Beam synthesis method, apparatus, ultrasonic imaging device, and storage medium

Abstract

The application relates to a beam synthesis method and device, an ultrasonic imaging device and a storage medium. The method is applied to an ultrasonic transducer, a transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer comprises at least two sub-arrays; the sub-array comprises at least two array elements; the method comprises the following steps: acquiring a target point of the transducer array; obtaining an equal-phase point of the target point relative to the array element according to the target point; the equal-phase point is located on a receiving line of the sub-array corresponding to the array element; acquiring echo signals at each equal-phase point; the echo signal is a reflected signal based on transmission beam forming of the ultrasonic transducer; at least one echo signal of each sub-array is selected for superposition processing to obtain a synthesis signal at the target point. The method can improve the ultrasonic imaging resolution at the target point.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Subarray beamforming, or microbeamforming, is a multi-stage beamforming method that divides an ultrasonic transducer array into multiple subarrays and performs partial beamforming on the signals from each subarray. With the development of beamforming technology, methods have emerged that allow the system processor to dynamically focus the subarray signals and to receive signals in parallel multi-line configurations. Compared to the traditional method where each element of the probe is connected to the system processor, this reduces the complexity of the subarray processor and maintains a certain imaging frame rate.

[0003] However, current beamforming methods suffer from low imaging resolution. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a beamforming method, apparatus, ultrasonic imaging device, and storage medium that can improve imaging resolution in response to the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a beamforming method applied to an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer includes at least two subarrays; each subarray includes at least two array elements; the method includes:

[0006] Obtain the target point of the transducer array;

[0007] Based on the target point, the isophase point of the target point relative to the array element is obtained; the isophase point is located on the receiving line of the subarray corresponding to the array element.

[0008] Acquire echo signals at each isophase point; the echo signals are reflected signals formed by the transmitted beam of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0009] At least one echo signal from each subarray is selected and superimposed to obtain the composite signal at the target point.

[0010] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining the isophase point of the target point relative to the array element based on the target point includes:

[0011] Based on the location of the target point, the propagation time of the echo signal is obtained; the propagation time includes the time it takes for the echo signal to travel from the target point to the array element.

[0012] Equiphase points are obtained based on the propagation time and the superposition delay of the array elements; the superposition delay includes the delay time of the array elements in the beamforming stage of the corresponding subarray.

[0013] In one embodiment, the step of selecting at least one echo signal from each subarray for superposition processing to obtain the composite signal at the target point includes:

[0014] By comparing the corresponding times of each isophase point in the subarray, at least one isophase point in the subarray to be superimposed is determined.

[0015] The equal-phase points to be superimposed are weighted and superimposed to obtain the composite signal at the target point.

[0016] In one embodiment, the step of comparing the corresponding times of each isophase point of the subarray to determine at least one isophase point of the subarray to be superimposed includes:

[0017] Obtain the time difference between any two equiphase points of the subarray at corresponding moments;

[0018] If the difference is less than the preset threshold, the two equiphase points corresponding to the difference will be treated as one equiphase point to be superimposed.

[0019] If all the differences corresponding to the equiphase points are greater than or equal to the preset threshold, then the equiphase points are determined as the equiphase points to be superimposed.

[0020] In one embodiment, the step of weighted superposition of the isophase points to be superimposed to obtain the composite signal at the target point includes:

[0021] The equal-phase points of the subarray to be superimposed are weighted and superimposed to obtain the sub-signal of the subarray; the sub-signal is the signal synthesized by the subarray for the target point.

[0022] The sub-signals are weighted and superimposed to obtain the composite signal at the target point.

[0023] In one embodiment, the weighted superposition process includes multiple weights corresponding one-to-one with each isophase point to be superimposed; the weights are determined based on the positional relationship between the array element corresponding to the isophase point to be superimposed and the target point.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0025] Acquire the composite signal at multiple target points within the target area of ​​the transducer array;

[0026] Based on the synthesized signals at each target point, an image of the target region is obtained.

