Method and storage medium for contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantification imaging

Abstract

A method and computer readable storage medium for contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantitative imaging. One of the methods includes: for each location in a region of interest, acquiring time-varying ultrasound signals related to the region of interest over a time period; for each location, determining a processed time-varying ultrasound signal based on at least the acquired time-varying ultrasound signals, wherein: portions with local increase exceeding a threshold are mapped, and portions with local increase not exceeding the threshold are flattened; generating an image sequence of the region of interest based on at least the processed time-varying ultrasound signal of each location, wherein the generated image sequence shows signal changes of the processed time-varying ultrasound signal in one or more structures in the region of interest to represent the one or more structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantization imaging, and more particularly to methods and systems for visualizing the direction and distribution of blood flow in vascular structures. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive medical diagnostic technique that reveals structural details of internal tissues and fluid flow by examining soft tissues within the body, such as blood vessels. Many ultrasound imaging systems utilize injectable ultrasound contrast agents to obtain high-contrast images, which is desirable for visualizing blood flow within internal organ structures. For example, images of blood flow direction and distribution often aid physicians in diagnosis and treatment.

[0003] Doppler ultrasound is an imaging technique that displays blood flow through blood vessels and is commonly used to detect and image fluid flow (such as blood flow) within the body. In Doppler ultrasound, the frequency of the ultrasound waves reflected back by moving blood cells corresponds to the velocity of the blood flow, and the blood flow can be visualized based on this frequency. However, for example, slow, low-volume blood flow in capillaries may not be visible using traditional Doppler methods. Therefore, Doppler ultrasound may not be able to display different vascular structures (e.g., vessels of different sizes) within the region of interest. Furthermore, for example, Doppler ultrasound cannot be used to visualize organ structures to visualize blood flow distribution and perfusion within the region of interest. Therefore, it is necessary to perform non-invasive imaging of the direction and distribution of blood flow in different blood vessels and to provide important parameters such as blood perfusion within vascular structures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The various embodiments in this specification include, but are not limited to, systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantitative imaging.

[0005] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantization imaging is configured with instructions executable by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: for each location in a region of interest, acquiring a time-varying ultrasound signal associated with the region of interest over a time period; for each location, determining a processed time-varying ultrasound signal based at least on the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal, wherein: the processed time-varying ultrasound signal maps one or more local increases of the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal exceeding a threshold, and the processed time-varying ultrasound signal flattens one or more local increases of the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal not exceeding the threshold; and generating an image sequence of the region of interest based at least on the processed time-varying ultrasound signal at each location, wherein the generated image sequence displays signal changes of the processed time-varying ultrasound signal in one or more structures within the region of interest to represent the one or more structures.

[0006] In some embodiments, the generated image sequence shows the perfusion process of blood carrying contrast agent, wherein the blood carrying contrast agent is perfused through one or more vascular structures in the region of interest.

[0007] In some embodiments, the processed time-varying ultrasonic signal is a monotonically increasing signal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal includes ultrasound intensity signals obtained from a time frame sequence from a first time frame to a last time frame according to the progress of time; the processed time-varying ultrasound signal includes the processed ultrasound intensity signals in the time frame sequence.

[0009] In some embodiments, the step of determining the processed time-varying ultrasound signal for each location based at least on the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal includes, for each location, performing the following: for a first time frame, mapping the acquired time-varying ultrasound intensity signal to the processed time-varying intensity ultrasound signal; and, after the first time frame, for each time frame in the time frame sequence, continuously performing: determining whether the current ultrasound intensity signal of the acquired time-varying ultrasound intensity signal in the current time frame exceeds the threshold of the previous ultrasound intensity signal of the processed time-varying ultrasound intensity signal in the previous time frame; if the current ultrasound intensity signal of the acquired time-varying ultrasound intensity signal in the current time frame exceeds the threshold of the previous ultrasound intensity signal of the processed time-varying ultrasound intensity signal in the previous time frame... When the signal exceeds the threshold of the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the previous time frame, the current ultrasonic intensity signal of the acquired time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame is mapped to the current intensity signal of the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame. When the current ultrasonic intensity signal of the acquired time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame does not exceed the threshold of the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the previous time frame, the previous ultrasonic intensity signal of the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the previous time frame is mapped to the current intensity signal of the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame.

[0010] In some embodiments, the step of generating an image sequence of a region of interest based at least on processed time-varying ultrasound signals at each location includes: acquiring a start time frame and an end time frame; and generating an image sequence between the start time frame and the end time frame.

[0011] In some embodiments, the foregoing operations further include: obtaining an updated start time frame or an updated end time frame; and updating the generated image sequence accordingly, at least based on the updated start time frame or the updated end time frame.

[0012] In some embodiments, the foregoing operation further includes: acquiring a user-controllable display speed; and displaying the generated image sequence based at least on the acquired user-controllable display speed.

[0013] In some embodiments, prior to generating the image sequence, the aforementioned operation further includes: comparing a predetermined time-varying ultrasound signal with a processed time-varying ultrasound signal; and determining the location of one or more display anomalies based at least on the comparison, wherein: the generated image sequence includes one or more markers for indicating the location of one or more display anomalies.

[0014] In some embodiments, a system for contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantization imaging includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable memories coupled to the one or more processors, the memories being configured with instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: for each location in a region of interest, acquiring a time-varying ultrasound signal associated with the region of interest over a time period; determining a processed time-varying ultrasound signal for each location based at least on the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal, wherein: the processed time-varying ultrasound signal maps one or more local increases in the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal exceeding a threshold, the processed time-varying ultrasound signal flattens out one or more local increases in the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal not exceeding the threshold; and generating an image sequence of the region of interest based at least on the processed time-varying ultrasound signal for each location, wherein the generated image sequence displays signal variations of the processed time-varying ultrasound signal in one or more structures within the region of interest to represent the one or more structures.

