Patent Description:
Ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses transmit ultrasound signals generated by transducers of a probe to an object and detect information about signals reflected from the object, thereby obtaining at least one image of an internal part, for example, soft tissue or blood flow, of the object.

The documents <CIT> and <CIT> relate to prior-art systems and methods for ultrasound image-guided procedures in a portion of an anatomy of a patient.

Provided are ultrasound imaging apparatuses and methods of controlling the same, which are capable of displaying at least one distance-indicating line with respect to a medical tool according to movement of the medical tool, and computer program products.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an ultrasound imaging apparatus includes: a probe configured to transmit ultrasound signals to an object and receive echo signals corresponding to the ultrasound signals; a display; and at least one processor configured to detect a reference region of a medical tool inserted into the object in an ultrasound image generated based on the echo signals, control the display to display at least one distance-indicating line arranged with respect to the reference region in the ultrasound image, and update a position of the at least one distance-indicating line according to movement of the medical tool.

The at least one processor may be further configured to control the display to display the at least one distance-indicating line at set intervals with respect to the reference region of the medical tool.

The at least one processor may be further configured to control the display to display distance information about a distance from the reference region of the medical tool to each of the at least one distance-indicating line.

The reference region of the medical tool may be at least a portion of the medical tool including a region where a distal end of the medical tool is located, and the at least one processor may be further configured to control the display to display the at least one distance-indicating line according to its distance from a border of the reference region or from a center of the reference region.

The at least one processor may be further configured to control the display to visually display the reference region of the medical tool and fixedly display, in response to reception of an input of fixing a distance-indicating line, the at least one distance-indicating line currently being displayed, regardless of the movement of the medical tool.

The at least one processor may be further configured to control the display to visually display the reference region of the medical tool and hide, in response to reception of an input of hiding a distance-indicating line, the at least one distance-indicating line currently being displayed.

The at least one processor may be further configured to provide a user interface for setting at least one of conditions for respectively setting at least one of the number of the at least one distance-indicating line, a shape of the at least one distance-indicating line, an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line, and the reference region of the medical tool.

The condition for setting the reference region of the medical tool may include at least one from among a width, an area and a shape of the reference region and whether to set the reference region as a dot.

The shape of the at least one distance-indicating line may include at least one from among a color, a transparency, and a pattern of the at least one distance-indicating line, and a transparency with respect to a distance of each of the at least one distance-indicating line from the reference region of the medical tool.

The at least one processor may be further configured to control the display to display at least one distance-indicating line arranged with respect to a preset region in the ultrasound image.

The at least one processor may be further configured to control the display to visually display at least one region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image and display distance information about a distance from the reference region of the medical tool to each of the at least one ROI.

The at least one processor may be further configured to control the display to display an extension line extending a long axis of the medical tool and display at least one of a line connecting a distal end of the medical tool to each of at least one ROI, distance information about a distance from the distal end of the medical tool to each of the at least one ROI, and information about a shortest distance from the extension line to each of the at least one ROI.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of controlling an ultrasound imaging apparatus includes: detecting a reference region of a medical tool inserted into an object in an ultrasound image of the object; displaying at least one distance-indicating line arranged with respect to the reference region in the ultrasound image; and updating a position of the at least one distance-indicating line according to movement of the medical tool.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a computer program product includes a recording medium having stored therein instructions for performing: detecting a reference region of a medical tool inserted into an object in an ultrasound image of the object; displaying at least one distance-indicating line arranged with respect to the reference region in the ultrasound image; and updating a position of the at least one distance-indicating line according to movement of the medical tool.

Certain exemplary embodiments are described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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 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.

In the present specification, a 'medical tool' refers to a tool that is inserted into an object during a medical activity. Examples of the medical tool may include a medical needle, a biopsy needle, a tube, a catheter, etc. The type of medical tool is not limited to the above-described examples, and may include various tools.

Throughout the specification, an 'ultrasound imaging apparatus' may be used interchangeably with an 'ultrasound diagnosis apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, i.e., a diagnostic apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may include a probe <NUM>, an ultrasound transceiver <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, an image processor <NUM>, one or more displays <NUM>, a storage <NUM>, e.g., a memory, a communicator <NUM>, i.e., a communication device or an interface, and an input interface <NUM>.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may be of a cart-type or a portable-type ultrasound imaging apparatus, which is portable, moveable, mobile, or hand-held. Examples of a portable-type ultrasound imaging apparatus may 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 probe <NUM> may include a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers may transmit ultrasound signals to an object <NUM> in response to transmitting signals received by the probe <NUM>, from a transmitter <NUM>. The plurality of transducers may receive ultrasound signals reflected from the object <NUM> to generate reception signals. In addition, the probe <NUM> and the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may be formed in one body (e.g., disposed in a single housing), or the probe <NUM> and the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may be formed separately (e.g., disposed separately in separate housings) but linked wirelessly or via wires. In addition, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may include one or more probes <NUM> according to embodiments.

The controller <NUM> may control the transmitter <NUM> for the transmitter <NUM> to 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 probe <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may control an ultrasound receiver <NUM> to generate ultrasound data by converting reception signals received from the probe <NUM> from analog 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 processor <NUM> may generate an ultrasound image by using ultrasound data generated from the ultrasound receiver <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may display a generated ultrasound image and various pieces of information processed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>. The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may include two or more displays <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment. The display <NUM> may include a touch screen in combination with a touch panel.