[0027] Secondly, this application provides a beamforming device applied to an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer includes at least two subarrays; each subarray includes at least two array elements; the device includes:

[0028] The array target acquisition module is used to acquire the target points of the transducer array;

[0029] The equal-phase point acquisition module is used to obtain the equal-phase point of the target point relative to the array element based on the target point; the equal-phase point is located on the receiving line of the subarray corresponding to the array element;

[0030] The echo signal receiving module is used to acquire the echo signals at each isophase point; the echo signal is a reflected signal formed by the transmitted beam of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0031] The signal superposition processing module is used to select at least one echo signal from each subarray for superposition processing to obtain the composite signal at the target point.

[0032] Thirdly, this application provides an ultrasonic imaging device, which includes an ultrasonic transducer and a processing unit; the transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer includes at least two subarrays, each subarray being connected to the processing unit; the subarray includes at least two array elements.

[0033] The processing unit stores a computer program, and when the processing unit executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method described above.

[0034] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the above-described method.

[0035] The aforementioned beamforming method, apparatus, ultrasonic imaging device, and storage medium acquire a target point of the transducer array. Based on the target point, the isophase points of the target point relative to the array elements can be determined, and then the echo signals at each isophase point can be acquired. By selecting at least one echo signal from each subarray and performing superposition processing, the synthesized signal at the target point can be obtained. This method, by acquiring the signals at the isophase points of the target point relative to the array elements and then performing superposition processing, can increase the superposition coherence of the array element signals, thereby improving the ultrasonic imaging resolution at the target point. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a beamforming method in an example.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of beamforming error in an example.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of beamforming error in another example;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a beamforming method in one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a beamforming method in one embodiment;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the beamforming steps in one embodiment;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the beamforming step in another embodiment;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the beamforming step in yet another embodiment;

[0044] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the beamforming step in another embodiment;

[0045] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a beamforming method in an example.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the beamforming method in another embodiment;

[0047] Figure 12 This is a structural block diagram of a beamforming device in one embodiment;

[0048] Figure 13 This is an internal structural diagram of the processing unit in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0049] 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.

[0050] As ultrasound applications shift from two-dimensional to three-dimensional, traditional mechanical scanning linear array probes struggle to focus in the direction of mechanical rotation, resulting in poor resolution of the 3D image in that direction. Two-dimensional probes can focus simultaneously in both azimuth and elevation directions, but they often have thousands of array elements, all requiring cable connections to the system processing module, leading to high costs and energy consumption. Currently, microwave beamforming can be achieved by dividing the transducer array into multiple subarrays. During the receiving phase, each subarray processor processes the echo signal from the subarray transducer, performs delay and beamforming, and transmits the summed signal to the system module, significantly reducing the number of cables required. Alternatively, it can be achieved by having the subarray receiving beamformer only steering and remaining unchanged throughout a transmit-receive cycle, while the system processor dynamically focuses the subarray signal and / or performs parallel multi-line reception, reducing the complexity of the subarray processor and maintaining a certain imaging frame rate. However, since the original element received signal cannot be reconstructed, how the system processor can re-beamform the partially beamformed signal remains a challenge.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, traditional technology uses a dynamic focusing method at the system processor end, treating each subarray as a large array element, and dynamically focusing the signal after microwave beam synthesis as the signal received by the large array element to form a scan line. Figure 1 In the diagram, subarray 1 contains elements 11 and 12, and subarray 2 contains elements 21 and 22. The number of subarrays and elements within each subarray are shown for illustrative purposes only. L1 and L2 are the receiving lines after microwave beam combining from subarrays 1 and 2, respectively. Point C is the target point for the system beam combiner to synthesize the signal from the subarray signals. Assuming that not all subarrays are focused at point C, the signals can be superimposed by selecting only one time point from each receiving line L1 and L2. For example, selecting point P1 on receiving line L1 (equidistant from the center of subarray 1 to point C) and point P2 on receiving line L2 (equidistant from the center of subarray 2 to point C), and superimposing the signals from point P1 and P2, yields the signal at target point C. However, this method introduces errors because the subarrays are not focused at point C, resulting in inconsistent focal points for the two-stage beam combining. Figure 2 As shown, assuming 32 is the ideal delay line for the entire array at point C, in the traditional microwave beamforming scheme, 31 is the delay line for system-end beamforming, and 311 and 312 are the delay lines for subarray 1 and subarray 2, respectively. The superposition of delay lines 31, 311, and 312 together constitutes the delay line of the traditional scheme. Figure 3As shown, 310 is the delay value that can be operated at the system end, and 320 is the delay value that can be operated at the subarray. In microwave beamforming, after the superposition of the two-stage delay values, 320 is the actual delay value of the array element signal. Since the subarray has already performed partial beamforming, each subarray has its own focus. The focus of the subarray is inconsistent with the focus of the system beamforming. The delay line of the traditional scheme has an error compared with the ideal delay line, resulting in the signals from the target point not being completely coherently superimposed. This application proposes a beamforming method, device, ultrasonic imaging equipment, and storage medium that can enhance coherence and improve ultrasonic imaging resolution.

