Ultrasound imaging method, apparatus, computer device and storage medium

Abstract

The application relates to an ultrasonic imaging method, device, computer equipment and storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: determining the time delay of each pixel point in a first imaging area according to the echo signal of a focused wave in a point source model, and then determining the time delay of a second pixel point in a second imaging area according to a plurality of first pixel points in the first imaging area; the imaging quality of the first imaging area is higher than that of the second imaging area, wherein the second pixel point is located in the area formed by the first pixel points, so as to obtain an ultrasonic image according to the time delay of each first pixel point in the first imaging area and the time delay of each second pixel point in the second imaging area. The imaging quality of the focal point area can be improved in the point source model by using the method.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Dynamic focusing of ultrasound waves can improve the imaging quality of ultrasound images. Specifically, in a point source model, the focal point of each emission can be regarded as a virtual point source. The ultrasound waves emitted by these point sources can also achieve the effect of emission focusing through multiple coherent composites, thereby realizing dynamic focusing of ultrasound imaging.

[0003] However, in the point source model, the imaging area narrows near the focal point, resulting in dark area artifacts in the image at the focal point.

[0004] Therefore, how to improve the imaging quality of the focal region in a point source model is a key research topic for researchers in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an ultrasound imaging method, apparatus, computer equipment, and storage medium that can improve the imaging quality of the focal area in response to the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides an ultrasound imaging method. The method includes:

[0007] Based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model, determine the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region;

[0008] The delay time of a second pixel in a second imaging region is determined based on a plurality of first pixels in the first imaging region; the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region; wherein the second pixel is located within the region formed by the plurality of first pixels;

[0009] An ultrasound image is obtained based on the delay time of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay time of each second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0010] Secondly, this application also provides an ultrasound imaging device. The device includes:

[0011] The first determining module is used to determine the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model.

[0012] The second determining module is used to determine the delay time of a second pixel in a second imaging region based on a plurality of first pixels in the first imaging region; the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than the imaging quality of the second imaging region; wherein the second pixel is located within the region formed by the plurality of first pixels;

[0013] The third determining module is used to obtain an ultrasound image based on the delay time of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay time of each second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0014] Thirdly, this application also provides a computer device. The computer device includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to implement the steps of any of the methods described above.

[0015] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the methods described above.

[0016] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the methods described above.

[0017] The aforementioned ultrasound imaging method, apparatus, computer equipment, and storage medium determine the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model, and then determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the multiple first pixels in the first imaging region. The imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region, wherein the second pixel is located within the region composed of multiple first pixels. Thus, an ultrasound image is obtained based on the delay times of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay times of each second pixel in the second imaging region. Since this application determines the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model, and then determines the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the multiple first pixels in the first imaging region, and the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region, in other words, this application indirectly determines the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region with lower quality through the multiple first pixels of the first imaging region with higher imaging quality. Therefore, the accuracy of the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is improved. Furthermore, this application expands the area of ​​the second imaging region. Therefore, this application avoids the problem of dark area artifacts in the focal area caused by the narrowing of the imaging area near the focal point in the point source model of traditional technology, thus improving the imaging quality of the focal area. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of focused wave imaging in this application;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the dark area in this application;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the application environment of the ultrasound imaging method in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the ultrasound imaging method in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first imaging region and the second imaging region in this application;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of interpolation;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a process for determining the delay time of the second pixel in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing that there are three first pixels.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another process for determining the delay time of the second pixel in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of one imaging region in the application;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another process for determining the delay time of the second pixel in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing that there are four first pixels.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining the delay time of the intermediate pixel in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another process for determining the delay time of the second pixel in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another imaging region in this application;

[0033] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the overall process of this application;

[0034] Figure 17This is a schematic diagram of the imaging region of a convex array in the prior art;

[0035] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging region of the convex array in this application;

[0036] Figure 19 This is a structural block diagram of the ultrasound imaging device in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of focused wave imaging in this application, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, taking an ultrasound imaging system comprising array elements and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) as an example, in the point source model, ultrasonic waves are emitted radially to the object to be imaged through the aperture of the moving array element, and echo signals from the object are received. Then, the FPGA calculates the delay of the echo signals based on the spatial position of the object, determines the delay time of each pixel, and reconstructs the ultrasound image based on the delay time of each pixel.

[0039] Combination Figure 1 An array element comprises multiple channels, and a subset of these channels is selected as the emission aperture. When emitting ultrasonic waves, the channels located on either side of the emission aperture typically emit ultrasonic waves first, while the channel in the middle emits ultrasonic waves later, thus achieving the effect of emitting focused waves.

[0040] Furthermore, each channel on the array element can receive echo signals. The FPGA can calculate the transmission and reception delays of each pixel based on the received echo signals, and then reconstruct the imaging area of ​​the ultrasound image based on the delay time of each pixel to determine the echo signal at each moment. Figure 1 The two triangular regions shown. Combined Figure 1 As can be seen, in the point source model, the imaging area narrows near the focal point. Optionally, a delay-and-sum (DAS) method can be used to extract the echo signals from each channel at the corresponding time based on the delay time of each pixel, and then superimpose them to reconstruct the ultrasound image.

[0041] Transmission delay refers to the time from when the ultrasonic wave is emitted from the transmitting channel of the transmitting aperture to when the ultrasonic wave reaches the focal point; reception delay refers to the time from when the ultrasonic wave at the focal point is received by the receiving channel on the array element. The delay time can be the sum of the transmission delay and the reception delay, or it can be either the transmission delay or the reception delay alone.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the dark area in this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the point source model, regardless of how the emission aperture moves, the imaging area determined by the emission delay and the reception delay always narrows near the focal point, resulting in the problem of dark area artifacts in the focal region in ultrasound imaging.

[0043] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an ultrasound imaging method that can improve the imaging quality of the focal region, addressing the aforementioned technical problems. The ultrasound imaging method of this application will be described below.

