Method and system for performing ultrasound imaging

Abstract

Provided are systems and methods for performing ultrasound imaging, where main channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of an object region is acquired to perform ultrasound imaging of the object region. In addition, ROI channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of a region of interest ("ROI") within the object region is acquired. The main channel domain data can be used to form one or more ultrasound images of the object region. In addition, the ROI channel domain data of the ROI within the object region can be used to independently form one or more ROI ultrasound images of the ROI within the object with the one or more main ultrasound images of the object region. Subsequently, the one or more ROI ultrasound images can be displayed simultaneously with the one or more main ultrasound images.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to ultrasound imaging. In particular, the present invention relates to forming a main ultrasound image of an object region and separately forming an ROI ultrasound image of an ROI within the object region to be displayed simultaneously with the main ultrasound image. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasound imaging is widely used to examine a variety of materials and objects in a variety of different applications. Ultrasound imaging provides a quick and easy tool to analyze materials and objects in a non-invasive manner. As a result, ultrasound imaging is particularly prevalent in medical practice as a disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention tool. Specifically, due to its relatively non-invasive nature, low cost, and fast response time, ultrasound imaging is widely used throughout the medical industry to diagnose and prevent disease. And, because ultrasound imaging is based on non-ionizing radiation, it does not carry the same risks as other diagnostic imaging tools, such as X-ray imaging or other imaging systems that use ionizing radiation.

[0003] In many ultrasound applications, a specific region of interest within an ultrasound image of an object region is more important than other regions in the object region. For example, when imaging a tumor, the tumor itself is more interesting to a physician than non-tumor regions. Therefore, it is beneficial to provide the operator with image enhancement capabilities (e.g., improving image resolution) for the ROI of the object region in the ultrasound image.

[0004] Acoustic zoom, also known as front-end zoom, has been used to magnify a portion of an ultrasound image within a user-specified ROI so that the user can better visualize the details of the image portion including the ROI. Specifically, since the selected ROI box is usually smaller than the full-size image, which usually means fewer transmit triggers and fewer receive lines, the user can obtain a higher frame rate image of the ROI (e.g., improved temporal resolution). However, there are defects in the acoustic zoom technology for enhanced imaging in the ROI. Specifically, through the acoustic zoom technology, only the zoomed image portion is displayed. Therefore, the relationship between the zoomed image portion and the rest of the entire image is lost, which is not conducive to the ultrasound operator.

[0005] Alternatively, the ultrasound image can be magnified by linear interpolation to enhance the image within the ROI. This magnification is often referred to as backend scaling or display scaling. There are also drawbacks to magnifying the ultrasound image to create an enhanced ultrasound image. Specifically, the zoomed image portion of the ultrasound image created using interpolation does not have enhanced image quality other than magnification.

[0006] Therefore, a need exists for systems and methods that facilitate enhanced ultrasound imaging beyond mere magnification enhancement while allowing for simultaneous display of an enhanced ultrasound image and a primary ultrasound image. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to various embodiments, a method for performing ultrasound imaging includes acquiring main channel domain data of an object area for performing ultrasound imaging of the object area. In addition, ROI channel domain data for ultrasound imaging of an ROI in the object area can be acquired. The main channel domain data can be used to form one or more main ultrasound images of the object area. In addition, the ROI channel domain data of the ROI in the object area can be used to independently form one or more ROI ultrasound images in the object area with the one or more main ultrasound images in the object area. The one or more ROI ultrasound images can be displayed simultaneously with the one or more main ultrasound images.

[0008] In some embodiments, a system for performing ultrasonic imaging includes an ultrasonic transducer and a main processing console. The ultrasonic transducer can be configured to collect main channel domain data for performing ultrasonic imaging of an object area. In addition, the ultrasonic transducer can be configured to collect ROI channel domain data for performing ultrasonic imaging of an ROI in the object area. The main processing console can be configured to use the main channel domain data to form one or more main ultrasonic images of the object area. In addition, the main processing console can be configured to use the ROI channel domain data of the ROI in the object area and the one or more main ultrasonic images of the object area to independently form one or more ROI ultrasonic images of the ROI in the object area. The main processing console can also be configured to display the one or more main ultrasonic images and the one or more ROI ultrasonic images simultaneously.

[0009] In various embodiments, a system for performing ultrasound imaging includes one or more processors and a computer-readable medium, which provides instructions accessible to the one or more processors to enable the one or more processors to perform operations, including acquiring main channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of an object area. The instructions can also enable the one or more processors to acquire ROI channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of an ROI within the object area. In addition, the instructions can enable the one or more processors to use the main channel domain data to form one or more main ultrasound images of the object area. The instructions can also enable the one or more processors to use the ROI channel domain data of the ROI within the object and the one or more main ultrasound images of the object area to independently form one or more ROI ultrasound images of the ROI within the object area. In addition, the instructions can enable the one or more processors to display the one or more main ultrasound images and the one or more ROI ultrasound images simultaneously. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 An example of an ultrasound system is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 is a flow chart of an example method for enhancing an ultrasound image of a ROI within an object region and displaying the ROI ultrasound image simultaneously with a main ultrasound image of the object region.

