A method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device and an ultrasonic device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device and an ultrasonic device. The method is applied to an ultrasonic device, and the ultrasonic device includes multiple channels. The method includes: using the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel, the acoustic field coupling coefficients between channels, and the intensity value of the transmitted signal to determine the first output values of the elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state, and determining the second output values of the elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state; for each initial inconsistency coefficient, determining the target inconsistency coefficient corresponding to the initial inconsistency coefficient according to each first output value and each second output value; using each target inconsistency coefficient to calibrate the consistency of the channels of the ultrasonic device. It effectively reduces the influence of the channel consistency difference of the ultrasonic device, thereby improving the performance of the ultrasonic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ultrasonic devices, and particularly to a method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device and an ultrasonic device. Background Art

[0002] As a multi-channel device, the channel consistency of a medical ultrasonic device directly affects the device performance. In actual applications, there are mainly two factors affecting the channel consistency: (1) The difference in PCB wiring lengths between each transceiver channel will cause an insertion loss difference of 0.5 - 1 dB / m between channels; (2) Since each probe has its unique array element consistency characteristics, the differences between array elements within the same probe and between different probes both result in the existence of such consistency differences.

[0003] In related technologies, in order to improve the consistency between transceiver channels, on the one hand, when designing the PCB, the wiring length difference is minimized as much as possible. However, with the development of the industry, the number of channels of medical ultrasonic devices is increasing, and the wiring length difference of the PCB is more likely to increase. On the other hand, it is expected that the probe can improve the array element consistency, but it is difficult to have a technological breakthrough in a short time.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method that can effectively eliminate the influence of channel consistency differences to improve the performance of ultrasonic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device and an ultrasonic device are provided to effectively reduce the influence of channel consistency differences of the ultrasonic device, thereby improving the performance of the ultrasonic device.

[0006] According to the first aspect of the exemplary embodiment, a method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device is provided, which is applied to an ultrasonic device including a plurality of channels. The method includes:

[0007] Using the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel, the acoustic field coupling coefficients between channels, and the intensity value of the transmitted signal, determine the first output values of the array elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state, and determine the second output values of the array elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state;

[0008] For each of the initial inconsistency coefficients, determine the target inconsistency coefficient corresponding to the initial inconsistency coefficient according to each of the first output values and each of the second output values;

[0009] Calibrate the consistency of the ultrasonic device channels using each of the target inconsistency coefficients.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the exemplary embodiments, there is provided a device for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device, which is applied to an ultrasonic device. The ultrasonic device includes a plurality of channels, and the ultrasonic device includes a processor and a memory;

[0011] The memory is used to store the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel and the acoustic field coupling coefficients between channels;

[0012] The processor is configured to execute:

[0013] Apply the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel, the acoustic field coupling coefficients between channels, and the intensity value of the transmitted signal to determine the first output values of the elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state, and determine the second output values of the elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state;

[0014] For each of the initial inconsistency coefficients, determine the target inconsistency coefficient corresponding to the initial inconsistency coefficient according to each of the first output values and each of the second output values;

[0015] Calibrate the consistency of the ultrasonic device channels by applying each of the target inconsistency coefficients.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the exemplary embodiments, there is provided a device for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device. The device is integrated in the ultrasonic device, and the device includes:

[0017] A first determination module, configured to apply the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel, the acoustic field coupling coefficients between channels, and the intensity value of the transmitted signal to determine the first output values of the elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state, and determine the second output values of the elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state;

[0018] A second determination module, configured to determine the target inconsistency coefficient corresponding to each of the initial inconsistency coefficients according to each of the first output values and each of the second output values;

[0019] A calibration module, configured to calibrate the consistency of the ultrasonic device channels by applying each of the target inconsistency coefficients.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect of the exemplary embodiments, there is provided a computer storage medium, in which computer program instructions are stored. When the instructions run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device as described in the first aspect.

[0021] The embodiments of the present application have the following beneficial effects:

[0022] Two different configuration states are preset (whether each channel is an input channel or an output channel), and the initial inconsistency coefficient of each channel, the acoustic field coupling coefficient between channels, and the intensity value of the transmitted signal are respectively applied to determine the first output value of the elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state, and to determine the second output value of the elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state. Then, for each initial inconsistency coefficient, the target inconsistency coefficient corresponding to the initial inconsistency coefficient is determined according to each first output value and each second output value. Furthermore, each target inconsistency coefficient is applied to calibrate the consistency of the channels of the ultrasonic device. Compared with changing the PCB wiring length difference in the prior art, the operation is simple, the influence of the channel consistency difference of the ultrasonic device can be effectively reduced, and thus the performance of the ultrasonic device is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following described drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0024] Figure 1 An application scenario diagram of a method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of an ultrasonic system provided by an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown;

[0026] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown;

