Curved ultrasound imaging apparatus and method

Abstract

The application provides a curved surface ultrasonic imaging device, which comprises a first base, a first track and a second base. The first base has an arc-shaped curved surface, which is arranged according to the circumferential profile of a target to be detected. The first track comprises a plurality of segmented tracks, which are hinged to the first base and can rotate relative to the first base to adjust the curvature of the first track, so that the curvature of the adjusted first track matches the circumferential profile curvature of the target to be detected. The second base is slidably connected with the first track and moves circumferentially along the first track relative to the target to be detected. The second base is provided with a second track, which is arranged along the radial direction of the first track. A probe moving mechanism is slidably connected with the second track and moves radially along the second track relative to the target to be detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ultrasonic equipment technology, specifically relating to a curved surface ultrasonic imaging device and method. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the improvement of people's living standards, the incidence of carotid artery and thyroid-related diseases has been increasing year by year and is showing a trend towards affecting younger people. Carotid atherosclerosis can cause carotid artery stenosis or even occlusion, leading to impaired blood supply to the brain. Early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases are of great significance in reducing and preventing cerebrovascular events. Currently, the main non-invasive imaging methods used for neck examination include ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography, and CT angiography. Ultrasound examination is simple and easy to perform, providing real-time imaging, and has become the preferred examination method for carotid artery and thyroid-related diseases.

[0003] Currently, the main method used in the industry is manual scanning by doctors, which places high demands on doctors, involves a heavy workload, and has poor repeatability. There are also some automated neck imaging devices, but existing products cannot adjust to the different neck curvatures of the subjects being examined, resulting in poor fit and impacting the quality of ultrasound images. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a curved surface ultrasound imaging device and method, which can automatically scan curved surfaces with different curvatures, such as the neck and abdomen, and can adjust according to the curvature of different detection parts of the object to be detected, and perform automatic scanning.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a first base, wherein the first base has an arc-shaped curved surface, the arc-shaped curved surface being set according to the circumferential contour of the target to be detected;

[0006] The first track includes multiple segmented tracks, which are hinged to the first base. The segmented tracks can rotate relative to the first base to adjust the curvature of the first track, so that the adjusted curvature of the first track matches the circumferential contour curvature of the target to be detected.

[0007] A second base is slidably connected to the first track, and the second base moves circumferentially relative to the target to be detected along the first track; the second base is provided with a second track, which extends radially along the first track.

[0008] A probe moving mechanism is slidably connected to the second track. The probe moving mechanism moves radially along the second track relative to the target being inspected, allowing the probe to be moved radially relative to the target. In this embodiment, the curved surface ultrasound imaging device has a simple structure and occupies little space; the first track is an arc-shaped guide rail, solving the problem of left-right repositioning scanning of curved surfaces. Furthermore, the track curvature can be adjusted according to the curvature of the target object, enabling automatic scanning of curved surfaces with different curvatures, such as the neck and abdomen.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first base includes at least two segmented bases, which are hinged to the detection station; the segmented bases are rotatable relative to the detection station so that the curvature of the arcuate surface matches the circumferential contour curvature of the target to be detected.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first track includes a first segmented track region; the first segmented track region includes at least three segmented tracks; the segmented tracks are equally spaced with a first spacing.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first track further includes a second segmented track region; the second segmented track region includes at least two segmented tracks; the segmented tracks are arranged with a second spacing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first spacing is set to be smaller than the second spacing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second base is provided with a circumferential moving mechanism, which enables the second base to move circumferentially relative to the first track.

[0014] In one embodiment, the circumferential movement mechanism includes a drive wheel axle and a drive wheel; the second base is equipped with the drive wheel axle; the drive wheel axle is connected to the drive wheel;

[0015] The drive wheel axle is engaged with a circumferential moving motor;

[0016] There are at least two drive wheels, located on both sides of the first track.

[0017] In one embodiment, the probe moving mechanism further includes a moving end, which is provided with a probe clamp for mounting the probe, and the moving end moves in the vertical direction relative to the second track.

[0018] In one embodiment, the probe moving mechanism further includes:

[0019] A movable frame, which is slidably connected to the second track;

[0020] The movable frame is equipped with a lead screw perpendicular to the second track;

[0021] The lead screw has at least one movable end, which is a slide table.