[0012] Figure 3 An example imaging sequence of ROI ultrasound frames and main ultrasound frames acquired according to varying data acquisition parameters is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 Another example imaging sequence of ROI ultrasound frames and main ultrasound frames acquired according to varying data acquisition parameters is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 Yet another example imaging sequence acquired according to varying acquisition parameters is shown.

[0015] Figure 6 An exemplary ultrasound image display format is shown in which a ROI ultrasound image (eg, an enhanced ROI ultrasound image) is displayed within a primary ultrasound image.

[0016] Figure 7 An exemplary ultrasound image display format is shown in which a ROI ultrasound image (eg, an enhanced ROI ultrasound image) is displayed adjacent to a primary ultrasound image.

[0017] Figure 8 Another exemplary flowchart of an exemplary method for generating a ROI ultrasound image of an object region independently from a main ultrasound image of the object region to simultaneously display the ROI ultrasound image and the main ultrasound image is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] According to various embodiments, a method for performing ultrasound imaging includes acquiring main channel domain data of an object area for performing ultrasound imaging of the object area. In addition, ROI channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of an ROI within the object area can be acquired. The main channel domain data can be used to form one or more main ultrasound images of the object area. In addition, the ROI channel domain data of the ROI within the object area can be used to independently form one or more ROI ultrasound images within the object area with the one or more main ultrasound images within the object area. The one or more ROI ultrasound images and the one or more main ultrasound images can be displayed simultaneously.

[0019] In some embodiments, a system for performing ultrasonic imaging includes an ultrasonic transducer and a main processing console. The ultrasonic transducer can be configured to collect main channel domain data for performing ultrasonic imaging of an object area. In addition, the ultrasonic transducer can be configured to collect ROI channel domain data for performing ultrasonic imaging of an ROI in an object area. The main processing console can be configured to use the main channel domain data to form one or more main ultrasonic images of the object area. In addition, the main processing console can be configured to use the ROI channel domain data of the ROI in the object area to independently form one or more ROI ultrasonic images of the ROI in the object area with the one or more main ultrasonic images of the object area. The main processing console can also be configured to display the one or more ROI ultrasonic images simultaneously with the one or more main ultrasonic images.

[0020] In various embodiments, a system for performing ultrasound imaging includes one or more processors and a computer-readable medium, which provides instructions accessible to the one or more processors to enable the one or more processors to perform operations, including collecting main channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of an object area. The instructions can also enable the one or more processors to collect ROI channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of an ROI within the object area. In addition, the instructions can enable the one or more processors to use the main channel domain data to form one or more main ultrasound images of the object area. The instructions can also enable the one or more processors to use the ROI channel domain data of the ROI within the object area and the one or more main ultrasound images of the object area to independently form one or more ROI ultrasound images of the ROI within the object area. In addition, the instructions can enable the one or more processors to display the one or more ROI ultrasound images simultaneously with the one or more main ultrasound images.

[0021] Some infrastructure that can be used with the embodiments disclosed in the present invention is already available, such as general-purpose computers, computer programming tools and techniques, digital storage media, and communication networks. The computing device may include a processor, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a logic circuit, and the like. The processor may include a special processing device, such as an ASIC, a PAL, a PLA, a PLD, an FPGA, or other custom or programmable device. The computing device may also include a computer-readable storage device, such as a non-volatile memory, a static RAM, a dynamic RAM, a ROM, a CD-ROM, a disk, a tape, a magnetic, an optical, a flash memory, or other computer-readable storage medium.

[0022] Various aspects of some embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. As used herein, a software module or component may include any type of computer instructions or computer executable code located within or on a computer-readable storage medium. A software module may, for example, include a physical or logical block of one or more computer instructions, which may be organized as routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform one or more tasks or implement a specific abstract data type.

[0023] In some embodiments, a particular software module may include different instructions stored in different locations of a computer-readable storage medium, which together implement the described module functionality. In practice, a module may include a single instruction or many instructions, and may be distributed across multiple different code segments, different programs, and across multiple computer-readable storage media. Some embodiments may be practiced in a distributed computing environment, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communications network.

[0024] The embodiments disclosed in the present invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings. As generally described and shown in the drawings of the present invention, the components of the disclosed embodiments may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. In addition, the features, structures and operations associated with one embodiment may be applicable to or combined with the features, structures or operations described in another embodiment. In other cases, well-known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid making the various aspects of the present invention unclear.

[0025] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed, but only represents possible embodiments. In addition, the steps of the method do not necessarily have to be performed in any particular order, do not even have to be performed sequentially, and the steps do not have to be performed only once.