The controller <NUM> may control the operations of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> and flow of signals between the internal elements of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include a memory for storing a program or data to perform functions of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> and a processor and/or a microprocessor (not shown) for processing the program or data. For example, the controller <NUM> may control the operation of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> by receiving a control signal from the input interface <NUM> or an external apparatus.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may include the communicator <NUM> and 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 communicator <NUM>.

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

The communicator <NUM> may receive a control signal and data from an external apparatus and transmit the received control signal to the controller <NUM> so that the controller <NUM> may control the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> in response to the received control signal.

The controller <NUM> may transmit a control signal to the external apparatus via the communicator <NUM> so that the external apparatus may be controlled in response to the control signal of the controller <NUM>.

For example, the external apparatus connected to the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may process the data of the external apparatus in response to the control signal of the controller <NUM> received via the communicator <NUM>.

A program for controlling the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may be installed in the external apparatus. The program may include command languages to perform part of operation of the controller <NUM> or the entire operation of the controller <NUM>.

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 storage <NUM> may store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, input and/or output ultrasound data, ultrasound images, applications, etc..

The input interface <NUM> may receive a user's input to control the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> and 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 imaging apparatus <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment is described below with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100a or 100b may include a main display <NUM> and a sub-display <NUM>. At least one of the main display <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM> may include a touch screen. The main display <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM> may display ultrasound images and/or various information processed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100a or 100b. The main display <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM> may provide graphical user interfaces (GUI), thereby receiving user's inputs of data to control the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100a or 100b. For example, the main display <NUM> may display an ultrasound image and the sub-display <NUM> may display a control panel to control display of the ultrasound image as a GUI. The sub-display <NUM> may receive an input of data to control the display of an image through the control panel displayed as a GUI. The ultrasound imaging apparatus 100a or 100b may control the display of the ultrasound image on the main display <NUM> by using the input control data.

Referring to <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100b may include a control panel <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> may include buttons, trackballs, jog switches, or knobs, and may receive data to control the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100b from the user. For example, the control panel <NUM> may include a time gain compensation (TGC) button <NUM> and a freeze button <NUM>. The TGC button <NUM> is to set a TGC value for each depth of an ultrasound image. Also, when an input of the freeze button <NUM> is detected during scanning an ultrasound image, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100b may keep displaying a frame image at that time point.

The buttons, trackballs, jog switches, and knobs included in the control panel <NUM> may be provided as a GUI to the main display <NUM> or the sub-display <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an ultrasound imaging apparatus 100c may include a portable device. An example of a portable ultrasound imaging apparatus may 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 imaging apparatus 100c may include the probe <NUM> and a main body <NUM>. The probe <NUM> may be connected to one side of the main body <NUM> by wire or wirelessly. The main body <NUM> may include a touch screen <NUM>. The touch screen <NUM> may display an ultrasound image, various pieces of information processed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100c, and a GUI.

A concept of a method of operating an ultrasound imaging apparatus will now be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a method, performed by an ultrasound imaging apparatus, of displaying at least one distance-indicating line, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> shows an ultrasound image <NUM> displayed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A medical tool <NUM> inserted into an object and a region of interest (ROI) <NUM> of the object are depicted in the ultrasound image <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus may detect a reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> in the ultrasound image <NUM>, display at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> arranged around the reference region <NUM> in the ultrasound image <NUM>, and update a position of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> according to movement of the medical tool <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus may determine a distal end of the medical tool <NUM> as the reference region <NUM> and display the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> with respect to the reference region <NUM>. While <FIG> illustrates an example in which the number of distance-indicating lines <NUM> excluding a circle with the reference region <NUM> indicated therein is four (<NUM>), the ultrasound imaging apparatus may display one or more distance-indicating lines <NUM>. The number of distance-indicating lines <NUM> may be determined automatically or by a user input.

When a user performs a medical activity of inserting the medical tool <NUM> into the object, the ultrasound imaging apparatus needs to display a scale or a guide for guiding the medical tool <NUM> in the ultrasound image <NUM> to allow the user to easily control the medical tool <NUM>. For example, while performing a medical activity, the user may frequently perform caliper measurements by using the ultrasound imaging apparatus. The ultrasound imaging apparatus may assist the user in controlling the medical tool <NUM> by using a method of displaying a grid fixed regardless of real-time movement of the medical tool <NUM> across the entire ultrasound image <NUM>. However, according to this method, the user has to temporarily suspend a medical activity in order to perform a caliper measurement during the medical activity. Furthermore, because the grid is fixedly displayed in the ultrasound image <NUM>, the user has difficulties in identifying a relation between the medical tool <NUM> and the surrounding tissue when the medical tool <NUM> moves over the object.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus may display, with respect to the medical tool <NUM>, at least one distance-indicating line whose position is updated according to movement of the medical tool <NUM> across the ultrasound image <NUM>. Thus, when performing a medical activity of inserting the medical tool <NUM> into the object, the user may move the medical tool <NUM> without suspending the medical activity and easily identify a distance between the medical tool <NUM> and the surrounding tissue in real-time.

<FIG> illustrates a structure of an ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may include a probe <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and a processor <NUM>.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may be implemented in the form of an ultrasound imaging system, a general-purpose computer, a portable terminal, or a kiosk. For example, the ultrasound imaging system may be implemented as the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100a of <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100b of <FIG>, or the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100c of <FIG>.

The probe <NUM> may acquire ultrasound image data for generating an ultrasound image of an object. For example, the probe <NUM> may transmit ultrasound signals to the object and receive echo signals corresponding to the transmitted ultrasound signals. The received echo signals may be used to generate an ultrasound image of the object as data for generating an ultrasound image of the object. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the probe <NUM> may correspond to the probe <NUM> of <FIG>.