[0052] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, a beamforming method is provided, which is applied to an ultrasonic transducer. The transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer includes at least two subarrays; each subarray includes at least two array elements; the method includes:

[0053] Step 410: Obtain the target point of the transducer array;

[0054] Specifically, the target point of the transducer array can be the target point from which the beam-synthesized signal is to be obtained. This can be achieved by acquiring at least one target point, performing beam-synthesizing processing on each target point, and obtaining the signal at the target point. The signal at the target point can then be used for ultrasound imaging.

[0055] In some examples, such as Figure 5 As shown, subarray 1 and subarray 2 are two subarrays in the transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer. Subarray 1 includes array element 11 and array element 12, and subarray 2 includes array element 21 and array element 22. Point C is a target point for obtaining the signal after beamforming. Point C can be any target point selected within the imaging area.

[0056] Step 420: Based on the target point, obtain the isophase point of the target point relative to the array element; the isophase point is located on the receiving line of the subarray corresponding to the array element.

[0057] Specifically, based on the target point, the isophase points of the target point relative to each element of the subarray can be determined on the receiving line of the subarray. The receiving line of the subarray can be formed by beamforming the echo signals received by each element of the subarray. That is, each subarray can be treated as a large element, and the signal after microwave beamforming is dynamically focused as the signal received by the large element to form the receiving line. For example, the subarray may include a first element and a second element. On the receiving line of the subarray, the isophase points of the first element and the second element can be obtained respectively. By selecting the isophase points of different elements for the superposition processing of echo signals, coherence can be enhanced and the resolution of ultrasound imaging can be improved.

[0058] In some examples, the transducer array can be implemented using any form of array, such as a planar array, a one-dimensional array, or a two-dimensional array. For example... Figure 5 As shown, receiving line L1 is the signal after microwave beam combining of subarray 1, and receiving line L2 is the signal after microwave beam combining of subarray 2, i.e. the signal obtained by beam combining in the first stage. Based on the target point C, the equiphase point P11 of the target point C relative to array element 11 and the equiphase point P12 of the target point C relative to array element 12 can be determined on the receiving line L1 of subarray 1; the equiphase point P21 of the target point C relative to array element 21 and the equiphase point P22 of the target point C relative to array element 22 can be determined on the receiving line L2 of subarray 2.

[0059] Step 430: Obtain the echo signal at each isophase point; the echo signal is the reflected signal formed by the transmitted beam of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0060] Specifically, the ultrasonic transducer can emit a beam-formed reflected signal into the imaging area; each subarray can acquire the echo signal at each isophase point on the receiving line, and then perform further beamforming processing on the echo signal to obtain the signal at the target point.

[0061] In some examples, such as Figure 5 As shown, echo signals at equiphase points P11, P12, P21, and P22 can be obtained respectively.

