Recording an ultrasound image

Abstract

A system for recording ultrasound images comprises a memory and a processor, the memory comprising instruction data representing a set of instructions, the processor being configured to communicate with the memory and to run the set of instructions. The set of instructions, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to receive a data stream of two-dimensional images taken using an ultrasound transducer and to determine from the data stream that a feature of interest is in the field of view of the transducer. The set of instructions further causes the processor to trigger a warning to be sent to a user indicating that the feature of interest is in the field of view of the transducer and to send an instruction to the transducer to trigger the transducer to capture a three-dimensional ultrasound image after a predetermined time interval.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure herein relates to ultrasound imaging. Specifically, but not exclusively, the embodiments herein relate to systems and methods for recording ultrasound images. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound imaging is used in a range of medical applications, such as fetal monitoring. Medical ultrasound imaging involves moving a probe containing an ultrasound transducer that generates high-frequency sound waves on the skin. These high-frequency sound waves travel through the tissue and are reflected from the inner surface (e.g., tissue boundaries). The reflected waves are detected and used to construct an image of the internal structures of interest.

[0003] Ultrasound imaging can be used to create two-dimensional or three-dimensional images. In a typical workflow, users (e.g., sonographers, radiologists, clinicians, or other medical professionals) can use two-dimensional imaging to locate anatomical features of interest. Once the feature is in two dimensions, the user can activate three-dimensional mode to capture a three-dimensional image.

[0004] Imaging in this manner is highly specialized and typically requires years of training. Therefore, an efficient and accurate 3D image acquisition method that integrates well into the workflow is desirable. One objective of this paper is to develop systems and methods to assist users, for example, enabling less experienced clinicians (e.g., primary care physicians), to accurately record 3D ultrasound images. Summary of the Invention

[0005] As mentioned above, ultrasound image capture is a highly specialized process. In a typical workflow, features of interest (e.g., anatomical features) are located by the user using two-dimensional ultrasound imaging. Once the features of interest are located, a three-dimensional imaging mode can be activated to acquire three-dimensional images. In some known methods, the user must activate the three-dimensional mode after locating the features of interest in the two-dimensional image, for example, by manually clicking a button or interacting with the user's screen.

[0006] Activating the 3D imaging mode in this way can be distracting. Furthermore, when 3D imaging mode is activated, the user may inadvertently move the ultrasound transducer away from the feature of interest. Therefore, manually triggering the 3D imaging mode can lead to suboptimal acquisition, where, for example, the target anatomical structure is only partially visible.

[0007] The purpose of the embodiments described herein is to improve upon this existing method of recording ultrasound images.

[0008] Therefore, according to the first aspect, there is a system for recording ultrasound images. The system includes a memory and a processor, the memory including instruction data representing a set of instructions, the processor being configured to communicate with the memory and execute the set of instructions. When executed by the processor, the set of instructions causes the processor to: receive a data stream of two-dimensional images captured using an ultrasound transducer; determine, based on the data stream, that a feature of interest is in the transducer's field of view; trigger an alert to be sent to a user to indicate that the feature of interest is in the transducer's field of view; and send an instruction to the transducer to trigger the transducer to capture a three-dimensional ultrasound image after a predetermined time interval.

[0009] In this way, the 3D imaging mode is automatically triggered after a predetermined time interval, without requiring manual intervention from the user. Furthermore, the warning provides the user with an advance notice that 3D image acquisition is about to begin, allowing the user to terminate 3D image acquisition during the predetermined time interval (e.g., before starting 3D image acquisition). Because the user does not need to intervene manually, they can always focus on the position of the ultrasonic transducer, resulting in a smoother workflow and better ultrasonic image quality.

[0010] According to a second aspect, there is a computer-implemented method for recording ultrasound images. The method includes: receiving a data stream of a two-dimensional image captured using an ultrasound transducer; determining, based on the data stream, that a feature of interest is within the transducer's field of view; triggering a warning to be sent to a user to indicate that the feature of interest is within the transducer's field of view; and sending an instruction to the transducer to trigger the transducer to capture a three-dimensional ultrasound image after a predetermined time interval.

