Ultrasonic imaging system and ultrasonic probe self-test method

Abstract

The present application relates to an ultrasonic imaging system and a method for self-testing an ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic imaging system includes a host, an ultrasonic probe, a pressure sensor, and a vibrator. The host is configured to perform the following steps: in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal through the ultrasonic probe, controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor detects pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibrator, and transmits the pressure detection data to the host. After receiving the pressure detection data, the host determines a self-test result of the ultrasonic probe based on the pressure detection data, thereby accurately and timely determining whether the probe needs maintenance through the ultrasonic imaging system itself.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical equipment, and in particular to an ultrasound imaging system and an ultrasound probe self-test method. Background Art

[0002] Transient elasticity technology mainly generates shear waves in tissues through external vibrations (such as motor vibrations), observes the propagation of shear waves in tissues through ultrasonic echoes, detects the propagation speed of shear waves, and further estimates the elastic modulus of the tissue, thereby reflecting the degree of liver tissue fibrosis.

[0003] External vibration originates from the motor's motion under the drive signal, which drives the transducer through a series of mechanical transmission structures, further generating vibration on the body surface. However, the drive signal is affected by the ultrasound probe's internal mechanical structure and the body being tested. Over time or multiple tests, the probe's internal mechanical structure, motor, and connectors will age to a certain extent, causing changes in vibration performance. Furthermore, accidental damage, such as prolonged air vibration, degradation, or corrosion, can irreversibly degrade vibration performance.

[0004] In response to the above situation, it is often necessary to use special equipment for detection and analysis, or require the user to return the ultrasound probe to the factory for detection and repair, which cannot accurately and timely determine whether the ultrasound probe needs repair. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide an ultrasonic imaging system and an ultrasonic probe self-test method that can accurately and timely determine whether an ultrasonic probe needs maintenance in order to solve the above technical problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is provided an ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

[0007] A host, an ultrasonic probe, a probe fixing device, a pressure sensor, and a vibrator, wherein the host and the ultrasonic probe are electrically connected, the ultrasonic probe has the pressure sensor built in or externally installed, the ultrasonic probe has the vibrator built in or externally installed, and the probe fixing device is used to fix the ultrasonic probe when the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, so that the ultrasonic probe is in a fixed state;

[0008] The vibrator is used to generate shear waves in the target tissue by means of vibration;

[0009] The ultrasonic probe is used to transmit ultrasonic waves into the target tissue to track shear waves propagating in the target tissue, and receive ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic echo signals;

[0010] The host is configured to determine elasticity data of the target tissue according to the ultrasonic echo signal;

[0011] The host is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0012] When the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal;

[0013] controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor detects pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibrator vibration, and transmits the pressure detection data to the host;

[0014] The pressure detection data is received, and a self-test result of the ultrasound probe is determined according to the pressure detection data.

[0015] It can be seen that the host analyzes the received pressure detection data. Since the pressure detection data is related to the ultrasound probe used for transient elastic imaging, the self-test results of the ultrasound probe can be directly obtained through the ultrasound imaging system itself. There is no need to use external equipment for detection, and there is no need to return the ultrasound probe for factory testing, thereby improving the timeliness and convenience of ultrasound probe detection.

[0016] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is provided an ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

[0017] An ultrasonic probe, a probe fixing device, a pressure sensor, and a vibrator, wherein the ultrasonic probe has the pressure sensor built in or externally installed, and the ultrasonic probe has the vibrator built in or externally installed, and the probe fixing device is used to fix the ultrasonic probe when the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, so that the ultrasonic probe is in a fixed state;

[0018] The vibrator is used to generate shear waves in the target tissue by means of vibration;

[0019] The ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves into the target tissue to track shear waves propagating in the target tissue, receive ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves, obtain ultrasonic echo signals, and determine elasticity data of the target tissue based on the ultrasonic echo signals;

[0020] The ultrasonic probe is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0021] When the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal;

[0022] controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor detects pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibrator vibration;

[0023] The pressure detection data is received, and a self-test result of the ultrasound probe is determined according to the pressure detection data.

[0024] It can be seen that the received pressure detection data is analyzed by the ultrasonic probe (for example, the processor built into the transient elastic ultrasound probe). Since the pressure detection data is related to the ultrasonic probe, the self-test results of the ultrasonic probe can be directly obtained through the ultrasonic probe itself. There is no need to use external equipment for detection, and there is no need to return the ultrasonic probe for factory testing, thereby improving the timeliness and convenience of ultrasonic probe detection.

[0025] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is provided an ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

[0026] A host, an ultrasonic probe, a sensor, and a vibrator, wherein the host and the ultrasonic probe are electrically connected, the ultrasonic probe has the sensor built in or externally, and the ultrasonic probe has the vibrator built in or externally;

[0027] The vibrator is used to generate shear waves in the target tissue by means of vibration;

[0028] The ultrasonic probe is used to transmit ultrasonic waves into the target tissue to track shear waves propagating in the target tissue, and receive ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic echo signals;

[0029] The host is configured to determine elasticity data of the target tissue according to the ultrasonic echo signal;

[0030] The host is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0031] When the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal;

[0032] controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the sensor detects detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibration of the vibrator, and transmits the detection data to the host;

[0033] The detection data is received, and a self-test result of the ultrasound probe is determined according to the detection data.

[0034] It can be seen that the host analyzes the received test data. Since the test data is related to the ultrasound probe used for transient elastic imaging, the self-test results of the ultrasound probe can be directly obtained through the ultrasound imaging system itself. There is no need to use external equipment for testing, and there is no need to return the ultrasound probe for factory testing, thereby improving the timeliness and convenience of ultrasound probe testing.

[0035] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is provided an ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

[0036] An ultrasonic probe, a sensor, and a vibrator, wherein the ultrasonic probe has the sensor built in or externally installed, and the ultrasonic probe has the vibrator built in or externally installed;

[0037] The vibrator is used to generate shear waves in the target tissue by means of vibration;

[0038] The ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves into the target tissue to track shear waves propagating in the target tissue, receive ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves, obtain ultrasonic echo signals, and determine elasticity data of the target tissue based on the ultrasonic echo signals;

[0039] The ultrasonic probe is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0040] When the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal;

[0041] controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the sensor detects detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibration of the vibrator;

[0042] The detection data is received, and a self-test result of the ultrasound probe is determined according to the detection data.

[0043] It can be seen that the received detection data is analyzed by the ultrasonic probe (for example, the processor built into the transient elastic ultrasound probe). Since the detection data is related to the ultrasonic probe, the self-test results of the ultrasonic probe can be directly obtained through the ultrasonic probe itself. There is no need to use external equipment for detection, and there is no need to return the ultrasonic probe for factory testing, thereby improving the timeliness and convenience of ultrasonic probe detection.

