CN107003404A - The method and ultrasonic equipment of information are provided using multiple displays - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an ultrasonic device, comprising: a first display configured to display an ultrasonic image; a control panel including a second display different from the first display and configured to display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasonic image; and a controller configured to select at least one control item from the plurality of control items based on the position of an input tool located on the second display, and to control the first display to display the selected at least one control item and an indicator indicating the position of the input tool together with the ultrasonic image.

Description

Method and ultrasonic device for providing information using multiple displays

technical field

Devices and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments include an ultrasonic device including a plurality of display units and a method of providing information by using the plurality of display units in the ultrasonic device.

Background technique

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus irradiates ultrasonic signals from the surface of the human body to a target object inside the human body, and receives reflected ultrasonic signals from the target object, thereby obtaining tomographic images about soft tissues or blood flow based on information of the reflected ultrasonic signals.

Such ultrasonic diagnostic equipment can display information in real time, and can have a small size and low operating cost. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment does not cause radiation exposure like X-rays and is therefore safer. Therefore, ultrasonic diagnostic equipment is widely used together with other types of imaging diagnostic equipment, including X-ray diagnostic equipment, computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, nuclear medicine diagnostic equipment, and the like.

Contents of the invention

Technical solutions

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a method of providing information such that a user's line of sight is not directed out of a home screen while scanning an ultrasound image in an ultrasound apparatus including a plurality of display units.

beneficial effect

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, an ultrasound device may provide information so as not to distract a user's eye (eg, a sonographer's eye) during scanning of an ultrasound image.

Description of drawings

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an ultrasonic device including a plurality of display units according to an exemplary embodiment;

2A is a diagram of an ultrasound device including a control panel formed entirely of a touch screen, according to an exemplary embodiment;

2B is a diagram of an ultrasound device including a detachable display unit according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a portable ultrasonic device according to an embodiment;

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing information of an ultrasonic device according to an exemplary embodiment;

5 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an ultrasonic device for indicating at least one control item and an indicator on a home screen in case a touch event occurs with respect to a touch screen, according to an exemplary embodiment;

6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an ultrasonic device for displaying at least one control item and an indicator on a home screen according to a predefined gesture according to an exemplary embodiment;

7 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an ultrasonic device for sensing a pressure touching a touch screen by using a pressure sensor according to an exemplary embodiment;

8 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an ultrasonic device for sensing a user's approximate touch gesture by using a camera, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining transparency of at least one control item by an ultrasonic device according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic device displays at least one control item as transparent on a home screen according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method of an ultrasonic device displaying at least one control item and an indicator on a region where an ultrasonic image is not displayed, according to an exemplary embodiment;

12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an ultrasound device displays an ultrasound image on a first area of a home screen and displays at least one control item and an indicator on a second area of the home screen, according to an exemplary embodiment;

13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of an ultrasonic device providing information by using a plurality of display units according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic device displays some control items displayed on a touch screen on a home screen according to an exemplary embodiment;

15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of an ultrasonic device displaying a window corresponding to a specific control item selected from at least one control item, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic device moves an indicator according to a drag gesture, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic device selects a specific control item based on a touch end event, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a method for an ultrasonic device to display a window corresponding to a selected control item according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a method of an ultrasonic device changing a position of an indicator or selecting a control item according to a user's touch gesture, according to an exemplary embodiment;

20A to 20D are diagrams illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic device selects a specific control item according to a user's touch gesture received through a touch screen and displays a window corresponding to the specific control item on a home screen, according to an exemplary embodiment;

21A to 21C are diagrams illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic device moves an indicator according to a user's hover gesture and selects a control item according to a user's touch gesture, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method for an ultrasonic device to display control items of different display types on a plurality of display units according to an exemplary embodiment;

23A to 23C are diagrams illustrating an example in which an ultrasound apparatus displays a control item for setting a level of a grayscale image to be different on a first display unit and a second display unit according to an exemplary embodiment;

24A to 24C are diagrams illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic device displays control items for setting a frequency to be different on a first display unit and a second display unit according to an exemplary embodiment;

25 is a flowchart illustrating a method of an ultrasonic device providing information on gain value settings by using a plurality of display units according to an exemplary embodiment;

26A and 26B are diagrams illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic device provides a gain setting window on a touch screen and displays a gain line on a home screen, according to an exemplary embodiment;

27 is a flowchart illustrating a method of an ultrasonic device determining an input mode based on a type of a touch gesture according to an exemplary embodiment;

28A and 28B are diagrams of a depth selection mode according to an exemplary embodiment;

29A and 29C are diagrams of gain changing modes according to an exemplary embodiment;

30 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic device determines an input mode related to TGC based on a type of a touch gesture according to an exemplary embodiment;

31 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic device determines an input mode related to an LGC based on a type of a touch gesture according to an exemplary embodiment;

32 is a flowchart illustrating a method for an ultrasonic device to provide a gain line corresponding to a predetermined set of gain values according to an exemplary embodiment;

33A to 33C are diagrams illustrating an example of providing information on a predetermined gain value set selected by a user via a touch screen and a home screen, according to an exemplary embodiment;

34 is a flowchart illustrating a method of an ultrasonic device displaying gain lines on a plurality of display units according to an exemplary embodiment;

35A and 35F are diagrams illustrating an example in which an ultrasonic device displays gain lines on a touch screen and a home screen according to an exemplary embodiment; and

36 and 37 are block diagrams of ultrasonic devices according to exemplary embodiments.

detailed description

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an ultrasound device includes: a first display configured to display an ultrasound image; a control panel including a second display different from the first display and configured to display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasound image and a controller configured to select at least one control item from a plurality of control items based on the position of the input tool located on the second display, and control the first display to display the selected at least one control item and represent the input together with the ultrasonic image An indicator of the location of the tool.

The ultrasound device may also include at least one sensor configured to sense a position of the input tool located on the second display.

The at least one sensor may include at least one selected from a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, an image sensor, a depth sensor, and an infrared sensor.

The controller may be further configured to select at least one control item based on whether the at least one control item is displayed within a predetermined distance from the position of the input tool.

The controller may be further configured to select at least one control item by selecting a menu group corresponding to a position of the input tool from among a plurality of menu groups displayed on the second display unit.

The controller may also be configured to display an indicator on at least one control item.

The controller may be further configured to change the position of the indicator displayed on the first display when the position of the input tool on the second display is changed.

Ultrasound images may include real-time ultrasound images acquired via the probe.

The first display may be further configured to display at least one control item and an indicator representing a position of the input tool such that the at least one control item and indicator displayed by the first display overlay the ultrasonic image.

The controller may also be configured to determine transparency of at least one control item displayed on the ultrasound image based on predefined transparency information.

The controller may also be configured to display the ultrasound image on the first area of the first display, and display at least one control item and indicator on the second area of the first display.

The controller may also be configured to receive a first input for selecting one control item from at least one control item via the second display, and the first input for selecting the control item may be different from the second input for changing the position of the indicator. Two inputs.

The controller may also be configured to display a window corresponding to the selected control item on the first display unit.

The controller may also be configured to display the ultrasonic image displayed on the first display on a predetermined area of the second display.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a method of providing information via an ultrasound device, the method includes: displaying an ultrasound image on a first display; displaying a plurality of controls related to the ultrasound image on a second display included in a control panel Items; selecting at least one control item from a plurality of control items based on the position of the input tool located on the second display; and displaying the selected at least one control item and an image representing the position of the input tool on the first display together with the ultrasound image indicator.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an ultrasound device includes: a first display configured to display an ultrasound image; a control panel including a second display different from the first display and configured to display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasound image and a controller configured to select a first control item from a plurality of control items based on a position where the input tool touches the second display, and determine a second display that is different from a first display format for displaying the first control item on the second display format, and control the first display to display the selected first control item in the second display format.

The second display format may be simplified, ie may have less complexity, when compared to the first display format.

The controller may be further configured to sense a position where the input tool touches the first control item displayed in the first display format, and display an indicator representing the position of the input tool on the first control item displayed in the second display format.

The controller may be further configured to move the indicator displayed on the first control item displayed in the second display format when a position where the input tool touches the first control item displayed in the first display format changes.

The controller may be further configured to receive a drag input on the first control item displayed in the first display format, and change a position of the indicator displayed on the first control item displayed in the second display format.

When the controller senses a touch input touching the first control item displayed on the second display in the first display format, the controller may be further configured to display the first control item on the first display in the second display format, Meanwhile, the first control item continues to be displayed on the second display in the first display format.

The first display may also be configured to display the first control item in a second display format such that the first control item displayed on the first display overlays the ultrasonic image.

The first display may also be configured to display the ultrasound image on the first area of the first display, and to display the first control item in a second display format on the second area of the first display.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of providing information via an ultrasound device, the method comprising: displaying an ultrasound image on a first display; displaying an image related to the ultrasound image on a second display included in a control panel. a plurality of control items; select the first control item from the plurality of control items based on the position where the input tool touches the second display; determine a second display format different from the first display format for displaying the first control item on the second display ; and displaying the first control item in the second display format together with the first control item on the first display.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an ultrasound device includes: a first display configured to display ultrasound images; a control panel including a second display configured to display a plurality of slide bars for adjusting and A gain value corresponding to a depth portion of the ultrasound image on the first area; and a controller configured to control the first display to display a gain line together with the ultrasound image, wherein the gain line is connected to the second display based on a position where the input tool touches the second display The positions of the adjustment buttons on the multiple slider bars correspond to the gain values to be determined.

The controller may be further configured to display an indicator representing a depth portion corresponding to a position of the input tool on the first area on the gain line displayed on the first display.

The controller may also be configured to move the indicator displayed on the gain line when the position of the input tool changes within the first area.

The controller may also be configured to receive, via the second display, an input for moving at least one of the adjustment buttons on the plurality of slider bars, move the at least one adjustment button based on the input, and move the at least one adjustment button based on the position of the at least one adjustment button that has been moved. Changes the shape of the gain line displayed on the first display.

The controller may be further configured to determine an input mode based on a touch gesture input via the input tool sensed via the second display, and the input mode may include a depth selection mode for selecting one depth portion from among depth portions of the ultrasound image and a Gain change mode for changing the gain value.

The controller may be further configured to determine that the input mode is the depth selection mode when the touch gesture of the input tool is a single-finger gesture, and determine that the input mode is the gain change mode when the touch gesture of the input tool is a multi-finger gesture.

The controller may be further configured to move the indicator displayed on the gain line to the first depth portion in response to a first drag gesture of dragging the finger up or down while the finger is in contact with the first area, The second drag gesture of dragging the at least two fingers in the left and right direction while the at least two fingers are in contact with the first area adjusts the gain value of the first depth part, and changes the gain value of the first depth part based on the adjusted gain value. The shape of the gain line shown on a monitor.

The controller may also be configured to receive an input for selecting one of a plurality of preset gain value sets via the second display, and move at least one of the adjustment buttons on the plurality of slide bars according to the selected preset gain value set. An adjustment button.

The controller may display a gain line corresponding to the selected set of preset gain values on the first display.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a method of providing information via an ultrasound device, the method includes: displaying an ultrasound image on a first display; displaying a plurality of slide bars on a second display included in a control panel, multiple a slider bar for adjusting the gain value corresponding to the depth portion of the ultrasound image; and displaying a gain line on the first display together with the ultrasound image, wherein the gain line is connected to a plurality of the second display by touching the position of the second display based on the input tool The position of the adjustment button on the slider bar corresponds to the gain value determined.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an ultrasound device includes: a first display configured to display an ultrasound image; a control panel including a second display different from the first display and configured to display a first gain line for for setting a gain value corresponding to the depth portion of the ultrasonic image; and a controller configured to control the first display to display the second gain line together with the ultrasonic image based on a touch input of touching the first gain line displayed on the second display, wherein , the second gain line displayed on the first display corresponds to the first gain line displayed on the second display.

The controller may be further configured to extract a plurality of gain values represented by points of the first gain line in response to a touch input of touching the first gain line displayed on the second display, and generate a second gain value based on the extracted plurality of gain values. Two gain lines.

The controller may also be configured to determine the length of the second gain line based on the overall depth value of the ultrasound image displayed on the first display.

The first display may also be configured to display a second gain line on one side of the ultrasound image such that depth values represented by points of the second gain line correspond to depth values of the ultrasound image.

The controller may also be configured to display a second gain line on the first display such that the highest point of the second gain line corresponds to the lowest depth value of the ultrasound image, and the lowest point of the second gain line corresponds to the highest depth value of the ultrasound image .

The first gain line and the second gain line may be obtained by connecting gain values corresponding to the depth portion of the ultrasound image.

The first display may also be configured to display an ultrasound image on a first area of the first display, and to display a second gain line on a second area of the first display.

The controller may also be configured to display an indicator representing the touch position on the first gain line on the second gain line.

The controller may also be configured to move the indicator displayed on the second gain line when the touch position on the first gain line changes.

When the controller receives an input for changing the first set of gain values corresponding to the first gain line to the second set of gain values via the first gain line, the controller may also be configured to change the The shape of the second gain line displayed on the first display.

When the touch input on the first gain line ends, the controller may also be configured to stop displaying the second gain line.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of providing information via an ultrasound device, the method comprising: displaying an ultrasound image on a first display; displaying a first gain line on a second display included in a control panel , the first gain line is used to set the gain value corresponding to the depth portion of the ultrasonic image; and based on the touch input of the first gain line displayed on the second display, the second gain line is displayed on the first display together with the ultrasonic image , wherein the second gain line displayed on the first display corresponds to the first gain line displayed on the second display.

According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions is provided. The instructions can be executed by the processor to realize: displaying the ultrasonic image on the first display; displaying a plurality of control items configured to control to adjust the ultrasonic image on the second display of the control panel separated from the first display; Selecting at least one control item from a plurality of control items corresponding to the position of the input tool; and controlling the first display to display the selected at least one control item and an indicator representing the position of the input tool together with the ultrasonic image.

The instructions may be executed by the processor to further realize: detecting the position of the input tool corresponding to the second display through the sensor.

The at least one sensor may include at least one selected from a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, an image sensor, a depth sensor, and an infrared sensor.

The instructions are executable by the processor to further select at least one control item based on whether the at least one control item is displayed within a predetermined distance from the location of the input tool.

invention model

All terms including descriptive or technical terms used herein should be interpreted to have meanings understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. However, the terms may also have different meanings according to the intention of those of ordinary skill in the art, precedents, or the appearance of new technologies. Some terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in this case, the meaning of the selected items will be described in detail in the detailed description of this specification. Therefore, the terms used herein must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, it will also be understood that when a component "comprises" an element, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, it should be understood that the component does not exclude another element and may further include another element. In addition, terms such as "...unit", "...module" and the like refer to a unit that performs at least one function or operation, and a unit may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. 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" preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

Throughout the specification, an "ultrasonic image" means an image of a subject obtained by using ultrasonic signals. In the specification, "subject" may include a human, an animal, or a part of a human or an animal. For example, an object can be an organ (eg, liver, heart, uterus, brain, breast, or abdomen), a blood vessel, or a combination thereof. Objects can include models. A phantom refers to a material having a density and effective atomic number volume very close to that of a living organism, and may include a sphere phantom having characteristics similar to a body.

Throughout this specification, a "user" may be, but is not limited to, a medical professional, including doctors, nurses, medical laboratory technicians, and sonographers.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In this regard, exemplary embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the exemplary embodiments with unnecessary detail. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an ultrasound apparatus 1000 including a plurality of display units according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an ultrasound apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a first display unit 100 (eg, a display, a monitor, etc.), an input device 1600 and an interface for connecting to a probe 20 . Here, the input device 1600 may include a second display unit 200 (eg, a display, a monitor, etc.) displaying a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and a control panel 300 including hardware buttons. Hereinafter, each element of the ultrasonic device 1000 will be described in detail. The first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 may independently or separately operate, be different from or separate from each other. According to an exemplary embodiment, the control panel 300 may include a second display unit 200 displaying a Graphical User Interface (GUI).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first display unit 100 may be a main screen displaying ultrasound images or information of a subject. A user may recognize the state of the object 10 via the ultrasound image displayed on the first display unit 100 . For example, a user may detect damage or may recognize a healthy state of an embryo through an ultrasound image displayed on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first display unit 100 may be connected to the body of the ultrasonic device 1000 . Here, a connection part connecting the first display unit 100 and the body of the ultrasonic device 1000 to each other may be rotatable. A user may rotate a connecting portion for connecting the first display unit 100 to the body in order to adjust an angle between the body of the ultrasonic device 1000 (or a reference axis of the body) and the first display unit 100 .