[0011] According to a third aspect, a computer program product including a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium having computer-readable code contained therein, the computer-readable code being configured such that, when executed by a suitable computer or processor, it causes the computer or processor to perform the method described in the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To better understand and more clearly illustrate how the embodiments described herein are implemented and effective, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of systems based on some example embodiments of the present article;

[0014] Figure 2 Example methods according to some embodiments herein are shown;

[0015] Figure 3 Examples are shown according to some embodiments described herein; and

[0016] Figure 4 An example ultrasound system according to some embodiments described herein is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] As described above, when imaging features of interest (e.g., anatomical features in 3D ultrasound), a typical workflow is followed where the user (e.g., a clinician or internist) determines the appropriate location of the ultrasound probe, for example, where the probe should be positioned relative to the patient's body using 2D ultrasound. Once the appropriate location is determined, the user typically must (manually) activate a 3D ultrasound image acquisition mode to record 3D ultrasound images. One objective of the embodiments described herein is to improve such systems and methods.

[0018] Figure 1 A system (e.g., apparatus) 100 for recording ultrasound images according to some embodiments herein is illustrated. System 100 is used to record (e.g., acquire or capture) ultrasound images. System 100 may include a medical device or part of a medical device, such as an ultrasound system.

[0019] refer to Figure 1 System 100 includes a processor 102 that controls the operation of system 100 and can implement the methods described herein. Processor 102 may include one or more processors, processing units, multi-core processors, or modules configured or programmed to control system 100 in the manner described herein. In a particular implementation, processor 102 may include multiple software and / or hardware modules, each configured to perform or be used to perform one or more steps of the methods described herein.

[0020] In short, the processor 102 of the system 100 is configured to: receive a data stream of a two-dimensional image captured using an ultrasonic transducer; determine, based on the data stream, that a feature of interest is in the field of view of the transducer; trigger an alert to be sent to the user to indicate that the feature of interest is in the field of view of the transducer; and send an instruction to the transducer to trigger the transducer to capture a three-dimensional ultrasonic image after a predetermined time interval.

[0021] Technically, this could provide an improved approach in which the automatic capture of 3D ultrasound images can be triggered by allowing the user to, for example, suspend or refine a predetermined time period for automatic image capture. Some embodiments can thus enable human-in-the-loop automation (e.g., human-supervised automation), which can improve the interaction between humans and automated processes to produce improved 3D ultrasound image captures of features of interest.

[0022] In some embodiments, such as in Figure 1As illustrated, system 100 may further include memory 104, and memory 106 is configured to store program code that can be executed by processor 102 to perform the methods described herein. Alternatively or additionally, one or more memories 104 may be external to system 100 (i.e., separate or remote). For example, one or more memories 104 may be part of another device. Memory 106 may be used to store images, information, data, signals, and measurement results acquired or generated by processor 102 of system 100 or any interface, memory, or storage device external to system 100.

[0023] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, system 100 may also include a transducer 108 for capturing ultrasound images. Alternatively or additionally, system 100 may receive (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) a data stream of two-dimensional images captured using an ultrasound transducer external to system 100.

[0024] A transducer can be formed from multiple transducer elements. Such transducer elements can be arranged to form an array of transducer elements. The transducer can be included in a probe, such as a handheld probe, which can be held and moved across a patient's skin by a user (e.g., an sonographer, radiologist, or other clinician). Those skilled in the art will be familiar with the principles of ultrasound imaging, but in brief, an ultrasound transducer includes a piezoelectric crystal that can be used to both generate and detect / receive sound waves. Ultrasound generated by the ultrasound transducer enters the patient's body and reflects from underlying tissue structures. The reflected waves (e.g., echoes) are detected by the transducer and processed by a computer to produce an ultrasound image of the underlying anatomical structures, also known as a sonograph.

[0025] In some embodiments, the transducer may include a matrix transducer capable of probing the volumetric space.

[0026] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, system 100 may also include at least one user interface, such as user display 106. Processor 102 may be configured to control user display 106 to display or present, for example, received data streams or ultrasound images and / or warnings to a user. User display 106 may include a touchscreen or application (e.g., on a tablet or smartphone), a display screen, a graphical user interface (GUI), or other visual presentation components.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, at least one user display 106 may be external to system 100 (i.e., separate or remote). For example, at least one user display 106 may be part of another device. In such an embodiment, processor 102 may be configured to send instructions (e.g., via a wireless or wired connection) to the user display 106 external to system 100 to trigger (e.g., cause or start) the external user display to show a warning to the user indicating that a feature of interest is in the user's field of view.

