Ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device and scanning method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device, which comprises a scanning mechanism and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer units arranged on the scanning mechanism, and is characterized in that the scanning mechanism is used for controlling the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units to scan according to a preset mode so as to synchronously scan and image at least part of each meridian plane in a plurality of different meridian planes of an eyeball to be detected, each ultrasonic transducer unit comprises at least one transducer and is used for transmitting an ultrasonic signal and receiving an echo signal of the transmitted signal, and the planes where the scanning tracks of all the ultrasonic transducer units are located are collinear. According to the invention, synchronous scanning of at least part of each meridian plane in a plurality of different meridian planes of the eyeball to be detected is realized, the scanning speed is improved, and the ultrasonic scanning time is greatly shortened.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of ophthalmic ultrasound imaging, in particular to an ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device, a scanning method, an ultrasound biomicroscope and an ophthalmic ultrasound imaging method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) exists in two types of suspension and plate haptic fixation. For the plate haptic fixation, the haptic foot generally falls in the ciliary sulcus near the iris root. Before pIOL implantation, the sulcus-to-sulcus (STS) size needs to be obtained to support the selection of appropriate pIOL size, such as shown in the following formula: Figure 1 If the selected pIOL size (outer contour diameter) is too large, a high arch height is easily formed, which pushes the iris forward and may cause the anterior chamber angle to decrease, and even induce angle closure glaucoma. If the pIOL size selection is too small, the lens will move in the posterior chamber, which may cause cutting effect on the zonular ligament, and at the same time, the arch height is too low, which makes the pIOL contact with the natural lens and induces cataract.

[0003] The white-to-white (WTW) distance of the human eye is similar to the sulcus-to-sulcus size and is convenient to measure. At present, the mainstream pIOL size calculation is based on WTW. However, there is a deviation between STS and WTW, and the values of STS in different scanning directions also change. The STS in the vertical direction is generally larger than that in the horizontal direction, and the morphology of the ciliary sulcus, ciliary process, zonular ligament and ora serrata in different azimuth angles of each individual is very different. Some patients even have local cysts. These uncertain factors will challenge the pIOL selection. Therefore, clinicians have gradually begun to require to measure the STS before surgery and observe the morphology of the ciliary sulcus, ciliary process, zonular ligament and ora serrata.

[0004] Currently, the instrument capable of supporting the above measurement and observation is mainly an ophthalmic ultrasound biomicroscope (UBM), which is a high-frequency ultrasound-based imaging technology capable of displaying the fine anatomical features and quantitative measurements of the structures of the anterior segment of the eye (cornea, sclera, anterior chamber, anterior chamber angle, iris, lens) with high resolution and non-invasively. Its frequency is high (30-50 MHz), and the penetration depth is shallow (4-5 mm), but it can be clearly observed with a resolution of microns. Limited by the current manufacturing process, the array (including linear array) high-frequency ultrasonic transducer is difficult to manufacture and high in cost, so most of the currently commercial UBM uses a mechanical scanning method, generally uses a single high-frequency transducer, reciprocates along a certain direction to make continuous repeated detection to form a B-scan image. During this process, the motion speed cannot be too fast, otherwise the tissue echo cannot be effectively received, thereby limiting the scanning speed. In the absence of a fixed fixation point or when the fixation area is not clear, the human eye will drift. Even if there is a clear fixation point, the pupil is not completely stationary in order to obtain the best imaging effect on the retina. The movement of the human eye further challenges the improvement of the scanning speed. Moreover, since the size measurement of the tissue displayed by the B-scan image, especially the value of the STS, is derived and calculated by referring to the probe motion parameters, the eye movement will inevitably challenge the accuracy of the measurement parameters.

[0005] Currently in the clinic, in order to obtain the STS value and related morphological information of the posterior chamber of the patient in more detail, the typical practice of preoperative UBM examination of pIOL is that the doctor moves the probe manually to scan in multiple different directions of the eyeball in turn. In order to obtain multiple qualified pictures, the scanning time is usually not less than 10 minutes. The long scanning time leads to low measurement accuracy and low efficiency.

[0006] How to improve the speed and measurement accuracy of eye ultrasonic scanning is an important technical problem in the field that has been trying to solve. SUMMARY

[0007] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application provide an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device, a scanning method, an ultrasound biomicroscope and an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging method to solve at least one problem in the background art.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device, comprising: a scanning mechanism and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer units arranged thereon, the scanning mechanism being configured to control the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner to simultaneously scan and image at least part of each meridian plane in a plurality of different meridian planes of an eyeball to be measured, Each of the ultrasound transducer units comprises at least one transducer for transmitting an ultrasound signal and receiving an echo signal of the transmitted signal, and planes in which scan tracks of each of the ultrasound transducer units in the plurality of ultrasound transducer units are collinear.

[0009] In this aspect, by making the planes in which scan tracks of each of the ultrasound transducer units in the plurality of ultrasound transducer units are collinear, the plurality of ultrasound transducer units are controlled to scan in a predetermined manner, so that each meridian plane of the plurality of different meridian planes of the eye to be measured is synchronously scanned and imaged, the scanning speed is improved, and the ultrasound scanning time is shortened.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect of the present application, in an optional implementation, the predetermined manner of scanning comprises parallel scanning or turn-by-turn scanning.

[0011] In this implementation, by controlling the plurality of ultrasound transducer units to perform parallel scanning or turn-by-turn scanning, each meridian plane of the plurality of different meridian planes of the eye to be measured is synchronously scanned and imaged.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect of the present application, in an optional implementation, the predetermined manner of scanning comprises translational scanning, fan-shaped scanning or arc-shaped scanning.