[0044] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the application environment of the ultrasound imaging method in this application embodiment. The ultrasound imaging method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, for example... Figure 3 The computer device shown is described in this application embodiment. This computer device may be a server, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, and a network interface connected via a system bus. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system, computer programs, and a database. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs in the non-volatile storage media. The database stores relevant data. The network interface communicates with external terminals via a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements an ultrasound imaging method.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 3 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0046] Specifically, the computer device can be a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices; this embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the ultrasound imaging method in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to... Figure 3 In one embodiment of the computer device shown, such as Figure 4 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0048] S401, determine the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first imaging region and the second imaging region in this application. In this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 5 Based on the imaging principle of focused waves, that is, based on the generation characteristics of focused waves, the computer device first determines the focal position in the point source model according to the preset emission focal point. Then, the imaging area in the point source model can be divided into a first imaging region and a second imaging region. The first imaging region can be understood as the effective emission area of ​​the ultrasonic wave, and the second imaging region is the focal region, which is the area near the emission focal point. The focal region is set according to actual needs; for example, the computer device uses the set of pixels whose distance from the focal position conforms to a preset distance as the focal region. It can be understood that the first imaging region narrows near the focal region, and the size of both the first and second imaging regions is related to the size of the emission aperture.

[0050] Combination Figure 1 After the emission aperture is moved sequentially, the computer device can acquire the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model. The echo signal of the focused wave may include the amplitude, frequency, etc. of the focused wave, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0051] Furthermore, the computer equipment can determine the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model and using the delay calculation principle of focused wave imaging. The delay time of each pixel can be the sum of its transmission delay and reception delay, or it can be the transmission delay of that pixel alone.

[0052] Combination Figure 5Assuming the first imaging region includes pixels 1 to 100, the computer device can determine the delay time 1 to delay time 100 corresponding to pixels 1 to 100 based on the delay calculation principle of focused wave imaging.

[0053] S402, based on the plurality of first pixels in the first imaging region, determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region; the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than the imaging quality of the second imaging region; wherein, the second pixel is located in the region composed of the plurality of first pixels.

[0054] In this embodiment, the computer device determines a plurality of first pixels based on each pixel in the first imaging region, and determines the delay time of the second pixels in the second imaging region based on the plurality of first pixels in the first imaging region. The imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region. Imaging quality includes at least one of image signal uniformity and spatial resolution. For example, the image signal uniformity of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region, and the spatial resolution of the first imaging region is greater than that of the second imaging region.

[0055] Combination Figure 5 For example, assuming the first imaging region includes pixels 1 to 100, the computer device can determine the delay time of the second pixel 1 in the second imaging region based on pixels 1 to 3; and determine the delay time of the second pixel 2 in the second imaging region based on pixels 4 to 6, and so on. Thus, the second imaging region will include at least one second pixel. It is understandable that the computer device will determine the delay times of multiple second pixels in the second imaging region to expand the area of ​​the second imaging region.

[0056] Traditional time delay calculation methods can only determine the time delay of one or a few focal points in the second imaging region; for example, only determining the time delay of a focal point in the second imaging region. Figure 1 The image shows the delay time at the focal point. In this case, the imaging area narrows near the focal point, resulting in dark area artifacts in the image at the focal point.

[0057] In this embodiment, after obtaining the delay time of the first imaging region, the computer device will determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the multiple first pixels in the first imaging region.

[0058] It should be noted that the area formed by multiple first pixels in the first imaging region needs to cover the second pixel in the second imaging region; that is, the second pixel is located within the area formed by the multiple first pixels. For example, second pixel 1 in the second imaging region is located within the triangle formed by pixels 1 to 3 in the first imaging region. In other words, the area formed by the multiple first pixels overlaps with the second imaging region. That is, the triangle formed by pixels 1 to 3 in the first imaging region overlaps with the second imaging region.

[0059] Optionally, the second imaging region can be divided into multiple sub-regions. The second pixel in each sub-region is interpolated by a set of first pixels (i.e. multiple first pixels). Different multiple first pixels also correspond to different second pixels. For example, first pixel 1 to first pixel 3 determine second pixel 1, and first pixel 4 to first pixel 6 determine second pixel 2.

[0060] One method for determining the delay time of a second pixel in a second imaging region based on a plurality of first pixels in a first imaging region is as follows: a computer device uses an interpolation method to determine the delay time of a second pixel in a second imaging region based on a plurality of first pixels in the first imaging region.

[0061] Another way to determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on multiple first pixels in the first imaging region is: the computer device uses a trained computing model to input multiple first pixels in the first imaging region and determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0062] Of course, the computer device can also determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on multiple first pixels in the first imaging region in other ways, and this embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0063] S403, an ultrasound image is obtained based on the delay time of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay time of each second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0064] In this embodiment, after determining the delay time of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay time of each second pixel in the second imaging region, the computer device can reconstruct an ultrasound image based on the delay time of each first pixel and the delay time of each second pixel.

[0065] The ultrasound imaging method provided in this application determines the delay time of each pixel in a first imaging region based on the echo signal of the focused wave in a point source model, and then determines the delay time of a second pixel in a second imaging region based on multiple first pixels in the first imaging region. The imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region. The second pixel is located within the region composed of multiple first pixels. Thus, an ultrasound image is obtained based on the delay times of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay times of each second pixel in the second imaging region. Since this application determines the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model, and then determines the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on multiple first pixels in the first imaging region, and the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region, in other words, this application indirectly determines the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region (which has lower imaging quality) through multiple first pixels in the first imaging region (which has higher imaging quality). Therefore, it improves the accuracy of the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region. Furthermore, this application expands the area of ​​the second imaging region. Therefore, this application avoids the problem of dark area artifacts in the focal area caused by the narrowing of the imaging area near the focal point in the point source model of traditional technology, thus improving the imaging quality of the focal area.

[0066] Optionally, in step S402 above, determining the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on multiple first pixels in the first imaging region can be achieved in the following way:

[0067] Based on the delay time of multiple first pixels and the position information of multiple first pixels, the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined.

[0068] In this embodiment, the computer device determines the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the delay times of multiple first pixels and the position information of the multiple first pixels. The delay time of the first pixels is determined according to the delay calculation principle of focused wave imaging, and the position information of the first pixels is determined based on the preset position information of array elements and the wave velocity of the ultrasonic wave.

[0069] Specifically, the computer device can determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region by using interpolation based on the delay time of multiple first pixels and the position information of multiple first pixels.

[0070] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of interpolation. Since the delay time of the focal region is difficult to calculate directly, in a specific embodiment, the computer device selects a first pixel in the first imaging region and obtains the delay time of a second pixel in the second imaging region through interpolation.