[0028] It should be understood that Figure 1 Only the components necessary to illustrate this aspect of the disclosure are shown, and in actual implementation, system 100 may include additional components beyond those shown. For example, system 100 may include a battery or other devices for connecting system 100 to a mains power supply. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, system 100 may also include a communication interface (or circuitry) 108 for enabling system 100 to communicate with any interface, memory, and device inside or outside system 100, for example, via a wired or wireless network.

[0029] More specifically, system 100 receives a data stream (e.g., a continuous sequence) of two-dimensional images captured using ultrasonic transducer 108. As described above, the ultrasonic transducer may be integrated with system 100, or alternatively, may be separate from system 100.

[0030] Data streams include live or real-time data streams of two-dimensional ultrasound images or ultrasound image data. In this sense, data streams are generated and received by the system in real time, such as when a user records or acquires data using an ultrasound transducer.

[0031] In some embodiments, the data stream of ultrasound “RF” (radio frequency) data can be received by processor 102 and converted into a stream (e.g., a sequence) or a 2D image. As is well known to those skilled in the art, a 2D image can be formed from radio frequency image data by beamforming, signal processing, and scan conversion of such RF data.

[0032] The processor 102 can also be configured to send instructions to a display, such as the user display 106, to instruct the user display 106 to display or present a two-dimensional ultrasound image contained in a data stream to the user.

[0033] Processor 102 is configured to determine features of interest within the transducer's field of view based on the data stream. In some embodiments, the data stream includes medical (or veterinary) image data, and the features of interest may include, for example, specific anatomical features. Anatomical features may include any anatomical feature, such as ventricles or valves in the heart.

[0034] In some embodiments, if the feature of interest is properly oriented or properly positioned within the transducer's field of view, the processor can determine that the feature of interest is within the transducer's field of view in order to record a suitable three-dimensional ultrasound image.

[0035] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to determine features of interest in the field of view of the transducer based on the data stream, and to use a machine learning model to identify features of interest in two-dimensional ultrasound image data.

[0036] A machine learning model can take a data stream of two-dimensional ultrasound image data as input and output a classification or indication of the content of each frame or image in the data stream (e.g., anatomical features visible in each two-dimensional image) when the system receives the frame or image. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the machine learning model may provide output only when a specific feature (e.g., feature of interest) is included in a frame of the data stream.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will be familiar with machine learning models and methods used to identify (e.g., classify) objects in images. Examples can be found in the following article: Joseph Redmon, Santosh Divvala, Ross Girshick, Ali Farhadi: You Only Look Once: Unified, Real-Time Object Detection, 2016. The “You Only Look Once” (YOLO) system uses a neural network to classify objects in images. As reported in the references, trained models (e.g., YOLO) can be used to process data streams containing image sequences in real time at rates ranging from 45 to 155 frames per second.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will understand that the trained neural network is merely one example of a model that can be used herein, and any type of machine learning model that can be trained to take two-dimensional ultrasound images as input and provide image content classification as output can be used in the embodiments herein. Examples of such machine learning models include, but are not limited to, convolutional neural networks and random forest models.

[0039] In some embodiments, a machine learning model can be trained to determine that a feature of interest is within the transducer's field of view, for example, by capturing a three-dimensional ultrasound image suitable for medical diagnostic purposes. For instance, the machine learning model can determine that the feature of interest is not only within the transducer's field of view, but also in an appropriate orientation or location within the transducer's field of view for medical diagnosis. This can be achieved by training the machine learning model using training data including: i) example images of the feature of interest, and ii) ground-based labels indicating whether the image is suitable for medical diagnosis.

[0040] In some clinical workflows, users or radiologists need to capture ultrasound images of a range or sequence of anatomical features. For example, a medical protocol might specify that during a neonatal scan, the user or radiologist must image a specific set of fetal anatomical features or perform a specific set of measurements. For instance, a medical protocol might specify, for example, imaging of the fetal brain and each valve in the heart.

[0041] Therefore, in some embodiments, the processor may also be configured to receive indications of latent features within the transducer's field of view from a machine learning model and determine whether the latent features include the features of interest by comparing the latent features with a list of features of interest. As mentioned above, the list of features of interest may be derived from a medical protocol that describes multiple anatomical features captured in the three-dimensional ultrasound image according to the protocol.

