A whole breast ultrasound scanning method and breast ultrasound imaging apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a whole breast ultrasound scanning method and a breast ultrasound imaging device, and is applied to the breast ultrasound imaging device, the breast ultrasound imaging device comprising a whole breast ultrasound probe, the method comprising: acquiring the type of a scanning surface to be measured; displaying a guide mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe according to the type of the scanning surface to be measured; after the whole breast ultrasound probe is placed on the target area of the breast to be measured, controlling the transducer to emit first ultrasonic waves during movement in the accommodation space, receiving first ultrasonic echoes and obtaining first ultrasonic echo signals; and generating a whole breast ultrasound image according to the first ultrasonic echo signals. The guide mark is displayed on the whole breast ultrasound probe, so that the user can accurately place the whole breast ultrasound probe on the target position of the breast to be measured, thereby obtaining an ultrasonic image corresponding to a scanning surface in line with clinical specifications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of breast ultrasound scanning technology, and more specifically to a whole breast ultrasound scanning method and a breast ultrasound imaging device. Background Technology

[0002] Breast cancer screening machines, due to their standardized scanning images, enable the separation of medical and technical processes: technicians perform screenings at the grassroots level, while doctors remotely review the images offline. This is highly suitable for breast cancer screening at the grassroots level and leverages internet technology to achieve telemedicine and tiered medical services, reducing doctors' workload while simultaneously sharing medical resources. However, scanning and image review are not performed by the same person, nor are they simultaneous. The reviewing expert cannot see the patient and can only provide a diagnosis based on the images; therefore, image quality is extremely important.

[0003] Currently, there is a significant gap in skill levels between ultrasound technicians and doctors at different levels of hospitals. Technicians at the grassroots level often lack standardized and proficient operation of mammography machines. If the operation is not standardized, the images will be unusable for remote interpretation and diagnosis, or lead to patients needing follow-up visits, wasting medical resources. For doctors interpreting the images, low-quality whole breast data requires more time for repeated review and confirmation, reducing diagnostic efficiency and even increasing the risk of missed or misdiagnosed cases. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first aspect of this application provides a whole-breast ultrasound scanning method applied to a breast ultrasound imaging device. The breast ultrasound imaging device includes a whole-breast ultrasound probe, the whole-breast ultrasound probe including a transducer, an acoustic window, and a housing. The transducer is located within a receiving space formed by the acoustic window and the housing, and the transducer is movable within the receiving space. The method includes: acquiring the type of the scan surface to be tested; displaying a guidance mark on the whole-breast ultrasound probe according to the type of the scan surface to be tested, the guidance mark being used to guide a user to place the whole-breast ultrasound probe at a target position in the breast region to be tested, the target position being the scanning position corresponding to the scan surface to be tested in the breast region to be tested; after the whole-breast ultrasound probe is placed on the breast region to be tested, the transducer emits a first ultrasound wave during movement within the receiving space, receives a first ultrasound echo, and obtains a first ultrasound echo signal; and generating a whole-breast ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound echo signal.

[0005] A second aspect of this application provides a whole-breast ultrasound scanning method applied to a breast ultrasound imaging device, the breast ultrasound imaging device including a whole-breast ultrasound probe. The method includes: receiving a control signal; displaying a guide mark on the whole-breast ultrasound probe; the guide mark being used to guide a user to place the whole-breast ultrasound probe at a target position in the breast region to be tested, the target position being a scanning position corresponding to a preset scanning surface in the breast region to be tested; after the whole-breast ultrasound probe is placed in the breast region to be tested, controlling the whole-breast ultrasound probe to emit ultrasound waves, receiving ultrasound echoes and obtaining ultrasound echo signals, and processing the ultrasound echo signals to obtain an ultrasound image.

[0006] A third aspect of this application provides a breast ultrasound imaging device, comprising a whole breast ultrasound probe, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a processor, and a light-emitting element, wherein: the whole breast ultrasound probe includes an acoustic window, a housing, and a transducer, the transducer being located within a receiving space formed by the acoustic window and the housing, and the transducer being movable within the receiving space; the processor is configured to acquire the type of the scanned surface to be tested; and control the light-emitting element to display a guide mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe according to the type of the scanned surface to be tested, the guide mark being configured to guide the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe at a target position in the breast region to be tested, the target position being the scanning position corresponding to the scanned surface to be tested in the breast region to be tested; the transmitting circuit is configured to excite the transducer to emit a first ultrasonic wave during the movement of the transducer within the receiving space; the receiving circuit is configured to control the transducer to receive a first ultrasonic echo and obtain a first ultrasonic echo signal during the movement of the transducer within the receiving space; the processor is further configured to generate a whole breast ultrasound image based on the first ultrasonic echo signal.

[0007] A fourth aspect of this application provides a breast ultrasound imaging device, comprising a whole-breast ultrasound probe, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, and a processor, wherein: the whole-breast ultrasound probe is used to receive control signals to display guidance indicators, the guidance indicators being used to guide the user to place the whole-breast ultrasound probe at a target position in the breast region to be tested, the target position being a scanning position corresponding to a preset scanning surface in the breast region to be tested; the transmitting circuit is used to excite the transducer to emit ultrasonic waves; the receiving circuit is used to control the transducer to receive ultrasonic echoes and obtain ultrasonic echo signals; and the processor is used to process the echo signals to generate ultrasound images.

[0008] A fifth aspect of this application provides a breast ultrasound imaging device, comprising a whole-breast ultrasound probe, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, and a processor, wherein: the whole-breast ultrasound probe includes an acoustic window, a housing, and a transducer, the transducer being located within a receiving space formed by the acoustic window and the housing, and the transducer being movable within the receiving space; at least a portion of the housing and at least a portion of the acoustic window are transparent, allowing a user to observe the breast to be tested through the housing and the acoustic window; the acoustic window has a guide mark for guiding the user to place the whole-breast ultrasound probe at a target position in the breast region to be tested, the target position being a scanning position corresponding to a preset scanning surface on the breast; the transmitting circuit is used to excite the transducer to emit a first ultrasound wave during the movement of the transducer within the receiving space; the receiving circuit is used to control the transducer to receive a first ultrasound echo and obtain a first ultrasound echo signal during the movement of the transducer within the receiving space; the processor is further used to generate a whole-breast ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound echo signal.

[0009] The whole breast ultrasound scanning method and breast ultrasound imaging device of this application display guiding marks on the whole breast ultrasound probe so that the user can accurately place the whole breast ultrasound probe on the target position of the breast area to be tested, thereby obtaining an ultrasound image corresponding to the scanning surface that conforms to clinical standards. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of this application and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain this application and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0011] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the standard scanning plane of a whole breast ultrasound scan.

[0012] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of a breast ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a whole breast ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a guide mark on a whole breast ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of this application is illustrated.

[0015] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a guide mark on a whole breast ultrasound probe according to another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0016] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart illustrating a whole breast ultrasound scanning method according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0017] Figure 7 A schematic flowchart illustrating a whole breast ultrasound scanning method according to another embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] It is understood that the terminology in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Unless the context clearly states otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "described" are also intended to include the plural forms. The term "comprising," and any variations thereof, is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. Furthermore, this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The purpose of providing the following specific embodiments is to facilitate a clearer and more thorough understanding of the disclosure of this application, wherein terms indicating orientation such as up, down, left, and right refer only to the position of the illustrated structure in the corresponding drawings.