[0044] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is provided an ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

[0045] A host, an ultrasound probe, and a sensor, wherein the host and the ultrasound probe are electrically connected, and the ultrasound probe has the sensor built-in or externally mounted;

[0046] The ultrasonic probe is used to transmit ultrasonic waves into the target tissue and receive ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic echo signals;

[0047] The host is configured to determine the ultrasonic data of the target tissue according to the ultrasonic echo signal;

[0048] The host is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0049] When the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal;

[0050] Applying the excitation signal to the ultrasonic probe so that the sensor detects detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the excitation signal and transmits the detection data to the host;

[0051] The detection data is received, and a self-test result of the ultrasound probe is determined according to the detection data.

[0052] It can be seen that the host analyzes the received detection data. Since the detection data is related to the ultrasonic probe, the self-test results of the ultrasonic probe can be directly obtained through the ultrasonic imaging system itself. There is no need to use external equipment for detection, and there is no need to return the ultrasonic probe for factory testing, thereby improving the timeliness and convenience of ultrasonic probe detection.

[0053] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is provided an ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

[0054] Ultrasonic probe, sensor, wherein the ultrasonic probe has the sensor built-in or externally installed;

[0055] The ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves into the target tissue, receive ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves, obtain ultrasonic echo signals, and determine ultrasonic data of the target tissue based on the ultrasonic echo signals;

[0056] The ultrasonic probe is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0057] When the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal;

[0058] Applying the excitation signal to the ultrasonic probe so that the sensor detects detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the excitation signal;

[0059] The detection data is received, and a self-test result of the ultrasound probe is determined according to the detection data.

[0060] It can be seen that the received detection data is analyzed by the ultrasonic probe (for example, the processor built into the ultrasonic probe). Since the detection data is related to the ultrasonic probe, the self-test results of the ultrasonic probe can be directly obtained through the ultrasonic probe itself. There is no need to use external equipment for detection, and there is no need to return the ultrasonic probe for factory testing, thereby improving the timeliness and convenience of ultrasonic probe detection.

[0061] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a method for self-testing an ultrasound probe is provided. The method is applied to an ultrasound imaging system, wherein the ultrasound imaging system includes a host, an ultrasound probe, a probe fixing device, a pressure sensor, and a vibrator. The host and the ultrasound probe are electrically connected, the ultrasound probe has the pressure sensor built in or externally installed, and the ultrasound probe has the vibrator built in or externally installed. The probe fixing device is used to fix the ultrasound probe when the ultrasound probe is in a self-test mode, so that the ultrasound probe is in a fixed state. The method includes:

[0062] When the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal;

[0063] controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor detects pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibrator vibration, and transmits the pressure detection data to the host;

[0064] The pressure detection data is received, and a self-test result of the ultrasound probe is determined according to the pressure detection data.

[0065] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a method for self-testing an ultrasound probe is provided. The method is applied to an ultrasound imaging system, wherein the ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound probe, a probe fixing device, a pressure sensor, and a vibrator, wherein the ultrasound probe has the pressure sensor built in or externally installed, and the ultrasound probe has the vibrator built in or externally installed, and the probe fixing device is used to fix the ultrasound probe when the ultrasound probe is in a self-test mode, so that the ultrasound probe is in a fixed state. The method includes:

[0066] When the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal;

[0067] controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor detects pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibrator vibration, and transmits the pressure detection data to the host;

[0068] The pressure detection data is received, and a self-test result of the ultrasound probe is determined according to the pressure detection data.

[0069] The above-mentioned ultrasonic imaging system and ultrasonic probe self-test method obtains an excitation signal when the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, and controls the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor detects the pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibrator vibration, and transmits the pressure detection data to the host, so that the host receives the pressure detection data and determines the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe based on the pressure detection data. It can be seen that the ultrasonic probe can be tested by the ultrasonic imaging system itself, without the need for external equipment for testing, and there is no need to return the ultrasonic probe to the factory for testing, thereby effectively improving the timeliness and convenience of ultrasonic probe testing, so that it can accurately and timely determine whether the ultrasonic probe needs maintenance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Figure 1 is a structural block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system in one embodiment;

[0071] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an application scenario of an ultrasound imaging system in one embodiment;

[0072] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of pressure detection data in one embodiment;

[0073] Figure 4 is a structural block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system in another embodiment;

[0074] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an application scenario of an ultrasound imaging system in another embodiment;

[0075] Figure 6 1 is a flow chart of a method for self-testing an ultrasound probe in one embodiment;

[0076] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a method for self-testing an ultrasound probe in another embodiment;

[0077] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure for fixing an ultrasonic probe in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0079] The terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of this application and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish between different objects, not to describe a particular order. Furthermore, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or elements is not limited to the listed steps or elements but may optionally include steps or elements not listed, or may optionally include other steps or elements inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0080] References to "embodiments" herein mean that the features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0081] In one embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, an ultrasound imaging system 100 is provided. The ultrasound imaging system 100 can perform transient elasticity imaging or viscoelasticity imaging of a target tissue, wherein the target tissue can be a human or animal organ tissue, such as the liver. The ultrasound imaging system 100 includes: a host 10, an ultrasound probe 20, a pressure sensor 30, a vibrator 40, and a probe fixing device 90. The host 10 and the ultrasound probe 20 are electrically connected. The ultrasound probe 20 has a built-in or external pressure sensor 30 and a built-in or external vibrator 40. The ultrasound probe 20 is movably connected to the pressure sensor 30, and the vibrator 40 is movably connected to the pressure sensor 30. The pressure detected by the pressure sensor 30 can reflect the force acting on the ultrasound probe 20. The probe fixing device 90 is used to fix the ultrasound probe 20 when the ultrasound probe 20 is in self-test mode, so that the ultrasound probe 20 is in a fixed state. The probe fixing device 90 can be any fixing structure such as a splint fixing structure, a buckle fixing structure, or a glue fixing structure. Of course, the ultrasound probe can also be fixed in other ways, for example, by fixing the ultrasound probe with a mechanical arm or by the user holding the ultrasound probe with his hand. Figure 8As shown, in actual applications, the handle portion of the ultrasound probe 20 can be fixed by a probe fixing device 90, so that the handle portion of the ultrasound probe remains fixed and the transducer portion of the ultrasound probe remains movable (for example, it can vibrate normally). Since the ultrasound probe is generally placed in the probe cup when idle, the ultrasound probe can be placed in the probe cup and fixed in the probe cup by the probe fixing device to test the performance of the ultrasound probe in the self-test mode. Of course, in actual applications, the ultrasound probe can also be fixed to an ultrasound host or other equipment by the probe fixing device, or it can be fixed to a structure such as a desktop for placing ultrasound probes, which is not specifically limited here. In addition, since during the self-test process of the ultrasound probe, although the probe fixing device keeps the ultrasound probe in a relatively fixed state during testing, it is still necessary to protect the ultrasound probe from damage. Therefore, some soft material can be provided in the probe fixing device to prevent the ultrasound probe from being damaged when it is fixed, etc., wherein the soft material can be rubber, etc. In some possible implementations, the ultrasound imaging system 100 further includes an output device 80 , which is configured to output a self-test result of the ultrasound probe, or an ultrasound image, ultrasound data, and the like.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, taking the example that the pressure sensor 30 and the vibrator 40 are both built into the ultrasonic probe 20, the embodiment of the present application is specifically described:

[0083] In an embodiment of the present application, the ultrasonic probe includes a transducer 50, a pressure sensor 30 and a vibrator 40, wherein the pressure sensor 30 and the vibrator 40 are movably connected, the transducer 50 and the pressure sensor 30 are movably connected, and the vibrator 40 includes a motor 60 and an elastic medium 70, which can be a spring, etc.

