U.S. patent application number 14/521627 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-19 for method of providing copy image and ultrasound apparatus therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Soon-jae HONG, Jae-ho LEE, Gi-hun YUN.
Application Number | 20150049039 14/521627 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50630568 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150049039 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Jae-ho ; et
al. |
February 19, 2015 |
METHOD OF PROVIDING COPY IMAGE AND ULTRASOUND APPARATUS
THEREFOR
Abstract
A method of providing a copy image of an ultrasound image
includes: displaying the ultrasound image on a touch screen;
receiving a proximate touch input with respect to the ultrasound
image; extracting a partial image corresponding to the proximate
touch input, from the ultrasound image; and displaying a copy image
of the partial image, the copy image overlapping on the ultrasound
image.
Inventors: |
LEE; Jae-ho; (Seoul, KR)
; HONG; Soon-jae; (Seongnam-si, KR) ; YUN;
Gi-hun; (Goyang-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
50630568 |
Appl. No.: |
14/521627 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14205762 |
Mar 12, 2014 |
|
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14521627 |
|
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61779520 |
Mar 13, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06T 2207/10132
20130101; A61B 8/54 20130101; G06T 2207/20104 20130101; G06T
2207/30004 20130101; A61B 8/4427 20130101; A61B 8/468 20130101;
G06F 3/041 20130101; G06T 7/62 20170101; A61B 8/469 20130101; A61B
8/462 20130101; A61B 8/467 20130101; A61B 8/0858 20130101; G01S
7/52073 20130101; A61B 8/465 20130101; G06F 3/0488 20130101; A61B
8/463 20130101; A61B 8/5223 20130101; G01S 7/52074 20130101; G01S
7/52084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/173 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 11, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0040025 |
Jun 13, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0067943 |
Claims
1. A method of providing a copy image of an ultrasound image, the
method comprising: displaying the ultrasound image on a touch
screen; receiving a proximate touch input with respect to the
ultrasound image; extracting a partial image corresponding to the
proximate touch input, from the ultrasound image; and displaying a
copy image of the partial image, the copy image overlapping on the
ultrasound image.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the displaying the copy image
comprises displaying the copy image on an area a predetermined
distance away from a position on the touch screen at which the
proximate touch input is received.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the copy image is changed in
real-time according to a movement of the proximate touch input.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the extracting the partial image
comprises: obtaining information about a position on the touch
screen at which the proximate touch input is received; and
extracting the partial image having a preset size with respect to
the position.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the displaying the copy image
comprises capturing the partial image corresponding to the
proximate touch input.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the displaying the copy image
comprises magnifying or reducing the copy image by a predetermined
ratio.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising, when the proximate
touch input is no longer received, stopping displaying of the copy
image on the ultrasound image.
8. An ultrasound apparatus comprising: a display configured to
display an ultrasound image on a touch screen; a user input unit
configured to receive a proximate touch input with respect to the
ultrasound image; and a controller configured to extract a partial
image corresponding to the proximate touch input, from the
ultrasound image, and control the display to display a copy image
of the partial image, the copy image overlapping on the ultrasound
image.
9. The ultrasound apparatus of claim 8, wherein the display
displays the copy image on an area a predetermined distance away
from a position on the touch screen at which the proximate touch
input is received.
10. The ultrasound apparatus of claim 8, wherein the copy image is
changed in real-time according to a movement of the proximate touch
input.
11. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having
recorded thereon a computer program for executing the method of
claim 1.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/205,762, filed on Mar. 12, 2014, which
claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/779,520, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, and from Korean Patent
Application Nos. 10-2013-0040025, filed on Apr. 11, 2013, and
10-2013-0067943, filed on Jun. 13, 2013, in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office. The disclosures of all of the above applications
are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method of providing a
copy image and an ultrasound apparatus therefor.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus transmits an ultrasound
signal from a body surface to a predetermined part inside a human
body, and obtains an image of a cross-section of or a blood flow in
a soft tissue by using information of the reflected ultrasound
signal.
[0006] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is advantageous in that
the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is small, inexpensive, and
capable of displaying an image in real-time. Also, the ultrasound
diagnostic apparatus is safe without a risk of radioactivity due to
an X-ray or the like, such that the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus
may be widely used with other image diagnostic apparatuses such as
an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, a computed tomography (CT) scanner,
a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, a nuclear medicine
diagnostic apparatus, or the like.
[0007] Values that are measured by using the ultrasound diagnostic
apparatus are highly related to a lesion diagnosis or the like, and
thus the values have to be exact. Thus, apparatuses and methods are
needed to allow a user to exactly select a measurement portion.
Also, apparatuses and methods are needed to allow a user who uses a
touch interface to freely adjust a length and position of a
measurement line.
SUMMARY
[0008] Exemplary embodiments may address at least the above
problems and/or disadvantages and other disadvantages not described
above. Also, the exemplary embodiments are not required to overcome
the disadvantages described above, and an exemplary embodiment may
not overcome any of the problems described above.
[0009] One or more of exemplary embodiments provide a method of
providing a copy image and an ultrasound apparatus therefor,
whereby the copy image of a part that is obstructed by a touch
instrument (such as a finger, an electronic pen, or the like) is
separately provided at a predetermined area, thus, a user may
exactly select a measurement portion or a selection portion of an
ultrasound image.
[0010] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is
provided a method of providing a copy image, the method including
operations of displaying an ultrasound image on a first area of a
touch screen; receiving a touch input with respect to the
ultrasound image; extracting a partial image corresponding to the
touch input from the ultrasound image; and displaying a copy image
of the partial image on a second area that is different from the
first area on which the ultrasound image is displayed.
[0011] The operation of extracting the partial image may include
operations of obtaining information about a position on the touch
screen at which the touch input is received; and extracting a copy
image having a preset size with respect to the position.
[0012] The operation of displaying the copy image may include
operations of capturing the partial image corresponding to the
touch input; and displaying the captured partial image as the copy
image on the second area.
[0013] The operation of displaying the copy image may be performed
so that an object that is displayed at a position on the touch
screen at which the touch input is received may be located at a
center of the second area.
[0014] The object may include at least one of a reference point for
selection of a measurement portion or a measurement area, a sample
volume, a body marker, an arrow, and an annotation.
[0015] The method may further include an operation of displaying a
plurality of objects on the first area, wherein each of the
plurality of objects is activated to be moved according to the
touch input.
[0016] The operation of displaying the copy image may include
operations of changing a control panel for adjustment of a
parameter value related to the ultrasound image, according to a
predetermined mode, and then displaying the changed control panel
on a third area of the touch screen; selecting the second area that
is different from the first area and the third area; and displaying
the copy image on the second area.
[0017] The predetermined mode may include at least one of a
brightness mode (B mode), a Doppler mode, and a motion mode (M
mode).
[0018] The operation of displaying the copy image may include
operations of receiving a drag input that starts at a position on
the touch screen at which the touch input is received; and
displaying the copy image of the partial image on the second area,
wherein the partial image is changed according to the drag
input.
[0019] The operation of displaying the copy image may include an
operation of moving an object, which is displayed at a position on
the touch screen at which the touch input is received, according to
the drag input and then displaying the object on the first
area.
[0020] The operation of receiving the touch input may include an
operation of receiving multiple touch inputs with respect to at
least two portions of the ultrasound image, and the operation of
displaying the copy image may include an operation of displaying a
plurality of copy images about a plurality of partial images on the
second area, wherein the plurality of partial images correspond to
the at least two portions, respectively.
[0021] The operation of displaying the copy image may include an
operation of displaying the copy image on the second area, wherein
the copy image is magnified or reduced by a predetermined
ratio.
[0022] When the touch input is no longer received, the method may
further include an operation of removing the copy image from the
second area.
[0023] The second area does not overlap with the first area on
which the ultrasound image is displayed.
[0024] The second area may include a residual area of the first
area on which the ultrasound image is displayed, wherein the
residual area excludes an interest area that is selected by a
user.
[0025] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is
provided an ultrasound apparatus including a display for displaying
an ultrasound image on a first area of a touch screen; a user input
unit for receiving a touch input with respect to the ultrasound
image; and a controller for extracting a partial image
corresponding to the touch input from the ultrasound image, and for
controlling the display to display a copy image of the partial
image on a second area that is different from the first area on
which the ultrasound image is displayed.
[0026] The controller may obtain information about a position on
the touch screen at which the touch input is received, and may
extract a copy image having a preset size with respect to the
position.
[0027] The ultrasound apparatus may further include an image
processor for generating the copy image by capturing the partial
image corresponding to the touch input.
[0028] The display may display the copy image so that an object
that is displayed at a position at which the touch input is
received may be located at a center of the second area.
[0029] The display may further display a plurality of objects on
the first area, wherein each of the plurality of objects is
activated to be moved according to the touch input.
[0030] The display may change a control panel for adjustment of a
parameter value related to the ultrasound image, according to a
predetermined mode, and then may display the control panel on a
third area of the touch screen, and the controller may select the
second area that is different from the first area and the third
area.