[0013] In this implementation, by controlling the plurality of ultrasound transducer units to perform translational scanning, fan-shaped scanning or arc-shaped scanning, the flexibility of ultrasound scanning is improved, and the application range of the device is expanded.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect of the present application, in an optional implementation, the plurality of ultrasound transducer units comprises at least three ultrasound transducer units.

[0015] In this implementation, by using at least three ultrasound transducer units, ultrasound imaging of at least part of the eye to be measured is realized.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect of the present application, in an optional implementation, the plurality of ultrasound transducer units comprises at least four ultrasound transducer units, and each two ultrasound transducer units form a group, and the meridians in which the ultrasound transducer units are located are coplanar.

[0017] In this implementation, by using at least four ultrasound transducer units, synchronous scanning of two or more sections of the eye to be measured is realized.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect of the present application, in an optional implementation, two of the plurality of ultrasound transducers are arranged on a plane in which a horizontal meridian is located, and the other two are arranged on a plane in which a vertical meridian is located.

[0019] In the embodiment, the multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged on the plane where the horizontal meridian of the eyeball is located and the plane where the vertical meridian of the eyeball is located, so that the synchronous scanning imaging of the four meridians of the horizontal and vertical directions of the eyeball to be measured is realized, and the tissue structure of the four meridians is observed and measured quantitatively quickly and accurately.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect of the present application, in an optional embodiment, the control of the multiple ultrasonic transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner includes: control of each ultrasonic transducer unit to scan towards or away from the same center point.

[0021] In the embodiment, the cross-sectional image of the eyeball to be measured can be quickly obtained, and the scanning time is shortened.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect of the present application, in an optional embodiment, the control of the multiple ultrasonic transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner includes: at least one of the multiple ultrasonic transducer units scans towards or away from the center point, while at least one of the remaining multiple ultrasonic transducer units scans away from or towards the center point.

[0023] In the embodiment, the alternative scanning of the multiple ultrasonic transducer units is realized.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the scanning mechanism includes: a motor, a gear installed on the output shaft of the motor, and multiple racks engaged with the gear, and the multiple ultrasonic transducer units are installed on the multiple racks.

[0025] In the embodiment, the synchronous scanning of the multiple ultrasonic transducer units on multiple planes where different meridians are located is realized.

[0026] In an optional embodiment, the gear includes coaxially arranged first and second gears, the first gear is engaged with the first and second racks at the same time, the second gear is engaged with the third and fourth racks at the same time, the first and second racks are parallel, the third and fourth racks are parallel, and the included angle between the first and third racks is greater than zero.

[0027] In the embodiment, the synchronous scanning of more than three ultrasonic transducer units is realized.

[0028] In an optional embodiment, the scanning mechanism includes: a servo lead screw motor, a nut seat, a sliding shaft, a guide tube, and a linkage assembly, the nut seat is fixed with the sliding shaft, the first angle of the linkage assembly is fixed at the bottom of the up-and-down movable sliding shaft, the second angle is fixed at the bottom of the fixed component guide tube, and the third angle is installed with the ultrasonic transducer unit.

[0029] In the embodiment, the synchronous sector scanning of the multiple ultrasonic transducer units is realized.

[0030] In an optional embodiment, the scanning mechanism further comprises an arc-shaped limiting groove, and the connecting point of the ultrasonic transducer unit and the connecting rod assembly is arranged in the arc-shaped limiting groove.

[0031] In this embodiment, the synchronous arc-shaped scanning of the multiple ultrasonic transducer units is realized.

[0032] In an optional embodiment, the scanning mechanism comprises a motor, a nut seat, a guide rail, a sliding block, an adapter block, a spring and a track column, each side wall of the track column is formed with a track convex rib, and the height of each convex rib is different; the top of the adapter block is slidably connected with the guide rail through the sliding block, the front end of the adapter block is connected with the track column through a roller, and the bottom of the adapter block is provided with the ultrasonic transducer unit.

[0033] In this embodiment, the turn-by-turn scanning of the multiple ultrasonic transducer units is realized.

[0034] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide an ultrasonic biomicroscope, comprising the ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device of any of the above aspects.

[0035] In a third aspect, the present application provides a scanning method of an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device, the ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device comprising multiple ultrasonic transducer units, wherein the planes where the scanning tracks of the ultrasonic transducer units are located are collinear, and the scanning method comprises: controlling the multiple ultrasonic transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner to perform synchronous scanning imaging on at least part of each meridian plane in multiple different meridian planes of a to-be-measured eyeball.

[0036] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging method, comprising guiding the to-be-measured eye to be in a primary position; controlling multiple ultrasonic transducer units to perform synchronous scanning on at least part of each meridian plane in multiple different meridian planes of a to-be-measured eyeball, obtaining echo signals of the ultrasonic transducer units, and each ultrasonic transducer unit is located in a plane where a different meridian line of the to-be-measured eye is located; processing the echo signals obtained by the multiple ultrasonic transducer units to obtain multiple ultrasonic images; performing image fusion processing on the ultrasonic images of the coplanar meridian planes in the multiple ultrasonic images to obtain a complete cross-sectional ultrasonic image of the to-be-measured eye.

[0037] In this aspect, by making the planes where the scanning tracks of the ultrasonic transducer units in the multiple ultrasonic transducer units are located collinear, and controlling the multiple ultrasonic transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner, the synchronous scanning imaging on at least part of each meridian plane in multiple different meridian planes of a to-be-measured eyeball is realized, the scanning speed is improved, and the ultrasonic scanning time is shortened.