[0084] When the ultrasound probe 20 is in the operating mode, the motor 60 is used to generate shear waves in the target tissue through vibration. The motor can be a wound rotor motor or a squirrel cage rotor motor, etc., and the specific structure is not limited. The transducer 50 is used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target tissue to track the shear waves propagating in the target tissue, and receive ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic echo signals. The transducer 50 is used to transmit the ultrasonic echo signals to the host 10. The host 10 determines the elasticity data, elasticity image, or viscoelasticity data of the target tissue based on the ultrasonic echo signals. The elasticity data can be parameters such as Young's modulus and shear wave propagation velocity, thereby reflecting the softness or hardness of the target tissue. The viscoelasticity data is used to reflect the viscosity of the target tissue. When the ultrasound probe is in the operating mode, the pressure sensor is mainly used to reflect the pressure generated when the ultrasound probe contacts the target tissue. Generally, during transient elastography, it is desirable that the pressure between the ultrasound probe and the target tissue remain within a certain range, that is, the pressure tends to be stable, otherwise it will affect the elastography results. Of course, in this working mode, the pressure sensor 30 may not be required, and the pressure during transient elastography can be kept within a preset range by the user manually sensing the pressure between the ultrasound probe and the target tissue.

[0085] The host 10 is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0086] When the ultrasound probe 20 is in self-test mode, an excitation signal is obtained. The excitation signal can be a digital signal or an analog signal. The host 10 can control the excitation signal to be converted from a digital signal to an analog signal, or vice versa. The digital excitation signal or the analog excitation signal can be selected based on the actual scenario requirements, and is not specifically limited here. In addition, the excitation signal can be generated by a control button on the ultrasound probe 20, a control button on the host 10, or a foot pedal, and is used to start the vibrator 40 to vibrate, that is, the motor 60 to vibrate.

[0087] The host 10 receives the excitation signal and controls the vibrator 40 to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor 30 detects the pressure detection data generated by the transducer 50 under the action of the vibrator 40 and transmits the pressure detection data to the host 10. Due to the action of the excitation signal, the motor 60 in the vibrator 40 vibrates, and the vibration causes the spring in the vibrator 40 to deform. Furthermore, because the spring is movably connected to the pressure sensor 30, the deformation of the spring is detected by the pressure sensor 30. Since the deformation of the spring reflects the pressure between the transducer 50 in the ultrasound probe 20 and the target tissue, the pressure sensor 30 determines the pressure detection data of the transducer 50 in the ultrasound probe 20 based on the deformation of the spring and transmits the pressure detection data to the host 10.

[0088] The host 10 controls the vibrator 40 to vibrate according to the excitation signal, which can be continuous vibration or discontinuous vibration. For example, the host 10 can send a continuous excitation signal to control the vibrator 40 to vibrate, or it can send a discontinuous excitation signal to control the vibrator 40 to vibrate. The excitation signal can be sent continuously at a fixed time and period, or it can be sent discontinuously at a fixed time. For example, a continuous excitation signal can be sent regularly at a certain time period, or an excitation signal can be sent regularly at a certain time point, or an excitation signal can be sent once at a certain time point, and then sent again at another time point after a period of time. Of course, the host 10 can also send a continuous excitation signal or a discontinuous excitation signal randomly, and so on, so as to achieve continuous vibration or discontinuous vibration of the vibrator 40.

[0089] Among them, after the host 10 obtains the excitation signal, it converts the excitation signal from a digital signal into an analog signal. The host 10 controls the vibrator 40 to vibrate according to the analog excitation signal. Because digital signals are difficult to control, the excitation signal is converted from a digital signal to an analog signal, and the vibrator 40 is controlled to vibrate according to the converted excitation signal, so that the self-inspection of the ultrasonic probe 20 can be accurately controlled to obtain more accurate self-inspection results.

[0090] Furthermore, the host 10 receives the pressure detection data and determines the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 based on the pressure detection data. If the self-test result determines that the ultrasonic probe 20 is normal, the ultrasonic probe 20 can continue to be used for ultrasonic imaging. If the self-test result determines that the ultrasonic probe 20 is abnormal, the ultrasonic probe 20 can be returned to the factory for repair or scrapped.

[0091] In one possible implementation, target pressure detection data is determined from the pressure detection data, wherein the target pressure detection data is the pressure detection data of the ultrasonic probe 20 in a steady state, wherein the steady state can be regarded as a forced simple harmonic oscillation steady state. Further, the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 is determined based on the target pressure detection data. Specifically, it can be: a plurality of pressure detection data are obtained by a low-amplitude and long-period excitation signal, such as Figure 3 As shown, the pressure detection data includes a transient state (i.e., an unstable state) and a steady state (unstable state to stable state), wherein a long-period excitation signal can make the pressure detection data tend to a stable state from the initial unstable state, that is, relatively stable pressure detection data can be obtained, and the ultrasonic probe 20 can be self-tested and analyzed based on the stable pressure detection data, which is more reliable. In addition, unlike the working mode, in the self-test mode, if the amplitude of the excitation signal is too large, it may cause the amplitude to exceed the measurable range. If the period of the excitation signal is short, relatively stable pressure detection data may not be obtained. In actual applications, the amplitude is not greater than the third threshold, for example, it can be less than the amplitude of the ultrasonic probe 20 in the working mode, and the period is not greater than the fourth threshold, for example, the period can be more than twice the period of the working mode. The third threshold and the fourth threshold can be determined by the system default or user definition, and are not specifically limited here.

[0092] There are many ways to perform self-tests on the ultrasound probe based on pressure detection data or target pressure detection data. The following describes some possible implementations using pressure detection data as an example:

[0093] In one possible implementation, before the host 10 determines the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 based on the pressure detection data, the drive data of the vibrator 40 is obtained, and the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 is determined based on the drive data and the pressure detection data. Since the damping coefficient and frequency generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the vibration of the vibrator 40 can be determined based on the drive data and the pressure detection data, the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 can be determined by the magnitude of the damping coefficient and the frequency. If the damping coefficient and the frequency both meet the preset range, the self-test result is normal. If at least one of the damping coefficient and the frequency does not meet the preset range, the self-test result is abnormal. Of course, in addition to the damping coefficient and the frequency, other parameters used to measure the self-test results can also be used, such as the amplitude, etc., which are not specifically limited here. Specifically:

[0094] The host 10 further includes a memory, in which a functional relationship for self-test is pre-stored. The functional relationship is expressed as:

[0095] Where b represents the damping coefficient, w represents the frequency (affected by the spring coefficient), and F(t) represents drive data, such as the drive signal from the host to the vibrator. dx(t) represents the pressure detection data of the vibrator 40, such as the actual vibration data of the vibrator, as reflected by the pressure detection data.

