Method and system for transposing a marker added to a first ultrasound imaging modality dataset to a second ultrasound imaging modality dataset

Abstract

This invention provides a system and method for transposing tags added to a first ultrasound imaging pattern dataset to a second ultrasound imaging pattern dataset. The method includes acquiring a first ultrasound image dataset according to a first pattern. The method includes processing the first ultrasound image dataset according to the first pattern to generate a first pattern image. The method includes causing a display system to present the first pattern image. The method includes adding at least one tag to the first pattern image in response to user input. The method includes receiving a selection to switch to a second pattern. The method includes causing a display system to present a second pattern image having at least one tag added to the first pattern image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some implementations relate to ultrasound imaging. More specifically, some implementations relate to a method and system for transposing labels added to a first ultrasound imaging pattern dataset to a second ultrasound imaging pattern dataset. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound imaging is a medical imaging technique used to image organs and soft tissues in the human body. Ultrasound imaging uses real-time, non-invasive high-frequency sound waves to produce a series of two-dimensional (2D) and / or three-dimensional (3D) images.

[0003] Three-dimensional (3D) and / or four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound datasets provide a comprehensive overview of the anatomical structures of interest. For example, a 3D rendered view of the mitral valve of the heart allows an ultrasound operator to easily identify the planes of interlobular junctions. The ultrasound operator can position markers at junctional landmarks in the identified plane and in a plane perpendicular to the identified plane, which can be used, for example, for the deployment of an artificial mitral valve. The markers are visible at the same location relative to the ultrasound probe, regardless of the single and / or multiple views presented (e.g., rotated 3D renderings, cropped 3D renderings, slices of 3D datasets intersecting with the markers, etc.). However, 3D and / or 4D ultrasound datasets have lower spatial and temporal resolution than 2D and / or biplane ultrasound datasets because the frame rate in 3D and / or 4D ultrasound modes is typically much lower than in 2D ultrasound modes, resulting in a much lower physical resolution of the image planes. Therefore, ultrasound operators often prefer to switch from viewing 3D and / or 4D image datasets to acquiring and displaying 2D and / or biplane ultrasound images during the critical guided phase of artificial mitral valve deployment. However, the tags added to 3D and / or 4D ultrasound datasets are not available in the acquired 2D and / or biplane ultrasound datasets. Similarly, the tags added to 2D and / or biplane ultrasound datasets are not available in 3D and / or 4D ultrasound datasets.

[0004] Furthermore, in some cases, ultrasound operators may wish to manipulate the ultrasound probe to obtain 2D and / or biplane views intersecting with three or more markers added to a 3D and / or 4D ultrasound dataset. However, proper manipulation of the ultrasound probe can be difficult to determine, especially for inexperienced ultrasound operators.

[0005] By comparing such systems with some aspects of this disclosure as set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings in the remainder of this application, the further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional methods will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A system and / or method is provided for transposing tags added to a first ultrasound imaging pattern dataset to a second ultrasound imaging pattern dataset, which is substantially as shown and / or described in conjunction with at least one of the accompanying drawings, as set forth more fully in the claims.

[0007] These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of this disclosure, as well as details of its illustrative embodiments, will be more fully understood from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an exemplary ultrasound system operable according to various implementations to transpose tags added to a first ultrasound imaging pattern dataset to a second ultrasound imaging pattern dataset.

[0009] Figure 2 Screenshots of exemplary multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) of a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image dataset with markers identifying landmarks in anatomical structures, according to various embodiments, are shown.

[0010] Figure 3 Screenshots of exemplary dual-plane views of a dataset of two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound images with markers that identify landmarks in anatomical structures, according to various embodiments, are shown.

[0011] Figure 4 An exemplary MPR of a 3D ultrasound image dataset with markers that identify landmarks in anatomical structures, according to various embodiments, and a screenshot of a probe position feedback indicator for guiding the operator to manipulate the ultrasound probe to obtain a 2D ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the marker positions.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps, according to various embodiments, for transposing tags added to a first ultrasound imaging pattern dataset to a second ultrasound imaging pattern dataset. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Certain embodiments are visible in methods and systems for transposing markers added to a first ultrasound imaging pattern dataset to a second ultrasound imaging pattern dataset. For example, aspects of this disclosure have the technical effect of acquiring a 2D ultrasound image dataset based on the position of markers added to a 3D ultrasound image dataset, and presenting a 2D ultrasound image dataset with markers transposed from the 3D ultrasound image dataset. Furthermore, aspects of this disclosure have the technical effect of transposing markers added to a 2D ultrasound image dataset to a 3D ultrasound image dataset. Additionally, aspects of this disclosure have the technical effect of providing probe position feedback based on the position of the markers in the 3D ultrasound image dataset to guide the ultrasound operator to manipulate the ultrasound probe to a position to acquire a 2D ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the marker positions.

[0014] The foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purposes of the diagrams illustrating the functional blocks of various embodiments, these functional blocks do not necessarily represent a division between hardware circuits. Thus, for example, one or more functional blocks (e.g., a processor or memory) may be implemented in a single piece of hardware (e.g., a general-purpose signal processor or a block of random access memory, a hard disk, etc.) or in multiple pieces of hardware. Similarly, a program may be a standalone program, may be included as a subroutine in an operating system, may be a function in an installed software package, etc. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and tools shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0015] As used herein, elements or steps listed in the singular and beginning with the word "a" or "an" should be understood to not exclude multiple said elements or steps unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "exemplary embodiments," "various embodiments," "certain embodiments," "representative embodiments," etc., are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the features described. Additionally, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise," "include," or "have" one or more elements having a particular attribute may include additional elements that do not have that attribute.

[0016] Additionally, as used herein, the term "image" broadly refers to both a visual image and the data representing that image. However, many embodiments generate (or are configured to generate) at least one visual image. Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase "image" is used to refer to ultrasound modes such as B-mode (2D mode), three-dimensional (3D) mode, 3D scaling mode (e.g., thin plate), M-mode, CF-mode, PW Doppler, CW Doppler, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and / or submodes of B-mode and / or CF such as harmonic imaging, shear wave elastography (SWEI), strain elastography, TVI, PDI, B-flow, MVI, UGAP, and in some cases also MM, CM, TVD, where "image" and / or "plane" includes a single beam or multiple beams.

[0017] Furthermore, as used herein, the term processor or processing unit refers to any type of processing unit capable of performing the required computations required for various implementation schemes, such as single-core or multi-core: CPU, Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), DSP, FPGA, ASIC, or combinations thereof.

[0018] It should be noted that the various embodiments of generating or forming images described herein may include processing for forming the image, which in some embodiments includes beamforming, while in others does not. For example, an image may be formed without beamforming, such as by multiplying a matrix of demodulated data by a coefficient matrix such that the product is an image, and wherein the process does not form any “beams.” Alternatively, image formation may be performed using a combination of channels that may originate from more than one transmission event (e.g., synthetic aperture technology).