[0015] In some embodiments, a method for contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantization imaging includes: acquiring, for each location in a region of interest (ROI), a time-varying ultrasound signal associated with the ROI; generating an image sequence of the ROI based on the time-varying ultrasound signal at each location, wherein the generated image sequence displays signal changes from a start frame to an end frame, and in the generated image sequence, for each location, when the time-varying ultrasound signal reaches a peak, the peak value remains unchanged from the time frame corresponding to the peak value until the end time frame. In some embodiments, the method further includes: displaying, for each location in the ROI, the peak value of the time-varying ultrasound signal in the image at the end time frame of the generated sequence.

[0016] In some embodiments, a method for contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantization imaging includes: for each location in a region of interest (ROI), acquiring a time-varying ultrasound signal associated with the ROI over a time period; for each location, determining a processed time-varying ultrasound signal based at least on the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal, wherein: the processed time-varying ultrasound signal maps one or more local increases in the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal exceeding a threshold, and the processed time-varying ultrasound signal flattens one or more local increases in the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal not exceeding the threshold; generating an image sequence of the ROI based at least on the processed time-varying ultrasound signal at each location, wherein the generated image sequence displays signal changes of the processed time-varying ultrasound signal in one or more structures within the ROI to represent the one or more structures.

[0017] In some embodiments, a system for contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantization imaging includes: an ultrasound transducer for emitting ultrasound waves toward a region of interest, receiving ultrasound waves reflected from the region of interest, and generating an ultrasound signal based on the received ultrasound waves; and a computing system including: one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media coupled to the one or more processors, the storage media having instructions stored thereon that can be executed by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operation includes: for each location in the region of interest, acquiring a time-varying ultrasound signal related to the region of interest over a time period; for each location, determining a processed time-varying ultrasound signal based at least on the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal, wherein: the processed time-varying ultrasound signal maps one or more local increases of the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal exceeding a threshold, and the processed time-varying ultrasound signal flattens one or more local increases of the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal not exceeding the threshold; generating an image sequence of the region of interest based at least on the processed time-varying ultrasound signal at each location, wherein the generated image sequence displays the signal changes of the processed time-varying ultrasound signal in one or more structures within the region of interest to represent the one or more structures.

[0018] The embodiments disclosed herein have one or more technical effects. In some embodiments, the method and system can visualize the direction and distribution of blood flow in various biological structures (including tissue or vascular structures) within a region of interest. For example, the generated image sequence can provide visualization of the direction and distribution of blood flow in vascular structures, such as blood vessels of different sizes, based on processed ultrasound signals. In some embodiments, the method and system can also measure the relative blood flow velocity of different vascular structures based on the image sequence generated within the region of interest. Users can use the method and system to compare blood perfusion in various biological structures. In some embodiments, blood flow distribution based on processed ultrasound signals can provide information for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular malformations. For example, a computer can compare the generated image sequence with a baseline (e.g., blood flow data or tissue images of a healthy body) and, based on the comparison results, precisely locate the location or vicinity of a health problem (e.g., problem level) within the generated image sequence.

[0019] The foregoing and other features of the systems, methods, and nontransitory computer-readable storage media disclosed herein, as well as the operation and function of related elements of the system architecture, the combination of components, and the economics of manufacture, will become more apparent by considering the following detailed description and appended claims (all of which are part of this specification) in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the different drawings, the same components are labeled with the same reference numerals. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and not intended to limit the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 An exemplary environment using a contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantization imaging system according to various embodiments is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 An exemplary computational system for contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantization imaging is shown according to various embodiments.

[0022] Figure 3 Examples of time-intensity curves of ultrasound signals according to various embodiments are shown.

[0023] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Exemplary workflows for the determination and generation modules according to various embodiments are shown.

[0024] Figure 5 An exemplary flowchart of an ultrasound quantization imaging method for contrast enhancement according to various embodiments is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating a computer system on which any of the embodiments described herein may be implemented. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 An exemplary environment for a contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantization imaging (CEUS QI) system 100 for contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantization imaging according to various embodiments is shown. The CEUS QI system 100 may include additional components, fewer components, or alternative components as needed for implementation.

[0027] In some embodiments, the CEUS QI system 100 may include an ultrasonic transducer 112, a data storage 114, an image forming module 116, a computing system 120, a user interface 122, and a display 130, wherein one or more of the aforementioned components are optional. The ultrasonic transducer 112 may be coupled to the data storage 114 and the computing system 120; the data storage 114 may be coupled to the image forming module 116; the image forming module 116 may be coupled to the computing system 120; and the computing system 120 may be coupled to the display 130 and the user interface 122. Any coupled modules may transmit signals to each other. The ultrasonic transducer 112, data storage 114, image forming module 116, computing system 120, user interface 122, and display 130 may be integrated into a single system or device or distributed across several connected systems or devices.

[0028] In some embodiments, object 102 (e.g., human, pet, tissue section, live sample) can be prepared for CEU QI targeting a region of interest (ROI) such as the abdomen, heart, etc. For example, a contrast agent can be injected into the human body via intravenous injection, after which the ROI can be exposed to ultrasound. In one embodiment, computing system 120 can trigger ultrasound transducer 112 to emit ultrasound waves toward the ROI. For example, the ultrasound transducer can be placed on a patient's body so that ultrasound waves can be emitted toward the ROI on the body. The ROI can be, for example, skin, nails, hair, etc. on the surface of the human body, and various organ structures (e.g., tissues, blood vessels) beneath it can reflect ultrasound waves to varying degrees. In one embodiment, the ROI can contain multiple different blood vessels, such as arteries, veins, and capillaries of various sizes. In some embodiments, ultrasound transducer 112 can have a detector. The detector can be used to receive ultrasound waves reflected from the ROI and generate an ultrasound signal based on the received ultrasound waves. For example, the detector can convert the reflected ultrasound waves into an electrical signal to obtain an ultrasound signal. In some embodiments, ultrasound transducer 112 can send the ultrasound signal to data storage 114. Data storage 114 can be used to store the ultrasonic signal generated from ultrasonic transducer 112 and send it to image forming module 116. Image forming module 116 may be optional and is used to adjust the amplitude and phase of the ultrasonic signal by, for example, performing delayed focusing, weighting, channel summation, etc. Image forming module 116 can then send the adjusted ultrasonic signal to computing system 120 for relevant signal processing. Computing system 120 may be a system for CEUS QI. (Referring below...) Figure 2 The signal processing of CEUS QI is described.