[0096] In the embodiment of the present application, under ideal conditions with no damage during operation, b and w will not change. However, after a period of time or a number of operations, the internal mechanical structure of the ultrasonic probe 20 (such as the motor 60 and connectors) will age to a certain extent, causing the vibration performance to change, that is, b and w will change. In addition, if there is accidental damage, such as long-term air vibration, degradation, corrosion, etc., the vibration performance will also decline irreversibly, which will also lead to changes in b and w. Normally, b and w need to be within a certain range. If they exceed the range, it means that the performance of the ultrasonic probe 20 is impaired. In one possible implementation, when the factory settings are set or the normal operation is performed, a preset range of the damping coefficient and frequency under good performance conditions is obtained. In the subsequent self-test process, a preset excitation signal is input to obtain pressure detection data, and the driving data and pressure detection data are used to determine the damping coefficients b and w generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the vibrator 40. If the damping coefficient and frequency both meet the preset range, the self-test result is normal. If at least one of the damping coefficient and frequency does not meet the preset range, the self-test result is abnormal, thereby accurately and timely determining whether the ultrasonic probe 20 needs maintenance.

[0097] In another possible implementation, the host 10 obtains the pressure data of the ultrasonic probe 20 in a normal state, wherein the normal state may be the original state at the factory or another normal state. The host 10 determines the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 based on the pressure data of the ultrasonic probe 20 in a normal state and the received pressure detection data. By comparing the pressure detection data with the pressure data in the normal state, the difference or ratio of the comparison satisfies the preset threshold. If the preset threshold is met, the self-test result is normal. If the preset threshold is not met, the self-test result is abnormal. The specific comparison method is not limited to difference, ratio, etc., and can also be other methods, for example, variance, etc. Specifically:

[0098] In the embodiment of the present application, an excitation signal is preset, and a first self-test is performed according to the excitation signal to obtain pressure data, which includes amplitude and / or frequency. The pressure data is compared with the pressure detection data, wherein, if the pressure waveform only includes amplitude, the amplitude difference between the pressure data and the pressure detection data is determined. If the amplitude difference is not greater than a first threshold, the self-test result of the ultrasound probe 20 is normal. If the amplitude difference is greater than the first threshold (for example, Figure 3The upper and lower threshold values ​​in the pressure waveform are both within the first threshold range), the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 is abnormal; if the pressure waveform only includes frequency, the frequency difference between the pressure data and the pressure detection data is determined. If the frequency difference is not greater than the second threshold, the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 is normal. If the frequency difference is greater than the second threshold, the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 is abnormal; if the pressure waveform includes amplitude and frequency, the amplitude difference and frequency difference between the pressure data and the pressure detection data are determined. If the amplitude difference is not greater than the first threshold and the frequency difference is not greater than the second threshold, the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 is normal. If the amplitude difference is greater than the first threshold and the frequency difference is greater than the second threshold, the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 is abnormal. The first and second thresholds can be user-defined or the default of the ultrasonic imaging system, and are not specifically limited here. Based on the comparison of the pressure data and the pressure detection data, the ultrasonic imaging system itself determines the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe, thereby accurately and timely determining whether the ultrasonic probe 20 needs maintenance, as shown in the following example. Figure 3 shown.

[0099] Of course, the method for performing a self-test of the ultrasonic probe based on the target pressure detection data is the same or similar to the method for performing a self-test of the ultrasonic probe based on the pressure detection data described above. For details, please refer to the aforementioned method for performing a self-test of the ultrasonic probe based on the pressure detection data, and no further description is given here. Furthermore, because the target pressure detection data is the pressure detection data obtained when the ultrasonic probe is in a relatively stable state, the measurement reliability is higher.

[0100] In an embodiment of the present application, the ultrasound imaging system 100 includes a working mode and a self-test mode, wherein the working mode and the self-test mode are independent of each other and can be performed synchronously or asynchronously, without specific limitation here, wherein synchronization can refer to the same time or approximately the same time.

[0101] In working mode, if Figure 1As shown, an ultrasound imaging system 100 is usually used for basic imaging, wherein the basic imaging mode is not limited to elastic imaging / viscoelastic imaging, etc. In the specific imaging process, a pressure sensor 30 may be required or not. The pressure sensor 30 mainly detects the pressure between the transducer 50 of the ultrasound probe 20 and the target tissue. In the absence of the pressure sensor 30, the pressure between the transducer 50 of the ultrasound probe 20 and the target tissue can be manually sensed by the user, but the reliability is relatively poor. During the elastic imaging process, shear waves can be generated inside the target tissue by the vibration of the vibrator 40. The ultrasonic wave is converted into an electrical signal by the transducer 50 of the ultrasound probe 20 and transmitted to the target tissue to track the propagation of the shear wave. Then, the ultrasonic echo formed by the reflection, diffraction, and scattering of the ultrasonic wave on the target tissue is received to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal that can reflect the tissue characteristics of the target tissue. The transducer 50 of the ultrasound probe 20 converts the received ultrasound echo signal into an electrical signal. Then, the host 10 converts the electrical signal from an analog signal into a digital signal. The obtained digital signal is processed by beam synthesis and the elastic data or elastic image of the target tissue is obtained and displayed.

[0102] In the self-test mode, the host 10 in the ultrasound imaging system 100 obtains an excitation signal, which controls the vibrator 40 to vibrate so that the spring in the vibrator 40 is deformed. This deformation reflects the pressure between the transducer 50 in the ultrasound probe 20 and the target tissue. The pressure sensor 30 then detects pressure detection data corresponding to the deformation and transmits the pressure detection data to the host 10. The host 10 determines the self-test result of the ultrasound probe 20 based on the pressure detection data. The self-test result is mainly used to judge whether the performance of the transducer 50 of the ultrasound probe 20 is good, thereby determining whether it needs to be repaired or scrapped. It can be seen that the ultrasound probe 20 can be self-tested directly through the ultrasound imaging system 100 without the need for external equipment or factory inspection, thereby improving the timeliness and convenience of the inspection of the ultrasound probe 20.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the output device may be a display for displaying the self-test results of the ultrasound probe 20. Alternatively, the output device may be a speaker for outputting the self-test results of the ultrasound probe 20. In a specific implementation, the self-test results of the ultrasound probe 20 may be output in the form of text, graphics, characters, numbers, or voice, which are not specifically limited herein.

[0104] In another embodiment, Figure 4As shown, an ultrasound imaging system 300 is provided, which includes an ultrasound probe 20, a probe fixing device 90, a pressure sensor 30, and a vibrator 40. The probe fixing device 90 is used to fix the ultrasound probe 20 when the ultrasound probe 20 is in the self-test mode, so that the ultrasound probe 20 is in a fixed state. Figure 1 The relevant content regarding the probe fixing device in the illustrated embodiment is not further described here. The ultrasound probe 20 has a pressure sensor 30 built in or externally mounted, and a vibrator 40 built in or externally mounted. In some possible implementations, the ultrasound imaging system 300 further includes an output device 80, wherein the output device 80 may be a display or a speaker, etc.