[0019] In various implementations, ultrasound processing to form an image is performed, for example, in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof, including ultrasound beamforming, such as receive beamforming. One specific implementation of an ultrasound system having a software beamformer architecture formed according to various implementations is... Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an exemplary ultrasound system 100 operable according to various embodiments to transpose tags added to a first ultrasound imaging pattern dataset to a second ultrasound imaging pattern dataset. See also Figure 1 An ultrasound system 100 is shown, which includes a transmitter 102, an ultrasound probe 104, a transmit beamformer 110, a receiver 118, a receive beamformer 120, an A / D converter 122, an RF processor 124, an RF / IQ buffer 126, a user input device 130, a signal processor 132, an image buffer 136, a display system 134, and a file 138.

[0021] Transmitter 102 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to drive ultrasound probe 104. Ultrasound probe 104 may include a two-dimensional (2D) array of piezoelectric elements. In various embodiments, ultrasound probe 104 may be a matrix array transducer or any suitable transducer operable to acquire 2D and / or 3D (including 4D) ultrasound image datasets. Ultrasound probe 104 may include a set of transmitting transducer elements 106 and a set of receiving transducer elements 108 that generally constitute the same elements. In some embodiments, ultrasound probe 104 is operable to acquire ultrasound image data covering at least a majority of anatomical structures, such as the heart, fetus, lungs, blood vessels, or any suitable anatomical structure.

[0022] The transmitting beamformer 110 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to control the transmitter 102, which drives the set of transmitting transducer elements 106 via the transmitting sub-aperture beamformer 114 to transmit ultrasonic signals to a region of interest (e.g., a person, animal, underground cavity, physical structure, etc.). The transmitted ultrasonic signals may be backscattered from structures (such as blood cells or tissue) within the object of interest to generate echoes. The echoes are received by the receiving transducer element 108.

[0023] The set of receiving transducer elements 108 in the ultrasonic probe 104 is operable to convert the received echo into an analog signal, perform sub-aperture beamforming via the receiving sub-aperture beamformer 116, and then transmit it to the receiver 118. The receiver 118 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to receive the signal from the receiving sub-aperture beamformer 116. The analog signal can be transmitted to one of a plurality of A / D converters 122.

[0024] Multiple A / D converters 122 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to convert analog signals from receiver 118 into corresponding digital signals. The multiple A / D converters 122 are disposed between receiver 118 and RF processor 124. However, this disclosure is not limited in this respect. Therefore, in some embodiments, multiple A / D converters 122 may be integrated within receiver 118.

[0025] RF processor 124 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to demodulate digital signals output from a plurality of A / D converters 122. According to one embodiment, RF processor 124 may include a demodulator (not shown) operable to demodulate digital signals to form I / Q data pairs representing corresponding echo signals. The RF or I / Q signal data can then be transmitted to an RF / IQ buffer 126. RF / IQ buffer 126 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to provide temporary storage of the RF or I / Q signal data generated by RF processor 124.

[0026] The receiver beamformer 120 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to perform digital beamforming processing, such as summing a delayed channel signal received from the RF processor 124 via the RF / IQ buffer 126 and outputting a beam sum signal. The resulting processed information may be a beam sum signal output from the receiver beamformer 120 and transmitted to the signal processor 132. According to some embodiments, the receiver 118, multiple A / D converters 122, the RF processor 124, and the beamformer 120 may be integrated into a single beamformer, which may be digital. In various embodiments, the ultrasound system 100 includes multiple receiver beamformers 120.

[0027] User input device 130 can be used to input patient data, image acquisition and scanning parameters, settings, configuration parameters, select protocols and / or templates, change scanning modes, add markers to displayed ultrasound images, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, user input device 130 can be operated to configure, manage, and / or control the operation of one or more components and / or modules in ultrasound system 100. In this regard, user input device 130 can be used to configure, manage, and / or control the operation of transmitter 102, ultrasound probe 104, transmit beamformer 110, receiver 118, receive beamformer 120, RF processor 124, RF / IQ buffer 126, user input device 130, signal processor 132, image buffer 136, display system 134, and / or archive 138. User input device 130 may include one or more buttons, one or more rotary encoders, touch screen, motion tracking, voice recognition, mouse device, keyboard, camera, and / or any other device capable of receiving user commands. In some implementations, for example, one or more user input devices in user input device 130 may be integrated into other components, such as display system 134 or ultrasound probe 104. For example, user input device 130 may include a touchscreen display.

[0028] Signal processor 132 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to process ultrasound scan data (i.e., summed IQ signals) to generate an ultrasound image for presentation on display system 134. Signal processor 132 is operable to perform one or more processing operations based on multiple selectable ultrasound modalities on the acquired ultrasound scan data. In exemplary embodiments, signal processor 132 may be used to perform display processing and / or control processing, etc. Acquired ultrasound scan data can be processed in real time during a scanning session as echo signals are received. Alternatively or concurrently, ultrasound scan data may be temporarily stored in RF / IQ buffer 126 during a scanning session and processed in a less real-time manner during online or offline operation. In various embodiments, processed image data may be presented at display system 134 and / or stored at archive 138. Archive 138 may be a local archive, a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), or any suitable device for storing images and related information.

[0029] Signal processor 132 may be one or more central processing units, graphics processing units, microprocessors, microcontrollers, etc. For example, signal processor 132 may be an integrated component or may be distributed in various locations. In an exemplary embodiment, signal processor 132 may include a first mode processor 140, a second mode processor 150, a marker positioning processor 160, and a probe position feedback processor 170, and may be able to receive input information from user input device 130 and / or file 138, generate output that can be displayed by display system 134, and manipulate the output in response to input information from user input device 130, etc. For example, signal processor 132, first mode processor 140, second mode processor 150, marker positioning processor 160, and probe position feedback processor 170 may be able to perform any of the methods and / or instruction sets discussed herein according to various embodiments.

[0030] The ultrasound system 100 is operable to continuously acquire ultrasound scan data at a frame rate suitable for the imaging situation under consideration. Typical frame rates are in the range of 20 to 120, but can be lower or higher. The acquired ultrasound scan data can be displayed on the display system 134 at the same, slower, or faster display rate as the frame rate. An image buffer 136 is included for storing frames of the acquired ultrasound scan data that are not scheduled for immediate display. Preferably, the image buffer 136 has sufficient capacity to store frames of ultrasound scan data for at least several minutes. The frames of ultrasound scan data are stored in a manner that facilitates retrieval based on their acquisition order or time. The image buffer 136 can be embodied in any known data storage medium.

[0031] Signal processor 132 may include a first mode processor 140, which includes suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to process acquired and / or retrieved first mode ultrasound image datasets to generate ultrasound images according to the first mode. As an example, the first mode may be a 3D mode (e.g., 3D or 4D), and the first mode processor 140 may be configured to process the received first mode ultrasound image dataset into 3D or 4D images. For example, the first mode processor 140 may perform multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) techniques, volumetric rendering techniques, and / or any suitable 3D or 4D processing techniques to generate rendered and / or image slices from the 3D ultrasound image dataset. As another example, the first mode may be a 2D mode (e.g., B-mode, dual-plane mode, tri-plane mode, etc.), and the first mode processor 140 may be configured to process the received first mode ultrasound image dataset into 2D images. The first mode images may be provided to marker positioning processor 160, presented at display system 134, and / or stored in archive 138 or any suitable data storage medium.