[0062] Step 440: Select at least one echo signal from each subarray and perform superposition processing to obtain the composite signal at the target point;

[0063] Specifically, at least one echo signal from each subarray can be selected, and the selected echo signals from each subarray can be superimposed, for example, by weighted superposition, to obtain the composite signal at the target point. By selecting the echo signals from the subarrays, the computational load of the superposition process can be reduced.

[0064] In some examples, such as Figure 5As shown, at least one echo signal from subarray 1, namely the echo signal at isophase point P11 and / or isophase point P12, and at least one echo signal from subarray 2, namely the echo signal at isophase point P21 and / or isophase point P22, can be selected. The echo signals selected from subarray 1 and subarray 2 are then superimposed to obtain the composite signal at target point C. For example, the signal amplitudes of four points, namely isophase points P11, P12, P21, and P22, can be superimposed to obtain the signal amplitude at target point C, thus completing the second-stage beamforming at target point C. Through the above method, even after partial beamforming, the received signals of all array elements are coherently superimposed, thereby improving the quality of ultrasound imaging at the target point.

[0065] This application acquires the target point of the transducer array in real time. Based on the target point, the isophase points of the target point relative to the array elements can be determined, and then the echo signals at each isophase point can be acquired. By selecting at least one echo signal from each subarray and performing superposition processing, a composite signal at the target point can be obtained. The above method increases the superposition coherence of the array element signals by selecting and superimposing the signals at the isophase points of the target point relative to the array elements, thereby improving the ultrasonic imaging resolution at the target point.

[0066] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the steps for obtaining the isophase point of the target point relative to the array element, based on the target point, include:

[0067] Step 610: Based on the location of the target point, obtain the propagation time of the echo signal; the propagation time includes the time it takes for the echo signal to propagate from the target point to the array element;

[0068] Step 620: Based on the propagation time and the superposition delay of the array elements, obtain the equiphase points; the superposition delay includes the delay time of the array elements in the beamforming stage of the corresponding subarray.

[0069] Specifically, the propagation time of the echo signal from the target point to the array element can be obtained based on the target point's location. The superposition delay of the array elements can be used as the delay in the subarray beamforming stage. Based on the propagation time and the superposition delay of the array elements, the isophase point can be obtained. For example, the corresponding time of the isophase point on the subarray receiving line can be obtained based on the propagation time and the superposition delay of the array elements, thus determining the isophase point. By determining the isophase point based on the propagation time and the superposition delay of the array elements, the isophase point used for echo signal superposition processing is related to the positional relationship between the array element and the target point, as well as the microwave beamforming delay of the array element, thereby enhancing coherence and improving the quality of ultrasound imaging.

[0070] In some examples, the isophase point can be determined using the following formula:

[0071] t C-L =t C +t delay

[0072] In the formula, t C-L t represents the corresponding time on the subarray receiving line where the target point is in phase with respect to the array element; C t represents the propagation time of the echo signal from the target point to the subarray. delay This represents the delay of each array element during the subarray beamforming stage, i.e., the delay value of each array element after the subarray is focused. By adding the propagation time and the superimposed delay, the time when the equal-phase point is on the receiving line can be obtained.

[0073] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the steps for selecting at least one echo signal from each subarray and superimposing it to obtain the composite signal at the target point include:

[0074] Step 710: Compare the corresponding times of each isophase point of the subarray to determine at least one isophase point of the subarray to be superimposed.

[0075] Step 720: Perform weighted superposition on each isophase point to obtain the composite signal at the target point.

[0076] Specifically, the corresponding times of each isophase point in the subarray can be compared. For example, isophase points with similar corresponding times can be merged to determine at least one isophase point to be superimposed in each subarray. The isophase points to be superimposed can be weighted and then superimposed to obtain the composite signal at the target point. By comparing the corresponding times of each isophase point in the subarray, the computational load of the weighted superposition process can be reduced by decreasing the number of isophase points to be superimposed, thereby improving the efficiency of imaging.