[0105] based on Figure 4 In a specific application scenario, taking the pressure sensor 30 and the vibrator 40 as an example, which are built into the ultrasonic probe 20, please refer to Figure 5 The ultrasonic probe 20 includes a pressure sensor 30, a vibrator 40 and a transducer 50, wherein the transducer 50 in the ultrasonic probe 20 is movably connected to the pressure sensor 30, the vibrator 40 may include a motor 60 and an elastic medium 70, the elastic medium 70 may be a spring, the spring in the vibrator 40 is movably connected to the pressure sensor 30, and the compression amount of the spring can be used to reflect the force acting on the transducer 50 of the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0106] When the ultrasonic probe 20 is in working mode, the vibrator 40 is used to generate shear waves in the target tissue by vibrating. The ultrasonic probe 20 is used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target tissue to track the shear waves propagating in the target tissue, and receive ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic echo signals. The ultrasonic probe 20 is used to send the ultrasonic echo signals to the ultrasonic probe 20. The ultrasonic probe 20 determines elasticity data, elasticity image, or viscoelasticity data of the target tissue based on the ultrasonic echo signals. The elasticity data can be parameters such as Young's modulus and shear wave propagation velocity, thereby reflecting the softness or hardness of the target tissue. The viscoelasticity data is used to reflect the viscosity of the target tissue.

[0107] The ultrasonic probe 20 is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0108] When the ultrasonic probe 20 is in self-test mode, the ultrasonic probe 20 receives an excitation signal and controls the vibrator 40 to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor 30 detects pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the vibrator 40 and transmits the pressure detection data to the ultrasonic probe 20. Due to the action of the excitation signal, the motor 60 in the vibrator 40 vibrates, and the vibration causes the spring in the vibrator 40 to deform. Furthermore, because the spring is movably connected to the pressure sensor 30, the deformation of the spring is detected by the pressure sensor 30. Because the deformation of the spring reflects the pressure between the transducer 50 of the ultrasonic probe 20 and the target tissue, the pressure sensor 30 determines the pressure detection data of the transducer 50 of the ultrasonic probe 20 based on the deformation of the spring and transmits the pressure detection data to the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0109] In some possible implementations, the ultrasonic probe 20 controls the vibrator 40 to vibrate continuously or discontinuously according to the excitation signal.

[0110] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe 20 receives the pressure detection data and determines the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 based on the pressure detection data. If the self-test result determines that the ultrasonic probe 20 is normal, the ultrasonic probe 20 can continue to be used for ultrasonic imaging. If the self-test result determines that the ultrasonic probe 20 is abnormal, the ultrasonic probe 20 can be returned to the factory for repair or scrapped, etc.

[0111] In one possible implementation, target pressure detection data is determined from the pressure detection data, wherein the target pressure detection data is the pressure detection data when the ultrasonic probe 20 is in a steady state, and the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 is further determined based on the target pressure detection data.

[0112] In one possible implementation, before the ultrasonic probe 20 determines a self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 based on the pressure detection data, drive data of the vibrator 40 is obtained, and the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 is determined based on the drive data and the pressure detection data. Because the damping coefficient and frequency generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the vibrator 40 can be determined based on the drive data and the pressure detection data, where the frequency can be considered a natural frequency, the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 can be determined based on the magnitude of the damping coefficient and the frequency. If both the damping coefficient and the frequency fall within a preset range, the self-test result is normal. If at least one of the damping coefficient and the frequency does not fall within the preset range, the self-test result is abnormal.

[0113] In one possible implementation, the ultrasonic probe 20 obtains pressure data when the ultrasonic probe 20 is in a normal state, wherein the normal state may be the original state at the factory or another normal state. The ultrasonic probe 20 determines the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 based on the pressure data of the ultrasonic probe 20 in the normal state and the received pressure detection data. By comparing the pressure detection data with the pressure data in the normal state, the difference or ratio of the comparison satisfies the preset threshold. If the preset threshold is met, the self-test result is normal. If the preset threshold is not met, the self-test result is abnormal. For details, please refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 3 The contents of the corresponding embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0114] In normal working mode, if Figure 5 As shown, an ultrasonic imaging system is usually used for basic imaging, such as elastic imaging or viscoelastic imaging. During the elastic imaging process, shear waves can be generated inside the target tissue by the vibration of the vibrator 40. The ultrasonic wave is converted from an electrical signal into an ultrasonic wave by the transducer 50 of the ultrasonic probe 20 and transmitted to the target tissue to track the propagation of the shear wave. The ultrasonic wave is then received by the ultrasonic echo formed by the reflection, diffraction, and scattering of the ultrasonic wave on the target tissue to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal that can reflect the tissue characteristics of the target tissue. The transducer 50 of the ultrasonic probe 20 converts the received ultrasonic echo signal into an electrical signal. Thereafter, the ultrasonic probe 20 is used to convert the electrical signal from an analog signal into a digital signal. The obtained digital signal is processed by beam synthesis and other processes to obtain the elastic data or elastic image of the target tissue, which is displayed on the display.

[0115] In self-test mode, the ultrasonic probe 20 in the ultrasonic imaging system obtains an excitation signal. This excitation signal controls the vibrator 40 to vibrate, causing the spring in the vibrator 40 to deform. This deformation reflects the pressure between the transducer 50 of the ultrasonic probe 20 and the target tissue. The pressure sensor 30 then detects pressure detection data corresponding to this deformation and transmits this pressure detection data to the ultrasonic probe 20. The ultrasonic probe 20 then determines the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe 20 based on the pressure detection data. The self-test result is mainly used to evaluate the performance of the transducer 50 of the ultrasonic probe 20, thereby determining whether it needs to be repaired or scrapped. It can be seen that the self-test can be performed directly on the ultrasonic probe 20 itself, without the need for external equipment or factory inspection, thereby improving the timeliness and convenience of the inspection of the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0116] It should be noted that in the above Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the host obtains the excitation signal and performs self-test on the ultrasound probe. Figure 4 and Figure 5In the embodiment shown, an excitation signal is obtained by an ultrasonic probe, and the ultrasonic probe itself is self-checked by the ultrasonic probe. Of course, in some embodiments, the host may obtain the excitation signal and perform self-check on the ultrasonic probe itself through the ultrasonic probe, or, in some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe may obtain the excitation signal and perform self-check on the ultrasonic probe through the host. The excitation signal is generally triggered by a controller, and the controller can be set on the host or the ultrasonic probe according to the actual application. The size of the excitation signal is generally determined by a processor, and the processor can be set on the host or the ultrasonic probe according to the actual application. The self-check analysis of the ultrasonic probe is generally performed by the processor, and the processor can be set on the host or the ultrasonic probe. In addition, the controller and the processor can be two separate hardware devices, or they can be a hardware device integrated into one, which can be determined according to the actual product.

[0117] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system is provided. Figure 1 The difference of the ultrasound imaging system 100 shown is that Figure 1 The pressure sensor 30 in the ultrasonic imaging system 100 is replaced by the sensor 30. The sensor 30 is used to obtain detection data instead of Figure 1 The ultrasound imaging system includes a host 10, an ultrasound probe 20, a sensor 30, and a vibrator 40, wherein the host 10 and the ultrasound probe 20 are electrically connected, the ultrasound probe 20 has the sensor 30 built in or externally, and the ultrasound probe 20 has the vibrator 40 built in or externally.