[0027] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for determining the first output channel and the second output channel provided by an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown;

[0028] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method for determining the process of the first output value provided by an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown;

[0029] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of an ultrasonic system with channel 1 as an input channel provided by an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown;

[0030] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method for determining the process of the second output value provided by an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily shown;

[0031] Figure 8Exemplarily shown is a schematic block diagram of an ultrasound system with channel n as an input channel provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 9 Exemplarily shown is a flowchart of a method for determining a target inconsistency coefficient provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 Exemplarily shown is a schematic diagram of the working principle of a pulsed TX circuit provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 11 Exemplarily shown is a schematic diagram of the working principle of a linear TX circuit provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 12 Exemplarily shown is a flowchart of another method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasound device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 13 Exemplarily shown is a schematic diagram of the output data of each channel before compensation provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 14 Exemplarily shown is a schematic diagram of the output data of each channel after compensation provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 15 Exemplarily shown is a schematic structural diagram of a device for calibrating the channel consistency of a quasi-ultrasound device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 16 Exemplarily shown is a schematic structural diagram of an ultrasound device provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0041] For ease of understanding, the terms involved in the embodiments of the present application are explained below:

[0042] (1) PCB (Printed Circuit Board, printed circuit board): An important electronic component, which is a support for electronic components and a carrier for the electrical interconnection of electronic components.

[0043] (2) Array element, the probe of a medical ultrasound device is composed of several array elements (vibrators) and corresponds to a certain number of channels. The array element is a key device for acoustic-electric conversion in an ultrasound device.

[0044] (3) Inconsistency coefficient: Each channel has an inconsistency coefficient, which is related to the factory settings of the ultrasonic device. That is, for the ultrasonic device at the time of factory, the inconsistency coefficients of each channel are fixed. In the embodiments of the present application, the inconsistency coefficient at the time of factory is referred to as the initial inconsistency coefficient.

[0045] (4) Sound field coupling coefficient: The sound field coupling coefficient between two channels is related to the positional relationship between the channels, that is, it is related to the factory settings of the ultrasonic device.

[0046] In the actual application process, there are mainly two factors affecting the channel consistency of medical ultrasonic devices:

[0047] First, the PCB wiring lengths between each transmitting and receiving channel are inconsistent. Due to the large number of channels, the number of required components is very large. However, the product structure size cannot be infinitely large, and it is required that the structure be more compact and smaller. In this way, the distribution of components for each channel on the PCB is asymmetric, and the PCB wiring connecting the components is not of equal length. Under the general PCB wiring parameter conditions, unequal wiring lengths will cause an insertion loss difference between channels of 0.5 - 1 dB / m.

[0048] Second, the differences between array elements within the same probe and between different probes. Each transmitting and receiving channel of a medical ultrasonic device corresponds to a probe array element. The probe array element is a key device for acoustic - electrical conversion in the ultrasonic device, but it is greatly affected by the physical processing accuracy during the processing and production process, and it is very difficult to ensure consistency. The array element consistency difference given by common probe manufacturers is at least 4 dB. In addition, the array elements of the same model but different batches of probes are also inconsistent, that is, each probe has its unique array element consistency characteristics.

[0049] In the related art, in order to improve the consistency between the transmitting and receiving channels, on the one hand, when designing the PCB, the wiring length difference is minimized as much as possible. However, with the development of the industry, the number of channels of medical ultrasonic devices is increasing, and the wiring length difference of the PCB may instead increase more and more. On the other hand, it is expected that the probe improves the array element consistency, but it is also difficult to have a technological breakthrough in a short time.

[0050] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application provide a method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device. In this method, from the perspective of data processing, the initial inconsistency coefficient of the channel is adjusted to obtain the target inconsistency coefficient. In this way, the ultrasonic device imaging process is completed with this target inconsistency coefficient. Compared with changing the PCB wiring length difference in the related art, the operation is simple, the influence of the channel consistency difference of the ultrasonic device can be effectively reduced, and thus the performance of the ultrasonic device is improved.

[0051] After introducing the design concept of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the application scenarios applicable to the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that the application scenarios introduced below are only for illustrating the embodiments of the present application rather than limiting. In specific implementation, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application can be flexibly applied according to actual needs.

[0052] Refer to Figure 1 , which shows an application scenario diagram of a method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device. In this scenario, the ultrasonic device uses a probe 11 to detect a target object, and then obtains an image and performs image processing on the image.