[0026] Figure 1 An example of an ultrasound system 100 is shown. Figure 1The ultrasound system 100 shown is only an example system, and in different embodiments, the ultrasound system 100 may have fewer components or additional components. Specifically, the ultrasound system 100 may be an ultrasound system in which the receive array focusing unit is called a beamformer 102 and image formation may be performed on a scan line by scan line basis. System control may be centralized in a main controller 104, which accepts operator input through an operator interface and controls the various subsystems. For each scan line, the transmitter 106 generates a radio frequency (RF) excitation voltage pulse waveform and applies it to the transmit aperture (defined by the subarray of the activated array elements) at an appropriate timing to produce a focused acoustic beam along the scan direction. The RF echo received by the receive aperture 108 of the transducer 110 is amplified and filtered by the receiver 108 and then fed to the beamformer 102, the function of which is to perform dynamic receive focusing, that is, to realign the RF signals from the same position along each scan line.

[0027] The image processor 112 may perform processing specific to the active imaging mode, including 2D scan conversion to convert image data from a grid of acoustic rays to an XY pixel image for display. For spectral Doppler modes, the image processor 112 may perform wall filtering followed by spectral analysis of the Doppler shifted signal samples, typically using a sliding FFT window. The image processor 112 may also generate stereo audio signal outputs corresponding to forward and reverse blood flow signals. In coordination with the main controller 104, the image processor 112 may also format images from two or more active imaging modes, including display annotations, graphic overlays, and playback of movie files and recorded timeline data.

[0028] The cine buffer 114 provides resident digital image storage for single image or multiple image cyclic viewing and serves as a buffer for transferring images to a digital archival device. On most systems, video images at the end of the data processing path can be stored in the cine memory. In state-of-the-art systems, amplitude detected beamformed data can also be stored in the cine memory 114. For spectral Doppler, wall filtered baseband Doppler I / Q data at a user selected sampling gate can be stored in the cine memory 114. The display 116 can then display ultrasound images created by the image processor 112 and / or images created using data stored in the cine memory 114.

[0029] The beamformer 102, the main controller 104, the image processor 112, the cine memory 114, and the display may be included as part of a main processing console 118 of the ultrasound system 100. In various embodiments, the main processing console 118 may include more or fewer components or subsystems. The ultrasound transducer 110 may be incorporated in a device separate from the main processing console 118, for example, in a separate device that is wired or wirelessly connected to the main processing console 118. This allows for easier manipulation of the ultrasound transducer 110 when performing a particular ultrasound procedure on a patient. In addition, the transducer 110 may be an array transducer that includes an array of transmit and receive elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves.

[0030] Figure 2 is a flow chart 200 of an example method for enhancing an ultrasound image of a ROI within an object region and displaying the ROI ultrasound image simultaneously with a primary ultrasound image of the object region. Figure 2 The example methods shown in and other methods and techniques for ultrasound imaging described herein may be performed by an applicable ultrasound imaging system, such as Figure 1 The ultrasound system 100 is shown. For example, the exemplary methods and techniques described herein for ultrasound imaging may be implemented using one or both of the ultrasound transducer 110 and the main processing console 118 (eg, the image processor 112 ) of the ultrasound system 100 .

[0031] As previously mentioned, in many ultrasound applications, a particular region of interest within an ultrasound image of an object region is more important than other regions in the object region. For example, when imaging a tumor, the tumor itself is more interesting to a physician than non-tumor regions. Therefore, it is beneficial to provide the operator with image enhancement capabilities (e.g., improving image resolution) of the ROI of the object region in the ultrasound image.

[0032] Acoustic zoom, also known as front-end zoom, has been used to magnify a portion of an ultrasound image within a user-specified ROI so that the user can better visualize the details of the image portion including the ROI. Specifically, since the selected ROI box is usually smaller than the full-size image, which usually means fewer transmit triggers and fewer receive lines, the user can obtain a higher frame rate image of the ROI (e.g., improved temporal resolution). However, there are defects in the acoustic zoom technology for enhanced imaging in the ROI. Specifically, through the acoustic zoom technology, only the zoomed image portion is displayed. Therefore, the relationship between the zoomed image portion and the rest of the entire image is lost, which is not conducive to the ultrasound operator.

[0033] Alternatively, the ultrasound image can be magnified by linear interpolation to enhance the image within the ROI. This magnification is often referred to as backend scaling or display scaling. There are also drawbacks to magnifying the ultrasound image to create an enhanced ultrasound image. Specifically, the zoomed image portion of the ultrasound image created using interpolation does not have enhanced image quality other than magnification.

[0034] The present invention includes ultrasound imaging techniques and systems for implementing techniques that facilitate the independent creation of ultrasound images of ROIs within object regions. Subsequently, the independently formed ROI ultrasound image can be displayed simultaneously with the main ultrasound image of the object region. When formed independently from the main ultrasound image, the ROI ultrasound image can be enhanced compared to the main ultrasound image. As used herein, enhanced / enhanced can include changing / increasing applicable characteristics of the ultrasound image, for example, improving spatial resolution, improving contrast resolution, improving temporal resolution, and improving penetration resolution compared to the main ultrasound image. For example, and as will be discussed in more detail later, the ROI ultrasound image can be processed to have an improved spatial resolution compared to the main ultrasound image. This is advantageous compared to typical amplification techniques for enhancing ultrasound images (which only have an increased magnification factor).

