System and method for tuning ultrasound imaging

Abstract

Systems and methods for tuning ultrasound imaging are provided herein. The method comprises: displaying a first scan-converted ultrasound image on a display (S411) based on a first scan line of ultrasound imaging data; receiving screen coordinates of a display point in the first scan converted ultrasound image, the display point having a corresponding depth (S412); converting the screen coordinate of the display point into a data coordinate of a corresponding data point in the first scan line (S413); adjusting a parameter of the first scan line at a scan depth of the data coordinates of the data point to provide a second scan line of the ultrasound imaging data, including the adjusted parameter (S414); performing a scan conversion on the second scan line to obtain a second scan converted ultrasound image, where the second scan converted ultrasound image is changed at a depth of the display point in response to the adjusted parameter (S415); and displaying the ultrasound image converted by the second scan (S416).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for tuning ultrasound imaging. BACKGROUND

[0002] Ultrasound imaging has become an indispensable part of many medical imaging applications. An ultrasound imaging system typically comprises an ultrasound transducer probe and a processing system. The ultrasound transducer probe can comprise an array of transducer elements configured to emit sound waves through the body of a subject and receive echo signals when the sound waves are reflected from tissues, organs and other structures. The timing and intensity of the echo signals generally correspond to the size, shape and mass of the structures within the subject's body, the image of which is displayed to a user of the ultrasound imaging system, such as an ultrasound physician or physician.

[0003] The ultrasound transducer probe acquires ultrasound imaging data as scan lines, which are scan converted according to post-processing algorithms, providing corresponding reconstructed ultrasound images for display. Scan conversion of ultrasound images is a known technique in the art. US5528302A "Real-time ultrasound scan conversion" by Basoglu et al. describes a known scan conversion technique and is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0004] As shown in the figure, Figure 1A Ultrasound imaging data 10 is shown, which is a scan line output by an ultrasound transducer probe prior to scan conversion, where, for example, the image data scan line is arranged in a general Cartesian coordinate system, with each data point 12 (X) located at a particular depth 14 from the transducer probe surface. Figure 1B An exemplary scan converted ultrasound image 20 is shown, corresponding to the ultrasound imaging data after scan conversion Figure 1A of the ultrasound imaging data. For example, Figure 1B A corresponding scan line is shown, arranged in a polar coordinate data coordinate system, which can more accurately correspond to an ultrasound image of the underlying anatomy. Thus, data point 12 becomes scan converted data point 22 (X) at radial depth 24. Generally, due to the anisotropy of the reconstructed ultrasound image after scan conversion, it is useful to change the intensity of the post-processing algorithm according to depth prior to scan conversion. Pre-processing can generally fine-tune by depth using a time gain control (TGC) with a fixed number of sliders. However, due to scan conversion, there is no simple mapping relationship between the geometry configuration of the scan lines of the acquired ultrasound imaging data and the corresponding post-processed ultrasound image displayed on the display screen. Furthermore, the relationship between the scan lines and the displayed ultrasound image depends on the acquisition parameters and geometry configuration of the ultrasound transducer probe.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a mechanism to directly adjust depth-dependent parameters by interacting with a displayed ultrasound image and to pass the adjustments to scanlines for reprocessing. In ultrasound, the image resolution is non-linearly related to depth due to curved geometry configuration. Directly interacting with a displayed ultrasound image enables the user to see the result of the adjustment in real-time or near real-time, thereby enabling faster determination of accuracy of the settings, thereby improving accuracy of the adjustment and quality of the final displayed ultrasound image. SUMMARY