[0031] The user input unit may receive a drag input that starts at
a position (at which the touch input is received, and the display
may display the copy image of the partial image on the second area,
wherein the partial image is changed according to the drag
input.
[0032] The user input unit may receive multiple touch inputs with
respect to at least two portions of the ultrasound image, and the
display may display a plurality of copy images about a plurality of
partial images on the second area, wherein the plurality of partial
images correspond to the at least two portions, respectively.
[0033] The display may display the copy image on the second area,
wherein the copy image is magnified or reduced by a predetermined
ratio.
[0034] When the touch input is no longer received, the display may
remove the copy image from the second area.
[0035] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is
provided a method of providing a copy image, the method including
operations of outputting an ultrasound signal to a target via a
probe, and receiving an ultrasound response signal from the target;
generating an ultrasound image about the target base on the
ultrasound response signal; displaying the ultrasound image about
the target on a first area of a touch screen; receiving a touch
input by a user with respect to the ultrasound image; and
displaying a copy image of a partial image on a second area that is
different from the first area on which the ultrasound image is
displayed, wherein the partial image corresponds to the touch
input.
[0036] The ultrasound image about the target may be changed
according to a position or an angle of the probe.
[0037] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is
provided a method of providing a copy image, the method including
operations of displaying a body marker including a target figure
and a probe figure on a first area of a touch screen; receiving a
touch input by a user with respect to the body marker; and
displaying a copy image of the body marker on a second area that is
different from the first area, based on the touch input.
[0038] The operation of displaying the copy image may be performed
so that the target figure may be located at a center of the second
area.
[0039] The method may further include operations of receiving a
drag input that involves moving the probe figure displayed on the
first area; moving a position of the probe figure, based on the
drag input; and displaying a body marker including the target
figure and the moved probe figure on the first area.
[0040] The method may further include an operation of displaying a
changed copy image, which is changed according to the drag input,
on the second area.
[0041] The operation of displaying the changed copy image may
include an operation of displaying a copy image of the body marker
including the target figure and the moved probe figure on the
second area.
[0042] One or more of exemplary embodiments provide a method and an
ultrasound apparatus for displaying a plurality of objects related
to an ultrasound image by activating the plurality of objects,
whereby each of the plurality of objects may be moved according to
a user's touch input.
[0043] One or more of exemplary embodiments provide a method and an
ultrasound apparatus for displaying an object by expanding a touch
recognition range of the object, whereby, when a user exactly
touches an object by using a touch instrument (e.g., a finger or an
electronic pen) but the object is obstructed by the touch
instrument, the user may move the object although the user touches
an area around the object.
[0044] One or more of exemplary embodiments provide a method and an
ultrasound apparatus for displaying a plurality of objects,
whereby, when touch recognition ranges of the plurality of objects
overlap with each other, a movement order of the plurality of
objects is determined according to priority orders.
[0045] The method may include operations of extracting the
plurality of objects that are movable during a predetermined mode;
activating the plurality of objects to allow each of the plurality
of objects to be moved according to a user's touch input; and
displaying together the plurality of activated objects and an
ultrasound image.
[0046] Each of the plurality of activated objects may include at
least one of a reference point, a reference line, annotation, and
an arrow which are used in selecting a measurement point or a
measurement area.
[0047] The method may further include operations of receiving a
touch and drag input with respect to at least one object from among
the plurality of activated objects; and moving and displaying the
at least one object according to the touch and drag input.
[0048] The operation of moving and displaying may include
operations of receiving a touch and drag input with respect to a
first area within a predetermined radius from a point at which a
first object from among the plurality of activated objects is
displayed; moving and displaying the first object according to the
touch and drag input with respect to the first area; receiving a
touch and drag input with respect to a second area within the
predetermined radius from a point at which a second object from
among the plurality of activated objects is displayed; and moving
and displaying the second object according to the touch and drag
input with respect to the second area.
[0049] The method may further include operations of receiving a
touch and drag input with respect to an area in which the first
area and the second area overlap with each other; and moving and
displaying at least one of the first object and the second object,
based on priority order information.
[0050] The operation of moving and displaying at least one of the
first object and the second object may include operations of
comparing movement time information of the first object with
movement time information of the second object; and move and
displaying one of the first object and the second object according
to a result of the comparing.
[0051] The method may further include operations of receiving
multiple touch inputs with respect to the first object and the
second object included in the plurality of activated objects; and
moving and displaying the first object and the second object,
respectively, according to the multiple touch inputs.
[0052] The ultrasound image may include at least one of a B mode
image, Doppler image, an M mode image, and an elasticity mode
image.
[0053] The ultrasound apparatus may include a user input unit for
receiving a user's touch input; a controller for extracting the
plurality of objects that are movable during a predetermined mode,
and activating the plurality of objects to allow each of the
plurality of objects to be moved according to the user's touch
input; and a display for displaying together the plurality of
activated objects and an ultrasound image.
[0054] The user input unit may receive a touch and drag input with
respect to at least one object from among the plurality of
activated objects, and the display may move and display the at
least one object according to the touch and drag input.
[0055] The user input unit may receive a touch and drag input with
respect to a first area within a predetermined radius from a point
at which a first object from among the plurality of activated
objects is displayed, and may receive a touch and drag input with
respect to a second area within the predetermined radius from a
point at which a second object from among the plurality of
activated objects is displayed, and the display may move and
display the first object according to the touch and drag input with
respect to the first area, and may move and display the second
object according to the touch and drag input with respect to the
second area.
[0056] The user input unit may receive a touch and drag input with
respect to an area in which the first area and the second area
overlap with each other, and the controller may control the display
to move and to display at least one of the first object and the
second object, based on priority order information.
[0057] The controller may compare movement time information of the
first object with movement time information of the second object,
and may move and display one of the first object and the second
object according to a result of the comparison.
[0058] The user input unit may receive multiple touch inputs with
respect to the first object and the second object included in the
plurality of activated objects, and the display may move and
display the first object and the second object, respectively,
according to the multiple touch inputs.
[0059] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is
provided a method of providing an ultrasound image, the method
including operations of dividing a touch screen into a first area
and a second area, to be separate from and non-overlapping with the
first area and of a smaller size than that of the first area;
displaying the ultrasound image on the first area of a touch
screen; receiving a touch input at a touch position, from the first
area; extracting a partial image including a smaller portion of the
ultrasound image containing the touch position, from the ultrasound
image; and displaying a copy image of the partial image on the
second area, while contemporaneously displaying an entire
ultrasound image on the first area.
[0060] The touch position may correspond to an object of the
ultrasound image displayed on the first area and the operation of
extracting may include operations of obtaining positional
information of the touch position on the first area; extracting the
smaller portion of the ultrasound image having a preset size and
surrounding the touch position; and displaying the object in a
center of the copy image on the second area.
[0061] The touch position may correspond to a first object of the
ultrasound image displayed on the first area and the operation of
displaying may include displaying other objects of the ultrasound
image on the first area, the first object and all or some of the
other objects may be activated to be movable according to the touch
input.
[0062] The operation of displaying the copy image may include
magnifying the copy image of the partial image, on the second
area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0063] The above and/or other aspects will become more apparent by
describing certain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0064] FIG. 1 illustrates a related art ultrasound apparatus;
[0065] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate objects provided by the related
art ultrasound apparatus;
[0066] FIG. 3 illustrates an ultrasound apparatus according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0067] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing a
copy image, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0068] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a display of the ultrasound
apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0069] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate screens for providing a copy
image of a reference point at which the ultrasound apparatus
selects a measurement area, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0070] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of displaying an object,
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0071] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a plurality of activated objects,
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0072] FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which a plurality of
activated objects are moved according to multiple touch inputs;
[0073] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate screens for providing a copy
image related to a sample volume, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0074] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate screens for providing a copy
image and a plurality of activated objects related to a Doppler
image, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0075] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate screens for providing a copy
image and a plurality of activated objects related to an M mode
image, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0076] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C illustrate screens for providing a
copy image related to generation of a body marker, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0077] FIG. 14 illustrates a screen for providing a copy image
related to an indication display, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0078] FIG. 15 illustrates a screen for providing a copy image and
a plurality of activated objects related to annotation, according
to an exemplary embodiment;
[0079] FIG. 16 illustrates a screen for displaying a copy image on
a non-interest area of an ultrasound image, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0080] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a touch recognition range with
respect to an object, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0081] FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate cases in which touch
recognition ranges of objects overlap with each other, according to
an exemplary embodiment;
[0082] FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate cases in which touch
recognition ranges of objects overlap with each other, according to
an exemplary embodiment;
[0083] FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the
ultrasound apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment; and
[0084] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a structure of the
ultrasound apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0085] Certain exemplary embodiments are described in greater
detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0086] In the following description, the same drawing reference
numerals are used for the same elements even in different drawings.