[0042] Alternatively, in some embodiments, machine learning models can be trained to identify those (e.g., only those) anatomical features included in the medical protocol. In some embodiments, different machine learning models can therefore be configured for each medical protocol.

[0043] Once the feature of interest has been determined to be in the transducer's field of view based on the data stream, the processor triggers an alert to be sent to the user, indicating that the feature of interest is in the transducer's field of view.

[0044] In some embodiments, the processor may send an instruction to the user display 106 to display a warning.

[0045] Warnings may include visual indications of features of interest within the transducer's field of view. For example, in some embodiments, a warning may include text describing the feature of interest. For instance, if the feature of interest includes a fetal head, the warning may include the words "fetal head" appearing on the user's display (e.g., on the side of or above a portion of the two-dimensional ultrasound image the user is viewing).

[0046] In some embodiments, the warning may include an indication of the remaining time before the three-dimensional ultrasound image capture will begin. For example, the warning may include a countdown of the remaining time before the automatic start of the three-dimensional ultrasound image capture.

[0047] In some embodiments, the warning may include, for example, a progress bar (or a reverse progress bar) that counts down the remaining time. The progress bar may be in the form of an "egg timer".

[0048] In some embodiments, the warning may include an audible warning. For example, a beep or an audible instruction to notify the user that a feature of interest is in the transducer's field of view. In this way, the user can be alerted to the fact that the feature of interest is in the field of view and prompted, for example, to keep the transducer stable to facilitate 3D image capture.

[0049] As described above, the processor 102 is also configured to send instructions to the transducer to trigger the transducer to capture three-dimensional ultrasound images after a predetermined time interval. In other words, the processor is configured to begin (e.g., automatically) recording of the three-dimensional images after a set time delay.

[0050] In some embodiments, the predetermined time interval can be configured according to user preferences. The predetermined time interval provides the user with a time window in advance, during which the user is warned that 3D image capture will begin, for example, allowing the user to keep the probe stationary or make minor adjustments before 3D image capture begins.

[0051] If needed, the pre-defined time interval also allows the user to terminate the 3D image capture before it begins. For example, if the user does not wish to record a 3D image at this time, the user can manually indicate (e.g., by pressing or clicking a button) that the 3D image capture should be stopped or aborted.

[0052] In other embodiments, a user can terminate the recording of three-dimensional ultrasound images by moving the ultrasound probe. For example, in some embodiments, system 100 may further include an ultrasound probe comprising a transducer 106 and a motion sensor. The processor may be configured to receive motion data relating to the movement of the transducer (e.g., data indicating whether or how the transducer is moving). The processor may also be configured to send instructions to the transducer (or not send instructions to the transducer) based on the received motion data.

[0053] In other embodiments, the data stream of the two-dimensional ultrasound image can be analyzed to detect motion. For example, motion data can be determined by analyzing the two-dimensional data stream and identifying movement in the image content. Large changes in the image content can indicate motion (e.g., indicating that the user is still navigating to an optimal position). Smaller changes in the image content may indicate that the transducer remains stationary.

[0054] In some embodiments, if motion data indicates that the transducer has moved less than a threshold distance during a predetermined time interval, the processor can be configured to send a command to the transducer to initiate a three-dimensional imaging mode. For example, if the user keeps the probe or transducer stationary (e.g., within the threshold distance) while a warning has been displayed to them, this can be considered an indication to the user that they are ready / satisfied to begin three-dimensional ultrasound imaging.

[0055] Therefore, the system simultaneously informs the user that they are in the vicinity of the desired view, and as long as they remain in such a vicinity, a one-time 3D image acquisition will be automatically performed shortly after a given time interval without further interaction (e.g., without explicit triggering).

[0056] In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the processor may also be configured to not send the instruction to the transducer if the motion data indicates that the transducer has been moved by a distance greater than a threshold during a predetermined time interval. For example, if a warning is displayed to the user that 3D image capture is about to begin, the user can move or detach the probe from the patient's skin surface to terminate the 3D image capture.