[0032] Signal processor 132 may include a second mode processor 150, which includes suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to process the acquired and / or retrieved second-mode ultrasound image dataset, thereby generating ultrasound images according to a second mode different from the first mode. For example, when the first mode is a 3D mode, the second mode may be a 2D mode or a 3D scaled mode. As another example, when the first mode is a 2D mode, the second mode may be a 3D mode or a 3D scaled mode. The first-mode image may be provided to marker positioning processor 160, presented at display system 134, and / or stored in archive 138 or any suitable data storage medium. In various embodiments, the first-mode ultrasound image dataset and the second-mode ultrasound image dataset may be acquired by an ultrasound probe 104 positioned at the same location. For example, an ultrasound operator manipulating ultrasound probe 104 to a desired location may switch between acquiring the first-mode ultrasound image dataset and the second-mode ultrasound image dataset at the desired location.

[0033] Signal processor 132 may include a marker positioning processor 160, which includes suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to add one or more markers to a first-mode ultrasound image based on user input via user input device 130. For example, an ultrasound operator may operate a touchscreen, mouse device, trackball, button, and / or any suitable user input device 130 for identifying locations on the first-mode ultrasound image. Marker positioning processor 160 may be configured to overlay markers, color pixels in the first-mode ultrasound image data, and / or otherwise mark selected locations in the first-mode ultrasound image data. Markers added to the first-mode ultrasound image may include positional information that associates the marked image location with respect to ultrasound probe 104. Markers may be colored shapes (e.g., spheres, boxes, stars, etc.), color highlights, colored pixels, labels, and / or any suitable markers. Markers may be placed via user input device 130 at anatomical landmarks (e.g., the junctional landmark of the mitral valve leaflets) or any suitable location in the first-mode ultrasound image. The marked and / or marked first-mode ultrasound image may be displayed at display system 134 and / or stored in archive 138 and / or any suitable data storage medium.

[0034] The marker positioning processor 160 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to transpose markers from a first-mode ultrasound image dataset to a second-mode ultrasound image dataset. As used herein, the terms “transpose,” “transposed,” and “transposing” refer to the marker positioning processor 160 automatically adding additional markers to the second-mode ultrasound image dataset and / or the second-mode image, wherein each of the additional added markers corresponds to a marker added to the first-mode ultrasound image dataset and / or the first-mode image in response to a user orientation provided via user input device 130. In this way, the marker positioning processor 160 can use positional information relative to the ultrasound probe 104 associated with each marker in the first ultrasound image dataset to add each additional marker at a corresponding location in the second ultrasound image dataset. For example, an ultrasound operator may acquire a 2D ultrasound image dataset and add markers to the 2D ultrasound image presented on display system 134. The ultrasound operator may switch to 3D mode to acquire a 3D / 4D or 3D scaled ultrasound image dataset. The marker positioning processor 160 adds markers to the 3D / 4D or 3D scaled ultrasound images presented on the display system 134 based on the position of markers in the 2D ultrasound image dataset relative to the ultrasound probe 104. As another example, the ultrasound operator can acquire a 3D / 4D ultrasound image dataset and add markers to the 3D / 4D ultrasound images presented on the display system 134. The ultrasound operator can switch to 2D mode to acquire a 2D ultrasound image dataset, or switch to 3D scaling mode, which has a higher frame rate and / or higher image quality, partly due to the reduced amount of ultrasound image data acquired. The marker positioning processor 160 adds markers to the 2D ultrasound images and / or thin-plate images presented on the display system 134 based on the position of markers in the 3D / 4D ultrasound image dataset relative to the ultrasound probe 104. In various implementations, if the second modal ultrasound image dataset is a 2D dataset or a 3D scaled dataset, and the markers added to the first 3D modal ultrasound image dataset are not in the plane of the subsequently acquired 2D ultrasound image dataset or 3D scaled dataset, the markers may not be displayed, or the marker positioning processor 160 may provide visual cues (e.g., smaller markers or different colors) to indicate that the markers are close to the currently acquired 2D plane or plate (e.g., in front or behind). The transposed markers and / or the second modal ultrasound images with the transposed markers may be presented at the display system 134 and / or stored in the archive 138 and / or any suitable data storage medium.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the marker positioning processor 160 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to provide marker position feedback to the signal processor 132 to control the acquisition of a second-mode ultrasound image dataset based on the marker position information. For example, an ultrasound operator may acquire a 3D / 4D ultrasound image dataset and add markers to the 3D / 4D ultrasound image presented on the display system 134. The ultrasound operator may switch to 2D mode to acquire a 2D ultrasound image dataset or switch to 3D zoom mode to acquire a thin-plate image. The marker positioning processor 160 may be configured to provide marker position feedback to the signal processor 132, such that the signal processor can control the operation of the transmitter 102, the transmit beamformer 110, the ultrasound probe 104, etc., to acquire a thin-plate image or a 2D ultrasound image dataset having one or more planes (e.g., B-mode, dual-plane, tri-plane) that intersect with markers added to the 3D / 4D ultrasound image dataset. For example, if an ultrasound operator adds four (4) markers to a 3D / 4D ultrasound image dataset and switches to 2D dual-plane mode, the signal processor 132 can calculate the positions of two planes, each intersecting a pair of markers added to the 3D / 4D ultrasound image dataset, based on marker position feedback. In various embodiments, the signal processor 132 can use the marker position information to determine the position (e.g., rotation angle and tilt) and depth, width, etc., of the 2D ultrasound image dataset or plate image to be acquired. In this way, a second 2D mode ultrasound image dataset or plate image can be acquired based on the positions of the markers added to the first 3D mode ultrasound image dataset.

[0036] As another example, an ultrasound operator may acquire a 2D ultrasound image dataset and add markers to the 2D ultrasound image presented on display system 134. The ultrasound operator may switch to a 3D or 3D scaling mode to acquire a 3D or 3D scaled ultrasound image dataset. Marker position processor 160 may be configured to provide marker position feedback to signal processor 132, such that the signal processor can control the operation of transmitter 102, transmit beamformer 110, ultrasound probe 104, etc., to acquire a 3D or 3D scaled ultrasound image dataset including the markers added to the 2D ultrasound image dataset. For example, if an ultrasound operator adds four (4) markers to a 2D ultrasound image dataset and switches to a 3D or 3D scaling mode, signal processor 132 may place a box defining the acquisition of the 3D ultrasound image dataset around the markers added to the 2D ultrasound image dataset based on the marker position feedback. In various embodiments, signal processor 132 may use the marker position information to determine the 3D or 3D scaled ultrasound image dataset to be acquired and to determine the MPR to be presented (e.g., a slice or thick slice intersecting the markers), such that the markers are visible in the 3D rendering and the MPR. In this way, a second 3D mode ultrasound image dataset or plate image can be acquired based on the location of the markers added to the first 2D mode ultrasound image dataset.

