Ultrasonic probe, position display apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

An ultrasonic diagnostic method performed by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the method comprising:

• displaying a two-dimensional ultrasonic image on an image display unit;
• based on specific information that indicates at least one of a pair of specific points and a specific line in the two-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the image display unit, displaying, by a display control unit implemented using a central processing unit (CPU), at least one of a point and a line corresponding to the at least one of the pair of specific points and the specific line on a probe display unit of an ultrasonic probe connected to the CPU, wherein the probe display unit is fixed to the ultrasonic probe and is configured to display at least the pair of specific points and the specific line;
• calculating, by an index input unit implemented using the CPU, routes from one of i) the pair of specific points to a surface of a target object in the two-dimensional ultrasonic image and ii) a first end and a second end of the specific line to the surface of the target object in the two-dimensional ultrasonic image;
• determining, by the index input unit, intersection points of the routes and the surface of the target object in the two-dimensional ultrasound image;
• converting the intersection points to coordinates corresponding to the probe display unit;
• and
• displaying the intersection points at respective positions corresponding to the coordinates on the probe display unit after said converting.

An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising:

• an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:
• an image display unit configured to display a two-dimensional ultrasonic image;
• an index input unit configured to input specific information, wherein the specific information indicates at least one of a pair of specific points and a specific line on the two-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on said image display unit, wherein said index input unit is configured to calculate routes from one of i) the pair of specific points to a surface of a target object in the two-dimensional ultrasonic image and ii) a first end and a second end of the specific line to the surface of the target object in the two-dimensional ultrasonic image, wherein said index input unit is configured to determine intersection points of the routes and the surface of the target object in the two-dimensional ultrasonic image;
• a display control unit configured to display at least one of a pair of points and a line corresponding to the at least one of the pair of specific points and the specific line on a probe display unit;
• a position output unit configured to convert the intersection points to coordinates corresponding to the probe display unit;
• wherein said index input unit, display control unit and said position output unit are implemented using a central processing unit;
• and
• an ultrasonic probe comprising;
• a transducer array oriented in a predetermined direction and configured to transmit an ultrasound beam to the target object and receive a reflected ultrasound beam from the target object;
• the probe display unit coupled to said ultrasonic probe and wherein the probe display unit has a length at least as long as a length of the transducer array;
• and
• a cable extending from said ultrasonic probe to said ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, said cable configured to couple said ultrasonic probe to said ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus,
• wherein the display control unit is further configured to display the intersection points at respective positions corresponding to the coordinates on the probe display unit.