[0020] The following description outlines some embodiments of this application; however, this description is intended to illustrate the general principles of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The scope of protection of this application shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0021] In whole breast ultrasound scanning, the probe of the breast ultrasound device can be placed on one scanning plane at a time to acquire a whole breast ultrasound image corresponding to that scanning plane. This whole breast ultrasound image can be three-dimensional, where different scanning planes cover different areas of the breast, resulting in whole breast ultrasound images showing different regions of the breast. Clinically, each patient's unilateral breast generally requires scanning 3-5 standard scanning planes. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1A simplified diagram illustrates this. For example, small breasts only require three standard planes to cover the entire breast: the anterior-posterior plane (AP), the lateral plane (LAT), and the medial plane (MED). For full breasts, in addition to the aforementioned three planes, the superior plane (SUP) and inferior plane (BIP) also need to be scanned. For patients with axillary lymph node abnormalities, the axillary region needs to be scanned (Axilla). For a specific lesion or certain special needs, the operator can also customize the scanning planes.

[0022] One procedure for a user (technician) to perform a whole breast ultrasound scan using a mammography machine is as follows: The patient lies supine, the user inputs patient information, determines which breast to scan, the type of scan plane, and the scanning order; the user guides the whole breast ultrasound probe's outer shell to cover a specific area of ​​the breast area being compressed, based on the current scan plane type; the user locks the whole breast ultrasound probe, adjusts parameters such as pressure and size, and then clicks "Start Ultrasound Scan." After one ultrasound scan is completed, a whole breast ultrasound image corresponding to one scan plane is obtained. The whole breast ultrasound probe is then unlocked, and the user guides the probe's outer shell to cover the next specific area of ​​the breast area being compressed, based on the next scan plane type. This process is repeated, locking the probe, adjusting parameters, and starting another ultrasound scan. Alternatively, other whole breast ultrasound scan procedures can be implemented: the user does not pre-determine the scan plane type and scanning order, but selects the next scan plane type and begins the next section of the whole breast ultrasound scan after each scan plane is completed. Or, in actual scanning work, the user can also modify the type of the next scan plane based on the actual situation or scanning expectations, temporarily decide to repeat the scan, or add a specific plane.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 2 The breast ultrasound imaging device 10 may include a whole breast ultrasound probe 100, a transmitting circuit 101, a transmit / receive selection switch 102, a receiving circuit 103, a beamforming circuit 104, a processor 105, and a display 106. The transmitting circuit 101 can excite the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 to emit ultrasound waves towards the target tissue; the receiving circuit 103 can control the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 to receive the ultrasound echoes returning from the target tissue, thereby obtaining an ultrasound echo signal; the ultrasound echo signal is processed by the beamforming circuit 104 and then sent to the processor 105. The processor 105 processes the ultrasound echo signal to obtain an ultrasound image of the target tissue. The ultrasound images obtained by the processor 105 can be stored in a memory 107, and these ultrasound images can be displayed on the display 106.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a whole breast ultrasound probe 100. The whole breast ultrasound probe 100 may include an acoustic window 3, a housing 2, a transducer 4, and a driving device 5. The transducer 4 is located within the receiving space formed by the acoustic window 3 and the housing 2, and the driving device 5 can drive the transducer 4 to move within the receiving space. When using the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 to perform a whole breast ultrasound scan, the acoustic window 3 presses against the breast area, and the ultrasound waves emitted by the transducer 4 pass through the acoustic window 3 and enter the breast area to be tested. The ultrasound echo returning from the breast area to be tested passes through the acoustic window and is received by the transducer. The housing 2 of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 may also include a handle 21, allowing the user to hold the handle 21 to place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 at a specific position on the breast area to be tested.

[0025] In one embodiment, after the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is placed and ultrasound scanning begins, the transducer 4 moves within the receiving space formed by the acoustic window 3 and the housing 2. For example, it can move from one side of the receiving space to the other side. During the movement of the transducer 4 within the receiving space, the transmitting circuit 101 excites the transducer 4 to emit ultrasound waves toward the breast region to be tested, and the receiving circuit 103 controls the transducer 4 to receive the ultrasound echoes returning from the breast region to be tested, thereby obtaining an ultrasound echo signal. The processor 105 processes the ultrasound echo signal to obtain a set of ultrasound images obtained by the transducer 4 emitting ultrasound waves and receiving ultrasound echoes at different locations within the containment space. This set of ultrasound images includes ultrasound images corresponding to different locations of the breast region to be tested. The processor 105 further performs three-dimensional reconstruction on this set of ultrasound images to obtain a three-dimensional whole breast ultrasound image. This set of ultrasound images can be a set of two-dimensional ultrasound images, including but not limited to B-mode ultrasound images, C-mode ultrasound images, elastography images, and other ultrasound image types. Of course, this set of ultrasound images can also be a set of one-dimensional ultrasound images, a set of three-dimensional ultrasound images, a set of four-dimensional ultrasound images, or a set of ultrasound images formed by a combination of various ultrasound images.

[0026] Three-dimensional whole-breast ultrasound images obtained through whole-breast ultrasound scanning can be transmitted via network from the technician's breast ultrasound imaging equipment to a breast specialist's computer or breast ultrasound imaging equipment at a remote location. The breast specialist can use the three-dimensional whole-breast ultrasound images to observe the overall condition of breast lesions, or to extract any section from the image to observe the lesion section. Beyond this method of transmitting three-dimensional whole-breast ultrasound images via network, when the technician's breast ultrasound imaging equipment has limited processing power, it can also transmit a set of ultrasound images obtained during the transducer's movement within the containment space to the breast specialist's computer or breast ultrasound imaging equipment. Three-dimensional reconstruction is then performed on the breast specialist's computer or breast ultrasound imaging equipment to obtain a three-dimensional whole-breast ultrasound image. The breast ultrasound imaging device at the technician's end can also transmit the ultrasound echo signal obtained during the movement of the transducer within the containment space to the computer or breast ultrasound imaging device at the breast specialist's end. The computer or breast ultrasound imaging device at the breast specialist's end processes the ultrasound echo signal to obtain a set of ultrasound images, and further performs three-dimensional reconstruction on the set of ultrasound images to obtain a three-dimensional whole breast ultrasound image.

[0027] like Figure 6 As shown, an embodiment of the whole breast ultrasound imaging scanning method will be discussed below in conjunction with the composition of the breast ultrasound imaging equipment.

[0028] In step 201, the type of the scanned surface to be tested is obtained.

[0029] For example, the display 106 can show multiple standard scanning planes of the breast. The user can use an input device to select one of the multiple standard scanning planes to start the scanning process corresponding to the selected standard scanning plane. In other embodiments, the display 106 can also be a touch screen, where the user can directly tap an icon on the touch screen to select one of the multiple standard scanning planes to start the scanning process corresponding to the selected standard scanning plane. The display 106 is not limited to standard scanning planes of the breast; it can also be user-defined scanning planes or other scanning planes that the user needs to scan based on the patient's specific needs. Of course, the user can select the scanning plane to be scanned before the scan of each scanning plane begins; the user can also preset the scanning order of each scanning plane before the scan of all scanning planes begins, and after the scan begins, the scanning planes are scanned continuously in the preset order.

[0030] In step 201, the processor 105 obtains the type of the scan surface to be scanned. This can be the type of the scan surface input by the user through an input device (including a touch screen) before the scan of each scan surface begins; or it can be the type of the scan surface to be scanned obtained according to the scan order after the user has preset the scan order for each scan surface. The types of scan surfaces include, but are not limited to, at least one of standard scan surfaces, custom scan surfaces, and other scan surfaces. The types of standard scan surfaces include, but are not limited to, at least one of front and back (AP), outer side (LAT), inner side (MED), upper side (SUP), lower side (BIP), and underarm (Axilla). The types of scan surfaces can also be further divided into two sets of scan surfaces: left breast and right breast.

[0031] In step 202, a guide mark is displayed on the whole breast ultrasound probe according to the type of the scanning surface to be tested. The guide mark is used to guide the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe at the target position in the breast area to be tested. The target position is the scanning position of the scanning surface to be tested in the breast area to be tested.