[0053] To further illustrate the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application, the following will be described in detail in combination with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation manners. Although the embodiments of the present application provide method operation steps as shown in the following embodiments or drawings, more or fewer operation steps may be included in the method based on routine or non-creative labor. In steps where there is no necessary causal relationship logically, the execution order of these steps is not limited to the execution order provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0054] First, in combination with the structure of the ultrasonic device, the principle of the ultrasonic device will be described. An ultrasonic system is integrated in the ultrasonic device. Refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 , which shows a principle block diagram of an ultrasonic system. Among them, the ultrasonic system has n (usually an even number) transceiver channels, and each transceiver channel includes a TX circuit module, an RX circuit module, a TR switch, an array element, and their respective transmission lines.

[0055] During the transmission process, the main control unit controls the TX circuit module to output a high-voltage transmission electrical signal. The TR switch conducts the TX path and disconnects the RX path. The high-voltage electrical signal is transmitted along the transmission line to the array element, and the array element converts the transmission electrical signal into a sound wave and propagates it outward.

[0056] After the transmission process ends, the reception process starts. When the sound wave encounters an object and reflects during the propagation process, the array element converts the reflected sound wave into a received electrical signal. The received electrical signal is transmitted along the transmission line. The TR switch conducts the RX path and disconnects the TX path, and the received electrical signal is transmitted to the RX circuit module. The main control unit processes the received signal to generate an ultrasonic image.

[0057] That is to say, in a complete ultrasonic imaging process, each channel serves as both a transmission channel and a reception channel.

[0058] The following will describe the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application in combination with Figure 1 the application scenario shown, Figure 3 and the flowchart of a method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device shown.

[0059] As Figure 3 , this method is applied to an ultrasonic device, which includes multiple channels. The method at least includes the following steps:

[0060] S301: Apply the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel, the acoustic field coupling coefficients between channels, and the intensity value of the transmitted signal to determine the first output values of the elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state, and determine the second output values of the elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state.

[0061] S302: For each initial inconsistency coefficient, determine the target inconsistency coefficient corresponding to the initial inconsistency coefficient according to each first output value and each second output value.

[0062] S303: Calibrate the consistency of the ultrasonic device channels by applying each target inconsistency coefficient.

[0063] In the embodiment of the present application, two different configuration states (whether each channel is an input channel or an output channel) are preset. The initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel, the acoustic field coupling coefficients between channels, and the intensity value of the transmitted signal are respectively applied to determine the first output values of the elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state, and determine the second output values of the elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state. Then, for each initial inconsistency coefficient, determine the target inconsistency coefficient corresponding to the initial inconsistency coefficient according to each first output value and each second output value. Then, calibrate the consistency of the ultrasonic device channels by applying each target inconsistency coefficient. Compared with changing the PCB wiring length difference in the prior art, the operation is simple, the influence of the consistency difference of the ultrasonic device channels can be effectively reduced, and thus the performance of the ultrasonic device is improved.

[0064] Regarding S301, in the actual application process, during a complete imaging process, each channel serves as both an input channel and an output channel. However, to implement the method of the embodiment of the present application, two configuration states are preset to illustrate the process of determining the target inconsistency coefficient. Among them, in the two configuration states, which one or which channels are configured as input channels and which one or which channels are configured as output channels are determined.

[0065] Exemplarily, for the sake of distinction, the output channels in the first configuration state are called first output channels, and the output channels in the second configuration state are called second output channels. Refer to Figure 4 , which shows a flowchart of a method for determining the first output channel and the second output channel.

[0066] S401: Obtain the position information of each element in the element array.

[0067] Since the acoustic field coupling coefficient between channels is related to the positional relationship of the array elements of each channel, during this process, the positional information of each array element in the array element array is obtained. Among them, the positional information is, for example, corresponding to the channel number, and one channel corresponds to one array element. For example, if there are a total of n channels, then the positional relationship of the array elements corresponding to each channel belonging to the channel is determined. For the sake of convenience of representation, the channel number is used as the array element number corresponding to the corresponding channel. The array element numbers are successively from 1 to n, where array element 1 is the array element with the most forward position, and array element n is the array element with the most backward position. As the array element number increases, the position gradually moves backward. It should be noted that the expressions of forward position and backward position only preset a setting method of an array element array and do not form specific limitations in practice.

[0068] S402. Determine the channels other than the channel where the first target array element is located as the first output channels, and determine the channels other than the channel where the second target array element is located as the second output channels.

[0069] Among them, the first target array element is the array element with the most forward position in the array element array, and the second target array element is the array element with the most backward position in the array element array; or, the first target array element and the second target array element are respectively two array elements at the middle position in the array element array.

[0070] In this way, there are the following two situations:

[0071] Situation A: If the first target array element is array element 1 and the second target array element is array element n, then in this example, the first input channel is channel 1, and the first output channels are channels 2 to n - 1; the second input channel is channel n, and the second output channels are channels 1 to n - 1.

[0072] Situation B: If the first target array element is array element n / 2 and the second target array element is array element n / 2 + 1, then in this example, the first input channel is channel n / 2, and the remaining channels are the first output channels; the second input channel is channel n / 2 + 1, and the rest are the second output channels.