[0118] When the ultrasonic probe 20 is in operating mode, the vibrator 40 is configured to generate shear waves in the target tissue by vibrating. The ultrasonic probe 20 is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target tissue to track the shear waves propagating in the target tissue, and receive ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic echo signals. The ultrasonic probe 20 is configured to transmit the ultrasonic echo signals to the host 10. The host 10 determines elasticity data, an elasticity image, or viscoelasticity data of the target tissue based on the ultrasonic echo signals. The elasticity data may be parameters such as Young's modulus and shear wave propagation velocity, thereby reflecting the softness or hardness of the target tissue. The viscoelasticity data is used to reflect the viscosity of the target tissue.

[0119] The host 10 is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0120] When the ultrasound probe 20 is in self-test mode, an excitation signal is obtained. The excitation signal can be a digital signal or an analog signal. The host 10 can control the excitation signal to be converted from a digital signal to an analog signal, or from an analog signal to a digital signal. The digital excitation signal or the analog excitation signal can be selected based on the actual scenario requirements, and is not specifically limited here. In addition, the excitation signal can be generated by a control button on the ultrasound probe 20, a control button on the host 10, or a foot pedal, and the excitation signal is used to start the vibrator 40 to vibrate.

[0121] and Figure 1 What is different from the illustrated embodiment is that, in the embodiment of the present application, it is not limited to using the pressure sensor 30 to detect the pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the vibrator 40. Other sensors can also be used to detect the detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the vibrator 40. The detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the vibrator 40 can also be detected by a combination of multiple sensors. For example, the sensor can be at least one of a pressure sensor, a displacement sensor, a velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor, and the obtained detection data includes at least one of pressure detection data, displacement detection data, velocity detection data and acceleration detection data.

[0122] Among them, the process of detecting the ultrasonic probe by the host is the same as Figures 1 to 3 The embodiments shown have the same or similar contents, please refer to the above Figures 1 to 3 The contents shown are not repeated here.

[0123] In an embodiment of the present application, the host 10 analyzes the received detection data (not limited to pressure detection data, but may be displacement detection data, acceleration detection data, speed detection data, etc.). Since the detection data is related to the ultrasonic probe 20 used for transient elastic imaging, the self-test results of the ultrasonic probe 20 can be directly obtained through the ultrasonic imaging system itself, and there is no need to return the ultrasonic probe 20 to the factory for inspection, thereby improving the timeliness and convenience of the inspection of the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0124] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system is provided. Figure 4 The difference of the ultrasound imaging system 300 shown is that Figure 3 The pressure sensor 30 in the ultrasonic imaging system 300 is replaced by a sensor 30, and the sensor 30 is used to obtain detection data instead of Figure 3 The ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound probe 20 , a sensor, and a vibrator 40 , wherein the ultrasound probe 20 has a built-in or external sensor, and the ultrasound probe 20 has a built-in or external vibrator 40 .

[0125] When the ultrasonic probe 20 is in working mode, the vibrator 40 is used to generate shear waves in the target tissue by vibrating. The ultrasonic probe 20 is used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target tissue to track the shear waves propagating in the target tissue, and receive ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic echo signals. The ultrasonic probe 20 is used to send the ultrasonic echo signals to the ultrasonic probe 20. The ultrasonic probe 20 determines elasticity data, elasticity image, or viscoelasticity data of the target tissue based on the ultrasonic echo signals. The elasticity data can be parameters such as Young's modulus and shear wave propagation velocity, thereby reflecting the softness or hardness of the target tissue. The viscoelasticity data is used to reflect the viscosity of the target tissue.

[0126] The ultrasonic probe 20 is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0127] When the ultrasonic probe 20 is in self-test mode, the ultrasonic probe 20 receives an excitation signal and controls the vibrator 40 to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the sensor detects the detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the vibrator 40 and transmits the detection data to the ultrasonic probe 20. Due to the action of the excitation signal, the motor 60 in the vibrator 40 vibrates, and the vibration causes the spring in the vibrator 40 to deform. Furthermore, because the spring is movably connected to the sensor, the deformation of the spring is detected by the sensor. Because the deformation of the spring reflects the change of the transducer 50 of the ultrasonic probe 20, the sensor determines the detection data of the transducer 50 of the ultrasonic probe 20 based on the deformation of the spring and transmits the detection data to the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0128] and Figure 4 What is different from the illustrated embodiment is that, in the embodiment of the present application, it is not limited to using the pressure sensor 30 to detect the pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the vibrator 40. Other sensors can also be used to detect the detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the vibrator 40. The detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the vibrator 40 can also be detected by a combination of multiple sensors. The sensor 30 can be at least one of a pressure sensor 30, a displacement sensor, a velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor, and the obtained detection data includes at least one of pressure detection data, displacement detection data, velocity detection data and acceleration detection data.

[0129] Among them, the process of detecting the ultrasonic probe itself by the ultrasonic probe is the same as Figures 4 and 5 The embodiments shown have the same or similar contents, please refer to the above Figures 4 and 5 The contents shown are not repeated here.

[0130] In an embodiment of the present application, the ultrasonic probe 20 is used to analyze the received detection data (which is not limited to pressure detection data, but may be displacement detection data, acceleration detection data, speed detection data, etc.). Since the detection data is related to the ultrasonic probe 20, the self-test results of the ultrasonic probe 20 can be directly obtained through the ultrasonic imaging system itself, and there is no need to return the ultrasonic probe 20 to the factory for inspection, thereby improving the timeliness and convenience of the inspection of the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0131] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system is provided. Figure 1 The difference of the ultrasound imaging system 400 shown is that Figure 1 The pressure sensor 30 in the ultrasonic imaging system 100 is replaced by the sensor 30. The sensor 30 is used to obtain detection data instead of Figure 1 The pressure detection data shown in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 4 , and the ultrasonic imaging system in the embodiment of the present application does not include the vibrator 40, and the other structures are uniform. Figure 1 Similarly, the ultrasound imaging system includes: a host 10, an ultrasound probe 20, and a sensor. The host 10 and the ultrasound probe 20 are electrically connected, and the ultrasound probe 20 has a built-in or external sensor. In one possible implementation, the transducer 50 of the ultrasound probe 20 is movably connected to the sensor.

[0132] When the ultrasonic probe 20 is in working mode, the ultrasonic probe 20 transmits ultrasonic waves into the target tissue and receives ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic echo signals. The ultrasonic probe 20 is used to send the ultrasonic echo signals to the host 10. The host 10 determines the ultrasonic data of the target tissue based on the ultrasonic echo signals, wherein the ultrasonic data can be A ultrasonic data, B ultrasonic data, C ultrasonic data, Doppler ultrasonic data, elasticity data, viscoelasticity data, etc. Correspondingly, the ultrasonic imaging mode corresponding to the ultrasonic data can be various imaging modes such as A imaging mode, B imaging mode, C imaging mode, Doppler imaging mode, elasticity imaging, viscoelasticity imaging, etc.