[0057] In this way, users can indicate that they do not wish to initiate 3D imaging mode by moving the transducer during a predetermined time interval between receiving a warning and starting 3D image capture. This workflow (initiating 3D ultrasound image capture unless otherwise instructed) is more user-friendly and simplified compared to methods where users manually initiate 3D image capture. It also allows users to focus on locating the sensor and keeping it in the correct position without distraction or unintentional movement, which might occur if they manually initiate 3D mode.

[0058] In some embodiments, the warning may disappear when a 3D mode is not selected (e.g., if the probe is moved by the user within a predetermined time period).

[0059] In summary, the embodiments described herein allow users to receive a clear, visible signal that 3D imaging will begin without taking their gaze away from the main display. Furthermore, users know when to maintain the transducer position. Users know that the 3D imaging mode will begin at a predictable moment according to the displayed timer / progress bar. In embodiments based on the motion-triggered 3D imaging model of transducer 108, the likelihood of accidental motion during 3D image capture is also reduced because motion must be frozen (e.g., the probe remains stationary) to trigger 3D acquisition.

[0060] Turn now Figure 2 In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method 200 for recording ultrasound images is present. Method 200 can be performed, for example, by the system 100 described above. In a first block 202, method 200 includes receiving a data stream of two-dimensional images captured using an ultrasound transducer 108. In a second block 204, method 200 includes determining, based on the data stream, that a feature of interest is within the field of view of the transducer 108. In a third block 206, the method includes triggering a warning to be sent to a user to indicate that the feature of interest is within the field of view of the transducer, and in a fourth block 208, the method includes sending a command to the transducer to trigger the transducer to capture a three-dimensional ultrasound image after a predetermined time interval.

[0061] Receiving a data stream of a two-dimensional image captured using an ultrasonic transducer, determining, based on the data stream, that a feature of interest is in the transducer's field of view, triggering an alert to be sent to the user to indicate that the feature of interest is in the transducer's field of view, and sending an instruction to the transducer to trigger the transducer to capture a three-dimensional ultrasonic image after a predetermined time interval, are all discussed in detail above for system 100, and the details therein will be understood to apply equally to embodiments of method 200.

[0062] Turn now Figure 3 , Figure 3 An image shown on a user display 106 depicts an ultrasound image according to some embodiments herein. In this embodiment, a data stream of a two-dimensional image 300 captured using an ultrasound transducer 108 is received and displayed on the user display 106. An alert is triggered when a feature of interest, such as the fetal head, is determined to be in the transducer's field of view. In this embodiment, the feature of interest is bounded by a box 302, and the name 304 "Fetal Head" of the feature of interest is displayed along with a countdown 306 to begin three-dimensional image capture. A progress bar 308 is also displayed to visually indicate the remaining time until three-dimensional image capture begins. The visualization of the bounding box around the feature of interest can provide further guidance to the user.

[0063] Once the timer expires (e.g., after a predetermined time interval), 3D imaging of the fetal head begins. This creates a user-friendly and intuitive workflow for accurately capturing 3D ultrasound images of the anatomical features of interest.

[0064] Turn now Figure 4 , Figure 4 An example embodiment of an ultrasound system 400 constructed according to the principles described herein is shown. Figure 4 One or more of the components shown may be included in a system configured to: receive a data stream of a two-dimensional image captured using an ultrasonic transducer; determine, based on the data stream, that a feature of interest is in the field of view of the transducer; trigger an alert to be sent to a user to indicate that the feature of interest is in the field of view of the transducer; and send an instruction to the transducer to trigger the transducer to capture a three-dimensional ultrasonic image after a predetermined time interval.

[0065] For example, any of the aforementioned functions of processor 102 can be programmed into the processor of system 400, for example, via computer-executable instructions. In some examples, the functions of processor 102 can be provided by... Figure 4 One or more processing components are shown that implement and / or control, including, for example, an image processor 436.

[0066] exist Figure 4In the ultrasound imaging system, the ultrasound probe 412 includes a transducer array 414 for transmitting ultrasound waves to a body region and receiving echo information in response to the transmitted waves. The transducer array 414 may be a matrix array comprising multiple transducer elements configured to be individually activated. In other embodiments, the transducer array 414 may comprise a one-dimensional linear array. The transducer array 414 is coupled to a microwave beamformer 416 in the probe 412, where the probe 412 can control the transmission and reception of signals by the transducer elements in the array. In the illustrated example, the microwave beamformer 416 is connected by a probe cable to a transmit / receive (T / R) switch 418, which switches between transmission and reception and protects the main beamformer 422 from high-energy transmitted signals. In some embodiments, the T / R switch 418 and other components of the system may be included in the transducer probe rather than in a separate ultrasound system base.