[0029] In some embodiments, the computing system 120 can perform different processing on the ultrasound signal to generate corresponding images based on different imaging modes requested via the user interface 122. For example, the intensity and intensity changes of the ultrasound signal at each location in the ROI over a time period can be recorded to generate an image. The generated image can be displayed to the user on the display 130. The user can update the requested configuration or otherwise input instructions to modify the image via the user interface 122, such as changing the display mode.

[0030] Figure 2 An exemplary computing system 120 for CEUS QI is illustrated according to various embodiments. Depending on the implementation, the computing system 120 may include additional components, fewer components, or alternative components.

[0031] The computing system 120 for CEUS QI may include one or more processors (e.g., digital processors, analog processors, digital circuitry for processing information, central processing units, graphics processing units, microcontrollers or microprocessors, analog circuitry for processing information, state machines, and / or other mechanisms for electronically processing information) and one or more non-transitory computer-readable memories (e.g., permanent memory, temporary memory, non-transitory computer-readable storage media) coupled thereto. The aforementioned one or more memories may be configured with instructions executable by the aforementioned one or more processors. The aforementioned processors may be used to perform various operations by interpreting machine-readable instructions stored in the memories. The computing system 120 may include other computing resources. The computing system 120 may be equipped with suitable software (e.g., ultrasound imaging control programs) and / or hardware (e.g., wired connections, wireless connections) to access these other computing resources.

[0032] The computing system 120 for CEUS QI may further include an acquisition module 202, a determination module 204, and a generation module 208. That is, the acquisition module 202, the determination module 204, and the generation module 208 may be implemented as software (e.g., as part of software instructions), or as hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. As software instructions, each module may be executed by one or more processors of the computing system 120 to perform various operations.

[0033] Although Figure 2The computing system 120 for CEUS QI shown is a single entity, but this is for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit it to a single entity. One or more modules or functions of the computing system 120 described herein may be implemented in a single computing device or distributed across multiple computing devices. In some embodiments, one or more modules or functions of the computing system 120 described herein may be implemented in one or more networks (e.g., an enterprise network with access to the ultrasound machine), one or more endpoints (e.g., in the ultrasound machine), one or more servers (e.g., servers connected to the ultrasound machine), one or more clouds (e.g., a cloud with access to the ultrasound machine), etc.

[0034] The acquisition module 202 can be used to acquire time-varying ultrasound signals relating to the ROI from CEUS images for each location of the ROI over a time period. The CEUS images for this time period can be generated based on intensity changes at each location of the ROI and stored in the computing system 120 for CEUS QI. In general, for the entire ROI, the information obtained from the CEUS images can include the ultrasound signals received during that time period. The acquired information can include one or more of the following: accessing, acquiring, analyzing, determining, examining, identifying, loading, locating, opening, receiving, retrieving, reviewing, storing, or otherwise obtaining information. The ultrasound transducer 112 or image forming module 116, as described above, can transmit ultrasound signals, or the computing system 120 can otherwise acquire ultrasound signals. For time-varying ultrasound signals, ultrasound signals can be acquired within that time period to capture time-related changes in intensity or one or more other parameters. A Region of Interest (ROI) can refer to a two-dimensional surface of any size (e.g., the body surface, a cross-section below the body surface) from which ultrasound signals are acquired, which can be derived from ultrasound waves reflected from structures at least at any depth below the body surface (e.g., blood vessels of different sizes, tissue between blood vessels). Alternatively, an ROI can refer to a three-dimensional space of any size (e.g., a volume below the body surface).

[0035] CEUS QI can be performed simultaneously with the injection of contrast agent through the region of interest (ROI). CEUS images can be generated in real time based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound signals at each location within the ROI. For example, the ultrasound signal intensity and intensity changes at each location within the ROI can be recorded in real time to generate CEUS images. In other words, in response to the injection of contrast agent into the patient, ultrasound signals that change over time are generated and received, and the corresponding CEUS images are generated and stored as input to the CEUS QI system.

[0036] In some embodiments, before or after acquiring the time-varying ultrasound signal, the computing system 120 (e.g., another acquisition module) can be used to obtain user input to determine a start time frame and an end time frame. For example, the computing system 120 can obtain the end time frame through a user interface 122. As another example, the computing system 120 can be used to set the start time frame and the end time frame. The start time frame may refer to the start of contrast agent injection. The end time frame may refer to the end of the time period for performing CEUS QI. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the computing system 120 can be used to determine t0 (i.e., the start time frame) and t 100 The time frame sequence between (i.e., the end time frame). The acquired time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal can be transmitted to the determination module 204 for further processing.

[0037] The determination module 204 can be used to determine the processed time-varying ultrasound signal for each location, at least based on the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal. The calculation system 120 can be used to process the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal for the relevant location based on a threshold. This threshold can be a parameter for the intensity increment for CEUS QI, as described below. For example, the calculation system 120 can obtain the threshold through a user interface 122 (e.g., by user input). Alternatively, the calculation system 120 can be used to set the threshold. The obtained threshold can be transmitted to the determination module 204 for further processing. The threshold can be adjusted in real time, which can update the generated image sequence in real time. The processed time-varying ultrasound signal can map one or more local increases in the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal exceeding the threshold. That is, the processed ultrasound signal can be recorded as identical to the acquired ultrasound signal. The processed time-varying ultrasound signal can flatten one or more local increases in the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal that do not exceed the threshold. In other words, the calculation system 120 can replace the acquired ultrasound signal with the finally processed ultrasound signal. In some embodiments, the processed time-varying ultrasound signal is a monotonically increasing signal. That is, the processed time-varying ultrasound signal may always increase or remain constant, and may never decrease. (Reference) Figure 4A A more detailed description of the processed, time-varying ultrasound signal.