[0006] The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a method for tuning ultrasound imaging is provided. The method comprises displaying a first scan converted ultrasound image on a display, wherein the first scan converted ultrasound image is based on a first scanline of ultrasound imaging data; receiving screen coordinates of a display point in the first scan converted ultrasound image, wherein the display point has a corresponding depth in the first scan converted ultrasound image; transforming the screen coordinates of the display point in the first scan converted ultrasound image to data coordinates of a corresponding data point in the first scanline of the ultrasound imaging data; adjusting at least one parameter of the first scanline at a data coordinate of the scan depth of the data point to provide a second scanline of the ultrasound imaging data, wherein the second scanline comprises the adjusted at least one parameter, wherein the scan depth of the data coordinates corresponds to the depth of the display point in the first scan converted ultrasound image; performing scan conversion on the second scanline of the ultrasound imaging data to obtain a second scan converted ultrasound image, wherein the second scan converted ultrasound image is altered at the depth of the display point in response to the adjusted at least one parameter; and displaying the second scan converted ultrasound image on the display.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a system for adjusting ultrasound imaging is provided. The system comprises a display, a user interface, a processing unit in communication with the display and the user interface, and a memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, cause the processing unit to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a (non-transitory) computer readable medium stores instructions for tuning ultrasound imaging displayed on a display. When executed by a processing unit, the instructions cause the processing unit to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0010] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The representative embodiments can be best understood with reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions can be arbitrarily increased or decreased for the sake of discussion. Wherever applicable, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and text to refer to the same or like elements.

[0012] Figure 1A Ultrasound imaging data is shown as scan lines before scan conversion.

[0013] Figure 1B An ultrasound image is shown, which corresponds to the ultrasound imaging data after scan conversion. Figure 1A

[0014] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system for tuning ultrasound imaging of a subject according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram of a memory in the ultrasound imaging system shown according to an embodiment. Figure 2

[0016] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for tuning ultrasound imaging of a subject according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an integrated method and system for tuning ultrasound imaging of a subject according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following detailed description, for the purposes of explanation and not limitation, illustrative embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments according to the present teachings. Descriptions of known systems, devices, materials, operational methods and manufacturing methods can be omitted so as to avoid obscuring the description of the representative embodiments. None-the-less, systems, devices, materials and methods that are within the skill of the art are expressly contemplated as falling within the scope of the present teachings and can be used in accordance with the representative embodiments. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The defined terms are intended to be construed in a manner consistent with their usage in the technical fields of the technology to which this teaching pertains.

[0019] It is to be understood that the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements or components, but the elements or components should not be limited by such terms. Such terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could also be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept.​​

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include both singular and plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the terms "comprises," "comprising," and / or "including" and / or like terms as used herein are specifically intended to be open-ended. That is, these terms are intended to mean that the listed item is present, but not excluding the presence of one or more additional items. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0021] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the terms "approximately" and "about" mean having a margin or degree of error within acceptable limits or degrees, except when applied to the typically accepted meaning, for example, "about 2 MHz" means that a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the signal is 2 MHz within a reasonable measure. Further, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the word "substantially" means within acceptable limits or degrees, except when applied to the typically accepted meaning. For example, "substantially simultaneous" means events that a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize as occurring at the same time.

[0022] Generally, in accordance with various embodiments, after scan converting respective ultrasound imaging data acquired by an ultrasound transducer probe, a reconstructed ultrasound image is displayed on a display. A user identifies a display point with screen coordinates in the scan converted ultrasound image on the display. The screen coordinates of the display point are automatically transformed into data coordinates of a corresponding data point in a different coordinate system used prior to scan conversion. The user can adjust data point parameters at the data coordinates to achieve a desired change to the displayed ultrasound image. Scan conversion is then performed on the ultrasound imaging data with the adjusted parameters to obtain a modified reconstructed ultrasound image. The parameters are adjusted only by depth, but lateral adjustment can be made using essentially the same techniques without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0023] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system for post-processing of ultrasound imaging for tuning of a subject in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0024] Reference is made to Figure 2The ultrasound imaging system 100 includes an ultrasound transducer probe 110 and a computer system 115 for controlling imaging in or of a region of interest (ROI) of a subject (patient) 107. The ultrasound transducer probe 110 can include a 2D matrix array of transducer elements that are capable of two-dimensional or three-dimensional scanning, e.g., transmitting ultrasound into the body of the subject 107 and receiving echo signals in response. The transducer elements can include capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) or piezoelectric transducers, e.g., made of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), among other materials, although other types of transducer materials can be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present teachings. The transducer array is coupled to a micro-beamformer in the ultrasound transducer probe 110 that controls the signal transmission and reception of the transducer elements.