[0037] Figure 2 Screenshot 200 shows an exemplary multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) 202-208 of a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image dataset with markers 210-216 identifying landmarks in anatomical structures according to various embodiments. See also Figure 2 The screenshot 200 of the 3D ultrasound image dataset MPR includes a rendered image 202 of the 3D ultrasound image dataset and three slices 204-208. For example, the three slices could be a default slice including slice 204 along the X-axis, slice 206 along the Y-axis, and slice 208 along the Z-axis of the 3D ultrasound image dataset. Additionally and / or alternatively, the ultrasound operator can select slices to be displayed on the display system 134. Additionally and / or alternatively, the signal processor 132 can base its display on tags (such as those added via user input device 130 to the 2D mode ultrasound image dataset). Figure 3The marker position processor 160 selects slices to be presented at the display system 134 based on the marker position information of markers 310-316 in the dual-plane images 302, 304, as described below. The marker position processor 160 can add markers 210-216 to one or more of the MPR images 202-208 as directed by the user input device 130. The marker position processor 160 can be configured to automatically transpose the transposed markers 210-216 added to the positions in the rendered images 202 and / or slices 204-208 to the corresponding positions in the appropriate slices 204-208 and / or rendered image 202. For example, the marker position processor 160 can automatically add markers 210, 212 to the X-plane slice 204 and markers 214, 216 to the Y-plane slice 206 in response to markers 210-216 added at positions in the rendered image 202 via the user input device 130. As another example, the marker localization processor 160 may automatically add markers 210-216 to the rendered image 202 in response to markers 210, 212 added to X-plane slice 204 via user input device 130 and markers 214, 216 added to Y-plane slice 206 via user input device 130. Additionally and / or alternatively, markers 210-216 added to MPR images 202-208 may be transposed from markers added via user input device 130 to a 2D mode ultrasound image dataset, such as those added to... Figure 3 The markers 310-316 of the dual-plane images 302, 304 are as described below. Markers 210-216 may be overlaid on one or more of the MPR images 202-208 by the marker positioning processor 160, and / or the marker positioning processor 160 may color the pixels of the MPR images 202-208. The markers 210-216 added to the MPR images 202-208 may include positional information that associates the marked image location with respect to the ultrasound probe 104. Markers 210-216 may be colored shapes (e.g., spheres, boxes, stars, etc.), colored highlights, colored pixels, labels, and / or any suitable markers. Markers 210-216 may be positioned at anatomical landmarks (e.g., the junctional landmarks of the mitral valve leaflets) or any suitable location in the MPR images 202-208. Markers 210-216 and / or MPR images 202-208 having marks 210-216 may be displayed at display system 134 and / or stored at archive 138 and / or any suitable data storage medium.

[0038] Figure 3 Screenshot 300 of an exemplary biplane view 302, 304 of a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image dataset with markers 310-316 identifying landmarks in anatomical structures according to various embodiments is shown. See also Figure 3Screenshot 300 of the dual-plane views 302, 304 of the 2D ultrasound image dataset includes a first dual-plane view 302 and a second dual-plane view 304 intersecting with image slices. The marker location processor 160 can add markers 310-316 to one or more of the dual-plane images 302, 304 as directed by the user input device 130. Additionally and / or alternatively, the markers 310-316 added to the dual-plane images 302, 304 can be transposed from markers added via the user input device 130 to the 3D mode ultrasound image dataset, such as those added to... Figure 2 The MPR images 202-208 are labeled with markers 210-216. Markers 310-316 may be overlaid on one or more of the biplane images 302, 304 by marker positioning processor 160, and / or marker positioning processor 160 may color the pixels of the biplane images 302, 304. The markers 310-316 added to the biplane images 302, 304 may include positional information that associates the marked image position with respect to the ultrasound probe 104. Markers 310-316 may be colored shapes (e.g., spheres, boxes, stars, etc.), colored highlights, colored pixels, labels, and / or any suitable markers. Markers 310-316 may be positioned at anatomical landmarks (e.g., the junctional landmarks of the mitral valve leaflets) or any suitable location in the biplane images 302, 304. Markers 310-316 and / or biplane images 302, 304 having marks 310-316 may be displayed at display system 134 and / or stored at archive 138 and / or any suitable data storage medium.

[0039] See you again Figure 1The probe position feedback processor 170 can be configured to present ultrasound probe position feedback at the display system 134 based on marker position information to guide the manipulation of the ultrasound probe 104 to a position for acquiring one or more ultrasound images intersecting with markers added to the displayed first-mode and / or second-mode ultrasound images. For example, the probe position feedback processor 170 can be configured to provide probe position feedback based on the position of the markers in a 3D ultrasound image dataset to guide the ultrasound operator to manipulate the ultrasound probe to a position to acquire a 2D ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the markers. Position feedback can be visual, audio, and / or physical feedback. Visual feedback can be a visual indicator or any suitable visual feedback presented at the display system 134. For example, visual feedback may include navigation arrows, text navigation instructions, etc. Audio feedback may be audible navigation instructions or any suitable audible feedback. Physical feedback may include vibrating the probe 104 at a position indicating the direction of probe movement or any suitable physical feedback. The probe position feedback processor 170 can be configured to continuously update the probe position feedback until the ultrasound probe 104 is correctly positioned to acquire an ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the markers.

[0040] Figure 4 An exemplary MPR 402-408 of a 3D ultrasound image dataset with markers 410-416 identifying landmarks in anatomical structures according to various embodiments is shown, along with a screenshot 400 of a probe position feedback indicator 430 for guiding the operator to manipulate the ultrasound probe 104 to obtain a 2D ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the marker locations. See also Figure 4A screenshot 400 of the MPR of the 3D ultrasound image dataset includes a rendered image 402 of the 3D ultrasound image dataset and slices 404-408. For example, a slice could be a default slice including slice 404 along the X-axis, slice 406 along the Y-axis, and slice 408 along the Z-axis of the 3D ultrasound image dataset. Additionally and / or alternatively, the ultrasound operator can select slices to be displayed on the display system 134. A marker positioning processor 160 can add markers 410-416 to one or more of the MPR images 402-408 as directed via the user input device 130. Markers 410-416 can be overlaid on one or more of the MPR images 402-408 by the marker positioning processor 160, and / or the marker positioning processor 160 can color the pixels of the MPR images 402-408. The markers 410-416 added to MPR images 402-408 may include positional information that associates the marked image location with respect to ultrasound probe 104. Markers 410-416 may be colored shapes (e.g., spheres, boxes, stars, etc.), color highlights, colored pixels, labels, and / or any suitable markings. Markers 410-416 may be positioned at anatomical landmarks (e.g., the junctional landmarks of the mitral valve leaflets) or any suitable location in MPR images 402-408. Markers 410-416 and / or MPR images 402-408 with markers 410-416 may be displayed on display system 134 and / or stored in archive 138 and / or any suitable data storage medium.

[0041] In various implementations, the 2D pattern ultrasound image dataset intersecting with markers 410-416 in MPR images 402-408 may not be available at the current ultrasound probe position 420. In such cases, the probe position feedback processor 170 may be configured to provide probe position feedback 430 based on the position of markers 410-416 in MPR images 402-408 to guide the ultrasound operator to maneuver the ultrasound probe 104 to a position to acquire the 2D ultrasound image dataset intersecting with markers 410-416. The position feedback may be as follows: Figure 4The visual feedback shown may include, and / or may include, audio feedback and / or physical feedback. The visual feedback may be a visual indicator 430 presented on the display system 134 or any suitable visual feedback. The probe position visual indicator 430 may identify the current probe position 432, the end position 434 of the 2D ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the markers 410-416, a distance indicator 436 showing the amount of probe movement from the current probe position 432 to the end position 434, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the probe position visual indicator 430 may additionally and / or alternatively provide a probe orientation indicator to provide instructions for tilting, rotating, etc., the probe 104. In some embodiments, the visual feedback may additionally and / or alternatively include text navigation instructions, etc. The probe position feedback processor 170 may be configured to continuously update the probe position feedback 430 until the ultrasound probe 104 is correctly positioned to obtain the ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the markers. As an example, the navigation arrow 436 (also known as the distance indicator) can shorten as the probe 104 moves toward the end position 434, and can lengthen as the probe 104 moves away from the end position 434. The direction of the navigation arrow 436 can also be updated based on the movement of the probe 104.