[0022] A lead screw motor is mounted on the probe moving mechanism and drives the lead screw to rotate. The rotation of the lead screw driven by the lead screw motor drives the slide table to move, enabling smooth scanning by the probe.

[0023] In one embodiment, a spring is provided between the probe moving mechanism and the second base, with one end of the spring connected to the probe moving mechanism and the other end connected to the second base. The second track, in conjunction with the spring, provides real-time pressure during the scanning process, ensuring appropriate pressure and close contact between the probe and the skin without excessive pressure.

[0024] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a curved surface ultrasound imaging method, the method comprising the following steps:

[0025] The probe is moved to one side of the object to be tested by the moving end of the probe moving mechanism. The probe emits and receives ultrasonic signals and acquires at least two frames of ultrasonic images of one side of the object to be tested.

[0026] If the circumferential contour curvature of the object to be inspected is greater than or less than the preset curvature range, the segmented track of the first track is rotated to adjust the curvature of the first track so that the adjusted curvature of the first track matches the circumferential contour curvature of the object to be inspected.

[0027] The probe moves from one side of the object to be tested to the other side by moving circumferentially along the first track using the second base.

[0028] The probe is moved to the other side of the object to be tested by the moving end of the probe moving mechanism. The probe emits and receives ultrasonic signals and acquires at least 2 frames of ultrasonic images of the other side of the object to be tested.

[0029] Two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound images of the object under test are obtained based on at least two frames of ultrasound images from one side of the object and at least two frames of ultrasound images from the other side of the object. In this embodiment, the curved surface ultrasound imaging method is simple; it solves the problem of left-right repositioning scanning of curved surfaces; and it can adjust the trajectory curvature according to the curvature of different detection parts of the object, enabling automatic scanning of curved surfaces with different curvatures such as the neck and abdomen. The curved surface ultrasound imaging method in this embodiment has high repeatability. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a curved surface ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a curved surface ultrasonic imaging device with an installation station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a top view of a curved surface ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first track structure of a curved surface ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first base structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a segmented track with different spacing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 A side view of a curved surface ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the position of the probe relative to the object to be detected in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a probe mounting frame according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can also refer to the internal connection of two components; and they can refer to a wireless connection or a wired connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0043] For ease of understanding, such as Figure 8 As shown, direction C is the circumferential direction of the neck or other curved surface, direction R is the radial direction of the neck or other curved surface, and direction H is the vertical direction of the neck or other curved surface.

[0044] This invention generally relates to a curved surface ultrasound imaging device, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 5 As shown, a first base 100 is provided, and a first track 200 is installed on the first base 100. The first track 200 includes multiple segmented tracks 210, and through holes 220 are provided on the segmented tracks 210. The first base 100 is provided with a through hole shaft 230, and the first base 100 is hinged to the through hole 220 on the first track 200 through the through hole shaft 230.

[0045] The first base 100 has an arc-shaped surface 120, which is set according to the circumferential contour of the target to be detected. The segmented track 210 can rotate relative to the first base 100 to adjust the curvature of the first track 200, so that the adjusted curvature of the first track 200 matches the circumferential contour curvature of the target to be detected. Specifically, the segmented track 210 rotates relative to the first base 100 through a through hole 220 and a through hole shaft 230. A second base 300 is slidably mounted on the first track 200, and the second base 300 moves circumferentially relative to the target to be detected along the first track 200; the second base 300 is provided with a second track 400, which extends radially along the first track 200; a probe moving mechanism 800 is slidably connected to the second track 400, and the probe moving mechanism 800 moves radially relative to the target to be detected along the second track 400, which is used to move the probe radially relative to the target to be detected. The probe moving mechanism 800 is equipped with a moving end, which is connected to the probe 600. Since the first track 200 is an arc-shaped guide rail, it solves the problem of scanning the curved surface of the object to be inspected from left to right and front to back. It can also adjust the track curvature according to different curvatures, and can automatically scan parts with different curvatures such as the neck and abdomen.