[0071] To ensure that the imaging in the second imaging region does not exhibit significant abrupt changes, the second imaging region should be configured to allow for overlap between adjacent emission points. Taking a linear array as an example, such as... Figure 6 As shown in (a), the computer device can select five first pixels from the first imaging region to form two triangles, and use the area relationship of the triangles to interpolate to determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region. Figure 6 As shown in (b), the computer device can also select four first pixels from the first imaging region and use bilinear interpolation to determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0072] This embodiment determines the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the delay times and position information of multiple first pixels. Since the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined based on the delay times and position information of multiple first pixels, the accuracy of the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is improved. Furthermore, this application expands the area of ​​the second imaging region. Therefore, this application avoids the problem of the imaging region narrowing near the focal point in the point source model of traditional technology, which leads to dark area artifacts in the image of the focal area, thus improving the imaging quality of the focal area.

[0073] Optionally, the first imaging region includes a first part and a second part, which are located on both sides of the second imaging region, and the number of multiple first pixels is at least three.

[0074] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 5 Based on the characteristics of the focused wave, the first imaging region includes a first part and a second part located on both sides of the second imaging region. Specifically, the computer device presets the emission focus based on the generation characteristics of the focused wave, then determines the focus position in the point source model based on the preset emission focus, and then determines the second imaging region based on the focus position. Then, based on the channel size and number of array elements and the characteristic that the first imaging region will narrow near the second imaging region, the first part and the second part of the first imaging region are determined.

[0075] To improve the accuracy of the determined second pixel, the computer device needs to determine the delay time of the second pixel in at least one second imaging region using the delay time and position information of at least three first pixels in the first imaging region. It is understood that, since the second pixel needs to be located within the region composed of multiple first pixels, the first part and the second part each include at least one of the at least three first pixels.

[0076] For example, refer to Figure 6 In (a), the computer device determines the second pixel 1 through first pixel 1 to first pixel 3, and determines the second pixel 2 through first pixel 4 to first pixel 6. The first part includes first pixel 1 and first pixel 2, and the second part includes first pixel 3. Thus, the second pixel 1 is located within the triangular region enclosed by first pixel 1 to first pixel 3.

[0077] In an optional embodiment, the computer device may select a pixel near the edge of the first imaging region as the first pixel to improve the efficiency of determining the delay time of the second pixel.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first imaging region includes a first portion and a second portion located on both sides of the second imaging region, and the number of multiple first pixels is at least three. Since at least three first pixels are selected from the first portion and the second portion of the first imaging region, and the first portion and the second portion each include at least one of the at least three first pixels, the accuracy of the delay time of the determined second pixel is improved.

[0079] The following will describe the process of determining the delay time of one second pixel using three first pixels.

[0080] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a process for determining the delay time of the second pixel in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 7 This embodiment relates to an optional implementation of how to determine the delay time of a second pixel in a second imaging region. Based on the above embodiment, the number of multiple first pixels is three. The method for determining the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the delay times and position information of the multiple first pixels includes the following steps:

[0081] S701, based on the position information of any two first pixels among a plurality of first pixels and the position information of second pixels in the second imaging region, determine the first area of ​​the region enclosed by any two first pixels and the second pixels in the second imaging region.

[0082] In this embodiment, taking the determination of a second pixel by three first pixels as an example, please refer to... Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where there are three first pixels. (Example) Figure 8 As shown, A, B, and C are three first pixels selected by the computer device from the first imaging region, and point P is a second pixel in the second imaging region to be determined.

[0083] Based on the physical position of the probe in the imaging device, the computer device can know the positional information of A, B, C, and P. Therefore, the computer device can determine the first area of ​​the region enclosed by any two first pixels and the second pixel in the second imaging region; that is, the computer device can determine the first area S of ΔABP, ΔACP, and ΔBCP. ΔABP S ΔACP and S ΔBCP .

[0084] S702, determine the second area of ​​the region enclosed by the multiple first pixels based on the position information of the multiple first pixels.

[0085] In this embodiment, please continue to refer to Figure 8 Based on the position information of the three first pixels A, B, and C, the computer device can also determine the second area S of ΔABC. ΔABC .

[0086] Specifically, taking the area calculation of ΔABC as an example, assuming the coordinates of the vertices A, B, and C of the triangle are (x1, y1), (x2, y2), and (x3, y3) respectively, then the second area S of ΔABF is... ΔABC It satisfies the following equation (1), and the first area is similar, so it will not be repeated here.

[0087] S ΔABC =0.5*|x1*(y2-y3)+x2*(y3-y1)+x3*(y1-x2)| (1)

[0088] S703, determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on each first area, the second area, and the delay time of multiple first pixels.

[0089] In this embodiment, please continue to refer to Figure 8 After the computer equipment determined each first area S ΔABP S ΔACP and S ΔBCP And the second area S ΔABC After that, it is possible to determine the first area S based on each ΔABP S ΔACP and S ΔBCP Second area S ΔABCThe delay time t between the first pixel points A, B, and C A t B t C Determine the delay time t of the second pixel point P in the second imaging region. P .

[0090] One method for determining the delay time t of the second pixel point P is... P The method is as follows: The computer device uses the ratio between the first area and the second area to determine the weights of each first pixel point A, B, and C. Then, using the delay time of the first pixel points, the delay time t of the second pixel point P is determined by weighted summation. P .

[0091] Another way to determine the delay time t of the second pixel P P The method is as follows: After determining the weights of each first pixel A, B, and C using the ratio between the first and second areas, the computer device optimizes and corrects the weights of each first pixel A, B, and C. For example, it performs multiple calculations to calculate the average weight of the first pixel A, B, and C, or it rounds up the weights of the first pixel A, B, and C. Then, the computer device uses the delay time of the first pixel and determines the delay time t of the second pixel P by weighted summation. P .

[0092] Of course, the computer device can also determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region in other ways based on the delay time of each first area, the second area and the multiple first pixels. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions.

[0093] This embodiment determines the first area of ​​the region enclosed by any two first pixels and the second pixels in the second imaging region based on the position information of any two first pixels among a plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixels in the second imaging region. It then determines the second area of ​​the region enclosed by the plurality of first pixels based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels. Finally, based on the first area, the second area, and the delay time of the plurality of first pixels, the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined. Since the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is indirectly determined based on the first area, the second area, and the delay time of the plurality of first pixels, the accuracy of the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is improved. Furthermore, it expands the area of ​​the second imaging region, avoiding the problem of dark area artifacts in the focal region of the image, which occurs in the point source model of traditional techniques due to the narrowing of the imaging region near the focal point.