[0038] The acquired time-varying ultrasound signal may include ultrasound intensity signals obtained from a time frame sequence from a first time frame to a last time frame according to the progress of time. The calculation system 120 can be used to obtain the intensity signal of the time-varying ultrasound signal obtained at each time frame for each location. The acquired intensity signal may refer to the quantized value of the acquired ultrasound signal. The determination module 204 can be used to determine a time-intensity curve (TIC) for each location based at least on the time-varying ultrasound intensity signal acquired over a time period. Now refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 Time-intensity curves of ultrasound signal 310 according to various embodiments are shown. For example, the determination module 204 can arrange the acquired ultrasound intensity signal over time at a relevant location into a TIC. The TIC can reflect the intensity change of the ultrasound intensity signal over a time period. In some embodiments, the determination module 204 can be used to determine the acquired ultrasound intensity signal over time at each location in each time frame of a time frame sequence. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, based on the time-varying ultrasound signals acquired at locations A and B, the determination module 204 can determine the corresponding intensity changes of the ultrasound intensity signal in the time frame sequence. Locations A and B may correspond to different positions on different structures within the ROI. For example... Figure 3 As shown in Figure 310, TIC 312A represents the intensity change at location A, and TIC 312B represents the intensity change at location B. The TICs are plotted with the x-axis representing the time frame and the y-axis representing the signal intensity. Data points in the TICs can be fitted with a smoothing function. In one example, location A and TIC 321A could correspond to finer blood vessels (e.g., capillaries), while location B and TIC 321B could correspond to wider blood vessels (e.g., arteries).

[0039] The processed time-varying ultrasound signal can include the processed ultrasound intensity signal in the time frame sequence. The processed time-varying ultrasound intensity signal for each time frame in the time frame sequence can be determined by the following formula:

[0040] I PH ( k ) = p * I( k ) + (1- p ) * I PH ( k -1) k = 1, 2, …, K N -1

[0041] in

[0042] p= 1, if I( k ) - I PH ( k -1) >ΔI TH

[0043] = 0, if I( k ) - I PH ( k -1) ≤ΔI TH

[0044] Component I ( k The acquired ultrasonic intensity signal that changes over time can be represented as the first time. k Ultrasonic intensity signal in a time frame, component I PH ( k The processed ultrasonic intensity signal changing over time can be represented by the signal at the first... k Ultrasonic intensity signal in a time frame, component I PH ( k -1) can represent the processed ultrasonic intensity signal changing with time at the ()th time. k -1) The ultrasonic intensity signal in the time frame (i.e., the previous ultrasonic intensity signal), component ΔI TH It can represent the threshold intensity.

[0045] According to the formula, if I( k ) - I PH ( k -1) >ΔI TH That is, the first one obtained k The ultrasonic intensity signal of the time frame exceeds the processed ( ) k -1) The ultrasonic intensity signal of the time frame exceeds ΔI TH The computing system 120 can determine p =1, therefore I PH ( k )=I( k Therefore, the processed first... k The ultrasonic intensity signal of the time frame is mapped to the acquired first time frame. k The ultrasonic intensity signals of the time frames are the same. On the other hand, if I( k ) - I PH ( k -1) ≤ΔI TH That is, the first one obtained k The ultrasonic intensity signal of the time frame did not exceed the processed ( ) k -1) The ultrasonic intensity signal of the time frame (i.e., the previous ultrasonic intensity signal) exceeds ΔI TH The computing system 120 can determine p =0, therefore I PH (k ) = I PH ( k -1). Therefore, the first k The processed ultrasound signal of the time frame can be mapped to the ( ) k -1) The processed ultrasound signal (previous ultrasound intensity signal) of the time frame is the same.

[0046] The determining module 204 can be used to map the acquired time-varying ultrasound intensity signal to a processed time-varying intensity ultrasound signal for a first time frame. For example, when the first time frame is determined to be 0, i.e., at the time of contrast agent injection, the processed intensity ultrasound signal (e.g., I) can be mapped to a processed time-varying intensity ultrasound signal. PH (0) is recorded as being the same as the acquired ultrasound intensity signal (i.e., I). PH (0) = I(0)). The determining module 204 can also be used to iteratively determine, for each time frame in the time frame sequence after the first time frame, whether the current ultrasonic intensity signal of the acquired time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame exceeds the threshold of the previous ultrasonic intensity signal.

[0047] refer to Figure 4A This illustrates an exemplary workflow 400 of the determining module 204 according to various embodiments. For example... Figure 4A As shown, graph 310 represents the intensity change of the acquired ultrasound intensity signal over time at positions A and B, with TIC 312A and TIC 312B representing the intensity values ​​of the acquired ultrasound signal determined at positions A and B, respectively. Graph 410 represents the intensity change of the processed ultrasound intensity signal over time at positions A and B, with monotonically increasing curves 412A and 412B representing the intensity values ​​of the processed ultrasound intensity signal determined at positions A and B, respectively. The determination module 204 can be used to determine the processed ultrasound intensity signal at different positions based on the acquired ultrasound intensity signal. For example, positions A and B at time frame t... 100 The intensity signal at each location can be determined as I. A (100) and I B (100). At the same time frame t 100 Based on the monotonically increasing curves 412A and 412B, the processed ultrasound signals at positions A and B can be determined as I, respectively. APH (30:100) and I BPH (100). Because the size of the vascular structures and / or their distance from the injection point vary, the contrast agent arrives at different locations at different times, so the contrast enhancement at different locations may be different, and the intensity signal at each location in the same time frame may be different.