The display <NUM> may display an ultrasound image of the object. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the display <NUM> may correspond to the display <NUM> of <FIG>.

The processor <NUM> may control all operations of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> and process data. The processor <NUM> may include one or more processors. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may be formed as a single processor or a plurality of processors for controlling the probe <NUM> and performing an operation of processing ultrasound signals. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may correspond to the image processor <NUM> or a combination of the image processor <NUM> and the controller <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may provide a UI that allows the user to control the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>. The UI may be provided in various forms. For example, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may include the sub-display <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>, and the UI may be provided as a control panel displayed by the sub-display <NUM> as a GUI. Furthermore, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may include the control panel <NUM> of <FIG>, and the UI may be provided by buttons, trackballs, jog switches, knobs, etc. in the control panel <NUM>. Furthermore, the display <NUM> of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may be combined with a touch panel to form a touch screen, and the UI may be provided via a GUI displayed on the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may detect a reference region of a medical tool inserted into the object in an ultrasound image generated based on the echo signals, display at least one distance-indicating line arranged with respect to the reference region in the ultrasound image, and update a position of the at least one distance-indicating line according to movement of the medical tool.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may display on the display <NUM> the at least one distance-indicating line at set intervals with respect to the reference region of the medical tool. An interval between the at least one distance-indicating line may be automatically set by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> or may be set by a user input. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line may be set based on the number of the at least one distance-indicating line. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the number of the at least one distance-indicating line may be set based on an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> to display information about a distance from the reference region of the medical tool to each of the at least one distance-indicating line.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the reference region of the medical tool may be at least a portion of the medical tool including a region where a distal end of the medical tool is located, and the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> to display the at least one distance-indicating line according to its distance from a border or center of the reference region.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> to visually display a reference region of the medical tool and fixedly display, in response to reception of an input of fixing a distance-indicating line, at least one distance-indicating line currently being displayed, regardless of movement of the medical tool.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> to visually display a reference region of a medical tool and hide currently displayed at least one distance-indicating line in response to reception of an input of hiding a distance-indicating line.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may provide a UI for setting at least one condition from among conditions for respectively setting the number and shape of at least one distance-indicating line, an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line, and a reference region of a medical tool.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a condition for setting a reference region of a medical tool may include at least one among a width, an area, and a shape of the reference region, and whether to set the reference region as a dot.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the shape of at least one distance-indicating line may include at least one from among a color, a transparency, and a pattern of the at least one distance-indicating line, and a transparency with respect to a distance of each of the at least one distance-indicating line from a reference region of a medical tool.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> to display at least one distance-indicating line arranged with respect to a preset region in an ultrasound image.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> to visually display at least one ROI in an ultrasound image and display information about a distance from a reference region of a medical tool to each of the at least one ROI.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> to display an extension line extending a long axis of a medical tool and at least one of a line connecting a distal end of the medical tool to at least one ROI, information about a distance between the distal end of the medical tool and the at least one ROI, and information about a shortest distance between the extension line and the at least one ROI.

A detailed example of a method of operating the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method, performed by an ultrasound imaging apparatus, of displaying at least one distance-indicating line, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may detect a reference region of a medical tool that is inserted into an object in an ultrasound image generated based on echo signals received via the probe <NUM> (operation <NUM>).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may detect a medical tool inserted into an object in an ultrasound image. In other words, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may detect in real-time a position and a region where the medical tool is displayed in the ultrasound image. For example, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may detect a medical tool by performing analysis of an ultrasound image generated based on echo signals received via the probe <NUM>.

Furthermore, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may detect a medical tool by using a technique for detecting an object by using an electromagnetic field. For example, an electromagnetic field generator may be located adjacent to the medical tool and create an electromagnetic field in a predetermined range of a region. The electromagnetic field generator may create a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system in a region where the object and the medical tool are located. The medical tool may include an electromagnetic sensor for detecting an electromagnetic field. The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may include a tracker for acquiring information about a position of the medical tool and its movement direction. The electromagnetic sensor of the medical sensor may detect an electromagnetic field created by the electromagnetic field generator and provide the tracker with information about a position of the medical tool, which is detected in a 3D space. The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may detect the medical tool inserted into the object in an ultrasound image generated based on echo signals received via the probe <NUM>, based on information about the position of the medical tool and its movement direction, which is acquired by the tracker.

In addition, a method, performed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, of detecting a medical tool in an ultrasound image is not limited the above-described examples, and various other methods may be used to detect a medical tool in an ultrasound image.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may detect a reference region of the detected medical tool.

The reference region of the medical tool is a region used as a reference for displaying at least one distance-indicating line in the ultrasound image. The reference region of the medical tool may be at least a portion of a region where the medical tool is displayed in the ultrasound image.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the reference region of the medical tool may be a distal end of the medical tool or at least a portion of the medical tool including a region where the distal end of the medical tool is located. For example, when the medical tool is a medical needle, the reference region of the medical tool may be a needle tip or at least a portion of the needle including the needle tip.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a reference region of the medical tool may be set by the user. For example, the user may set a condition for setting a reference region of the medical tool via a UI provided by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>. The condition for setting the reference region of the medical tool may include at least one from among a width, an area, and a shape of the reference region, and whether to set the reference region as a dot. In other words, the user may set at least a portion of a region where the medical tool is displayed in an ultrasound image as the reference region.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may detect only the reference region of the medical tool inserted into the object in the ultrasound image instead of detecting the entire medical tool therein.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may control the display <NUM> to display_at least one distance-indicating line arranged with respect to the reference region in the ultrasound image (operation <NUM>).