[0025] The ultrasound transducer probe 110 is connected via a probe cable 118 to a controller 120 in the computer system 115. The controller 120 includes a processing unit 125 and is configured to control the ultrasound imaging process as well as the process of ultrasound imaging post-processing tuning of the subject 107. The controller 120 includes known elements for performing ultrasound imaging, e.g., a transmit / receive (T / R) switch configured to switch between transmit and receive modes (e.g., under the control of a user interface 150 (described below)), as well as a main beamformer configured to provide final beamforming. One of the functions performed by the controller 120 is the direction in which the beams are steered and focused. For example, the beams can be steered to be transmitted straight ahead (perpendicular to the transducer array) from the transducer array of the ultrasound transducer probe 110, or at different angles to obtain a wider field of view. In general, the transmission of ultrasound signals as well as the reception and processing of echo signals in response are known and, therefore, additional details in this regard are not included herein.

[0026] The computer system 115 receives ultrasound imaging data from the controller 120 via the probe cable 118 from the ultrasound transducer probe 110 and processes and stores the imaging data in accordance with representative embodiments described herein. In addition to the controller 120, the computer system 115 includes a memory 130, a display 140, and a user interface 150. The display 140 has a display screen and can include a graphical user interface (GUI) 145 on the display screen. In alternative configurations, the computer system 115 can receive ultrasound images from a database 138 that stores previously acquired ultrasound images of the subject 107.

[0027] The controller 120 can receive ultrasound imaging data as scanlines from the ultrasound transducer probe 110, but some standard preprocessing can have been performed prior to receiving the ultrasound imaging data. Alternatively, the controller 120 can receive raw channel ultrasound data from the transducer probe 110 and construct the scanlines itself. The scanlines can be provided in a data coordinate system of the ultrasound transducer probe 110. The controller 120 can additionally perform postprocessing on the scanlines and then scan convert the postprocessed scanlines to obtain corresponding scan converted ultrasound images. Scan conversion can be part of the postprocessing in order to improve accuracy without departing from the scope of the present teachings. The scan converted ultrasound images can be displayed on the display 140 in a screen coordinate system, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 2. Figure 5 A user can interact with the displayed scan converted ultrasound images via the user interface 150 (e.g., implemented by the GUI 145) in order to identify one or more points or locations in the scan converted ultrasound images that the user wishes to adjust parameters of, as discussed below. Additionally or alternatively, the ultrasound imaging data and / or scan converted ultrasound images can be stored in one or both of the memory 130 and / or the database 138.

[0028] The memory 130 stores instructions executable by the processing unit 125 of the controller 120. The instructions, when executed, cause the processing unit 125 to perform various processes related to enabling tuning of scan converted ultrasound images, as described below. The instructions also allow a user (e.g., an ultrasound physician, physician, or other clinician) to perform different steps of an ultrasound examination and initialize the ultrasound transducer probe 110 using the GUI 145 and / or the user interface 150. Further, the processing unit 125 can implement other operations based on executing the instructions, such as instructing or otherwise communicating with other elements of the computer system 115, including the memory 130, the display 140, and the user interface 150, to perform one or more processes described herein.

[0029] The processing unit 125 represents one or more processing devices and is configured to run software instructions stored in the memory 130 to perform the functions as described in the various embodiments herein. The processing unit 125 can be implemented by a general purpose computer, a processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a computer processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a state machine, a programmable logic device, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on a chip (SOC), or a combination of such devices or the like. Further, any of the processing units or processors herein can include multiple processors, parallel processors, or both. Multiple processors can be included in a single device or coupled to multiple devices.

[0030] As used herein, the term "processor" encompasses any electronic component capable of running programs or machine-executable instructions. The term "processor" should be interpreted as including one or more processors or processing cores, as in a multi-core processor. A processor can also refer to a collection of processors within a single computer system, or a collection of processors distributed across multiple computer systems, such as in cloud-based or other multi-site applications. A module has software instructions for using one or more processors to perform various functions; these processors may reside within the same computing device or may be distributed across multiple computing devices.

