrasound image obtained by enlarging the designated part of the first ultrasound image, the second display unit  105  may automatically change the part of the first ultrasound image that is designated with respect to the second ultrasound image based on a change in a location of an edge of a needle as shown on the first ultrasound image. 
     Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment includes the second display unit  150  that displays an enlarged ultrasound image of the needle and is disposed near the patient, thereby facilitating the biopsy or the treatment which is performable by using the ultrasound system and/or increasing an accuracy thereof. 
     In addition, other exemplary embodiments can also be implemented through computer readable code/instructions in/on a medium, e.g., a transitory or non-transitory computer readable medium, in order to control at least one processing element to implement any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. The medium can correspond to any medium/media which permits the storage and/or transmission of the computer readable code. 
     The computer readable code can be recorded/transferred on a medium in any one or more of a variety of ways, with examples of the medium including recording media, such as magnetic storage media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical recording media (e.g., compact disk-read-only memory (CD-ROMs), or digital versatile disks (DVDs)), and transmission media such as Internet transmission media. Thus, the medium may be such a defined and measurable structure which includes or carries a signal or information, such as a device carrying a bitstream, according to one or more exemplary embodiments. The medium may also be a distributed network, so that the computer readable code is stored/transferred and executed in a distributed fashion. Furthermore, the processing element could include a processor and/or a computer processor, and processing elements may be distributed and/or included in a single device. 
     It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each exemplary embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other exemplary embodiments. 
     While one or more exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inventive concept as defined by the following claims.