The matters defined in the description, such as detailed
construction and elements, are provided to assist in a
comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments. Thus, it is
apparent that exemplary embodiments can be carried out without
those specifically defined matters. Also, well-known functions or
constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure
exemplary embodiments with unnecessary detail.
[0087] All terms including descriptive or technical terms which are
used herein should be construed as having meanings that are obvious
to one of ordinary skill in the art. However, the terms may have
different meanings according to an intention of one of ordinary
skill in the art, precedent cases, or the appearance of new
technologies. Also, some terms may be arbitrarily selected by the
applicant, and in this case, the meaning of the selected terms will
be described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Thus, the
terms used herein have to be defined based on the meaning of the
terms together with the description throughout the
specification.
[0088] Also, when a part "includes" or "comprises" an element,
unless there is a particular description contrary thereto, the part
can further include other elements, not excluding the other
elements. In the following description, terms such as "unit" and
"module" indicate a unit for processing at least one function or
operation, wherein the unit and the block may be embodied as
hardware or software or embodied by combining hardware and
software.
[0089] Throughout the specification, "ultrasound image" indicates
an image of a target object which is obtained by using an
ultrasound signal. The target object may be a part of a human body.
For example, the target object may include organs such as the
liver, the heart, the nuchal translucency (NT), the brain, the
breast, the abdominal region, or the like, or a fetus.
[0090] The ultrasound image may vary in different forms. For
example, the ultrasound image may be, but is not limited to, at
least one of an image obtained during a brightness mode
(hereinafter, referred to as "B mode image") indicating brightness
as magnitude of an ultrasound echo signal that is reflected from
the target, an image obtained during a color mode (hereinafter,
referred to as "C mode image") indicating a color as speed of a
moving target by using a Doppler effect, an image obtained during a
Doppler mode (hereinafter, referred to as "D mode image")
indicating a spectrum image of a moving target by using a Doppler
effect, an image obtained during a motion mode (hereinafter,
referred to as "M mode image") indicating motion of a target at a
predetermined position according to time, and an image obtained
during an elasticity mode (hereinafter, referred to as "elasticity
mode image) indicating a difference between a reaction when
compression is applied to a target and a reaction when compression
is not applied to the target. Also, in one or more exemplary
embodiments, the ultrasound image may be a two-dimensional (2D)
image, a three-dimensional (3D) image, or a four-dimensional (4D)
image.
[0091] Throughout the specification, a "user" may be a medical
expert including a doctor, a nurse, a medical laboratory
technologist, a sonographer, or the like.
[0092] Throughout the specification, the expression "an object is
activated" means that the object may be movable according to a
user's touch input.
[0093] Expressions such as "at least one of," when preceding a list
of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify
the individual elements of the list.
[0094] FIG. 1 illustrates a related art ultrasound apparatus
10.
[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the related art ultrasound
apparatus 10 includes a main body 11, at least one probe 12, a
display 13, and a control panel 14. Since the related art
ultrasound apparatus 10 has a large size, it is difficult for a
user to freely move the related art ultrasound apparatus 10 to
different places. Also, due to its large size, the related art
ultrasound apparatus 10 occupies a large space.
[0096] The display 13 and the control panel 14 of the related art
ultrasound apparatus 10 are separated. Thus, when the user selects
or measures a predetermined area of an ultrasound image or adjusts
a gain of the ultrasound image that is obtained by using the at
least one probe 12, the user has to check the ultrasound image and
operate the control panel 14 in turn, such that a view of the user
may be distracted.
[0097] Also, the user of the related art ultrasound apparatus 10
may move an object displayed on the display 13, by using a track
ball 15 included in the control panel 14. Here, when the user
attempts to move another object, the user has to additionally map
the track ball 15 with the other object, such that it is difficult
for the user to rapidly change a measurement point or a measurement
line. This is described below with reference to FIGS. 2A and
2B.
[0098] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate objects provided by the related
art ultrasound apparatus 10.
[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the related art ultrasound
apparatus 10 may activate motion with respect to only one object.
That is, when a first object 210 is activated, a user may move only
the first object 210 by using a track ball, a mouse, or a touch
instrument (e.g., a finger or an electronic pen), and cannot move a
second object 220, a third object 230, and a fourth object 240.
[0100] Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, when the user attempts to
move the second object 220, the related art ultrasound apparatus 10
has to change an activated position from the first object 210 to
the second object 220. That is, the related art ultrasound
apparatus 10 has to inactivate the activated first object 210 and
to activate the second object 220 into an activated state. Thus, it
is difficult for the user to rapidly move each of a plurality of
objects.
[0101] Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the user
touches an object by using the touch instrument (e.g., the finger
or the electronic pen), the object is obstructed by the touch
instrument. Thus, it is difficult for the user to exactly move the
object to a target position.
[0102] FIG. 3 illustrates an ultrasound apparatus 100 according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may
include a display 110, a user input unit 120, and an interface to
connect a probe.
[0104] In the present exemplary embodiment, the display 110 and a
touchpad may form a mutual layer structure and thus may be formed
as a touch screen. In the present exemplary embodiment, the display
110 may be used as both an output device and an input device.
[0105] The touch screen may receive a touch input position and a
touched area and may also receive a touch input pressure. The touch
screen may receive an actual touch and/or may receive a proximate
touch.
[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, the term "actual touch"
indicates a case in which a pointer actually touches a screen, and
the term "proximate touch" indicates a case in which a pointer does
not actually touch a screen but approaches the screen within a
predetermined distance. In an exemplary embodiment, the pointer
indicates an instrument that is used to touch or to proximately
touch a specific portion of a displayed screen. Examples of the
pointer include an electronic pen, a finger, and the like.
[0107] Although not illustrated, in order to recognize an actual
touch or a proximate touch on the touch screen, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may internally or externally have various sensors in
the touch screen. An example of the sensor to receive the touch on
the touch screen may include a tactile sensor.
[0108] The tactile sensor detects a contact of a specific object at
least as much as a person can detect. The tactile sensor may detect
various types of information such as roughness of a contact
surface, hardness of the contact object, temperature of a contact
point, or the like.
[0109] Another example of the sensor for detecting the touch on the
touch screen may include a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor
detects existence of an object that approaches a predetermined
detection surface or that exists nearby, by using a force of an
electro-magnetic field or an infrared ray, without using a
mechanical contact.
[0110] Examples of the proximity sensor include a transmission-type
photoelectric sensor, a direction reflection-type photoelectric
sensor, a minor reflection-type photoelectric sensor, a high
frequency oscillation-type proximity sensor, a capacity-type
proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infrared-type
proximity sensor, or the like.
[0111] The display 110 may include, but is not limited thereto, at
least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film
transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic
light-emitting display device, a flexible display, and a 3D
display.
[0112] In the present exemplary embodiment, the display 110 may
provide a copy image corresponding to a touch input portion by a
user, so that the display 110 may allow the user to select an exact
portion of the ultrasound image. This will be described in detail
with reference to FIG. 4.
[0113] The display 110 may display a plurality of activated
objects. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
7.
[0114] The user input unit 120 is a means by which the user inputs
data to control the ultrasound apparatus 100. The user input unit
120 may include a touchpad (a touch capacitive type touchpad, a
pressure resistive type touchpad, an infrared beam sensing type
touchpad, a surface acoustic wave type touchpad, an integral strain
gauge type touchpad, a Piezo effect type touchpad, or the like), a
key pad, or the like. In particular, as described above, the
touchpad and the display 110 may form the mutual layer structure
and thus may be formed as the touch screen.
[0115] In the present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may display an ultrasound image during a
predetermined mode and a control panel about the ultrasound image
on the touch screen. Then, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may detect
a touch gesture by the user to the ultrasound image via the touch
screen.
[0116] Throughout the specification, the touch gesture (i.e., the
touch input) by the user may include a tap gesture, a touch and
hold gesture, a double tap gesture, a drag gesture, a panning
gesture, a flick gesture, a drag and drop gesture, a swipe gesture,
a pinch gesture, or the like.
[0117] The "tap gesture" indicates a case in which the user touches
the touch screen by using a finger or an electronic pen and then
instantly takes away the finger or the electronic pen from the
touch screen without moving the finger or the electronic pen on the
touch screen.
[0118] The "touch and hold gesture" indicates a case in which the
user touches the touch screen by using a finger or an electronic
pen and maintains a touch input for at least a threshold time
(e.g., 2 seconds). That is, a time interval between a touch-in time
and a touch-out time is equal to or greater than the threshold time
(e.g., 2 seconds). In order to allow the user to recognize whether
a touch input is the tap gesture or the touch and hold gesture, if
the touch input is maintained for at least a threshold time, a
feedback signal may be provided in a visual, acoustic, or tactile
manner. The threshold time may vary in one or more exemplary
embodiments.
[0119] The "double tap gesture" indicates a case in which the user
touches the touch screen twice by using a finger or an electronic
pen.