[0042] Refer again Figure 1 The display system 134 can be any device capable of conveying visual information to the user. For example, the display system 134 may include a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode display, and / or any suitable one or more displays. The display system 134 is operable to present 2D ultrasound image datasets 302, 304, 3D ultrasound image datasets 202-208, 402-408, markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416, probe position feedback 430, and / or any suitable information.

[0043] File 138 may be one or more computer-readable storage devices integrated with and / or communicatively coupled (e.g., via a network) to ultrasound system 100, such as Image Archiving and Communication System (PACS), server, hard disk, floppy disk, CD, CD-ROM, DVD, compact memory, flash memory, random access memory, read-only memory, electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory, and / or any suitable memory. File 138 may include, for example, a database, library, information set, or other storage accessed by and / or combined with signal processor 132. For example, file 138 may be able to temporarily or permanently store data. File 138 may be able to store medical image data, data generated by signal processor 132, and / or instructions readable by signal processor 132, etc. In various embodiments, file 138 stores, for example, a first-mode ultrasound image dataset (e.g., 3D images 202-208, 402-408), tags 210-216, 410-416 and / or first-mode images with tags 210-216, 410-416, and a second-mode ultrasound image dataset (e.g., 2D images 302, 304), tags 310-316 and / or second-mode images with tags 310-316, instructions for processing the received ultrasound image dataset according to the first mode, and instructions for processing the received ultrasound images according to the second mode. Instructions for the dataset, for positioning and / or transposing markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 in ultrasound images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408, for providing instructions for acquiring ultrasound images of a 2D ultrasound image dataset intersecting with markers 210-216 added to the 3D ultrasound image dataset, and / or for providing probe position feedback to manipulate the ultrasound probe 104 to a position for acquiring 2D ultrasound image data of a dataset intersecting with markers 410-416 added to the 3D ultrasound image dataset.

[0044] The components of the ultrasound system 100 can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, etc. The various components of the ultrasound system 100 can be communicatively connected. The components of the ultrasound system 100 can be implemented individually and / or integrated in various forms. For example, the display system 134 and the user input device 130 can be integrated into a touchscreen display.

[0045] Figure 5 This is flowchart 500 illustrating exemplary steps 502-520, according to various embodiments, for transposing tags 210-216, 310-316 added to a first ultrasound imaging pattern dataset 202-208, 302-304 to a second ultrasound imaging pattern dataset 202-208, 302-304. See also Figure 5The diagram illustrates flowchart 500, which includes exemplary steps 502 to 520. Some embodiments may omit one or more steps, and / or perform the steps in a different order than listed, and / or combine certain steps discussed below. For example, in some embodiments, some steps may not be performed. Also, some steps may be performed in a different chronological order than listed below, including simultaneous execution.

[0046] At step 502, the ultrasound system 100 may acquire a first ultrasound image dataset according to a first mode. For example, the ultrasound probe 104 in the ultrasound system 100 may be operable to perform an ultrasound scan of a region of interest, such as the mitral valve of the heart. In various embodiments, the ultrasound probe 104 may be a matrix array transducer or any suitable transducer operable to acquire 2D and / or 3D (including 4D) ultrasound image datasets. The ultrasound scan may be performed according to a first mode, such as a 2D mode, a 3D mode, or any suitable image acquisition mode. The first ultrasound image dataset may be received by the signal processor 132 and / or stored in a file 138 or any suitable data storage medium from which the signal processor 132 may retrieve the first ultrasound image dataset.

[0047] At step 504, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 can process the first ultrasound image dataset to generate a first mode image. For example, the first mode processor 140 of the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 can be configured to process the acquired and / or retrieved first mode ultrasound image dataset to generate an ultrasound image according to the first mode. As an example, the first mode can be a 3D mode (e.g., 3D or 4D), and the first mode processor 140 can be configured to process the received first mode ultrasound image dataset into 3D or 4D images. For example, the first mode processor 140 can perform multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) technology, volumetric rendering technology, and / or any suitable 3D / 4D processing technology to generate renders 202, 402 and / or image slices 204-208, 404-408 from the 3D ultrasound image dataset. As another example, the first mode can be a 2D mode (e.g., B-mode, dual-plane mode, tri-plane mode, etc.), and the first mode processor 140 can be configured to process the received first mode ultrasound image dataset into 2D images 302, 304.

[0048] At step 506, the display system 134 of the ultrasound system 100 may present a first mode image. For example, the first mode processor 140 may be configured to cause the display system 134 to present the first mode image generated at step 504.

[0049] At step 508, the first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, and 402-408 may receive at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, or 410-416 at a position relative to the ultrasound probe 104. For example, the marker positioning processor 160 of the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 may be configured to add one or more markers 210-216, 310-316, or 410-416 to the first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, and 402-408 based on user input via the user input device 130. As an example, the ultrasound operator may operate a touchscreen, mouse, trackball, button, and / or any suitable user input device 130 used to identify positions on the first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, and 402-408. The marker positioning processor 160 can be configured to overlay markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 to colorize pixels in the first-mode ultrasound image data, and / or otherwise mark selected locations in the first-mode ultrasound image dataset. Markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first-mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 may include positional information that associates the marked image locations with respect to the ultrasound probe 104. Markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 can be colored shapes (e.g., spheres, boxes, stars, etc.), color highlights, colored pixels, labels, and / or any suitable markings. Markers 210-216, 310-316, and 410-416 can be placed via user input device 130 at anatomical landmarks (e.g., junctional landmarks of the mitral valve leaflets) or any suitable location in the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, and 402-408.

[0050] At step 510, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 may receive a selection to switch to a second mode. For example, the signal processor 132 may receive a user instruction via the user input device 130 to switch from acquiring and displaying a 3D mode ultrasound image dataset to acquiring and displaying a 2D mode ultrasound image dataset or a thin-plate image (3D scaling mode). As another example, the signal processor 132 may receive a user instruction via the user input device 130 to switch from acquiring and displaying a 2D mode ultrasound image dataset to acquiring and displaying a 3D or 3D scaling mode ultrasound image dataset.