[0046] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 , Figure 8 As shown, the first base 100 includes at least two segmented bases 110 and hinge holes 130. The segmented bases 110 are hinged to the inspection station 150 through the hinge holes 130. Each segmented base 110 can rotate relative to the inspection station 150 so that the curvature of the arc-shaped surface 120 matches the circumferential contour curvature of the target to be inspected. The first base 100 includes a flexible layer 140 to facilitate greater comfort when the target to be inspected approaches the first base 100.

[0047] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 , Figure 6As shown, the first track 200 includes a first segmented track region 250 and a second segmented track region 260. The first segmented track region 250 includes at least three segmented tracks 210. The segmented tracks 210 are evenly spaced with a first spacing 240 to ensure smoother sliding of the second base 300 on the first track 200 as the number of segmented tracks 210 increases. The second segmented track region 260 includes at least two segmented tracks. The two segmented tracks are spaced with a second spacing 270. The first spacing 240 is smaller than the second spacing 270. The second segmented track region 260 is located in the middle region of the first track 200, while the first segmented track region 250 is located near both ends of the first track 200. The second spacing 270 is larger than the first spacing 240, which facilitates adjustment of the curvature of the second segmented track region 260, thereby increasing the range of curvature variation of the first track 200.

[0048] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 As shown, a second base 300 is slidably mounted on the first track 200 via a first slider, and the first slider is located at the bottom of the second base 300.

[0049] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 As shown, a second base 300 is slidably mounted on the first track 200 via a first slider, and the first slider is located at the bottom of the second base 300.

[0050] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first track 200 is a single-curvature arc that fits the circumferential contour surface of the object to be tested. The first track 200 is made of elastic memory material and its curvature can change through elastic deformation. The first base 100 is located below the first track 200, and the curvature of the arc surface 120 of the first base 100 is close to the curvature of the first track 200.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 9As shown, the second base 300 is L-shaped, and the second track 400 is horizontally mounted on the side plate of the second base 300. A probe moving mechanism 800 is slidably mounted on the second track 400 via a second slider. The probe moving mechanism 800 includes a moving frame 810, which is connected to the second slider. A lead screw 830 is vertically rotatably mounted in the moving frame 810 via bearings. A sliding table 820 is slidably mounted in the moving frame 810, serving as the moving end. The sliding table 820 is threaded onto the outer circumference of the lead screw 830, which is driven by a lead screw motor. The lead screw motor drives the lead screw 830 to rotate. When the lead screw 830 rotates, it drives the sliding table 820 to move parallel to the curved surface of the object to be inspected on the lead screw 830. When the part of the object to be inspected is upright, the sliding table 820 moves approximately vertically; when the part of the object to be inspected is horizontal, the sliding table 820 moves approximately horizontally.

[0052] In one embodiment, the probe moving mechanism 800 is a moving cylinder, the cylinder body of which is connected to the second slider, the piston end of which is vertically upward and on which the probe 600 is mounted. When the second slider is not used, a groove adapted to the second track 400 can be provided on the moving frame 810 or the cylinder body.

[0053] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, to enable the probe 600 to adaptively adjust within a certain angle range during scanning and ensure good contact between the probe 600 and the carotid artery during the scan, a probe clamp 500 is mounted on one side of the slide 820 of the probe moving mechanism 800, through which the probe 600 is mounted. The probe clamp 500 includes a probe mounting frame 510, in which the probe 600 is hinged via a pin. The probe mounting frame 510 is a rectangular hollow structure, with the central cavity serving as the probe mounting cavity. The probe mounting frame 510 provides a hinge fulcrum for the probe 600 and limits the probe's swing amplitude. A probe protective sleeve 610 is provided around the probe 600, with its upper middle section hinged to the probe mounting frame 510. The probe protective sleeve 610 is made of elastic material, providing not only impact protection but also waterproofing. The size of the probe protective sleeve 610 is slightly smaller than that of the probe mounting frame 510. Furthermore, the lower part of the probe protective sleeve 610 is hinged to the probe mounting frame 510.