[0048] The determining module 204 can map the acquired time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame to the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the previous time frame when the current ultrasonic intensity signal of the acquired time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame exceeds a threshold. For example, as shown in Figure 310, for position B, since the acquired ultrasonic intensity signal in time frame t... 29 The current intensity signal at (e.g., I in Figure 310) B (29) The processed ultrasonic intensity signal exceeds the previous time frame (e.g., t). 28 The previous intensity signal within (e.g., I in Figure 410) BPH (0:28) If the threshold is exceeded, the determination module can be used to... B (29) Time frame t mapped to the processed ultrasonic intensity signal 29 The intensity signal (e.g., at t) 29 Location, I B (29) = I BPH (29)).

[0049] In some embodiments, the determining module 204 may, when the current ultrasonic intensity signal of the acquired time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame does not exceed the threshold of the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the previous time frame exceeding the threshold, map the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the previous time frame that exceeds the threshold to the current ultrasonic intensity signal of the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame. For example, for the same position B, since the acquired ultrasonic intensity signal in time frame t 30 The intensity signal at the location (e.g., I in Figure 310) B (30) The processed ultrasonic intensity signal did not exceed the previous time frame (e.g., t). 29 The previous intensity signal in ) (e.g., I in Figure 410) BPH (29) If the threshold is exceeded, the determination module can be used to determine I BPH (29) Mapped to the processed ultrasonic intensity signal in time frame t 30 The intensity signal at (e.g., at t) 30 I at the location BPH (29:30)). Therefore, the computing system 120 can make the acquired ultrasound signal t 28 and t 29 The increase between the threshold and the threshold increases, and can increase the t of the acquired ultrasound signal. 29 and t 30The portion of the increase that does not exceed the threshold flattens out, allowing the time-intensity curve in graph 310 to be transformed into a monotonically increasing curve in graph 410, such as... Figure 4A As shown.

[0050] Return to reference Figure 2 The generation module 208 can be used to generate an image sequence of a region of interest (ROI) based at least on processed, time-varying ultrasound signals at each location. In some embodiments, the generated image sequence can display signal changes of processed, time-varying ultrasound signals in one or more structures within the ROI to represent those structures. These structures may refer to vascular structures, such as blood vessels. The image sequence can be a contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantization video sequence within a time-frame sequence, which can display dynamic information about vascular structures within the ROI. For example, the image sequence can display vascular flow and perfusion imaging with ultrasound contrast agent within the ROI. The ROI may include multiple blood vessels, and the vascular flow and perfusion of contrast agent carried by blood in different vessels may be affected by vessel size, distance from the injection point, etc. Figure 4B The generated image sequence is shown.

[0051] refer to Figure 4B This illustrates the workflow of the generation module 208 according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the generation module 208 can be used to generate an image sequence based on processed ultrasound signals at each location in each time frame of a time frame sequence. Each image can display a Region of Interest (ROI) in two dimensions (e.g., xy coordinates) to indicate a relative location. For example, one or more pixels of image 420 can correspond to a location in an ROI. Image 420 shows the location at time frame t. 100 The processed ultrasonic intensity signal in the ROI. According to Figure 410, I APH (30:100) could be position A at time frame t. 100 The processed ultrasonic intensity signal, I BPH (100) can be position B in time frame t. 100 The processed ultrasonic intensity signal. Since the processed ultrasonic intensity signal may always increase or remain constant (see, for example, 412A and 412B), the resulting image sequence can display the increasing intensity signal at each location within a time frame. For example, from t0 to t... 100 In the sequence generated between, time frame t 100Image 420 can display the peak value (i.e., maximum intensity signal) at each location within the ROI based on the processed ultrasound signal at each determined location. The peak value can be the highest intensity signal at the TIC. That is, the intensity signal reaches its peak at each location when the intensity signal at each location within the ROI stops increasing or remains constant. In some embodiments, the intensity signal at different locations may reach its peak value at different time frames. For example, as... Figure 4A As shown, at location A, the signal strength in time frame t 30 It reaches its peak at (e.g., I) A (30)), while at position B, the signal strength in time frame t 100 It reaches its peak at (e.g., I) B (100)). In this example, the system can make the peak value (i.e., the maximum intensity signal) of the ultrasound signal at location A change from time frame t. 30 End time frame (e.g., t) 100 The generation module 208 can be used to generate an image sequence (e.g., 420) that includes the maximum intensity signal (i.e., the peak value of the ultrasound signal) at all locations within the ROI at the end time frame. In the image sequence, for some locations where the peak value may arrive earlier than others, the peak values ​​at those locations within the ROI may be preserved in the image. In some embodiments, the end time frame can be determined as the time frame at which the intensity signal at all locations within the ROI reaches its peak value.

[0052] In some embodiments, the computing system 120 may be used to determine the locations of one or more display anomalies. In one embodiment, before generating an image sequence, the computing system 120 may be used to compare a predetermined time-varying ultrasound signal with a processed time-varying ultrasound signal, and determine the locations of one or more display anomalies based at least on the comparison result. For example, the computing system 120 may compare the processed time-varying ultrasound signal with a baseline (e.g., a predetermined ultrasound signal from a healthy body). For example, a first location in the ROI at time frame t 50 The predetermined time-varying ultrasound signal can be determined as I PH (50). If the processed time-varying ultrasound signal from the same first location within the same ROI of the patient is identified as I PH(30) Then the computing system 120 can determine the abnormality at the first location. Alternatively, the computing system 120 can compare the generated image sequence with a baseline image sequence of a healthy body to obtain a comparison result. For example, if the generated image sequence shows a slower infusion process at the first location compared to the baseline image sequence, the computing system 120 can determine the abnormality at or around the first location (e.g., an abnormality somewhere between the injection point and the first location). Based on either type of comparison, the computing system 120 can precisely locate one or more locations on the generated image that may cause health problems (e.g., at a problem level). In some embodiments, the generated image sequence may include one or more markers to indicate one or more locations showing abnormalities. In addition, the generation module 208 can be used to indicate one or more locations presenting abnormalities on the generated image sequence by means of, for example, symbols, highlighting, etc. The precisely located locations may be pathogen markers such as cancer cells, malignant tissue, or vascular blockage.