For example, the user may rotate the connecting part for connecting the first display unit 100 to the body to recognize the ultrasonic wave acquired via the probe 20 in a state of holding the probe 20 with his/her hand and placing the probe 20 on the subject's abdomen. image without turning his/her head. If the ultrasonic device 1000 including the first display unit 100 is located on the left side of the user, and the object 10 is located on the right side of the user, the user can rotate the connecting part at an angle of 30° in the counterclockwise direction in order to adjust the first display unit 100 For facing object 10.

The first display unit 100 according to the exemplary embodiment may include at least one selected from a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor (TFT)-LCD, an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, and a three-dimensional (3D) display, but Not limited to this. The first display unit 100 may include a touch panel (eg, capacitive overlay type, resistive overlay type, infrared beam type, surface acoustic wave type, integral strain gauge type, and piezoelectric type).

The input device 1600 according to an exemplary embodiment is a unit for a user to input data for controlling the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 . For example, the input device 1600 may include a second display unit 200 for displaying a GUI, and a control panel 300 including hardware buttons.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second display unit 200 may include a touch screen. For example, the second display unit 200 and the touch pad may be layered to form a touch screen. Then, the second display unit 200 may be used as an input device.

The touch screen can be configured to detect pressure of touch input as well as touch input location and touch area. The touchscreen can be configured to detect proximity touches as well as real touches.

In this specification, "real touch" means a case where the pointer 400 really touches the touch screen, and "proximity touch" means a case where the pointer 400 does not actually touch the touch screen but approaches the touch screen at predetermined intervals. Throughout the specification, the pointer 400 is a touch tool for touching or approaching a specific point on the display screen, such as an electronic pen, a finger, and the like. For convenience of description, an example in which the pointer 400 is a finger will be described below. Also, the pointer 400 may be called an input tool.

The ultrasonic device 1000 may include various sensors in or around the touch screen in order to sense or detect a real touch or a proximity touch on the touch screen. Examples of sensors for sensing touch on the touch screen may include tactile sensors.

A tactile sensor senses contact of a particular material with an intensity that a human can feel or greater. Tactile sensors can sense various information such as the roughness of the contact surface, the firmness or hardness of the contact material, the temperature at the contact point, etc.

An example of a sensor for sensing a touch on a touch screen may be a proximity sensor. A proximity sensor is a sensor for detecting whether an object approaches a detection surface or whether an external object exists nearby by using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays without actual physical touch.

Examples of proximity sensors include transparent photoelectric sensors, direct reflection photoelectric sensors, mirror reflection photoelectric sensors, high frequency oscillation photoelectric sensors, capacitive photoelectric sensors, magnetophotoelectric sensors, infrared photoelectric sensors, etc.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second display unit 200 may sense a user's touch gesture via the touch screen. In this specification, the user's touch gesture (touch input) may include tap, touch and hold, double tap, drag, pan, flick, drag and drop, slide, pinch, and the like.

"Tap" refers to an operation in which a user touches a screen with a finger or an electronic pen, and then lifts the finger or the electronic pen from the screen without moving on the screen.

"Touch and hold" is an operation in which a user touches a screen by using a finger or an electronic pen and holds the touch input for a critical length of time (for example, two seconds) or longer. That is, the time difference between the touch-in time and the touch-out time is equal to or greater than a critical time length (eg, two seconds). In order to enable the user to recognize whether the touch input is a tap operation or a touch and hold operation, when the touch input is held for a critical length of time or longer, a visual, auditory or tactile feedback signal is sent. The critical length of time may vary according to exemplary embodiments.

"Double tap" is an operation in which a user touches the screen twice by using a finger or an electronic pen.

"Dragging" is an operation in which a user touches the screen with a finger or an electronic pen, and then moves the finger or the electronic pen to another position on the screen while continuously touching the screen. The object is moved or a translation operation to be described later is performed by a drag operation.

"Panning" is an operation in which the user performs a drag operation without selecting an object. Since the user does not select a specific object in the panning operation, the page itself moves across the screen or a group of objects moves across the page without moving specific objects within the page.

A "flick" is an operation in which a user drags a finger or an electronic pen at a critical speed (for example, 100 pixels/second) or faster. A drag operation (or pan operation) and a flick operation can be distinguished based on whether the speed of the finger or the electronic pen is above a critical speed (for example, 100 pixels/second).

"Drag and drop" is an operation in which a user drags and drops an object at a predetermined position on a screen by using a finger or an electronic pen.

"Pinching" is an operation in which a user touches the screen with two fingers and then moves the fingers in different directions relative to each other. A pinch operation is a gesture for expanding (pinch-out) or shrinking (pinching) an object or a page, and the expansion or reduction value can be determined by the distance between two fingers.

"Swiping" is an operation in which a user moves a finger or an electronic pen by a predetermined distance in a horizontal or vertical direction in a state of touching an object on the screen. Movement in a diagonal direction may not be considered a swipe event.

Also, the second display unit 200 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of control items. A plurality of control items are user-selectable items, such as menus, adjustment buttons, mode selection buttons, shortcut icons, adjustment interfaces, function keys, setting windows, etc., but not limited thereto.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of control items may be associated with at least one function. For example, multiple control items can include a two-dimensional (2D) button, a 3D button, a four-dimensional (4D) button, a color button, a PW button, an M button, a sonoview button (a button for recognizing a previously stored image), a more button , a measurement button, an annotation button, a biopsy button (a button used to guide the insertion point of a needle), a depth button, a focus button, a gain button, a frequency button, etc., but not limited thereto. A person of ordinary skill in the art can easily deduce the function of each button from the name of the button, so a detailed description about the buttons is omitted here.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control panel 300 may include hardware buttons (physical buttons). For example, the control panel 300 may include hardware buttons such as a trackball, a probe button, a power button, a scan button, a patient button, an ultrasound image selection button, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The patient button is a button for selecting a patient to be diagnosed by ultrasonic images, and the probe button is a button for selecting a probe for ultrasonic image diagnosis. The scan button is a button for quickly correcting the ultrasound image by using a preset parameter value set in the ultrasound device 1000, the storage button is a button for storing the ultrasound image, and the ultrasound image selection button is for pausing the ultrasound image displayed in real time button to display a still ultrasound image on the screen.

According to an exemplary embodiment, hardware buttons included in the control panel 300 may be implemented by software to be displayed on the second display unit 200 . For example, a freeze button for displaying a still image may exist as a hardware button on the control panel 300 and may exist as a software button on the second display unit 200 . A software button may be a user interface (UI) object implemented as software and displayed on a screen. For example, software buttons may include icons displayed on a touch screen, setting keys, menus, and the like. A function matched with the software button can be executed by a touch input for touching the software button.

According to an exemplary embodiment, among buttons included in a control panel of a general ultrasonic device (not including a touch screen), some buttons frequently used by users may be included in the control panel 300 as hardware buttons, and other buttons may be provided as hardware buttons. on the touch screen of the second display unit 200 of the GUI.

In the case of hardware buttons formed on the control panel 300 , the user can easily select a specific button from among the hardware buttons by using the sense of touch without looking at the control panel 300 .

However, the positions of the software buttons provided on the touch screen may be variable, and thus it is difficult for the user to recognize the positions of the software buttons without looking at the software buttons. Additionally, users may have difficulty identifying boundaries between software buttons through tactile sensation. Therefore, the user has to select a specific software button displayed on the touch screen while recognizing the position of the finger on the touch screen.

For example, in order for a user to select a button displayed on the touch screen while performing ultrasound diagnosis (eg, scanning an ultrasound image), the user must shift his/her eyes from the ultrasound image displayed on the main screen to the touch screen. In this case, the user's eyes may be distracted between the first display unit 100 displaying the ultrasonic image and the second display unit 200 displaying control items (eg, menu).

Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment, some or all of the control items (such as menus) displayed on the second display unit 200 are displayed on the first display unit 100, ie, the main screen, based on the position where the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 200. on, so the user's eyes may not be distracted during the performance of ultrasonic diagnosis.

Also, an example in which the first display unit 100 is a main screen displaying ultrasound images and the second display unit 200 is a touch screen displaying control items will be described below.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates the second display unit 200 and the control panel 300 separated from each other, one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In some exemplary embodiments, the control panel 300 may include the second display unit 200 .

Also, if the input device 1600 includes only a touch screen, the control panel 300 and the second display unit 200 may be integrally formed with each other. A case where the entire control panel 300 is a touch screen will be described below with reference to FIG. 2A .

2A is a diagram of an ultrasound device including a control panel that is entirely a touch screen, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the entire control panel 300 may be a touch screen. In this case, the control panel 300 may represent the second display unit 200 . Therefore, software buttons may be displayed on the control panel 300 instead of hardware buttons. For example, the control panel 300 may display at least one control item. In addition, the control panel 300 may reduce the ratio of the ultrasonic image displayed on the first display unit 100 and display the reduced ultrasonic image on its area.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control panel 300 may include a trackball 301 on a part thereof. Here, when the user rotates the trackball 301 with his/her finger, the cursor on the first display unit 100 may be moved according to the movement of the trackball 301 .

1 and 2A illustrate a case where the first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 are attached to the body of the ultrasound apparatus 1000 as an example, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a case where the second display unit 200 is detached from the ultrasound apparatus 1000 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2B , and a case where the first display unit 100 exists outside the ultrasound apparatus 1000 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 3 .

FIG. 2B is a diagram of an ultrasonic device 1000 including a detachable display unit, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2B , the ultrasonic device 1000 may include a first display unit 100 , a second display unit 200 and a holder 200 ′ for attaching/detaching the second display unit 200 to/from the ultrasonic device 1000 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first display unit 100 may be directly connected to the body of the ultrasound apparatus 1000, and may display an ultrasound image during performing ultrasound diagnosis. The first display unit 100 of FIG. 2B corresponds to the first display unit 100 of FIG. 1 , and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

The second display unit 200 may be attached to the ultrasonic device 1000 via the holder 200 ′, or may be detached from the ultrasonic device 1000 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may include a sensor for sensing whether the second display unit 200 is attached to or detached from the ultrasonic device 1000 . For example, a sensor or an interface for sensing whether the second display unit 200 is attached to or detached from the ultrasonic device 1000 may be formed inside or outside the holder 200'.

According to an exemplary embodiment, if the second display unit 200 is detached from the ultrasonic device 1000, the second display unit 200 may communicate with the ultrasonic device 1000 via short distance communication. Here, short-range communication can include wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and near At least one of field communication (NFC) options, but not limited thereto.

For example, the second display unit 200 senses the position of the pointer 400 (eg, finger) touching the second display unit 200 and transmits information on the position of the pointer 400 to the communicator of the ultrasonic device 1000 . Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 may select at least one control item corresponding to the position of the pointer 400 from among a plurality of control items displayed on the second display unit 200 . Otherwise, the second display unit 200 may transmit the information of the control item corresponding to the position of the pointer 400 to the communicator of the ultrasonic device 1000 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display some or all of the control items displayed on the second display unit 200 on the first display unit based on a position where the pointer 400 contacts the second display unit 200 . In this case, the user can recognize at least one control item corresponding to the position of the pointer 400 (for example, a finger) on the second display unit 200 through the first display unit 100 without directly looking at the ultrasonic device 1000. The second display unit 200 is removed.

A user may select a specific item from control items displayed on the second display unit 200 while looking at the first display unit 100 instead of the second display unit 200 detached from the ultrasound apparatus 1000 . In this case, since the user's gaze can be fixed on the first display unit 100 displaying the ultrasonic image, the user can concentrate on the ultrasonic image.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a portable ultrasonic device 1000 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the ultrasonic device 1000 according to the present exemplary embodiment may be portable. Here, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may include a touch screen type second display unit 200 and the probe 20 . The ultrasonic device 1000 may further include a communicator for communicating with the external first display unit 100 . In this case, the communicator of the ultrasonic device 1000 may directly transmit information to the first display unit 100 via short-distance communication.

In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may transmit information to the first display unit 100 via a server. For example, the communicator of the ultrasound device 1000 may exchange data with the first display unit 200 connected to the ultrasound device 1000 via a picture archiving and communication system (PACS). The communicator of the ultrasonic device 1000 can perform data communication according to Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image obtained via the probe 20 on the second display unit 200 . Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may transmit an ultrasound image obtained via the probe 20 to the first display unit 100 . Here, the first display unit 100 may display the ultrasound image of the subject 10 in real time.

Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may transmit information of at least one control item selected based on a position of the pointer 400 touching the second display unit 200 to the first display unit 100 . Here, the first display unit 100 may display information on at least one control item together with the ultrasound image of the subject 10 . In this case, the user may select at least one control item (eg, a function key) displayed on the second display unit 200 while fixing eyes on the external first display unit 100 displaying an ultrasonic image.

For example, the user can perform an ultrasound image scanning operation without moving his/her eyes while keeping his/her eyes on the main screen (ie, the first display unit 100 ), keeping his/her right hand probe 20, and hold the touch screen (ie, the second display unit 200) displaying control items with his/her left hand. Hereinafter, a method by which the ultrasound apparatus 1000 provides information so as not to distract a user's eyes (eg, a sonographer's eyes) during scanning of an ultrasound image will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 .

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing information of an ultrasonic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on the first display unit 100 in operation S410.

The ultrasound image displayed on the first display unit 100 may be variously displayed. For example, an ultrasonic image may be a brightness mode (B mode) image expressing the magnitude of an ultrasonic echo signal reflected by an object as brightness, and a color mode (C mode) expressing the speed of a moving object as color by using the Doppler effect image, a Doppler-mode (D-mode) image representing the object of a moving object as a spectrum by using the Doppler effect, a motion-mode (M-mode) image representing the movement of an object at a constant position with respect to time and will be applied when The difference between the responses of the subject with and without compression is represented as at least one of the elastic mode images of the images; however, the invention is not limited thereto. According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound image may be a two-dimensional (2D) image, a three-dimensional (3D) image or a four-dimensional (4D) image.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on the first display unit 100 in real time based on ultrasound image data acquired from the subject 10 . For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may transmit an ultrasonic signal (beam) to the subject 10 via the probe 20 and may generate an ultrasonic image based on ultrasonic echo signals reflected from the subject 10 . Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the generated ultrasound image on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display ultrasound images pre-stored in a storage medium on the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasound device 1000 may read a specific ultrasound image from a storage medium, and may display the read ultrasound image on the first display unit 100 .

Here, the storage medium may be a memory existing in the ultrasonic device 1000, or an external storage device (such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a wearable device, and a cloud server) existing outside the ultrasonic device 1000 . Besides, the storage medium may be a cache memory.

In operation S420, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may display at least one control item on the second display unit 200 . The at least one control item may be a user selectable item. For example, the control items may include menus, adjustment buttons, mode selection buttons, shortcut icons, adjustment interfaces for adjusting parameter values, function keys, setting windows, etc., but are not limited thereto.

According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one control item displayed on the second display unit 200 may be related to an ultrasound image. For example, at least one control item may be an item for adjusting a parameter value related to ultrasonic image data (or ultrasonic echo signal), and may include a time gain compensation (TGC)/lateral gain compensation (LGC) setting window, 2D/ 3D/4D button, gain button, focus button, depth button, zoom button, dynamic range button, grayscale button, chroma map button, low MI button, rejection level button, etc.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display control items on the entire area of the second display unit 200 . Besides, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display control items on a partial area of the second display unit 200 . For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image of the subject 10 on a first area of the second display unit 200 , and may display control items related to the ultrasound image on a second area of the second display unit 200 .

In operation S430, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a position where the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 200 . Here, the pointer 400 may be a user's finger or an external device such as an electronic pen.

Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a position where the pointer 400 is in contact with the second display unit 200 , or may sense a position where the pointer 400 hovers within a predetermined distance from the second display unit 200 , without touching the second display unit 200 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the position of the pointer 400 in various ways. For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the position of the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 by using an internal sensor (eg, a sensor for detecting a change in capacitance, a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, an image sensor, etc.) . Alternatively, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the position of the pointer 400 on the second display unit by using an external device such as a camera (eg, a general camera, an infrared camera, a depth camera, a closed circuit television (CCTV), etc.).

The method for the ultrasonic device 1000 to sense the position of the indicator 400 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 .