[0054] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, to ensure that the probe 600 adheres closely to the skin without applying excessive pressure during scanning of the object to be inspected, a spring 700 is installed between the probe moving mechanism 800 and the second base 300. One end of the spring 700 is connected to the fixed end of the probe moving mechanism 800, and the other end is connected to the second base 300. The spring 700 can be a compression spring or a tension spring. When the spring 700 is a tension spring, it is located inside the probe moving mechanism 800, i.e., closer to the object to be inspected. When the spring 700 is a compression spring, it is located outside the probe moving mechanism 800, i.e., farther away from the object to be inspected.

[0055] In one embodiment, when the probe moving mechanism 800 is slidably mounted on the second track 400 via the second slider, a spring 700 is provided between the second slider and the second base 300. One end of the spring 700 is connected to the second slider, and the other end is connected to the second base 300.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, a handle 900 is installed on the side of the moving frame 810 to move the probe 600 left and right on the first track 200. The specific shape of the handle 900 is set according to the user's habits; it can be U-shaped or T-shaped.

[0057] In other embodiments, the handle 900 is mounted on the probe mounting frame 510.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, a circumferential moving mechanism 1000 is provided between the second base 300 and the first track 200 to enable circumferential movement of the second base 300 along the first track 200. The circumferential moving mechanism 1000 includes a guide wheel shaft 1010 and a drive wheel shaft 1020. The guide wheel shaft 1010 is installed in the second base 300, with its bottom protruding from the second base 300, and a guide wheel 1030 is horizontally rotatably mounted thereon. The drive wheel shaft 1020 is rotatably installed in the second base 300, with its bottom protruding from the second base 300, and a drive wheel 1040 is horizontally fixedly connected thereon. The drive wheel shaft 1020 is driven by a circumferential moving motor, which is connected to the drive wheel shaft 1020 using a direct-drive or gear structure. The guide wheel 1030 and the drive wheel 1040 are located on opposite sides of the first track 200. The circumferential moving motor drives the drive wheel shaft 1020 to rotate, causing the second base 300 to move along the first track 200 through friction, thus achieving the position change of the probe 600.

[0059] In other embodiments, the circumferential movement mechanism 1000 includes transmission gears and a drive gear shaft, with the transmission gears disposed on the side of the first track 200. The drive gear shaft is rotatably mounted in the second base 300, with its bottom exposed above the second base 300, and is horizontally fixedly connected to the drive gear. The drive gear shaft 1020 is driven by a circumferential movement motor, which is connected to the drive gear using a direct-drive or sprocket structure. The drive gear meshes with the transmission gears. The circumferential movement motor drives the drive gear to rotate, causing the second base 300 to move circumferentially along the first track 200 through the gear transmission structure, thereby moving the position of the probe 600 in the circumferential direction of the object to be detected.

[0060] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, a support plate 1100 is provided above the first track 200 to support and fix the object to be inspected, which can ensure that the position of the object to be inspected is stable during the scanning process and facilitates scanning.

[0061] In one embodiment, the probe 600 is moved to one side of the object to be tested by the moving end of the probe moving mechanism 800, and the probe 600 emits and receives ultrasonic signals to acquire at least two frames of ultrasonic images of one side of the object to be tested.

[0062] If the circumferential contour curvature of the object to be tested is greater than or less than the preset curvature range, the segmented track 210 of the first track is rotated to adjust the curvature of the first track so that the adjusted curvature of the first track matches the circumferential contour curvature of the object to be tested; the preset curvature range can be set according to the doctor's testing needs;

[0063] The second base 400 moves circumferentially relative to the object to be tested along the first track 200, driving the probe 600 to move from one side of the object to be tested to the other side of the object to be tested.

[0064] The probe 600 is moved to the other side of the object to be tested by the moving end of the probe moving mechanism 800. The probe 600 emits and receives ultrasonic signals and acquires at least 2 frames of ultrasonic images of the other side of the object to be tested.

[0065] Two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound images of the object under test are obtained based on at least two frames of ultrasound images from one side of the object and at least two frames of ultrasound images from the other side of the object. In this embodiment, the curved surface ultrasound imaging method is simple; it solves the problem of left-right repositioning scanning of curved surfaces; and it can adjust the trajectory curvature according to the curvature of different detection parts of the object, enabling automatic scanning of curved surfaces with different curvatures such as the neck and abdomen. The curved surface ultrasound imaging method in this embodiment has high repeatability.