[0073] In the above two situations, the characteristic that the acoustic field coupling coefficient is related to the positional relationship between array elements can be fully utilized. In this way, the determined target inconsistency coefficient is accurate.

[0074] Taking situation A as an example, the determination process of the first output value of the array elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state and the second output value of the array elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state is described.

[0075] Reference Figure 5 , shows a method flow chart of a determination process of a first output value. Among them, for each first output channel, the first output value of its array element is determined by the following method:

[0076] S501. Determine the first initial output value of the elements of the first output channel based on the sound field coupling coefficient between the first output channel and the input channel and the intensity value of the transmitted signal.

[0077] S502. Adjust the first initial output value by applying the initial inconsistency coefficient of the first output channel to obtain the first output value of the elements of the first output channel.

[0078] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 6 , a schematic block diagram of an ultrasonic system with channel 1 as the input channel is shown. Among them, the main control unit configures channel 1 to be in the transmitting state, and at the same time channels 2 to n are in the receiving state. That is, in this configuration state, channel 1 is the first input channel, and channels 2 to n are the first output channels.

[0079] Since the sound fields of each element are coupled to each other in space, channels 2 to n will receive the transmitted signal of channel 1 by coupling. Assuming that the intensity value of the transmitted signal is X(t), then the signal Y(t) received by channels 2 to n by coupling is:

[0080] Y 2 (t) = α 1 ×X(t) + β 2 Channel 2

[0081] Y 3 (t) = α 2 ×X(t) + β 3 Channel 3

[0082] ……

[0083] Y n (t) = α n-1 ×X(t) + β n Channel n

[0084] Wherein, Y n (t) is the output value of channel n in this example, α n-1 ×X(t) is the first initial output value of channel n - 1 in this example, and β n is the initial inconsistency coefficient of channel n in this example.

[0085] Refer to Figure 7 , a method flowchart showing the determination process of a second output value is shown. Among them, for each second output channel, the second output value of its elements is determined by the following method:

[0086] S701. Determine the second initial output value of the elements of the second output channel based on the sound field coupling coefficient between the second output channel and the input channel and the intensity value of the transmitted signal.

[0087] S702. Adjust the second initial output value by using the initial inconsistency coefficient of the second output channel to obtain the second output value of the elements of the second output channel.

[0088] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 8 , a schematic block diagram of an ultrasonic system with channel n as the input channel is shown; wherein, the main control unit configures channel n to be in the transmit state, and at the same time channels 1 to n - 1 are in the receive state, that is, in this configuration state, channel n is the second input channel, and channels 1 to n - 1 are the second output channels.

[0089] The intensity value of the signal transmitted by channel n is X(t). Since the elements are linearly symmetrically and uniformly distributed, the coupling coefficients between the elements are reciprocal, that is, the coupling coefficient between channels n and n - 1 is α 1 , the acoustic field coupling coefficient between channel n and channel n - 2 is α 2 , and so on, the coupling coefficient between channel n and channel 1 is α n-1 . Then the signal Z(t) coupled and received by channels 1 to n - 1 is:

[0090] Z 1 (t) = α n-1 ×X(t) + β 1 Channel 1

[0091] Z 2 (t) = α n-2 ×X(t) + β 2 Channel 2

[0092] ……

[0093] Z n-1 (t) = α 1 ×X(t) + β n-1 Channel n - 1

[0094] Wherein, Z n-1 (t) is the output value of channel n - 1 in this example, α n-1 ×X(t) is the second initial output value of channel n - 1 in this example, and β n-1 is the initial inconsistency coefficient of channel n - 1 in this example.

[0095] Regarding S202, after obtaining the first output values of the elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state, and the second output values of the elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state. For each initial inconsistency coefficient, determine the target inconsistency coefficient corresponding to the initial inconsistency coefficient according to each first output value and each second output value, which can be specifically implemented in the following manner:

[0096] Refer to Figure 9, which shows a flowchart of a method for determining a target inconsistency coefficient.

[0097] S901. Determine the output channels common to the first configuration state and the second configuration state.

[0098] Still taking the above Figure 5 and Figure 7 example as an example, the coupled received signals of channels 2 to n - 1 are obtained twice. Therefore, the common output channels are channels 2 to n - 1.

[0099] S902. For each common output channel, add the first output value and the second output value of the common output channel to obtain a target output value.