[0051] At step 512, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 can determine whether a second-mode ultrasound image dataset can be obtained at the current ultrasound probe position. For example, the probe position feedback processor 170 can be configured to determine, based on the marker position information and the current ultrasound probe position, whether 2D ultrasound image datasets 302 and 304 intersecting with markers 210-216 and 410-416 added to the 3D ultrasound image datasets 202-208 and 402-408 can be obtained. If the second-mode ultrasound image datasets 302 and 304 intersecting with markers 210-216 and 410-416 added to the first ultrasound image datasets 202-208 and 402-408 are not available at the current ultrasound probe position, then method 500 can proceed to step 514. Once the ultrasound probe 104 is positioned to obtain a second-mode ultrasound image dataset 302, 304 intersecting with markers 210-216, 410-416 added to the first ultrasound image datasets 202-208, 402-408, method 500 proceeds to step 516. In various embodiments, the probe position feedback processor 170 can provide an indication of whether the second-mode ultrasound image dataset can be obtained prior to step 510, allowing the ultrasound operator to know whether ultrasound probe manipulation is required at step 510 before selecting to switch to the second mode. For example, the indication could be a visual icon and / or message presented on the display system 134.

[0052] At step 514, if a second-mode ultrasound image dataset 302, 304 intersecting with markers 210-216, 410-416 added to the first ultrasound image datasets 202-208, 402-408 is not available at the current ultrasound probe position, the signal processor 132 can provide ultrasound probe position feedback 430. For example, the probe position feedback processor 170 of the signal processor 132 can be configured to provide probe position feedback 430 based on the position of markers 210-216, 410-416 in the 3D ultrasound images 202-208, 402-408 to guide the ultrasound operator to maneuver the ultrasound probe 104 to a position to acquire 2D ultrasound image datasets 302, 304 or plate images intersecting with markers 210-216, 410-416. Position feedback 430 can be visual feedback 430, audio feedback, and / or physical feedback. Visual feedback may be a visual indicator 430 presented on display system 134 or any suitable visual probe navigation feedback. Audible feedback may be audible navigation instructions or any suitable audible feedback. Physical feedback may include vibrating probe 104 at a location indicating the direction of probe movement or any suitable physical feedback. Probe position feedback processor 170 may be configured to continuously update probe position feedback 430 until ultrasound probe 104 is correctly positioned to obtain an ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the markers.

[0053] At step 516, the ultrasound system 100 may be configured to acquire a second ultrasound image dataset according to a second mode. For example, the ultrasound probe 104 in the ultrasound system 100 may be operable to switch from a first image acquisition mode to a second image acquisition mode different from the first mode in response to a selection to switch to the second mode at step 510. As an example, the ultrasound system 100 may switch from a first 3D mode to a second 2D mode or a second 3D scaling mode. As another example, the ultrasound system 100 may switch from a first 2D mode to a second 3D or 3D scaling mode. In a representative embodiment, the marker positioning processor 160 may be configured to provide marker position feedback to the signal processor 132 to control the acquisition of the second mode ultrasound image dataset based on the marker position information of markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added at step 508. For example, when the first mode image is a 3D ultrasound image dataset, the marker position processor 160 can be configured to provide marker position feedback to the signal processor 132, such that the signal processor 132 can control the operation of the transmitter 102, the transmit beamformer 110, the ultrasound probe 104, etc., to acquire a second 3D scaled-mode plate image or a second 2D mode ultrasound image dataset 302, 304 having one or more planes (e.g., B-mode, dual-plane, tri-plane) that intersect with markers 210-216, 410-416 added to the first 3D mode ultrasound image datasets 202-208, 402-408. In this way, the second 2D mode ultrasound image datasets 302, 304 or the second 3D scaled-mode plate image can be acquired based on the positions of the markers 210-216, 410-416 added to the first 3D mode ultrasound image datasets 202-208, 402-408. As another example, when the first mode image is a 2D ultrasound image dataset, the marker position processor 160 can be configured to provide marker position feedback to the signal processor 132, such that the signal processor 132 can control the operation of the transmitter 102, the transmit beamformer 110, the ultrasound probe 104, etc., to acquire a 3D or 3D scaled ultrasound image dataset including markers added to the 2D ultrasound image dataset. In this way, a second 3D mode ultrasound image dataset or plate image can be acquired based on the position of the markers added to the first 2D mode ultrasound image dataset. In various embodiments, the position of the ultrasound probe 104 when acquiring the first ultrasound image dataset according to the first mode at step 502 is the same as the position of the ultrasound probe 104 when acquiring the second ultrasound image dataset according to the second mode at step 516. The second ultrasound image dataset can be received by the signal processor 132 and / or stored in archive 138 or any suitable data storage medium from which the signal processor 132 can retrieve the second ultrasound image dataset.

[0054] At step 518, signal processor 132 may process a second ultrasound image dataset to generate a second mode image having at least one label transposed to the second mode image based on the position relative to ultrasound probe 104. For example, a second mode processor 150 of the signal processor 132 of ultrasound system 100 may be configured to process the acquired and / or retrieved second mode ultrasound image dataset to generate an ultrasound image according to the second mode. As an example, the second mode may be a 2D mode (e.g., B-mode, biplane mode, triplane mode, etc.) or a 3D scaling mode (e.g., a thin plate image), and the second mode processor 150 may be configured to process the received second mode ultrasound image dataset into 2D images 302, 304 or a thin plate image. As another example, the second mode may be a 3D mode (e.g., 3D or 4D) or a 3D scaling mode (e.g., a thin plate image), and the second mode processor 150 may be configured to process the received second mode ultrasound image dataset into 3D, 4D, or thin plate images. For example, the second-mode processor 140 can perform multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) technology, volumetric rendering technology and / or any suitable 3D / 4D or 3D scaling processing technology to generate renders 202, 402, image slices 204-208, 404-408 and / or thin plate images from a 3D or 3D scaled ultrasound image dataset.

[0055] The marker positioning processor 160 can be configured to transpose markers from a first-mode ultrasound image dataset to a second-mode ultrasound image dataset. The marker positioning processor 160 can use positional information relative to the ultrasound probe 104 associated with each marker in the first ultrasound image dataset to add each marker at a corresponding location in the second ultrasound image dataset. For example, the marker positioning processor 160 can add markers to a second 3D-mode ultrasound image presented on the display system 134 based on the position of the markers in the first 2D-mode ultrasound image dataset relative to the ultrasound probe 104. As another example, the marker positioning processor 160 can add markers to a second 2D-mode ultrasound image presented on the display system 134 based on the position of the markers in the first 3D-mode ultrasound image dataset relative to the ultrasound probe 104. In various implementations, if the second mode ultrasound image dataset is a 2D dataset or 302, 304, and the markers 210-216, 410-416 added to the first 3D mode ultrasound image datasets 202-208, 402-408 at step 508 are not in the plane of the 2D ultrasound image datasets 302, 304 acquired at step 516, then markers 310-316 may not be shown, or the marker positioning processor 160 may provide visual cues (e.g., smaller markers or different colors) to indicate that the markers are close to the currently acquired 2D plane (e.g., in front or behind).

[0056] At step 520, display system 134 may present a second modal image having at least one transposed marker. For example, second modal processor 150 and / or marker positioning processor 160 may be configured to cause display system 134 to present a second modal image having the transposed marker generated at step 518. In various embodiments, when the first modal image is a 2D ultrasound image dataset, marker positioning processor 160 may be configured to provide marker positioning feedback to signal processor 132, such that signal processor 132 may select 3D image views 202-208, 402-408 from the 3D ultrasound image dataset that intersect with and / or include markers 310-316 added to the first 2D modal ultrasound image datasets 302, 304 for presentation at display system 134.