[0094] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another process for determining the delay time of the second pixel in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 9This embodiment relates to an optional implementation of how to determine the delay time of a second pixel in a second imaging region. Based on the above embodiment, step S303, which determines the delay time of a second pixel in a second imaging region according to each first area, the second area, and the delay times of multiple first pixels, includes the following steps:

[0095] S901, determine the first ratio of each first area to the second area.

[0096] In this embodiment, please continue to refer to Figure 8 The computer equipment determines a first ratio between each first area and a second area, i.e., the first area S ΔABP With the second area S ΔABC First ratio First area S ΔACP With the second area S ΔABC First ratio First area S ΔBCP With the second area S ΔABC First ratio

[0097] S902, determine the first product of the first ratio corresponding to each first area and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first area; the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each first area is determined based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not form the first area.

[0098] In this embodiment, the computer device determines the first product of the first ratio corresponding to each first area and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first area. (See reference...) Figure 8 Because of S ΔABP If the first pixel C is not included, then The delay time of the corresponding first pixel is t C Similarly, The delay time of the corresponding first pixel is t B , The delay time of the corresponding first pixel is t A Then the computer device determines the first product result.

[0099] S903, the summation result of the first product results corresponding to each first area is used as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0100] In this embodiment, the computer device uses the summation of the first product results corresponding to each first area as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region. That is, the computer device determines the delay time t of the second pixel P according to the following formula (2). P .

[0101]

[0102] Therefore, the computer device determined the delay time t of the second pixel. P It is understandable that the above explanation uses the process of calculating a single second pixel as an example. Generally, computer devices can determine the delay time of multiple second pixels in the second imaging region to expand the area of ​​the second imaging region, thereby achieving... Figure 6 The effect shown in (1) is illustrated.

[0103] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of one imaging region in the application, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the second imaging region is the area indicated by the diagonal line. Figure 6 Based on (a), in the point source model of this application, the determined first and second imaging regions will not narrow near the focal point, which solves the problem of the imaging region narrowing near the focal point in the traditional technology, resulting in dark artifacts in the focal area in ultrasound imaging.

[0104] This embodiment determines a first ratio between each first area and a second area, and determines a first product of the first ratio corresponding to each first area and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each first area. The delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each first area is determined based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not enclose the first area. Therefore, the sum of the first product results corresponding to each first area is used as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region. Since the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is based on the sum of the first product results corresponding to each first area, the accuracy of the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is improved. Furthermore, it expands the area of ​​the second imaging region, avoiding the problem of dark area artifacts in the focal region of the image, which occurs in the point source model of traditional techniques due to the narrowing of the imaging region near the focal point.

[0105] The above example uses the delay time of determining one second pixel using three first pixels. The following will describe the process of determining the delay time of one second pixel using four first pixels. It is understood that the first part and the second part each include at least one of the four first pixels. If the second pixel 1 is determined using first pixels 1 to 4, the first part and the second part each include at least one of the first pixels 1 to 4. For example, the first part includes first pixels 1 and 2, and the second part includes first pixels 3 and 4; or the first part includes first pixels 1 to 3, and the second part includes first pixel 4.

[0106] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram illustrating another process for determining the delay time of the second pixel in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 11 This embodiment relates to an optional implementation of how to determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region. Based on the above embodiment, the number of multiple first pixels is four. The above-mentioned method of determining the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the delay time and position information of the multiple first pixels includes the following steps:

[0107] S1101, based on the position information of multiple first pixels and the position information of second pixels in the second imaging region, determine the delay time of the intermediate pixel; the intermediate pixel is the intersection of the first straight line and the second straight line, the first straight line is the straight line passing through the second pixel in the second imaging region, and the second straight line is the line connecting the first pixel in the first part and the first pixel in the second part.

[0108] In this embodiment, taking the determination of one second pixel by four first pixels as an example, please refer to... Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where there are four first pixels. Figure 12 As shown, A, B, C, and D are four first pixels selected by the computer device from the first imaging region, and point P is a second pixel in the second imaging region to be determined.

[0109] Connect points A and B to obtain line segment AB, connect points C and D to obtain line segment CD, and then draw a straight line through point P, intersecting lines AB and CD at points E and F respectively.

[0110] It should be noted that, taking the example that the first part and the second part each include 2 first pixels, the first part may also include 1 first pixel and the second part may include 3 second pixels; or the first part may include 3 first pixels and the second part may include 1 pixel. As long as the first part and the second part each include at least one of the 4 first pixels, that is, the second pixel is located in the area enclosed by the four first pixels, this embodiment does not impose any restrictions.

[0111] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 12 The first straight line is the straight line that passes through the second pixel point P in the second imaging region, that is, the straight line where line segment EF is located. When determining the first straight line, the computer device can select a straight line from the straight lines passing through point P as the first straight line according to preset rules, such as selecting a straight line parallel to the array element from the straight lines passing through point P as the first straight line.

[0112] The second straight line is the line connecting the first pixel in the first part and the first pixel in the second part, that is, line segment AB and line segment CD.

[0113] The middle pixel is the intersection of the first and second straight lines, meaning the computer device uses points E and F as the middle pixels.

[0114] Furthermore, the computer device can determine the delay time of point P. Specifically, the computer device uses the delay times t of A, B, C, and D. A t B t C t D By interpolating separately, the delay time t at points E and F can be calculated. E t F ,

[0115] Taking the middle pixel E as an example, one method for determining the delay time t between the middle pixels E and F is... E t F The method is as follows: The computer equipment uses the proportional relationship between line segments AE and EB to calculate the weight of the intermediate pixel E, and then uses the delay times of the first pixels A and B to determine the delay time t of the intermediate pixel E by weighted summation. E Similarly, computer equipment can also determine the delay time t of the intermediate pixel F. F .

[0116] Another way to determine the delay time t of intermediate pixels E and F E t F The method is as follows: The computer equipment calculates the weight of the middle pixel E using the proportional relationship between line segments AE and EB. Then, it optimizes and corrects the weight of the middle pixel E, for example, by performing multiple calculations to obtain the average weight of the middle pixel E, or by rounding the weight of the middle pixel E up. Finally, the computer equipment uses the delay times of the first pixels A and B to determine the delay time t of the middle pixel E through a weighted summation. E The delay time t of the middle pixel F F Similarly.