In operation S440, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display at least one control item displayed on the second display unit 200 and an indicator indicating the location of the pointer 400 on the first display unit 100 together with the ultrasound image.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display at least one control item displayed on the second display unit 200 and an indicator indicating a position of the pointer 400 on the first display unit 100 to overlap the ultrasound image. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display at least one control item and an indicator on the ultrasound image displayed on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display at least one control item displayed on the second display unit 200 and an indicator indicating a position of the pointer 400 on the first display unit 100 so as not to overlap with an ultrasound image. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on a first area of the first display unit 100 and may display at least one menu item and an indicator on a second area of the first display unit 100 . Here, the first area and the second area may be different from each other.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the indicator indicating the position of the pointer 400 may be implemented as a predefined shape, a predefined line, a predefined color, or a predefined shade, but is not limited thereto. For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may represent an indicator indicating a position where the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 200 on the first display unit 100 as an arrow or a circle. Besides, the ultrasonic device 1000 may represent an indicator that will indicate the position of the pointer 400 in red or yellow on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may represent a pointer 400 indicating a position of the pointer 400 on at least one control item displayed on the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may select a first control item corresponding to the position of the pointer 400 from at least one control item displayed on the second display unit 200 . The ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may position a pointer on a first control item among at least one control item displayed on the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark a contour line surrounding the first control item as an indicator. Besides, the ultrasonic device 1000 may represent the first control item in a specific color (for example, red), or represent the indicator as a shade on the first control item.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display at least one control item in consideration of the size of the first display unit 100 . For example, if the first display unit 100 is twice as large as the second display unit 200 , the ultrasound device 1000 may triple control items displayed on the second display unit 200 to be displayed on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display at least one control item on the first display unit 100 based on a ratio of an area where the control item is displayed with respect to an entire area of the second display unit 200 . For example, if at least one control item is displayed on half of the entire area of the second display unit 200 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may display at least one control item on an area corresponding to 1/2 of the entire area of the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may determine the position where the control item is displayed on the first display unit 100 based on the position where the control item is displayed on the second display unit 200 . For example, if the control item is displayed on the upper left portion of the second display unit 200 , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the control item on the upper left portion of the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the control items on the first display unit 100 according to the layout in which the control items are displayed on the second display unit 200 . Alternatively, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display the control items on the first display unit 100 in a layout different from the layout of the control items on the second display unit 200 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may change a position where the pointer 400 is displayed on the first display unit according to a change in a position where the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 100 . For example, if the pointer 400 touching the second display unit 200 moves to the left, the pointer displayed on the first display unit 100 may also move to the left.

In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display only an ultrasonic image on the first display unit 100 during normal operation, and may additionally display at least one of the images displayed on the second display unit 200 on the first display unit 100 when a specific event occurs. A control item and an indicator indicating a position where the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 200 .

Hereinafter, a time point at which at least one control item is displayed on the first display unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the ultrasonic device 1000 for displaying at least one control item and an indicator on a home screen when a touch event of the touch screen occurs. In FIG. 5 , an example in which the first display unit 100 is a home screen, the second display unit 200 is a touch screen, and the pointer 400 is a finger 500 is shown.

In operations S500 and S510 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the touch of the finger 500 via the touch sensor included in the second display unit 200 . For example, a touch sensor (eg, a sensor detecting a capacitance change and a pressure sensor) included in the second display unit 200 may recognize a position of the second display unit 200 touched by the finger 500 . In this case, the second display unit 200 may notify the controller of the ultrasonic device 1000 that the touch event occurs. Besides, the second display unit 200 may transmit information on the touched position (for example, coordinate information and information on control items displayed on the touched position) to the controller.

In operation S520, when a touch event occurs, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display at least one control item and an indicator on the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of menu items 502 displayed on the second display unit 200 and an indicator 503 representing a position of the finger 500 on the ultrasound image 501 displayed on the first display unit 100 . Here, since the finger 500 is located on the menu in the third row and the second column in the second display unit 200, a red circle may be indicated on the menu in the third row and the second column in the first display unit 100 as a finger. An indicator 503 of the location of 500 .

The plurality of menu items 502 and indicators 503 displayed on the first display unit 100 may be translucent. Also, if the user moves his/her finger 500 on the second display unit 200 (for example, a drag gesture), the ultrasonic device 1000 may also move the position of the indicator 503 .

In addition, when the touch event ends on the first item from among the plurality of menu items 502 (for example, the user removes his/her finger 500 from the first item displayed on the second display unit 200), the ultrasonic device 1000 may Execute the function on the first item. Besides, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a GUI related to the first item on the first display unit 100 and/or the second display unit 200 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, if the touch event ends on a blank portion where the plurality of menu items 502 are not displayed, the plurality of menu items 502 and the indicator 503 that have been displayed on the first display unit 100 are removed, so that the first The display unit 100 may display only ultrasound images.

Therefore, when the user touches the second display unit 200, the user can recognize and manipulate the plurality of menu items 502 on the second display unit 200 and the ultrasonic image 501 of the subject through the first display unit 100 without moving his/her The head turns to the second display unit 200 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may sense that a user is scanning an ultrasonic image of the subject 10 via the probe 20 or a sensor included in the probe 20 . In addition, when a touch on the second display unit 200 is sensed while the user is scanning the ultrasonic image of the subject 10, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a plurality of menu items displayed on the second display unit 200 on the first display unit 100. 502 or some menu items 502 and an ultrasound image.

FIG. 6 illustrates an operation of the ultrasonic device 1000 displaying at least one control item and an indicator on a home screen according to a predefined gesture. In FIG. 6 , an example in which the first display unit 100 is a home screen, the second display unit 200 is a touch screen, and the pointer 400 is a finger 600 is shown.

In operation S610, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a predefined gesture on the second display unit 200 . The predefined gesture may be a gesture for guiding at least one control item already displayed on the first display unit 100 to be displayed on the second display unit 200 . For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a slide gesture 601 from a user, that is, slide a finger 600 upward on the second display unit 200 .

In operation S620, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display at least one control item and an indicator on the first display unit 100 when a predefined gesture is received. For example, when a slide gesture 601 is received on the second display unit 200, the ultrasound device 1000 may display a plurality of menu items 603 displayed on the second display unit 200 on the ultrasound image 602 currently displayed on the first display unit 100 and an indicator 604 indicating the position of the finger 600 .

Also, the plurality of menu items 603 and indicators 604 displayed on the first display unit 100 may be translucent. Also, when the user moves his/her finger 600 (for example, a drag gesture) on a plurality of menu items 603 displayed on the second display unit 200, the ultrasonic device 1000 can move the indicator according to the touch position of the finger 600. 604.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a user may select one of a plurality of menu items 603 . For example, when the pointer 604 is located at the first item, the user may drag his/her finger 600 on the plurality of menu items 603 and then may double-tap the second display unit 200 . In this case, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a double tap gesture on the first item, and may execute a function corresponding to the first item.

Besides, when the pointer 604 is located at the first item, the user can drag his/her finger 600 onto a plurality of menu items 603, and can place his/her middle finger on the second display unit 200 . Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a multi-finger gesture on the first item, and may perform a function corresponding to the first item.

In FIG. 6, although the slide gesture is set as an example of the predefined gesture, the predefined gesture is not limited to the slide gesture. For example, the predefined gestures may include gestures of touching and holding a specific location, gestures of selecting a specific hardware button, multi-finger gestures (for example, gathering five fingers together on a touch screen), etc., but are not limited thereto.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the ultrasonic device 1000 for sensing a pressure touching a touch screen by using a pressure sensor. In FIG. 7 , an example is shown in which the first display unit 100 is a main screen displaying ultrasound images, the second display unit 200 is a screen displaying menu items, and the pointer 400 is a finger 700 .

In operation S700 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a touch and hold gesture on the second display unit 200 . Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 may measure the pressure with which the finger 700 touches the second display unit 200 by using a pressure sensor included in the second display unit 200 .

In operation S710, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may determine whether a value measured by the pressure sensor included in the second display unit 200 is greater than a critical value. For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine whether the finger 700 pushes the second display unit 200 with a pressure equal to or greater than a threshold value.

In operation S720, when the value measured by the pressure sensor included in the second display unit 200 is greater than a critical value, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display at least one control item and an indicator on the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasound device 1000 may display a plurality of menu items 702 displayed on the second display unit 200 and an indicator 703 indicating the position of the finger 700 on the ultrasound image 701 currently displayed on the first display unit 100 .

Here, when the user moves his/her finger 700 (for example, a drag gesture) on a plurality of menu items 702 displayed on the second display unit 200, the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the pointer 703 according to the position of the finger 700 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, a user may select one of a plurality of menu items 702 . For example, when the pointer 703 is located at the first item, the user may drag his/her finger 700 on the plurality of menu items 702 and double-tap the second display unit 200 . In this case, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a double tap gesture on the first item, and may execute a function corresponding to the first item.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the ultrasonic device 1000 for sensing a user's proximity touch gesture by using a camera.

In operation S810, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the pointer 400 located above the second display unit 200 via the camera. For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a user's hovering gesture 800 via a camera.

In this specification, a hover gesture may represent an input event in which a pointer 400 (eg, a finger or an electronic pen) approaches the second display unit 200 within a predetermined distance. For example, a hovering gesture may represent an event that the pointer 400 approaches the second display unit 200 to a distance from a position where the ultrasonic device 1000 can detect the pointer 400 (eg, a finger).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the pointer 400 above the second display unit 200 via a plurality of cameras or via one camera. Also, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the pointer 400 above the second display unit 200 via a camera attached therein or a camera located outside the ultrasonic device 1000 .

Here, the camera may include a general camera 810 (eg, an image sensor), an infrared camera 820 (eg, an infrared sensor), a depth camera (eg, a depth sensor), and CCTV, but is not limited thereto.

For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the pointer 400 located above the second display unit 200 by analyzing image data (a plurality of image frames) obtained through the general camera 810 . Besides, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the pointer 400 located above the second display unit 200 by analyzing infrared image data obtained by the infrared camera 820 . Specifically, if the pointer 400 is a finger, the ultrasonic device 1000 can easily recognize the finger above the second display unit 200 via the infrared camera 820 because there is a large difference between the temperatures of the second display unit 200 and the finger.

Also, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a finger located above the second display unit 200 based on a difference between a first depth value from the depth camera to the second display unit 200 and a second depth value from the depth camera to the finger.

In operation S820, if the pointer 400 located above the second display unit 200 is sensed through the camera, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display at least one control item and an indicator on the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of menu items 802 displayed on the second display unit 200 and an indicator 803 indicating a position of a finger on an ultrasound image 801 currently displayed on the first display unit 100 .

Here, if the user moves his/her finger within a predetermined separation distance from the second display unit 200 without touching the second display unit 200 (for example, a hovering gesture), the ultrasonic device 1000 may to move indicator 803 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, a user may select one of a plurality of menu items 802 . For example, the user can hover his/her finger within a predetermined interval distance from a plurality of menu items 802 displayed on the second display unit 200, and then can touch the second display unit 200 (or when the pointer 803 is located on the first item while touching the first item on the second display unit 200). In this case, the ultrasonic device 1000 senses a user's touch gesture on the first item by using a camera or a touch sensor, and performs a function corresponding to the first item.

A plurality of menu items 802 on the ultrasound image 801 may be displayed semi-transparently. Referring to FIG. 9 , an operation of the ultrasonic device 1000 for displaying at least one control item on the first display unit 100 based on predefined transparency information will be described below.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for the ultrasonic device 1000 to determine transparency of at least one control item.

In operation S910, the ultrasonic device 1000 may acquire predefined transparency information. The transparency information may be information for defining transparency of at least one control item displayed on the second display unit 200 . Here, the transparency may be defined by the user or the ultrasonic device 1000 . Furthermore, predefined transparency information may be changed according to user input.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the predefined transparency information may include transparency defined to be different with respect to the control item. For example, the first to tenth items may have a transparency of 20%, the eleventh to fifteenth items may have a 30% transparency, and the sixteenth to twenty-second items may have a 35% transparency.

According to an exemplary embodiment, predefined transparency information may be read from a memory of the ultrasonic device 1000, or may be transmitted from the outside.

In operation S920, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine transparency of at least one control item according to predefined transparency information. For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine transparency with respect to all control items displayed on the second display unit 200 or with respect to some control items displayed on the second display unit 200 based on predefined transparency information.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the predefined transparency information may include information on transparency of an indicator indicating the position of the pointer 400 . In this case, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine the transparency of the indicator according to predefined transparency information.

In operation S930, according to the determined transparency, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display at least one control item and an indicator indicating a position of the pointer 400 on the ultrasound image. For example, if the determined transparency rate is 30%, the ultrasound device 1000 may display the at least one control item on the ultrasound image with a transparency of 30%.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display an indicator indicating a position of the pointer 400 and at least one control item having transparency different from each other. For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display the indicator as opaque, and may display at least one control item having a transparency of 30% on the first display unit 100 . Alternatively, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display the indicator with a transparency of 20%, and display at least one control item with a transparency of 50% on the first display unit 100 .

Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, the predefined transparency information may further include color information. Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine the color of the control item or the color of the indicator. Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display control items or indicators on the ultrasound image in the determined color.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the ultrasound apparatus 1000 displays at least one control item as transparent on a home screen. In FIG. 10 , as an example, it is assumed that the first display unit 100 is a main screen and the second display unit 200 is a touch screen.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the first display unit 100 may display an ultrasound image 1001 , and the second display unit 200 may display a plurality of control items 1002 . If the user touches the second display unit 200 through a pointer 400 (for example, a finger), the ultrasonic device 1000 senses the touch event on the second display unit 200, and may display the second display on the ultrasonic image 1001 of the first display unit 100. Two control items 1002 displayed on the display unit 200 . In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display an indicator 1003 indicating a position of the pointer 400 on the first display unit 100 and a plurality of control items 1002 .

The ultrasonic device 1000 can adjust the transparency of the plurality of control items 1002 so that the ultrasonic image 1001 displayed on the first display unit 100 may not be blocked by the plurality of control items 1002 . For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a plurality of control items 1002 and indicators 1003 with 30% transparency. In this case, the user can simultaneously see the ultrasound image 1001 , the plurality of control items 1002 and the indicator 1003 on the first display unit 100 .

In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive an input for adjusting the transparency of the plurality of control items 1002 displayed on the first display unit 100 from 30% to 20% from the user. In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of control items 1002 on the ultrasound image 1001 with 20% transparency.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of control items 1002 so as not to be overlaid on the ultrasound image 1001 . An operation of the ultrasound apparatus 1000 for displaying a plurality of control items 1002 not to be overlaid on the ultrasound image 1001 will be described below with reference to FIG. 11 .

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method in which the ultrasound apparatus 1000 displays at least one control item and an indicator on a region where an ultrasound image is not displayed.

In operation S1110 , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on a first region of the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on the first region of the first display unit 100 in real time based on ultrasound image data acquired from the subject 10 . In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display an ultrasonic image pre-stored in a storage medium on the first region of the first display unit 100 .

Here, the ultrasonic image may be at least one of a B-mode image, a C-mode image, a D-mode image, an M-mode image, and an elastic-mode image, but is not limited thereto. Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic image may be a 2D image, a 3D image or a 4D image.

In operation S1120, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display at least one control item related to the ultrasound image on the second display unit 200 .

The at least one control item may be a user selectable item. For example, the control items may include menus, adjustment buttons, mode selection buttons, shortcut icons, adjustment interfaces for adjusting parameter values, function keys, setting windows, etc., but are not limited thereto.

Operation S1120 corresponds to operation S420 of FIG. 4 , and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

In operation S1130, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a position where the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 200 . Here, the pointer 400 may be a user's finger or an external device such as an electronic pen.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the position of the pointer 400 in various ways. For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the position of the pointer 400 on the second display unit by using an internal sensor (eg, a sensor detecting capacitance change, a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, an image sensor, etc.). Alternatively, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the position of the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 by using an external device such as a camera (eg, a general camera, an infrared camera, a depth camera, a CCTV camera, etc.).

The method of the ultrasonic device 1000 sensing the position of the pointer 400 is described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 , and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

In operation S1140 , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may detect a first region where the ultrasound image is displayed in the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may detect a first region on which an ultrasound image is displayed based on presentation information of the first display unit 100 .

In operation S1150, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may display at least one control item and an indicator indicating a position of the pointer 400 on a second area of the first display unit 100 different from the first area.

In this case, the ultrasonic image is not hidden by at least one control item and an indicator indicating the position of the pointer 400 .