[0077] In some examples, since the target point is located at different positions relative to different array elements, different equiphase points on the same subarray receiving line can be superimposed using weighted superposition. For example, the equiphase points to be superimposed on the same receiving line can be first weighted and superimposed to obtain the weighted superposition result of the subarray (e.g., the sub-signal of the subarray); then the weighted superposition result of each subarray of the transducer array can be further weighted and superimposed to obtain the synthesized signal of the transducer array at the target point.

[0078] In one embodiment, the weighted superposition process includes multiple weights corresponding one-to-one with each isophase point to be superimposed; the weights are determined based on the positional relationship between the array element corresponding to the isophase point to be superimposed and the target point.

[0079] Specifically, each weight can be multiplied one-to-one with the signal amplitude of each isophase point to be superimposed, and then the weighted signal amplitudes of each isophase point to be superimposed are summed to obtain the amplitude of the composite signal at the target point. The weights can be determined based on the distance between the array element corresponding to the isophase point to be superimposed and the target point. For example, for array elements with a larger distance from the target point, the weight of the corresponding isophase point can be determined to be a lower value; for array elements with a smaller distance from the target point, the weight of the corresponding isophase point can be determined to be a lower value. If the distance between the target point and the subarray is greater than a preset value, i.e., the target point is farther away, it is not necessary to obtain the distance from the target point to each array element; instead, the distance from the target point to one of the array elements in the subarray, or to the center of the subarray, can be obtained to determine the corresponding weight. For array elements with a larger angle of deviation from the target point (e.g., the angle between the line connecting the array element and the target point, or the angle between the line connecting the array element and the subarray receiving line), the weight of the corresponding isophase point can be determined to be a lower value; for array elements with a smaller angle of deviation from the target point, the weight of the corresponding isophase point can be determined to be a higher value. The weights for weighted superposition are determined based on the positional relationship between the array elements corresponding to the isophase points to be superimposed and the target point. The determined weights are related to the positional relationship between the array elements and the target point, thus achieving the apodization effect.

[0080] In some examples, the weights of the isophase points corresponding to the array elements can be determined by combining the distance between the array elements and the target point, as well as the deflection angle between the array elements and the target point. The weights can be obtained using functions such as the Hamming window and the Hanning window, or based on the array element directional function or other methods.

[0081] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the step of determining at least one isophase point to be superimposed in the subarray by comparing the corresponding times of each isophase point of the subarray includes:

[0082] Step 810: Obtain the difference between corresponding times of any two equiphase points of the subarray;

[0083] Step 820: If the difference is less than a preset threshold, then the two equiphase points corresponding to the difference are treated as one equiphase point to be superimposed.

[0084] Step 830: If all the differences corresponding to the equiphase points are greater than or equal to the preset threshold, then the equiphase points are determined as the equiphase points to be superimposed.

[0085] Specifically, the time difference between any two isophase points of the subarray can be obtained. This time difference can be a time difference. If the difference is less than a preset threshold, the two isophase points corresponding to this difference can be equated to a single isophase point to be superimposed. For example, the equated isophase point can be either one of the two isophase points corresponding to the difference, or it can be an isophase point derived from the average of the two isophase points corresponding to the difference (e.g., the isophase point corresponding to the average of the corresponding times). A difference less than the preset threshold typically occurs when the target point is a far-field target point relative to the subarray. The preset threshold can be the period corresponding to the system frequency of the ultrasonic transducer, etc. For far-field target points of the subarray, all isophase points to be superimposed in the subarray can be considered as a single point. Only the signal amplitude of the equated isophase point is used as the superimposed value. The signal amplitude of the equated isophase point can be superimposed multiple times without weakening the signal amplitude. By equating isophase points with differences less than the preset threshold, the computational load of the weighted superposition process can be reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of ultrasonic imaging. To achieve a gradually increasing distance between the target point and the subarray in the synthesized signal, if the difference between the corresponding times of the selected equiphase points is less than a preset threshold, the signal amplitude at only one equiphase point can be superimposed multiple times, reducing the computational load at the far-field points. If all the differences corresponding to the equiphase points are greater than or equal to the preset threshold—for example, if the difference between the corresponding times of a certain equiphase point and all other equiphase points is greater than or equal to the preset threshold—then that equiphase point can be determined as the equiphase point to be superimposed.