[0117] Since the proportional relationship between line segment AE and line segment EB needs to be determined by the Euclidean distance between AE and EB, it is also necessary to utilize the positional information of multiple first pixels and the positional information of second pixels in the second imaging region.

[0118] S1102, determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel.

[0119] In this embodiment, the computer device determines the delay time t of the intermediate pixels E and F. E t F Then, based on the delay time t of the intermediate pixel, Et F Determine the delay time t of the second pixel point P in the second imaging region. P .

[0120] Please continue to combine Figure 12 A method for determining the delay time t of the second pixel point P P The method is as follows: The computer equipment uses the ratio between EP and FP to determine the weights of each intermediate pixel E and F. Then, using the delay times of the intermediate pixels, the delay time t of the second pixel P is determined by weighted summation. P .

[0121] Another way to determine the delay time t of the second pixel P P The method is as follows: After determining the weights of each intermediate pixel E and F using the ratio of EP to FP, the computer device optimizes and corrects the weights of each intermediate pixel E and F. For example, it performs multiple calculations to calculate the average weight of the intermediate pixel E and F, or it rounds up the weights of the intermediate pixel E and F. Then, the computer device uses the delay time of the intermediate pixels and determines the delay time t of the second pixel P by weighted summation. P .

[0122] Of course, the computer device can also determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel in other ways, and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions.

[0123] Therefore, the computer device determined the delay time t of the second pixel. P It is understandable that the above explanation uses the process of calculating a single second pixel as an example. Generally, computer devices can determine the delay time of multiple second pixels in the second imaging region to expand the area of ​​the second imaging region, thereby achieving... Figure 6 The effect is illustrated in (b).

[0124] This embodiment determines the delay time of an intermediate pixel based on the position information of multiple first pixels and the position information of second pixels in the second imaging region. The intermediate pixel includes the intersection of a first straight line and a second straight line. The first straight line passes through the second pixel in the second imaging region, and the second straight line connects the first pixels in the first part and the first pixels in the second part. The delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel. Since the delay time of the intermediate pixel can be determined first using the position information of multiple first pixels and the position information of second pixels in the second imaging region, and then the delay time of the second pixel can be indirectly determined based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel, the accuracy of the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is improved. Furthermore, this application expands the area of ​​the second imaging region. Therefore, this application avoids the problem of the imaging region narrowing near the focal point in the point source model of traditional technology, which leads to dark area artifacts in the image of the focal area, thus improving the imaging quality of the focal area.

[0125] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining the delay time of intermediate pixels in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 13 This embodiment relates to an optional implementation of how to determine the delay time of an intermediate pixel. Based on the above embodiment, step S1101, which determines the delay time of an intermediate pixel based on the position information of multiple first pixels and the position information of second pixels in the second imaging region, includes the following steps:

[0126] S1301, based on the position information of multiple first pixels and the position information of second pixels in the second imaging region, determine the first distance between the middle pixel on the second straight line and each first pixel, and the second distance between two first pixels on the second straight line.

[0127] In this embodiment, please continue to refer to Figure 12 Assuming the coordinates of A, B, C, D, E, and F are (x1, y1), (x2, y2), (x3, y3), (x4, y4), (x5, y5), and (x6, y6) respectively, the computer device can determine the first distance D using the coordinates of A, B, C, D, E, and F. AE D BE D CF and D DF And the second distance D AB and D CD Among them, the first distance D AE D EB D CF and D FDThe distances between the middle pixels E and F on the second straight line and the first pixels A, B, C, and D, and the second distance D. AB and D CD These are the distances between the two first pixels on the second straight lines AB and CD, respectively.

[0128] Among them, D BE Let D be the Euclidean distance of line segment BE. AE Let D be the Euclidean distance of line segment AE. AB D is the Euclidean distance of line segment AB; DF Let D be the Euclidean distance of line segment DF. CF Let D be the Euclidean distance of line segment CF. CD Let be the Euclidean distance of line segment CD.

[0129] With D AB For example, D AB It is determined by the following formula (3), and the others are similar, so it will not be repeated here.

[0130]

[0131] S1302, determine the second ratio of each first distance to the second distance.

[0132] In this embodiment, the computer device determines the first distance D. AE D BE D CF and D DF And the second distance D AB and D CD Then, the second ratio of each first distance to the second distance can be determined.

[0133] Specifically, the computer device determines the second ratio of each first distance to the second distance, including and

[0134] S1303, determine the second product result of the second ratio corresponding to each first distance and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first distance; the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each first distance is determined based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not constitute the first distance.

[0135] In this embodiment, the second ratio corresponding to each first distance is... and Since the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each first distance is determined based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not constitute a first distance, therefore The delay time of the corresponding first pixel is t A , The delay time of the corresponding first pixel is t B, The delay time of the corresponding first pixel is t C , The delay time of the corresponding first pixel is t D .

[0136] Furthermore, the computer device determines the second product of the second ratio corresponding to each first distance and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first distance, that is... and

[0137] S1304, the summation of the second product results corresponding to each of the first distances is used as the delay time of the intermediate pixel.

[0138] In this embodiment, the computer device uses the sum of the second product results corresponding to each of the first distances as the delay time of the intermediate pixel. That is, the computer device determines the delay time t of the intermediate pixels E and F according to the following equations (4) and (5). E t F .

[0139]

[0140]

[0141] This embodiment determines the first distance between the intermediate pixel on the second straight line and each of the first pixels, and the second distance between two first pixels on the second straight line, based on the position information of the first pixels among multiple first pixels and the position information of the second pixels in the second imaging region. It also determines the second ratio of each first distance to the second distance, and then determines the second product of the second ratio corresponding to each first distance and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first distance. The delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each first distance is determined based on the delay time of the first pixels that do not constitute the first distance. The sum of the second products corresponding to each first distance is then used as the delay time of the intermediate pixel. Therefore, even with four first pixels, this application can conveniently and quickly interpolate the delay time of the first pixels. Since the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region, the accuracy of the delay time of the second pixels in the second imaging region is also improved. Furthermore, this application expands the area of ​​the second imaging region. Therefore, this application avoids the problem of dark area artifacts in the focal region caused by the narrowing of the imaging region near the focal point in the point source model of traditional technology, thus improving the imaging quality of the focal region.

[0142] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another process for determining the delay time of the second pixel in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 14This embodiment relates to an optional implementation of how to determine the delay time of the second pixel. Based on the above embodiment, step S1102, which determines the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel, includes the following steps:

[0143] S1401, determine the third distance between each intermediate pixel and the second pixel, and the fourth distance between two intermediate pixels.