[0031] Memory 130 may include main memory and / or static memory, wherein these memories can communicate with each other and with processing unit 125 via one or more buses. Memory 130 stores instructions for implementing some or all aspects of the methods and processes described herein. When these instructions are executed, they cause processing unit 125 to perform one or more processes, for example, for tuning as referenced below. Figure 3 The illustrated scan converts ultrasound images and controls the performance of ultrasound imaging. For example, memory 130 can be implemented by, for example, any number, type, and combination of random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM), and can store various types of information, such as software algorithms used as instructions, which, when executed by processing unit 125, cause processing unit 125 to perform various steps and methods according to the present teachings. Furthermore, updates to the methods and processes described herein can also be provided to computer system 115 and stored in memory 130. Memory 130 may include any number, type, and combination of computer-readable storage media, such as disk drives, flash memory, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable disks, magnetic tapes, optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile optical disc (DVD), floppy disks, Blu-ray discs, universal serial bus (USB) drives, or any other form of storage media known in the art.

[0032] Memory 130 and database 138 are each a (tangible) storage medium for storing data and executable software instructions, and can not be non-transitory during the time that software instructions are stored therein. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" is to be interpreted not as an everlasting state of being, but as a state of being that will endure for a period of time. The term "non-transitory" specifically disavows fleeting instances of storage, such as representations of particular signals or other forms that exist for only short periods of time. As indicated above, memory 130 can store software instructions and / or computer-readable code that enable performance of various functions, and database 138 can store previously-acquired ultrasound images of subject 107. Memory 130 and / or database 138 can be secure and / or encrypted, or unsecure and / or unencrypted.

[0033] "Memory" is an example of a computer-readable storage medium, and should be interpreted as possibly being a plurality of memories or databases. For example, the memory or database can be a plurality of memories or databases local to the computer, and / or distributed among a plurality of computer systems or computing devices, or set up in the "cloud" according to known components and methods. The computer-readable storage medium can be any medium according to 35 USC § 101 that constitutes a patentable subject matter, and excludes any medium that does not constitute a patentable subject matter according to 35 U.S.C. § 101. Examples of such media include non-transitory media, such as computer storage devices that store information in a computer- or data-processing system- readable format. More specific examples of non-transitory media include computer disks and non-volatile memory.

[0034] Display 140 can be any compatible monitor for displaying at least ultrasound images, such as a computer monitor, television, liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED) display, flat panel display, solid state display, or cathode ray tube (CRT) display, for example. Display 140 can also provide GUI 145 discussed above for displaying information to a user via the display and receiving information from the user. While display 140 is shown as a single display, it is to be understood that ultrasound imaging system 100 can include multiple displays, such as one dedicated to displaying ultrasound images in real-time in response to manipulation of ultrasound transducer probe 110, without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0035] The user interface 150 is configured to provide information and data output by the processing unit 125 and / or the memory 130 to a user, and / or to receive information, instructions, and data input by the user. That is, the user interface 150 enables a user to operate the ultrasound imaging system 100 as described herein, including inputting imaging settings and ultrasound transducer probe settings, such as mode, frequency, depth, and gain. Notably, the user interface 150 enables the processing unit 125 to instruct the user of the effects of the user’s control or operation of the ultrasound transducer probe 110. The user interface 150 can include one or more ports, disk drives, wireless antennas, or other types of receiver circuitry. For example, the user interface 150 can also connect one or more interface devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, joystick, microphone, video camera, touchpad, touchscreen, microphone, or gesture recognition captured by a video camera.

[0036] All or part of the user interface 150 can be implemented by the GUI 145 on the display 140, e.g., the display 140 can be a touchscreen. The user interface 150 can include graphics, such as buttons, fields, slides, and other visual indicia displayed by the GUI 145, which the user can operate to initiate various commands to manipulate displayed images, take measurements and calculations, etc. during an ultrasound examination. For example, the GUI 145 can display buttons on a touchscreen.

[0037] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram of the memory 130 according to a representative embodiment. For purposes of illustration, the memory 130 is shown as including software modules, each of which includes a set of instructions for operation by the processing unit 125, corresponding to an associated function of the ultrasound imaging system 100.

[0038] With reference to Figure 3 , the ultrasound imaging module 131 is configured to receive ultrasound imaging data of a ROI in the subject 107, which can be acquired by the ultrasound transducer probe 110. The ultrasound imaging data can be received in real-time or near real-time directly from the ultrasound transducer probe 110, e.g., during a concurrent imaging session of the subject 107. Alternatively, the ultrasound imaging data can be previously acquired and stored images, e.g., stored in the database 138, in which case the ultrasound imaging data can be retrieved from the storage device. The ultrasound imaging data can be received in the form of scanlines, an example of which is shown in Figure 1A . The data points of the scanlines are represented by coordinates in a data coordinate system, e.g., it can be a two-dimensional (2D) Cartesian coordinate system, a polar coordinate system, or a pseudo-polar coordinate system.