[0035] The main ultrasound image and the ROI ultrasound image (e.g., enhanced ROI ultrasound image) generated independently from the main ultrasound image can be displayed simultaneously. This can allow the operator to simultaneously examine both the entire object region and the ROI within the object region. This is superior to typical acoustic zoom techniques in which the relationship between the ROI ultrasound image and the main ultrasound image is lost, which is disadvantageous to the ultrasound operator.

[0036] Return to Figure 2 The example flow chart 200 is shown. In step 202, main channel domain data of the object region for performing ultrasound imaging of the object region is acquired. This can be done by using an applicable ultrasound transducer (e.g. Figure 1 The ultrasonic transducer 110 shown in the figure is used to collect main channel domain data of the object area. As used herein, channel domain data includes data generated from the transducer array elements and from each transmit / receive cycle used to generate an ultrasound image. For example, in a 128-channel system using a single focal area and sampling to a depth of 16 centimeters in a curved array format, there may be approximately 192 transmit / receive cycles. Channel domain data may include data used to generate an ultrasound image before any processing is performed on the data. For example, channel domain data may include data generated by the transducer before pre-processing the data for beamforming, before actually performing beamforming, and / or before post-processing the data after beamforming to generate an ultrasound image.

[0037] In step 204, ROI channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of the ROI within the object region is acquired. The ROI channel domain data of the ROI within the object region may be acquired by an applicable ultrasound transducer (e.g. Figure 1 The ROI in the object region may include a subset of the object region. Specifically, the ROI in the object region may include a subset of the object region presented in one or more main ultrasound images.

[0038] The ROI channel domain data of the ROI in the object area can be collected by changing the ROI data acquisition parameters used to collect / collect / generate ROI channel domain data. Specifically, the ROI channel domain data can be collected by changing the ROI data acquisition parameters relative to the main channel domain data acquisition parameters used to collect the main channel domain data of the object area. The data acquisition parameters may include applicable parameters for collecting channel domain data through an ultrasonic transducer. Specifically, the data acquisition parameters may include the transmission and reception imaging parameters for collecting channel domain data. More specifically, the data acquisition parameters may include the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic wave used to collect channel domain data, the transmission waveform design of the ultrasonic wave, the front-end analog gain, and the transmission aperture and focus design. For example, an ultrasonic focus larger than the focus of the ultrasonic wave used to collect the main ultrasonic data can be used to acquire ROI data. In another example, an ultrasonic wave of a first waveform design can be used to collect ROI data, and an ultrasonic wave of a second waveform design different from the first waveform design used to collect ROI data can be used to collect the main ultrasonic data.

[0039] In step 206, one or more main ultrasound images of the object area are formed using the main channel domain data. In particular, ultrasound processing operations can be applied to the main channel domain data to generate one or more main ultrasound images. The ultrasound processing operation may include applicable operations applied to the channel domain data in order to generate one or more ultrasound images. Specifically, the ultrasound processing operation may include applicable operations applied to the channel domain data before beamforming post-data processing / back-end processing is applied to generate one or more ultrasound images. More specifically, the ultrasound processing operation may include data operations applied to generate beamformed data from the channel domain data, which data may then be post-processed to form one or more ultrasound images. In addition, as described herein, the ultrasound processing operation may include multiple sub-operations. Specifically, the ultrasound processing operation may include multiple operations applied to the channel domain data to process the data according to the ultrasound processing operation. For example, the ultrasound processing operation may include a minimum variance operation and a phase coherence operation applied to the channel domain data as part of the overall ultrasound processing operation.

[0040] In addition, the ultrasound processing operation may include an operation for beamforming the channel domain data. Specifically, the ultrasound processing operation may include a beamforming operation for ultimately creating beamformed data from the channel domain data. For example, the ultrasound processing operation may be a coherent beamforming operation, a digital beamforming operation, a synthetic aperture beamforming operation, or an adaptive beamforming operation.

[0041] In addition, ultrasound processing operations may include back-end processing / post-beamformation data processing. Back-end processing may include applicable operations for forming an ultrasound image from the beamformed data. For example, back-end processing may include upsampling, downsampling, logarithmic compression, detection, spatial filtering, adaptive filtering, scan conversion, etc. that facilitate ultrasound image data display.

[0042] In step 208, one or more ROI ultrasound images of the ROI are formed from the ROI channel domain data of the ROI within the object region. Specifically, one or more ROI ultrasound images of the ROI can be formed independently of the one or more main ultrasound images. More specifically, an ultrasound processing operation can be applied to the ROI channel domain data to form one or more ROI ultrasound images of the ROI independent of the one or more main ultrasound images. When the ROI ultrasound image is formed independently of the main ultrasound image, the ROI ultrasound image can be formed by enhancing different aspects of the image rather than simply enlarging the main ultrasound image. For example, compared with the main ultrasound image, the ROI image can have improved spatial resolution, improved contrast resolution, improved temporal resolution, and improved penetration resolution. In addition, by forming the ROI ultrasound image independently of the main ultrasound image, as will be discussed in more detail later, the ROI ultrasound image and the main ultrasound image can be displayed simultaneously.