[0144] In this embodiment, the computer device determines a third distance D between each intermediate pixel point E, F and the second pixel point P. EP D FP And the fourth distance D between the two intermediate pixels E and F. EF Among them, D EP That is, the Euclidean distance D of line segment EP. FP That is, the Euclidean distance of line segment FP, D EF That is, the Euclidean distance of line segment EF, D EP D FP and D EF The calculation method is the same as that of equation (3), and will not be repeated here.

[0145] S1402, determine the third ratio of each third distance to the fourth distance.

[0146] In this embodiment, the computer device also needs to determine the third ratio of each third distance to the fourth distance. as well as

[0147] S1403, determine the third product of the third ratio corresponding to each third distance and the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to the third distance; the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to each third distance is determined based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel that does not constitute the third distance.

[0148] In this embodiment, the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to each third distance is determined based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel that does not constitute the third distance. Therefore, the third distance D EP The delay time of the corresponding intermediate pixel is t F The third distance D FP The delay time of the corresponding intermediate pixel is t E .

[0149] Furthermore, the computer device determines the third product of the third ratio corresponding to each third distance and the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to the third distance, that is... and

[0150] S1404, the summation of the third product results corresponding to each third distance is used as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0151] In this embodiment, the computer device uses the summation of the third product results corresponding to each third distance as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region. That is, the computer device uses interpolation to determine the delay time t of the second pixel P according to the following formula (6). P .

[0152]

[0153] Further combining equations (4) and (5), optionally, the computer device can determine the delay time t of the second pixel P according to the following equation (7). P .

[0154]

[0155] This embodiment determines the third distance between each intermediate pixel and the second pixel, the fourth distance between two intermediate pixels, and the third ratio between each third distance and the fourth distance. Then, it determines the third product of the third ratio corresponding to each third distance and the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to that third distance. The delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to each third distance is determined based on the delay time of the intermediate pixels that do not constitute the third distance. Therefore, the sum of the third products corresponding to each third distance is used as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region. In this way, the computer device can determine the delay time of the second pixel using the intermediate pixels, thereby enabling the determination of the second pixel using four first pixels and avoiding narrowing of the imaging region near the focal point.

[0156] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another imaging region in this application, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the second imaging region is the area indicated by the diagonal line. Figure 6 Based on (b), the first and second imaging regions determined in the point source model of this application will still not narrow near the focal point, thus solving the problem of the imaging region narrowing near the focal point in the traditional technology, which causes dark artifacts in the focal area in ultrasound imaging.

[0157] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the overall process of this application, as shown below. Figure 16 As shown, the computer device can perform the ultrasound imaging method according to the following steps.

[0158] S1601, acquire the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model.

[0159] S1602, based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model, divide the imaging area in the point source model into a first imaging area and a second imaging area.

[0160] S1603 uses the delay calculation principle of the point source model to determine the delay time of the first imaging region.

[0161] S1604, select at least 3 first pixels from the first imaging region.

[0162] S1605, based on the delay times of multiple first pixels and the position information of multiple first pixels, determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region. Specifically, determining the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region can refer to the steps in S701~S703, S901~S903, S1101~S1102, S1301~S1304 and S1401~S1404 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0163] S1606, an ultrasound image is obtained based on the delay time of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay time of each second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0164] It should be noted that the above description of the ultrasonic imaging method in this application takes linear array elements as an example. This ultrasonic imaging method can also be applied to convex array elements and phased array elements. Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging region of a convex array in the prior art. Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the imaging region of the convex array in this application is shown in Figure 17. Figure 18 As shown, in the array elements of the convex array, the ultrasonic imaging method of this application also expands the area of ​​the second imaging region, avoiding the problem of dark area artifacts in the focal region caused by the narrowing of the imaging region near the focal point in the point source model of traditional technology, thus improving the imaging quality of the focal region. The phased array has a similar effect to the convex array, and will not be described in detail here.

[0165] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0166] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides an ultrasound imaging apparatus for implementing the ultrasound imaging method described above. The solution provided by this apparatus is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more ultrasound imaging apparatus embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the ultrasound imaging method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0167] Figure 19 This is a structural block diagram of the ultrasound imaging device in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 19 As shown, an ultrasound imaging device 1900 is provided in this embodiment of the application, including: a first determining module 1901, a second determining module 1902, and a third determining module 1903, wherein:

[0168] The first determining module 1901 is used to determine the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model.

[0169] The second determining module 1902 is used to determine the delay time of a second pixel in a second imaging region based on a plurality of first pixels in the first imaging region; the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region; wherein the second pixel is located in the region composed of a plurality of first pixels.

[0170] The third determining module 1903 is used to obtain an ultrasound image based on the delay time of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay time of each second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0171] The ultrasound imaging apparatus provided in this application determines the delay time of a first imaging region based on the echo signal of the focused wave in a point source model, and then determines the delay time of a second pixel in a second imaging region based on multiple first pixels in each pixel in the first imaging region. The imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region. The second pixel is located within the region composed of multiple first pixels. Thus, an ultrasound image is obtained based on the delay times of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay times of each second pixel in the second imaging region. Since this application determines the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model, and then determines the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on multiple first pixels in the first imaging region, and the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region, in other words, this application indirectly determines the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region with lower quality through multiple first pixels in the first imaging region with higher imaging quality. Therefore, the accuracy of the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is improved. Furthermore, this application expands the area of ​​the second imaging region. Therefore, this application avoids the problem of dark area artifacts in the focal area caused by the narrowing of the imaging area near the focal point in the point source model of traditional technology, thus improving the imaging quality of the focal area.

[0172] Optionally, the second determining module 1902 includes:

[0173] The determining unit is used to determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the delay time of multiple first pixel points and the position information of multiple first pixel points.

[0174] Optionally, the first imaging region includes a first part and a second part, which are located on both sides of the second imaging region, and the number of multiple first pixels is at least three.

[0175] Optionally, the number of multiple first pixels is three, and the determining unit includes:

[0176] The first determining subunit is used to determine the first area of ​​the region enclosed by any two first pixels and the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the position information of any two first pixels among a plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0177] The second determining subunit is used to determine the second area of ​​the region enclosed by the multiple first pixels based on the position information of the multiple first pixels.

[0178] The third determining subunit is used to determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on each first area, the second area, and the delay time of multiple first pixels.

