Ultrasound imaging method, apparatus, device, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses an ultrasonic imaging method, device, equipment and storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: scanning a target object based on a focused wave signal or a plane wave signal to obtain echo data; performing data transformation on the echo data based on a preset transformation algorithm to obtain first image data, so that sparse sampling data is restored to image data consistent with a probe shape; performing signal level processing and image level processing on the first image data to obtain second image data, so that the focused wave and the plane wave can be simultaneously compatible with the same ultrasonic system, thereby enabling the ultrasonic system to quickly switch the focused wave and the plane wave without two sets of imaging algorithms; and finally, performing mask covering on the second image data based on preset mask data to obtain a target ultrasonic image, so as to eliminate invalid information of the second image data, and enable the focused wave and the plane wave to be simultaneously well compatible with the same ultrasonic system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ultrasound imaging technology, and in particular to an ultrasound imaging method, apparatus, device and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Color Doppler ultrasound imaging equipment mainly uses two methods: focused wave imaging and plane wave imaging. Focused wave imaging, the traditional method, typically performs delayed accumulation beamforming on a hardware FPGA. The beamformed RF data is then uploaded to the host software for inter-scan point, inter-scan line, and inter-scan frame processing, ultimately transforming it into image data. It involves a smaller amount of uploaded data and has high processing efficiency. Plane wave imaging, on the other hand, presents a single image during the actual scanning process. Processing this single image requires multiple algorithm modules, significantly increasing the amount of data processed and resulting in relatively lower processing efficiency.

[0003] Currently, with the increasing integration of front-end chips in color Doppler ultrasound imaging equipment and the rapid development of graphics processing units (GPUs), achieving simultaneous compatibility of focused wave imaging and plane wave imaging in color Doppler ultrasound imaging equipment has become an inevitable trend. However, due to the different imaging principles of focused wave imaging and plane wave imaging, how to achieve good compatibility between focused wave imaging and plane wave imaging in the same system has become a challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an ultrasound imaging method, apparatus, device, and storage medium to solve the technical problem that current ultrasound imaging equipment is difficult to simultaneously achieve good compatibility between focused wave imaging and plane wave imaging.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, in a first aspect, this application provides an ultrasound imaging method, comprising:

[0006] Based on the target ultrasonic signal, the target object is scanned to obtain echo data. The target ultrasonic signal is either a focused wave signal or a plane wave signal.

[0007] Based on a preset transformation algorithm, the echo data is transformed to obtain the first image data. The preset transformation algorithm includes a coordinate system transformation algorithm and an interpolation algorithm.

[0008] The first image data is processed at the signal level and the image level to obtain the second image data.

[0009] Based on preset mask data, the second image data is masked to obtain the target ultrasound image.

[0010] This application scans the target object based on focused wave signals or plane wave signals to obtain echo data. Then, based on a preset transformation algorithm, the echo data is transformed to obtain first image data, restoring sparsely sampled data to image data consistent with the probe shape. Next, the first image data undergoes signal-level and image-level processing to obtain second image data. This processing at both the signal and image levels ensures that focused waves and plane waves are simultaneously compatible within the same ultrasound system, allowing the ultrasound system to quickly switch between focused waves and plane waves without requiring two separate imaging algorithms. Finally, based on preset mask data, the second image data is masked to obtain the target ultrasound image, eliminating invalid information in the second image data and ensuring good compatibility of focused waves and plane waves within the same ultrasound system.

[0011] Preferably, the echo data is transformed based on a preset transformation algorithm to obtain the first image data, including:

[0012] Based on the coordinate system transformation algorithm, the echo data is transformed to the Cartesian coordinate system to obtain the third image data;

[0013] Based on the interpolation algorithm, bilinear interpolation is performed on the third image data to obtain the first image data.

[0014] As a preferred option, the interpolation algorithm is:

[0015]

[0016] Where Pixel_Echo(m,n) is the pixel value of each pixel in the first image data, Echo is the third image data, a1, a2, a3 and a4 are interpolation coefficients, c is the element number, k is the frame number of the echo signal, l is the line number and p is the point number.

[0017] Preferably, the first image data is subjected to signal-level processing and image-level processing to obtain the second image data, including:

[0018] The first image data is processed at the signal level, and based on the preset mask data, the processed first image data is masked to obtain the fourth image data.

[0019] Image-level processing is performed on the fourth image data to obtain the second image data.

[0020] Preferably, signal-level processing includes modulus processing, logarithmic compression processing, frame correlation processing, gain processing, and dynamic range processing.

[0021] Preferably, image-level processing includes speckle suppression, image enhancement, pseudo-color mapping, and grayscale mapping.