[0039] The scan conversion module 132 is configured to perform known post-processing on the ultrasound imaging data and, after said post-processing, perform scan conversion on the scan lines to generate a scan-converted ultrasound image that more closely approximates the actual geometry of the underlying imaged anatomical structure. For example, Figure 1B The illustration depicts such a scan-transformed image. Post-processing can include various types of filtering, such as spatial filtering and speckle filtering, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Typically, the scan transformation maps ultrasound imaging data from a data coordinate system to a screen coordinate system for display on the monitor 140. For example, the data coordinate system can be a polar coordinate system, and the screen coordinate system can be a Cartesian coordinate system. The scan transformation can be performed using any compatible techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0040] Display interface module 133 is configured to display a scan-converted ultrasound image on the screen of display 140 and receive the screen coordinates of a point (“display point”) in the displayed scan-converted ultrasound image selected by the user via user interface 150 and / or GUI 145. The selected display point has a corresponding depth in the displayed scan-converted ultrasound image, wherein the depth is the distance from the transducer array in the ultrasound transducer probe 110 to the display point. The user can select the display point by, for example, simply using a mouse, trackball, or touchpad to identify the position on the displayed scan-converted image, or directly using a touchscreen by touching the screen of display 140. Of course, other techniques can also be incorporated to enable the selection of a position on display 140 without departing from the teachings of the invention. Once the user selects the position of the display point, display interface module 133 identifies the screen coordinates corresponding to the selected display point in the screen coordinate system. Alternatively, the user can manually input the specific coordinates of the selected display point.

[0041] The coordinate transformation module 134 is configured to transform the screen coordinates of a selected display point in the displayed scan-converted ultrasound image to the data coordinates (“data points”) of the corresponding data point in the scan line of the ultrasound imaging data. The screen coordinates of the selected display point can be transformed to the data coordinates of the corresponding data point using a known transformation algorithm specific to the probe geometry of the ultrasound transducer probe 110. For example, the transformation algorithm to be used depends on the shape of the ultrasound transducer probe 110, and the values ​​of the parameters of the transformation algorithm depend on the dimensions of the ultrasound transducer probe 110. For example, in 2D cardiovascular ultrasound imaging, the transformation algorithm T takes the screen coordinates (x, y) of the selected display point in the Cartesian screen coordinate system as input and outputs the corresponding data coordinates (ρ, θ) of the corresponding data point in the polar coordinate system as follows: T:(x, y) => ρ(x, y) = ρ scale ( - p0 (x, y) = θ scale (arctan2(x, y) - θ0)

[0042] In the transformation algorithm T, p is the radial distance of a data point to a fixed origin, and q is the polar angle (lateral angle). Furthermore, p scale is the radial resolution and q scale is the azimuthal resolution, each of which depends on the acquisition parameters of the scan line. The value of p scale and q scale may be determined from the dimensions of the ultrasound probe 110, as described above. Furthermore, p0may be defined as the depth of the closest point of acquisition, and q0may be defined as the smallest lateral angle.

[0043] The parameter adjustment module 135 is configured to receive user instructions via the user interface 150 and / or the GUI 145 to alter the value(s) of one or more post-processing parameters of the data points in the scan line. For example, the GUI 145 can provide a grid or drop-down list of parameters that are available for adjustment in relation to the displayed ultrasound image. The drop-down list can specify each possible adjusted parameter, show the current parameter value, and provide a range of possible adjusted parameter values to select from. Alternatively, the GUI 145 can also provide input fields for the user to input one or more parameters to adjust, and the corresponding adjusted values. Of course, other forms of interface can also be included without departing from the scope of the present teachings. Regardless, the adjustment can be indicated by replacing the current parameter value with the new parameter value, or by an increased or decreased adjustment amount relative to the current parameter value. For example, the new parameter value can be expressed as a percentage of the current parameter value, and an indication of whether to increase or decrease the current parameter value by that percentage.