[0067] In some embodiments herein, the ultrasonic probe 412 may also include a motion detector to detect probe motion, as described above.

[0068] The transmission of an ultrasonic beam from transducer array 414, under the control of microwave beamformer 416, is instructed by a transmit controller 420 coupled to T / R switch 418 and beamformer 422, which receives input from, for example, a user-to-user interface or control panel 424. One of the functions controlled by transmit controller 420 is the direction in which the beam is steered. The beam can be steered vertically forward from the transducer array (perpendicular to the transducer array) or at different angles for a wider field of view. The partially beamformed signal generated by microwave beamformer 416 is coupled to beamformer 422, where the partially beamformed signals from individual facets of the transducer elements are combined into a fully beamformed signal.

[0069] The beamforming signal is coupled to signal processor 426. Signal processor 426 can process the received echo signal in various ways, such as bandpass filtering, decimation, I and Q component separation, and harmonic signal separation. Data generated by the different processing techniques employed by signal processor 426 can be used by a data processor to identify internal structures, such as ribs, or the anatomical features of a newborn, and their parameters.

[0070] Signal processor 426 can also perform signal enhancement, such as ripple reduction, signal recombination, and noise cancellation. The processed signal can be coupled to a B-mode processor 428, which can employ amplitude detection to image structures in the body, including, for example, ribs, the heart, and / or pleural interfaces. The signal generated by the B-mode processor is coupled to a scan converter 430 and a multi-plane reformer 432. Scan converter 430 arranges the echo signals in a desired image format according to the spatial relationships in which the echo signals are received. For example, scan converter 430 can arrange the echo signals in a two-dimensional (2D) fan-shaped format. Multi-plane reformer 432 is capable of converting echoes received from points in a common plane within a volumetric region of the body into an ultrasound image of that plane, as described in U.S. Patent 6,443,896 (Detmer). Volume plotter 434 converts the echo signals from a 3D dataset into a 3D image as a projection seen from a given reference point, for example, as described in U.S. Patent 6,530,885 (Entrekin et al.).

[0071] 2D or 3D images are coupled from the scan converter 430, the multiplane reformer 432, and the volume plotter 434 to the image processor 436 for further enhancement, caching, and temporary storage for display on the image display 438.

[0072] Graphics processor 440 can generate graphic overlays for display alongside ultrasound images. These graphic overlays may include, for example, names of features of interest detected in the images (e.g., Figure 3 The name 304 “fetal head” in the image; and / or the bounding box around the feature of interest; warnings as described above, such as indicating the presence of the feature of interest and / or the time until 3D image capture begins. As described above, warnings may include, for example, a countdown or a progress bar (e.g., Figure 3 The countdown 306 or progress bar 308 shown in the image.

[0073] The image overlay may also contain other information, such as standard identification information, such as patient name, date and time of image, imaging parameters, etc. The image overlay may also include one or more signals indicating that the target image frame has been acquired and / or that system 400 is in the process of identifying the target image frame. The graphics processor may receive input from user interface 424, such as a typed patient name. User interface 424 may also receive input prompting adjustments to settings and / or parameters used by system 400. The user interface may also be coupled to multiplane reformer 432 for selecting and controlling the display of multiple multiplane reformulated (MPR) images.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 4The embodiments shown are merely examples, and the ultrasound system 400 may also include [specific features]. Figure 4 The additional components shown include, for example, a power supply or battery.

[0075] Turning now to other embodiments, in some embodiments, there is a computer-readable medium having computer-readable code contained therein, the computer-readable code being configured to cause the computer or processor, when run by a suitable computer or processor, to perform the method 200 described above.

[0076] Therefore, it should be recognized that this disclosure also applies to computer programs suitable for putting the embodiments into practice, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier. The program may be in the form of source code, object code, code between source code and object code (e.g., in a partially compiled form), or any other form suitable for use in implementing methods according to the embodiments described herein.