[0043] By controlling the changed ROI data acquisition parameters used to acquire ROI channel domain data relative to the main channel domain data acquisition parameters used to acquire the main channel domain data, a ROI ultrasound image can be formed independently of the main ultrasound image. Specifically, the ROI channel domain data can be acquired independently of the main channel domain data according to the ROI channel domain acquisition parameters, and the ROI channel domain data can be used to independently form a ROI ultrasound image. For example, an ultrasound transmission frequency higher than the frequency of the ultrasound used to acquire the main channel domain data of the object area can be used to acquire the ROI channel domain data. Subsequently, the ROI channel domain data acquired at a higher ultrasound transmission frequency can be used to generate an ROI ultrasound image independently of the main ultrasound image.

[0044] Figure 3 An example imaging sequence 300 of ROI ultrasound frames and main ultrasound frames acquired according to varying data acquisition parameters is shown. In particular, Figure 3The exemplary imaging sequence 300 shown in can be used to generate a ROI ultrasound image independently of a main ultrasound image. Specifically, both transmit and receive imaging parameters can be selected to enable the ROI image to have enhanced spatial resolution while minimizing the impact on the overall frame rate of the main ultrasound image. More specifically, in the exemplary imaging sequence 300, T2 for ROI frame acquisition is less than T1 / is a fraction of T1 for main frame acquisition. The resulting frame rate is given by Equation 1 below.

[0045] 1 / T = 1 / (T1 + T2) < 1 / T1.

[0046] Equation 1

[0047] Therefore, the main frame and the ROI frame can be matched one-to-one at the same frame rate to make it easier to correlate the ROI ultrasound image with the main ultrasound image. This is advantageous because the ROI frame has a higher TX area density and a higher RX line density to obtain stronger focus and better spatial resolution, for example, corresponding to an enhanced ROI ultrasound image.

[0048] Figure 4 Another example imaging sequence 400 of ROI ultrasound frames and main ultrasound frames acquired according to varying data acquisition parameters is shown. Figure 4 In the imaging sequence 400 shown, the frame rate within the ROI is updated faster than the frame of the main ultrasound image of the object area. Specifically, the main ultrasound frame rate acquisition for the main ultrasound image can be divided into K groups (e.g., P1, P2, P3). The ROI frame time is 1 / K of the main frame time, as shown in Equation 2 below.

[0049] T3 = T / K (for example, K = 3 in the figure)

[0050] Equation 2

[0051] Therefore, ROI frame rate = K * main frame rate. This can significantly improve the temporal resolution of the image portion within the ROI compared to the main ultrasound image.

[0052] Figure 5 Yet another example imaging sequence 500 acquired according to varying acquisition parameters is shown. Figure 5 The example imaging sequence 500 shown in FIG. 5 generates a primary frame using plane wave imaging (PWI). As a result, T1 is short compared to T2. The resulting frame rate is represented by Equation 3 below.

[0053] 1 / T = 1 / (T1 + T2)

[0054] Equation 3

[0055] Specifically, the resulting frame rate can be much faster than the frame rate of conventional full-size B-mode imaging. However, compared to the main ultrasound image of the object area, the ROI frame can still use a focused TX beam and a higher TX area density to obtain better focus and / or higher frequency, resulting in enhanced resolution in the ROI ultrasound image. Specifically, when compared to the main ultrasound image, for the ROI ultrasound image, both spatial resolution and temporal resolution can be enhanced.

[0056] Return to Figure 2 Flowchart 200 shown. The imaging parameters used to generate one or more ROI ultrasound images can be changed to generate one or more ROI ultrasound images independently of the one or more main ultrasound images. Specifically, the imaging parameters used to generate one or more ROI ultrasound images can be changed relative to the imaging parameters used to generate the one or more main ultrasound images so as to independently form the ROI ultrasound images. The imaging parameters include applicable parameters for controlling the application of ultrasound processing operations to produce ultrasound images. Specifically, the imaging parameters can indicate a specific ultrasound processing operation to be applied to generate the ultrasound image and how to apply the specific ultrasound processing operation to generate the ultrasound image. For example, the imaging parameters can specify the application of a specific beamforming operation to generate the ROI image. In another example, the imaging parameters can specify the values ​​of the parameters of the specific beamforming operation to be applied in generating the ROI image.

[0057] In addition, the back-end processing can be changed to generate one or more ROI ultrasound images independently of the one or more main ultrasound images. Specifically, different back-end processing can be applied to generate the ROI ultrasound image than the back-end processing used to generate the main ultrasound image. For example, filtering can be applied to generate the ROI ultrasound image to further generate an enhanced ROI ultrasound image compared to the main ultrasound image.