[0053] In some embodiments, the generation module 208 can be used to generate an image sequence between a start time frame and an end time frame. The computing system can be used to acquire the start and end time frames. Using the start and end time frames, the computing system 120 can obtain processed, time-varying ultrasound signals of the location in the ROI from the start to the end time frame to improve efficiency and optimize storage. In some embodiments, the computing system can be used to determine the end time frame to improve efficiency. For example, referencing... Figure 4B In figure 410, positions A and B are at time frame t. 100 The processed ultrasonic intensity signal is I APH (30:100) and I BPH (100), and positions A and B in time frame t 100 The processed ultrasonic intensity signal remains unchanged at any subsequent time frame, i.e., it remains at I. APH (30:100) and I BPH (100). In this example, the computational system 120 can be used to determine t. 100 To end the time frame, and at time frame t 100 Stop processing.

[0054] In some embodiments, the image sequence can be modified based on updated start and end time frames, and the computing system 120 can adjust the generated sequence accordingly in real time. The computing system 120 can be used to obtain the updated start and / or updated end time frames. The generation module 208 can be used to update the generated image sequence accordingly, at least based on the updated start and / or updated end time frames. For example, in Figure 4B In graph 410, the end time frame t 100This can be the original end time frame (e.g., before the update). With the update, the end time frame might become t. 30 For position A, the end time frame t 100 The ultrasonic intensity signal and the updated end time frame t 30 The ultrasonic intensity signals are the same (e.g., I). APH (30:100)). Therefore, the blood perfusion process at location A occurs at the initial and updated end time frames (e.g., t). 30 The duration can be the same. For example, for position B, the ultrasonic intensity signal at the initial end time frame t... 100 For I BPH (100), and through the update, at the end time frame t of the update. 30 The intensity signal is I BPH (29:30). Therefore, the update can be performed at the end time frame (i.e., t). 30 The process of blood perfusion at location B is updated.

[0055] In some embodiments, the computing system 120 can be used to obtain a user-controllable display speed. The generation module 208 can be used to display the generated image sequence based at least on the obtained user-controllable display speed. For example, the computing system 120 can obtain the display speed through a user interface. The obtained display speed can be used to play image sequences displaying blood flow and perfusion within the ROI.

[0056] The generated sequences can provide rich medical information, including blood flow distribution. In one embodiment, the generated image sequences can show the perfusion process of contrast-carrying blood through one or more vascular structures in the region of interest (ROI). The perfusion process can refer to the gradual enhancement within the ROI from contrast agent injection to peak enhancement. The generated image sequences can show the perfusion process at each location and preserve the vascular perfusion of different vessels within the visualized ROI. In some embodiments, the perfusion processes at two adjacent locations can indicate these two locations corresponding to different biological parts (e.g., two locally distinct vessels). For example, as... Figure 4B As shown in image 420, at the same time frame (e.g., t...), 100 The ultrasound intensity signal at location B may be higher than that near location C. That is, based on the infusion process, location B may indicate faster reception of contrast agent and reveal arterial structures in the ROI, while location C may indicate later reception of contrast agent and reveal capillary structures in the ROI. Much of the background of the image (e.g., location D) may indicate the tissue region receiving contrast agent the slowest. Therefore, different organ structures within the body can be visualized through different infusion processes of the contrast agent. Based on the infusion processes displayed at different locations, the computing system 120 can measure the relative blood flow velocity in different vascular structures.

[0057] In some embodiments, the generated image sequence can provide information on blood perfusion and vascular structure. The perfusion of contrast agent carried by blood in different vessels may be affected by factors such as vessel size and distance from the injection point. In some embodiments, the ROI may include multiple vessels of different sizes, and the different contrast enhancements of the processed ultrasound intensity signals (e.g., during perfusion) can indicate the relative blood flow velocities in these multiple vessels. For example, if the perfusion process at location B is faster than at location C, the blood flow velocity at location B may be faster than that at location C. That is, based on the generated sequence, the arteries around location B appear to receive contrast agent faster than the capillaries around location C. As another example, if the processed intensity signal at location B is higher than that at location A at the end of the time frame, the vessel size at location B may be larger than that at location A.

[0058] Figure 5 A flowchart of an exemplary method 500 according to various embodiments of this application is shown. Method 500 may be performed by one or more components of the CEUS QI system 100 (e.g., computing system 120). The operation of method 500 presented below is intended for illustrative purposes. Depending on the implementation, method 500 may include additional steps, fewer steps, or alternative steps performed in various orders or in parallel.

[0059] Step 510 includes obtaining, for each location in the region of interest, a time-varying ultrasound signal of the region of interest over a time period. Step 520 includes determining a processed time-varying ultrasound signal for each location, based at least on the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal. Step 530 includes determining for each location whether the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal has a local increase exceeding a threshold; wherein, in step 540, the processed time-varying ultrasound signal maps one or more portions of the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal that have a local increase exceeding the threshold, and in step 550, the processed time-varying ultrasound signal flattens one or more portions of the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal that have not an increase exceeding the threshold. Step 560 includes generating an image sequence of the region of interest based at least on the processed time-varying ultrasound signal for each location, wherein the generated image sequence displays the signal changes of the processed time-varying ultrasound signal in one or more structures within the region of interest.

[0060] In some embodiments, the generated image sequence shows the perfusion process of blood carrying contrast agent, wherein the blood carrying contrast agent is perfused through cross-sections of one or more vascular structures in the region of interest.