At least one distance-indicating line means at least one indicating line arranged with respect to the reference region such that a position of the medical tool with respect to tissues of the object surrounding the medical tool may be easily identified.

The number and shape of at least one distance-indicating line, an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line, etc. may be determined in various ways. According to the claimed invention, the at least one distance-indicating line is displayed as at least one circle having a center of the reference region as its center.

Furthermore, the at least one distance-indicating line may be displayed in a shape corresponding to that of the reference region. For example, when the reference region is of a round rectangular shape with round corners, each of the at least one distance-indicating line may be displayed as a round rectangle with a center of the reference region as its center and round corners.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may visually display a region where the medical tool is located or the reference region of the medical tool. For example, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display a border of the region where the medical tool is located or a border of the reference region of the medical tool. The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display a border of the region where the medical tool is located or the reference region, thereby allowing easy identification of a position and movement of the medical tool as well as a region used as a reference for displaying distance information regarding at least one distance line.

Various types of the at least one distance-indicating line will be described in more detail below with reference to <FIG>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display distance information about a distance from the reference region of the medical tool to each of the at least one distance-indicating line. By displaying the above-described distance information, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may quantitatively identify a position of the medical tool with respect to tissues surrounding the medical tool.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a condition for displaying at least one distance-indicating line may be set by the user. For example, the user may set a condition for displaying at least one distance-indicating line via a UI provided by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>. The condition for displaying at least one distance-indicating line may include at least one from among the number and shape of the at least one distance-indicating line and an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line.

For example, the shape of the at least one distance-indicating line may include at least one from among a color, a transparency, and a pattern of the at least one distance-indicating line, and a transparency with respect to a distance of each of the at least one distance-indicating line from the reference region of the medical tool.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display in an ultrasound image at least one distance-indicating line arranged with respect to a preset region other than the reference region of the medical tool. The preset region may be set by the user via a UI provided by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>. For example, the preset region may be any of various ROIs such as tissues, lesions, etc., in the object.

By displaying the at least one distance-indicating line arranged with respect to the preset region, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may visually display a relative position of the medical tool with respect to the preset region.

Various types of the at least one distance-indicating line arranged with respect to the preset region and methods of displaying the at least one distance-indicating line may respectively correspond to various types of at least one distance-indicating line arranged with respect to the reference region of the medical tool and methods of displaying the at least one distance-indicating line.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may update a position of the at least one distance-indicating line according to movement of the medical tool (operation <NUM>).

As the user manipulates the medical tool, the position of the medical tool moves over the ultrasound image. As described with reference to operation <NUM>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may detect in real-time a position and a region where the medical tool or the reference region of the medical tool is displayed in the ultrasound image.

As the position of the reference region of the medical tool changes in the ultrasound image due to movement of the medical tool, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display at least one distance-indicating line with respect to the reference region having the changed position. In other words, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may update a position of the at least one distance-indicating line according to movement of the medical tool.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may update the position of the at least one distance-indicating line as the medical tool moves, thereby allowing the user to move, when performing a medical activity of inserting the medical tool into the object, the medical tool without suspending the medical activity and easily identify a distance between the medical tool and the surrounding tissue in real-time.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining various shapes of distance-indicating lines that can be displayed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As described with reference to operation <NUM> of <FIG>, the number and shape of at least one distance-indicating line, an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line, etc. may be determined in various ways. Furthermore, a border of a region where a medical tool is located or a border of a reference region of the medical tool may be displayed.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be displayed as at least one circle, each having a center of a reference region <NUM> as its center, wherein a distal end of a medical tool <NUM> is determined as the reference region <NUM>.

<NUM> of <FIG> shows an example in which the number of at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> excluding a circle with the reference region <NUM> indicated therein is four (<NUM>). The at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be displayed according to its distance from a border or center of the reference region <NUM>.

The at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be displayed at regular intervals from the border of the reference region <NUM>. For example, when the reference region <NUM> is a circle with a radius r and an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> is L, the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be four circles respectively having radii of r+L, r+<NUM>, r+<NUM>, and r+<NUM>.

Furthermore, unlike in <NUM> of <FIG>, the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> may not be displayed as a circle and may be depicted in various ways, e.g., by displaying the center of the reference region <NUM> as a dot. Alternatively, the reference region <NUM> may not be displayed.

Furthermore, the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be displayed as at least one circle at regular intervals, each circle having the center of the reference region <NUM> as its center. For example, when an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> is L, the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be four circles respectively having radii of L, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Furthermore, the number of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> is not limited to the example shown in <NUM> of <FIG> but may be determined in various other ways.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> circularly around the reference region <NUM> as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, thereby allowing easy identification of a position or distance of the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> relative to tissue and an ROI <NUM> of the object. For example, a distance from the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> to the tissue or ROI <NUM> of the object may be visually identified.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, each of at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be displayed as a round rectangle having a center of a reference region <NUM> as its center and round corners, wherein the reference region <NUM> is at least a portion of a medical tool <NUM> including a region where a distal end of the medical tool <NUM> is located.

<NUM> of <FIG> shows an example in which the number of at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> excluding one with the reference region <NUM> indicated therein is four (<NUM>). The at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be displayed according to its distance from a border or center of the reference region <NUM>.

The at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be displayed at regular intervals from a border of the reference region <NUM>. For example, when an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> is L, the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be respectively displayed with intervals of L, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> away from the reference region <NUM>.

Furthermore, unlike in <NUM> of <FIG>, the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> may not be displayed as a round rectangle and may be depicted in various other shapes, e.g., by displaying the center of the reference region <NUM> as a dot. Alternatively, the reference region <NUM> may not be displayed. The at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be displayed as at least one round rectangle with round corners at regular intervals, each round rectangle having the center of the reference region <NUM> as its center.