[0133] The host 10 is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0134] When the ultrasound probe 20 is in self-test mode, the host 10 obtains the excitation signal and applies the excitation signal to the ultrasound probe 20, causing the sensor to detect detection data generated by the ultrasound probe 20 under the action of the excitation signal and transmit the detection data to the host 10. The host 10 receives the detection data and determines the self-test result of the ultrasound probe 20 based on the detection data.

[0135] Among them, the process of detecting the ultrasonic probe by the host is the same as Figures 1 to 3 The embodiments shown have the same or similar contents, please refer to the above Figures 1 to 3 The contents shown are not repeated here.

[0136] The ultrasonic imaging system in the embodiment of the present application does not require a vibrator 40. After the excitation signal is applied to the ultrasonic probe 20 (for example, a 4D ultrasonic probe), the sensor detects the detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the excitation signal, and transmits the detection data to the host 10. The host 10 analyzes the received detection data. Since the detection data is related to the ultrasonic probe 20, the self-test results of the ultrasonic probe 20 can be directly obtained through the ultrasonic imaging system itself, and there is no need to return the ultrasonic probe 20 to the factory for inspection, thereby improving the timeliness and convenience of the inspection of the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0137] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system is provided. Figure 4 The difference of the ultrasound imaging system 300 shown is that Figure 3 The pressure sensor 30 in the ultrasonic imaging system 300 is replaced by a sensor 30, and the sensor 30 is used to obtain detection data instead of Figure 3 The pressure detection data shown in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 4 , and the ultrasonic imaging system in the embodiment of the present application does not include the vibrator 40, and the other structures are uniform. Figure 3 Similarly, the ultrasound imaging system includes: an ultrasound probe 20 and a sensor, wherein the ultrasound probe 20 has a built-in or external sensor. In one possible implementation, the transducer 50 of the ultrasound probe 20 is movably connected to the sensor.

[0138] When the ultrasonic probe 20 is in working mode, the ultrasonic probe 20 transmits ultrasonic waves into the target tissue and receives ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic echo signals. The ultrasonic probe 20 is used to send the ultrasonic echo signals to the ultrasonic probe 20, and the ultrasonic probe 20 determines the ultrasonic data of the target tissue based on the ultrasonic echo signals, wherein the ultrasonic data can be A ultrasonic data, B ultrasonic data, C ultrasonic data, Doppler ultrasonic data, elasticity data, viscoelasticity data, etc. Correspondingly, the ultrasonic imaging mode corresponding to the ultrasonic data can be various imaging modes such as A imaging mode, B imaging mode, C imaging mode, Doppler imaging mode, elasticity imaging, viscoelasticity imaging, etc.

[0139] The ultrasonic probe 20 is further configured to perform the following steps:

[0140] When the ultrasound probe 20 is in the self-test mode, the ultrasound probe 20 acquires the excitation signal, which acts on the ultrasound probe 20 so that the sensor detects detection data generated by the ultrasound probe 20 under the action of the excitation signal and transmits the detection data to the ultrasound probe 20. The ultrasound probe 20 receives the detection data and determines the self-test result of the ultrasound probe 20 based on the detection data.

[0141] Among them, the process of detecting the ultrasonic probe itself by the ultrasonic probe is the same as Figures 4 and 5 The embodiments shown have the same or similar contents, please refer to the above Figures 4 and 5 The content shown will not be repeated here.

[0142] The ultrasonic imaging system in the embodiment of the present application does not require a vibrator 40. After the excitation signal is applied to the ultrasonic probe 20 (for example, a 4D ultrasonic probe 20), the sensor detects the detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe 20 under the action of the excitation signal, and transmits the detection data to the ultrasonic probe 20. The ultrasonic probe 20 analyzes the received detection data. Since the detection data is related to the ultrasonic probe 20, the self-test results of the ultrasonic probe 20 can be directly obtained through the ultrasonic imaging system itself, and there is no need to return the ultrasonic probe 20 for factory testing, thereby improving the timeliness and convenience of the detection of the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0143] In one embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, a method for self-testing an ultrasound probe is provided, which is applied to Figure 1 The ultrasonic imaging system shown in the figure includes a host, an ultrasonic probe, a probe fixing device, a pressure sensor, and a vibrator, wherein the host and the ultrasonic probe are electrically connected, the ultrasonic probe has a built-in or external pressure sensor, and the ultrasonic probe has a built-in or external vibrator. The probe fixing device is used to fix the ultrasonic probe when the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode so that the ultrasonic probe is in a fixed state. The method includes:

[0144] Step S41, when the ultrasound probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal;

[0145] Step S42, controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor detects pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibrator vibration, and transmits the pressure detection data to the host;

[0146] Step S43: receiving the pressure detection data and determining a self-test result of the ultrasound probe according to the pressure detection data.

[0147] In one embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, a method for self-testing an ultrasound probe is provided, which is applied to Figure 4The ultrasonic imaging system shown in the figure includes an ultrasonic probe, a probe fixing device, a pressure sensor, and a vibrator, wherein the ultrasonic probe has a built-in or external pressure sensor, and the ultrasonic probe has a built-in or external vibrator. The probe fixing device is used to fix the ultrasonic probe when the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode so that the ultrasonic probe is in a fixed state. The method includes:

[0148] Step S51, when the ultrasound probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal;

[0149] Step S52, controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor detects pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibrator vibration;

[0150] Step S53: receiving the pressure detection data, and determining a self-test result of the ultrasound probe according to the pressure detection data.

[0151] In one embodiment, the working mode and the self-test mode are executed synchronously or asynchronously. Figure 6-7 The steps in the flowchart are shown in sequence as indicated by the arrows, but these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified in this document, there is no strict order restriction for the execution of these steps, and these steps can be executed in other orders. In addition, Figure 6-7 At least part of the steps may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these sub-steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least part of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0152] In addition, Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the ultrasound imaging system may include a probe fixing device. In addition, the ultrasound imaging system involved in other embodiments of the present application may also include a probe fixing device, and a suitable probe fixing device may be selected according to the actual application. The ultrasound probe can be fixed in the probe cup through the probe fixing device, or it can be fixed on the ultrasound host, or it can be fixed on a trolley, or on a desktop, etc. In addition, regarding the probe fixing device, please refer to the above description of the probe fixing device, which will not be repeated here.

[0153] For the specific limitations on the ultrasound probe self-test method, please refer to the above limitations on the ultrasound imaging system. Of course, this application also includes other imaging methods corresponding to the above-mentioned ultrasound imaging system. For details, please refer to the description of the ultrasound imaging system, which will not be repeated here.

[0154] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above-mentioned methods. Among them, any reference to memory, storage, database or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include non-volatile and / or volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in various forms, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link (Synchlink) DRAM (SLDRAM), memory bus (Rambus) direct RAM (RDRAM), direct memory bus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and memory bus dynamic RAM (RDRAM).