[0022] Preferably, the preset mask data includes preset mask data corresponding to linear array probes, convex array probes, or phased array probes.

[0023] Secondly, this application provides an ultrasound imaging device, comprising:

[0024] The scanning module is used to scan the target object based on the target ultrasonic signal to obtain echo data. The target ultrasonic signal is a focused wave signal or a plane wave signal.

[0025] The transformation module is used to transform the echo data based on a preset transformation algorithm to obtain the first image data. The preset transformation algorithm includes a coordinate system transformation algorithm and an interpolation algorithm.

[0026] The processing module is used to perform signal-level processing and image-level processing on the first image data to obtain the second image data;

[0027] The mask module is used to mask the second image data based on preset mask data to obtain the target ultrasound image.

[0028] Thirdly, this application provides a computer device including a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, implements the ultrasound imaging method as described in the first aspect.

[0029] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the ultrasound imaging method as described in the first aspect.

[0030] It should be noted that the beneficial effects of the second to fourth aspects mentioned above can be found in the relevant description of the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the ultrasound imaging method in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating data transformation as shown in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating mask data is provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasound imaging device shown in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device shown in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] As documented in relevant technical records, the imaging principles of focused wave imaging and plane wave imaging are different. Focused wave imaging focuses on hardware implementation (such as FPGA, CPU, etc.), while plane wave imaging focuses on software implementation (such as GPU). Therefore, how to achieve good compatibility between focused wave imaging and plane wave imaging in the same system has become a difficult problem.

[0038] To address this, this application provides an ultrasound imaging method. The method involves scanning a target object based on a focused wave signal or a plane wave signal to obtain echo data. Then, based on a preset transformation algorithm, the echo data is transformed to obtain first image data, restoring sparsely sampled data to image data consistent with the probe shape. Next, the first image data undergoes signal-level and image-level processing to obtain second image data. This processing at both the signal and image levels ensures that focused waves and plane waves are simultaneously compatible with the same ultrasound system, allowing the ultrasound system to quickly switch between focused waves and plane waves without requiring two separate imaging algorithms. Finally, based on preset mask data, the second image data is masked to obtain a target ultrasound image, eliminating invalid information in the second image data and ensuring good compatibility between focused waves and plane waves within the same ultrasound system.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an ultrasound imaging method provided in an embodiment of this application. The ultrasound imaging method of this application can be applied to computer equipment, including but not limited to ultrasound equipment such as medical color Doppler ultrasound machines. Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasound imaging method of this embodiment includes steps S101 to S104, which are described in detail below:

[0040] Step S101: Based on the target ultrasonic signal, scan the target object to obtain echo data. The target ultrasonic signal is a focused wave signal or a plane wave signal.

[0041] In this step, a focused wave or plane wave is emitted through the probe, and echo data is received and stored. The echo data is denoted as Echo1(c,k,l,p), where c is the number of each array element, k is the frame number or subframe number of the received echo, l is the receiving line number, p is the receiving point number in depth, Echo1(c,k,l,p) is in complex form, with the low-order bits being the real part and the high-order bits being the imaginary part, and i is the data bit width of Real(c,k,l,p) and Img(c,k,l,p). The echo data is as follows:

[0042] Echo1(c,k,l,p)=Real(c,k,l,p)+Img(c,k,l,p)<<i.

[0043] Step S102: Based on a preset transformation algorithm, the echo data is transformed to obtain first image data. The preset transformation algorithm includes a coordinate system transformation algorithm and an interpolation algorithm.

[0044] In this step, the preset transformation algorithm also includes mask image calculation. Optionally, one or more complete subframe echo data are acquired for transformation processing, where the focused wave is a complete frame of echo data, and the plane wave is echo data synthesized from multiple subframes. Specifically, after acquiring one frame of focused wave, a coordinate system transformation is directly performed to convert it into image data; after acquiring multiple frames of plane wave subframe data, the multiple subframe data are first accumulated and then a coordinate system transformation is performed to convert it into one frame of image data.

[0045] Optionally, the real and imaginary parts of a complex number are subjected to the same coordinate system transformation. The real and imaginary parts of a complex number of baseband data are stored and transmitted using a control word, each occupying half the bit width of the control word.

[0046] Step S103: Perform signal-level processing and image-level processing on the first image data to obtain the second image data.

[0047] In this step, signal-level processing can be implemented using hardware such as FPGA or CPU, while image-level processing can be implemented using hardware such as GPU.

[0048] Step S104: Based on preset mask data, mask the second image data to obtain the target ultrasound image.