[0032] The processor 105 displays a guidance mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe according to the type of the scan surface to be scanned. This guidance mark guides the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 at a target location within the breast region to be scanned. The target location is the corresponding scanning position of the scan surface to be scanned within the breast region. Understandably, throughout the whole breast ultrasound scan, the target location is related to the type of the scan surface to be scanned (i.e., the scan surface to be scanned). For example, when the type of the scan surface to be scanned is the lateral scan surface of the right breast, such as... Figure 1 The icon corresponding to the right lateral breast scan (R Lat) in the diagram shows the shaded area, which is the corresponding scanning position of the right lateral breast scan on the breast region, i.e., the target location indicated by the guide marker. When the type of scan to be tested is the anterior and posterior scan of the right breast, such as... Figure 1 The icon corresponding to the right breast anterior-posterior scan plane (RAP) in the diagram shows the shaded area on the breast region, which is the corresponding scan position of the right breast anterior-posterior scan plane on the breast region, and is also the target position that the guide mark needs to point to.

[0033] The guidance mark is a marker that guides the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 at the target position in the breast region to be tested. This guidance mark varies depending on the type of scanning surface to be tested, to meet the clinical needs of placing the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 at different target positions in the breast region to be tested for different types of scanning surfaces. The processor 105 displays the guidance mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 according to the type of scanning surface to be tested. This guidance mark can be displayed on the acoustic window 3 of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, on the outer shell 2, or on the external aiming frame of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 (not shown), etc., in a location easily observed by the user when operating the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, so that the user can place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 at the target position in the breast region to be tested according to the guidance mark.

[0034] The guidance markings can be markings indicating the coupling range between the acoustic window 3 and the breast region when the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is placed at the target position; they can also be arrow markings indicating the movement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 in various directions; or they can be schematic markings indicating the target position of the breast region, etc., to guide the user to accurately place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 at the target position in the breast region to be tested.

[0035] The display of a guide mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe, depending on the type of the scan surface to be tested, can be achieved by the processor 105 automatically displaying the guide mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 after obtaining the type of the scan surface to be tested; or by the user manually triggering the guide mark function, and the processor 105 displaying the guide mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 according to the trigger command; or by the user manually triggering the guide mark function, and then the processor 105 executing step 201 to obtain the type of the scan surface to be tested, and then automatically displaying the guide mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100.

[0036] Guide markers are displayed on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 according to the type of scan area to be examined. This helps inexperienced technicians accurately place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 at the target location in the breast area to be examined, or guide the technician to move the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 to the target location after it has been placed in the breast area to be examined. This target location varies depending on the type of scan area to be examined, allowing technicians to place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 according to the guidance markers when scanning various scan areas of the patient. This adapts to the scanning position requirements of different scan areas, obtaining high-quality whole breast ultrasound images to meet subsequent diagnostic needs.

[0037] Taking the guidance mark as an indication of the coupling range between the acoustic window 3 and the breast region as an example, the guidance mark may include at least one of a guidance mark for the breast coupling range and a guidance mark for the nipple coupling range. The guidance mark for the breast coupling range, depending on the type of the scanned surface, indicates the coupling range between the acoustic window 3 and the breast when the whole-breast ultrasound probe 100 is placed at the target position in the breast region to be tested. Specifically, it may be similar to... Figure 1 The breast coupling range can be indicated by a shadow on the breast region, or by an outline of the breast coupling range on the breast region, or by a shadow or outline of the breast coupling range on the acoustic window 3. Similarly, the nipple coupling range indicator, depending on the type of scanning surface to be tested, indicates the coupling range between the acoustic window 3 and the nipple when the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is placed at the target position in the breast region to be tested. Specifically, it can also be an indication of the nipple coupling range by a shadow or outline of the nipple coupling range on the breast region, or by a shadow or outline of the breast coupling range on the acoustic window 3. Of course, the guidance markings may also include only one of the guidance markings for the breast coupling range and the guidance markings for the nipple coupling range. For example, when the type of the scan area to be tested is the axilla, the guidance markings may only include the guidance markings for the breast coupling range to guide the user to correctly couple the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 to the breast, that is, the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 can be considered to be placed at the target position in the breast area to be tested. In other cases, when the requirements for the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 are not so strict, only one of the guidance markings for the breast coupling range and the guidance markings for the nipple coupling range may be used.

[0038] The display methods of the guide marks for the breast coupling range and the guide marks for the nipple coupling range can be different, including but not limited to at least one of the following: different colors, different shapes, different lines, and different thicknesses. For example, the guide mark for the breast coupling range may be a yellow shaded area on the breast region, and the guide mark for the nipple coupling range may be a red shaded area on the breast region; or, the guide mark for the breast coupling range may be a dashed outline on the acoustic window 3, and the guide mark for the nipple coupling range may be a solid outline on the acoustic window 3.

[0039] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the housing 2 and at least a portion of the acoustic window 3 of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 are transparent, allowing the user to observe the breast area to be tested through the housing 2 and the acoustic window 3. Guiding markers may be located on the acoustic window 3. Please refer to... Figure 3The transparent area 22 of the outer shell 2 allows the user to observe the transducer 4 and the acoustic window below it. The transparent area 31 of the acoustic window 3 allows the user to observe the patient's breast area through the transparent areas 22 and 31 of the outer shell and the acoustic window, facilitating the movement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 and ensuring its accurate placement on the target location within the breast area. Alternatively, both the outer shell 2 and the acoustic window 3 of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 can be entirely transparent, providing the user with a wider field of view when moving the probe, making it easier and more accurate to place the probe on the target location within the breast area.

[0040] At least a portion of the outer shell 2 and at least a portion of the acoustic window 3 are transparent, further facilitating the user's visual observation of the coupling range between the acoustic window 3 and the breast region. Therefore, a guide mark can be placed on the acoustic window 3. For example, the guide mark can be a contour mark of the breast coupling range on the acoustic window 3. This contour mark is displayed on the acoustic window, and when placing the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, the user can observe through the transparent area 22 of the outer shell and the transparent area 31 of the acoustic window, adjusting the contour of the actual coupling range of the breast to coincide with or be within the contour mark displayed on the acoustic window 3, thereby guiding the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 at the target position in the breast region to be tested.

[0041] For example, such as Figures 3 to 5As shown, at least a portion of the outer shell 2 and at least a portion of the acoustic window 3 are transparent. A guide mark 7 is located on the acoustic window 3. The user can observe the breast region to be tested and the guide mark 7 on the acoustic window 3 through the transparent area 22 of the outer shell 2 and the transparent area 31 of the acoustic window 3. The guide mark 7 may include a guide mark 71 for the breast coupling range and a guide mark 72 for the nipple coupling range. During the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, the user can observe the breast region to be tested through the transparent area 22 of the outer shell 2 and the transparent area 31 of the acoustic window 3. The user can move the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 until the guide mark 7 is located above the target position of the breast region to be tested, where the guide mark 71 for the breast coupling range is located at the corresponding position on the patient's breast, and the guide mark 72 for the nipple coupling range is located at the corresponding position on the patient's nipple. The user further controls the whole-breast ultrasound probe 100 to press against the breast area to be tested. During the pressing process, the user can continuously adjust the position of the whole-breast ultrasound probe 100 so that the target position of the breast area to be tested, as observed from the transparent area 22 of the outer shell 2 and the transparent area 31 of the acoustic window 3, coincides with or is within the guidance mark 7. That is, the coupling boundary between the breast area to be tested and the acoustic window 3 coincides with or is within the guidance mark 71 for the breast coupling range, and the coupling boundary between the nipple area to be tested and the acoustic window 3 coincides with or is within the guidance mark 72 for the nipple coupling range. Of course, if the user finds that the coupling range between the breast area to be tested and the acoustic window 3 does not match the guidance mark 7 after pressing the whole-breast ultrasound probe 100 to the breast area to be tested, the user can lift the whole-breast ultrasound probe 100 again and adjust it according to the previous pressing coupling situation and the guidance mark 7 before pressing it against the breast area to be tested again.