[0100] As in the above example, the coupled received signals of channels 2 to n - 1 are obtained twice, which are respectively:

[0101] Y 2 (t) = α 1 ×X(t) + β 2 Channel 2

[0102] Y 3 (t) = α 2 ×X(t) + β 3 Channel 3

[0103] ……

[0104] Y n-2 (t) = α n-3 ×X(t) + β n-2 Channel n - 2

[0105] Y n-1 (t) = α n-2 ×X(t) + β n-1 Channel n - 1

[0106] and

[0107] Z 2 (t) = α n-2 ×X(t) + β 2 Channel 2

[0108] Z 3 (t) = α n-1 ×X(t) + β 3 Channel 3

[0109] ……

[0110] Z n-2 (t) = α 2 ×X(t) + β n-2 Channel n - 2

[0111] Z n-1 (t) = α 1 ×X(t) + β n-1 Channel n - 1

[0112] Add the two coupled received signals of each channel to obtain the target output value S(t):

[0113] S 2 (t) = (α 1 +α n-2 )×X(t) + 2β 2 Channel 2

[0114] S 3 (t) = (α 2 +α n-1 )×X(t) + 2β 3 Channel 3

[0115] ……

[0116] S n-2 (t) = (α n-3 +α 2 )×X(t) + 2β n-2 Channel n - 2

[0117] S n-1 (t) = (α n-2 +α 1 )×X(t) + 2β n-1 Channel n - 1

[0118] And considering the characteristics of the acoustic field coupling coefficient, (α 1 +α n-2 ), (α 2 +α n-1 ), …, (α n-3 +α 2 ), (α n-2 +α 1 ) are approximately equal. Thus, it can be seen that the difference in signal strength between channels 2 to n - 1 is only related to the inconsistency coefficient of each channel.

[0119] In this way, the main control unit can obtain the target inconsistency coefficients of channels 2 to n - 1. By pre - compensating the transmitted electrical signal strength of the TX circuit module according to the obtained target inconsistency coefficients of the channels, channel - to - channel consistency calibration can be achieved.

[0120] Moreover, the different structures and principles of the TX circuit module also directly affect the calibration effect. Therefore, in order to make the technical solution of this application more effectively reduce the influence of channel consistency differences in ultrasonic devices, the TX circuit module applied in the embodiments of this application and the corresponding working principles will be described below.

[0121] In practical engineering, the TX circuit module commonly has two implementation principles, namely pulse and linear. Therefore, there are also two ways of pre-compensation for the TX circuit module.

[0122] First, the pulse-type TX circuit, whose principle is as Figure 10 shown. In this method, the amplitude of the transmitted signal is linearly related to its positive and negative high-voltage power supplies. As long as the positive and negative high-voltage power supplies are adjusted, the amplitude of the transmitted signal can be adjusted. If the main control unit wants to pre-compensate the pulse-type TX circuit, the system needs to have the ability to independently tune the high-voltage power supply of each TX circuit. This method will introduce a large number of power supply tuning circuits, increasing the system complexity and cost. Therefore, for the pulse-type system, the method in the embodiment of the present application has better effects when the number of channels is small than when the number of channels is large.

[0123] Second, the linear-type TX circuit, whose principle is as Figure 11 shown. In this method, the circuit includes a waveform generator and a linear amplifier. The linear amplifier operates in the linear amplification region, and its input and output are linearly related. Therefore, only by tuning the amplitude of the low-voltage sine signal of the waveform generator can the high-voltage output signal be adjusted. The waveform generator can be implemented by a high-speed DAC or DDS, both of which have the function of tuning the amplitude of the output signal. The main control unit can easily pre-compensate the linear-type TX circuit. Thus, the method in the embodiment of the present application has more prominent effects in the linear-type system.

[0124] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the linear-type TX circuit can be applied.

[0125] S903. Determine the target inconsistency coefficients of each common output channel according to each target output value, each first output value, and each second output value.

[0126] In a specific example, when n is 64, the outputs V 2 ~V 64 of channels 2 to 64 are obtained in the first configuration state, and the outputs U 1 to U 63 of channels 1 to 63 are obtained in the second configuration state. The common output channels are channels 2 to 63, so 62 target output values are obtained, denoted by S 2 ~S 63 :

[0127] S 2 = V 2 + U 1 , S 3 = V 3 + U 2 , …, S 62 = V 62 + U 61, S 63 = V 63 + U 62 .

[0128] At this time, S 2 ~S 63 The fluctuation of reflects the channel difference. The average value of S 2 ~S 63 can be obtained as S sum . Then, use S 2 ~S 63 to subtract S sum respectively, and the obtained φ 2 ~φ 63 is the target inconsistency coefficient of channels 2 to 63.

[0129] In addition, the above process determines the target inconsistency coefficient of the common output channels. In the actual application process, the target inconsistency coefficients of other channels outside the common output channels can be determined according to the target inconsistency coefficients of each common output channel. In a specific example, the average value of φ 2 ~φ 63 can be used as the compensation coefficient of channels 1 and 64, that is, the target inconsistency compensation coefficient.

[0130] Regarding S303, after obtaining the target inconsistency coefficients of each channel, the consistency of the ultrasound device channels is calibrated by applying each target inconsistency coefficient.