[0038] Additional aspects and advantages of the application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or can be learned from practice of the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] This description and the accompanying drawings provide a further understanding of the application. Together with the descriptions, the drawings serve to explain the application in a non-limiting fashion. In the drawings: Figure 1 Schematic diagram of eye cross section Figure 1 ; Figure 2a Schematic diagram of eye cross section II Figure 2b Schematic diagram of eye meridian plane Figure 3a Schematic diagram of arrangement of multiple ultrasonic transducer units in an embodiment of the application Figure 3b Schematic diagram of arrangement of multiple ultrasonic transducer units in an embodiment of the application Figure 3a Schematic diagram of AA cross section in the device Figure 3c Schematic diagram of arcuate scanning Figure 3d Schematic diagram of fan scanning Figure 4 Schematic diagram of arrangement of multiple ultrasonic transducer units in an embodiment of the application Figure 5a Schematic diagram of three ultrasonic transducer units Figure 5b Schematic diagram of arrangement of three ultrasonic transducer units Figure 6a Perspective view of an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device in an embodiment of the application Figure 6b Top view of an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device in an embodiment of the application Figure 6c Bottom view of an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device in an embodiment of the application Figure 7 Perspective view of an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device in another embodiment of the application Figure 8a Perspective view of an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device in a third embodiment of the application Figure 8b Bottom view of an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device in a third embodiment of the application Figure 9a Perspective view of an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device in a fourth embodiment of the application Figure 1 ; Figure 9b Perspective view II of an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device in a fourth embodiment of the application Figure 9c Cross section of the ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scan device of the fourth embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ; Figure 9d Cross section of the ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scan device of the fourth embodiment of the present application Figure 10a Cross section of the ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scan device of the fifth embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ; Figure 10b Cross section of the ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scan device of the fifth embodiment of the present application Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the scan method of the ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scan device Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the ophthalmic ultrasound imaging method Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the imaging of the plurality of ultrasound transducer units Figure 14a Schematic diagram of the imaging result of the ophthalmic ultrasound imaging method Figure 1 ; Figure 14b Schematic diagram of the imaging result of the ophthalmic ultrasound imaging method Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the change of the image field of view with the motion trajectory of the plurality of ultrasound transducer units DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In order to make the technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below by way of listing specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs. The terminology used in the description of the present application only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present application.

[0042] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. used in the present application can be used herein to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the first element from another element, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. The terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features.

[0043] This application proposes an ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device that employs a scheme for collaborative scanning of tissues behind the iris using an ultrasound probe composed of multiple ultrasound transducers. This scheme can complete the scanning of target tissues faster and more accurately. The ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device includes a scanning mechanism and multiple ultrasound transducer units disposed thereon. The scanning mechanism controls the multiple ultrasound transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner to simultaneously scan and image at least a portion of each of multiple different meridional planes of the eyeball under test. Each ultrasound transducer unit includes at least one transducer for emitting ultrasound signals and receiving echo signals from the emitted signals. The scanning trajectories of the multiple ultrasound transducer units lie in collinear planes.

[0044] First, let's introduce the structure of the human eye, such as... Figure 2a As shown, the eyeball includes: cornea 101, iris 102, lens 103, pupil 104, ciliary muscle 106, suspensory ligament 107, ciliary sulcus 108, sclera 109, choroid 110, retina 111, fovea 112, optic disc 113, optic nerve 114, blood vessels 115, and conjunctiva 117. If the eyeball is considered a sphere, then it has countless different meridians. The plane containing each meridian is a different meridian plane. All different meridian planes pass through the center 100 of the eyeball.

[0045] like Figure 2b As shown, A1, A2, B1, and B2 are different points on the surface of the eyeball. The intersections of the axis passing through the center 100 of the eyeball with the anterior and posterior surfaces of the eyeball are P1 and P2, respectively. The curve formed from P1 through A1 to P2 is the first meridian, and its plane P1-A1-P2 is the first meridian plane. Similarly, the curve P1-A2-P2 is the second meridian, and its plane P1-A2-P2 is the second meridian plane. The curve P1-B1-P2 is the third meridian, and its plane P1-B1-P2 is the third meridian plane. The curve P1-B2-P2 is the fourth meridian, and its plane P1-B2-P2 is the fourth meridian plane. When A1 and A2 are collinear, the first and second meridians are coplanar, and the first and second meridian planes are coplanar. When B1 and B2 are collinear, the third and fourth meridians are coplanar, and the third and fourth meridian planes are coplanar. In this application, coplanar meridians are still considered different meridians. A portion of a meridian is a local area of ​​that meridian, the area of ​​which is smaller than the total area of ​​the meridian. For example, surface P1-100-A2 is a portion of meridian P1-A2-P2.

[0046] The collinearity of the scanning trajectories of multiple ultrasonic transducer units means that during the scanning process of multiple ultrasonic transducer units, the plane containing the scanning trajectories of each ultrasonic transducer unit passes through the same axis.

[0047] Figure 3a A possible arrangement of multiple ultrasound transducer units is shown, including four ultrasound transducer units 6051-6054, each located in a plane of a different meridian, and the four planes are collinear and all pass through the same axis. The axis can be adjusted according to the actual observation needs, for example, the axis can be the axis passing through the center of the eyeball and the center of the pupil, or adjusted within a certain range. During scanning, each different ultrasound transducer unit is always located in the plane of a different meridian of the eyeball to be measured. By controlling the multiple ultrasound transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner, at least part of each meridian of the multiple different meridians of the eyeball to be measured is synchronously scanned and imaged. The synchronous scanning means that the scanning of different meridians is performed in a predetermined time sequence to ensure that the scanning of multiple meridians is completed in a short time, thereby improving the scanning speed and greatly shortening the scanning time. The monocular scanning time can be shortened to within 2 minutes. As shown, the multiple ultrasound transducer units are arranged around the back of the iris 102, which can simultaneously obtain the cross-sectional images of the back of the iris on four meridians at one time, and better simplify the scanning process. Figure 3a

[0048] The predetermined time sequence includes simultaneously, alternately or alternately. Each ultrasound transducer unit includes at least one transducer for transmitting an ultrasound signal and receiving a return signal of the transmitted signal.