[0042] The processor 105 displays guiding indicators on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 according to the type of the scanned surface to be measured. These guiding indicators vary depending on the type of scanned surface. For example, such as... Figure 4 As shown, when the processor 105 acquires the type of the scan plane to be tested as the right anterior-posterior breast (RAP), it can display two concentric circles of different sizes on the acoustic window. The outer circle is a guide marker 71 for the breast coupling range, and the inner circle is a guide marker 72 for the nipple coupling range. This guides the user to place the patient's breast and nipple in the central area of ​​the acoustic window 3. The acoustic window 3 compresses the breast and nipple from directly above to obtain a scan image of the right anterior-posterior breast (RAP) in a standard scan plane that meets clinical requirements. For example, as... Figure 5As shown, when the processor 105 acquires the type of the scan surface to be tested as the right lateral breast (RLat), it can display a graphic consisting of an arc and two straight lines on the acoustic window, namely the guide mark 71 for the breast coupling range, and a long strip located on the central axis of the guide mark 71, namely the guide mark 72 for the nipple coupling range, to guide the user to squeeze the breast and nipple from the outside of the breast area to be tested on the right side of the patient with the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, so that the coupling range of the patient's breast with the acoustic window 3 coincides with or is located inside the guide mark 71, and the coupling range of the patient's nipple with the acoustic window 3 is located inside the guide mark 72. With the help of the guide mark 7, the user can accurately place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 on the target position corresponding to the right lateral breast (RLat), thereby obtaining a scan image of the right lateral breast (RLat) in a standard scan surface that meets clinical requirements. Understandably, the types of scan surfaces to be tested also include left breast scan surfaces and right breast scan surfaces, and the displayed guide marks can also be different accordingly. Here, we take the scan surface corresponding to the right breast as an example. Correspondingly, the guide marks corresponding to the left breast can be mirror images of the guide marks for the right breast or other variations, which will not be elaborated here.

[0043] In one embodiment, the breast imaging device further includes a light-emitting element. Step 202, displaying a guide mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe according to the type of the scanned surface, includes controlling the light-emitting element to project the guide mark onto the acoustic window 3 according to the type of the scanned surface. This light-emitting element can be a projection device, spotlight, or light strip, or any other element capable of emitting visible light. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 3 to 5 The light-emitting element can be located on the connecting rod 6 that connects the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 to the main unit; it can also be located inside the housing 2 of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, for example, at the corresponding position inside the housing 2 and the connecting rod 6, or at the corresponding position inside the housing 2 and the handle 21; it can also be located outside the housing 2 of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, for example, at the connection between the handle 21 and the housing 2, etc., in a position that allows the light-emitting element to project visible light onto the acoustic window 3 to form a guide mark. It should be emphasized that the light-emitting element projecting the guide mark onto the acoustic window 3 is not limited to the light-emitting element being located outside the acoustic window, where the light-emitting element illuminates the acoustic window 3 with the emitted light to display the guide mark on the acoustic window 3; the light-emitting element can also be located directly on the acoustic window, where the light emitted by the light-emitting element directly illuminates the acoustic window 3, allowing the user to clearly identify the guide mark projected by the light-emitting element.

[0044] The light-emitting element can be fixedly connected to the breast ultrasound imaging device so that the distance between the light-emitting element and the acoustic window 3 remains unchanged, so that the position or size of the guide mark on the acoustic window 3 will not change due to the movement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100; of course, the light-emitting element can also be movably connected to the breast ultrasound imaging device, and the position and size of the guide mark projected on the acoustic window 3 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the light-emitting element relative to the breast ultrasound device.

[0045] In step 202, the processor 105 can control the light-emitting element to emit different lights according to the different types of the scanned surface to project different guide marks on the acoustic window, guiding the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 at different target positions in the breast area to be tested. For example, the processor 105 can control the projection device to project different shapes to form different guide marks on the acoustic window; it can also control the different positions of the light strip to illuminate to project different guide marks on the acoustic window.

[0046] In one embodiment, before step 202, the method may further include acquiring the size of the breast region to be tested; step 202 may include displaying guiding marks on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 according to the type of scanning surface to be tested and the size of the breast to be tested. It is understood that when the guiding mark is a guide mark for the coupling range, if the size of the patient's breast region is large, the coupling range between the breast region to be tested and the acoustic window 3 is also larger, and correspondingly, the size of the guiding mark for the coupling range displayed on the acoustic window 3 is also larger. Figure 4For example, when the size of the breast region to be tested is A, the diameter of the guide mark 71 for the breast coupling range is 20cm, and the diameter of the guide mark 72 for the nipple coupling range is 5cm; when the size of the breast region to be tested is B, the diameter of the guide mark 71 for the breast coupling range is 30cm, and the diameter of the guide mark 72 for the nipple coupling orientation is 7cm. Of course, when the size of the breast region to be tested is different, only one of the guide marks for the breast coupling range or the guide mark for the nipple coupling range can be adjusted. The guide marks are displayed on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 according to the type of the scanning surface to be tested and the size of the breast to be tested. It is not limited to displaying a larger guide mark when the size of the patient's breast region is larger. The specific size and shape of the guide marks should be determined comprehensively according to the type of the scanning surface to be tested and the size of the breast to be tested. Users can also preset the shape of the guide marks according to clinical needs. Since different breast sizes result in different target locations for the breast area being tested, determining the indicator solely based on the type of the scanning surface may not accurately guide the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 if the target location is too large or too small. In this embodiment, the indicator is determined by combining the size of the breast area being tested with the type of the scanning surface, which can more accurately guide the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 and adjust the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 more precisely based on the indicator.

[0047] In step 203, after the whole breast ultrasound probe is placed on the breast area to be tested, the transducer emits a first ultrasound wave, receives a first ultrasound echo, and obtains a first ultrasound echo signal as it moves within the receiving space.

[0048] After the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is placed on the breast area to be tested, the transmitting circuit 101 excites the transducer 4 to emit the first ultrasonic wave as the transducer 4 moves within the receiving space; the receiving circuit 103 controls the transducer 4 to receive the first ultrasonic echo and obtain the first ultrasonic echo signal as the transducer 4 moves within the receiving space. Specifically, the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 on the breast area to be tested can be determined by various factors, including: the breast ultrasound equipment detecting that the probe 100 is positioned at the target location; the breast ultrasound imaging equipment detecting that the pressure exerted by the probe 100 on the breast area reaches a preset value; the user deeming the probe 100 placed and locking; the breast ultrasound equipment detecting that the conditions for initiating subsequent whole breast ultrasound scanning are met; or the user deeming the probe 100 placed and ready for subsequent whole breast ultrasound scanning. All these conditions should be considered within the scope of the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 on the breast area to be tested.

[0049] The movement of transducer 4 within the containment space can be controlled by processor 105 through drive device 5; or it can be manually activated by user to move transducer 4 within the containment space; in whole breast ultrasound probe 100 that does not include drive device 5, the transducer 4 can also be manually driven by user to move within the containment space.

[0050] In one embodiment, after the whole breast ultrasound probe has been placed on the breast area to be tested, the method further includes stopping the display of the guidance mark. Once the whole breast ultrasound probe has been placed on the breast area to be tested, meaning the breast ultrasound imaging device has detected that the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is placed at the target position in the breast area to be tested, or the user believes that the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 has been placed at the target position in the breast area to be tested, there is no longer a need to continue displaying the guidance mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe. Furthermore, if the guidance mark is projected onto the acoustic window 3 by a light-emitting element, prolonged exposure of the acoustic window 3 to light can cause abnormal temperatures, affecting ultrasound imaging and the lifespan of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100. Therefore, the display of the guidance mark can be stopped after the whole breast ultrasound probe has been placed on the breast area to be tested. This stopping of the guidance mark display can be either automatic, triggered by the breast ultrasound device detecting that the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 has been placed, or manually controlled by the user.

[0051] In step 204, a whole-breast ultrasound image is generated based on the first ultrasound echo signal.