[0086] In some examples, for instance, if the subarray has three equiphase points, and the difference between corresponding times of two equiphase points is less than a preset threshold, then one of the two equiphase points can be selected as the equiphase point to be superimposed. The equiphase points obtained from the two equiphase points can be superimposed at least twice, so that the signal amplitude is not weakened. If the difference between the corresponding times of the third equiphase point and the above two equiphase points is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, then the third equiphase point is also selected as the equiphase point to be superimposed.

[0087] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the steps for weighted superposition of the isophase points to obtain the composite signal at the target point include:

[0088] Step 910: Perform weighted superposition on each equal-phase point to be superimposed in the subarray to obtain the sub-signal of the subarray; the sub-signal is the signal synthesized by the subarray for the target point.

[0089] Step 920: Weighted superposition of the sub-signals to obtain the composite signal at the target point.

[0090] Specifically, for the subarray, the isophase points to be superimposed in each subarray can be weighted and superimposed to obtain the subarray's sub-signal. The sub-signal is the synthesized signal obtained by the subarray from the weighted superposition of the isophase points to be superimposed on the receiving line at the target point. The sub-signals obtained from the transducer array can then be weighted and superimposed to obtain the synthesized signal of the transducer array at the target point. Through weighted superposition, coherence can be increased, thereby improving the resolution and quality of ultrasound imaging.

[0091] In some examples, such as Figure 10 As shown, sub-aperture microwave beam combining of a subarray can form a subarray receiving line; a subarray of the transducer array and its corresponding receiving line can be selected; by obtaining the distance from the target point to each element of the subarray, the isophase points of the target point relative to each element of the subarray are determined on the subarray receiving line; if the distance difference between isophase points on the subarray receiving line is greater than or equal to a threshold, then the isophase points of the subarray are superimposed and summed to obtain the subarray's sub-signal; if the distance difference between isophase points on the subarray receiving line is less than a threshold, then the isophase points are superimposed and summed to obtain the subarray's sub-signal; if the distance difference between isophase points on the subarray receiving line is less than a threshold, then the isophase points are superimposed and summed to obtain the subarray's sub-signal. After selecting one isophase point and performing multiple superpositions, this is combined with the remaining isophase points (excluding those with a distance difference less than or equal to a threshold) to obtain the sub-signal of the subarray. If the superposition and summation of isophase points for all subarrays is not completed, a new subarray of the transducer array and its corresponding receiving line are selected to obtain the corresponding sub-signal. If the superposition and summation of isophase points for all subarrays is completed, the sub-signals for the same target point on the receiving lines of each subarray in the transducer array are superimposed and summed to obtain the signal amplitude at the target point. In the above embodiment, by determining the isophase points on the receiving lines of the subarray based on the target point, each element of the subarray, and the receiving lines of the subarray, the coherence of the signals of each element in the subsequent superposition process is enhanced. By determining the values ​​of the isophase points that need to be superimposed and summed based on the distance difference between isophase points, the computational load of superposition and summation is reduced, the signal amplitude at the target point is obtained, and the imaging resolution at the target point is ultimately improved.

[0092] In one embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the method also includes:

[0093] Step 1110: Obtain the composite signal at multiple target points within the target area of ​​the transducer array;

[0094] Step 1120: Based on the synthesized signals at each target point, obtain an image of the target region.

[0095] Specifically, the target region of the transducer array can be a target region for ultrasound imaging; the target point can be a target point in the target region from which the beam-synthesized signal is to be obtained. Each target point in the target region can be acquired, and beam-synthesizing processing can be performed on each target point separately to obtain the signal at that target point. The signals from each target point within the target region can be used to obtain ultrasound images of the target region. Based on the synthesized signals at each target point, for example, based on the signal amplitude of the synthesized signals at each target point, an ultrasound image of the target region can be obtained. By obtaining an image of the target region based on the synthesized signals that enhance the superposition coherence of the signals of each array element, the resolution of ultrasound imaging of the target region can be improved.