[0120] The "drag gesture" indicates a case in which the user
touches the touch screen by using a finger or an electronic pen and
then moves the finger or the electronic pen to another position on
the touch screen while the user maintains the touch. Due to the
drag gesture, an object is moved or the panning gesture to be
described below is performed.
[0121] The "panning gesture" indicates a case in which the user
performs the drag gesture without selecting an object. The panning
gesture does not select a particular object, so that an object is
not moved within a page but a page itself may be moved within a
screen or an object group is moved within the page.
[0122] The "flick gesture" indicates a case in which the user
performs a drag gesture by using a finger or an electronic pen at a
speed equal to or greater than a threshold speed (e.g., 100
pixel/second). Based on whether a movement speed of the finger or
the electronic pen is equal to or greater than the threshold speed
(e.g., 100 pixel/second), the drag gesture (or the panning gesture)
and the flick gesture may be distinguished.
[0123] The "drag and drop gesture" indicates a case in which the
user drags an object to a predetermined position in a screen, by
using a finger or an electronic pen, and then takes away the finger
or the electronic pen from the touch screen.
[0124] The "pinch gesture" indicates a case in which the user
touches the touch screen by using two fingers and then moves the
two fingers in different directions. The pinch gesture is for a
pinch open or a pinch close with respect to an object or a page,
and a value of the pinch open or a value of the pinch close is
determined according to a distance between the two fingers.
[0125] The "swipe gesture" indicates a case in which the user
touches an object in a screen by using a finger or an electronic
pen, and horizontally or vertically moves the object by a
predetermined distance. A movement in a diagonal direction is not
detected as the swipe gesture.
[0126] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may physically include some
buttons that are frequently used by the user and that are included
in the control panel of the related art ultrasound apparatus, and
may provide the as a graphical user interface (GUI) via the touch
screen.
[0127] For example, the user input unit 120 may physically include,
but is not limited thereto, a patient button 121, a probe button
122, a scan button 123, a storage button 124, an ultrasound image
selection button 125, or the like.
[0128] The patient button 121 involves selecting a patient who
undergoes an ultrasound diagnosis. The probe button 122 involves
selecting a probe to be used in the ultrasound diagnosis. The scan
button 123 involves quickly compensating for an ultrasound image by
using a parameter value that is preset in the ultrasound apparatus
100. The storage button 124 involves storing an ultrasound image.
The ultrasound image selection button 125 involves pausing
ultrasound images that are displayed in real-time and then allowing
one paused ultrasound image to be displayed on a screen.
[0129] The user input unit 120 may include, but is not limited
thereto, a 2D button, a color button, a PW button, an M button, a
SonoView button (i.e., a button for checking pre-stored images), a
More button, a Meas. button (i.e., a measure button), an Annotation
button, a Biopsy button (i.e., a button for guiding an insertion
position for a needle), a Depth button, a Focus button, a Gain
button, a Freq. button (i.e., frequency button), or the like as the
GUI. A function of each of the aforementioned buttons may be easily
derived by one of ordinary skill in the ultrasound art in view of
names of the buttons, thus, detailed descriptions for the buttons
are omitted here.
[0130] Hereinafter, a method of providing a copy image is described
in detail with reference to FIG. 4, wherein the ultrasound
apparatus 100 having a touch screen performs the method to help a
user to perform an exact touch input on an ultrasound image that is
displayed via the touch screen.
[0131] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing a
copy image, performed by the ultrasound apparatus 100, according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0132] In operation 5410, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display
an ultrasound image on a first area of a touch screen. According to
the present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound image may be, but
is not limited to, one of a B mode image, a Doppler image, an M
mode image, and a C mode image.
[0133] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may display a plurality of
ultrasound images on the first area of the touch screen. For
example, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display the B mode image
and the Doppler image on the first area or may display the B mode
image and the M mode image on the first area.
[0134] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may display a predetermined
object on the ultrasound image, based on user setting. For example,
the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display a reference line or a
reference point with respect to selection of a region of interest
(ROI), a body marker, or a sample volume on the ultrasound
image.
[0135] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the body
marker may be a figure that represents a position or a target,
which is scanned by ultrasound. The body marker may include a
figure indicating an ultrasound-scanned target, and a figure
corresponding to a position of a probe that contacts the target.
Examples of the body marker may include an arm figure, a liver
figure, a womb figure, or the like.
[0136] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the sample
volume indicates a limited zone in which a Doppler signal is input
due to an operation of a range gate.
[0137] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may adjust a size of the sample
volume by varying a size of the range gate. When the size of the
range gate is increased, the sample volume involving the obtaining
of the Doppler signal is also increased. According to the present
exemplary embodiment, the user may obtain a Doppler image at a
specific position, by moving a position of the sample volume.
[0138] In operation S420, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may detect a
touch input to the ultrasound image. According to the present
exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may obtain
information about a position of the touch screen at which the touch
input is detected. The information about the position at which the
touch input is detected may include a coordinate value (e.g., a
pixel value) of the position of the touch screen at which the touch
input is detected.
[0139] The touch input may include a touch and hold gesture, a drag
gesture, a swipe gesture, or the like. The ultrasound apparatus 100
may detect multiple touch inputs with respect to at least two
portions of the ultrasound image. For example, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may detect a pinch gesture by the user.
[0140] In operation S430, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may extract
a partial image of the ultrasound image that corresponds to the
touch input. For example, the partial image may have a
predetermined size, and the ultrasound apparatus 100 may extract
the partial image based on the position of the touch screen at
which the touch input is detected. The predetermined size may vary
according to a system environment or user setting.
[0141] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may capture the partial image
corresponding to the touch input and then may generate a copy image
of the partial image.
[0142] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may extract a partial image
corresponding to a touch input at regular intervals. The ultrasound
apparatus 100 may extract a partial image when the position at
which the touch input is detected is changed.
[0143] In operation S440, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display
the copy image of the partial image on a second area that is
different from the first area on which the ultrasound image is
displayed. That is, according to the present exemplary embodiment,
the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display the copy image on an area
on which the ultrasound image is not displayed.
[0144] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may display the copy image on
the second area, which is also different from a third area on which
a control panel with respect to a control of parameter values
related to the ultrasound image is displayed as a GUI. That is, the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may display the copy image on an area
other than the first area that displays the ultrasound image and
the third area that displays the control panel as the GUI.
[0145] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may display the copy image
obtained by capturing the partial image having the predetermined
size, on the second area. According to the present exemplary
embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display the copy image
so that an object that is displayed at the position at which the
touch input is detected may be located at a center of the second
area. The object may include, but is not limited to, at least one
of the reference point or the reference line with respect to
selection of a measurement portion or a measurement area, the
sample volume, and the body marker.
[0146] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may synchronize in real-time a
partial image and a copy image that corresponds to the partial
image, wherein the partial image is changed according to drag
inputs, and may display the copy image on the second area. The user
may watch the copy image displayed on the second area, thereby
recognizing in real-time a portion of the ultrasound image which is
obstructed by a touch instrument (e.g., a finger or an electronic
pen).
[0147] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may display a copy image on the
second area, wherein the copy image is obtained by magnifying or
reducing the partial image by a predetermined ratio, and the
partial image is extracted with respect to the position at which
the touch input is detected. The predetermined ratio may vary
according to a system environment or user setting.
[0148] According to the present exemplary embodiment, when the
ultrasound apparatus 100 no longer detects the touch input, the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may remove the copy image from the second
area. That is, when the user no longer touches the touch screen
with the finger or the electronic pen, the copy image may disappear
from the touch screen.
[0149] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first
area, the second area, and the third area that are displayed on the
touch screen are described below.
[0150] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the display 110 of the ultrasound
apparatus 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0151] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the display 110 of the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may divide a touch screen into a first area 510, a
second area 520, and a third area 530, but the division is not
limited thereto.
[0152] The first area 510 may be a preset area of the touch screen
on which an ultrasound image 511 is displayed. The second area 520
may be an area on which a copy image of a partial image
corresponding to a touch input is displayed. The third area 530 may
be an area on which a control panel while in a predetermined mode
(e.g., a B mode, a Doppler mode, an M mode, or the like) is
displayed as a GUI.
[0153] A position or a size of each of the first, second, and third
areas 510, 520, and 530 may vary according to a system or user
setting. In particular, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may select the
second area 520 in areas that do not overlap with the first area
510 and the third area 530. That is, a position of the control
panel and a position of an area that displays an ultrasound image
may be changed according to modes; thus, the ultrasound apparatus
100 may adaptively select the second area 520 on which the copy
image is displayed.
[0154] In the present exemplary embodiment, when a user touches a
specific portion of the ultrasound image 511 by using a finger, the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may detect a touch input by the user with
respect to the ultrasound image 511 that is displayed on the first
area 510. Here, since an object 500 that is displayed on the
touched portion is obstructed by the finger, it is difficult for
the user to recognize whether the user exactly touches a
user-desired portion.