[0049] Optionally, a single-element transducer is used to realize the transmission and reception of the ultrasound signal, that is, a transceiving ultrasound transducer. Figure 3b For Figure 3a The schematic diagram of AA cross section. Two independent single-element transducer units 6051, 6052 scan along their linear scan tracks respectively. The transducer units transmit sound waves, which are reflected by the target tissue to obtain reflected echoes, which are received by the same transducer unit. The fixation position of the subject eye remains unchanged, and the transducer units reciprocate along the linear tracks. Each ultrasound transducer unit moves along a predetermined track from the starting point to the terminal point, and each ultrasound transducer unit obtains a B-mode scan image after completing a one-way motion continuous scanning process. Optionally, the predetermined manner of scanning includes translational scanning, fan-shaped scanning or arc-shaped scanning. As shown, the ultrasound transducer unit moves along a linear track, the scanning track is translational scanning, and the scanning mode is translational scanning. Optionally, the linear track is replaced by an arc-shaped track, so that the predetermined track is arc-shaped and the scanning mode is arc-shaped scanning, as shown. It can be understood that by swinging the ultrasound transducer unit around a fixed point, the predetermined track can also be fan-shaped, and the scanning mode is fan-shaped scanning, as shown. The ultrasound transducer unit can also use a double-element transducer, and the two transducers realize the transmission and reception of the ultrasound signal respectively. Figure 3b Figure 3c Figure 3d ​​​​

[0050] By setting the ultrasonic transducer units in different meridians, the arrangement position and scanning (motion) direction of each transducer unit can be independently set according to the observation requirement of the operator, so as to more flexibly point to the tissue region to be observed, realize the synchronous scanning of multiple meridians, and thus more quickly and accurately complete the scanning of the target tissue.

[0051] Optionally, the predetermined manner scanning includes parallel scanning or turn-by-turn scanning. The parallel scanning means that two or more ultrasonic transducer units simultaneously scan different meridians at the same time. The turn-by-turn scanning means that multiple ultrasonic transducer units scan different meridians in turn. Since the turn-by-turn scanning is to automatically scan multiple different meridians of the eyeball, the scanning of the entire eyeball can be quickly completed in a short time. Like the parallel scanning, the monocular scanning time can be shortened to within 2 minutes, so that the synchronous scanning of different meridians of the eyeball can be realized. The specific scanning process can be referred to the embodiments below.

[0052] Optionally, the multiple ultrasonic transducer units include at least three ultrasonic transducer units, for example, four ultrasonic transducer units. Each two ultrasonic transducer units of the four ultrasonic transducer units form a group, and the meridians where the ultrasonic transducer units are located are coplanar. Figure 3a A possible setting mode is shown, that is, four ultrasonic transducer units 6051-6054 are equally spaced on the planes of four different meridians (9 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 12 o'clock, and 6 o'clock directions) of the eyeball to be measured. Two of the four ultrasonic transducer units are arranged on the plane of the horizontal meridian, and the other two are arranged on the plane of the vertical meridian. The first ultrasonic transducer unit 6051 and the second ultrasonic transducer unit 6052 are located in the horizontal direction and are coplanar. The third ultrasonic transducer unit 6053 and the fourth ultrasonic transducer unit 6054 are located in the vertical direction and are coplanar. By controlling the four ultrasonic transducer units to perform parallel scanning or turn-by-turn scanning along the above-mentioned planes of four different meridians, the tissue cross-sectional images of the four meridians of the eyeball in the horizontal and vertical directions can be obtained at one time, so that the synchronous scanning imaging of at least part of each of the four different meridians of the eyeball to be measured can be realized. Since the sulcus-to-sulcus distance (STS) in the vertical direction of the eyeball of a normal individual is greater than the sulcus-to-sulcus distance (STS) in the horizontal direction, and the difference in length varies from person to person, by arranging the four ultrasonic transducer units to scan the above-mentioned four orthogonal meridians, the vertical STS and the horizontal STS can be quickly and accurately obtained, and the tissue structure of the above-mentioned four meridians can be more accurately observed and quantitatively measured.

[0053] Of course, the number of ultrasonic transducer units is not limited to four, and the scanning positions are not limited to the above-mentioned four meridians in the horizontal and vertical directions. The number can be increased or decreased according to the observation requirement, and the positions can be adjusted according to the observation site.

[0054] Preferably, the angle between the ultrasound transducer unit and the eye axis is greater than zero. The ultrasound transducer unit can be arranged according to the observation needs. During scanning, the ultrasound transducer unit is placed near the corneosclera at the root of the iris and tilted at an angle, for example, 20°-30°, so that the ultrasound transducer unit is closer to the target tissue (for example, the posterior chamber of the iris), which can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the echo signal, more clearly observe the details of the target tissue such as the ciliary sulcus, ciliary process, zonular ligament, and serrata, and further improve the imaging effect.