[0044] According to various embodiments, for example, parameters that can be adjusted are parameters that depend on scan depth, such as filter strength, enhancement, grain, and contrast, but this list is not exhaustive. Filter strength refers to the degree to which noise or unwanted signals are removed (filtered) from the ultrasound imaging data. Generally, higher filter strength can reduce noise, but can also remove some detail from the ultrasound image. For example, the portions of the ultrasound image that are most enlarged by the transform, noise tends to be larger, and filter strength for these portions is increased, and these portions of the ultrasound image can be more blurred due to the increased filter strength providing less detail. Enhancement refers to the brightness and darkness of the ultrasound image in order to enhance the visibility of particular structures. For example, enhancement can be particularly useful in identifying subtle differences in tissue texture or identifying small structures. Grain refers to the appearance of small dots or speckles in the ultrasound image, which can be caused by noise or other factors. Adjusting the grain parameter can be used to de-noise artifacts and restore a more natural feel to the ultrasound image. Contrast refers to the difference in brightness or darkness between different portions of the ultrasound image. Adjusting the contrast can make particular structures more visible or more distinguishable, especially in areas where the imaged tissue has similar echogenicity. It is to be understood that any additional parameters that depend on scan depth can be included as potential adjustable parameters without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0045] The point parameters for data at a scan depth in a scan line can be adjusted according to a depth (distance) parameter in a polar coordinate system. For example, for each of the data coordinates (p, q) for a corresponding data point in the polar data coordinate system, the filtering can be modeled as follows, where "parameters" is a set of constant parameters, such as filter strength, enhancement, grain, and contrast described above:

[0046] Output (p, q) = f(input, parameters).

[0047] When adjusting parameters at a particular scan depth of a scan line, they become a function of the depth coordinate (p), as follows:

[0048] Output (p, q) = f(input, parameters, p).

[0049] As discussed above, the parameters of the ultrasound imaging data depend on the scan depth. Thus, the adjustment made to the value(s) of one or more parameters in the scan line can be applied to all data points in the scan line at the same scan depth as the selected data point (corresponding to the selected display point). Alternatively, the adjustment made to the value(s) of one or more parameters in the scan line can be applied only to the selected data point at the scan depth in the scan line, while leaving the value(s) of the same parameter(s) of other data points at the scan depth unchanged. The user can select, e.g., via the user interface 150 and / or the GUI 145, whether to apply the adjustment to all data points at the same depth or only to the selected data point.

[0050] Once the one or more parameters of the ultrasound imaging data have been adjusted, they are input into the scan conversion module 132. The post-processing of the ultrasound imaging data can then be repeated. The scan conversion module 132 then performs scan conversion on the scan lines with the adjusted parameters to provide a modified scan converted ultrasound image. The modified scan converted ultrasound image can be displayed on the display 140. If the user wishes, additional adjustments can be made to one or more parameters and / or other parameters related to depth by repeating the process implemented by the display interface module 133, the coordinate transformation module 134, and the parameter adjustment module 135.

[0051] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for tuning post-processing of ultrasound imaging of a subject according to representative embodiments. The method can be implemented, for example, by the ultrasound imaging system 100 discussed above, which executes instructions stored in the memory 130 under control of the processing unit 125.

[0052] Reference is made to Figure 4 At block S411, a first scan converted ultrasound image is displayed on a display. The first scan converted ultrasound image is generated by post-processing first (initial) scan lines of ultrasound imaging data received from an ultrasound transducer probe, and then scan converting the post-processed scan lines, as discussed above.

[0053] In block S412, screen coordinates of a selected display point in the displayed first scan converted ultrasound image are received. The selected display point has a corresponding depth in the displayed first scan converted ultrasound image. The user can identify the selected display point on the displayed first scan converted ultrasound image. For example, the user can provide a user input by clicking or touching a location in the displayed first scan converted ultrasound image corresponding to the selected display point, e.g. using a mouse, trackball, touchpad or touchscreen. The selected display point has screen coordinates in the first coordinate system (e.g. Cartesian coordinate system), where the screen coordinates are automatically identified in response to the user selecting the selected display point.

[0054] In block S413, the screen coordinates of the selected display point are transformed to data coordinates of a data point in the first scan line of the ultrasound imaging data corresponding to the selected display point. For example, the data coordinates are in a second coordinate system defined by the ultrasound transducer probe, e.g. polar coordinate system. The selected display point can be transformed to the corresponding data point by performing the Cartesian to polar coordinate transformation described above in relation to the coordinate transformation module 134.