[0155] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the user may touch a specific
portion of the ultrasound image 511 by using an electronic pen
(e.g., a stylus pen). Here, since an object 500 that is displayed
on the touched portion is obstructed by the pen, it is difficult
for the user to see whether a user-desired portion is in fact
touched.
[0156] Thus, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may extract a partial
image 512 corresponding to the touch input and may display a copy
image 514 of the partial image 512, on the second area 520. For
example, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may extract the partial image
512 having a size (e.g., 3 cm.times.3 cm) with respect to a
position at which the touch input is detected. Then, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may display the copy image obtained by capturing the
partial image 512, on the second area 520. The ultrasound apparatus
100 may display the copy image so that the object 500 that is
displayed at the position at which the touch input is detected may
be located at a center of the second area 520.
[0157] In this case, the user may exactly recognize at which point
in the ultrasound image 511 the user-touched portion is positioned,
by referring to the copy image. For example, when the user measures
a size of a tumor or a girth of a fetus, the user may check the
copy image, thereby selecting an exact measurement portion.
[0158] When the ultrasound apparatus 100 detects a drag input that
starts at the position at which the touch input is detected, the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may move the object 500, which is
displayed at the position at which the touch input is detected,
according to the drag input, and may display the copy image
displayed on the second region 520 after changing the copy image in
real-time.
[0159] In the present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may display the copy image on the second area 520
adjacent to the first area 510 on which the ultrasound image 511 is
displayed, so that a view of the user is not distracted.
[0160] Hereinafter, a method of providing a copy image during a
predetermined mode, performed by the ultrasound apparatus 100, will
be described in detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment of
FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C.
[0161] FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate screens for providing a copy image
of a reference point at which the ultrasound apparatus 100 selects
a measurement area, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0162] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, when a user selects a Caliper
button and then selects an Ellipse button of a control panel that
is displayed on a third area 630, touches and drags from a first
portion{circle around (1)} of an ultrasound image to a second
portion{circle around (2)} of the ultrasound image, and then takes
off a finger, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display an
oval-shape object for selection of a measurement area on a first
area 610. The user may leftward or rightward drag a cross-shape
reference point 600 that is displayed on a third portion{circle
around (3)}; thus, the user may adjust a size of the measurement
area.
[0163] When the user touches the third portion{circle around (3)},
the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display a copy image having a
predetermined size with respect to a user-touched portion, on a
second area 620. The cross-shape reference point 600 that is
displayed on the third portion{circle around (3)} may be located at
a center of the second area 620.
[0164] As illustrated in FIG. 6B, when the user touches and
simultaneously rightward drags the cross-shape reference point 600
that is displayed on the third portion{circle around (3)}, a point
at which a touch input is detected is continuously changed
according to drag inputs, so that the ultrasound apparatus 100 may
change a copy image in real-time with respect to the point at which
the touch input is detected and may display the copy image on the
second area 620. That is, the copy image having a predetermined
size with respect to the cross-shape reference point 600 may be
changed in real-time and may be displayed on the second area
620.
[0165] The user may recognize an exact position of the cross-shape
reference point 600, which is obstructed by a finger, in the first
area 610 by referring to the copy image displayed on the second
area 620. That is, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may help the user
to exactly measure a size of a tumor or the like, which is very
important in a disease diagnosis or the like.
[0166] As illustrated in FIG. 6C, when the user takes off the
finger from the touch screen, the ultrasound apparatus 100 no
longer displays the copy image on the second area 620.
[0167] In the present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may help the user to exactly recognize a reference
point, which is obstructed by a touch instrument (e.g., a finger or
an electronic pen), by using the copy image.
[0168] Hereinafter, a method of displaying an object on a screen,
the method performed by the ultrasound apparatus 100 to allow a
user to touch, to drag and to freely move the object that is
activated with respect to its motion, will now be described in
detail with reference to FIGS. 7 through 9.
[0169] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of displaying an object,
the method performed by the ultrasound apparatus 100, according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0170] In operation S710, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may extract
a plurality of objects that are movable during a predetermined
mode.
[0171] The predetermined mode may include a measurement mode, an
annotation input mode, a Doppler mode, an M mode, or the like.
During the measurement mode, a circumference, a length, a size, or
the like of an interest area may be measured, a maximum speed, an
instantaneous speed, a slope, or the like in a predetermined sample
volume may be measured, or speed variation according to time may be
measured. Functions of the annotation input mode, the Doppler mode,
and the M mode are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, thus,
detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here.
[0172] The plurality of objects that are movable during the
predetermined mode indicate objects that are movable according to a
user's touch input, when the objects are activated. For example,
each of the objects may include, but is not limited to, at least
one of a reference point, a reference line, annotation, and an
arrow which are used in selecting a measurement point or a
measurement area.
[0173] The objects may be a same type of objects or different types
of objects. The objects may include a first reference point and a
second reference point. The objects may include a first reference
point and a sample volume, or a first reference point and
annotation.
[0174] In operation S720, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may activate
the objects to allow each of the extracted objects to move
according to a user's touch input. That is, in order to allow a
user to freely move each of the extracted objects by performing a
touch input, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may activate all of the
objects.
[0175] In operation S730, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display
together the activated objects and an ultrasound image. In the
present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound image may include, but
is not limited to, a B mode image, a Doppler image, an M mode
image, and an elasticity mode image.
[0176] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may display the activated
objects on the ultrasound image. In an exemplary embodiment, the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may display the activated objects to
partially overlap with the ultrasound image, or may display the
activated objects in an area of a screen which is different from
another area of the screen on which the ultrasound image is
displayed.
[0177] In the present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may receive a touch and drag input with respect to at
least one object from among the activated objects. In this case,
the ultrasound apparatus 100 may move the at least one object
according to the touch and drag input and may display the at least
one object.
[0178] When sizes of objects related to the ultrasound image are
small, it is difficult for the user to exactly select an object by
performing a touch input. Also, although the user exactly touches
the object by using a touch instrument, the object is obstructed by
the touch instrument, such that it is difficult for the user to
recognize an exact position of the object. Thus, in the present
exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may expand a
touch recognition range in which the object is recognized as being
selected.
[0179] For example, the ultrasound apparatus 100 receives a touch
and drag input with respect to a first area within a predetermined
radius from a point at which an activated first object is
displayed, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may recognize that the
ultrasound apparatus 100 has received the touch and drag input with
respect to the first object. Also, when the ultrasound apparatus
100 receives a touch and drag input with respect to a second area
within the predetermined radius from a point at which a second
object from among the activated objects is displayed, the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may move the second object according to
the touch and drag input with respect to the second area and may
display the second object.
[0180] According to exemplary embodiments, a touch recognition
range of the first object and a touch recognition range of the
second object may overlap with each other. When the user touches
and drags the overlapped area, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may
move one of the first and second objects and then may display the
moved object, according to priority order information. The priority
order information means information with respect to which object
from among a plurality of objects is determined to be selected when
the user performs a touch input on an area in which touch
recognition ranges of the plurality of objects overlap with each
other.
[0181] For example, in a case where movement priority orders of the
plurality of objects are preset, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may
move one of the first and second objects according to the preset
movement priority orders. For example, if the priority order is set
so that a lastly-moved object has a lower priority, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may compare movement time information of the first
object with movement time information of the second object, and may
move one of the first and second objects, which has an earlier
movement time, according to the comparison result. Exemplary
embodiments in which a touch recognition range with respect to an
object expands will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
17 through 19.
[0182] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a plurality of activated objects,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0183] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, when a measurement mode for
measuring a size or a circumference of an interest area is
selected, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may extract movable objects
during the measurement mode.
[0184] For example, in a case where a user selects a caliper button
and an Ellipse button of a control panel, touches and
simultaneously drags a third reference point 830 of an ultrasound
image to a fourth reference point 840, and then takes off a finger,
the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display an oval enabled for
selecting a measurement area on the ultrasound image. The
ultrasound apparatus 100 may extract a first reference point 810, a
second reference point 820, the third reference point 830, and the
fourth reference point 840 as the movable objects during the
measurement mode.
[0185] Afterward, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may activate all of
the first reference point 810, the second reference point 820, the
third reference point 830, and the fourth reference point 840.
Thus, the user may move a position of the first reference point 810
by instantly touching and dragging the first reference point 810 in
a right direction, without separate manipulation.
[0186] As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the user may move a position of
the second reference point 820 by directly touching and dragging
the second reference point 820 without separately inactivating the
first reference point 810 and activating the second reference point
820.
[0187] When a length measurement line is added according to a user
input, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may extract objects (e.g., a
fifth reference point 850 and a six reference point 860) that are
movable on the length measurement line, and may activate all of the
extracted objects (e.g., the fifth reference point 850 and the
sixth reference point 860).
[0188] Thus, the user may freely move a measurement reference point
by touching the activated objects (i.e., the first through sixth
objects 810 through 860). That is, according to the present
exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may improve
convenience of the user who uses a touch interface, and may allow
rapid measurement and diagnosis.