[0055] Optionally, the number of ultrasound transducer units is greater than four, so that more sections of the eye to be measured can be imaged at one time, which is more conducive to the preoperative assessment of the doctor. Optionally, the number of ultrasound transducer units is an even number. As shown in FIG. 6B, six ultrasound transducer units 6051-6056 are arranged in two groups on the same plane of the two meridians, respectively arranged on both sides of the same center point. Each group of ultrasound transducer units completes the scanning of the section on the two meridians on the same plane, which is regarded as completing one coaxial scanning, so that it is easy to obtain two section images of the eye to be measured in the same plane. Figure 4

[0056] Optionally, the plurality of ultrasound transducer units are arranged at unequal intervals. As shown in FIG. 6E, the plurality of transducers are densely arranged in a small sector, which is conducive to the observation of the doctor on the ciliary process details and distribution in a certain area. Figure 4

[0057] Optionally, the number of ultrasound transducer units is an odd number, for example, three. The ultrasound transducer units can be arranged at equal intervals or at unequal intervals to simultaneously perform scanning of multiple meridians. Figure 5a The three ultrasound transducer units 6051-6053 are arranged at equal intervals, and the interval between adjacent two ultrasound transducer units is 120°. Figure 3a The four ultrasound transducer units are arranged at equal intervals, and the interval between adjacent two ultrasound transducer units is 90°. Figure 5b The three ultrasound transducer units 6051-6053 are arranged at unequal intervals. Such an arrangement is conducive to the observation of the doctor on the tissue morphology and distribution in a certain area.

[0058] In the possible embodiments of the present application, the plurality of ultrasound transducer units independently work at different timings, and the details are described below. The plurality of ultrasound transducer units can select a more suitable timing to work together according to the detection needs and arrangement, so as to obtain effective image information in a short time. In addition, the selection of the scanning timing is not limited by the number and arrangement of the ultrasound transducer units. The plurality of ultrasound transducer units arranged in any manner can work together according to the above-described timings.

[0059] ​​Optionally, the control of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner comprises: the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units synchronously scan towards or away from a same center point. In the case that the scanning tracks of each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units are in the same plane passing through a same axis (collinear), each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units scans around the same center point, and simultaneously moves towards or away from the same center point. In this way, the section image of the eyeball to be measured can be quickly obtained, and the scanning time is shortened. In the case that the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units are arranged at equal intervals, the meridian section images of the eyeball can be obtained without time difference.

[0060] Fig. 6 shows a possible implementation of the ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device according to an embodiment of the present application. The function of synchronous flat scanning of the four transducers is realized by the transmission between the intermeshing gears and the racks. The scanning mechanism comprises: a motor 601, gears 602 and 603 installed on the output shaft of the motor 601, and a plurality of racks 6041-6044 engaged with the gears, and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer units 605 installed on the plurality of racks. The first gear 602 and the second gear 603 are coaxially installed on the output shaft of the motor 601. The first gear 602 and the second gear 603 are arranged along the output shaft of the motor 601. The first gear 602 is engaged with the first rack 6041 and the second rack 6042 at the same time, and the second gear 603 is engaged with the third rack 6043 and the fourth rack 6044 at the same time. The first rack 6041 and the second rack 6042 are parallel, and the third rack 6043 and the fourth rack 6044 are parallel. The angle between the first rack 6041 and the third rack 6043 is greater than zero. The angle between the second rack 6042 and the fourth rack 6044 is greater than zero.

[0061] Optionally, the first rack 6041 is perpendicular to the third rack 6043, and the second rack 6042 is perpendicular to the fourth rack 6044, as shown in Fig. 6. Figure 6b The first end of each rack is installed with an ultrasonic transducer unit 605. The first end of the rack is the leading end of the rack when the gear engaged with the rack rotates clockwise, and the trailing end of the rack is called the second end. The first end of the first rack 6041 is installed with a first ultrasonic transducer unit 6051. The first end of the second rack 6042 is installed with a second ultrasonic transducer unit 6052. The first ultrasonic transducer unit 6051 and the second ultrasonic transducer unit 6052 form a group. The first end of the third rack 6043 is installed with a third ultrasonic transducer unit 6053. The first end of the fourth rack 6044 is installed with a fourth ultrasonic transducer unit 6054. The third ultrasonic transducer unit 6053 and the fourth ultrasonic transducer unit 6054 form a second group.

[0062] When motor 601 rotates clockwise, the first gear 602 and the second gear 603, fixed to its output shaft, rotate synchronously clockwise, thereby driving the racks 6041-6044 meshing with them to translate synchronously. The linear motion of the four racks, in turn, drives the four transducers 6051-6054 connected to their first ends to translate simultaneously away from the same center point. Similarly, when motor 601 rotates counterclockwise, the four transducers 6051-6054 translate simultaneously toward the same center point. In this way, parallel scanning and translational scanning are achieved, thereby realizing synchronous scanning of the eyeball under test. Optionally, the first gear 602 and the second gear 603 are the same size. The first gear 602 and the second gear 603 can be replaced by a single gear.

[0063] In a possible implementation, controlling multiple ultrasonic transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner includes: at least one of the multiple ultrasonic transducer units scanning towards or away from the same center point, while at least one of the remaining multiple ultrasonic transducer units scanning towards or away from that center point. This scanning method of multiple ultrasonic transducer units is called alternating scanning. Alternating scanning can be achieved by respectively setting different groups of ultrasonic transducer units at the first and second ends of a rack. That is, while the first group of ultrasonic transducer units is scanning towards the same center point, the second group of ultrasonic transducer units is scanning away from that center point; while the first group of ultrasonic transducer units is scanning away from that center point, the second group of ultrasonic transducer units is scanning towards that center point. Scanning in this way can minimize interference between different transducers while maintaining scanning speed.