Referring to <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, the at least one distance-indicating line (<NUM> or <NUM>) may be displayed in a shape corresponding to that of the reference region <NUM> or <NUM> of the medical tool (<NUM> or <NUM>). For example, when the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> has a circular shape as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may also be displayed as at least one circle. When the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> has a round rectangular shape as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may also be displayed as at least one round rectangle with round corners. A shape of a reference region of a medical tool and a method of displaying at least one distance-indicating line in a shape corresponding to that of the reference region are not limited to the above-described examples but may be determined in various other ways.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> as at least one rectangle with round corners at specific intervals from the reference region <NUM> as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, thereby allowing easy identification of a position or distance of the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> relative to tissue and an ROI <NUM> of the object. For example, a distance from at least a portion of the medical tool <NUM> including a distal end of the medical tool <NUM> to the tissue or ROI <NUM> of the object may be visually identified.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be at least one line perpendicular to a long axis of a medical tool <NUM>.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, a region where the medical tool <NUM> is located is determined as a reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM>, and a border of the reference region <NUM> is displayed.

<NUM> of <FIG> shows an example in which the number of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> excluding one with the reference region <NUM> indicated therein is thirteen (<NUM>). The at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> is perpendicular to the long axis of the medical tool <NUM>, and thus, is shown as being perpendicular to a long line of the border of the reference region <NUM>.

The at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be displayed at regular intervals across the reference region <NUM>. Furthermore, the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may not cross the reference region <NUM> but may be displayed in front of a distal end of the medical tool <NUM>. <NUM> of <FIG> shows an example in which nine (<NUM>) lines of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> cross the reference region <NUM> while four (<NUM>) lines do not cross the same.

Each of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be a line of the same length. However, the type of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> shown as being perpendicular to the long axis of the medical tool <NUM> is not limited to the example shown in <NUM> of <FIG> but may be determined in various ways. For example, the number of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM>, the number of distance-indicating lines displayed before the distal end of the medical tool <NUM>, an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM>, etc. may be determined in various ways.

Furthermore, each of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may have a different length, and the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may have irregular intervals therebetween. For example, as a distance from the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> increases, an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may decrease or increase.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, at least one distance-indicating line may include a line <NUM>-<NUM> extending from a distal end of a medical tool <NUM> along (or parallel to) a long axis of the medical tool <NUM>.

The line <NUM>-<NUM> extending from the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> may visually indicate a region where the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> is to be positioned when the medical tool <NUM> moves linearly in a direction that the long axis of the medical tool <NUM> is currently oriented.

The line <NUM>-<NUM> extending from the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> may include at least one scale mark perpendicular to the line <NUM>-<NUM>. The at least one scale mark may be displayed at regular intervals.

Furthermore, the at least one distance-indicating line may include at least one scale mark <NUM>-<NUM> on the border of the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM>. The at least one scale mark <NUM>-<NUM> may be displayed on or parallel to a long line of the border of the reference region <NUM> at regular intervals.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display at least one distance-indicating line in various shapes as shown in <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, thereby allowing visual identification of a position or distance of a reference region of a medical tool relative to tissue and an ROI of the object according to various methods.

In addition, the shapes of at least one distance-indicating line are not limited to the examples shown in <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, but may be determined as various other shapes. For example, the at least one distance-indicating line may be displayed in a grid form, as described in more detail below with reference to <FIG>.

Furthermore, the user may use a UI provided by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> to select one of various shapes of distance-indicating lines or set at least one from among the number and shape of at least one distance-indicating line, an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line, and a condition for setting a reference region of a medical tool. A condition for setting a reference region of a medical tool may include at least one from among a width, an area, and a shape of the reference region, and whether to set the reference region as a dot.

The shape of at least one distance-indicating line may include at least one from among a color, a transparency, and a pattern of the at least one distance-indicating line, and a transparency with respect to a distance of each of the at least one distance-indicating line from a reference region of a medical tool. For example, the user may use a UI to set the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> to display at least one distance-indicating line as a solid line pattern or dashed line pattern and set a transparency of the at least one distance-indicating line to increase or decrease as a distance from a reference region of a medical tool increases. Characteristics that may be set by the user with respect to at least one distance-indicating line via a UI is not limited to the above-described examples, and may be determined in various ways.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining various shapes of grid-type distance-indicating lines that can be displayed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> shows an example in which regions where medical tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are located are respectively determined as reference regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the medical tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and borders of the reference regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are displayed.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display a grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> with respect to the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM>.

An interval of the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM>, the number of horizontal and vertical lines in the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM>, and a distance from the reference region <NUM> to a point up to which the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> is displayed, etc., may be determined in various ways. For example, as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display, in front of a distal end of the medical tool <NUM>, horizontal or vertical lines of the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> up to only a point that is at a preset distance away from the distal end of the medical tool <NUM>.

By displaying a grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> in only a portion of an ultrasound image with respect to the medical tool <NUM>, as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may clearly display the rest of the ultrasound image where the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> is not displayed and simultaneously provide visual information about a distance relation between the medical tool <NUM> and its surroundings.

As described with reference to operation <NUM> of <FIG>, as the position of the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> changes in the ultrasound image due to movement of the medical tool <NUM>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> with respect to the reference region <NUM> having the changed position. By updating a position of the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> with respect to the reference region <NUM> according to the movement of the medical tool <NUM>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may provide in real-time visual information about a distance relation between the medical tool <NUM> and either the surrounding tissue or an ROI.