[0189] FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which a plurality of
activated objects are moved according to multiple touch inputs.
[0190] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may
receive the multiple touch inputs with respect to a first object
and a second object included in the activated objects. The
ultrasound apparatus 100 may move each of the first and second
objects according to the multiple touch inputs and may display
them.
[0191] For example, in a case where a user selects a caliper button
and an Ellipse button of a control panel, touches and
simultaneously drags a third reference point 930 of an ultrasound
image to a fourth reference point 940, and then takes off a finger,
the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display an oval enabled for
selecting a measurement area on the ultrasound image. The
ultrasound apparatus 100 may extract a first reference point 910, a
second reference point 920, the third reference point 930, and the
fourth reference point 940 as movable objects during a measurement
mode.
[0192] Thus, the user may move two fingers in different directions
while the user touches the first reference point 910 and the second
reference point 920, with the two fingers. The ultrasound apparatus
100 may move each of the first reference point 910 and the second
reference point 920, and thus therefore adjust a length of a long
axis of the oval enabled for selecting the measurement area.
[0193] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate screens for providing a copy
image related to a sample volume 600, performed by the ultrasound
apparatus 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0194] As illustrated in FIG. 10A, when a user selects a PW button
of a control panel displayed on a third area 1030, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may detect user selection and then may display a
sample volume 1000 on a B mode image. In this case, the user may
touch and simultaneously move the sample volume 1000, thereby
selecting a measurement position (e.g., a predetermined blood
vessel) for observation of a Doppler image.
[0195] When the user touches the sample volume 1000, the sample
volume 1000 and an ultrasound image around the sample volume 1000
are obstructed by a finger. Thus, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may
display a copy image having a predetermined size with respect to a
user-touched portion, on a second area 1020. The sample volume 1000
that is displayed on the user-touched portion may be located at a
center of the second area 1020.
[0196] As illustrated in FIG. 10B, when the user touches and
simultaneously drags the sample volume 1000, a point at which a
touch input is detected is continuously changed according to drag
inputs, so that the ultrasound apparatus 100 may change a copy
image in real-time with respect to the point at which the touch
input is detected and may display the copy image on the second area
1020. That is, the copy image having a predetermined size with
respect to the sample volume 1000 may be changed in real-time and
may be displayed on the second area 1020.
[0197] The user may recognize an exact position of the sample
volume 1000, which is obstructed by a finger, in the first area
1010 by referring to the copy image displayed on the second area
1020.
[0198] When the user moves the sample volume 1000 to a user-desired
position and then takes off the finger from the touch screen, the
ultrasound apparatus 100 no longer displays the copy image on the
second area 1020. Then, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may provide
the Doppler image about a blood vessel at which the sample volume
1000 is positioned.
[0199] In the present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may allow the user to recognize a position of the
sample volume 1000, which is obstructed by a touch instrument
(e.g., a finger or an electronic pen), by using the copy image, so
that the ultrasound apparatus 100 may help the user to exactly
select a target blood vessel for a Doppler image.
[0200] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate screens for providing a copy
image and a plurality of activated objects related to a Doppler
image, performed by the ultrasound apparatus 100, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0201] As illustrated in FIG. 11A, after a user adjusts a position
of a sample volume, when the user selects a Caliper button and then
selects a Velocity button of a control panel that is displayed on a
third area 1130, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display a
reference line and reference points for measurement of a velocity
of blood flow with respect to a Doppler image that is displayed on
a first area 1110. The ultrasound apparatus 100 may activate all of
a reference line and reference points 1100, 1101, 1102, and 1103
that are displayed on the screen, so that the reference line and
the reference points 1100, 1101, 1102, and 1103 may be moved
according to a user's touch input.
[0202] Thus, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the
user may touch and simultaneously move the reference point 1100,
thereby selecting a measurement position to measure a maximum
velocity (cm/s) of a blood flow.
[0203] When the user touches the reference point 1100, the
reference point 1100 and a Doppler image around the reference point
1100 are obstructed by a finger. Thus, the ultrasound apparatus 100
may display a copy image having a predetermined size with respect
to a user-touched portion, on a second area 1120. The reference
point 1100 that is displayed on the user-touched portion may be
located at a center of the second area 1120.
[0204] When the user touches and simultaneously drags the reference
point 1100, a point at which a touch input is detected is
continuously changed according to drag inputs, so that the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may change a copy image in real-time with
respect to the point at which the touch input is detected and may
display the copy image on the second area 1120. That is, the copy
image having a predetermined size with respect to the reference
point 1100 may be changed in real-time and may be displayed on the
second area 1120.
[0205] The user may recognize the reference point 1100 and an image
around the reference point 1100, which are obstructed by a finger,
in the first area 1110 by referring to the copy image displayed on
the second area 1120.
[0206] As illustrated in FIG. 11B, when the user moves the
reference point 1100 to a user-desired position and then takes off
the finger from the touch screen, the ultrasound apparatus 100 no
longer displays the copy image on the second area 1120. Then, the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may provide the maximum velocity (cm/s) at
the reference point 1100.
[0207] Because the reference line and the reference points 1100,
1101, 1102, and 1103 that are displayed on the screen are all
activated, the user may freely change positions of at least one of
the reference points 1100, 1101, 1102, and 1103 by touching and
dragging at least one of the reference points 1100, 1101, 1102, and
1103.
[0208] In the present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may allow the user to exactly recognize a position of
the reference point, which is obstructed by a touch instrument
(e.g., a finger or an electronic pen), by using the copy image, so
that the ultrasound apparatus 100 may help the user to exactly
select a velocity measurement position in the Doppler image.
[0209] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate screens for providing a copy
image and a plurality of activated objects related to an M mode
image, performed by the ultrasound apparatus 100, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0210] The M mode image indicates an image in which a motion of an
organ is expressed as brightness, by using ultrasound echo signals
that are repeatedly obtained with respect to one fixed scan line.
The M mode image is mainly used in observing the motion of an organ
such as the heart, which has valves that move fast. When there is
no motion of the organ, the M mode image shows flat lines that are
horizontally parallel to each other, but the flat lines may become
waves according to the motion of the organ.
[0211] As illustrated in FIG. 12A, after a user adjusts a position
of a reference line in the M mode image, when the user selects a
Caliper button and then selects a Slope button of a control panel
that is displayed on a third area 1230, the ultrasound apparatus
100 may display an object for measurement of a slope on the M mode
image that is displayed on a first area 1210.
[0212] The user may touch and simultaneously make a dragging motion
from a first portion corresponding to a first reference point 1201
of the M mode image to a second portion corresponding to a second
reference point 1202 of the M mode image, thereby selecting a
measurement position for the measurement of the slope. The
ultrasound apparatus 100 may activate all of the objects
corresponding to a first reference point 1201 displayed at the
first portion and a second reference point 1202 displayed at the
second portion. Thus, the user may minutely adjust the measurement
position for the measurement of the slope by freely changing
positions of the first object 1201 and the second object 1202 in a
touch and drag manner. According to the present exemplary
embodiment, objects corresponding to a third reference point 1203,
a fourth reference point 1204, a fifth reference point 1205, and a
sixth reference point 1206 that are movable on the M mode image may
be all activated.
[0213] When the user performs dragging from the first reference
point 1201 to the second reference point 1202 by using a finger, a
position at which a touch input is detected is continuously
changed, so that the ultrasound apparatus 100 may change a copy
image in real-time with respect to the position at which the touch
input is detected and may display the copy image on a second area
1220. For example, the user may recognize an exact position of a
second reference point 1202, which is obstructed by a finger, in
the first area 1210 by referring to the copy image displayed on the
second area 1220.
[0214] As illustrated in FIG. 12B, when the user moves the
reference point 1200 to a user-desired position and then takes off
the finger from the touch screen, the ultrasound apparatus 100 no
longer displays the copy image on the second area 1220.
[0215] Because reference points 1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, and
1206 that are displayed on the screen are all activated, the user
may freely change positions of at least one of the reference points
1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, and 1206 by touching and dragging at
least one of the reference points 1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, and
1206.
[0216] In the present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may allow the user to exactly recognize a position of
the reference point, which is obstructed by a touch instrument
(e.g., a finger or an electronic pen), by using the copy image, so
that the ultrasound apparatus 100 may help the user to exactly
select a slope measurement position in the M mode image.
[0217] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C illustrate screens for providing a
copy image related to generation of a body marker, performed by the
ultrasound apparatus 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0218] As illustrated in FIG. 13A, when a user selects a Body
Marker button of a control panel that is displayed on a third area
1330, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may detect the user selection
and may display a list of target figures indicating targets on a
screen. For example, the list of target figures may include an arm
figure, a leg figure, a womb figure, a heart figure, or the
like.
[0219] When the user selects one target figure (e.g., the arm
figure) from the list of target figures, the ultrasound apparatus
100 may display a body marker 1300 on an ultrasound image, wherein
the body marker 1300 includes the selected target figure (i.e., the
arm figure) and a probe figure 1301 indicating a probe position. In
this case, the user may touch and simultaneously move the probe
figure 1301 that indicates the probe position and that is included
in the body marker 1300.