[0049] In this step, the mask overlay can be a multiplication, addition, or judgment operation, that is, using preset mask data to perform multiplication, addition, or judgment operations on the second image data.

[0050] Optionally, Figure 3 The diagram shows the preset mask data. The preset mask data includes preset mask data corresponding to linear array probes, convex array probes, or phased array probes.

[0051] It should be noted that, since sparse data cannot completely occupy every pixel of the image, and the image contains both valid and invalid ultrasound information, this embodiment uses a mask (m,n) to record the valid and invalid ultrasound information. Mask (m,n) can be defined as 1 bit data, such as... Figure 3 In the middle, region 0 contains valid information, and region 1 contains invalid information.

[0052] Optionally, the effective region mask information is a low bit-width data image, wherein the size of the low bit-width data image is consistent with the size of the output complete frame image data described in the claims. The bit width is defined according to the number of image types. The image types include two-dimensional black and white images, two-dimensional color images, one-dimensional Doppler images, one-dimensional black and white images, and all types derived from these four types of images.

[0053] In one embodiment, in Figure 1 Based on the illustrated embodiment, step S102 includes:

[0054] Based on the coordinate system transformation algorithm, the echo data is transformed to the Cartesian coordinate system to obtain the third image data;

[0055] Based on the interpolation algorithm, bilinear interpolation is performed on the third image data to obtain the first image data.

[0056] In this embodiment, since the actual scanning data obtained consists of scan lines and sampling points, which are related to the shape of the probe, and the sampling data is sparse relative to the image pixel density, it is necessary to restore the sparse sampling data to image data consistent with the probe shape. The restoration process is a coordinate system transformation process. Specifically, the echo data in the polar coordinate system is converted into image data in the Cartesian coordinate system, outputting a frame of focused wave image data or a frame of plane wave image data.

[0057] Optionally, the interpolation algorithm is:

[0058]

[0059] Wherein, Pixel_Echo(m,n) is the pixel value of each pixel in the first image data, Echo is the third image data, a1, a2, a3 and a4 are interpolation coefficients, c is the array element number, k is the frame number of the echo signal, l is the line number, and p is the point number.

[0060] In this optional embodiment, the interpolation algorithm is a bilinear interpolation algorithm. Bilinear interpolation is simple in principle, has high implementation efficiency, and ensures that the image is not easily distorted, thereby ensuring the accuracy in subsequent image processing.

[0061] In one embodiment, in Figure 1 Based on the illustrated embodiment, step S103 includes:

[0062] The first image data is subjected to signal-level processing, and based on the preset mask data, the first image data after signal-level processing is masked to obtain the fourth image data.

[0063] The fourth image data is processed at the image level to obtain the second image data.

[0064] In this embodiment, optionally, the signal-level processing includes modulus processing, logarithmic compression processing, frame correlation processing, gain processing, and dynamic range processing.

[0065] Optionally, the image-level processing includes speckle suppression processing, image enhancement processing, pseudo-color mapping processing, and grayscale mapping processing.

[0066] To perform the ultrasound imaging method corresponding to the above method embodiments, in order to achieve the corresponding functions and technical effects, see [link to documentation]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a structural block diagram of an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment of this application. For ease of explanation, only the parts relevant to this embodiment are shown. The ultrasound imaging device provided in this embodiment includes:

[0067] Scanning module 401 is used to scan a target object based on a target ultrasonic signal to obtain echo data, wherein the target ultrasonic signal is a focused wave signal or a plane wave signal;

[0068] The transformation module 402 is used to transform the echo data based on a preset transformation algorithm to obtain first image data. The preset transformation algorithm includes a coordinate system transformation algorithm and an interpolation algorithm.

[0069] Processing module 403 is used to perform signal-level processing and image-level processing on the first image data to obtain second image data;

[0070] The mask module 404 is used to mask the second image data based on preset mask data to obtain a target ultrasound image.

[0071] Optionally, the transformation module 402 is specifically used for:

[0072] Based on the coordinate system transformation algorithm, the echo data is transformed to the Cartesian coordinate system to obtain the third image data;

[0073] Based on the interpolation algorithm, bilinear interpolation is performed on the third image data to obtain the first image data.

[0074] Optionally, the interpolation algorithm is:

[0075]

[0076] Wherein, Pixel_Echo(m,n) is the pixel value of each pixel in the first image data, Echo is the third image data, a1, a2, a3 and a4 are interpolation coefficients, c is the array element number, k is the frame number of the echo signal, l is the line number, and p is the point number.

[0077] Optionally, the processing module 403 is specifically used for:

[0078] The first image data is subjected to signal-level processing, and based on the preset mask data, the first image data after signal-level processing is masked to obtain the fourth image data.