[0131] In a possible implementation manner, during the subsequent imaging process, each target inconsistency coefficient, the intensity value of the preset transmission signal, and the channel coupling coefficient are used to determine the actual output values of each array element, so as to calibrate the consistency of the ultrasound device channels. Compared with directly applying the initial inconsistency coefficient, the influence of the channel consistency difference of the ultrasound device is effectively reduced, thereby improving the performance of the ultrasound device.

[0132] In another possible implementation manner, when the compensated output to be compensated has been obtained by using the initial inconsistency coefficient, and the compensated output to be compensated is a result seriously affected by the consistency difference, at this time, each target inconsistency coefficient can be applied to compensate the compensated output of each array element obtained in advance to obtain the actual output values of each array element, so as to calibrate the consistency of the ultrasound device channels.

[0133] To make the technical solution of the present application easier to understand, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is described below with a complete flowchart. Refer to Figure 12 .

[0134] S121. For each first output channel, determine the first initial output value of the elements of the first output channel according to the sound field coupling coefficient between the first output channel and the input channel and the intensity value of the transmitted signal.

[0135] S122. Adjust the first initial output value by applying the initial inconsistency coefficient of the first output channel to obtain the first output value of the elements of the first output channel.

[0136] S123. For each second output channel, determine the second initial output value of the elements of the second output channel according to the sound field coupling coefficient between the second output channel and the input channel and the intensity value of the transmitted signal.

[0137] S124. Adjust the second initial output value by applying the initial inconsistency coefficient of the second output channel to obtain the second output value of the elements of the second output channel.

[0138] S125. Determine the output channels common to the first configuration state and the second configuration state;

[0139] S126. For each common output channel, add the first output value and the second output value of the common output channel to obtain the target output value;

[0140] S127. Determine the target inconsistency coefficient of each common output channel according to the respective target output values, the respective first output values, and the respective second output values.

[0141] S128. Determine the target inconsistency coefficients of the other channels outside the common output channels according to the target inconsistency coefficients of the respective common output channels.

[0142] S129. Apply the respective target inconsistency coefficients, the intensity value of the preset transmitted signal, and the sound channel coupling coefficient to determine the actual output value of each element, so as to calibrate the consistency of the ultrasound device channels.

[0143] S130. Apply the respective target inconsistency coefficients to compensate the output to be compensated of each element obtained in advance to obtain the actual output value of each element, so as to calibrate the consistency of the ultrasound device channels.

[0144] It should be noted that S121 and S122 are the processes for the first output values of the elements of each first output channel, and S123 and S124 are the processes for the second output values of the elements of each second output channel. There is no obvious sequence between the two processes. Figure 12 This is just an example. S129 and S130 are two different calibration methods. Figure 12 This is just an example.

[0145] In a specific example,Figure 13 It shows a schematic diagram of the output data of each channel before compensation. Figure 14 It shows a schematic diagram of the output data of each channel after compensation. By Figure 13 and Figure 14 it can be seen that the data of each channel after compensation can well reduce the influence of the channel consistency difference of the ultrasonic device, thereby improving the performance of the ultrasonic device.

[0146] In addition, in order to improve the calibration effect, in the application of the embodiments of the present application, during the process of acquiring data, the probe can be placed in a fixed and open space.

[0147] As Figure 15 shown, based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present invention provide a device for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device. The device is integrated in the ultrasonic device and at least includes: a first determination module 151, a second determination module 152, and a calibration module 153.

[0148] Among them, the first determination module 151 is used to determine the first output value of the elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state and the second output value of the elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state by applying the initial inconsistency coefficient of each channel, the acoustic field coupling coefficient between channels, and the intensity value of the transmitted signal;

[0149] The second determination module 152 is used to determine the target inconsistency coefficient corresponding to the initial inconsistency coefficient according to each first output value and each second output value for each initial inconsistency coefficient;

[0150] The calibration module 153 is used to calibrate the consistency of the ultrasonic device channels by applying each target inconsistency coefficient.

[0151] In some exemplary embodiments, the first determination module 151 is specifically further used to determine the first output channel in the first configuration state and the second output channel in the second configuration state in the following manner:

[0152] Obtain the position information of each element in the element array;

[0153] Determine the channels other than the channel where the first target element is located as the first output channels, and determine the channels other than the channel where the second target element is located as the second output channels;

[0154] Among them, the first target element is the element with the most forward position in the element array, and the second target element is the element with the most backward position in the element array; or

[0155] The first target element and the second target element are respectively two elements at the middle position in the element array.