Various types of grid-type distance-indicating lines will now be described in more detail with reference to <NUM> of FIG. <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, a grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> may include a first region <NUM> where grid lines are not displayed. In other words, the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> shown in <NUM> of <FIG> is different from the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> shown in <NUM> of <FIG> in that grid lines are not only displayed in the first region <NUM>.

The first region <NUM> may be a region centered around a distal end of the medical tool <NUM>. Furthermore, as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, a line extending from the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> along (or parallel to) a long axis of the medical tool <NUM> may be displayed in the first region <NUM> of the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM>.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display, with respect to a distal end of the medical tool <NUM>, the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> including the first region <NUM> where grid lines are not displayed, as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, thereby clearly displaying a region surrounding the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> in an ultrasound image and simultaneously providing visual information about a distance relation between the medical tool <NUM> and its surroundings. For example, grid lines may not be displayed in the first region <NUM> such that an ROI <NUM> surrounding the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> may be clearly visible.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, a grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> may be only displayed in a portion of surroundings of the medical tool <NUM>.

As shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, by displaying the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> only in a portion of a region surrounding the distal end of the medical tool <NUM>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may intensively provide visual information about a distance relation between the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> and its surrounding area.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display information about a distance from a distal end of the medical tool <NUM> to each of the grid lines in a grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM>. The grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> shown in <NUM> of <FIG> may be obtained by adjusting the interval of the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> shown in <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, shortest distance information is displayed for grid lines respectively having shortest distances of <NUM> millimeters (mm), <NUM>, and <NUM> from the distal end of the medical tool <NUM>. As shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, pieces of distance information respectively regarding grid lines arranged in front of the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> are indicated as '<NUM>' and '<NUM>' , and the mm that is a unit of distance is displayed at the top right corner of an ultrasound image.

A method, performed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, of displaying distance information regarding each of the grid lines in the grid-type distance-indicating line <NUM> is not limited to the example shown in <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, although <NUM> of <FIG> shows an example in which only a piece of distance information is displayed for each grid line, a plurality of pieces of distance information may be displayed for each grid line. Furthermore, distance information about a distance from the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> may be displayed. The distance information may be displayed together with a unit of distance, and the unit of distance is not limited to mm but may be determined as various other distance units such as a centimeter (cm).

In addition, the shape of a grid-type distance-indicating line is not limited to the examples shown in <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, and may be determined as various other shapes. For example, the number of grid lines in a grid-type distance-indicating line, an interval between grid lines, a color of each grid line, etc. may be determined in various ways and may be set by a user via a UI provided by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a method, performed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, of displaying at least one distance-indicating line with respect to a medical tool, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display at least one distance-indicating line at set intervals with respect to a reference region of a medical tool.

A method, performed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, of determining and displaying an interval between at least one distance-indicating line having a circular shape in various ways will now be described in detail with reference to <FIG>. In other words, at least one distance-indicating lines816, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be a modified form of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> shown in <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be displayed as at least one circle, each having a center of a reference region <NUM> as its center, wherein a distal end of a medical tool <NUM> is determined as the reference region <NUM>.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may include a first distance-indicating line <NUM>-<NUM> displayed at a first distance from a reference region <NUM>, and an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be a second distance different from the first distance.

For example, as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may clearly display surroundings of the reference region <NUM> by not displaying a distance-indicating line up to a point that is at the first distance away from the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> and simultaneously display the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> behind the point that is at the first distance from the reference region <NUM>.

Referring to <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, the number of and an interval between at least one distance-indicating line may be determined in various ways. <NUM> of <FIG> shows at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> having a wider interval therebetween than the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> shown in <NUM> of <FIG>. shows at least one distance-indicating804 of FIG. <NUM> line <NUM> having a narrower interval therebetween than the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> shown in <NUM> of <FIG>. Furthermore, while the number of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> in <NUM> of <FIG> is three (<NUM>), the numbers of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> in <NUM> of <FIG> and the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> in <NUM> of <FIG> are respectively four (<NUM>) and six (<NUM>).

In addition, a method of displaying at least one distance line by adjusting an interval therebetween is not limited to the examples shown in <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, and various other methods may be used. For example, an interval between each of the at least one distance-indicating line may be determined differently. As a distance from a reference region of a medical tool increases, an interval between the at least one distance-indicating line may decrease or increase. Furthermore, an interval between at least one distance-indicating line may be set by a user via a UI provided by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>.

As described with reference to <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display various types of at least one distance-indicating line.

Methods of operating the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> when at least one distance-indicating line has a circular shape (e.g., the shape shown in <NUM> of <FIG>) or a round rectangular shape with round corners (the shape shown in <NUM> of <FIG>) will be described in more detail below. However, the methods of operating the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may also be applied even when the at least one distance-indicating line does not have a circular or round rectangular shape.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams for explaining a method, performed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, of displaying at least one distance-indicating line with respect to a medical tool or a preset region, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may determine a distal end of a medical tool <NUM> as a reference region <NUM> and display at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> with a center of the reference region <NUM> as its center.

By displaying the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> with respect to the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may allow the user to visually identify a position or distance of the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> relative to tissue or an ROI <NUM> of an object with respect to the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an which does not form part of the claimed invention, , the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> arranged around a preset region <NUM>.

The preset region <NUM> refers to a region of the object used as a reference in displaying the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM>. The preset region <NUM> may be determined in various ways, and for example, may be at least a portion of the ROI <NUM> of the object.

The preset region <NUM> may be set by the user. For example, the user may set the preset region <NUM> within the object via a UI provided by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>.