[0061] In some embodiments, the obtained time-varying ultrasound signal includes ultrasound intensity signals obtained in a time frame sequence from a first time frame to a last time frame according to the progress of time; the processed time-varying ultrasound signal includes the processed ultrasound intensity signal in the time frame sequence.

[0062] In some embodiments, determining the processed time-varying ultrasound signal based at least on the obtained time-varying ultrasound signal includes: for a first time frame, mapping the obtained time-varying ultrasound intensity signal to the processed time-varying ultrasound intensity signal; and for each time frame in the time frame sequence following the first time frame, continuously performing the following: determining whether the current ultrasound intensity signal of the obtained time-varying ultrasound intensity signal in the current time frame exceeds the threshold of the previous ultrasound intensity signal of the processed time-varying ultrasound intensity signal in the previous time frame; if the current ultrasound intensity signal exceeds the threshold of the previous ultrasound intensity signal, mapping the current ultrasound intensity signal of the obtained time-varying ultrasound intensity signal in the current time frame to the current intensity signal of the processed time-varying ultrasound intensity signal in the current time frame; and if the current ultrasound intensity signal does not exceed the threshold of the previous ultrasound intensity signal, mapping the previous ultrasound intensity signal of the processed time-varying ultrasound intensity signal in the previous time frame to the current intensity signal of the processed time-varying ultrasound intensity signal in the current time frame.

[0063] In some embodiments, the step of generating an image sequence of a region of interest based at least on processed time-varying ultrasound signals at each location includes: obtaining a start time frame and an end time frame; and generating an image sequence between the start time frame and the end time frame.

[0064] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing a computer system 600 on which any of the embodiments described herein may be implemented. The computer system 600 can... Figures 1 to 5 Implemented in any component of the illustrated device, apparatus, or system. For example, computing system 120 may implement computer system 600. (See reference) Figures 1 to 5 The described methods, such as method 500, can be executed by one or more implementations of computer system 600. Computer system 600 includes a bus 602 or other communication mechanism for transmitting information, and one or more hardware processors 604 coupled to the bus 602 to process information. Hardware processors 604 can be, for example, one or more general-purpose microprocessors.

[0065] Computer system 600 may include bus 602 or other communication mechanisms for transmitting information, and one or more hardware processors 604 coupled to bus 602 to process information. Hardware processor 604 may be, for example, one or more general-purpose microprocessors.

[0066] Computer system 600 may also include main memory 606, such as random access memory (RAM), cache, and / or other dynamic storage devices, coupled to bus 602, for storing information and instructions executable by processor 604. Main memory 606 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions executable by processor 604. When these instructions are stored in storage media accessible to processor 604, they cause computer system 600 to function as a dedicated machine tailored for performing the operations specified in the instructions. Computer system 600 may also include read-only memory (ROM) 608 or other static storage devices coupled to bus 602 for storing static information and instructions for processor 604. Storage devices 610 coupled to bus 602, such as disks, optical discs, or USB thumb drives (flash drives), may be provided for storing information and instructions.

[0067] Computer system 600 may implement the techniques described herein using custom hardwired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and / or program logic (which, in conjunction with the computer system, make computer system 600 a special-purpose machine or program computer system 600 as a special-purpose machine). According to one embodiment, the operations, methods, and processes described herein are executed by computer system 600 in response to processor 604 executing one or more sequences of instructions contained in main memory 606. Such instructions may be read into main memory 606 from another storage medium (e.g., storage device 610). Execution of the instruction sequence contained in main memory 606 may cause processor 604 to perform the processing steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

[0068] Main memory 606, ROM 608, and / or storage device 610 may include non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory media" and similar terms, as used herein, refer to a medium storing data and / or instructions that enable a machine to operate in a particular manner, excluding transient signals. Such non-transitory media may include non-volatile media and / or volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical discs or magnetic disks, such as storage device 610. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory 606. Common forms of non-transitory media include, for example, floppy disks, hard disks, solid-state drives, magnetic tape or any other magnetic data storage media, CD-ROMs, any other optical data storage media, any physical media with a perforated pattern, RAM, PROMs and EPROMs, quick-erase programmable read-only memory, NVRAM, any other memory chips or cassettes, and the same network versions.

[0069] Computer system 600 may include a network interface 618 coupled to bus 602. Network interface 618 may provide bidirectional data communication coupled to one or more network links connected to one or more local networks. For example, network interface 618 may be an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or modem to provide data communication connectivity to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, network interface 618 may be a Local Area Network (LAN) card to provide data communication connectivity to a LAN-compatible (or WAN component communicating with a WAN) network. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, network interface 618 may transmit and receive electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals carrying digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0070] Computer system 600 can send messages and receive data, including program code, via a network, network link, and network interface 618. In the Internet example, the server can send application request codes via the Internet, ISP, local network, and network interface 618.

[0071] The received code can be executed by processor 604 upon receipt and / or stored in storage device 610 or other non-volatile memory for later execution.

[0072] Each process, method, and algorithm described in the preceding chapters may be embodied in code modules executed by one or more computer systems or computer processors including computer hardware, and may be fully or partially automated by these code modules. These processes and algorithms may be implemented, partially or entirely, in dedicated circuitry.

[0073] The various features and processes described above can be used independently of each other or can be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of this specification. Furthermore, certain method or process block diagrams may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein are not limited to any particular order, and the block diagrams or states associated with them can be executed in other suitable orders. For example, the described block diagrams or states may be executed in an order different from the order specifically disclosed, or multiple block diagrams or states may be combined into a single block diagram or state. Examples of block diagrams or states may be executed serially, in parallel, or in some other manner. Block diagrams or states may be added to or removed from the disclosed embodiments. The configuration of the examples of systems and components described herein may differ from that described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged from the disclosed embodiments compared to the disclosed embodiments.

[0074] The various operations of the methods described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more processors configured, either temporarily (e.g., by software) or permanently, to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such processors can constitute the engine of a processor implementation whose operations are to perform the one or more operations or functions described herein.