Referring to FIG. 12 , an example in which the ultrasound apparatus 1000 displays a plurality of control items not to be overlaid on the ultrasound image will be described below.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the ultrasound apparatus 1000 displays an ultrasound image on a first area 1201 of a home screen and displays at least one control item and an indicator on a second area 1202 of the home screen. In FIG. 12 , as an example, it is assumed that the first display unit 100 is a main screen and the second display unit 200 is a touch screen.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the ultrasound device 1000 can sense a touch of a pointer 400 (for example, a finger) touching the second display unit 200 during display of an ultrasound image of an object on a first area 1201 of the first display unit 100 (ie, a main screen). the occurrence of the event. In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of control items displayed on the second display unit 200 on the first display unit 100 so as not to be overlaid on the ultrasound image.

For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a plurality of menu items on a second area 1202 of the first display unit 100 different from the first area 1201 . Here, the plurality of menu items displayed on the second region 1202 may be arranged differently from the plurality of menu items displayed on the second display unit 200 . That is, arrangement of a plurality of menu items may be changed according to the size of the second area 1202 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may reduce the size of the ultrasound image displayed on the first region 1201 to display a plurality of menu items displayed on the second display unit 200 on the first display unit 100 . For example, if the ultrasound image occupies 90% or more of the entire screen of the first display unit 100, the ultrasound device 1000 may reduce the size of the ultrasound image to 2/3 in order to display a plurality of menu items.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may change the position of the ultrasound image in order to display a plurality of menu items of the second display unit 200 on the first display unit 100 . For example, if an ultrasound image is displayed on the center portion of the first display unit 100 , the ultrasound device 1000 may move the ultrasound image to the left to display a plurality of menu items on the right side of the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display an indicator indicating a touch position of the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 on the first display unit 100 . For example, if the user touches the first item 1203 among the plurality of menu items displayed on the second display unit 200, the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark the first item 1203 from the plurality of menu items displayed on the first display unit 100. Item 1203 is a square indicator.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of the ultrasonic device 1000 providing information by using a plurality of display units according to an exemplary embodiment.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on the first display unit 100 in operation S1310.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display ultrasound images obtained via the probe 20 on the first display unit 100 in real time. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display an ultrasonic image pre-stored in a storage medium on the first display unit 100 .

The ultrasound image may include at least one of a B-mode image, a C-mode image, a D-mode image, an M-mode image, and an elastic-mode image, but is not limited thereto. Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic image may be a 2D image, a 3D image or a 4D image.

In operation S1320, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasound image on the second display unit 200 . For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of control items for adjusting parameter values related to the ultrasound image displayed on the first display unit 100 on the second display unit 200 .

Multiple control items related to ultrasound images can include such as frequency, dynamic range, frame average, rejection level, grayscale, spatial scale, dynamic magnetic resonance (DMR+), harmonics, scan area, edge enhancement, speed, power, At least one of the items of line density, full spectrum image (FSI), focal point number, depth value and time gain compensation (TGC), but not limited thereto.

The frequency item may indicate an item for changing the transmission/reception frequency applied to the probe 20 . For example, the user can select one of penetration (Pen, low frequency), general (Gen, general frequency) and resolution (Res, high frequency) to adjust the frequency.

The dynamic range item is an item for adjusting the contrast by changing the ratio between the minimum and maximum values of the input signal. For example, the user may select a value ranging from 50 to 200 to set the parameter value of the dynamic range.

The frame averaging item is an item for reducing random noise in ultrasound images. For example, a user can select a value ranging from 0 to 15 to set a parameter value for frame averaging.

The rejection level item is an item for removing noise in the ultrasound image. For example, a user can select a value ranging from 1 to 32 to set a reject level value.

The grayscale item is an item for determining the grayscale by changing the back curve of the ultrasound image. For example, the user can select a value ranging from 1 to 13 to set the parameter value of the grayscale image.

The spatial scale item is an item for adjusting the density of the ultrasound image. For example, the user can select one of low/medium/high to set the parameter value of the space scale.

The DMR+ item is an item for post-processing ultrasound images, and can be a parameter for noise reduction and edge enhancement. For example, the user can select a value ranging from 1 to 5 to set the parameter value of DMR+.

Harmonic items are items that optimize ultrasound images by using high frequencies. For example, the user can select one of ON and OFF to set the parameter value of the harmonic item.

The scan area item is an item for adjusting the lateral width (%) of the ultrasonic image. For example, the user can select a value ranging from 40 to 100 to adjust the width of the scan area.

Edge enhancement items are items for sharpening the boundaries of tissues or organs. For example, a user can select a value ranging from -3 to 3 to set a parameter value for an edge enhancement item.

The speed item is an item that improves the resolution by adjusting the speed of the organ. For example, the user can select a value ranging from 1440 to 1620 (m/s) to adjust the value of the velocity level.

The power item is an item for selecting the intensity of ultrasonic output. For example, the user can select a value ranging from 10 to 100 to adjust the power value.

The line density item is an item for adjusting the density of the ultrasonic image. For example, users can choose one of Low/Medium 1/Medium 2/High to adjust the line density value.

The FSI item is an item for adjusting the mixing frequency ratio. For example, the user can select a value ranging from 1 to 3 to set the parameter value of the FSI 1370 .

The focus number item is an item for setting the position of the focus and the focus number. For example, the user can select a value ranging from 1 to 4 to adjust the amount of focus.

The gain item is an item for adjusting the brightness of the ultrasonic image. For example, the user can select a value ranging from 1 to 100 to adjust the gain value.

The depth item is an item for adjusting the depth of the scanned ultrasonic image. The depth value according to an exemplary embodiment may vary according to the kind of the probe 20 . For example, if the probe 20 of the ultrasonic device 1000 is a convex probe, the user can select a depth value ranging from 6cm to 30cm.

The TGC item is an item for compensating for a decrease in the propagation degree of ultrasonic waves according to the depth of the human body. For example, a user can adjust the TGC value by moving an adjustment button on a slider bar corresponding to a plurality of depth sections.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of control items for adjusting parameter values related to an ultrasound image displayed on the first display unit 100 may be displayed in a plurality of pages. For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display first to tenth items on the first page, and may display eleventh to twentieth items on the second page.

In operation S1330, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may select at least one control item from a plurality of control items displayed on the second display unit 200 based on the position of the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may recognize that the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 200 via at least one sensor. Here, the touch may include contact touch and non-contact touch (hover). In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the touch position of the pointer 400 via at least one sensor. Here, the at least one sensor may be at least one of a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, an image sensor, a depth sensor, and an infrared sensor, but is not limited thereto.

Since the method of sensing the position of the pointer 400 by the ultrasonic device 1000 is described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 , a detailed description thereof is omitted.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may select at least one control item located within a predetermined distance from the touch position of the pointer 400 from a plurality of control items. For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may select a first item, a second item, a third item, and a fourth item located within a radius of 5 cm from the touch position of the pointer 400 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may select a menu group corresponding to the position of the pointer 400 from among a plurality of menu groups displayed on the second display unit 200 in order to determine at least one control item.

For example, if the touch position of the pointer 400 overlaps with the first menu group, the ultrasonic device 1000 may select a first menu item, a second menu item, a third menu item included in the first menu group from a plurality of control items. , the fourth menu item and the fifth menu item.

In operation S1340, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the determined at least one control item and an indicator indicating the location of the pointer 400 and the ultrasound image on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark an indicator on the at least one control item. For example, if the pointer 400 is located at a first item among at least one control item displayed on the second display unit 200 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark the indicator on the first item on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, since the position of the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 is changed, the ultrasonic device 1000 may change the position of the pointer on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display at least one control item and an indicator indicating a position of the pointer 400 to be overlaid on the ultrasound image on the first display unit 100 . Here, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may determine the transparency of at least one control item displayed on the ultrasound image based on predefined transparency information, and may display the at least one control item as transparent according to the determined transparency.

Besides, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display at least one control item on the first display unit 100 so as not to be overlaid on the ultrasound image. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on a first area of the first display unit 100 and may display at least one control item including an indicator on a second area of the first display unit 100 . An operation of the ultrasound apparatus 1000 for displaying at least one control item on the first display unit so as not to be overlaid on the ultrasound image will be described below with reference to FIG. 14 . .

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example in which the ultrasonic device 1000 displays some control items displayed on the touch screen on the home screen. In FIG. 14 , as an example, it is assumed that the first display unit 100 is a main screen on which an ultrasound image is displayed, and the second display unit 200 is a touch screen on which control items are displayed.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on the first display unit 100 and display a plurality of control items on the second display unit 200 .

Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive an input 1410 of touching a ladder item 1401 from among a plurality of control items displayed on the second display unit 200 by using the pointer 400 . The ultrasonic device 1000 may select a first menu group 1402 including a trapezoidal item 1401 from a plurality of control items, wherein the first menu group 1402 may include, for example, a harmonic item, a pulse Inv item, a trapezoidal item 1401, a dual activity item, and an ADVR item.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a first menu group 1402 on the first display unit 100 . Here, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the first menu group 1402 on the right side of the first display unit 100 so as not to overlap the ultrasound image 1404 displayed on the left side of the first display unit 100 .

The ultrasonic device 1000 may display an indicator 1403 indicating a current position of the pointer 400 on the first display unit 100 . Since the pointer 400 is located on the trapezoidal item 1401 on the second display unit 200, the ultrasonic device 1000 can represent the pointer 1403 as a border around the trapezoidal item 1402 in the first menu group 1402 displayed on the first display unit 100 .

If the user drags the pointer 400 in contact with the second display unit 200 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the pointer 1043 according to the movement of the pointer 400 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, if a touch event on the second display unit 200 ends at a blank space where control items are not displayed, the first menu group 1402 displayed on the first display unit 100 may be removed.

For example, if the user removes his/her finger that has been in contact with the ladder item 1401, and takes his/her finger away from the second display unit 200 from the blank space next to the ladder item 1401, and then passes his/her When the finger touches the body maker item displayed on the second display unit 200, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display the second menu group including the body maker item on the first display unit 100 instead of the first menu group 1402, wherein the first The second menu group may include, for example, a quad item, a body maker item, an annotation item, a dual item, and a keyboard item.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 displaying a window corresponding to a control item selected from at least one control item.

According to an exemplary embodiment, operation S1510 of FIG. 15 may be performed after operation S1340 of FIG. 13 . Therefore, in FIG. 15 , displaying on the first display unit 100 at least one control item displayed on the second display unit 200 and an indicator indicating the position of the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 and an ultrasonic image will be described below. example of .

In operation S1510, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a drag gesture of dragging the pointer 400 on at least one control item displayed on the second display unit 200 . For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a position where the pointer 400 is dragged on the second display unit 200 by using a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, or a camera.

In operation S1520, the ultrasonic device 1000 may change the position of the pointer on at least one control item displayed on the first display unit 100 based on the drag gesture for dragging the pointer 400 . For example, if the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 is dragged to the left (for example, from the second control item toward the first control item), the ultrasonic device 1000 can move the pointer on the first display unit 100 To the left (eg, from the second control item toward the first control item).

In operation S1530 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense that a touch event has ended on the first control item displayed on the second display unit 200 .

For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense that the user places his/her finger on the first control item by using a touch sensor (sensing a change in capacitance), a pressure sensor (sensing a change in pressure) or a camera (analyzing an image frame). Take it away from the second display unit 200 . In this case, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine that the user selects the first control item.

In operation S1540, when the touch event ends on the first control item, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a window related to the first control item on the second display unit 200 .

Here, the window may be a GUI for adjusting the parameter value of the first control item, a window including information or content related to the first control item, an icon or a measurement tool (for example, width measurement, length, etc.) related to the first control item measurement, surround measurement, etc.), but not limited thereto.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may also display a window related to the first control item on the first display unit 100 . Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark an indicator indicating the current location of the pointer 400 in a window displayed on the first display unit 100 .

An operation of the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 for displaying a window corresponding to a control item selected from at least one control item will be described below with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18 .

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the ultrasonic device 1000 moves a pointer according to a drag gesture.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on the first display unit 100 and may display a plurality of control items on the second display unit 200 . Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a touch input on the ladder item 1601 from among a plurality of control items displayed on the second display unit 200 by using the pointer 400 . The ultrasonic device 1000 can display a first menu group including a trapezoidal item 1601 among a plurality of control items on the first display unit 100, wherein the first menu group can include a harmonic item, a pulse Inv item, a trapezoidal item 1601, and a double active item and ADVR items.

Here, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the first menu group on the second region 1604 of the first display unit 100 so as not to overlap the first menu group with the ultrasound image displayed on the first region 1603 of the first display unit 100 .

Also, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display an indicator 1605 indicating a current position of the pointer 400 on the first display unit 100 . For example, if the pointer 400 is located on the trapezoidal item 1601 on the second display unit 200, so the ultrasound device 1000 may mark the pointer 1605 as a border around the trapezoidal item 1402 in the first menu group displayed on the second area 1604 Wire.

If the user drags the pointer 400 in contact with the second display unit 200 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the pointer 1605 according to the movement of the pointer 400 . For example, if the user drags the pointer 400 from the ladder item 1601 to the ADVR item 1602, the ultrasonic device 1000 senses the drag gesture, and moves the indicator 1605 on the first display unit 100 from the ladder item 1601 to the ADVR item 1602. move.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example in which the ultrasonic device 1000 selects a control item based on a touch-up event.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense that a touch event has ended on the ADVR item 1602 displayed on the second display unit 200 ( 1710 ). In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may determine that the user selects the ADVR item 1602 from a plurality of control items.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the ultrasound apparatus 1000 displays a window 1810 corresponding to a selected control item.

Referring to FIG. 18 , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a window 1810 related to the ADVR item 1602 on the second display unit 200 . Here, the window 1810 related to the ADVR item 1602 may include a record button (a button for starting a recording operation), a recording stop button, a close session button (a button for terminating a recording mode), a play button (a button for reproducing a recorded video button), speed button (button for setting the rewind speed or fast-forward function), close tray button (button for closing the media tray), eject tray button (button for opening the media tray), etc., but not limited to this.

Also, if the touch event has ended on the ADVR item 1602 displayed on the second display unit 200 (1710), the ultrasound device 1000 may no longer display the first menu group on the second area 1820 of the first display unit 100.

Although not shown in FIG. 18 , according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a window 1810 related to the ADVR item 1602 displayed on the second display unit 200 on the second area 1820 of the first display unit 100 .

An operation of the ultrasound apparatus 1000 for displaying a window related to a selected control item on the first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 will be described later with reference to FIG. 20C .

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a method in which the ultrasonic device 1000 changes a position of an indicator or selects a control item according to a user's touch gesture.

Operation S1910 of FIG. 19 may be performed after operation S1340 of FIG. 13 . Therefore, in FIG. 19, as an example, displaying at least one control item displayed on the second display unit 200 and indicating the position of the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 together with the ultrasonic image on the first display unit 100 will be described. The status of the indicator.

In operation S1910, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a first gesture with respect to at least one control item via the second display unit 200 . Here, the first gesture may represent a gesture for moving an indicator indicating the location of the pointer 400 . For example, the first gesture may include a drag gesture, a hover gesture, etc., but is not limited thereto.

In operation S1920, the ultrasonic device 1000 may change the position of the indicator displayed on the first display unit according to the first gesture. For example, if pointer 400 is dragged to the left, the pointer may also move to the left.

In operation S1930, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a second gesture with respect to the first control item via the second display unit 200 .

Here, the second gesture is different from the first gesture for moving the pointer, and may represent a gesture for selecting a control item. For example, if the first gesture is a drag gesture, the second gesture may be one of a touch and hold gesture, a double-tap gesture and a multi-finger gesture, but not limited thereto. Besides, if the first gesture is a hover gesture, the second gesture may be a touch gesture for contacting the second display unit 200, but is not limited thereto.

The ultrasonic device 1000 may determine that the user selects the first control item from the plurality of control items when sensing the second gesture on the first control item.

In operation S1940, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a window related to the first control item on the second display unit 200 according to the second gesture. Here, the window may be a GUI for adjusting the parameter value of the first control item, a window including information or content related to the first control item, an icon or a measurement tool (for example, width measurement, length, etc.) related to the first control item measurement and circumference measurement), but not limited thereto.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a user interface related to the first item on the first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 .

In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a first user interface among a plurality of user interfaces related to the first control item on the first display unit 100 , and may display a plurality of user interfaces related to the first control item on the second display unit 200 . The second user interface in the first user interface. For example, if the first control item is a TGC item, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a setting window including a plurality of slide bars for setting TGC values corresponding to a plurality of depth sections on the second display unit 200, and may A gain line interface obtained by connecting TGC values corresponding to a plurality of depth sections is displayed on a display unit 100 .