[0058] In step 210, the one or more ROI ultrasound images are displayed simultaneously with the one or more main ultrasound images. Specifically, the one or more ROI ultrasound images and the one or more main ultrasound images can be displayed simultaneously in real time when the image is formed. By displaying the ROI ultrasound image and the main ultrasound image simultaneously, the user can more easily focus on the regional image with enhanced image quality within a given ROI, and can also obtain visualization of the entire field of view of the object area. As previously discussed, this is advantageous relative to current ultrasound imaging technology, in which the relationship between the ROI image and the main ultrasound image is lost due to the creation of the ROI image by magnification.

[0059] When displayed simultaneously with the main ultrasound image, the ROI ultrasound image can be displayed within the main ultrasound image. Specifically, Figure 6An exemplary ultrasound image display format 600 is shown in which a ROI ultrasound image 602 (e.g., an enhanced ROI ultrasound image) is displayed within a primary ultrasound image 604. More specifically, the ROI ultrasound image 602 is presented at a location where the ROI is actually displayed in the primary ultrasound image 604, e.g., a region corresponding to the ROI in the primary ultrasound image 604. As will be discussed in more detail later, the ROI ultrasound image 602 itself may be further magnified while still being displayed in the primary ultrasound image 604.

[0060] Alternatively, when displayed simultaneously with the main ultrasound image, the ROI ultrasound image may be displayed adjacent to the main ultrasound image. Figure 7 An example ultrasound image display format 700 is shown in which a ROI ultrasound image 702 (e.g., an enhanced ROI ultrasound image) is displayed adjacent to a main ultrasound image 704. As will be discussed in more detail later, the ROI ultrasound image 702 itself can be further enlarged while still being displayed adjacent to the main ultrasound image 704. The image display format 700 includes an indicator, such as a dashed box, that shows the ROI in the main ultrasound image 704. The indicator can be moved by the operator. The ROI ultrasound image 702 can then be updated based on the movement of the indicator to display the new ROI covered by the indicator. Using the techniques described herein, the ROI ultrasound image 702 can be updated based on the position and shape of the indicator selected by the user.

[0061] return Figure 2 , is referenced Figure 2 The various techniques described in the flowchart 200 shown in the figure can be performed based on input received from the operator / user. Specifically, the operator can provide input, such as ROI control input, for controlling the enhancement and display of the one or more ROI ultrasound images. The ROI control input can specify the ROI for imaging (for example, in the main ultrasound image) to form the ROI ultrasound image independently of the main ultrasound image. For example, the ROI control input can specify the size and / or shape of the ROI within the object area for imaging to generate one or more ROI ultrasound images. In another example, the ROI control input can specify moving the ROI within the object area to effectively create a new ROI so as to generate an ultrasound image of the new ROI. Subsequently, the ultrasound processing system (such as the main processing console 118) can select the ROI based on the received ROI control input, and then generate an ultrasound image of the ROI independently of the main ultrasound image forming the object area.

[0062] The ROI control input may specify how to generate an ultrasound image of the ROI independently of the main ultrasound image forming the object region. Specifically, the ROI control input may specify one or a combination of data acquisition parameters for acquiring ROI channel domain data, imaging parameters and corresponding ultrasound processing operations for generating the ROI ultrasound image independently of the main ultrasound image, and back-end processing applied in generating and displaying the ROI ultrasound image (e.g., displaying the ROI image simultaneously with the main ultrasound image). In addition, the ROI control input may specify different ways to enhance the ROI ultrasound image. Specifically, the ROI ultrasound image may specify one or a combination of spatial resolution, contrast resolution, temporal resolution, and penetration resolution in the ROI ultrasound image compared to the main ultrasound image of the object region. Accordingly, the user may control / select which aspects of the ROI are to be changed when generating the ROI ultrasound image (e.g., an enhanced ROI ultrasound image) independently of the main ultrasound image of the object region. For example, the operator may provide the ROI control input to specify that the temporal resolution in the ROI ultrasound image is increased by a certain amount compared to the main ultrasound image of the object region.

[0063] In addition, the ROI control input may include a zoom instruction for zooming in on the ROI image (e.g., an ROI image that has been enhanced according to the techniques described herein). Specifically, the magnification instruction may specify a zoom scale factor for zooming in on the ROI image (e.g., when they are currently displayed with the main ultrasound image). In addition, the zoom instruction may specify an area within the ROI to be zoomed in to generate an enlarged ROI image. Subsequently, the applicable ultrasound processing system (e.g., the main processing console 118) may zoom in on the ROI image according to the zoom instruction as part of the ROI control input. Subsequently, the enlarged ROI image may be displayed simultaneously with the main ultrasound image of the object area.

[0064] Figure 8 Another exemplary flow chart 800 of an exemplary method is shown for generating an ROI ultrasound image of an object region independently from a main ultrasound image of the object region to simultaneously display the ROI ultrasound image and the main ultrasound image. In step 802, main frame data of the object region is acquired. In step 804, a full image / main ultrasound image is formed based on the main frame data acquired in step 802. In step 806, the full image is processed, and in step 808, the processed full image is scan converted for display.