[0052] The processor 105 generates a whole-breast ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound echo signal. The transducer 4 emits the first ultrasound wave and receives the first ultrasound echo signal as it moves within the containment space. This allows the transducer 4 to emit the first ultrasound wave and receive the first ultrasound echo signal at different locations as it moves within the containment space. Therefore, the first ultrasound echo signal contains ultrasound echo signals from different locations within the target breast region. When generating a whole-breast ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound echo signal, the processor 105 can first process the ultrasound echo signals at each location separately to form a set of two-dimensional ultrasound images. Further, it can perform three-dimensional reconstruction of this set of two-dimensional ultrasound images to obtain the whole-breast ultrasound image. Based on the whole-breast ultrasound image, medical personnel can view the entire three-dimensional whole-breast ultrasound image, or select cross-sectional images within the whole-breast ultrasound image for further viewing and measurement. Especially for medical personnel viewing the whole-breast ultrasound image remotely, the whole-breast ultrasound image comprehensively covers information about the breast region under test, allowing remote medical personnel to fully understand the health status of the breast region without contacting the patient.

[0053] For technicians with insufficient experience, it may still be impossible to accurately place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 on the target location in the breast area to be tested, based on the guidance markings on the probe. The placement of the probe 100 may be offset from the target location, which the technician may not realize, thus starting subsequent ultrasound scanning steps. This may also lead to inaccurate whole breast ultrasound images, making them unusable for subsequent diagnosis of the patient's breast health. Based on this, this application further provides an embodiment that detects the user's actual placement and outputs prompts guiding the user to further move the whole breast ultrasound probe 100.

[0054] In one embodiment, after the whole breast ultrasound probe has been placed on the breast region to be tested, the method further includes: detecting the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested; and displaying prompt information on the whole breast ultrasound probe based on the placement, the prompt information including but not limited to at least one of actual coupling prompts, error prompts, and improvement suggestions.

[0055] The term "after the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is placed on the breast area to be tested" as used herein includes the period after the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is placed on the breast area to be tested and before the transducer emits the first ultrasound and receives the first ultrasound echo to obtain the first ultrasound echo signal; it may also include the period after the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is placed on the breast area to be tested and after the transducer emits the first ultrasound and receives the second ultrasound echo to obtain the first ultrasound echo; and other situations after the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is placed on the breast area to be tested.

[0056] In one embodiment, the breast ultrasound imaging device further includes a light-collecting element. Detecting the placement of the whole-breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested may include: controlling the light-collecting element to acquire an optical image of the coupling surface between the breast region to be tested and the acoustic window; and detecting the placement of the whole-breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested based on the optical image. The light-collecting element may include a camera, video camera, or other device capable of acquiring optical images. The processor 105 can control the light-collecting element to acquire an optical image of the coupling surface between the breast region to be tested and the acoustic window. The light-collecting element may be located on the connecting rod 6 connecting the whole-breast ultrasound probe 100 to the main unit, or inside the housing 2 of the whole-breast ultrasound probe 100, or outside the housing 2 of the whole-breast ultrasound probe 100, or any other location convenient for acquiring an optical image of the coupling surface between the breast region to be tested and the acoustic window 3. For example, at least a portion of the housing 2 and at least a portion of the acoustic window 3 of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 are transparent. The light-collecting element is a camera located inside the housing 2 corresponding to the position of the connecting rod 6. After the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is placed, the camera takes a picture of the coupling surface between the breast region to be tested and the acoustic window 3 from the inside of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, thus obtaining an image of the coupling surface. Based on the image of the coupling surface, the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 on the breast region to be tested is detected. According to the placement, the whole breast ultrasound probe displays prompts on the actual coupling range between the breast region to be tested and the acoustic window 3, prompts for user operation errors, and improvement suggestions, etc. When the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is positioned correctly, the user can increase their confidence in performing the next ultrasound scan based on the information displayed on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100. When there is a problem with the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, the user can further adjust the position of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 based on the information displayed on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 to accurately place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 in the target position, thereby obtaining whole breast ultrasound images that meet clinical needs.

[0057] Based on optical image detection, the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 on the breast region to be tested can be determined by analyzing the optical image using methods such as feature extraction and deep learning. This analysis can identify at least one of the following evaluation indicators: whether the actual placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 reflected in the optical image is the target position; whether there are air bubbles in the coupling surface between the breast region to be tested and the acoustic window 3; whether the actual coupling range between the breast and the acoustic window 3 is standard; and whether the position of the nipple in the coupling surface is appropriate. This allows for the determination of the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 on the breast region to be tested, and further, prompt information can be generated based on the placement.

[0058] In one embodiment, detecting the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested may include: controlling the transducer to emit a second ultrasound wave toward the breast region to be tested and receiving a second ultrasound echo to obtain a second ultrasound echo signal; generating a second ultrasound image based on the second ultrasound echo signal; and detecting the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested based on the second ultrasound image. The transducer 4 emitting and receiving the second ultrasound wave toward the breast region to be tested may be a process whereby the processor 105 controls the transducer 4 to pre-emit and receive ultrasound waves at a preset position within the housing space before the transducer 4 moves within the housing space. The second ultrasound echo signal obtained from this pre-emission and reception generates a second ultrasound image, which may be a frame of ultrasound image pre-scanned before the whole breast ultrasound scan. This second ultrasound image is used to detect the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 on the breast region to be tested and to display prompt information on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 based on the placement.

[0059] Based on the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested using the second ultrasound image detection, the ultrasound image can be analyzed using methods such as feature extraction and deep learning to determine at least one of the following evaluation indicators: whether there are air bubbles in the coupling surface between the breast region to be tested and the acoustic window 3, whether the actual coupling range between the breast and the acoustic window 3 is standard, whether the position of the nipple in the coupling surface is appropriate, and whether the depth of ultrasound scanning is appropriate. This allows us to determine the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 on the breast region to be tested and generate prompt information based on the placement.

[0060] In one embodiment, detecting the placement of the whole-breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested includes: detecting the placement of the whole-breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested based on the whole-breast ultrasound image. After generating a whole-breast ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound echo signal, the processor 105 can further detect the placement of the whole-breast ultrasound probe 100 on the breast region to be tested based on the whole-breast ultrasound image. Detecting the placement of the whole-breast ultrasound probe 100 on the breast region to be tested based on the whole-breast ultrasound image can be based on the three-dimensional image of the whole-breast ultrasound image, or it can be based on any cross-section of the whole-breast ultrasound image, including but not limited to the coronal, sagittal, and transverse sections of the whole-breast ultrasound image. Furthermore, the processor 105 can also correct the whole-breast ultrasound image and then detect the corrected whole-breast ultrasound image. The correction of the whole-breast ultrasound image can be to apply post-processing enhancement modification algorithms to improve the quality of the whole-breast ultrasound image for minor interferences, including but not limited to the posterior acoustic shadowing enhancement function for microbubbles, the motion tracking correction function for minor disturbances, and the posterior shadow enhancement function for nipples.

[0061] Based on whole-breast ultrasound image detection, the placement of the whole-breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested can be determined by analyzing the whole-breast ultrasound image (or a cross-sectional image of the whole-breast ultrasound image) using methods such as feature extraction and deep learning. This analysis can determine at least one of the following evaluation indicators: whether there are air bubbles in the coupling surface between the breast region to be tested and the acoustic window 3; whether the actual coupling range between the breast and the acoustic window 3 is standard; whether the position of the nipple in the coupling surface is appropriate; whether there is abnormal jitter in the whole-breast ultrasound image; and whether the image brightness is appropriate. This allows for the determination of the placement of the whole-breast ultrasound probe 100 on the breast region to be tested, and further, prompt information can be generated based on the placement.