[0057] This disclosure provides a method 500 and a system 100 for transposing tags 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to a first ultrasound imaging pattern dataset to a second ultrasound imaging pattern dataset. According to various embodiments, method 500 may include acquiring 502 a first ultrasound image dataset according to a first pattern by an ultrasound probe 104 of ultrasound system 100. Method 500 may include processing 504 the first ultrasound image dataset according to the first pattern by at least one processor 132, 140 of ultrasound system 100 to generate first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. Method 500 may include causing at least one processor 132, 140 to cause a display system 134 506 to display the first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. Method 500 may include adding at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 to a first mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 by at least one processor 132, 160 in response to user input. Method 500 may include receiving a selection 510 to switch to a second mode by at least one processor 132. Method 500 may include causing display system 134 516-520 to present a second mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 having at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the first mode is a two-dimensional (2D) mode, and the second mode is a three-dimensional (3D) mode. In a representative embodiment, the first mode is a 3D mode, and the second mode is a 2D mode. In various embodiments, causing the 516-520 display system 134 to present a second mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 having at least one label 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 may include a second ultrasound image dataset 516 acquired by the ultrasound probe 104 according to the second mode. The display system 134 of 516-520 presents a second mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 having at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. This may include processing a second ultrasound image dataset 518 according to the second mode by at least one processor 132, 150 to generate the second mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. Display system 134 516-520 presents second mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 having at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. This may include at least one processor 132, 160 transposing 518 of at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 from the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 to the second mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. In some embodiments, the first ultrasound image dataset and the second ultrasound image dataset are acquired by ultrasound probe 104 at the same ultrasound probe location. At least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 includes positional information relative to the ultrasound probe 104. At least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 is transposed 518 from the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 to the second mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 based on the positional information.In an exemplary embodiment, the acquisition of the second ultrasound image dataset 516 is based on the positional information of at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408, such that the second mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 are one or both of the following: including at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408, or intersecting with at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. In a representative implementation, at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 comprises at least three markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416, each of which includes positional information relative to the ultrasound probe 104. Method 500 may further include at least one processor 132, 170 determining whether a second ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the at least three markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 is available. Method 500 may include at least one processor 132, 170 causing display system 134 514 to present probe position feedback 430 based on position information of each of at least three markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 to guide manipulation of ultrasound probe 104 to an updated position 434 to acquire a second ultrasound image dataset that intersects with the at least three markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408.

[0059] Various embodiments provide a system 100 for transposing tags added to a first ultrasound imaging pattern dataset to a second ultrasound imaging pattern dataset. The ultrasound system 100 may include an ultrasound probe 104, a display system 134, and at least one processor 132, 140, 150, 160, 170. The ultrasound probe 104 is operable to acquire a first ultrasound image dataset according to a first pattern. At least one processor 132, 140 may be configured to process the first ultrasound image dataset according to the first pattern to generate first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. At least one processor 132, 140 may be configured to cause the display system 134 to present the first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. At least one processor 132, 160 may be configured to add at least one tag 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 to a first mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 in response to user input. At least one processor 132 may be configured to receive a selection to switch to a second mode. At least one processor 132, 150, 160 may be configured to cause a display system 134 to present a second mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 having at least one tag 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408.

[0060] In a representative embodiment, the first mode is a 2D mode, and the second mode is a 3D mode. In various embodiments, the first mode is a 3D mode, and the second mode is a 2D mode. In some embodiments, at least the processor 132 is configured to cause the display system 134 to present second mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 having at least one label 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 by causing the ultrasound probe 104 to acquire a second ultrasound image dataset according to the second mode. At least processors 132 and 150 may be configured to cause display system 134 to present second mode images 202-208, 302-304, and 402-408 having at least one label 210-216, 310-316, and 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, and 402-408 by processing a second ultrasound image dataset according to a second mode to generate second mode images 202-208, 302-304, and 402-408. At least processors 132 and 160 may be configured to cause display system 134 to present a second mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 having at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 by transposing at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. In an exemplary embodiment, the first ultrasound image dataset and the second ultrasound image dataset are acquired by ultrasound probe 104 at the same ultrasound probe location. At least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 may include positional information relative to ultrasound probe 104. Transposing at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 from the first mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 to the second mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 may be based on location information.In a representative embodiment, the second ultrasound image dataset may be acquired by ultrasound probe 104 based on the positional information of at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408, such that the second mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 are one or both of the following: including at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408, or intersecting with at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. In various embodiments, at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 comprises at least three markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416, each of which includes positional information relative to the ultrasound probe 104. At least one processor 132, 170 may be configured to determine whether a second ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the at least three markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 is available. At least one processor 132, 170 may be configured to cause the display system 134 to present probe position feedback 430 based on position information of each of at least three markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416, to guide the manipulation of the ultrasound probe 104 to an updated position 434 to acquire a second ultrasound image dataset that intersects with the at least three markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408.

[0061] Some embodiments provide a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program having at least one code segment. The at least one code segment is machine-executable to cause the machine to perform step 500. Step 500 may include receiving 502 a first ultrasound image dataset acquired according to a first mode. Step 500 may include processing 504 the first ultrasound image dataset according to the first mode to generate first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. Step 500 may include causing 506 a display system 134 to present the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. Step 500 may include adding 508 at least one tag 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 in response to user input. Step 500 may include receiving 510 a selection to switch to a second mode. Step 500 may include causing display system 134 516-520 to present a second mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 having at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408.

[0062] In various embodiments, the first mode is a 2D mode and the second mode is a 3D mode. In some embodiments, the first mode is a 3D mode and the second mode is a 2D mode. In a representative embodiment, causing the 516-520 display system 134 to present a second mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 having at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 may include receiving a second ultrasound image dataset acquired by 516 according to the second mode. Displaying the 516-520 display system 134 to present a second mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 having at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 may include processing the second ultrasound image dataset 518 according to the second mode to generate the second mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. Displaying the 516-520 display system 134 to present a second mode image 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 having at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 may include transposing 518 of at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 from the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 to the second mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. In an exemplary embodiment, the first ultrasound image dataset and the second ultrasound image dataset are acquired by the ultrasound probe 104 at the same ultrasound probe location. The second ultrasound image dataset may be acquired based on the positional information of at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408, such that the second mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 are one or both of the following: including at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408, or intersecting with at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408. At least one of the markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 may include positional information relative to the ultrasound probe 104.Transposing at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 from the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 to the second mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 may be based on location information.

[0063] In various embodiments, at least one marker 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 comprises at least three markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416, each of which includes positional information relative to the ultrasound probe 104. Method 500 may further include determining whether a second ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the at least three markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first pattern images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408 is available. Method 500 may further include causing display system 134 514 to present probe position feedback 430 based on position information of each of at least three markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 to guide manipulation of ultrasound probe 104 to an updated position, thereby acquiring a second ultrasound image dataset that intersects with at least three markers 210-216, 310-316, 410-416 added to the first mode images 202-208, 302-304, 402-408.