[0065] Prior to or concurrently with the foregoing steps, in step 810, a ROI in the object region is selected. In step 812, ROI data of the selected ROI is acquired. In step 814, a ROI image is formed based on the ROI data acquired in step 812. In step 814, the ROI image may also be formed using the primary frame data acquired in step 802. In step 816, the ROI image is processed. In step 818, the processed ROI image is enlarged and scan-converted for display. The ROI image may be enlarged based on ROI control input received from an operator. Finally, in step 820, after the scan conversion of steps 808 and 818, the ROI image and the full image are displayed simultaneously.

[0066] The techniques described in this article include Figure 2 and Figure 8 The method shown in the can be applied in applicable ultrasound imaging modes, such as B-mode, contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), CD mode, 2D / 3D / 4D, etc. In particular, the technology described herein is not limited to B-mode, but can also be applied to other modes in which the improved temporal resolution within the region of interest has substantial clinical value, such as CEUS.

[0067] The present invention has been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments including the best mode. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, depending on the specific application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system, the various operating steps and components for performing these operating steps may be implemented in alternative ways, for example, one or more of these steps may be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps.

[0068] Although the principles of the present invention have been shown in various embodiments, many modifications of the structures, arrangements, proportions, elements, materials and assemblies that are particularly suitable for specific environments and operational requirements can be used without departing from the principles and scope of the present invention. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0069] It has been described above with reference to various embodiments. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, this article should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within its scope. Similarly, the benefits, other advantages and solutions to the problems have been described above with reference to various embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to the problems and any elements that may cause any benefits, advantages or solutions to appear or become more obvious should not be interpreted as key, necessary or necessary features or elements. As used herein, the terms "include", "comprise" and any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, so that the process, method, article or equipment including a series of elements not only include those listed elements, but also may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, systems, articles or equipment. Moreover, as used herein, the terms "couple", "couple" and any other variants thereof are intended to cover physical connections, electrical connections, magnetic connections, optical connections, communication connections, functional connections and / or any other connections.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes may be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for performing ultrasound imaging, characterized in that include: Acquiring main channel domain data of the object region for performing ultrasonic imaging of the object region; Acquiring ROI channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of a region of interest ("ROI") within the object region; forming one or more primary ultrasound images of the object region using the primary channel domain data; Forming one or more ROI ultrasound images of the ROI in the object region independently from the one or more main ultrasound images of the object region using the ROI channel domain data of the ROI in the object region; comprising: receiving an aspect of the ROI ultrasound image that is improved relative to the main ultrasound image, specified by an operator through an ROI control input, the aspect comprising one or a combination of spatial resolution, contrast resolution, temporal resolution, and penetration resolution; and, according to the specified improved aspect, acquiring the ROI channel domain data independently from the main channel domain data according to the ROI data acquisition parameters by changing the ROI data acquisition parameters used to acquire the ROI channel domain data relative to the main channel domain data acquisition parameters used to acquire the main channel domain data, so that the ROI channel domain data is used to independently form the ROI ultrasound image; or forming the one or more ROI ultrasound images independently from the one or more main ultrasound images by changing the ROI imaging parameters used to form the one or more ROI ultrasound images relative to the main frame imaging parameters used to form the one or more main ultrasound images; and The one or more ROI ultrasound images are displayed simultaneously with the one or more primary ultrasound images.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The ROI data acquisition parameters include transmit and receive imaging parameters.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that First transmit and receive parameters used to acquire the ROI channel domain data are varied relative to second transmit and receive parameters used to acquire the main channel domain data.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ROI data acquisition parameters include one or a combination of the ultrasonic emission frequency used to acquire the ROI data, the ultrasonic emission waveform design, the front-end analog gain, and the emission aperture and focus design.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The frame rate at which the one or more ROI ultrasound images are formed is greater than the frame rate at which the one or more main ultrasound images are formed.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more ROI ultrasound images are specified to have improved spatial resolution compared with the one or more main ultrasound images through the ROI control input, and the ROI data acquisition parameters used to acquire the ROI channel domain data are changed relative to the main channel domain data acquisition parameters used to acquire the main channel domain data, and an imaging sequence for acquiring ROI ultrasound frames and main ultrasound frames is formed according to the changed main channel domain data acquisition parameters and ROI data acquisition parameters, wherein the time T2 used for acquiring the ROI ultrasound frame in the imaging sequence is less than the time T1 used for acquiring the main frame, and the acquisition of the ROI ultrasound frame and the main ultrasound frame is performed alternately.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more ROI ultrasound images are specified to have improved temporal resolution compared with the one or more main ultrasound images through the ROI control input, and the ROI data acquisition parameters used for acquiring the ROI channel domain data are changed relative to the main channel domain data acquisition parameters used for acquiring the main channel domain data, and an imaging sequence for acquiring ROI ultrasound frames and main ultrasound frames is formed according to the changed main channel domain data acquisition parameters and ROI data acquisition parameters, wherein the main ultrasound frame acquisition for the main ultrasound image in the imaging sequence is divided into K groups, the frame time of the ROI ultrasound frame is 1 / K of the main frame time, and the acquisition of the groups of ROI ultrasound frames and main ultrasound frames is performed alternately.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more ROI ultrasound images are specified to have improved spatial resolution and temporal resolution compared with the one or more main ultrasound images through the ROI control input, and the ROI data acquisition parameters used to acquire the ROI channel domain data are changed relative to the main channel domain data acquisition parameters used to acquire the main channel domain data, and an imaging sequence for acquiring ROI ultrasound frames and main ultrasound frames is formed according to the changed main channel domain data acquisition parameters and ROI data acquisition parameters, in which the main ultrasound frames are generated by plane wave imaging, and the ROI ultrasound frames are generated by focused TX waves, and the acquisition of ROI ultrasound frames and main ultrasound frames is performed alternately.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one or more ROI ultrasound images are formed independently from the one or more main ultrasound images by generating the one or more ROI ultrasound images by applying back-end processing different from back-end processing used to generate the one or more main ultrasound images.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: receiving ROI control input from an operator; and A region within the object area is selected to serve as a ROI based on the ROI control input received from an operator.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The ROI control input includes a zoom-in instruction for zooming in on the one or more ROI images, and the method further includes: enlarging the one or more ROI images according to the enlarging instruction to generate one or more enlarged ROI images; and The one or more enlarged ROI images and the one or more main ultrasound images are displayed simultaneously.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The magnification instructions include a magnification scale factor for magnifying the one or more ROI images to generate the one or more magnified ROI images.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The zoom-in instruction includes a zoom-in area within the ROI, and is used to zoom in within the one or more ROI images to generate the one or more zoomed-in ROI images.

14. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The ROI control input specifies either or both of a shape and a size of the region within the object area to be used as the ROI.

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more ROI ultrasound images are displayed within the one or more primary ultrasound images when displayed simultaneously with the one or more primary ultrasound images.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The one or more ROI ultrasound images are displayed in a region in the one or more primary ultrasound images corresponding to the ROI within the one or more primary ultrasound images.

17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that When displayed simultaneously with the one or more primary ultrasound images, the one or more ROI ultrasound images are displayed adjacent to the one or more ultrasound images.

18. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more main ultrasound images and the one or more ROI ultrasound images are generated using B-mode ultrasound imaging, contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging, CD-mode ultrasound imaging, 2D ultrasound imaging, 3D ultrasound imaging, or 4D ultrasound imaging.

19. A system for performing ultrasound imaging, characterized in that: include: An ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer being configured to: acquiring primary channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of a subject region; Acquiring ROI channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of a region of interest ("ROI") within the object region; A main processing console, the main processing console being configured to: forming one or more primary ultrasound images of the object region using the primary channel domain data; Forming one or more ROI ultrasound images of the ROI in the object region independently from the one or more main ultrasound images of the object region using the ROI channel domain data of the ROI in the object region, comprising: receiving an aspect of the ROI ultrasound image that is improved relative to the main ultrasound image, specified by an operator through an ROI control input, the aspect comprising one or a combination of spatial resolution, contrast resolution, temporal resolution, and penetration resolution; and, according to the specified improved aspect, acquiring ROI channel domain data independently of the main channel domain data according to the ROI data acquisition parameters by changing the ROI data acquisition parameters used to acquire the ROI channel domain data relative to the main channel domain data acquisition parameters used to acquire the main channel domain data, so that the ROI channel domain data is used to independently form an ROI ultrasound image; or forming the one or more ROI ultrasound images independently from the one or more main ultrasound images by changing the ROI imaging parameters used to form the one or more ROI ultrasound images relative to the main frame imaging parameters used to form the one or more main ultrasound images; and The one or more ROI ultrasound images are displayed simultaneously with the one or more primary ultrasound images.

20. A system for performing ultrasound imaging, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; and A computer-readable medium providing instructions accessible to the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: acquiring primary channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of a subject region; Acquiring ROI channel domain data for performing ultrasound imaging of a region of interest ("ROI") within the object region; forming one or more primary ultrasound images of the object region using the primary channel domain data; Forming one or more ROI ultrasound images of the ROI in the object region independently from the one or more main ultrasound images of the object region using the ROI channel domain data of the ROI in the object region, comprising: receiving an aspect of the ROI ultrasound image that is improved relative to the main ultrasound image, specified by an operator through an ROI control input, the aspect comprising one or a combination of spatial resolution, contrast resolution, temporal resolution, and penetration resolution; and, according to the specified improved aspect, acquiring ROI channel domain data independently of the main channel domain data according to the ROI data acquisition parameters by changing the ROI data acquisition parameters used to acquire the ROI channel domain data relative to the main channel domain data acquisition parameters used to acquire the main channel domain data, so that the ROI channel domain data is used to independently form an ROI ultrasound image; or forming the one or more ROI ultrasound images independently from the one or more main ultrasound images by changing the ROI imaging parameters used to form the one or more ROI ultrasound images relative to the main frame imaging parameters used to form the one or more main ultrasound images; and The one or more ROI ultrasound images are displayed simultaneously with the one or more primary ultrasound images.

Images