[0075] Similarly, the methods described herein can be implemented at least in part by a processor, where one or more specific processors are example hardware. For example, at least some operations of the method can be performed using one or more processors or an engine implemented by the processor. Furthermore, one or more processors can also run to support the performance of the relevant operations in a "cloud computing" environment or as "Software as a Service" (SaaS). For example, at least some operations can be performed by a set of computers (as an example of a machine including processors), where these operations are accessible via a network (e.g., the Internet) and one or more suitable interfaces (e.g., application programming interfaces (APIs)).

[0076] The performance of certain operations may be distributed across processors, residing not only within a single machine but also deployed across multiple machines. In some embodiments, the processor or the engine implemented by the processor may reside in a single geographic location (e.g., in a home environment, office environment, or server cluster). In other embodiments, the processor or the engine implemented by the processor may be distributed across multiple geographic locations.

[0077] Throughout the specification, multiple instances can implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although the various operations of one or more methods are illustrated or described by individual operations, one or more of the operations can be performed simultaneously, and these operations do not need to be performed in the order shown. Structures and functions presented as individual components in a configuration can be implemented as composite structures or components. Similarly, structures and functions presented as single components can be implemented as individual components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the claims herein.

[0078] Although an overview of the subject matter of this application has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of the embodiments described herein. The specific embodiments should not be construed as limiting, and the scope of the various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. Furthermore, related terms used herein (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.) do not indicate any order, hierarchy, or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another. Additionally, the terms “an,” “a,” and “a plurality” do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one mentioned object.

Claims

1. A method for contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantitative imaging, characterized in that... include: For each location in the region of interest, acquire the time-varying ultrasound signal related to the region of interest over a given time period; The processed time-varying ultrasound signal for each location is determined based at least on the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal, wherein: For the first time frame, the acquired time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal is mapped to the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal. After the first time frame, for each time frame in the time frame sequence, the following steps are performed consecutively: Determine whether the current ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame exceeds the threshold of the previous ultrasonic intensity signal in the previous time frame of the processed ultrasonic intensity signal that varies with time. When the current ultrasonic intensity signal exceeds the threshold of the previous ultrasonic intensity signal, the current ultrasonic intensity signal of the acquired time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame is mapped to the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame. When the current ultrasonic intensity signal does not exceed the threshold of the previous ultrasonic intensity signal, the ultrasonic intensity signal that exceeded the threshold in the previous time frame of the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal is mapped to the current intensity signal of the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame. An image sequence of a region of interest is generated based at least on the processed time-varying ultrasound signal at each location, wherein the generated image sequence shows the signal changes of the processed time-varying ultrasound signal in one or more structures within the region of interest to represent the one or more vascular structures.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The generated image sequence shows the infusion process of blood carrying contrast agent, wherein the blood carrying contrast agent is infused through cross-sections of one or more vascular structures in the region of interest.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The acquired time-varying ultrasound signals include ultrasound intensity signals obtained from a time frame sequence from the first time frame to the last time frame according to the progress of time. The processed time-varying ultrasound signal includes the processed ultrasound intensity signal in the time frame sequence.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The generation of the region of interest image sequence based at least on the processed time-varying ultrasound signal at each location includes: Get the start time frame and end time frame; Generate an image sequence between the start time frame and the end time frame.

5. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for contrast-enhanced ultrasound quantization imaging, characterized in that, It is configured with instructions executable by one or more processors to cause those processors to perform the following operations: For each location in the region of interest, acquire the time-varying ultrasound signal related to the region of interest over a given time period; The processed time-varying ultrasound signal for each location is determined based at least on the acquired time-varying ultrasound signal, wherein: For the first time frame, the acquired time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal is mapped to the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal. After the first time frame, for each time frame in the time frame sequence, the following steps are performed consecutively: Determine whether the current ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame exceeds the threshold of the previous ultrasonic intensity signal in the previous time frame of the processed ultrasonic intensity signal that varies with time. When the current ultrasonic intensity signal exceeds the threshold of the previous ultrasonic intensity signal, the current ultrasonic intensity signal of the acquired time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame is mapped to the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame. When the current ultrasonic intensity signal does not exceed the threshold of the previous ultrasonic intensity signal, the ultrasonic intensity signal that exceeded the threshold in the previous time frame of the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal is mapped to the current intensity signal of the processed time-varying ultrasonic intensity signal in the current time frame. An image sequence of a region of interest is generated based at least on the processed time-varying ultrasound signal at each location, wherein the generated image sequence shows the signal changes of the processed time-varying ultrasound signal in one or more structures within the region of interest to represent the one or more vascular structures.

6. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The generated image sequence shows the infusion process of blood carrying contrast agent, wherein the blood carrying contrast agent is infused through one or more vascular structures in the region of interest.

7. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The processed ultrasound signal that changes over time is a monotonically increasing signal.

8. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The acquired time-varying ultrasound signals include ultrasound intensity signals obtained from a time frame sequence from the first time frame to the last time frame according to the progress of time. The processed time-varying ultrasound signal includes the processed ultrasound intensity signal in the time frame sequence.

9. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The generation of the region of interest image sequence based at least on the processed time-varying ultrasound signal at each location includes: Get the start time frame and end time frame; Generate an image sequence between the start time frame and the end time frame.

10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The operation also includes: Get the updated start time frame or the updated end time frame; The generated image sequence is updated accordingly, at least based on the updated start time frame or the updated end time frame.

11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The operation also includes: To achieve a user-controllable display speed; The generated image sequence is displayed at least based on a user-controllable display speed.

12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Before generating the image sequence, the operation further includes: Compare the predetermined time-varying ultrasound signal with the processed time-varying ultrasound signal; Based at least on the comparison, determine the location of one or more display anomalies, wherein: The generated image sequence includes one or more markers to indicate one or more locations where an anomaly is displayed.

Images