[0156] In some exemplary embodiments, the first determination module 151 is further specifically configured to:

[0157] For each first output channel, determine a first initial output value of the elements of the first output channel according to the sound field coupling coefficient between the first output channel and the input channel and the intensity value of the transmitted signal;

[0158] Adjust the first initial output value by using the initial inconsistency coefficient of the first output channel to obtain a first output value of the elements of the first output channel.

[0159] In some exemplary embodiments, the first determination module 151 is further specifically configured to:

[0160] For each second output channel, determine a second initial output value of the elements of the second output channel according to the sound field coupling coefficient between the second output channel and the input channel and the intensity value of the transmitted signal;

[0161] Adjust the second initial output value by using the initial inconsistency coefficient of the second output channel to obtain a second output value of the elements of the second output channel.

[0162] In some exemplary embodiments, the second determination module 152 is further specifically configured to:

[0163] Determine the output channels common to the first configuration state and the second configuration state;

[0164] For each common output channel, add the first output value and the second output value of the common output channel to obtain a target output value;

[0165] Determine the target inconsistency coefficient of each common output channel according to each target output value, each first output value, and each second output value.

[0166] In some exemplary embodiments, it further includes a third determination module, configured to:

[0167] Determine the target inconsistency coefficients of the channels other than the common output channels according to the target inconsistency coefficients of each common output channel.

[0168] In some exemplary embodiments, the calibration module 153 is specifically configured to:

[0169] Apply each target inconsistency coefficient, the intensity value of the preset transmitted signal, and the sound channel coupling coefficient to determine the actual output value of each element, so as to calibrate the consistency of the ultrasound device channels.

[0170] In some exemplary embodiments, the calibration module 153 is specifically configured to:

[0171] Apply each target inconsistency coefficient to compensate the to-be-compensated outputs of each array element obtained in advance, so as to obtain the actual output values of each array element, and calibrate the consistency of the channels of the ultrasonic device.

[0172] Since this device is the device in the method of the embodiment of the present invention, and the principle of problem-solving of this device is similar to that of the method, the implementation of this device can refer to the implementation of the method, and the repeated parts will not be described again.

[0173] As Figure 16 shown, based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention provides an ultrasonic device, which includes: a processor 1601 and a memory 1602.

[0174] The memory 1602 is used to store the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel and the acoustic field coupling coefficients between channels;

[0175] The processor 1601 is configured to execute:

[0176] Apply the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel, the acoustic field coupling coefficients between channels, and the intensity values of the transmitted signals to determine the first output values of the array elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state, and determine the second output values of the array elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state;

[0177] For each initial inconsistency coefficient, determine the target inconsistency coefficient corresponding to the initial inconsistency coefficient according to each first output value and each second output value;

[0178] Apply each target inconsistency coefficient to calibrate the consistency of the channels of the ultrasonic device.

[0179] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 1601 is further configured to execute: determining the first output channel in the first configuration state and the second output channel in the second configuration state in the following manner:

[0180] Obtain the position information of each array element in the array element array;

[0181] Determine the channels other than the channel where the first target array element is located as the first output channel, and determine the channels other than the channel where the second target array element is located as the second output channel;

[0182] Wherein, the first target array element is the array element with the most forward position in the array element array, the second target array element is the array element with the most backward position in the array element array; or

[0183] The first target array element and the second target array element are respectively two array elements at the middle position in the array element array.

[0184] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 1601 is further configured to execute:

[0185] For each first output channel, determine a first initial output value of the elements of the first output channel according to the sound field coupling coefficient between the first output channel and the input channel and the intensity value of the transmitted signal;

[0186] Adjust the first initial output value by applying the initial inconsistency coefficient of the first output channel to obtain a first output value of the elements of the first output channel.

[0187] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 1601 is further configured to execute:

[0188] For each second output channel, determine a second initial output value of the elements of the second output channel according to the sound field coupling coefficient between the second output channel and the input channel and the intensity value of the transmitted signal;

[0189] Adjust the second initial output value by applying the initial inconsistency coefficient of the second output channel to obtain a second output value of the elements of the second output channel.

[0190] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 1601 is further configured to execute:

[0191] Determine the output channels common to the first configuration state and the second configuration state;

[0192] For each common output channel, add the first output value and the second output value of the common output channel to obtain a target output value;

[0193] Determine the target inconsistency coefficient of each common output channel according to each target output value, each first output value, and each second output value.

[0194] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 1601 is further configured to execute:

[0195] Determine the target inconsistency coefficients of the other channels outside the common output channels according to the target inconsistency coefficients of each common output channel.

[0196] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 1601 is further configured to execute:

[0197] Apply each target inconsistency coefficient, the intensity value of the preset transmitted signal, and the sound channel coupling coefficient to determine the actual output value of each element, so as to calibrate the consistency of the ultrasound device channels.

[0198] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 1601 is further configured to execute:

[0199] Apply each target inconsistency coefficient to compensate the to-be-compensated outputs of each array element obtained in advance, so as to obtain the actual output values of each array element, and calibrate the consistency of the channels of the ultrasonic device.