[0077] It should also be understood that such a program can have many different architectural designs. For example, the program code implementing the functionality of a method or system can be subdivided into one or more subroutines. The various ways in which functionality is distributed among these subroutines will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Subroutines can be stored together in an executable file to form a self-contained program. Such an executable file can include computer-executable instructions, such as processor instructions and / or interpreter instructions (e.g., Java interpreter instructions). Alternatively, one or more of the subroutines can be stored in at least one external library file and linked statically or dynamically (e.g., at runtime) with the main program. The main program includes at least one call to at least one of the subroutines. Subroutines may also include function calls to each other.

[0078] Embodiments relating to a computer program product include computer-executable instructions corresponding to each processing stage of at least one of the methods described herein. These instructions may be subdivided into subroutines and / or stored in one or more files that can be statically or dynamically linked. Another embodiment relating to a computer program product includes computer-executable instructions corresponding to each unit of at least one system and / or product proposed herein. These instructions may be subdivided into subroutines and / or stored in one or more files that can be statically or dynamically linked.

[0079] The carrier of a computer program can be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may include a data storage device, such as a ROM (e.g., a CD-ROM or semiconductor ROM), or a magnetic recording medium (e.g., a hard disk). Furthermore, the carrier can be a transmissible carrier, such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be transmitted via cable or optical fiber, or by radio or other means. When the program is implemented in such a signal, the carrier can consist of such a cable or other device or unit. Alternatively, the carrier can be an integrated circuit with an embedded program, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform the relevant method or be used in the implementation of the relevant method.

[0080] Those skilled in the art, through studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the claims, will be able to understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. Although specific measures are recited in dissimilar dependent claims, this does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used. Computer programs can be stored / distributed on suitable media such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A system for recording ultrasound images, the system comprising: A memory (104) includes instruction data, the instruction data representing a set of instructions; as well as A processor (102) configured to communicate with the memory and execute the set of instructions, wherein the set of instructions, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the following operations: Receive data streams of two-dimensional images captured using an ultrasonic transducer; The features of interest in the field of view of the transducer are determined based on the data stream; and Trigger an alert to be sent to the user to indicate that the feature of interest is in the field of view of the transducer; The processor (102) is characterized in that it is further configured to: Receive motion data related to the motion of the transducer; If the motion data indicates that the transducer has been moved less than a threshold distance during a predetermined non-zero time interval, a command is sent to the transducer to capture a three-dimensional ultrasound image after the predetermined non-zero time interval; and If the motion data indicates that the transducer has been moved by a distance greater than a threshold during the predetermined time interval, the instruction is not sent to the transducer.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The warning includes an indication of the remaining time before the three-dimensional ultrasound image capture will begin.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The indication of the remaining time includes a countdown or a progress bar.

4. The system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, The duration of the predetermined time interval is user-configurable.

5. The system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, The ultrasonic transducer is contained within a probe that includes a motion sensor.

6. The system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, The processor (102) is configured to use a machine learning model that has been trained to identify the features of interest in an ultrasound image to determine, based on the data stream, the features of interest in the transducer's field of view.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The processor (102) is also configured to: The machine learning model receives indications of latent features within the transducer's field of view; and Whether a potential feature includes a feature of interest is determined by comparing the potential feature with a list of features of interest.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The list of features of interest is derived from a medical protocol that describes multiple anatomical features captured in the three-dimensional ultrasound image according to the protocol.

9. The system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, The data stream includes medical imaging data, and the features of interest include anatomical features.

10. The system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a user display (438) for displaying the data stream of the two-dimensional image and the warning to the user.

11. A computer-implemented method for recording ultrasound images, the method comprising: (202) Receive a data stream of two-dimensional images captured using an ultrasonic transducer; (204) Determine the features of interest in the field of view of the transducer based on the data stream; (206) Trigger a warning to be sent to the user to indicate that the feature of interest is in the field of view of the transducer; The method is characterized in that it further includes: Receive motion data related to the motion of the transducer; (208) If the motion data indicates that the transducer has been moved less than a threshold distance during a predetermined non-zero time interval, a command is sent to trigger the transducer to capture a three-dimensional ultrasound image after the predetermined non-zero time interval; and If the motion data indicates that the transducer has been moved by a distance greater than a threshold during the predetermined time interval, the instruction is not sent to the transducer.

12. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium having computer-readable code contained therein, the computer-readable code being configured such that, when executed by a suitable computer or processor, it causes the computer or processor to perform the method according to claim 11.

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