Various types of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> arranged with respect to the preset region <NUM> and methods of displaying the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may respectively correspond to various types of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> arranged with respect to the reference region <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> and methods of displaying the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM>.

Furthermore, when the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> is displayed with respect to the preset region <NUM>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may visually display a border <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> such that the medical tool <NUM> may be easily identified in an ultrasound image.

By displaying the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> with respect to the preset region <NUM>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may allow the user to visually identify a position or distance of the medical tool <NUM> relative to tissue or the ROI <NUM> of the object with respect to the preset region <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a method, performed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, of displaying at least one distance-indicating line together with distance information by determining at least a portion of a medical tool as a reference region, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, as described with reference to <NUM> of <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may determine a portion of a medical tool <NUM> including a distal end <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> as a reference region <NUM> and display at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> as at least one round rectangle with round corners with respect to the reference region <NUM>.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display distance information <NUM> about a distance from the reference region <NUM> to each of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the distance information <NUM> about a distance from the reference region <NUM> may be displayed for each of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> arranged at <NUM> intervals away from the reference region <NUM>. mm that is the unit of distance may be displayed together with a numeral indicating a distance as shown in <FIG>, or may be indicated on a portion of the ultrasound image as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>.

A method of displaying the distance information <NUM> in an ultrasound image is not limited to the example shown in <FIG>. For example, although <FIG> shows that the distance information <NUM> is displayed in front of the distal end <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM>, the distance information <NUM> may be displayed using various methods such as being indicated on a side of the medical tool <NUM> or the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM>.

A method, performed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, of respectively displaying distance information regarding the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> is not limited to the example shown in <FIG>. For example, while <FIG> shows an example in which only a piece of distance information is displayed for each of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM>, a plurality of pieces of distance information may be displayed for each of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM>. Furthermore, the distance information may be displayed together with a unit of distance, and the unit of distance is not limited to mm but may be determined as various other distance units such as cm.

The ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display the distance information <NUM> about a distance from the reference region <NUM> for each of the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM>, such that a position of the medical tool <NUM> with respect to tissue or an ROI <NUM> surrounding the medical tool <NUM> may be identified quantitatively.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining operations of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> in a distance-indicating line fixed mode and in a distance-indicating line hidden mode, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display at least one distance-indicating line by updating a position of the at least one distance-indicating line according movement of a medical tool. An operation mode in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> displays at least one distance-indicating line by updating a position of the at least one distance-indicating line according to movement of a medical tool is referred to as a 'first operation mode'.

In addition, according to an embodiment which does not form part of the claimed invention, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may operate in a distance-indicating line fixed mode or in a distance-indicating line hidden mode.

A distance-indicating line fixed mode is an operation mode in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> fixedly displays at least one distance-indicating line and displays a changed position of a medical tool in an ultrasound image at a predetermined time point or during a predetermined time period.

A distance-indicating line hidden mode is an operation mode in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> display only a position of the medical tool while not displaying at least one distance-indicating line in an ultrasound image at a predetermined time point or during a predetermined time period.

While performing a medical activity, the user may select an operation mode of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> via a UI provided by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>. For example, the user may select an operation mode by touching an icon for turning on/off a distance-indicating line fixed mode or distance-indicating line hidden mode on a UI.

Referring to <NUM> of <FIG>, a region <NUM> where a medical tool is located is displayed as a reference region, and at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> is displayed with respect to the reference region.

<NUM> of <FIG> shows an operation of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> in a distance-indicating line fixed mode. When the user selects, during a medical activity, a distance-indicating line fixed mode and moves the medical tool in a state in which an ultrasound image is displayed as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may remain displayed at a position indicated as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, and a region <NUM> where the medical tool is located may be updated and displayed according to movement of the medical tool.

By operating in a distance-indicating line fixed mode, when the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> is being updated and displayed in real-time during a user's medical activity, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may fixedly display the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> in a shape desired by the user while allowing the user to perform the medical activity by identifying movement of the medical tool.

Furthermore, when operating in the distance-indicating line fixed mode, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> in a shape different from that in the first operation mode. For example, in the distance-indicating line fixed mode, the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may be displayed as at least one dashed line or in a color different from that in the first operation mode. A method of displaying at least one distance-indicating line in a color different from that in the first operation mode is not limited to the above-described example, and various other methods may be used.

<NUM> of <FIG> shows an operation of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> in a distance-indicating line hidden mode. When the user selects, during a medical activity, a distance-indicating line hidden mode in a state in which the ultrasound image is displayed as shown in <NUM> of <FIG>, the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> may not be displayed, and the region <NUM> where the medical tool is located may be updated and displayed according to movement of the medical tool.

By operating in a distance-indicating line hidden mode, when the at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> is being updated and displayed in real-time during a user's medical activity, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> allows the user to clearly identify tissue surrounding the medical tool during a predetermined time period.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams for explaining a method, performed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, of displaying information about a distance from a medical tool to each of at least one ROI, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

An operation mode in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> visually displays a medical tool and at least ROI together with distance information about a distance from the medical tool to each of the at least one ROI is referred to as a "second operation mode'.

Referring to <FIG>, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may visually display a medical tool <NUM> and seven (<NUM>) ROIs <NUM> through <NUM>. Furthermore, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may respectively display pieces of distance information <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> about corresponding distances from a distal end of a medical tool <NUM> for three (<NUM>) ROIs <NUM> through <NUM>.

The pieces of distance information <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> respectively regarding the three ROIs <NUM> through <NUM> may include lines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> respectively connecting the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> to the three ROIs <NUM> through <NUM> with shortest distances and information about the shortest distances.