[0055] In block S414, at least one parameter of the first scan line at the scan depth of the data coordinates of the data point is adjusted to provide a second (adjusted) scan line of the ultrasound imaging data. The adjustment of the at least one parameter can be received from a user input at a user interface, which can be implemented at least in part by the GUI, as described above. The second scan line comprises the adjusted at least one parameter, which can be applied to the data point individually or to all data points at the same scan depth as the data point.

[0056] In block S415, scan conversion is performed on the second scan line of the ultrasound imaging data to obtain a second scan converted ultrasound image. The second scan converted ultrasound image is altered at the depth of the display point in response to the at least one parameter of the data point prior to scan conversion, thereby providing an improved ultrasound image.

[0057] In block S416, the second scan converted ultrasound image is displayed on the display. The second scan converted ultrasound image can be displayed individually or together with the first scan converted ultrasound image, e.g. side by side or one above the other in a split screen, so that the user can easily compare the two ultrasound images to judge the effect of the parameter adjustment, as described below with reference to Figure 5The second scan converted ultrasound image can be similarly displayed in real-time or near real-time on the display as the first scan converted ultrasound image is received from the ultrasound transducer probe and displayed on the display in real-time or near real-time. The user can repeat the process by selecting another display point in the second scan converted ultrasound image to be adjusted. The process is then repeated by returning to block S412 (where the screen coordinates of the additionally selected display point are received) first, etc.

[0058] While the method, system and components implementing an imaging protocol have been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words which have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes can be made within the purview of the appended claims as presently stated and amended, as well as changes in the known art to which the implementing protocols taught in this document pertains, without departing from the scope and spirit of the protocols implementation taught in this document. The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided as an overall description of the concepts described in the present disclosure. Therefore, the above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited to the foregoing detailed description. The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and / or processes via the use of

[0059] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an integrated method and system for post-processing of ultrasound imaging for tuning objects according to representative embodiments.

[0060] With reference to Figure 5 , blocks 512 to 516 generally correspond to the steps shown in blocks S412 to S416 in Figure 4 , respectively, while blocks 522 to 525 show images corresponding to the respective steps. In block 512, a user input is received, e.g. at a user interface, e.g. a mouse click or a screen touch. The user input identifies a selected display point in the displayed first scan converted ultrasound image 522 (indicated with an X). The selected display point has a corresponding depth in the displayed first scan converted ultrasound image 522. The selected display point has screen coordinates in a first coordinate system, e.g. a Cartesian coordinate system, which are automatically identified in response to the user input.

[0061] In block 513, the screen coordinates of the selected display point are transformed to data coordinates of a data point (indicated with X) in a first scanline 523 of the ultrasound imaging data corresponding to the selected display point. The data coordinates in the first scanline 523 are in a second coordinate system defined by the ultrasound transducer probe, such as a polar coordinate system. The selected display point can be transformed to the corresponding data point by performing the Cartesian to polar coordinate transformation described above with respect to the coordinate transformation module 134.

[0062] In block 514, a depth dependent process is performed to adjust at least one parameter of the first scanline of the data point data coordinates for the scan depth to provide a second (adjusted) scanline 524 of the ultrasound imaging data. As described above, the adjustment of the at least one parameter can be input by the user through the user interface. The depth dependent process can include adjusting the at least one parameter for only the data point (indicated with X), or adjusting the at least one parameter for all data points at the same scan depth as the data point in the second scanline 524.

[0063] In block 515, a scan conversion is performed on the second scanline 524 of the ultrasound imaging data to obtain a second scan converted ultrasound image 525. The second scan converted ultrasound image 525 is altered at the display point depth (indicated with X) in response to the adjusted at least one parameter of the data point prior to the scan conversion.

[0064] In block 516, the second scan converted ultrasound image 525 is displayed on the display as an improved ultrasound image. In response to the user input, the second scan converted ultrasound image 525 can be displayed separately or together with the first scan converted ultrasound image 522. For example, the first scan converted ultrasound image 522 and the second scan converted ultrasound image 525 can be displayed in a split screen, where the first scan converted ultrasound image 522 is displayed above the second scan converted ultrasound image 525 as shown. Alternatively, the split screen can show the first scan converted ultrasound image 522 and the second scan converted ultrasound image 525 side by side. The split screen enables the user to easily compare the two ultrasound images to judge the effect of the parameter adjustment.