[0079] The fourth image data is processed at the image level to obtain the second image data.

[0080] Optionally, the signal-level processing includes modulus processing, logarithmic compression processing, frame correlation processing, gain processing, and dynamic range processing.

[0081] Optionally, the image-level processing includes speckle suppression processing, image enhancement processing, pseudo-color mapping processing, and grayscale mapping processing.

[0082] Optionally, the preset mask data includes preset mask data corresponding to linear array probes, convex array probes, or phased array probes.

[0083] The ultrasound imaging device described above can implement the ultrasound imaging method of the above method embodiments. The options in the above method embodiments are also applicable to this embodiment, and will not be detailed here. The remaining content of this application's embodiments can be referred to the content of the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0084] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the computer device 5 of this embodiment includes: at least one processor 50 ( Figure 5 (Only one is shown) a processor, a memory 51, and a computer program 52 stored in the memory 51 and executable on the at least one processor 50, wherein the processor 50 executes the computer program 52 to implement the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0085] The computer device 5 may be a computing device such as a medical ultrasound machine. This computer device may include, but is not limited to, a processor 50 and a memory 51. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 5The computer device 5 is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device 5. It may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or different components, such as input / output devices, network access devices, etc.

[0086] The processor 50 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0087] In some embodiments, the memory 51 may be an internal storage unit of the computer device 5, such as a hard disk or memory of the computer device 5. In other embodiments, the memory 51 may be an external storage device of the computer device 5, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital card (SD), flash card, etc., equipped on the computer device 5. Furthermore, the memory 51 may include both internal and external storage units of the computer device 5. The memory 51 is used to store the operating system, applications, bootloader, data, and other programs, such as the program code of the computer program. The memory 51 can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0088] In addition, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0089] This application provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer device, enables the computer device to execute the steps described in the various method embodiments above.

[0090] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it will be understood that each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than those shown in the figures. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved.

[0091] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0092] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. In particular, it should be noted that any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application for those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An ultrasound imaging method, characterized in that, include: Based on the target ultrasonic signal, the target object is scanned to obtain echo data, wherein the target ultrasonic signal is a focused wave signal or a plane wave signal; Based on a preset transformation algorithm, the echo data is transformed to obtain first image data. The preset transformation algorithm includes a coordinate system transformation algorithm and an interpolation algorithm. The preset transformation algorithm also includes mask image calculation. The first image data is subjected to signal-level processing and image-level processing to obtain the second image data; Based on preset mask data, the second image data is masked to obtain the target ultrasound image; The step of performing signal-level processing and image-level processing on the first image data to obtain the second image data includes: The first image data is subjected to signal-level processing, and based on the preset mask data, the first image data after signal-level processing is masked to obtain the fourth image data. The fourth image data is processed at the image level to obtain the second image data.

2. The ultrasound imaging method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The process of transforming the echo data based on a preset transformation algorithm to obtain first image data includes: Based on the coordinate system transformation algorithm, the echo data is transformed to the Cartesian coordinate system to obtain the third image data; Based on the interpolation algorithm, bilinear interpolation is performed on the third image data to obtain the first image data.

3. The ultrasound imaging method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The interpolation algorithm is as follows: ； in, For each pixel of the first image data, For third image data, , , and These are the interpolation coefficients. Number the array elements. The frame number of the echo signal. Line number It is a period.

4. The ultrasound imaging method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The signal-level processing includes modulus processing, logarithmic compression processing, frame correlation processing, gain processing, and dynamic range processing.

5. The ultrasound imaging method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The image-level processing includes speckle suppression, image enhancement, pseudo-color mapping, and grayscale mapping.

6. The ultrasound imaging method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The preset mask data includes preset mask data corresponding to linear array probes, convex array probes, or phased array probes.

7. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, include: The scanning module is used to scan the target object based on the target ultrasonic signal to obtain echo data, wherein the target ultrasonic signal is a focused wave signal or a plane wave signal; The transformation module is used to transform the echo data based on a preset transformation algorithm to obtain first image data. The preset transformation algorithm includes a coordinate system transformation algorithm and an interpolation algorithm. The processing module is used to perform signal-level processing and image-level processing on the first image data to obtain the second image data; A mask module is used to mask the second image data based on preset mask data to obtain a target ultrasound image; The processing module is specifically used for: The first image data is subjected to signal-level processing, and based on the preset mask data, the first image data after signal-level processing is masked to obtain the fourth image data. The fourth image data is processed at the image level to obtain the second image data.

8. A computer device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program that, when executed by the processor, implements the ultrasound imaging method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the ultrasound imaging method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images