[0179] Optionally, the third determining subunit is specifically used to determine the first ratio of each first area to the second area; determine the first product result of the first ratio corresponding to each first area and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first area; the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each first area is determined based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not form the first area; and the summation result of the first product result corresponding to each first area is used as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0180] Optionally, the number of multiple first pixels is four, and the determining unit includes:

[0181] The fourth determining subunit is used to determine the delay time of the intermediate pixel based on the position information of multiple first pixel points and the position information of the second pixel points in the second imaging region; the intermediate pixel point is the intersection of the first straight line and the second straight line, the first straight line is the straight line passing through the second pixel point in the second imaging region, and the second straight line is the line connecting the first pixel point in the first part and the first pixel point in the second part.

[0182] The fifth determining subunit is used to determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel.

[0183] Optionally, the fourth determining subunit is specifically configured to, based on the position information of the multiple first pixels and the position information of the second pixels in the second imaging region, determine the first distance between the intermediate pixel on the second straight line and each of the first pixels, and the second distance between two first pixels on the second straight line; determine the second ratio of each first distance to the second distance; determine the second product result of the second ratio corresponding to each first distance and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first distance; determine the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each first distance based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not constitute the first distance; and use the summation result of the second product results corresponding to each first distance as the delay time of the intermediate pixel.

[0184] Optionally, the fifth determining subunit is specifically used to determine the third distance between each intermediate pixel and the second pixel, and the fourth distance between two intermediate pixels; determine the third ratio between each third distance and the fourth distance; determine the third product of the third ratio corresponding to each third distance and the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to the third distance; the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to each third distance is determined based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel that does not constitute the third distance; and the summation of the third product results corresponding to each third distance is used as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0185] Each module in the aforementioned ultrasound imaging device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device, or stored in the memory of a computer device as software, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0186] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0187] Based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model, determine the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region;

[0188] Based on a plurality of first pixels in the first imaging region, the delay time of a second pixel in the second imaging region is determined; the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region; wherein, the second pixel is located within the region formed by the plurality of first pixels;

[0189] An ultrasound image is obtained based on the delay time of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay time of each second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0190] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0191] The delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined based on the delay time of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the plurality of first pixels.

[0192] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0193] The first imaging region includes a first part and a second part, which are located on opposite sides of the second imaging region; the number of the plurality of first pixels is at least three.

[0194] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0195] Based on the position information of any two first pixels among the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixel in the second imaging region, a first area of ​​the region enclosed by any two first pixels and the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined; a second area of ​​the region enclosed by the plurality of first pixels is determined based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels; and the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined based on the first area, the second area, and the delay time of the plurality of first pixels.

[0196] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0197] Determine a first ratio between each of the first areas and the second areas; determine a first product of the first ratio corresponding to each of the first areas and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first area; determine the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each of the first areas based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not enclose the first area; and use the sum of the first product results corresponding to each of the first areas as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0198] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0199] Based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixels in the second imaging region, the delay time of the intermediate pixel is determined; the intermediate pixel is the intersection of the first straight line and the second straight line, the first straight line is the straight line passing through the second pixel in the second imaging region, and the second straight line is the line connecting the first pixel in the first part and the first pixel in the second part; based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel, the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined.

[0200] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0201] Based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixels in the second imaging region, a first distance between the intermediate pixel on the second straight line and each of the first pixels, and a second distance between two first pixels on the second straight line are determined; a second ratio of each first distance to the second distance is determined; a second product of the second ratio corresponding to each first distance and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first distance is determined; the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each first distance is determined based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not constitute the first distance; and the summation of the second product results corresponding to each first distance is taken as the delay time of the intermediate pixel.

[0202] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0203] A third distance is determined between each of the intermediate pixels and the second pixel, and a fourth distance is determined between two intermediate pixels; a third ratio of each third distance to the fourth distance is determined; a third product of the third ratio corresponding to each third distance and the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to the third distance is determined; the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to each third distance is determined based on the delay time of the intermediate pixels that do not constitute the third distance; the summation of the third product results corresponding to each third distance is taken as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0204] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program performing the following steps when executed by a processor:

[0205] Based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model, determine the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region;

[0206] Based on a plurality of first pixels in the first imaging region, the delay time of a second pixel in the second imaging region is determined; the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region; wherein, the second pixel is located within the region formed by the plurality of first pixels;

[0207] An ultrasound image is obtained based on the delay time of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay time of each second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0208] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0209] The delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined based on the delay time of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the plurality of first pixels.

[0210] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0211] The first imaging region includes a first part and a second part located on both sides of the second imaging region, and the number of the plurality of first pixels is at least three.

[0212] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0213] Based on the position information of any two first pixels among the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixel in the second imaging region, a first area of ​​the region enclosed by any two first pixels and the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined; a second area of ​​the region enclosed by the plurality of first pixels is determined based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels; and the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined based on the first area, the second area, and the delay time of the plurality of first pixels.

[0214] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0215] Determine a first ratio between each of the first areas and the second areas; determine a first product of the first ratio corresponding to each of the first areas and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first area; determine the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each of the first areas based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not enclose the first area; and use the sum of the first product results corresponding to each of the first areas as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0216] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0217] Based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixels in the second imaging region, the delay time of the intermediate pixel is determined; the intermediate pixel is the intersection of the first straight line and the second straight line, the first straight line is the straight line passing through the second pixel in the second imaging region, and the second straight line is the line connecting the first pixel in the first part and the first pixel in the second part; based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel, the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined.

[0218] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0219] Based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixels in the second imaging region, a first distance between the intermediate pixel on the second straight line and each of the first pixels, and a second distance between two first pixels on the second straight line are determined; a second ratio of each first distance to the second distance is determined; a second product of the second ratio corresponding to each first distance and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first distance is determined; the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each first distance is determined based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not constitute the first distance; and the summation of the second product results corresponding to each first distance is taken as the delay time of the intermediate pixel.

[0220] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0221] A third distance is determined between each of the intermediate pixels and the second pixel, and a fourth distance is determined between two intermediate pixels; a third ratio of each third distance to the fourth distance is determined; a third product of the third ratio corresponding to each third distance and the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to the third distance is determined; the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to each third distance is determined based on the delay time of the intermediate pixels that do not constitute the third distance; the summation of the third product results corresponding to each third distance is taken as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0222] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0223] Based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model, determine the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region;

[0224] Based on a plurality of first pixels in the first imaging region, the delay time of a second pixel in the second imaging region is determined; the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region; wherein, the second pixel is located within the region formed by the plurality of first pixels;

[0225] An ultrasound image is obtained based on the delay time of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay time of each second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0226] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0227] The delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined based on the delay time of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the plurality of first pixels.