Hereinafter, the case where the first gesture is a drag gesture and the second gesture is a double-tap gesture will be described with reference to FIGS. 20A to 20D , and the first gesture is a hover gesture and the second gesture is a touch gesture will be described with reference to FIGS. 21A to 21C . Gesture situation.

20A to 20D are diagrams illustrating an example in which the ultrasonic device 1000 selects a control item and displays a window corresponding to the control item on a home screen according to a user's touch gesture received via a touch screen.

Referring to FIG. 20A , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive a user input of pushing a first button 2001 included in the second display unit 200 . In this case, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may activate a function of displaying on the first display unit 100 some of the plurality of control items displayed on the second display unit 200 .

After the first button 2001 is pushed, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a touch gesture for touching the body marking item 2002 from among a plurality of control items displayed on the second display unit 200 by using the pointer 400 . The body markers may represent images or objects representing locations where ultrasound waves are irradiated. Examples of body markers may include liver shape, heart shape, uterus shape, breast shape, etc.

The ultrasonic device 1000 may display a control item group 2004 including a body mark item 2002 on the first display unit 100 according to a touch gesture, wherein the control item group 2004 may include four items, a body mark item 2002, an annotation item, a double item and a keyboard item. Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 can display the control item group 2004 on the ultrasonic image 2003 .

Also, the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark an indicator 2005 indicating the current position of the pointer 400 on the first display unit 100 . For example, since the indicator 400 is located on the body marker item 2002 on the second display unit 200, the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark the indicator 2005 as the body marker item 2002 in the control item group 2004 displayed on the first display unit 100 star on.

When the user drags the pointer 400 in contact with the second display unit 200 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the pointer 2005 according to the movement of the pointer 400 . For example, when the user drags the pointer 400 from the body marker 2002 to the quad item, the ultrasound device 1000 may move the pointer 2005 from the body marker item 2002 to the quad item.

Referring to FIG. 20B , ultrasound device 1000 may receive double tap gesture 2006 relative to body marker item 2002 . In this case, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine that the user selects the body marker item 2002 from a plurality of control items.

Referring to FIG. 20C , in response to the double tap gesture 2006, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a body mark list 2007 on the second display unit 200. Referring to FIG. The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a body marker list 2008 on the first display unit 100 .

In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark an indicator 2009 indicating a current position of the pointer 400 within the body mark list 2008 of the first display unit 100 . For example, since the indicator 400 is located on the fourth body marker on the second display unit 200, the ultrasound device 1000 may mark the indicator 2009 as the fourth body marker in the body marker list 2008 displayed on the first display unit 100 star on.

If the user drags ( 2010 ) the pointer 400 into contact with the second display unit 200 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the pointer 2009 according to the movement of the pointer 400 . For example, if the user drags (2010) the pointer 400 from the first body marker to the fourth body marker, the ultrasonic device 1000 can move the indicator 2009 displayed on the second display unit 200 from the first body marker to the fourth body marker. Four body markers.

The ultrasound device 1000 may receive a double tap gesture 2011 with respect to the fourth body marker. In this case, the ultrasound device 1000 may determine that the user selects the fourth body marker in the body marker list 2007 .

Referring to FIG. 20D , in response to a double tap gesture 2011 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a fourth body marker 2012 on a partial area of the first display unit 100 . Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound device 1000 may store matching information between the ultrasound image 2003 and the fourth body marker.

21A to 21C are diagrams illustrating an example in which the ultrasonic device 1000 moves an indicator according to a user's hover gesture and selects a control item according to a user's touch gesture.

Referring to FIG. 21A , the ultrasonic device 1000 can sense the pointer 400 hovering (2101) above the second display unit 200 within a predetermined height (for example, 0.5 cm) and the pointer 400 without touching the second display unit 200. 400 positions.

When the hovering of the pointer 400 over the second display unit 200 is sensed ( 2101 ), the ultrasonic device 1000 may display at least one control item on the first display unit 100 . For example, if the pointer 400 is located at a certain height (for example, 2 cm) from the chromaticity item 2103 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine the menu group 2102 including the chromaticity diagram item 2103 . In addition, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of items included in the menu group 2102 (for example, resolution index, multi-viewpoint index, chromaticity map 2103, focus, 2D image size, scan area, frequency, etc.) on the first display unit 100. , frame average, grayscale and dynamic range).

For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of items included in the menu group 2102 on the first region 2104 partially overlapping the ultrasound image 2100 . Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine the size of a plurality of items displayed on the first display unit 100 based on a ratio between screen sizes of the first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 .

The ultrasonic device 1000 may mark the indicator 2105 indicating the current position of the pointer 400 on the first display unit 100 . For example, if the indicator 400 is located at a certain height (for example, 2 cm) from the chromaticity diagram item 2103, the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark the chromaticity diagram from a plurality of items displayed on the first area 2104 of the first display unit 100 An indicator 2105 in the shape of a square around the item 2103.

Referring to FIG. 21B , the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the pointer 2105 according to the movement of the pointer 400 . For example, if the user hovers pointer 400 from above chromaticity diagram item 2103 to over the focused item, ultrasound device 1000 may move indicator 2105 from chromaticity diagram item 2103 onto the focused item.

Referring to FIG. 21C , when the pointer 400 touches the focus item 2106 (2107) displayed on the second display unit 200, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a touch gesture on the focus item 2106. The ultrasound device 1000 may then determine that the user selected the focus item 2106 in the menu group 2102 .

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method for the ultrasonic device 1000 to display control items on a plurality of display units in different display formats.

In operation S2210, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display ultrasound images obtained via the probe 20 on the first display unit 100 in real time. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display an ultrasonic image pre-stored in a storage medium on the first display unit 100 .

The ultrasonic image may be at least one of a B-mode image, a C-mode image, a D-mode image, an M-mode image, and an elastic-mode image, but is not limited thereto. Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic image may be a 2D image, a 3D image or a 4D image.

In operation S2220, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasound image on the second display unit 200 .

For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of control items for adjusting parameter values related to the ultrasound image displayed on the first display unit 100 on the second display unit 200 .

Multiple control items related to ultrasound images can include such as frequency, dynamic range, frame average, rejection level, grayscale, spatial scale, dynamic magnetic resonance (DMR+) harmonics, scan area, edge enhancement, speed, power, line At least one of density, full spectrum image (FSI), focal point number, depth value, time gain compensation (TGC) item and body marker, but not limited thereto.

In operation S2230, the ultrasonic device 1000 may select a first control item from a plurality of control items based on a position where the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 200 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may recognize that the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 200 via at least one sensor. Here, the touch may include contact touch and non-contact touch (hover). In addition, the ultrasonic device 100 may sense a touch position by the pointer 400 via at least one sensor. Here, the at least one sensor may include at least one of a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, an image sensor, a depth sensor, and an infrared sensor, but is not limited thereto.

The method of the ultrasonic device 1000 sensing the position of the pointer 400 is described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 , and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the pointer 400 is located above the first control item for a predetermined period of time or longer, the ultrasonic device 1000 may select the first control item from among the plurality of control items. For example, when the ultrasonic device 1000 receives a touch and hold gesture of touching the first control item with his/her finger for more than 3 seconds, the first control item may be selected from among the plurality of control items.

Also, if the pointer 400 touches the first control item more than a predetermined number of times (for example, two or more times), the ultrasonic device 1000 may select the first control item from among the plurality of control items. For example, when the ultrasonic device 1000 receives a double-click gesture in which the user touches the first control item more than twice with a finger, the first control item may be selected from multiple control items.

When a plurality of pointers touch the first control item, the ultrasonic device 1000 may select the first control item from among the plurality of control items. For example, if the user touches the first control item with two or more fingers, the ultrasonic device 1000 may select the first control item from among the plurality of control items displayed on the second display unit 200 .

In operation S2240, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may determine a second display format different from the first display format for displaying the first control item on the second display unit 200.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second display format may be simplified when compared with the first display format. Here, simplification may mean that elements configuring a user interface (eg, adjustment icons) are reduced. For example, the second display format may provide elements with less complexity, a reduced number of elements or controls, and the like. Furthermore, the controls of the second display format may be the same as those of the first display format, except that they are scaled up and/or down in magnitude.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first display format may include left and right bars and a slide bar, and the second display format may include a slide bar. Besides, the first display format may be a square shape including left and right bars and a slide bar, and the second display format may be a fan shape with a plurality of parts. Besides, the first display format may include a plurality of slider bars, and the second display format may be a line connecting values of the plurality of slider bars.

In operation S2250, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the first control item in the second display format on the first display unit 100 together with the ultrasound image.

According to an exemplary embodiment, if the ultrasonic device 1000 senses a touch of the first control item displayed on the second display unit 200 in the first display format, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display the first control item on the first display unit 200 in the second display format. format to display the first control item while maintaining the first control item displayed on the second display unit 200 in the first display format.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the first control item on the first display unit 100 to be overlaid on the ultrasound image of the first display unit 100 . Here, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may determine the transparency of the first control item displayed on the ultrasound image based on predefined transparency information, and may display the first control item with the determined transparency.

Besides, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the first control item on the first display unit 100 so as not to be overlaid on the ultrasound image. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on a first area of the first display unit 100 , and may display a first control item in a second display format on a second area of the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine the ratio of the first control item displayed on the first display unit 100 in the second display format based on the ratio between the screen sizes of the first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 size. In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display the first control item on the first display unit 100 in the second display format according to the determined size.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a position of the pointer 400 touching the first control item displayed in the first display format, and may mark an indicator indicating the position of the pointer 400 in the second display format. displayed on the first control item.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the indicator indicating the position of the pointer 400 may be implemented as a predefined shape, a predefined line, a predefined color, a predefined shade, etc., but is not limited thereto.

According to an exemplary embodiment, since the position of the pointer 400 is changed on the first control item displayed in the first display format, the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the pointer on the first control item displayed in the second display format.

For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a drag input of dragging the pointer 400 on the first control item displayed in the first display format, and may change the position on the first control item displayed in the second display format according to the drag input. The position of the indicator.

23A to 23C are diagrams showing an example in which the ultrasound apparatus 1000 displays control items for setting the level of the grayscale image to be different on the first display unit and the second display unit.

Referring to FIG. 23A , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image 2300 on the first display unit 100 and may display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasound image 2300 on the second display unit 200 .

The ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a touch and hold gesture of touching the grayscale item 2301 among the plurality of control items by using the pointer 400 for a predetermined period of time or more. The ultrasonic device 1000 may select a grayscale item 2301 from a plurality of control items according to a touch and hold gesture 2302 . The grayscale item 2301 on the second display unit 200 may be displayed in a first display format 2303 including left and right keys and a slide bar.

When the ultrasonic device 1000 receives a touch and hold gesture 2302 on the grayscale item 2301, a second display format 2304 different from the first display format 2303 may be determined. Compared with the first display format 2303, the second display format 2304 has a simplified structure, and may include a slide bar representing the level of the grayscale image. Information on the second display format 2304 corresponding to the first display format 2303 may be stored in the memory.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a grayscale item 2301 in a second display format 2304 on the first display unit 100 . Here, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the position of the pointer 400 touching the grayscale item 2301 displayed in the first display format 2303, and may mark an indicator indicating the position of the pointer 400 in The second display format 2304 is displayed on the grayscale item 2301 . For example, if the indicator 400 is located at the center of the grayscale item 2301 of the first display format 2303, and the grayscale level represented by the center of the first display format 2303 is 7, the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark the indicator 2305 at The grayscale level of the second display format 2304 represents the position of 7.

Referring to FIG. 23B , if the user drags the pointer 400 within the grayscale item 2301 in contact with the second display unit 200 ( 2306 ), the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the pointer 2305 according to the movement of the pointer 400 . For example, if the user drags the pointer 400 to the right (2306) within the grayscale item 2301 displayed in the first display format 2303, the ultrasound device 1000 may drag the Indicators 2305 2304 move to the right. Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 can adjust the gray scale level 2307 from 7 to 10.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the user fixes his/her eyes on the first display unit 100 as the main screen, and the user touches the grayscale item 2301 on the second display unit 200 with his/her finger, an ultrasonic wave The device 1000 may display a user interface corresponding to the grayscale item 2301 on the first display unit 100 together with the ultrasound image 2300 . In this case, the user can adjust the grayscale level by performing a simple gesture on the second display unit 200 while fixing his/her eyes on the first display unit 100 as a main screen. The user may recognize the grayscale level adjusted through the user interface corresponding to the grayscale item 2301 displayed on the first display unit 100 in real time. Therefore, the user's gaze may not be distracted.

Referring to FIG. 23C, if the first display unit 100 includes a touch panel, the first display unit 100 may sense that the user drags an indication on the grayscale item 2301 displayed in the second display format 2304 on the first display unit 100. Drag gesture 2308 of symbol 2305.

The ultrasound device 1000 may move the indicator 2305 to the right according to the drag gesture 2308 for dragging the indicator 2305 to the right, and may adjust the grayscale level 2307 from 7 to 10 based on the position of the indicator 2305 .

24A to 24C are diagrams illustrating an example in which the ultrasound apparatus 1000 displays control items for setting frequencies to be different on the first display unit and the second display unit.

Referring to FIG. 24A , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image 2400 on the first display unit 100 and may display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasound image 2400 on the second display unit 200 .

The ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a touch and hold gesture of touching a frequency item 2401 among a plurality of control items by using the pointer 400 for a predetermined period of time or more. The ultrasonic device 1000 may select a frequency item 2401 from a plurality of control items according to a touch and hold gesture 2402 . The frequency item 2401 on the second display unit 200 may be displayed in a first display format 2403 including left and right keys and a slide bar.

When the ultrasonic device 1000 receives a touch-and-hold gesture 2402 on a frequency item 2401 , a second display format 2404 different from the first display format 2403 may be determined. The second display format 2404 may include a plurality of cells. Information on the second display format 2404 corresponding to the first display format 2403 may be stored in a memory.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a frequency item 2401 on the first display unit 100 in a second display format 2404 . Here, the frequency item 2401 in the second display format 2404 may partially overlap the ultrasound image 2400 . For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the frequency item 2401 in the second display format 2404 on the non-interest region of the ultrasound image 2400 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the position of the pointer 400 touching the frequency item 2401 displayed in the first display format 2403, and may mark the indicator 2405 indicating the position of the pointer 400 in the second display format 2403. The format 2404 is displayed on the frequency item 2401. For example, if the position of the pointer 400 is the right side of the first display format 2403, and the frequency range indicated by the right side of the first display format 2403 is "Res" (resolution; high frequency), the ultrasonic device 1000 can be displayed in Cells indicating "Res" are represented in the second display format 2404 in a particular color (eg, blue). Here, the specific color may be an indicator 2405 .

Referring to FIG. 24B , when the user drags ( 2406 ) the pointer 400 within the frequency item 2401 in contact with the second display unit 200 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the pointer 2405 according to the movement of the pointer 400 . For example, if the user drags the pointer 400 to the left within the frequency item 2401 displayed in the first display format 2403, the ultrasonic device 1000 can change the frequency range 2407 from "Res" to "Pen" (penetration; low frequency ), and the indicator 2405 in the second display format 2404 may be moved to the left. Here, the indicator 2405 may be moved from the "Res" cell onto the "Pen" cell 2408 .

Referring to FIG. 24C, if the first display unit 100 includes a touch panel, the first display unit 100 may sense pressure applied by a user who moves the frequency item displayed in the second display format 2404 on the first display unit 100. Indicator 2405 on 2301. For example, the first display unit 100 may sense a touch and hold gesture 2409 of touching a 'Pen' unit 2408 included in the second display format 2404 for a predetermined period of time or more.

According to the touch and hold gesture 2409 of touching the "Pen" unit 2408 for a predetermined period of time or longer, the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the indicator 2405 onto the "Pen" unit 2408, and may move the frequency range 2408 based on the position of the indicator 2405. Change from "Res" to "Pen".

Hereinafter, an operation of the ultrasound apparatus 1000 for providing an interface related to a gain value (eg, TGC or LGC) through a plurality of display units will be described.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which the ultrasound apparatus 1000 provides information on gain value settings by using a plurality of display units.

In operation S2510, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display ultrasound images obtained via the probe 20 on the first display unit 100 in real time. According to some exemplary embodiments, the ultrasound device 1000 may display ultrasound images pre-stored in a storage medium on the first display unit 100 .

The ultrasound image may be at least one of a B-mode image, a C-mode image, a D-mode image, an M-mode image, and an elastic-mode image, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the ultrasonic image according to the exemplary embodiment may be a 2D image, a 3D image or a 4D image.