[0062] The placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 in the breast region can be determined by the detection results of any one of the optical image, the second ultrasound image, and the whole breast ultrasound image, or by a combination of the detection results of at least two of the optical image, the second ultrasound image, and the whole breast ultrasound image. The placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 in the breast region can be detected based on the optical image, the second ultrasound image, or the whole breast ultrasound image, and can be detected from at least one of the three dimensions: correct placement, placement standard, and placement quality. For example, (1) correct placement may include: the actual obtained whole breast ultrasound image should correspond to the type of the scan surface to be tested. The processor 105 takes the type of the scan surface to be tested as the standard. After the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is placed, before the whole breast ultrasound image scan begins, the coupling part of the breast region to be tested can be detected, for example, by optical image detection; after obtaining the whole breast ultrasound image, the whole breast coronal plane can be detected; the judgment criteria include, but are not limited to, the coupling range between the acoustic window 3 and the breast, and the relative position of the nipple and the acoustic window. (2) Placement criteria may include: the whole breast ultrasound image should meet standard specifications, such as: the whole breast ultrasound image must include the nipple, the nipple should be in the central area, the breast coupling area boundary should be smooth and regular, the coupling range should be in the central area of ​​the acoustic window scanning range and the proportion should not be less than the specified threshold, etc. The specified threshold may be appropriately adjusted according to the patient's breast size and other characteristics, the smaller the size, the smaller the threshold. (3) Placement quality may include: the breast area is well coupled with the acoustic window without obvious air bubbles, or the acoustic shadow behind the air bubbles does not seriously affect the whole breast ultrasound image, the whole breast ultrasound image has no obvious abnormal jitter, the scanning depth includes the breast fat layer and glandular layer, the whole breast ultrasound image can see the ribs and heart (proving that the entire breast fat layer and glandular layer are included), the image brightness is appropriate, and the image processing parameters are appropriate.

[0063] The detection of the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested can be performed on the optical image before the whole breast ultrasound image is generated, or on a pre-scanned ultrasound image before the whole breast ultrasound image is generated, or on the whole breast ultrasound image itself. That is, the detection can be performed during the whole breast ultrasound scanning stage (i.e., before the whole breast ultrasound image is formed) or during the three-dimensional reconstruction stage (i.e., after the whole breast ultrasound image is formed). The advantage of the former is that it provides prompts before scanning, avoids repeated scanning of low-quality whole breast ultrasound images, and saves scanning time. For example, before whole breast ultrasound image scanning, a miniature camera is used to take pictures to detect coupling quality, whether the scanning surface is standard, etc. The advantages of the latter are (1) to detect the actual whole breast ultrasound image, and the conclusions on the placement are more comprehensive and accurate. For example, the actual influence of air bubbles, and image distortion caused by abnormal patient movement (coughing / speaking) during the scanning process; (2) the post-processing function in the reconstruction stage can also specifically correct some minor quality problems (enhanced acoustic shadowing behind air bubbles, correction of disturbance motion, etc.). If the post-processing function can correct these issues, there is no need to readjust the position of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, thereby saving operation steps. Specifically, regarding the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 on the breast area to be tested, users can choose to conduct the test at different stages based on their own experience and the patient's specific situation.

[0064] The whole breast ultrasound probe 100 displays at least one of the following: actual coupling indication, error indication, and improvement suggestions. This includes displaying it on the acoustic window 3 of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, on the housing 2 of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, or on an external display screen of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100. In one embodiment, the housing 2 of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is at least partially transparent, and the acoustic window 3 is at least partially transparent. A coupling guide mark for the breast region is displayed in the transparent portion of the acoustic window 3. After the user places the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 using the coupling guide mark, the processor 105 detects the actual placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 with the breast region to be tested, such as the actual coupling range between the breast region to be tested and the acoustic window. The actual coupling range of the breast region to be tested is simultaneously displayed in the transparent portion of the acoustic window 3. For example, the actual coupling range of the breast region to be tested can be displayed in a different color than the coupling guide mark. By displaying the actual coupling prompt on the acoustic window 3, the user can compare the actual coupling prompt with the coupling guidance mark to find the placement deviation of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, thereby understanding how to adjust it to make the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 meet clinical requirements. In other embodiments, when the processor 105 detects that the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 in the breast area to be tested does not meet clinical requirements, it can display an error prompt with text or symbols on the external display screen of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, prompting the user to reposition the whole breast ultrasound probe 100, so as to avoid the final scanned whole breast ultrasound image not meeting the requirements of clinical diagnosis due to poor placement. In other embodiments, when the processor 105 detects that the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 in the breast area to be tested does not meet clinical requirements, it can display improvement suggestions on the acoustic window 3. For example, when the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 is not placed in the target position, the direction that the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 needs to be moved to the target position can be displayed on the acoustic window 3, for example, using arrows to guide the user in the direction of moving the whole breast ultrasound probe 100.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, another embodiment of the whole breast ultrasound imaging scanning method will be discussed below in conjunction with the composition of the breast ultrasound imaging equipment. For features that are the same as or similar to those in the above embodiments, please refer to the above discussion; they will not be repeated here.

[0066] In step 301, a control signal is received, and a guide mark is displayed on the whole breast ultrasound probe. The guide mark is used to guide the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe on the target position of the breast to be tested. The target position is the scanning position on the breast corresponding to the preset scanning surface.

[0067] The processor 105 receives control signals and displays guidance icons on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100. These control signals may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: a power-on signal for the breast ultrasound imaging device, a signal indicating completion of parameter settings for the whole breast ultrasound scan, and a signal indicating probe movement. Understandably, the guidance icons correspond to the target position on the breast region to be scanned where the whole breast ultrasound probe should be placed. This target position corresponds to the type of preset scanning surface. The preset scanning position can be a factory-preset standard scanning surface, a user-preset scanning surface, or a scanning surface preset by the user during this whole breast scan. Displaying guidance icons on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 can be done by displaying the guidance icon corresponding to the type of the preset scanning surface to be performed, or simultaneously displaying guidance icons corresponding to all preset scanning surface types on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100.

[0068] For example, when the processor 105 receives the power-on signal of the breast ultrasound imaging device, it displays guide icons corresponding to all scanning surface types on the whole breast ultrasound probe. The user can select one of the multiple guide icons according to the type of the scanning surface to be scanned, and place the whole breast ultrasound probe on the target position of the breast area to be tested with reference to the guide icon. Furthermore, the colors of the guide icons corresponding to each scanning surface type can be different. The user can determine the scanning surface type corresponding to the guide icon by the color of the guide icon, and thus place the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 on the target position of the breast area to be tested according to the guide icon of a specific color. Of course, the control signal received by the processor 105 can also be a signal for the user to select the type of scanning surface to be tested, or the type of the current scanning surface to be tested can be determined according to the user's preset scanning surface type order. The processor 105 can also display guide icons on the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 according to the type of scanning surface to be tested.

[0069] In step 302, after the whole breast ultrasound probe is placed on the breast to be tested, the whole breast ultrasound probe is controlled to emit ultrasound waves, receive ultrasound echoes and obtain ultrasound echo signals, and process the ultrasound echo signals to obtain ultrasound images.

[0070] After the whole breast ultrasound probe is placed on the breast to be tested, the processor 105 can control the whole breast ultrasound probe 100 to emit ultrasound waves, receive ultrasound echoes and obtain ultrasound echo signals, and process the ultrasound echo signals to obtain an ultrasound image. The ultrasound image here can be a two-dimensional cross-sectional image of the breast region to be tested, or a three-dimensional reconstructed whole breast ultrasound image. This embodiment does not limit the imaging type of the ultrasound image; it can be any imaging type such as B-mode ultrasound, C-mode ultrasound, elastography, or photoacoustic imaging.

[0071] The processor receives control signals and displays guidance marks on the whole breast ultrasound probe to guide the user in placing the probe at the target location within the breast area to be examined. Once placed, ultrasound imaging is performed to obtain an ultrasound image. Displaying guidance marks on the whole breast ultrasound probe provides direction for the user, enabling accurate placement of the probe within the target area and thus obtaining ultrasound images that conform to clinically compliant scanning planes.