[0220] When the user touches the body marker 1300 by using a
finger, the body marker 1300 and the probe figure 1301 indicating
the probe position are obstructed by the finger. Thus, the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may display a copy image having a
predetermined size with respect to a user-touched portion on a
second area 1320. The body marker 1300 that is displayed on the
user-touched portion may be located at a center of the second area
1320. In particular, according to the present exemplary embodiment,
the target figure that is included in the body marker 1300 may be
located at the center of the second area 1320.
[0221] As illustrated in FIG. 13B, when the user touches and
simultaneously moves the probe figure 1301 that indicates the probe
position and that is included in the body marker 1300, in a lower
left direction, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may change and display
a position of the probe figure 1301, which indicates the probe
position, in a copy image in real-time. According to the present
exemplary embodiment, the target figure (e.g., the arm figure) may
be constantly located at the center of the second area 1320, and
only the position of the probe figure 1301 indicating the probe
position may be changed as compared to FIG. 13A.
[0222] Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, the user may
recognize an exact position of the probe figure 1301, which is
obstructed by a finger, in the first area 1310 by referring to the
copy image displayed on the second area 1320.
[0223] As illustrated in FIG. 13C, when the user takes off the
finger from the body marker 1300, the ultrasound apparatus 100 no
longer displays the copy image of the body marker 1300, on the
second area 1320.
[0224] In the present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may allow the user to exactly recognize the probe
figure 1301 by using the copy image, wherein the probe figure 1301
indicates the probe position and is obstructed by a touch
instrument (e.g., a finger or an electronic pen), so that the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may help the user to generate the body
marker 1300 that exactly indicates a position of a target at which
an ultrasound image is obtained.
[0225] FIG. 14 illustrates a screen for providing a copy image
related to an indication display, performed by the ultrasound
apparatus 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0226] As illustrated in FIG. 14, when a user selects an Arrow
button of a control panel that is displayed on a third area 1430,
the ultrasound apparatus 100 may detect the user selection and may
display an arrow 1400 on an ultrasound image. In this case, the
user may touch and simultaneously move the arrow 1400 to a portion
of an image (e.g., a possible tumor area, a finger of a fetus, or
the like).
[0227] However, when the user touches the arrow 1400, the arrow
1400 and the ultrasound image around the arrow 1400 are obstructed
by a finger. Thus, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display a copy
image having a predetermined size with respect to a user-touched
portion, on a second area 1420. The arrow 1400 that is displayed on
the user-touched portion may be located at a center of the second
area 1420.
[0228] When the user touches and simultaneously drags the arrow
1400, a point at which a touch input is detected is continuously
changed according to drag inputs, so that the ultrasound apparatus
100 may change a copy image in real-time with respect to the point
at which the touch input is detected and may display the copy image
on the second area 1420. The user may recognize an exact position
of the arrow 1400, which is obstructed by a finger in the first
area 1410, by referring to the copy image displayed on the second
area 1420.
[0229] When the user moves the arrow 1400 to a user-desired
position and then takes off the finger from the touch screen, the
ultrasound apparatus 100 no longer displays the copy image on the
second area 1420.
[0230] In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 14, the arrow 1400 is
described as an example of an indicator. However, in one or more
exemplary embodiments, various types (e.g., a finger shape, a star
shape, or the like) of the indicator may be used.
[0231] In the present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may help the user to exactly recognize a position of
the indicator, which is obstructed by a touch instrument (e.g., a
finger or an electronic pen), by using the copy image.
[0232] FIG. 15 illustrates a screen for providing a copy image and
a plurality of activated objects related to an annotation,
performed by the ultrasound apparatus 100, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0233] As illustrated in FIG. 15, when a user selects an Annotation
button of a control panel that is displayed on a third area 1530,
the ultrasound apparatus 100 may detect the user selection and then
may display a window for an input of a first annotation 1501 on an
ultrasound image. In this case, the user may input the first
annotation 1501, and may touch and simultaneously move the input
first annotation 1501 to a target indication portion (e.g., a
possible tumor area or the like).
[0234] However, when the user touches the first annotation 1501,
the first annotation 1501 and an ultrasound image around the first
annotation 1501 are obstructed by a finger. Thus, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may display a copy image having a predetermined size
with respect to a user-touched portion, on a second area 1520. The
first annotation 1501 that is displayed on the user-touched portion
may be located at a center of the second area 1520.
[0235] When the user touches and simultaneously drags the first
annotation 1501, a point at which a touch input is detected is
continuously changed according to drag inputs, so that the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may change a copy image in real-time with
respect to the point at which the touch input is detected and may
display the copy image on the second area 1520. The user may
recognize an exact position of the first annotation 1501, which is
obstructed by a finger in the first area 1510, by referring to the
copy image displayed on the second area 1520.
[0236] When the user moves the first annotation 1501 to a
user-desired position and then takes off the finger from the touch
screen, the ultrasound apparatus 100 no longer displays the copy
image on the second area 1520.
[0237] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may activate all of annotations
1501, 1502, and 1503 that are displayed on the screen. Thus, the
user may freely change positions of the annotations 1502 and 1503
by touching and dragging the annotations 1502 and 1503.
[0238] In the present exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may help the user to exactly recognize the position
of the annotation, which is obstructed by a touch instrument (e.g.,
a finger or an electronic pen), by using the copy image.
[0239] FIG. 16 illustrates a screen for displaying a copy image on
a non-interest area of an ultrasound image, performed by the
ultrasound apparatus 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0240] A second area 1620 on which the copy image is displayed may
include a residual area of a first area 1610 on which an ultrasound
image 1611 is displayed, wherein the residual area does not include
an interest area 1612 of the first area 1610 which is selected by a
user. The GUI is displayed on the third area 1630.
[0241] That is, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may display the copy
image in the first area 1610 on which the ultrasound image 1611 is
displayed, or may overlap the copy image with the first area 1610
and may display the copy image. For example, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may extract the non-interest area excluding the
interest area 1612 of the ultrasound image 1611 that is displayed
on a touch screen, and may display the copy image on the
non-interest area.
[0242] The non-interest area may be the residual area excluding the
interest area 1612 that is selected by the user. For example, in a
mode for observing a fetus, the non-interest area may be a residual
area excluding a predetermined area on which the fetus is
displayed.
[0243] In the present exemplary embodiment, when the user takes off
a touch instrument (e.g., a finger or an electronic pen) from the
touch screen, the ultrasound apparatus 100 no longer displays the
copy image that is displayed on the non-interest area.
[0244] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a touch recognition range with
respect to an object, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0245] As illustrated in FIG. 17A, a user may drag a first object
1711 away from a second object 1721 disposed in an area 1720 to
increase a length of a measurement line. Although a user does not
exactly touch a first object 1711, when the user touches a first
area 1710 around the first object 1711, the ultrasound apparatus
100 may recognize that the first object 1711 is touched. That is,
because the user might not exactly touch the object, or although
the user exactly touches the object, an entire image of the object
may be obstructed by a finger, or the like, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may expand the touch recognition range with respect
to the object.
[0246] As illustrated in FIG. 17B, in a case where the user does
not exactly touch the first object 1711 but touches and
simultaneously drags the first area 1710 around the first object
1711 in a left direction, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may
determine that the ultrasound apparatus 100 has received a touch
and drag input with respect to the first object 1711, so that the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may move the first object 1711 in the left
direction and then may display the first object 1711.
[0247] FIGS. 18A, 18B, 19A and 19B illustrate cases in which touch
recognition ranges of objects overlap with each other, according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0248] As illustrated in FIG. 18A, a user may drag a first object
1811 toward a second object 1821 to decrease a length of a
measurement line. Here, when a distance between the first object
1811 and the second object 1821 is less than a predetermined
distance, as illustrated in FIG. 18B, a touch recognition range
1810 of the first object 1811 and a touch recognition range 1820 of
the second object 1821 may overlap with each other (area 1800).
[0249] As illustrated in FIG. 19A, when the user touches and drags
an overlapped area 1900 in which a touch recognition range 1910 of
the first object 1911 and a touch recognition range 1920 of the
second object 1921 overlap with each other, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may move one of the first object 1911 and the second
object 1921, based on priority order information.
[0250] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19B, when a lastly-moved
object has a priority, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may compare a
movement time of the first object 1911 with a movement time of the
second object 1921. When the movement time of the second object
1921 precedes the movement time of the first object 1911, the
ultrasound apparatus 100 may move the first object 1911 according
to a user's touch and drag input with respect to the overlapped
area 1900.
[0251] FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the
ultrasound apparatus 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0252] The ultrasound apparatus 100 may include the display 110,
the user input unit 120, and a controller 130. However, not all
shown elements are necessary elements. That is, the ultrasound
apparatus 100 may be embodied with more or less elements than the
shown elements.