[0065] The Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above Detailed Description, for the purposes of simplification and clarity, various features can be separated into multiple embodiments, which can be described in separate embodiments of separate patents. Such separation is in no way intended to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. The subject matter described herein is intended to be illustrative only and encompass all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the claims as set forth herein. Accordingly, the following claims are incorporated into this Detailed Description as examples of the patent-protected subject matter.

[0066] The computer program product can be software stored on a (non-transitory) medium. Alternatively, the computer program product can be software which makes it possible to download from certain servers, for example via the Internet.

[0067] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The application can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed processor. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means can be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A method of tuning ultrasound imaging, the method comprising: displaying (S411) a first scan converted ultrasound image (20) on a display (140), wherein the first scan converted ultrasound image is based on a first scan line of ultrasound imaging data (10); receiving (S412) screen coordinates of a display point (11) in the first scan converted ultrasound image, wherein the display point has a corresponding depth in the first scan converted ultrasound image; transforming (S413) the screen coordinates of the display point in the first scan converted ultrasound image to data coordinates of a corresponding data point in the first scan line of the ultrasound imaging data; adjusting (S414) at least one parameter of the first scan line at a scan depth of the data coordinates of the data point to provide a second scan line of the ultrasound imaging data, wherein the second scan line comprises the adjusted at least one parameter, wherein the scan depth of the data coordinates corresponds to the depth of the display point in the first scan converted ultrasound image; performing (S415) scan conversion on the second scan line of the ultrasound imaging data to obtain a second scan converted ultrasound image, wherein the second scan converted ultrasound image is altered at the depth of the display point in response to the adjusted at least one parameter; and displaying (S416) the second scan converted ultrasound image on the display.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The screen coordinates of the display point are received in response to a user input to the display, thereby identifying the display point.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The user interaction with the display comprises at least one of the following: trackball operation, trackpad touch, mouse click, or touchscreen touch input.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one parameter of the first scan line comprises at least one of the following: filter strength, enhancement, granularity, or contrast.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one parameter is adjusted for all data coordinates at the scan depth in the first scan line, including the data coordinates of the data point at the scan depth.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one parameter is adjusted only for the data coordinates of the data point at the scan depth in the first scan line.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The transforming the screen coordinates of the display point in the first scan converted ultrasound image to the data coordinates of the corresponding data point in the first scan line of the ultrasound imaging data comprises: transforming the screen coordinates of the display point from a Cartesian screen coordinate system to data coordinates of the corresponding data point in a polar data coordinate system using a transformation algorithm.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The transformation algorithm comprises: T: (x, y) => p(x, y) = p scale ( - p0) θ(x, y) = θ scale (arctan2(x, y) - θ0) wherein (x, y) are the screen coordinates of the display point in the Cartesian screen coordinate system, (ρ, θ) are the data coordinates of the corresponding data point in the polar data coordinate system, ρ is a radial distance of the corresponding data point to a fixed origin, and θ is a polar angle.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one parameter of the first scan line at the scan depth of the data coordinates of the data point is adjusted in accordance with a depth coordinate in a polar screen coordinate system.

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first scan converted ultrasound image and the second scan converted ultrasound image are displayed side by side.

11. A system for tuning ultrasound imaging, the system comprising: a display (140); a user interface (150); and a processing unit (125) configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The system according to claim 11, further comprising: an ultrasound transducer probe configured to acquire the ultrasound imaging data during an ultrasound examination of a subject, wherein the first scan converted ultrasound image is displayed in real-time or near real-time during the ultrasound examination based on the first scan line of the ultrasound imaging data acquired by the ultrasound transducer probe.

13. The system according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: a database storing ultrasound imaging data previously acquired by an ultrasound transducer probe during an ultrasound examination of a subject, wherein the first scan converted ultrasound image is retrieved from the database based on the first scan line of the ultrasound imaging data.

14. A computer program product (130) having instructions which, when executed by a processing unit (125), cause the processing unit to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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