[0072] This application also discloses a breast ultrasound imaging device, which includes a whole breast ultrasound probe, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a processor, and a light-emitting element. The whole breast ultrasound probe includes an acoustic window, a housing, and a transducer. The transducer is located within a receiving space formed by the acoustic window and the housing, and is movable within the receiving space. The processor is used to acquire the type of the scanned surface to be tested. Based on the type of the scanned surface to be tested, the processor controls the light-emitting element to display a guide mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe. The guide mark guides the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe at a target position in the breast region to be tested, where the target position is the scanning position corresponding to the scanned surface in the breast region to be tested. The transmitting circuit is used to excite the transducer to emit a first ultrasonic wave during the movement of the transducer within the receiving space. The receiving circuit is used to control the transducer to receive a first ultrasonic echo and obtain a first ultrasonic echo signal during the movement of the transducer within the receiving space. The processor is also used to generate a whole breast ultrasound image based on the first ultrasonic echo signal.

[0073] The above text describes the method of whole breast ultrasound scanning in conjunction with the composition of the breast ultrasound imaging device. For features that are the same as or similar to those in the above embodiments of the breast ultrasound imaging device, please refer to the above text, and they will not be repeated here.

[0074] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the housing 2 and at least a portion of the acoustic window 3 are transparent, allowing a user to observe the breast to be tested through the housing 2 and the acoustic window 3; the light-emitting element is a projection device, spotlight, or light strip, which is located inside the housing and is capable of projecting guiding marks onto the acoustic window.

[0075] The processor acquires the type of the scan area to be measured and controls the light-emitting element to display guidance marks on the whole breast ultrasound probe based on the type of scan area. This guides the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe on the target location in the breast area to be measured, avoiding the problem of inaccurate placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe due to insufficient user experience, which could result in ultrasound images that do not meet clinical requirements. Furthermore, the guidance marks can change with the type of scan area to be measured, meeting the clinical need to acquire multiple different scan areas during whole breast ultrasound scanning. This allows the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe on the corresponding target location through the guidance marks when scanning different scan areas, thereby obtaining ultrasound images of the scan area that meet clinical requirements.

[0076] This application also discloses a breast ultrasound imaging device, which includes a whole breast ultrasound probe, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, and a processor. The whole breast ultrasound probe receives control signals to display a guidance indicator, which guides the user to place the probe at a target location on the breast region to be tested. The target location is the scanning position corresponding to a preset scanning surface on the breast region to be tested. The transmitting circuit excites the transducer to emit ultrasonic waves. The receiving circuit controls the transducer to receive ultrasonic echoes and obtain ultrasonic echo signals. The processor processes the echo signals to generate an ultrasound image.

[0077] The above text describes the method of whole breast ultrasound scanning in conjunction with the composition of the breast ultrasound imaging device. For features that are the same as or similar to those in the above embodiments of the breast ultrasound imaging device, please refer to the above text, and they will not be repeated here.

[0078] The processor receives control signals and displays guidance marks on the whole breast ultrasound probe to guide the user in placing the probe at the target location within the breast area to be examined. Once placed, ultrasound imaging is performed to obtain an ultrasound image. Displaying guidance marks on the whole breast ultrasound probe provides direction for the user, enabling accurate placement of the probe within the target area and thus obtaining ultrasound images that conform to clinically compliant scanning planes.

[0079] This application also discloses a breast ultrasound imaging device, which includes a whole breast ultrasound probe, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, and a processor. The whole breast ultrasound probe includes an acoustic window, a housing, and a transducer. The transducer is located within a receiving space formed by the acoustic window and the housing, and is movable within the receiving space. At least a portion of the housing and at least a portion of the acoustic window are transparent, allowing a user to observe the breast region to be tested through the housing and the acoustic window. The acoustic window has a guide mark for guiding the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe at a target position on the breast region to be tested. The target position is a scanning position corresponding to a preset scanning surface on the breast region to be tested. The transmitting circuit is used to excite the transducer to emit a first ultrasound wave during the movement of the transducer within the receiving space. The receiving circuit is used to control the transducer to receive a first ultrasound echo and obtain a first ultrasound echo signal during the movement of the transducer within the receiving space. The processor is also used to generate a whole breast ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound echo signal.

[0080] The above text has described an embodiment of a whole-breast ultrasound scanning method in conjunction with the composition of a breast ultrasound imaging device. For features identical or similar to those in this embodiment of the breast ultrasound imaging device, please refer to the above description; they will not be repeated here. Specifically, in this embodiment, the acoustic window has a guide marker. This guide marker can be printed on the acoustic window, for example, by screen printing, label pasting, or inkjet printing. The guide marker can be located on the transparent portion of the acoustic window and should minimize obstruction of the transparent portion; for example, a thin line can be used to mark the coupling contour of the breast region. In addition to a graphic indicating the coupling range between the breast region and the acoustic window, the guide marker may also include characters indicating the type of scanning surface corresponding to the graphic. For example, "R AP" can be marked near the guide marker indicating the front and back of the right breast to help the user accurately find the guide marker corresponding to the scanning surface type when scanning different types of scanning surfaces.

[0081] When the guide mark is the coupling range guide mark, the user can observe the relative position of the acoustic window and the breast area to be tested through the transparent part of the shell and the transparent part of the acoustic window. According to the guide mark on the acoustic window, the whole breast ultrasound probe is moved so that the coupling range between the acoustic window and the breast area to be tested coincides with or is located inside the coupling range guide mark on the acoustic window. This guides the user to accurately place the whole breast ultrasound probe on the target position of the breast area to be tested, so as to obtain a whole breast ultrasound image corresponding to the preset scanning plane that meets clinical needs.

[0082] Instead of projecting the indicator onto the acoustic window using a light-emitting element, the indicator has a guide mark on it, saving equipment costs and response time. At the same time, it can still guide the user to accurately place the whole breast ultrasound probe.

[0083] Based on the above description, the whole breast ultrasound scanning method and breast ultrasound imaging device according to embodiments of this application provide guidance on moving the whole breast ultrasound probe. This allows the user to accurately place the probe at the target location within the breast region to be examined, thereby obtaining ultrasound images corresponding to the scan planes that meet clinical standards. Furthermore, the guidance marks on the whole breast ultrasound probe can change according to the type of scan plane being examined, meeting the clinical need to acquire multiple different scan planes during whole breast ultrasound scanning. This ensures that the user can be guided to place the whole breast ultrasound probe at the corresponding target location when scanning different scan planes, thereby obtaining ultrasound images of the scan planes that meet clinical requirements.

[0084] Although exemplary embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this application. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this application as claimed in the appended claims.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0086] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0087] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of this application may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0088] Similarly, it should be understood that, in order to streamline this application and aid in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects, features of this application may sometimes be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof in the description of exemplary embodiments of this application. However, this approach should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed application requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the corresponding claims, its inventive point lies in solving the corresponding technical problem with features fewer than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into that detailed description, wherein each claim itself is a separate embodiment of this application.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will understand that, apart from the mutual exclusion of features, all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and all processes or units of any method or apparatus so disclosed can be combined in any combination. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature that serves the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

[0090] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features but not others included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any one of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0091] The various component embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, or as software modules running on one or more processors, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs) can be used in practice to implement some or all of the functions of some modules in the article analysis device according to the embodiments of this application. This application can also be implemented as an apparatus program (e.g., a computer program and computer program product) for performing part or all of the methods described herein. Such an implementation of this application can be stored on a computer-readable medium, or can be in the form of one or more signals. Such signals can be downloaded from an Internet website, provided on a carrier signal, or provided in any other form.

[0092] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative of this application and not restrictive, and that those skilled in the art can devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. This application can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc., does not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names.