[0253] Hereinafter, the aforementioned elements are described.
[0254] As described above, the display 110 and a touchpad may form
a mutual layer structure and thus may be formed as a touch screen.
That is, in the present exemplary embodiment, the display 110 may
be used as both an output device and an input device.
[0255] The display 110 may display an ultrasound image on a first
area of the touch screen. The display 110 may display a copy image
on a second area that is different from the first area on which the
ultrasound image is displayed. The display 110 may display the copy
image on the second area so that an object that is displayed on the
first area at a position at which a touch input is detected may be
located at a center of the second area.
[0256] The display 110 may display a copy image of a partial image,
which is changed according to drag inputs, on the second area of
the touch screen. That is, according to the drag inputs by the
user, the copy image that is displayed on the second area may be
changed in real-time. The display 110 may move a predetermined
object, which is dragged by the user, into the first area and then
may display the predetermined object.
[0257] The display 110 may change a control panel for adjustment of
parameter values related to the ultrasound image, according to a
predetermined mode, and then may display the control panel on a
third area of the touch screen.
[0258] The display 110 may display a plurality of copy images. For
example, when multiple touch inputs are detected, the display 110
may display a plurality of copy images about a plurality of partial
images on the second area, wherein the plurality of partial images
correspond to at least two portions of the ultrasound image,
respectively.
[0259] The display 110 may display a copy image on the second area,
wherein the copy image is obtained by magnifying or reducing a
partial image by a predetermined ratio.
[0260] The display 110 may display together a plurality of
activated objects and the ultrasound image. The display 110 may
display the activated objects to partially overlap with the
ultrasound image, may display the activated objects on the
ultrasound image, or may display the activated objects in an area
of a screen which is different from another area of the screen on
which the ultrasound image is displayed.
[0261] The display 110 may move at least one object from among the
activated objects, according to a user's touch and drag input, and
then may display the at least one object.
[0262] The display 110 may move and display a first object
according to a touch and drag input with respect to the first area,
and may move and display a second object according to a touch and
drag input with respect to the second area. The first area may be
an area in which the first object is recognized as being touched,
and the second area may be an area in which the second object is
recognized as being touched. That is, according to the present
exemplary embodiment, the user may change a position of an object
by touching an area around the object without exactly touching the
object.
[0263] The display 110 may move and display each of the first and
second objects according to multiple touch inputs.
[0264] The user input unit 120 is a means by which the user inputs
data to control the ultrasound apparatus 100. For example, the user
input unit 120 may be formed of, but is not limited to, a key pad,
a dome switch, a touchpad (a touch capacitive type touchpad, a
pressure resistive type touchpad, an infrared beam sensing type
touchpad, a surface acoustic wave type touchpad, an integral strain
gauge type touchpad, a Piezo effect type touchpad, or the like), a
jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like. In particular, as described
above, when a display panel and the touchpad form a layer
structure, the structure may be a touch screen. In the present
exemplary embodiment, the user input unit 120 may detect not only
an actual touch but also may detect a proximate touch.
[0265] The user input unit 120 may detect a touch input (e.g., a
touch and hold input, a tap input, a double-tap input, a flick
input, a touch and drag input, or the like) with respect to an
ultrasound image. The user input unit 120 may detect a drag input
that starts at a position at which the touch input is first
detected. The user input unit 120 may detect multiple touch inputs
(e.g., a pinch input) with respect to at least two portions of the
ultrasound image.
[0266] The user input unit 120 may receive a touch and drag input
with respect to the first area within a predetermined radius from a
point at which the first object from among the activated objects is
displayed, and may receive a touch and drag input with respect to
the second area within the predetermined radius from a point at
which the second object from among the activated objects is
displayed. A value of the predetermined radius may be set by the
user or the ultrasound apparatus 100 and may be changed.
[0267] The user input unit 120 may receive a touch and drag input
with respect to an area in which the first area and the second area
overlap with each other.
[0268] The controller 130 controls operations of the ultrasound
apparatus 100 and may include one or more processors. For example,
the controller 130 may control the display 110 and the user input
unit 120.
[0269] For example, the controller 130 may control the display 110
to extract a partial image of the ultrasound image that corresponds
to the touch input, and then to display a copy image of the partial
image on the second area that is different from the first area.
[0270] The controller 130 may obtain information about a position
of the touch screen at which the touch input is detected, and may
extract a partial image from the ultrasound image, wherein the
partial image has a preset size with respect to the position at
which the touch input is detected. The controller 130 may select
the second area that is different from the first area on which the
ultrasound image is displayed and that is different from the third
area on which the control panel is displayed as a GUI.
[0271] When the controller 130 no longer detects a touch input, the
controller 130 may remove the copy image from the second area. That
is, when the user touches a specific portion of the ultrasound
image and then takes off a finger from the ultrasound image, the
copy image that is displayed on the second area may disappear.
[0272] The controller 130 may extract a plurality of objects that
are movable during a predetermined mode, and may activate the
objects so that each of the objects may be moved according to a
user's touch input.
[0273] When the touch and drag input with respect to the area in
which the first area and the second area overlap with each other is
received, the controller 130 may control the display 110 to move
and display one of the first and second objects based on the
priority order information. For example, the controller 130 may
compare movement time information of the first object with movement
time information of the second object, and may control the display
110 to move and display one of the first and second objects,
according to the comparison result.
[0274] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a structure of the
ultrasound apparatus 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0275] As illustrated in FIG. 21, the ultrasound apparatus 100 may
include an ultrasound image obtainer 140, an image processor 150, a
memory 160, and a communicator 170, in addition to the display 110,
the user input unit 120, and the controller 130.
[0276] The ultrasound image obtainer 140 may include a probe (not
shown) to transmit and receive an ultrasound signal, and a
beamformer (not shown) to perform a transmit focusing operation and
a receive focusing operation with respect to the ultrasound signal.
In the present exemplary embodiment, the probe may include at least
one of 1D (Dimension), 1.5D, 2D (matrix), and 3D probes.
[0277] The image processor 150 may capture a partial image
corresponding to a touch input and then may generate a copy image
of the partial image. When a touch input that is maintained over a
predetermined time is detected, the image processor 150 may capture
the partial image and then may generate the copy image. For
example, when a touch input that is maintained over 2 seconds is
detected, the image processor 150 may generate the copy image. The
image processor 150 may capture the partial image at regular
intervals or may capture the partial image when a position of the
touch input is changed. A method of generating the copy image,
performed by the image processor 150, is known to one of ordinary
skill in the art related to the image processing technology; thus,
detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0278] The memory 160 may store a program for processing and
controlling the controller 130, and/or pieces of data (e.g., a
preset gain value, an ultrasound image, examinee information, probe
information, a body marker, or the like) that are input/output.
[0279] The memory 160 may include a flash memory-type storage
medium, a hard disk-type storage medium, a multimedia card
micro-type storage medium, a card type memory (e.g., an SD card
memory or an XD card memory), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a
Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a
Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic
disc, and an optical disc. The ultrasound apparatus 100 may operate
a web storage system that performs a storing function of the memory
160 over the Internet.
[0280] The communicator 170 may include one or more configuring
elements that allow communication between the ultrasound apparatus
100 and an external device (not shown). For example, the
communicator 170 may include a near field communication (NFC)
module, a mobile communication module, a wireless internet module,
a wired internet module, or the like.
[0281] The NFC module may include, but is not limited to, a
wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, BLE, Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee,
NFC, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), and infrared Data Association (IrDA).
[0282] The mobile communication module exchanges a wireless signal
with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a
server via a mobile communication network. The wireless internet
module is for accessing wireless Internet. The wireless internet
module may be embedded in the ultrasound apparatus 100 or may be
arranged outside the ultrasound apparatus 100. The wired internet
module is for access to wired internet.
[0283] In the present exemplary embodiment, the communicator 170
may transmit the ultrasound image or the like to the external
device. The external device may include, but is not limited to, a
mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet PC, an
electronic book terminal, a terminal for digital broadcasting, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player
(PMP), a digital camera, or the like.
[0284] An exemplary embodiment may also be embodied as programmed
commands to be executed by various computer means, and may then be
recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. The
computer-readable recording medium may include one or more of the
programmed commands, data files, data structures, or the like. The
programmed commands recorded to the computer-readable recording
medium may be particularly designed or configured for exemplary
embodiments or may be of those well known to one of ordinary skill
in the art. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium
include magnetic media including hard disks, magnetic tapes, and
floppy disks, optical media including CD-ROMs, and DVDs,
magneto-optical media including optical disks, and a hardware
apparatus designed to store and execute the programmed commands in
read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memories,
and the like. Examples of the programmed commands include not only
machine codes generated by a compiler but also include codes to be
executed in a computer by using an interpreter.
[0285] The foregoing exemplary embodiments and advantages are
merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting. The
present teaching can be readily applied to other types of
apparatuses. Also, the description of the exemplary embodiments is
intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the
claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will
be apparent to those skilled in the art.
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