[0155] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0156] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art could make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic imaging system, characterized in that: include: A host, an ultrasonic probe, a probe fixing device, a pressure sensor, and a vibrator, wherein the host and the ultrasonic probe are electrically connected, the ultrasonic probe has the pressure sensor built in or externally installed, the ultrasonic probe has the vibrator built in or externally installed, and the probe fixing device is used to fix the ultrasonic probe when the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, so that the ultrasonic probe is in a fixed state; The vibrator is used to generate shear waves in the target tissue by means of vibration; The ultrasonic probe is used to transmit ultrasonic waves into the target tissue to track shear waves propagating in the target tissue, and receive ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic echo signals; The host is configured to determine elasticity data of the target tissue according to the ultrasonic echo signal; The host is further configured to perform the following steps: When the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal; controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor detects pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibrator vibration, and transmits the pressure detection data to the host; receiving the pressure detection data, and determining a self-test result of the ultrasound probe according to the pressure detection data; Determining the self-test result of the ultrasound probe according to the pressure detection data includes: Acquire driving data of the vibrator; determine the damping coefficient and frequency generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibration of the vibrator based on the driving data and the pressure detection data; if the damping coefficient is within a first preset range and the frequency is within a second preset range, the self-test result is normal; if the damping coefficient is not within the first preset range, and / or the frequency is not within the second preset range, the self-test result is abnormal.

2. An ultrasonic imaging system, characterized in that: include: An ultrasonic probe, a probe fixing device, a pressure sensor, and a vibrator, wherein the ultrasonic probe has the pressure sensor built in or externally installed, and the ultrasonic probe has the vibrator built in or externally installed, and the probe fixing device is used to fix the ultrasonic probe when the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, so that the ultrasonic probe is in a fixed state; The vibrator is used to generate shear waves in the target tissue by means of vibration; The ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves into the target tissue to track shear waves propagating in the target tissue, receive ultrasonic echoes based on the ultrasonic waves, obtain ultrasonic echo signals, and determine elasticity data of the target tissue based on the ultrasonic echo signals; The ultrasonic probe is further configured to perform the following steps: When the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal; controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor detects pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibrator vibration; receiving the pressure detection data, and determining a self-test result of the ultrasound probe according to the pressure detection data; Determining the self-test result of the ultrasound probe according to the pressure detection data includes: Acquire driving data of the vibrator; determine the damping coefficient and frequency generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibration of the vibrator based on the driving data and the pressure detection data; if the damping coefficient is within a first preset range and the frequency is within a second preset range, the self-test result is normal; if the damping coefficient is not within the first preset range, and / or the frequency is not within the second preset range, the self-test result is abnormal.

3. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Before determining the self-test result of the ultrasonic probe according to the pressure detection data, the host is further configured to perform the following steps: Acquire pressure data of the ultrasonic probe in a normal state; Determining the self-test result of the ultrasound probe according to the pressure detection data includes: A self-test result of the ultrasound probe is determined according to the pressure detection data and the pressure data.

4. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 3, wherein: The pressure data and the pressure detection data both include a pressure waveform, and the pressure waveform includes an amplitude and / or a frequency. Determining the self-test result of the ultrasound probe based on the pressure detection data and the pressure data includes: determining an amplitude difference and / or a frequency difference between the pressure data and the pressure detection data; If the amplitude difference is not greater than a first threshold value and / or the frequency difference is not greater than a second threshold value, the self-test result of the ultrasound probe is normal; If the amplitude difference is greater than a first threshold value and / or the frequency difference is greater than a second threshold value, the self-test result of the ultrasound probe is abnormal.

5. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Determining the self-test result of the ultrasound probe according to the pressure detection data includes: determining target pressure detection data from the pressure detection data, wherein the target pressure detection data is pressure detection data when the ultrasonic probe is in a steady state; A self-test result of the ultrasonic probe is determined according to the target pressure detection data.

6. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Before controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, the host is further configured to perform the following steps: Converting the excitation signal from a digital signal to an analog signal; The vibrator is controlled to vibrate according to the converted excitation signal.

7. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The excitation signal includes an amplitude and a period, wherein the amplitude is not greater than a third threshold, and the period is not greater than a fourth threshold.

8. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The step of controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal comprises: The vibrator is controlled to vibrate continuously or discontinuously according to the excitation signal.

9. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The probe fixing device includes at least one of a splint fixing structure, a buckle fixing structure, and a glue fixing structure.

10. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 9, wherein: The probe fixing device is arranged on the probe cup sleeve.

11. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The ultrasonic imaging system further includes an output device configured to output a self-test result of the ultrasonic probe.

12. A method for self-testing an ultrasound probe, characterized in that: The method is applied to an ultrasound imaging system, which includes a host, an ultrasound probe, a probe fixing device, a pressure sensor, and a vibrator, wherein the host and the ultrasound probe are electrically connected, the ultrasound probe has the pressure sensor built in or externally installed, and the ultrasound probe has the vibrator built in or externally installed, and the probe fixing device is used to fix the ultrasound probe when the ultrasound probe is in a self-test mode, so that the ultrasound probe is in a fixed state. The method includes: When the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal; controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor detects pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibrator vibration, and transmits the pressure detection data to the host; The pressure detection data is received, and a self-test result of the ultrasound probe is determined according to the pressure detection data; wherein the self-test result of the ultrasound probe is determined according to the pressure detection data, comprising: Acquire driving data of the vibrator; determine the damping coefficient and frequency generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibration of the vibrator based on the driving data and the pressure detection data; if the damping coefficient is within a first preset range and the frequency is within a second preset range, the self-test result is normal; if the damping coefficient is not within the first preset range, and / or the frequency is not within the second preset range, the self-test result is abnormal.

13. A method for self-testing an ultrasonic probe, characterized in that: The method is applied to an ultrasound imaging system, which includes an ultrasound probe, a probe fixing device, a pressure sensor, and a vibrator, wherein the ultrasound probe has the pressure sensor built in or externally installed, and the ultrasound probe has the vibrator built in or externally installed, and the probe fixing device is used to fix the ultrasound probe when the ultrasound probe is in a self-test mode, so that the ultrasound probe is in a fixed state. The method includes: When the ultrasonic probe is in a self-test mode, obtaining an excitation signal; controlling the vibrator to vibrate according to the excitation signal, so that the pressure sensor detects pressure detection data generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibrator vibration; receiving the pressure detection data, and determining a self-test result of the ultrasound probe according to the pressure detection data; Determining the self-test result of the ultrasound probe according to the pressure detection data includes: Acquire driving data of the vibrator; determine the damping coefficient and frequency generated by the ultrasonic probe under the action of the vibration of the vibrator based on the driving data and the pressure detection data; if the damping coefficient is within a first preset range and the frequency is within a second preset range, the self-test result is normal; if the damping coefficient is not within the first preset range, and / or the frequency is not within the second preset range, the self-test result is abnormal.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the ultrasound probe is in a working mode, transmitting ultrasound waves to the target tissue to track shear waves propagating in the target tissue; receiving an ultrasonic echo based on the ultrasonic wave to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal; Elasticity data of the target tissue is determined according to the ultrasonic echo signal.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The working mode and the self-test mode are executed synchronously or asynchronously.

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