[0064] Different groups of ultrasonic transducer units are divided based on whether they are coplanar; in other words, coplanar ultrasonic transducer units form a group. Each group of ultrasonic transducer units includes at least one ultrasonic transducer unit. Figure 3a For example, the four ultrasonic transducer units are grouped into two units, located on the horizontal and vertical meridional planes respectively, with two units in each group. Figure 5a In the middle, the three ultrasonic transducer units are located on different meridional planes, each forming a group, with one unit per group.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, in the first group of ultrasonic transducer units, the first ultrasonic transducer unit 6041 is mounted on the second end of the first rack 6041, and the second ultrasonic transducer unit 6042 is mounted on the second end of the second rack 6042. In the second group of ultrasonic transducer units, the third ultrasonic transducer unit 6053 is mounted on the first end of the third rack 6043, and the fourth ultrasonic transducer unit 6054 is mounted on the first end of the fourth rack 6044.

[0066] When the motor 601 drives the first gear 602 and the second gear 603 to rotate clockwise, the first ultrasonic transducer unit 6041 and the second ultrasonic transducer unit 6042 simultaneously translate towards the same center point, and the third ultrasonic transducer unit 6053 and the fourth ultrasonic transducer unit 6054 translate away from the same center point. When the motor 601 drives the first gear 602 and the second gear 603 to rotate counterclockwise, the first ultrasonic transducer unit 6041 and the second ultrasonic transducer unit 6042 simultaneously translate away from the same center point, and the third ultrasonic transducer unit 6053 and the fourth ultrasonic transducer unit 6054 translate towards the same center point. In this way, the first group of ultrasonic transducers scans towards the same center point while the second group of ultrasonic transducers scans away from the same center point, or the first group of ultrasonic transducers scans away from the same center point while the second group of ultrasonic transducers scans towards the same center point.

[0067] In a possible implementation, the control of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner includes: the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units scan in turn. When working in this scanning manner, only one transducer works at the same time, which maximally avoids energy interference between different transducers and improves the signal-to-noise ratio of an image.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8, the scanning mechanism includes: a motor 601, a nut seat 1401, a guide rail 1102, a sliding block 1103, an adapter block 1104, a spring 1105, and a track column 1101. The track column 1101 is a cuboid as a whole, and the top surface of the track column 1101 is provided with the nut seat 1401. The output shaft of the motor 601 is connected with the nut seat 1401 through a screw rod. Each side wall of the four side walls of the track column 1101 is formed with a track convex rib 1106. The height of each convex rib is different. Optionally, the adapter block 1104 has four. The top of each adapter block 1104 is slidably connected with the guide rail 1102 through the sliding block 1103; the front end of each adapter block 1104 is connected with the track column 1101 through a roller 1107; the rear end of each adapter block 1104 is provided with the spring 1105; and the bottom of each adapter block 1104 is provided with the ultrasonic transducer unit 6051.

[0069] When the motor 601 is started, the rotation of the motor is converted into the up-down movement of the track column 1101 through the cooperation of the screw rod and the nut seat. The track convex rib 1106 on each surface of the track column 1101 moves up and down, and in turn drives each roller in contact with the track convex rib 1106 to translate. Due to the different heights of the track convex ribs, each roller 1107 in turn drives the adapter block to reciprocatingly translate along the linear guide rail 1102 under the support of the pre-pressed spring 1105, and in turn drives the transducers 6051-6054 connected to the adapter block to reciprocate, so as to realize the turn-by-turn scanning of the four transducer units.

[0070] It can be understood that, on the basis of the embodiments of FIGS. 6-8, by setting the included angle between different racks or guide rails, the equal interval or non-equal interval arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer units and the angle setting of the ultrasonic transducer units can be realized. By setting the number or thickness of the gears and the number of the racks, the number setting of the ultrasonic transducer units can also be realized.

[0071] In possible embodiments, the predetermined mode scanning includes fan scanning. The ultrasonic transducer units are swung around a fixed point, and the fan scanning can be realized. When the distance between the ultrasonic transducer units and the cornea is large enough, the ultrasonic transducer units can scan under a relatively small swing amplitude, and the ultrasonic beam thereof covers the entire anterior segment of the eye to obtain a relatively large imaging range. Alternatively, the swing amplitude is 20°-35°.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 9, the scanning mechanism includes a servo lead screw motor 601, a nut seat 1401, a sliding shaft 1402, a guide tube 1403, a linkage assembly 1404, and a transducer 605. The nut seat 1401 is fixed with the sliding shaft 1402. The guide tube 1403 is fixed. The linkage assembly 1404 is generally triangular, with a first corner fixed at the bottom of the movable sliding shaft 1402, a second corner fixed at the bottom of the fixed component guide tube 1403, and a third corner fixed at a fixed fulcrum 1405. Four ultrasonic transducer units 605 are respectively installed at the third corners of the four linkage assemblies 1404, and can move with the linkage assemblies. When the servo lead screw motor 601 rotates, the nut seat 1401 connected to the lead screw moves up and down, driving the sliding shaft 1402 to move linearly up and down, thereby driving the linkage assembly 1404 to swing around the fixed fulcrum 1405, and further driving the four ultrasonic transducer units 605 to swing simultaneously, realizing the synchronous fan scanning of the multiple ultrasonic transducer units 605. Figure 9a and Figure 9c is the maximum angle of the fan swing, Figure 9b and Figure 9d is the minimum angle of the fan swing.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the predetermined manner scanning includes arcuate scanning. The scanning track of the ultrasonic transducer unit and the outer arc of the cornea are concentric, and during the entire scanning process, the ultrasonic transducer unit is closer to the corneal surface, the transmission path of the ultrasonic wave emission and the echo is almost perpendicular to the corneal surface, the working distance changes little, the geometric distortion can be reduced, and the consistency of the image resolution is improved. As shown in FIG. 10, the arcuate scanning adds an arcuate limiting groove 1601 on the basis of the fan-shaped scanning in the embodiment of FIG. 9. The connection point of the ultrasonic transducer unit 605 and the connecting rod assembly 1404 is arranged in the arcuate limiting groove 1601. When the servo lead screw motor 601 rotates, the nut seat 1401 connected to the lead screw moves up and down, drives the sliding shaft 1402 to move up and down in a straight line, thereby driving the connecting rod assembly 1404 fixed on the limiting track groove 1601 to slide in an arc shape, and further driving the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units 605 installed at the third angle of the plurality of connecting rod assemblies 1404 to simultaneously perform arcuate scanning. Figure 10a and Figure 10b Different movement states of the arcuate scanning are shown respectively.