[0200] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer storage medium, in which computer program instructions are stored. When the instructions run on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute the steps of the method for calibrating the channel consistency of the ultrasonic device.

[0201] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk memories, CD-ROMs, optical memories, etc.) containing computer-usable program codes.

[0202] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the method, device (system), and computer program product according to the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing devices to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing devices generate for implementing in the process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or blocks Figure 1 a block or multiple blocks the device for the specified function.

[0203] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory generate a manufactured product including an instruction device, and the instruction device implements in the process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or blocks Figure 1 a block or multiple blocks the specified function.

[0204] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, so that a series of operation steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to generate a computer-implemented process. Therefore, the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide the steps for implementing in the process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or blocks Figure 1 a block or multiple blocks the specified function.

[0205] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalent technologies, this application is also intended to cover these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for calibrating the channel consistency of an ultrasonic device, characterized in that, applied to an ultrasonic device, the ultrasonic device includes multiple channels, and the method includes: Applying the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel, the acoustic field coupling coefficients between channels, and the intensity value of the transmitted signal to determine the first output values of the elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state, and determining the second output values of the elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state; Determine the output channels common to the first configuration state and the second configuration state; For each of the common output channels, add the first output value and the second output value of the common output channel to obtain a target output value; Determine the target inconsistency coefficients of each of the common output channels according to each of the target output values, each of the first output values, and each of the second output values; Apply each of the target inconsistency coefficients to calibrate the consistency of the ultrasonic device channels; Wherein, the first output channels in the first configuration state and the second output channels in the second configuration state are determined by the following method: Obtain the position information of each element in the element array; Determine the channels other than the channel where the first target element is located as the first output channels, and determine the channels other than the channel where the second target element is located as the second output channels; Wherein, the first target element is the element with the most forward position in the element array, and the second target element is the element with the most backward position in the element array; or The first target element and the second target element are respectively two elements at the middle position in the element array.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The application of the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel, the acoustic field coupling coefficients between channels, and the intensity value of the transmitted signal to determine the first output values of the elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state includes: For each first output channel, determine the first initial output value of the element of the first output channel according to the acoustic field coupling coefficient between the first output channel and the input channel and the intensity value of the transmitted signal; Adjust the first initial output value by using the initial inconsistency coefficient of the first output channel to obtain the first output value of the element of the first output channel.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The application of the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel, the acoustic field coupling coefficients between channels, and the intensity value of the transmitted signal to determine the second output values of the elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state includes: For each second output channel, determine the second initial output value of the element of the second output channel according to the acoustic field coupling coefficient between the second output channel and the input channel and the intensity value of the transmitted signal; Adjust the second initial output value by using the initial inconsistency coefficient of the second output channel to obtain the second output value of the element of the second output channel.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine the target inconsistency coefficients of the other channels outside the shared output channels according to the target inconsistency coefficients of each shared output channel.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, calibrating the consistency of the ultrasound device channels by applying each of the target inconsistency coefficients includes: Determining the actual output values of each element by applying each of the target inconsistency coefficients, the intensity value of the preset transmission signal, and the channel coupling coefficient, so as to calibrate the consistency of the ultrasound device channels.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, calibrating the consistency of the ultrasound device channels by applying each of the target inconsistency coefficients includes: Compensating the to-be-compensated output of each element obtained in advance by applying each of the target inconsistency coefficients to obtain the actual output value of each element, so as to calibrate the consistency of the ultrasound device channels.

7. An ultrasound device, wherein, the ultrasound device includes a plurality of channels, and the ultrasound device includes a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel and the sound field coupling coefficients between channels; the processor is configured to execute: Applying the initial inconsistency coefficients of each channel, the sound field coupling coefficients between channels, and the intensity value of the transmission signal, determining the first output values of the elements of each first output channel in the first configuration state, and determining the second output values of the elements of each second output channel in the second configuration state; Determining the shared output channels in the first configuration state and the second configuration state; For each of the shared output channels, adding the first output value and the second output value of the shared output channel to obtain a target output value; Determining the target inconsistency coefficients of each shared output channel according to each of the target output values, each first output value, and each second output value; Calibrating the consistency of the ultrasound device channels by applying each of the target inconsistency coefficients; The processor is further configured to execute: determining the first output channels in the first configuration state and the second output channels in the second configuration state in the following manner: Obtaining the position information of each element in the element array; Determining the channels other than the channel where the first target element is located as the first output channels, and determining the channels other than the channel where the second target element is located as the second output channels; wherein, the first target element is the element with the most forward position in the element array, and the second target element is the element with the most backward position in the element array; or The first target element and the second target element are respectively two elements at the middle positions in the element array.

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