In operation S2520, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of slide bars for adjusting a gain value of the ultrasonic echo signal on the second display unit 200 . Here, the gain value may include at least one of a temporal gain compensation (TGC) value and a lateral gain compensation (LGC) value. The TGC value is used to compensate for the decrease in the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal according to the depth of the human body. The LGC value is used to compensate for the uneven attenuation due to the different transmission paths of the ultrasound beam. Hereinafter, the case where the gain value is the TGC value will be described.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a gain setting window including a plurality of slide bars for adjusting a gain value corresponding to a depth portion of an ultrasound image may be displayed on the second display unit 200 . The gain setting window may be one of control items displayed on the second display unit 200 .

A plurality of slide bars may be arranged parallel to each other at constant intervals in the depth direction. The number or interval of the plurality of slide bars displayed on the second display unit 200 may be fixed or may be variable. For example, the number of the plurality of slide bars may vary according to the kind of the probe 20 or the total depth of the ultrasonic image.

For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may divide the total depth of the ultrasound image into ten parts, and may display ten slide bars on the second display unit 200 . Here, the uppermost slider among the ten sliders corresponds to the shallowest depth portion, and the lowermost slider may correspond to the deepest depth portion.

A user may drag adjustment buttons of a plurality of slide bars displayed on the second display unit 200 in a left or right direction to change a gain value of a corresponding depth portion. For example, if the user moves the first adjustment button on the first slide bar to the right, the gain value of the first depth part corresponding to the first slide bar increases, so the ultrasonic image of the first depth part can become more accurate. Bright. On the contrary, if the user moves the first adjustment button on the first slide bar to the left, the gain value of the first depth part corresponding to the first slide bar decreases, so the ultrasonic image of the first depth part can become darker.

A user may click a specific location on each of the plurality of slider bars in order to change the gain value for each depth segment. For example, if the user clicks on the first point on the first slide bar, the ultrasonic device 1000 may adjust the gain value corresponding to the first depth portion of the first slide bar to the first value corresponding to the first point.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may sense a user's drag input in a depth direction (ie, a direction perpendicular to at least one slide bar) within a gain setting window including a plurality of slide bars. The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may change gain values respectively corresponding to depth portions of the ultrasound image based on the position of the drag input (eg, the coordinates of the pixel at which the drag input is sensed).

For example, if the user drags his/her finger while forming a straight line or a curved line in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of slider bars in the gain setting window, the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the adjustment button to the drag line and the plurality of slider bars positions that cross each other, and the gain value corresponding to the position of the adjustment button can be set as the gain value in the depth section.

In operation S2530, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the gain line on the first display unit 100 based on the position of the pointer 400 touching the second display unit 200 . For example, if the pointer 400 is located in a gain setting window including a plurality of slide bars, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a gain line obtained by connecting gain values of a plurality of depth sections on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may recognize that the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 200 via at least one sensor. Here, the touch may include contact touch and non-contact touch (hover). In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the touch position of the pointer 400 via at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may be at least one of a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, an image sensor, a depth sensor, and an infrared sensor, but is not limited thereto.

The method of the ultrasonic device 1000 sensing the position of the pointer 400 is described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 , and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may generate a gain line by connecting gain values corresponding to positions of adjustment buttons among a plurality of slide bars. Here, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may perform interpolation calculation of the gain value between the first slider bar and the second slider bar by using the gain value on the first slider bar and the gain value on the second slider bar.

According to an exemplary embodiment, if a user drags a straight line or a curved line on a gain setting window including a plurality of slide bars, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may obtain a gain line obtained from the dragged line.

According to an exemplary embodiment, if the pointer 400 touches a gain setting window including a plurality of slide bars, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the gain line on the first display unit 100 together with the gain line. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a gain line on or next to an ultrasound image. Here, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the gain line together with the depth direction of the ultrasound image.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may mark an indicator indicating a depth portion corresponding to a position of the pointer 400 in a gain setting window on a gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 . For example, if the indicator 400 is located on the second slide bar, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine a second depth value corresponding to the second slide bar, and mark an indicator on a point of the gain line indicating the second depth value.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may move an indicator marked on a gain line according to a change in a position of the indicator 400 within a gain setting window including a plurality of slide bars. For example, if the indicator 400 moves downward, the ultrasound device 1000 may move the indicator downward along with the gain line.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive an input for moving at least one adjustment button among the adjustment buttons on the plurality of slide bars via the second display unit 200, and may determine based on the position of the at least one adjustment button that has been moved. The shape of the gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 is changed.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 according to the exemplary embodiment displays the gain line corresponding to the gain value set by the user on the second display unit 200 together with the ultrasound image on the first display unit 100, and thus, the user can intuitively recognize the gain line shape, slope of the gain line, gain value (eg, TGC value), etc. without moving his/her eyes.

26A and 26B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the ultrasound apparatus 1000 provides a gain setting window on a touch screen and displays a gain line on a home screen.

Referring to FIG. 26A , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image 2600 on the first display unit 100 and may display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasound image 2600 on the second display unit 200 .

The ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a touch and hold gesture of touching a first area in which a gain control item 2601 among a plurality of control items is displayed for a predetermined period of time or more by using the pointer 400 . The ultrasonic device 1000 may select a gain control item 2601 from a plurality of control items according to a touch and hold gesture. Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 may generate the gain line 2603 by connecting gain values respectively corresponding to a plurality of slider bars included in the gain control item 2601 . For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may generate the gain line 2603 as a straight line since the adjustment buttons on the plurality of slide bars are located at the central portion.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the generated gain line 2603 on the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasound device 1000 may display a gain line 2603 next to the ultrasound image 2600 .

Then, the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark an indicator 2604 indicating the position of the indicator 400 in the gain control item 2601 on the gain line 2603 . For example, if the indicator 400 is located on the fifth slider bar 2602, the ultrasonic device 1000 determines the fifth depth value corresponding to the fifth slider bar 2602, and at the first point representing the fifth depth value on the gain line 2603 Flag indicator.

According to an exemplary embodiment, if the position of the pointer 400 is changed within the gain control item 2601 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the indicator 2604 marked on the gain line 2603 . For example, if the pointer 400 is moved from the fifth slide bar 2602 to the sixth slide bar, the ultrasonic device 1000 can determine the sixth depth value corresponding to the sixth slide bar, and can change the indicator 2603 from the fifth slide bar to indicate the fifth depth. The first point of the value moves to the second point representing the sixth depth value.

Therefore, the user can recognize the position currently touched by the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 through the indicator 2604 on the gain line 2603 without moving his/her eyes from the first display unit 100 to the second display unit 100. Unit 200.

Referring to FIG. 26B , when a user moves positions of adjustment buttons on a plurality of slide bars, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive an input for setting gain values respectively corresponding to a plurality of depth sections. For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a drag gesture 2605 in which the user drags his/her finger while forming a curve in a direction perpendicular to a plurality of slide bars in the gain control item 2601 . The ultrasonic device 1000 may move the adjustment button to a point where the drag line and the plurality of slide bars cross each other according to the drag gesture 2605, and set a gain value corresponding to the position of the adjustment button as a gain value of a corresponding depth portion.

In addition, when the position of the adjustment button is changed, the ultrasonic device 1000 can also change the shape of the gain line 2603 . For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may change the shape of the gain line 2603 as the line is dragged.

The ultrasonic device 1000 may apply a gain value corresponding to the position of the adjustment button to the ultrasonic echo signal. In this case, the brightness of each depth portion in the ultrasound image 2600 may be changed.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a method of the ultrasonic device 1000 determining an input mode.

In operation S2710, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense a touch gesture of the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may recognize that the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 200 via at least one sensor. Here, the touch may include contact touch and non-contact touch (hover). The at least one sensor may be at least one of a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, an image sensor, a depth sensor, and an infrared sensor, but is not limited thereto.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may recognize a kind of a touch gesture on the second display unit 200 via at least one sensor. Touch gestures may include single-finger gestures, multi-finger gestures, tap gestures, touch-and-hold gestures, touch-and-drag gestures, flick gestures, slide gestures, hover gestures, etc., but are not limited thereto.

The method of the ultrasonic device 1000 sensing the position of the pointer 400 is described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 , and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

In operation S2720, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine an input mode based on the kind of the touch gesture sensed by the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the input mode may include a depth selection mode for selecting one depth portion from among depth portions of the ultrasound image and a gain change mode for changing a gain value.

For example, if the touch gesture of the pointer 400 is a single-finger gesture, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine the input mode as the depth selection mode, and if the touch gesture of the pointer 400 is a multi-finger gesture, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine the input mode as Change mode for gain. On the contrary, if the touch gesture of the pointer 400 is a single-finger gesture, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine the input mode as the gain change mode, and if the touch gesture of the pointer 400 is a multi-finger gesture, the ultrasonic device may determine the input mode as Depth selection mode.

Besides, if the touch gesture is a hover gesture, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine the input mode as a depth selection mode, and if the touch gesture is a touch and drag gesture, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine the input mode as a gain change model.

In operations S2730 and S2740, when the input mode is determined to be the depth selection mode, the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the indicator marked on the gain line according to the touch gesture.

For example, when receiving a first drag gesture that the user drags his/her finger in an up and down direction in contact with a gain setting window displaying a plurality of slide bars, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine the input mode as the depth selection mode. Here, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may select a specific depth portion from among a plurality of depth portions, or may change the selected depth portion according to the first drag gesture. The ultrasonic device 1000 may mark an indicator on a position representing a specific depth portion selected by the first drag gesture. Therefore, if the user drags his/her one finger in the up and down direction within the gain setting window, the ultrasonic device 1000 may move up and down on the gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 according to the first drag gesture. Direction movement indicator.

In operations S2750 and S2760, when the input mode is determined to be the gain change mode, the ultrasonic device 1000 may adjust the gain value of the depth portion according to the touch gesture.

For example, when receiving a second drag gesture in which the user drags his/her two or more fingers in left and right directions in contact with a gain setting window displaying a plurality of slide bars, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine the input mode Change mode for gain. In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may adjust a gain value in a specific depth portion according to the second drag gesture.

In operation S2770, when the gain value of the specific depth portion is adjusted in the gain change mode, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may change the shape of the gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 according to the adjusted gain value.

Hereinafter, an operation of the ultrasonic device 1000 for providing different input modes according to kinds of touch gestures will be described with reference to FIGS. 28A to 29C . 28A to 29C illustrate a case where a single-finger gesture corresponds to a depth selection mode and a multi-finger gesture corresponds to a gain change mode as an example.

28A and 28B are diagrams illustrating a depth selection mode according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 28A , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image 2800 on the first display unit 100 and may display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasound image 2800 on the second display unit 200 .

The ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a touch and hold gesture of touching a first area on which a gain control item 2801 from among a plurality of control items is displayed for a predetermined period of time or more by using the pointer 400 . The ultrasonic device 1000 may select a gain control item 2801 from a plurality of control items according to a touch-and-hold gesture with respect to the first area. Here, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may display a gain line 2803 formed by connecting gain values respectively corresponding to a plurality of slider bars included in the gain control item 2801 on the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a gain line 2803 as a curve connecting adjustment buttons on a plurality of slide bars next to the ultrasound image 2800 .

In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark an indicator 2804 representing the position of the pointer 400 in the gain control item 2801 on the gain line 2803 . For example, if the indicator 400 is located on the fourth slider bar 2802, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine a fourth depth value corresponding to the fourth slider bar 2802, and may mark the indicator 2804 on the gain line 2803 to represent the fourth depth value s position.

In FIG. 28A , the indicator 2804 has a circular shape as an example, but is not limited thereto. That is, the indicator 2804 may have various shapes.

When receiving a single-finger gesture 2810 in which the user drags a finger (for example, index finger) up and down in the gain control item 2810, the ultrasonic device 1000 can determine the input mode as the depth selection mode, and can change the input mode according to the single-finger gesture. Depth section selection. Here, a single-finger gesture may not affect the gain value.

Referring to FIG. 28B , the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may select a specific depth section from among the depth sections.

For example, if the pointer 400 moves from the fourth slide bar 2802 to the fifth slide bar according to the single-finger gesture 2810 of dragging one finger (for example, index finger) down, the ultrasound device 1000 may select the button corresponding to the fifth slide bar. The fifth depth section, instead of the fourth depth section corresponding to the fourth slider.

Here, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may move the indicator 2804 on the gain line 2603 from a first point 2806 representing the fourth depth portion to a second point 2807 representing the fifth depth portion.

Therefore, the user can recognize the depth portion currently touched by the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 from the indicator 2804 on the gain line 2803 without turning his/her eyes from the first display unit 100 to the second display unit 100. Unit 200. In addition, the user may drag his/her one finger up or down on the second display unit 200 to move the indicator 2804 to a specific depth portion whose gain value is desired to be adjusted.

29A to 29C are diagrams illustrating gain changing modes according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 29A , if the user wants to adjust the gain value of the fifth depth section, the user can drag his/her index finger up or down within the gain control item 2801, and can position the indicator 2804 to indicate the fifth depth section. The state at the second point 2807 further places his/her middle finger on the gain control item 2801.

In this case, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense the above gesture as the multi-finger gesture 2910 representing a touch of two or more fingers, and may change an input mode from a depth selection mode to a gain change mode.

Referring to FIG. 29B , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive a user's gesture 2920 of dragging his/her two fingers to the left or right in contact with the gain control item 2801 . For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive an input that the user drags his/her two fingers (index and middle fingers) to the right. In this case, the ultrasonic device 1000 may increase the gain value of the fifth depth portion from the first gain value to the second gain value, and the adjustment button on the fifth slide bar corresponding to the fifth depth portion may be moved to the right side.

Since the gain value of the fifth depth portion is changed from the first gain value to the second gain value, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may change the shape of the gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 based on the second gain value. In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may apply the second gain value of the fifth depth portion to the ultrasonic echo signal. Therefore, the ultrasonic image at the fifth depth portion can become brighter.

29C, if the user takes his/her middle finger away from the second display unit 200 to touch the second display unit 200 only with his/her index finger, the ultrasonic device 1000 can switch the input mode from the gain change mode to the depth Select a mode.

Here, the user can drag his/her index finger up or down to select a specific depth portion whose gain value is desired to be adjusted. When the indicator 2804 is located at a specific depth portion where the user wants to adjust the gain value, the user may place his/her middle finger on the second display unit 200 again. In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may switch the input mode from the depth selection mode to the gain change mode. The user can move his/her two fingers to the left or right to change the gain value of a specific depth section.

Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment, a user can change the gain value of a specific depth portion without watching the second display unit 200 by repeatedly using a single-finger gesture and a multi-finger gesture, and the changed gain value can be displayed in real time through the first display unit 100. to identify.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the ultrasonic device 1000 determines an input mode related to TGC based on the kind of touch gesture. In FIG. 30 , a case where a multi-finger gesture corresponds to a depth selection mode and a single-finger gesture corresponds to a gain change mode will be described as an example.

Referring to 3010 of FIG. 30 , the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may receive a drag gesture forming a curve in a direction perpendicular to a plurality of slide bars within the gain control item 3000 for adjusting a TGC value. The ultrasonic device 1000 may move the adjustment button to a position where the drag line and the plurality of slide bars cross each other according to the drag gesture, and may set a gain value corresponding to the position of the adjustment button as a gain value of a corresponding depth portion.

Also, the ultrasonic device 1000 may generate a gain line by connecting gain values represented by adjustment values, and may display the gain line on the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may display a gain line formed as a dragged curve on the first display unit 100 .

In addition, the ultrasonic device 1000 may apply a gain value corresponding to the position of the adjustment button to the ultrasonic echo signal. In this case, the brightness of the portion of the ultrasound image with respect to the depth can be adjusted.

According to 3020 of FIG. 30 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a multi-finger gesture of touching the gain control item 3000 on the second display unit 200 by using two fingers (for example, the index finger and the middle finger) of the user. In this case, the ultrasonic device 1000 may set the input mode to the depth selection mode.

Referring to 3030 of FIG. 30 , the user may select a specific depth portion where the user wants to adjust a gain value by dragging two fingers up or down. For example, if the user drags his/her two fingers from the fourth slide bar to the fifth slide bar, the ultrasonic device 1000 may select the fifth depth portion instead of the fourth depth portion.

Here, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may move the indicator on the gain line from a first point representing the fourth depth portion to a second point representing the fifth depth portion.