[0064] As used herein, the term "circuit" refers to physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that is configurable hardware, executed by the hardware, and / or otherwise associated with the hardware. For example, as used herein, a particular processor and memory may include a first "circuit" when executing one or more lines of first code, and a particular processor and memory may include a second "circuit" when executing one or more lines of second code. As used herein, "and / or" means any one or more items in a list linked by "and / or". For example, "x and / or y" means any element in the three-element set {(x),(y),(x,y)}. As another example, "x, y and / or z" means any element in the seven-element set {(x),(y),(z),(x,y),(x,z),(y,z),(x,y,z)}. As used herein, the term "exemplary" means used as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the terms “eg” and “for example” refer to a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. As used herein, a circuit is “operable to” and / or “configured to” perform a function whenever the circuit includes the necessary hardware and code to perform the function, if required, regardless of whether the execution of the function is disabled or not enabled by some user-configurable settings.

[0065] Other embodiments may provide a computer-readable device and / or a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and / or a machine-readable device and / or a non-transitory machine-readable medium, wherein the computer-readable device and / or the non-transitory computer-readable medium and / or the machine-readable device and / or the non-transitory machine-readable medium stores machine code and / or a computer program having at least one code segment executable by a machine and / or a computer, thereby enabling the machine and / or the computer to perform the steps as described herein for transposing tags added to a first ultrasound imaging pattern dataset to a second ultrasound imaging pattern dataset.

[0066] Therefore, this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. This disclosure may be implemented centrally in at least one computer system or distributed, wherein different elements are distributed across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus suitable for performing the methods described herein is appropriate.

[0067] Various implementation schemes may also be embedded in a computer program product that includes all the features of the methods described herein and is capable of executing those methods when loaded into a computer system. As used herein, a computer program means any expression of a set of instructions represented in any language, code, or notation, which is intended to cause a system with information processing capabilities to perform a particular function directly or after being: a) translated into another language, code, or notation; or b) reproduced in a different material form.

[0068] While this disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for ultrasound imaging, comprising: The ultrasound probe of the ultrasound system acquires a first ultrasound image dataset according to a first mode; The first ultrasound image dataset is processed by at least one processor of the ultrasound system according to the first mode to generate a first mode image; The at least one processor causes the display system to present the first mode image; At least one marker is added to the first pattern image by the at least one processor in response to user input; After the at least one marker is added to the first mode image, the at least one processor receives the selection to switch to the second mode; In response to receiving the selection to switch to the second mode: The ultrasound probe acquires a second ultrasound image dataset according to the second mode; The at least one processor processes the second ultrasound image dataset according to the second mode to generate a second mode image; The at least one processor transposes the at least one marker from the first mode image to the second mode image; as well as The at least one processor causes the display system to present a second mode image having at least one mark transposed from the first mode image.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is a two-dimensional (2D) mode and the second mode is a three-dimensional (3D) mode.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is a 3D mode and the second mode is a 2D mode.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first ultrasound image dataset and the second ultrasound image dataset were acquired by the ultrasound probe at the same ultrasound probe location. The at least one marker includes positional information relative to the ultrasound probe, and the transposition of the at least one marker from the first mode image to the second mode image is based on the positional information.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein acquiring the second ultrasound image dataset is based on the location information of the at least one marker added to the first pattern image, such that the second pattern image is one or both of the following: includes the at least one marker added to the first pattern image, or intersects with the at least one marker added to the first pattern image.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one marker added to the first pattern image comprises at least three markers, each of the at least three markers including positional information relative to the ultrasound probe, and the method further comprises: The at least one processor determines whether the second ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the at least three markers added to the first pattern image is available; as well as The at least one processor causes the display system to present probe position feedback based on the position information of each of the at least three markers, so as to guide the manipulation of the ultrasound probe to an updated position, thereby acquiring a second ultrasound image dataset that intersects with the at least three markers added to the first mode image.

7. An ultrasound system, the ultrasound system comprising: An ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe being operable to: Acquire a first ultrasound image dataset according to the first mode; and A second ultrasound image dataset was acquired according to the second mode; Display system; and At least one processor, said at least one processor being configured to: The first ultrasound image dataset is processed according to the first pattern to generate a first pattern image; The display system is made to display the image of the first mode; At least one marker is added to the first pattern image in response to user input; After at least one marker is added to the first mode image, a selection to switch to the second mode is received; In response to receiving the selection to switch to the second mode: The ultrasound probe acquires the second ultrasound image dataset according to the second mode; The second ultrasound image dataset is processed according to the second mode to generate a second mode image; Transpose the at least one marker from the first pattern image to the second pattern image; as well as The display system is made to present a second mode image having at least one mark transposed from the first mode image.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first mode is a 2D mode and the second mode is a 3D mode.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the first mode is a 3D mode and the second mode is a 2D mode.

10. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The first ultrasound image dataset and the second ultrasound image dataset were acquired by the ultrasound probe at the same ultrasound probe location. The at least one marker includes positional information relative to the ultrasound probe, and the transposition of the at least one marker from the first mode image to the second mode image is based on the positional information.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the second ultrasound image dataset is acquired by the ultrasound probe based on the location information of the at least one marker added to the first pattern image, such that the second pattern image is one or both of the following: includes the at least one marker added to the first pattern image, or intersects with the at least one marker added to the first pattern image.

12. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one marker added to the first pattern image includes at least three markers, each of which includes positional information relative to the ultrasound probe. The at least one processor is configured to determine whether a second ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the at least three markers added to the first pattern image is available; and The at least one processor is configured to cause the display system to present probe position feedback based on the position information of each of the at least three markers, so as to guide the manipulation of the ultrasound probe to an updated position, thereby acquiring a second ultrasound image dataset that intersects with the at least three markers added to the first mode image.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program, the computer program having at least one code segment, the at least one code segment being executable by a machine to cause the machine to perform the following steps: Receive a first ultrasound image dataset acquired according to a first mode; The first ultrasound image dataset is processed according to the first pattern to generate a first pattern image; The display system is made to display the image of the first mode. At least one marker is added to the first pattern image in response to user input; After at least one marker is added to the first mode image, a selection to switch to the second mode is received; In response to receiving the selection to switch to the second mode: Receive a second ultrasound image dataset acquired after the switching selection and according to the second mode; The second ultrasound image dataset is processed according to the second mode to generate a second mode image; Transpose the at least one marker from the first pattern image to the second pattern image; as well as The display system is made to present a second mode image having at least one mark transposed from the first mode image.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the first mode is a 2D mode and the second mode is a 3D mode.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the first mode is a 3D mode and the second mode is a 2D mode.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 13, wherein: The first ultrasound image dataset and the second ultrasound image dataset were acquired by an ultrasound probe at the same ultrasound probe location. The at least one marker includes positional information relative to the ultrasound probe. Transposing the at least one marker from the first pattern image to the second pattern image is based on the location information, and The second ultrasound image dataset is acquired based on the location information of the at least one marker added to the first pattern image, such that the second pattern image is one or both of the following: includes the at least one marker added to the first pattern image, or intersects with the at least one marker added to the first pattern image.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the at least one marker added to the first pattern image comprises at least three markers, each of the at least three markers including positional information relative to the ultrasound probe, and the non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises: Determine whether a second ultrasound image dataset intersecting with the at least three markers added to the first pattern image is available; as well as The display system presents probe position feedback based on the position information of each of the at least three markers to guide the manipulation of the ultrasound probe to an updated position, thereby acquiring a second ultrasound image dataset that intersects with the at least three markers added to the first mode image.

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