[0066] The present invention has been described above in sufficient detail and with certain specificities. Those skilled in the art should understand that the descriptions in the embodiments are merely exemplary, and all changes made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention should fall within the protection scope of the invention. The scope of protection claimed by the present invention is defined by the claims, and not by the above descriptions in the embodiments.

Claims

1. A curved surface ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, The device includes: A first base having an arc-shaped surface, the arc-shaped surface being set according to the circumferential contour of the target to be detected; The first track includes multiple segmented tracks, each segmented track is hinged to the first base, and each segmented track can rotate relative to the first base to adjust the curvature of the first track, so that the adjusted curvature of the first track matches the circumferential contour curvature of the target to be detected; the segmented tracks are provided with through holes, and the first base is provided with a through-hole shaft, and the first base is hinged to the through holes on the first track through the through-hole shaft; A second base is slidably connected to the first track, and the second base moves circumferentially relative to the target to be detected along the first track; the second base is provided with a second track, which extends radially along the first track. A probe moving mechanism is slidably connected to the second track. The probe moving mechanism moves radially along the second track relative to the target to be detected, and is used to move the probe radially relative to the target to be detected. A spring is installed between the probe moving mechanism and the second base, with one end of the spring connected to the fixed end of the probe moving mechanism and the other end connected to the second base.

2. The curved surface ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first base includes at least two segmented bases, each segmented base being hinged to the inspection station; each segmented base can rotate relative to the inspection station so that the curvature of the arcuate surface matches the circumferential contour curvature of the target to be inspected.

3. The curved surface ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first track includes a first segmented track area; the first segmented track area includes at least 3 segmented tracks; each segmented track is equally spaced with a first spacing.

4. The curved surface ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The first track also includes a second segmented track region; the second segmented track region includes at least two segmented tracks; each segmented track is set with a second spacing.

5. The curved surface ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The first spacing is smaller than the second spacing setting.

6. The curved surface ultrasound imaging device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The second base is provided with a circumferential moving mechanism, which enables the second base to move circumferentially relative to the first track.

7. The curved surface ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The circumferential moving mechanism includes a guide wheel shaft and a drive wheel shaft. The guide wheel shaft is installed in the second base, with its bottom exposed, and the guide wheel is horizontally rotatably mounted thereon. The drive wheel shaft is rotatably installed in the second base, with its bottom exposed, and the drive wheel is horizontally fixedly connected thereon. The drive wheel shaft is driven by a circumferential moving motor, which is connected to the drive wheel shaft using a direct-drive or gear structure. The guide wheel and the drive wheel are located on opposite sides of the first track.

8. The curved surface ultrasound imaging device according to any one of claims 1-5 or 7, characterized in that: The probe moving mechanism further includes a moving end, which is provided with a probe clamp for mounting the probe, and the moving end moves in the vertical direction relative to the second track.

9. The curved surface ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The probe moving mechanism also includes: A movable frame, which is slidably connected to the second track; The movable frame is equipped with a lead screw perpendicular to the second track; The lead screw has at least one movable end, which is a slide table. A lead screw motor is mounted on the probe moving mechanism and drives the lead screw to rotate.

10. A curved surface ultrasound imaging method, applicable to the curved surface ultrasound imaging device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: The probe is moved to one side of the object to be tested by the moving end of the probe moving mechanism. The probe emits and receives ultrasonic signals and acquires at least two frames of ultrasonic images of one side of the object to be tested. If the circumferential contour curvature of the object to be inspected is greater than or less than the preset curvature range, the segmented track of the first track is rotated to adjust the curvature of the first track so that the adjusted curvature of the first track matches the circumferential contour curvature of the object to be inspected. The probe moves from one side of the object to be tested to the other side by moving circumferentially along the first track using the second base. The probe is moved to the other side of the object to be tested by the moving end of the probe moving mechanism. The probe emits and receives ultrasonic signals and acquires at least 2 frames of ultrasonic images of the other side of the object to be tested. Two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound images of the object to be tested are obtained based on at least two ultrasound images of one side of the object and at least two ultrasound images of the other side of the object.

Images