Referring to 3040 of FIG. 30 , if the user takes his/her middle finger away from the second display unit 200 and only touches the second display unit 200 with the index finger, the ultrasonic device 1000 can switch the input mode from the depth selection mode to the gain change mode .

Referring to 3050 of FIG. 30 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a gesture in which the user drags his/her index finger in left and right directions while being in contact with the gain control item 300 . For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive an input that the user drags his/her index finger to the right. In this case, the ultrasonic device 1000 can increase the gain value of the fifth depth part from the first gain value to the second gain value based on the dragging distance, and the adjustment button on the fifth slide bar corresponding to the fifth depth part Can be moved to the right.

Since the gain value of the fifth depth portion is changed from the first gain value to the second gain value, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may change the shape of the gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 based on the second gain value. The ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may apply the second gain value of the fifth depth portion to the ultrasonic echo signal. Therefore, the ultrasonic image at the fifth depth portion can be brighter than before.

Referring to 3060 of FIG. 30 , if the user places his/her middle finger on the second display unit 200 again and touches the second display unit 200 with the index and middle fingers, the ultrasonic device 1000 can switch the input mode from the gain change mode to the depth selection model.

Here, the user can again select a specific depth portion where the user wants to adjust the gain value by dragging the index finger and the middle finger upward or downward. When the pointer is located at the depth portion whose gain value is to be adjusted, the user takes the middle finger away from the second display unit 200 . In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may switch the input mode from the depth selection mode to the gain change mode again. The user can change the gain value of the selected depth portion by dragging his/her one finger (index finger) in the left and right direction.

Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment, a user can change a gain value in a specific depth portion without looking at the second display unit 200 by repeatedly using a single-finger gesture and a multi-finger gesture, and can recognize the change in real time via the first display unit 100. gain value.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the ultrasonic device 1000 determines an input mode related to LGC based on the kind of touch gesture. In FIG. 31 , a case where a single-finger gesture corresponds to the scan line selection mode and a multi-finger gesture corresponds to the gain change mode will be described as an example.

Referring to 3110 of FIG. 31 , the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may receive a drag gesture forming a curve in a direction perpendicular to a plurality of slide bars within the gain control item 3100 for adjusting the LGC value. The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may move the adjustment button to a position where the drag line and the plurality of slide bars intersect each other according to the drag gesture, and may set a gain value corresponding to the position of the adjustment button as a gain value of the corresponding scan line portion.

Also, the ultrasonic device 1000 may generate a gain line by connecting gain values represented by adjustment buttons, and may display the gain line on the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a gain line formed as a drag line along a lateral direction under the ultrasound image displayed on the first display unit 100 .

The ultrasonic device 1000 may apply a gain value corresponding to the position of the adjustment button to the ultrasonic echo signal. In this case, the brightness of the scan line portion of the ultrasound image may be changed.

Referring to 3120 of FIG. 31 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a single-finger gesture of touching the gain control item 3100 on the second display unit 200 by using one finger (for example, index finger) of the user. In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may set the input mode to the scan line selection mode.

Referring to 3130 of FIG. 31 , a user may select a specific scan line portion by dragging one finger (index finger) on the gain control item 3100 . For example, if the user drags his/her index finger from the fourth slide bar to the fifth slide bar, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may select the fifth scan line part instead of the fourth scan line part.

Here, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may move the indicator on the gain line from a first point representing a fourth scan line portion to a second point representing a fifth scan line portion.

Referring to 3140 of FIG. 31 , if the user puts his/her middle finger inside the gain control item 3100, the ultrasonic device 1000 may sense it as a multi-finger gesture 2910, and may change the input mode from scan line selection mode to gain Change mode.

Referring to 3150 of FIG. 31 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a gesture in which the user drags his/her two fingers (index and middle fingers) up or down while being in contact with the gain control item 3100 . For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive an input that the user's two fingers are simultaneously dragged upwards. In this case, the ultrasonic device 1000 can change the gain value of the fifth scan line part from the first gain value to the second gain value based on the dragging distance, and the adjustment on the fifth slide bar corresponding to the fifth depth part button to move up.

Since the gain value in the fifth scan line portion is changed from the first gain value to the second gain value, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may change the shape of the gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 based on the second gain value. The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may apply the second gain value in the fifth scan line portion to the ultrasound echo signal.

Referring to 3160 of FIG. 31 , when the user takes his/her middle finger away from the gain control item 3100 and only touches the gain control item 3100 with the index finger, the ultrasonic device 1000 may switch the input mode from the gain change mode to the depth selection mode.

Here, the user can select a specific scan line portion whose gain value wants to be adjusted by dragging his/her index finger in the left and right directions. The user may place his/her middle finger gain on the second display unit 200 when the indicator is located at a specific scan line portion where the user wants to adjust the gain value. In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may switch the input mode from the scan line selection mode to the gain change mode again. The user can change the gain value for a particular scanline section by dragging two fingers (index and middle) up or down.

Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment, a user can change a gain value (LGC value) in a specific scan line portion without looking at the second display unit 200 by repeatedly using a single-finger gesture and a multi-finger gesture, and can 100 identifies changed gain values in real time.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a method for the ultrasonic device 1000 to provide a gain line corresponding to a preset gain value set;

In operation S3210, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input for selecting one of a plurality of preset gain value sets via the second display unit 200 . The plurality of preset gain value sets may include a gain value set preset by the ultrasonic device 1000 (for example, a frequently used typical gain value set) and a preset gain value set set by a user, but is not limited thereto.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a plurality of icons representing a plurality of sets of preset gain values, and may receive an input for selecting one of the plurality of icons. For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a gesture for touching a first icon indicating a first gain value set from among a plurality of icons.

An icon indicating a preset gain value set may include a gain line obtained by connecting gain values corresponding to a plurality of depth sections. Here, the gain line can be variously expressed as a solid line, a dashed line, a dotted line, and a dotted line. Also, an icon representing a set of gain values may be represented as an image including a plurality of slide bars.

In operation S3220, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may move at least one adjustment button on the plurality of slide bars according to the selected gain value.

The preset gain value set may include gain values corresponding to a plurality of depth sections. Accordingly, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may extract gain values corresponding to a plurality of depth portions included in the selected preset gain value set. In addition, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may move adjustment buttons on a plurality of slide bars respectively matched to a plurality of depth sections based on the extracted gain value.

In operation S3230, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may display a gain line corresponding to the selected set of preset gain values on the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may generate a gain line by connecting gain values included in the selected gain value set, and may display the gain line on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may apply gain values corresponding to a plurality of depth portions included in the selected preset gain value set to the ultrasonic echo signal. In this way, the brightness of the ultrasonic image on the first display device 100 passing through the depth portion can be changed.

33A to 33C are diagrams illustrating examples of providing information on preset gain values set and selected by a user.

Referring to FIG. 33A , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image 3300 on the first display unit 100 and may display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasound image 3300 on the second display unit 200 . The ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a gesture 3302 of touching a preset item 3301 from among a plurality of control items for a predetermined period of time or more through the pointer 400 .

Referring to FIG. 33B , in response to a gesture 3302 of touching a preset button 3301 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a list 3303 of a plurality of preset gain value sets on the second display unit 200 . List 3303 may include icons respectively corresponding to a plurality of gain value sets.

When receiving the touch of the pointer 400 inside the list 3303 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may also display a list 3305 including a plurality of gain value sets on the first display unit 100 . Also, the ultrasonic device 1000 may mark an indicator representing the current location of the pointer 400 in the list 3305 displayed on the first display unit 100 . For example, if the pointer 400 is located on the second set of gain values 3304 on the second display unit 200, the ultrasound device 1000 may mark a star on the second set of gain values 3304 in the list 3305 displayed on the first display unit 200. An indicator 3306 of a shape.

If the user drags the pointer 400 in contact with the second display unit 200 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the pointer 3306 according to the movement of the pointer 400 . For example, if the user drags the pointer 400 from the first set of gain values to the second set of gain values 3304 (2010), the ultrasound device 1000 can drag the indicator 3306 marked on the second display unit 200 from the first set of gain values Move to the second set of gain values 3304 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input for selecting one gain value in the list 3303 displayed on the second display unit 200 . For example, ultrasound device 1000 may receive input for touching second set of gain values 3304 . Here, the pressure of touching the second gain value set 3304 is equal to or greater than a critical value, and the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine that the user selects the second gain value set 3304 in the list 3303 . In this case, the ultrasonic device 1000 may read gain values corresponding to a plurality of depth sections included in the selected second gain value set 3304 from a storage medium (eg, a memory, an external storage medium, or a cloud server).

Referring to FIG. 33C , the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may move adjustment buttons on a plurality of slide bars included in the gain control item 3307 according to gain values corresponding to a plurality of depth sections included in the selected second gain value set 3304 .

The ultrasound device 1000 may display a gain line 3308 corresponding to the selected second gain value set on the first display unit 100 . For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may generate a gain line 3308 by connecting gain values included in the second gain value set, and may display the gain line 3308 next to the ultrasound image 3300 displayed on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may mark an indicator 3309 indicating a position of the indicator 400 in the gain control item 3307 on the gain line 3308 . For example, if the indicator 400 is located on the seventh slider bar, the ultrasound device 1000 may determine the seventh depth value corresponding to the seventh slider bar and mark the indicator 3309 at the position representing the seventh depth value on the gain line 3308 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may apply gain values corresponding to a plurality of depth portions included in the second gain value set to the ultrasonic echo signal. In this case, the brightness of the through-depth portion of the ultrasonic image may be changed.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a method of the ultrasound apparatus 1000 displaying gain lines on a plurality of display units.

In operation S3410, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a real-time ultrasound image obtained via the probe 20 on the first display unit 100 . In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display an ultrasonic image pre-stored in a storage medium on the first display unit 100 .

In addition, the ultrasound image may be at least one of B-mode image, C-mode image, D-mode image, M-mode image, and elasticity-mode image, but is not limited thereto. An ultrasound image according to an exemplary embodiment may be a 2D image, a 3D image or a 4D image.

In operation S3420, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display on the second display unit 200 a first gain line for setting a gain value corresponding to a depth portion of the ultrasound image. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first gain line may be one of control items displayed on the second display unit 200 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the first gain line and the ultrasound image displayed on the first display unit 100 on the second display unit 200 . For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image on a first area of the second display unit 200 and may display a first gain line on a second area of the second display unit 200 .

In operation S3430, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may display a second gain line corresponding to the first gain line on the first display unit 100 based on a touch input for touching the first gain line.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may recognize the pointer 400 touching the first gain line on the second display unit 200 via at least one sensor. Touch can include contact touch and non-contact touch (hover). The at least one sensor may be at least one of a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, an image sensor, a depth sensor, and an infrared sensor, but is not limited thereto.

The method of the ultrasonic device 1000 sensing the position of the pointer 400 is described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 , and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first gain line displayed on the second display unit 200 and the second gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 may be formed by connecting gain values corresponding to a depth portion of an ultrasound image. Wire. For example, the ultrasonic device 1000 may extract a plurality of gain values respectively represented by points on the first gain line in response to a touch input for touching the first gain line, and may generate a second gain value by using the extracted plurality of gain values. gain line.

Therefore, the first gain line and the second gain line may be similar to each other. However, the length of the first gain line and the length of the second gain line may be different from each other according to the ratio between the screen sizes of the first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 . For example, if the first display unit 100 is twice larger than the second display unit 200, the length of the first gain line may be twice as long as that of the second gain line.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may determine the lengths of the first gain line and the second gain line in consideration of the ratio between the sizes of the ultrasound images displayed on the first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 . For example, if the ratio between the sizes of the ultrasonic images displayed on the first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 is 3:2, the length of the second gain line can be determined such that the first gain line and the second gain The ratio between the lengths of the lines is 3:2.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may determine the size of the second gain line in consideration of the entire depth value or longitudinal length of the ultrasound image displayed on the first display unit 100 .

According to an exemplary embodiment, if the pointer 400 touches the first gain line, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the second gain line corresponding to the first display line on the first display unit 100 together with the ultrasound image. For example, the ultrasound device 1000 may display the second gain line on or beside the ultrasound image.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the second gain line together with the depth axis of the ultrasound image. For example, the ultrasound device 1000 may display a second gain line on one side of the ultrasound image, so that a depth value represented by a point on the second gain line may match a depth value in the ultrasound image. Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display the second gain line on the first display unit 100 such that the uppermost point of the second gain line matches the lowest depth value of the ultrasonic image, and the lowermost point of the second gain line matches the highest depth value of the ultrasonic image. The depth value matches.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic apparatus 1000 may mark an indicator representing a point on the first gain line touched by the pointer 400 on the second gain line. For example, if the indicator 400 is located at the first depth value on the first gain line, the ultrasound device 1000 may mark the indicator at the position representing the first depth value on the second gain line.

According to an exemplary embodiment, if the position of the pointer 400 on the first gain line is changed, the ultrasonic device 1000 may move the indicator marked on the second gain line according to the changed position of the pointer 400 . For example, if the indicator 400 moves down with the first gain line, the ultrasound device 1000 may also move the indicator down with the second gain line. If the touch position of the pointer 400 on the first gain line is changed to a new position, the ultrasonic device 1000 may determine a point corresponding to the new position on the second gain line, and may move the pointer to the new position.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input for changing a first set of gain values corresponding to the first gain line to a second set of gain values via the first gain line. In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may change the shape of the second gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 based on the second set of gain values. For example, if the first gain line changes from a straight line to an S-curve, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may change the second gain line from a straight line to an S-curve.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the touch input of touching the first gain line ends, the ultrasonic device 1000 may stop displaying the second gain line. For example, if the user removes his/her finger touching the first gain line from the second display unit 200 , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may no longer display the second gain line on the first display unit 100 .

Hereinafter, an operation of the ultrasound apparatus 1000 for providing a plurality of gain lines through a plurality of display units will be described with reference to FIGS. 35A to 35F .

35A to 35F are diagrams illustrating examples in which the ultrasonic device 1000 displays gain lines on a touch screen and a home screen.

Referring to FIG. 35A , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display an ultrasound image 3500 on the first display unit 100 and may display a plurality of control items related to the ultrasound image 3500 on the second display unit 200 . Here, a plurality of control items may be displayed on the first page 3510 and the second page 3520, respectively.

The ultrasonic device 1000 may display a first page 3510 including a color inversion item, an M-line item, a dual real-time item, an ADVR item, and an alpha blending item on the second display unit 200 . Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a page change gesture 3501 in which the user slides the first page 3510 to the left side in contact with the second display unit 200 .

Referring to FIG. 35B , in response to a page change gesture 3501 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a second page 3520 instead of the first page 3510 on the second display unit 200 . The second page 3520 displayed on the second display unit 200 may include an ultrasound image 3500 and a first gain line 3502 . The first gain line 3502 may be a user interface for adjusting the TGC value according to the depth section.

Referring to FIG. 35C , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive a gesture of touching the first gain line 3502 included in the second page 3520 . Here, the ultrasonic device 1000 may display the second gain line 3504 corresponding to the first gain line 3502 on the first display unit 100 . Here, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the second gain line 3504 together with the depth axis of the ultrasound image 3500 displayed on the first display unit 100 .

Referring to FIG. 35D , the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input for changing a first set of gain values corresponding to the first gain line 3502 to a second set of gain values by using the first gain line 3502 . For example, the ultrasound device 1000 may receive a touch-and-drag input 3506 for changing the curved first gain line 3502 into a straight line. In this case, the first set of gain values corresponding to the curved first gain line 3502 may be changed to the second set of gain values corresponding to a straight line.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may change the shape of the second gain line 3504 displayed on the first display unit 100 based on the set second gain value set. For example, since the first gain line 3502 is changed from a curved shape to a straight shape, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may change the second gain line 3504 from a curved shape to a straight shape.

The ultrasound device 1000 may mark an indicator 3505 that indicates on the second gain line 3504 the position of the indicator 400 on the first gain line 3502 . For example, if the indicator 400 is located at the tenth depth value on the first gain line 3502, the ultrasound device 1000 may mark the indicator 3505 at the position representing the tenth depth value on the second gain line.

Referring to FIG. 35E , the ultrasonic device 1000 may receive a page change gesture 3507 in which the user slides the second page 3520 to the right side in contact with a point in the second page 3520 where the first gain line 3502 is not displayed.

Here, since the pointer 400 no longer touches the first gain line 3502, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may no longer display the second gain line 3504 on the first display unit 100 (3508).

Referring to FIG. 35F , in response to a page change gesture 3507 , the ultrasonic device 1000 may display a first page 3510 instead of a second page 3520 on the second display unit 200 .