[0096] 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.

[0097] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a beamforming apparatus for implementing the beamforming method described above. The solution provided by this apparatus is similar to the implementation described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more beamforming apparatus embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the beamforming method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0098] In one embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, a beamforming device is provided, which is applied to an ultrasonic transducer. The transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer includes at least two subarrays; each subarray includes at least two array elements; the device includes:

[0099] The array target acquisition module 1210 is used to acquire the target points of the transducer array;

[0100] The equal phase point acquisition module 1220 is used to obtain the equal phase point of the target point relative to the array element based on the target point; the equal phase point is located on the receiving line of the subarray corresponding to the array element;

[0101] The echo signal receiving module 1230 is used to acquire the echo signal at each equal phase point; the echo signal is a reflected signal formed by the transmitted beam of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0102] The signal superposition processing module 1240 is used to select at least one echo signal from each subarray for superposition processing to obtain the composite signal at the target point.

[0103] In one embodiment, the isophase point acquisition module 1220 includes:

[0104] The propagation time acquisition unit is used to obtain the propagation time of the echo signal based on the location of the target point; the propagation time includes the time it takes for the echo signal to propagate from the target point to the array element;

[0105] The equal phase point acquisition unit is used to obtain equal phase points based on the propagation time and the superposition delay of the array elements; the superposition delay includes the delay time of the array elements in the beamforming stage of the corresponding subarray.

[0106] In one embodiment, the signal superposition processing module 1240 includes:

[0107] The unit for determining the superposition point is used to compare the corresponding times of each isophase point of the subarray and determine at least one isophase point of the subarray to be superimposed.

[0108] The weighted superposition unit is used to perform weighted superposition of each isophase point to obtain the composite signal at the target point.

[0109] In one embodiment, the unit for determining the points to be superimposed is further configured to obtain the difference between the corresponding times of any two equiphase points of the subarray; if the difference is less than a preset threshold, the two equiphase points corresponding to the difference are treated as one equiphase point to be superimposed; if each difference corresponding to the equiphase point is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the equiphase point is determined as the equiphase point to be superimposed.

[0110] In one embodiment, the weighted superposition unit is further configured to perform weighted superposition processing on each equal phase point to be superimposed in the subarray to obtain a sub-signal of the subarray; the sub-signal is a signal synthesized by the subarray for the target point; and the weighted superposition processing on each sub-signal is performed to obtain a synthesized signal at the target point.

[0111] In one embodiment, the array target acquisition module 1210 is further configured to acquire composite signals at multiple target points within the target area of ​​the transducer array; the device also includes:

[0112] The target image output module is used to obtain an image of the target region based on the synthesized signal at each target point.

[0113] Each module in the aforementioned beamforming 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.

[0114] In one embodiment, an ultrasonic imaging device is provided, the ultrasonic imaging device including an ultrasonic transducer and a processing unit; the transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer includes at least two subarrays, each subarray being connected to the processing unit; the subarray includes at least two array elements.

[0115] The processing unit stores a computer program, and when the processing unit executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method described above.

[0116] In one embodiment, a processing unit is provided, which may be a terminal, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 13 As shown, the processing unit includes a processor, memory, input / output interface, communication interface, display unit, and input device. The processor, memory, and input / output interface are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface, display unit, and input device are also connected to the system bus via the input / output interface. The processor provides computational and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The input / output interface is used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other technologies. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a beamforming method. The display unit is used to form a visually visible image and can be a display screen, projection device, or virtual reality imaging device. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input device of the processing unit can be a touch layer covering the display screen, or a button, trackball, or touchpad set on the housing of the processing unit, or an external keyboard, touchpad, or mouse, etc.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 13 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.

[0118] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described above.