A method of displaying the pieces of distance information <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> respectively regarding the three ROIs <NUM> through <NUM> is not limited to the example shown in <FIG>, and various other methods may be used. For example, a distance between the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> and a center of each of the ROIs <NUM> through <NUM> may be displayed instead of displaying a shortest distance therebetween as distance information. Furthermore, the unit of distance being displayed may be determined as various distance units such as mm and cm. Furthermore, only a line connecting the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> to each of the ROIs <NUM> through <NUM> may be displayed without a number indicating a distance therebetween.

Furthermore, referring to <FIG>, pieces of distance information may not be displayed near the lines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> respectively connecting the distal end of the medical tool <NUM> to the corresponding ROIs <NUM> through <NUM>,but may be displayed as a table <NUM> representing distance information.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may divide the plurality of ROIs <NUM> through <NUM> into two groups and visually display the two groups, and the table <NUM> may represent distance information regarding the ROIs <NUM> through <NUM> for each group.

For example, among the ROIs <NUM> through <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the ROIs <NUM> and <NUM> may be determined as a first group, and the ROIs <NUM> through <NUM> may be determined as a second group. As shown in <FIG>, the first group may be visually displayed differently in an ultrasound image from the second group. In the table <NUM> representing the distance information, the distance information may be displayed for each group.

The user may cluster a plurality of ROIs into different groups via a UI provided by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>.

Although <FIG> and <FIG> do not show at least one distance-indicating line for convenience, at least one distance-indicating line according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be displayed together with distance information regarding ROIs. In other words, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may perform operations simultaneously in the first and second operation modes.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a method, performed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, of displaying information about a distance between a medical tool and at least one ROI in various ways, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, as described with reference to <FIG>, at least one distance line <NUM> arranged around a preset region <NUM> is displayed in an ultrasound image. The preset region <NUM> is a region corresponding to a center of an ROI <NUM>. Furthermore, a border <NUM> of a medical tool <NUM> may be visually displayed.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display an extension line <NUM> extending from a distal end <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> along (or parallel to) a long axis of the medical tool <NUM>. In other words, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display the extension line <NUM> extending the long axis of the medical tool <NUM>.

Furthermore, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display information about a shortest distance from the extension line <NUM> to the preset region <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a 'first distance <NUM>'). First distance information may include a line <NUM> indicating the first distance <NUM> and the first distance <NUM>.

Furthermore, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display information about a second distance <NUM> that is a distance from the distal end <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> to a point where the line <NUM> indicating the first distance <NUM> and the extension line <NUM> meet each other. Second distance information may include a part of the extension line <NUM> indicating the second distance <NUM> and the second distance <NUM>.

Furthermore, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display information about a shortest distance from the distal end <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> to the preset region <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a 'third distance <NUM>'). Third distance information may include a line <NUM> indicating the third distance <NUM> and the third distance <NUM>.

An operation mode in which the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> displays the first distance information, the second distance information, and the third distance information as described above is referred to as a third operation mode.

By performing an operation in the third operation mode, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> allows the user to identify a distance relation between the distal end <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> and the preset region <NUM> according to various criteria.

In addition, a method, performed by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM>, of displaying the first distance information, the second distance information, and the third distance information is not limited to the example shown in <FIG>, and various other methods may be used. For example, a line indicating each piece of distance information may be displayed in a different color.

<FIG> is a diagram for explaining a method, performed by an ultrasound imaging apparatus, of displaying a distance-indicating line together with distance information, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may simultaneously perform operations in the first through third operation modes. In other words, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> may display at least one distance-indicating line according to various embodiments of the disclosure described with reference to <FIG> and distance information simultaneously in an ultrasound image.

Referring to <FIG>, at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> arranged around a medical tool <NUM> is displayed simultaneously with at least one distance-indicating line <NUM> arranged around a preset region <NUM>. In other words, <FIG> shows an operation of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> in the first operation mode.

Furthermore, as described with reference to <FIG>, lines respectively connecting a distal end <NUM> of a medical tool <NUM> to five (<NUM>) ROIs <NUM> through <NUM> are displayed. In other words, <FIG> shows an operation of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> in the second operation mode.

Furthermore, as described with reference to <FIG>, an extension line <NUM> extending a long axis of the medical tool <NUM>, a line <NUM> indicating a shortest distance from the extension line <NUM> to the preset region <NUM>, a line <NUM> indicating a shortest distance from the distal end <NUM> of the medical tool <NUM> to the preset region <NUM>, etc. are displayed in the ultrasound image. In other words, <FIG> shows an operation of the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> in the third operation mode.

By simultaneously performing operations in the first through third operation modes, the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> allows the user to identify a distance relation between the medical tool <NUM> and tissues of an object in the ultrasound image according to various criteria.

Furthermore, the user may use a UI provided by the ultrasound imaging apparatus <NUM> to turn on or off at least one of the first through third operation modes.

Claim 1:
An ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising:
a probe configured to transmit ultrasound signals to an object and receive echo signals corresponding to the ultrasound signals;
a display; and
at least one processor configured to:
detect a reference region (<NUM>, <NUM>) of a medical tool (<NUM>, <NUM>) inserted into the object in an ultrasound image generated based on the echo signals;
control the display to display at least one distance-indicating line (<NUM>, <NUM>) arranged with respect to the reference region in the ultrasound image, wherein the at least one distance-indicating line is displayed as at least one circle, each having a center of the reference region (<NUM>, <NUM>) as its center; and
update a position of the at least one distance-indicating line according to movement of the medical tool.