[0074] The embodiment of the present application also provides an ultrasonic biomicroscope, which comprises the ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device in any of the foregoing embodiments. The related content can refer to the related content in any of the foregoing embodiments, which will not be described herein again. The ultrasonic biomicroscope further comprises a signal processing system and an image processing system. The signal processing system is configured to generate a high-frequency ultrasonic driving signal and process a received echo signal. The image processing system is configured to perform image reconstruction and display based on the processed echo signal.

[0075] In the embodiment of the present application, a plurality of independent transducers combined with their corresponding tracks can realize synchronous scanning of a plurality of meridional planes of the eye to be measured, can obtain the section images required by doctors in a very short time, and does not need an operator to guide the patient to look back and forth and adjust the probe position back and forth. The monocular scanning time is shortened to 2 minutes or less, and faster scanning is realized. In the case of only paying attention to the rear region blocked by the iris and not paying attention to the tissue region (such as the central region of the corneal anterior capsule) that can be observed by optical means (such as OCT, Scheimpflug imaging, etc.), the scanning speed can be further improved.

[0076] The embodiment of the present application also provides a scanning method of an ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device, as shown in Figure 11 The ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducer units, wherein the planes in which the scanning tracks of the ultrasonic transducer units are located are collinear. The scanning method comprises: controlling the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner to synchronously scan and image at least part of each meridional plane in a plurality of different meridional planes of an eye to be measured. The arrangement mode of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units adopts the arrangement mode of the ophthalmic ultrasonic imaging scanning device in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0077] Optionally, the predetermined manner of scanning comprises parallel scanning or round-robin scanning. Optionally, the predetermined manner of scanning comprises translational scanning, fan scanning or arc scanning.

[0078] The eye ultrasound imaging scanning device in the embodiment can refer to the eye ultrasound imaging scanning device in any of the foregoing embodiments, and details are not repeated here.

[0079] The embodiment of the present application further provides an eye ultrasound imaging method, comprising the following steps:

[0080] S10, guiding the eye to be measured to be in orthophoric position. By using the vergence effect of both eyes, the subject eye is guided to be in orthophoric position by orthophoric fixation of the contralateral eye. Unlike the traditional method, in the embodiment, the subject eye does not need to be side-viewed to achieve clear imaging of the tissue structure at the posterior chamber of the iris.

[0081] S20, controlling the plurality of ultrasound transducer units to synchronously scan at least part of each meridian plane of the plurality of different meridian planes of the eyeball to be measured, to obtain echo signals of each ultrasound transducer unit, each ultrasound transducer unit being located in a plane passing through a different meridian line of the eye to be measured. Optionally, the scanning is performed by using the eye ultrasound imaging scanning device described in any of the foregoing embodiments to obtain the echo signals. The arrangement of the plurality of ultrasound transducer units is the same as the arrangement of the eye ultrasound imaging scanning device described in any of the foregoing embodiments, and details can refer to the description of the eye ultrasound imaging scanning device in any of the foregoing embodiments, and details are not repeated here. Each ultrasound transducer unit starts from a starting point, synchronously scans along a respective scanning track, and moves to the end of the scanning track, so as to achieve synchronous scanning. The continuous reciprocating motion of each ultrasound transducer unit is used to obtain the clearest diagnostic information. During the scanning process, each ultrasound transducer unit is located in a plane passing through a different meridian line of the eye to be measured.

[0082] S30, processing the echo signals obtained by each ultrasound transducer unit to obtain a plurality of ultrasound images. The echo signals received by each ultrasound transducer unit are processed to obtain a B-mode ultrasound image. For example, the echo signals received by each ultrasound transducer unit are processed by using the ultrasound imaging device described in any of the foregoing embodiments to obtain a B-mode ultrasound image. Figure 3a Taking four ultrasound transducer units as an example, the four ultrasound transducer units scan to finally obtain four ciliary process section images in four meridian directions of 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock, as shown in FIG. 6. Figure 13

[0083] S40, performing image fusion processing on the ultrasound images of the coplanar meridian planes in the plurality of ultrasound images to obtain a complete cross-sectional ultrasound image of the eye to be measured. The image fusion processing can obtain a section image in the horizontal direction when the eyeball is in orthophoric position, as shown in FIG. 7. Figure 14a Figure 14b ​​This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the eye when looking straight ahead, obtained through image fusion processing.

[0084] Optionally, after step S40, a step S50 is included to perform image analysis on the complete cross-sectional ultrasound image to obtain measurement results. For example... Figure 14a In the measurement, the horizontal STS is found to be 11.48 mm, STSL (distance between STS plane and anterior crystalline lens surface) is 0.11 mm, and LT (lens thickness) is 3.33 mm; (e.g., ...) Figure 14b In the middle, the vertical direction STS = 11.80mm and STSL = 0.34mm were measured.