[0119] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described above.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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. A beamforming method, characterized in that, The method is applied to an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer includes at least two subarrays; the subarrays include at least two array elements; the method includes: Obtain the target point of the transducer array; Based on the target point, the isophase point of the target point relative to the array element is obtained; the isophase point is located on the receiving line of the subarray corresponding to the array element; the echo signal at each of the isophase points is acquired; the echo signal is a reflected signal formed based on the transmitted beam of the ultrasonic transducer; At least one echo signal from each of the subarrays is selected and superimposed to obtain the composite signal at the target point; The step of obtaining the isophase point of the target point relative to the array element based on the target point includes: Based on the target point, a first equal-phase point of the target point relative to the first array element and a second equal-phase point of the target point relative to the second array element are determined on the first receiving line of the first sub-array; a third equal-phase point of the target point relative to the third array element and a fourth equal-phase point of the target point relative to the fourth array element are determined on the second receiving line of the second sub-array; the first receiving line is the signal after microwave beam combining of the first sub-array and the second receiving line is the signal after microwave beam combining of the second sub-array.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the isophase point of the target point relative to the array element based on the target point includes: Based on the location of the target point, the propagation time of the echo signal is obtained; the propagation time includes the time it takes for the echo signal to propagate from the target point to the array element; The isophase point is obtained based on the propagation time and the superposition delay of the array elements; the superposition delay includes the delay time of the array elements in the beamforming stage of the corresponding subarray.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of selecting at least one echo signal from each of the subarrays for superposition processing to obtain the composite signal at the target point includes: By comparing the corresponding times of each of the equiphase points of the subarray, at least one equiphase point of the subarray to be superimposed is determined; The equal-phase points to be superimposed are weighted and superimposed to obtain the composite signal at the target point.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of comparing the corresponding times of each of the isophase points of the subarray to determine at least one isophase point to be superimposed in the subarray includes: Obtain the difference between corresponding times of any two equiphase points of the subarray; If the difference is less than a preset threshold, then the two equiphase points corresponding to the difference are treated as one equiphase point to be superimposed. If the difference values ​​corresponding to the equiphase points are all greater than or equal to the preset threshold, then the equiphase points are determined as the equiphase points to be superimposed.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of weighted superposition of the equal-phase points to be superimposed to obtain the composite signal at the target point includes: The equal-phase points to be superimposed in the subarray are weighted and superimposed to obtain the sub-signal of the subarray; the sub-signal is the signal synthesized by the subarray for the target point; The sub-signals are weighted and superimposed to obtain the composite signal at the target point.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The weighted superposition process includes multiple weights that correspond one-to-one with each of the isophase points to be superimposed; the weights are determined based on the positional relationship between the array element corresponding to the isophase point to be superimposed and the target point.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Acquire the synthesized signal at multiple target points within the target area of ​​the transducer array; Based on the synthesized signals at each of the target points, an image for the target region is obtained.

8. A beamforming device, characterized in that, The device is applied to an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer includes at least two subarrays; the subarrays include at least two array elements; the device includes: An array target acquisition module is used to acquire target points of the transducer array; An isophase point acquisition module is used to obtain the isophase point of the target point relative to the array element based on the target point; the isophase point is located on the receiving line of the subarray corresponding to the array element; An echo signal receiving module is used to acquire the echo signal at each of the said isophase points; the echo signal is a reflected signal formed based on the transmitted beam of the ultrasonic transducer. The signal superposition processing module is used to select at least one echo signal from each of the subarrays for superposition processing to obtain the composite signal at the target point; The equal-phase point acquisition module is further configured to determine, based on the target point, a first equal-phase point of the target point relative to a first array element and a second equal-phase point of the target point relative to a second array element on a first receiving line of a first sub-array; and to determine a third equal-phase point of the target point relative to a third array element and a fourth equal-phase point of the target point relative to a fourth array element on a second receiving line of a second sub-array; the first receiving line is the signal after microwave beam combining of the first sub-array, and the second receiving line is the signal after microwave beam combining of the second sub-array.

9. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, The ultrasonic imaging device includes an ultrasonic transducer and a processing unit; the transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer includes at least two sub-arrays, each of which is connected to the processing unit; each sub-array includes at least two array elements. The processing unit stores a computer program, and when the processing unit executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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