36 and 37 are block diagrams of an ultrasonic device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 36 , an ultrasonic device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a first display unit 100 , a second display unit 200 and a controller 1700 . The first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 may communicate with the controller 1700 through a wireless or wired connection. However, not all components shown in the figures are required elements. Ultrasound device 1000 may include more or fewer components than those of FIG. 36 .

For example, as shown in Figure 37, the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 1000 may include a probe 20, an ultrasonic transceiver 1100, an image processor 1200, a communication module 1300, a display 1400, a memory 1500, an input device 1600 and a controller 1700, and a sensor 1900, which may They are connected to each other through a bus 1800 .

The ultrasound device 1000 may be a hand-held device or a portable device. Examples of portable ultrasound devices may include, but are not limited to, picture archiving and communication system (PACS) viewers, smartphones, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and tablet PCs.

The probe 20 transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject 10 in response to a driving signal applied by the ultrasonic transceiver 1100 and receives echo signals reflected by the subject 10 . The probe 20 includes a plurality of transducers, and the plurality of transducers oscillates and generates acoustic energy, ie, ultrasonic waves, in response to electrical signals. In addition, the probe 20 may be connected to the body of the ultrasonic device 1000 by wire or wirelessly, and according to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic device 1000 may include a plurality of probes 20 .

Transmitter 1110 provides a drive signal to probe 20 . Transmitter 110 includes pulse generator 1112 , transmission delay unit 1114 and pulser 1116 . The pulse generator 1112 generates pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves based on a predetermined pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and the transmission delay unit 1114 delays the pulses by a delay time required to determine transmission directivity. The pulses that have been delayed correspond to the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators included in the probe 20, respectively. The pulser 1116 applies a drive signal (or drive pulse) to the probe 20 based on the timing corresponding to each pulse that has been delayed.

The receiver 1120 generates ultrasonic data by processing echo signals received from the probe 20 . Receiver 120 may include amplifier 1122 , analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 1124 , receive delay unit 1126 and summation unit 1128 . The amplifier 1122 amplifies the echo signal in each channel, and the ADC 1124 performs analog-to-digital conversion on the amplified echo signal. The reception delay unit 1126 delays the digital echo signal output by the ADC 1124 for a delay time required to determine reception directivity, and the summation unit 1128 generates ultrasonic data by summing the echo signals processed by the reception delay unit 1126 . In some exemplary embodiments, receiver 1120 may not include amplifier 1122 . In other words, amplifier 1122 may be omitted if the sensitivity of probe 20 or the ability of ADC 1124 to process bits is enhanced.

The image processor 1200 generates an ultrasound image by scan-converting ultrasound data generated by the ultrasound transceiver 1100 and processing the ultrasound data by the data processor 1210 . Ultrasound images can be not only gray-scale ultrasound images obtained by scanning the subject in amplitude (A) mode, brightness (B) mode, and motion (M) mode, but also Doppler showing the movement of the subject through the Doppler effect Le image. The Doppler image can be a blood flow Doppler image (also called a color Doppler image) showing blood flow, a tissue Doppler image showing tissue movement, or a spectrum multicolor image showing the moving speed of an object as a waveform. Puller image.

The B-mode processor 1212 extracts B-mode components from the ultrasound data and processes the B-mode components. The image generator 1220 may generate an ultrasound image indicating signal strength as brightness based on the extracted B-mode component 1212 .

Similarly, the Doppler processor 1214 may extract Doppler components from the ultrasound data, and the image generator 1220 may generate a Doppler image indicative of the movement of the object as a color or waveform based on the extracted Doppler components.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the image generator 1220 may generate a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonic image through volume rendering with respect to volume data, and may also generate an elasticity image by imaging deformation of the object 10 due to pressure. Also, the image generator 1220 can display various additional information in the ultrasound image by using text and graphics. Also, the generated ultrasound images may be stored in the memory 1500 .

The display 1400 displays the generated ultrasonic images. The display 1400 may not only display an ultrasound image, but may also display various information processed by the ultrasound apparatus 1000 on a screen image via a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Also, the ultrasonic device 1000 may include two or more displays 1400 according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may include a first display unit 100 and a second display unit 200 . Here, the first display unit 100 may be a main screen displaying ultrasound images. The second display unit 200 may be a control screen for displaying a plurality of control items. The first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 are described above with reference to FIG. 1 , and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The communication module 1300 is connected to the network 30 by wire or wirelessly to communicate with an external device or server 32 . For example, the communication module 1300 is connected to the network 30 by wire or wirelessly to exchange data with the medical device 34 or the portable terminal 36 .

The communication module 1300 may exchange data with a hospital server or another medical device in the hospital, which is connected thereto via the PACS. Also, the communication module 1300 may perform data communication according to the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard.

The communication module 1300 can transmit or receive data related to the diagnosis of the subject 10, such as an ultrasound image of the subject 10, ultrasound data, and Doppler data, via the network 30, and can also transmit or receive data generated by another medical device such as computer tomography. (CT) equipment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, or X-ray equipment). In addition, the communication module 1300 may receive information on the patient's diagnosis history or medical treatment schedule from the server 32 and diagnose the patient using the received information. In addition, the communication module 1300 may perform data communication not only with a server or a medical device in a hospital, but also with a doctor or a patient's portable terminal.

The communication module 1300 may include one or more components for communicating with external devices. For example, the communication module 1300 may include a local area communication module 1310 , a wired communication module 1320 and a mobile communication module 1330 .

The local area communication module 1310 refers to a module for local area communication within a predetermined distance. Examples of local area communication technologies according to exemplary embodiments may include, but are not limited to, Wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NFC).

The wired communication module 1320 refers to a module that communicates using electrical or optical signals. Examples of wired communication techniques according to an exemplary embodiment may include communication via twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, and Ethernet cables.

The mobile communication module 1330 transmits or receives a wireless signal to or from at least one selected from among a base station, an external terminal and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may be a voice call signal, a video call signal, or various types of data for text/multimedia message transmission and reception.

The memory 1500 stores various data processed by the ultrasonic device 1000 . For example, the memory 1500 may store medical data related to the diagnosis of a subject, such as ultrasound data and input or output ultrasound images, and may also store algorithms or programs to be executed in the ultrasound apparatus 1000 . The memory 1500 may store a plurality of control items for adjusting parameters related to ultrasonic images, information on user interfaces respectively connected to the plurality of control items, information on preset gain values (for example, preset TGC or preset LGC ), information about gestures that match a specific function, etc.

The memory 1500 may be any one of various storage media, such as flash memory, hard disk drive, EEPROM, and the like. Also, the ultrasonic device 1000 may utilize a web storage or a cloud server that performs a storage function of the memory 1500 online.

The input device 1600 refers to a device for the user to input data for controlling the ultrasonic device 1000 . The input device 1600 may include hardware components such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, a touch screen, and a jog switch. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the input device 1600 may also include any of various other input units, including an electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement module, a respiration measurement module, a voice recognition sensor, a gesture recognition sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, an iris Identification sensor, depth sensor, distance sensor, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the input device 1600 may include a second display unit 200 displaying a plurality of control items.

The controller 1700 may control all operations of the ultrasonic device 1000 . In other words, the controller 1700 may control operations of the probe 20 , the ultrasonic transceiver 1100 , the image processor 1200 , the communication module 1400 , the display unit 1300 , the memory 1500 and the input device 1600 .

All or some of the probe 20, the ultrasonic transceiver 1100, the image processor 1200, the communication module 1300, the display 1400, the memory 1500, the input device 1600 and the controller 1700 may be implemented as software modules. At least one of the ultrasonic transmission/reception unit 1100, the image processor 1200 and the communication module 1300 may be included in the controller 1700; however, the inventive concept is not limited thereto.

The controller 1700 may determine at least one control item from a plurality of control items based on the position of the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 . For example, the controller 1700 may determine at least one control item displayed within a predetermined distance from the pointer 400 . Besides, the ultrasonic device 1700 may determine at least one control item by selecting a menu group corresponding to the position of the pointer 400 from among a plurality of menu groups displayed on the second display unit 200 .

The controller 1700 may control the first display unit 100 to display the determined at least one control item and an indicator indicating the location of the pointer 400 and an ultrasonic image. For example, the controller 1700 may mark an indicator on the at least one control item.

Since the position of the pointer 400 on the second display unit 200 is changed, the controller 1700 may change the position marked by the pointer on the first display unit 100 .

The controller 1700 may display at least one control item and an indicator representing a position of the pointer 400 to be overlaid on the ultrasound image displayed on the first display unit 100 . Here, the controller 1700 may determine transparency of at least one control item displayed on the ultrasound image based on predefined transparency information. The controller 1700 may display at least one control item and an indicator representing a position of the pointer 400 to be transparent on the ultrasound image according to the determined transparency.

The controller 1700 may display an ultrasound image on a first area of the first display unit 100 , and may display at least one control item including an indicator on a second area of the first display unit 100 .

The controller 1700 may receive a first input for selecting one control item from a plurality of control items via the second display unit 200 . The first input for selecting the control item may be different from the second input for changing the position of the indicator. The controller 1700 may display a window corresponding to the selected control item on the first display unit 100 .

The controller 1700 may select a first control item from among a plurality of control items displayed on the second display unit 200 based on a position where the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 200 . The controller 1700 may determine a second display format different from the first display format in which the first control item is displayed on the second display unit 200, and may control the first display unit 100 to display the first control item in the second display format. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second display format may be simplified when compared with the first display format.

The controller 1700 senses a position where the pointer 400 touches the first control item displayed in the first display format, and may mark an indicator representing the position of the pointer 400 on the first control item displayed in the second display format.

The controller 1700 may move the pointer on the first control item displayed in the second display format according to the change of the position of the pointer 400 on the first control item displayed in the first display format.

The controller 1700 may receive a drag input dragging on the first control item displayed in the first display format, and may change the position of the indicator on the first control item displayed in the second display format according to the drag input. .

If a touch of the first control item displayed in the first display format on the second display unit 200 is sensed, the controller 1700 may display the first control item in the second display format on the first display unit 200 while maintaining A first display format of the first control item on the second display unit 200 .

The controller 1700 may display the first control item in the second display format to be overlaid on the ultrasound image of the first display unit 100 . Alternatively, the controller 1700 may display the ultrasound image on the first area of the first display unit 100 and may display the first control item in the second display format on the second area of the first display unit 100 . Here, the first area and the second area may be different from each other.

The controller 1700 may control the first display unit 100 based on a position where the pointer 400 touches the second display unit 200 to display a gain line formed by connecting gain values corresponding to positions of adjustment buttons on a plurality of slide bars and an ultrasound image. .

The controller 1700 may mark an indicator representing a depth portion corresponding to the position of the pointer 400 on the first area on the gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 .

When the position of the pointer 400 in the first area changes, the controller 1700 may move the pointer marked on the gain line.

The controller 1700 may receive an input for moving at least one of the adjustment buttons on the plurality of slide bars via the second display unit 200 . The controller 1700 may change the shape of the gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 based on the position of at least one adjustment button.

The controller 1700 may determine the input mode based on the kind of the touch gesture of the pointer 400 sensed via the second display unit 200 . Here, the input mode may include a depth selection mode for selecting one depth portion from among depth portions of the ultrasound image and a gain change mode for changing a gain value, but is not limited thereto.

When the touch gesture of the pointer 400 is a single-finger gesture, the controller 1700 may determine a depth selection mode as an input mode, and may determine a gain change mode as an input mode when the touch gesture of the pointer 400 is a multi-finger gesture.

For example, the controller 1700 may move the indicator marked on the gain line to the first depth portion in response to a first drag gesture of dragging one finger up or down in contact with the first region. Also, the controller 1700 may adjust the gain value in the first depth portion in response to a second drag gesture of dragging at least two fingers in left and right directions while the at least two fingers are in contact with the first region. The controller 1700 may change the shape of the gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 based on the adjusted gain value.

The controller 1700 may receive an input for selecting one preset gain value set from a plurality of preset gain value sets via the second display unit 200 . According to the selected preset gain value set, the controller 1700 may move at least one adjustment button among the adjustment buttons on the plurality of slide bars. The controller 1700 may display a gain line corresponding to the selected preset gain value on the first display unit 100 .

Based on a touch input for touching a first gain line displayed on the second display unit, the controller 1700 may control the first display unit 100 to display a second gain line corresponding to the first gain line and an ultrasound image. Here, the first gain line and the second gain line may be lines obtained by connecting gain values corresponding to depth portions of the ultrasonic image.

The controller 1700 may control the first display unit 100 to display an ultrasound image on a first area, and display a second gain line on a second area of the first display unit 100 .

The controller 1700 may mark an indicator representing a touch position on the first gain line on the second gain line. When the touch position on the first gain line changes, the controller 1700 may move the indicator marked on the second gain line.

The controller 1700 may receive an input for changing a first set of gain values corresponding to the first gain line to a second set of gain values via the first gain line. The controller 1700 may change the shape of the second gain line displayed on the first display unit 100 based on the set second gain value set.

When the touch input of touching the first gain line ends, the controller 1700 may stop displaying the second gain line.

The sensor 1900 may include at least one sensor for sensing the pointer 400 located on the second display unit 200 and/or the position of the pointer 400 . The at least one sensor may include at least one of a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, an image sensor (such as a camera), a depth sensor (such as a depth camera), and an infrared sensor (such as an infrared camera), but is not limited thereto.

One or more exemplary embodiments can be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. A computer-readable recording medium may include program instructions, local data files, local data structures, or a combination thereof. A computer-readable recording medium may be specific to an exemplary embodiment. The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recordable media storing computer-readable data. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as optical disks, and hardware memories such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory, especially configured to store and execute program instructions. Also, the computer-readable recording medium may be implemented in the form of a transmission medium such as light, wire, or waveguide to transmit signals indicative of program instructions, local data structures, and the like. Examples of program instructions include machine code generated by a compiler and high-level language executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

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 example embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other example embodiments.

Although one or more exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, workers of ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the claims. kind of change.

Claims (15)

1. a kind of ultrasonic equipment, including：

It is configured to show the first display of ultrasonography；

Control panel, including it is different from the first display and be configured to the display multiple controls related with the ultrasonography The second display of project processed；And

Controller, the position for the input tool being configured on the second display is from the multiple item controlled Select at least one item controlled, and control first display shown together with the ultrasonography it is selected extremely A few item controlled and the designator for the position for representing the input tool.

2. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 1, in addition at least one sensor, it is configured to sensing positioned at described The position of input tool on second display.

3. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 2, wherein, at least one described sensor is included from touch sensor, At least one selected in pressure sensor, proximity transducer, imaging sensor, depth transducer and infrared ray sensor.

4. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, the controller is additionally configured to based at least one described control Whether project processed shows to select at least one described item controlled in the preset distance of the position apart from the input tool.

5. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, the controller is additionally configured to by from being shown in described The menu group corresponding with the position of input tool is selected to select described at least one in multiple menu groups on two display units Individual item controlled.

6. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, the controller is additionally configured at least one described control Display indicator in project.

7. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, the controller is additionally configured in response to positioned at the second display Input tool position on device changes and changed the position of the designator shown on first display.

8. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, the ultrasonography is included via the real-time of probe acquisition Ultrasonography.

9. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, first display is additionally configured at least one described in display The designator of the position of individual item controlled and expression input tool so that at least one control shown by first display Project and designator cover the ultrasonography.

10. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 9, wherein, the controller is additionally configured to based on predefined transparent Degree information is come the transparency of at least one item controlled described in determining to show on the ultrasonography.

11. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, the controller is additionally configured in first display First area on show the ultrasonography, and on the second area of first display at least one described in display Individual item controlled and designator.

12. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, the controller is additionally configured to via the described second display Device receives the first input for selecting an item controlled from least one described item controlled, and for selecting control First input of project is different from the second input for being used to change the position of designator.

13. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 12, wherein, the controller is additionally configured to single in the described first display Window corresponding with selected item controlled is shown in member.

14. ultrasonic equipment according to claim 1, wherein, the controller is additionally configured in the second display Presumptive area on be shown in the ultrasonography shown on first display.

15. a kind of method that information is provided via ultrasonic equipment, methods described includes：

Ultrasonography is shown on the first display；

The multiple item controlleds related to the ultrasonography are shown on the second display being included in control panel；

Position based on the input tool on the second display selects at least one from the multiple item controlled Item controlled；And

At least one selected item controlled and expression are shown together with the ultrasonography on first display The designator of the position of input tool.