[0085] As the motion trajectories of multiple ultrasonic transducer units change, the acquired image field of view also changes accordingly. For example... Figure 15 As shown, if the doctor only needs to monitor the detailed morphology of the ciliary processes, suspensory ligaments, or anterior chamber angle at the pupillary margin (shown by the solid rectangle 801 in the image), and does not need to focus on areas that can be clearly observed by optical means, such as the central region of the cornea and anterior lens capsule, then the transducer's scanning path can be shortened to further improve scanning speed. If the doctor also needs to observe the central region of the anterior lens capsule, i.e., the area shown by the dotted box 802 in the image, the transducer's scanning path can simply be extended a certain distance towards the pupil. If the doctor further needs to observe the corneal morphology and structure and perform STS measurements, i.e., the area shown by the dashed box 803 in the image, the transducer's scanning path can be extended further towards the pupil, and post-processing such as fusing the cross-sectional images along the two coplanar meridians can be performed to obtain a complete anterior segment image.

[0086] By employing multiple ultrasonic transducer units to simultaneously scan and image the eyeball under test, the subject only needs to keep the pupil in a forward-facing position for a few milliseconds to rapidly acquire detailed images of the posterior ciliary ligament of the iris in four clockwise directions without time difference. Furthermore, since a group of ultrasonic transducer units located on the plane of two coplanar meridians moves synchronously, it ensures that the images from each pair of transducer units lie in the same plane. This overcomes the measurement errors caused by uncontrollable factors such as operator movement, probe vibration, or patient eye movement associated with a single transducer, thus improving measurement accuracy.

[0087] The relevant content of each unit in the embodiment can refer to the relevant content of the unit with the same reference sign in any one of the foregoing embodiments, which will not be described here. By analyzing the obtained horizontal and vertical eye ultrasound images, the measurement and analysis of various intraocular tissues are realized, including the evaluation of the details of the intraocular tissues, the measurement of the angle width, and the STS measurement, etc.

[0088] The foregoing embodiments of the present application are not limited to the preoperative and postoperative scenarios of pIOL, and have unique advantages in the observation of the angle shape and the measurement of the angle width in the evaluation and diagnosis of glaucoma. Meanwhile, the foregoing embodiments of the present application can also be applied to the evaluation of the zonular state before cataract surgery and the detection of the IOL deviation or tilt caused by the zonular abnormalities after cataract surgery.

[0089] It should be understood that the size of the serial number of the foregoing processes in various embodiments of the present application does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of the processes should be determined according to their functions and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0090] The technical features of the foregoing embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, and in order to make the description concise, all possible combinations of the technical features in the foregoing embodiments are not described, however, as long as the combination of the technical features does not exist contradictory, it should be considered as the scope of the present application.

[0091] The foregoing embodiments only express several implementation manners of the present application, and the description is more specific and detailed, but it should not be understood as a limitation on the scope of the patent. It should be pointed out that for ordinary skilled in the art, without departing from the concept of the present application, a number of modifications and improvements can be made, which are all within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device, characterized in that, It includes a scanning mechanism and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer units disposed thereon, the scanning mechanism being used to control the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner to simultaneously scan and image at least a portion of each of a plurality of different meridional planes of the eyeball under test.

2. Each of the ultrasonic transducer units includes at least one transducer for transmitting ultrasonic signals and receiving echo signals of the transmitted signals, wherein the scanning trajectories of the ultrasonic transducer units in the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units are collinear in the plane.

3. The ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined scanning method includes parallel scanning or alternating scanning.

4. The ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined scanning method includes translation scanning, sector scanning, or arc scanning.

5. The ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of ultrasonic transducer units includes at least three ultrasonic transducer units.

6. The ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of ultrasonic transducer units includes at least four ultrasonic transducer units, with each pair of ultrasonic transducer units forming a group, and their meridians being coplanar.

7. The ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Two of the multiple ultrasonic transducers are located in the plane of the horizontal meridian, and the other two are located in the plane of the vertical meridian.

8. The ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner includes: the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units scanning synchronously towards or away from each other relative to the same center point.

9. The ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units to scan in a predetermined manner includes: at least one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units scanning toward or away from the center point, while at least one of the remaining plurality of ultrasonic transducer units scanning toward or away from the center point.

10. The ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The scanning mechanism includes: a motor, a gear mounted on the output shaft of the motor, and a plurality of racks meshing with the gear, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic transducer units are mounted on the plurality of racks.

11. An ultrasonic biological microscope, characterized in that, Includes the ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device according to any one of claims 1-9.

12. A scanning method for an ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device, the ophthalmic ultrasound imaging scanning device comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducer units, wherein the scanning trajectories of each ultrasound transducer unit lie in collinear planes, the scanning method comprising: The plurality of ultrasonic transducer units are controlled to scan in a predetermined manner to simultaneously scan and image at least a portion of each of the multiple different meridional planes of the eyeball under test.

13. An ophthalmic ultrasound imaging method, comprising: Guide the eye to be tested to be in a normal viewing position; Multiple ultrasonic transducer units are controlled to simultaneously scan at least a portion of each of the multiple different meridians of the eye to be tested, thereby obtaining the echo signal of each ultrasonic transducer unit, wherein each ultrasonic transducer unit is located in the plane of the different meridians of the eye to be tested. The echo signals obtained from each ultrasonic transducer unit are processed to obtain multiple ultrasonic images. Image fusion processing is performed on the coplanar meridional ultrasound images from the multiple ultrasound images to obtain a complete cross-sectional ultrasound image of the eye under test.

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