[0228] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0229] The first imaging region includes a first part and a second part, which are located on opposite sides of the second imaging region; the number of the plurality of first pixels is at least three.

[0230] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0231] Based on the position information of any two first pixels among the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixel in the second imaging region, a first area of ​​the region enclosed by any two first pixels and the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined; a second area of ​​the region enclosed by the plurality of first pixels is determined based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels; and the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined based on the first area, the second area, and the delay time of the plurality of first pixels.

[0232] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0233] Determine a first ratio between each of the first areas and the second areas; determine a first product of the first ratio corresponding to each of the first areas and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first area; determine the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each of the first areas based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not enclose the first area; and use the sum of the first product results corresponding to each of the first areas as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0234] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0235] Based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixels in the second imaging region, the delay time of the intermediate pixel is determined; the intermediate pixel is the intersection of the first straight line and the second straight line, the first straight line is the straight line passing through the second pixel in the second imaging region, and the second straight line is the line connecting the first pixel in the first part and the first pixel in the second part; based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel, the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined.

[0236] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0237] Based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixels in the second imaging region, a first distance between the intermediate pixel on the second straight line and each of the first pixels, and a second distance between two first pixels on the second straight line are determined; a second ratio of each first distance to the second distance is determined; a second product of the second ratio corresponding to each first distance and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first distance is determined; the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each first distance is determined based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not constitute the first distance; and the summation of the second product results corresponding to each first distance is taken as the delay time of the intermediate pixel.

[0238] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0239] A third distance is determined between each of the intermediate pixels and the second pixel, and a fourth distance is determined between two intermediate pixels; a third ratio of each third distance to the fourth distance is determined; a third product of the third ratio corresponding to each third distance and the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to the third distance is determined; the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to each third distance is determined based on the delay time of the intermediate pixels that do not constitute the third distance; the summation of the third product results corresponding to each third distance is taken as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

[0240] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0241] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0242] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasound imaging method, characterized in that, The method includes: Based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model, determine the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region; Based on a plurality of first pixels in the first imaging region, the delay time of a second pixel in the second imaging region is determined; the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than that of the second imaging region; wherein the second pixel is located within the region formed by the plurality of first pixels; the number of the plurality of first pixels is at least three. An ultrasound image is obtained based on the delay time of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay time of each second pixel in the second imaging region; The step of determining the delay time of a second pixel in the second imaging region based on a plurality of first pixels in the first imaging region includes: Based on the delay time of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the plurality of first pixels, the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined by interpolation.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first imaging region includes a first part and a second part, which are located on opposite sides of the second imaging region.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of the plurality of first pixels is three; the step of determining the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region using interpolation based on the delay time of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the plurality of first pixels includes: Based on the position information of any two first pixels among the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixel in the second imaging region, determine the first area of ​​the region enclosed by any two first pixels and the second pixel in the second imaging region; The second area of ​​the region enclosed by the plurality of first pixels is determined based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels; The delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined based on the delay times of each of the first areas, the second areas, and the plurality of first pixels.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the delay times of each of the first areas, the second areas, and the plurality of first pixels includes: Determine a first ratio between each of the first areas and the second areas; The product of the first ratio corresponding to each of the first areas and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first area is determined; the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each of the first areas is determined based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not enclose the first area; The summation of the first product results corresponding to each of the first areas is used as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of the plurality of first pixels is 4; The step of determining the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region using interpolation based on the delay time of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the plurality of first pixels includes: Based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixels in the second imaging region, the delay time of the intermediate pixel is determined; the intermediate pixel is the intersection of the first straight line and the second straight line, the first straight line is the straight line passing through the second pixel in the second imaging region, and the second straight line is the line connecting the first pixel in the first part and the first pixel in the second part. The delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region is determined based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of determining the delay time of the intermediate pixel based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixel in the second imaging region includes: Based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixels in the second imaging region, a first distance between the middle pixel on the second straight line and each of the first pixels, and a second distance between two first pixels on the second straight line are determined. Determine a second ratio between each of the first distances and the second distances; Determine the second product of the second ratio corresponding to each of the first distances and the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to the first distance; the delay time of the first pixel corresponding to each of the first distances is determined based on the delay time of the first pixel that does not constitute the first distance; The summation of the second product results corresponding to each of the first distances is used as the delay time of the intermediate pixel.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Determining the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel includes: Determine the third distance between each of the intermediate pixels and the second pixel, and the fourth distance between two of the intermediate pixels; Determine a third ratio between each of the third distances and the fourth distance; The third product of the third ratio corresponding to each of the third distances and the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to the third distance is determined; the delay time of the intermediate pixel corresponding to each of the third distances is determined based on the delay time of the intermediate pixel that does not constitute the third distance; The summation of the third product results corresponding to each of the third distances is used as the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of determining the delay time of the intermediate pixel based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixel in the second imaging region includes: Based on the position information of the plurality of first pixels and the position information of the second pixels in the second imaging region, the proportional relationship between the intermediate pixel and the line segment formed by any two of the plurality of first pixels is determined. Calculate the weight of the intermediate pixel based on the aforementioned proportional relationship; The delay time of the intermediate pixel is determined by weighted summation based on the delay times of any two first pixels among the plurality of first pixels and the weight of the intermediate pixel.

9. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, The device includes: The first determining module is used to determine the delay time of each pixel in the first imaging region based on the echo signal of the focused wave in the point source model. The second determining module is configured to determine the delay time of a second pixel in a second imaging region based on a plurality of first pixels in the first imaging region; the imaging quality of the first imaging region is higher than the imaging quality of the second imaging region; wherein the second pixel is located within the region formed by the plurality of first pixels; and the number of the plurality of first pixels is at least three. The third determining module is used to obtain an ultrasound image based on the delay time of each first pixel in the first imaging region and the delay time of each second pixel in the second imaging region; Specifically, the second determining module is used to determine the delay time of the second pixel in the second imaging region by using an interpolation method based on the delay time of the plurality of first pixel points and the position information of the plurality of first pixel points.

10. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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