[0093] The above description is merely a specific embodiment or illustration of the embodiments of this application. The scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. The scope of protection of this application shall be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A whole-breast ultrasound scanning method, applied to a breast ultrasound imaging device, the breast ultrasound imaging device comprising a whole-breast ultrasound probe, the whole-breast ultrasound probe comprising a transducer, an acoustic window, and a housing, the transducer being located within a receiving space formed by the acoustic window and the housing, the transducer being movable within the receiving space, characterized in that, include: Obtain the type of the scan surface to be tested; the type of the scan surface to be tested includes at least one of a standard scan surface, a custom scan surface, and other scan surfaces. According to the type of the scanning surface to be tested, a guide mark is displayed on the whole breast ultrasound probe. The guide mark is used to guide the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe at a target position in the breast region to be tested. The target position is the scanning position of the scanning surface to be tested in the breast region to be tested. The guide mark includes at least one of a guide mark for the breast coupling range and a guide mark for the nipple coupling range. The guide mark is located on the acoustic window. At least a portion of the housing and at least a portion of the acoustic window are transparent, so that the user can observe the breast region to be tested through the housing and the acoustic window. After the whole breast ultrasound probe is placed on the breast area to be tested, the transducer is controlled to move within the containment space to emit the first ultrasound wave, receive the first ultrasound echo and obtain the first ultrasound echo signal. A whole-breast ultrasound image is generated based on the first ultrasound echo signal.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The guidance marks for the breast coupling range and the guidance marks for the nipple coupling range are displayed in different ways, including at least one of different colors, shapes, line types, and thicknesses.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The breast ultrasound imaging device further includes a light-emitting element, and the display of guiding marks on the whole breast ultrasound probe according to the type of the scanned surface includes: Depending on the type of the surface to be scanned, the light-emitting element is controlled to project the guide mark onto the acoustic window.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After the whole breast ultrasound probe has been placed on the breast area to be tested, the following steps are also included: Stop displaying the guidance icon.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Before displaying guidance markings on the whole breast ultrasound probe according to the type of the scan surface to be measured, the method further includes: Obtain the dimensions of the breast region to be tested; The method of displaying guiding symbols on the whole breast ultrasound probe according to the type of the scanning surface to be measured includes: The guiding markers are displayed on the whole breast ultrasound probe according to the type of the scanning surface to be tested and the size of the breast region to be tested.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, After the whole breast ultrasound probe has been placed on the breast area to be tested, the following steps are also included: The placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested was examined. Based on the placement, at least one of the following is displayed on the whole breast ultrasound probe: actual placement indication, error indication, and improvement suggestion.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The breast ultrasound imaging device also includes a light-collecting element, and the detection of the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested includes: The light-collecting element is controlled to acquire an optical image of the coupling surface between the breast region to be tested and the acoustic window; The placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested is detected based on the optical image.

8. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The detection of the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested includes: The transducer is controlled to emit a second ultrasound wave toward the breast region to be tested and receive a second ultrasound echo to obtain a second ultrasound echo signal, and a second ultrasound image is generated based on the second ultrasound echo signal. The placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested is detected based on the second ultrasound image.

9. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The detection of the placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested includes: The placement of the whole breast ultrasound probe on the breast region to be tested is determined based on the whole breast ultrasound image.

10. A whole-breast ultrasound scanning method, applied to a breast ultrasound imaging device, the breast ultrasound imaging device comprising a whole-breast ultrasound probe, the whole-breast ultrasound probe comprising a transducer, an acoustic window, and a housing, the transducer being located within a receiving space formed by the acoustic window and the housing, characterized in that, include: The system receives a control signal and displays a guide mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe. The guide mark guides the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe at a target position in the breast region to be tested. The target position is the scanning position corresponding to a preset scanning surface in the breast region to be tested. The guide mark includes at least one of a guide mark for the breast coupling range and a guide mark for the nipple coupling range. The guide mark is located on the acoustic window. At least a portion of the housing and at least a portion of the acoustic window are transparent, allowing the user to observe the breast region to be tested through the housing and the acoustic window. After the whole breast ultrasound probe is placed on the breast area to be tested, the transducer is controlled to emit ultrasound waves, receive ultrasound echoes and obtain ultrasound echo signals, and process the ultrasound echo signals to obtain ultrasound images.

11. A breast ultrasound imaging device, characterized in that, The breast ultrasound imaging device includes a whole breast ultrasound probe, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a processor, and a light-emitting element, wherein: The whole breast ultrasound probe includes an acoustic window, a housing, and a transducer. The transducer is located within a receiving space formed by the acoustic window and the housing, and the transducer is movable within the receiving space. The processor is used to acquire the type of the scanning surface to be tested; the type of the scanning surface to be tested includes at least one of a standard scanning surface, a custom scanning surface, and other scanning surfaces; according to the type of the scanning surface to be tested, the processor controls the light-emitting element to display a guide mark on the whole breast ultrasound probe, the guide mark being used to guide the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe at a target position in the breast region to be tested, the target position being the scanning position corresponding to the scanning surface to be tested in the breast region to be tested; wherein, the guide mark includes at least one of a guide mark for the breast coupling range and a guide mark for the nipple coupling range; the guide mark is located on the acoustic window; at least a portion of the housing and at least a portion of the acoustic window are transparent, so that the user can observe the breast region to be tested through the housing and the acoustic window; The transmitting circuit is used to excite the transducer to emit a first ultrasonic wave as the transducer moves within the containment space. The receiving circuit is used to control the transducer to receive the first ultrasonic echo and obtain the first ultrasonic echo signal during the process of the transducer moving within the containment space. The processor is also used to generate a whole-breast ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound echo signal.

12. The device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The light-emitting element is a projection device, spotlight, or light strip, which is located inside the housing and can project the directional sign onto the acoustic window.

13. A breast ultrasound imaging device, characterized in that, The breast ultrasound imaging device includes a whole breast ultrasound probe, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, and a processor. The whole breast ultrasound probe includes a transducer, an acoustic window, and a housing. The transducer is located within the receiving space formed by the acoustic window and the housing, wherein: The whole breast ultrasound probe is used to receive control signals to display guidance marks. The guidance marks are used to guide the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe at a target position in the breast region to be tested. The target position is the scanning position corresponding to the preset scanning surface in the breast region to be tested. The guidance marks include at least one of a guidance mark for the breast coupling range and a guidance mark for the nipple coupling range. The guidance marks are located on the acoustic window. At least a portion of the housing and at least a portion of the acoustic window are transparent, so that the user can observe the breast region to be tested through the housing and the acoustic window. The transmitting circuit is used to excite the transducer to emit ultrasonic waves. The receiving circuit is used to control the transducer to receive ultrasonic echoes and obtain ultrasonic echo signals. The processor is used to process the ultrasonic echo signal to generate an ultrasonic image.

14. A breast ultrasound imaging device, characterized in that, The breast ultrasound imaging device includes a whole breast ultrasound probe, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, and a processor, wherein: The whole breast ultrasound probe includes an acoustic window, a housing, and a transducer. The transducer is located within a receiving space formed by the acoustic window and the housing, and the transducer is movable within the receiving space. At least a portion of the housing and at least a portion of the acoustic window are transparent, allowing the user to observe the breast region to be tested through the housing and the acoustic window. The acoustic window has guide markings to guide the user to place the whole breast ultrasound probe at a target position in the breast region to be tested. The guide markings include at least one of a guide marking for the breast coupling range and a guide marking for the nipple coupling range. The target position is the scanning position corresponding to a preset scanning surface on the breast region to be tested. The transmitting circuit is used to excite the transducer to emit a first ultrasonic wave as the transducer moves within the containment space. The receiving circuit is used to control the transducer to receive the first ultrasonic echo and obtain the first ultrasonic echo signal during the process of the transducer moving within the containment space. The processor is also used to generate a whole-breast ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound echo signal.

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