Method and system for automatically setting the pitch tilt angle of a mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system and method for automatically setting a pitch tilt angle of a mechanical oscillating ultrasound probe. The method includes acquiring, by a mechanical oscillating ultrasound probe of an ultrasound system, an ultrasound volume of a region of interest. The method includes analyzing, by at least one processor of the ultrasound system, the ultrasound volume to identify an ultrasound image slice that depicts an anatomical object of interest. The ultrasound image slice corresponds to a pitch tilt angle. The method includes setting, by the at least one processor, the mechanical oscillating ultrasound probe to the pitch tilt angle that corresponds to the ultrasound image slice that depicts the anatomical object of interest. The method includes acquiring, by the mechanical oscillating ultrasound probe, a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image at the pitch tilt angle. The method includes causing, by the at least one processor, a display system to present the 2D ultrasound image.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Certain embodiments relate to ultrasound imaging. More specifically, certain embodiments relate to a method and system for automatically setting a pitch tilt angle of a mechanical wobble ultrasound probe by analyzing a captured ultrasound volume of a region of interest to identify an ultrasound image slice that depicts an anatomical object of interest, the ultrasound image slice corresponding to the pitch tilt angle. BACKGROUND

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

[0003] When performing a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound scan using a volumetric ultrasound probe, such as a mechanical wobble ultrasound probe, the captured scan plane is typically at a central position, i.e., a pitch tilt angle of zero (0) degrees. Some ultrasound systems allow an ultrasound operator to manually change the pitch tilt angle of the captured scan plane by manipulating a knob, a slider, or other suitable user input device without moving the volumetric ultrasound probe. In this case, the ultrasound system continues to perform the 2D scan, but tilts the scan plane in the pitch direction according to the user input. This feature can be useful when scanning particular anatomical structures, such as the left and right ovaries, via a volumetric endocavity probe. However, manually adjusting the pitch tilt angle via a user input device can be difficult to use, time consuming, and / or inexperienced users can not be able to position the target plane.

[0004] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art through comparison of such systems with aspects of the present disclosure as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings. SUMMARY

[0005] A system and / or method for automatically setting a pitch tilt angle of a mechanical wobble ultrasound probe is provided substantially as shown in and / or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

[0006] These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present disclosure, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary ultrasound system that is operable to automatically set a pitch tilt angle of a mechanical wobble ultrasound probe in accordance with various embodiments.

[0008] Figure 2is a perspective view of an exemplary mechanical wobble ultrasound probe that acquires two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound images within an ultrasound volume, the 2D ultrasound images acquired at an angle tilted in the pitch direction, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0009] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing exemplary steps that can be used to automatically set a pitch tilt angle of a mechanical wobble ultrasound probe, in accordance with various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Certain embodiments can be found in methods and systems for automatically setting a pitch tilt angle of a mechanical wobble ultrasound probe. Various aspects of the present disclosure have the technical effect of automatically identifying an ultrasound image slice that depicts an anatomical object of interest in an acquired ultrasound volume. Various embodiments have the technical effect of automatically setting a pitch tilt angle of a mechanical wobble ultrasound probe to acquire a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image in response to identifying an ultrasound image slice that depicts an anatomical object of interest in an acquired ultrasound volume. Certain embodiments have the technical effect of automatically analyzing the 2D ultrasound image to determine whether to adjust the pitch tilt angle of the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe.

[0011] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. To the extent that the figures illustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of various embodiments, the functional blocks are not necessarily indicative of the division between hardware circuitry. Thus, for example, one or more of the functional blocks (e.g., processors or memories) can be implemented in a single piece of hardware or multiple pieces of hardware. Similarly, program instructions can be stored in one or more of the functional blocks and implemented in a single piece of hardware or multiple pieces of hardware. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the embodiments can be combined, or that other embodiments can be utilized, and that structural, logical, and electrical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0012] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless explicitly stated that such exclusion applies. Furthermore, references to "example implementation," "various implementations,” “some implementations,” “representative implementations,” and the like are not intended to mean that a combination of features described in connection with that implementation is the only way to implement such a feature or that all of the features described with respect to that implementation are required for a way to implement the feature. Additionally, an implementation “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or elements is not meant to be construed as excluding additional elements not specifically listed.

[0013] Additionally, as used herein, the term "image" refers to both visual images and data representing visual images in a broad sense. However, many implementations generate (or are configured to generate) at least one visual image. Moreover, as used herein, the phrase "image" is used to refer to ultrasound modalities such as B-mode (2D mode), M-mode, three-dimensional (3D) mode, CF-mode, PW Doppler, CW Doppler, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and / or sub-modes of B-mode and / or CF such as harmonic imaging, shear wave elastography (SWEI), strain elastography, TVI, PDI, B-flow, MVI, UGAP, and in some cases also MM, CM, TVD, where the "image" and / or "plane" includes a single beam or multiple beams.

[0014] Moreover, as used herein, the term processor or processing unit refers to any type of processing unit that can perform the required computations needed by the various implementations, such as single or multiple cores: CPUs, accelerated processing units (APUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), DSPs, FPGAs, ASICs, or combinations thereof.

[0015] It should be noted that the various implementations described herein that generate or form images can include processing for forming the images that in some implementations includes beamforming, while in other implementations does not include beamforming. For example, an image can be formed without beamforming, such as by multiplying a matrix of demodulated data by a matrix of coefficients, such that the product is the image, and where this process does not form any "beams." Additionally, the formation of the image can be performed using channel combinations that can originate from more than one transmit event (e.g., synthetic aperture techniques).

[0016] In various implementations, the ultrasound processing to form images, including ultrasound beamforming, such as receive beamforming, is performed in software, firmware, hardware, or combinations thereof. One specific implementation of an ultrasound system having a software beamformer architecture formed in accordance with various implementations is shown in Figure 1 .

[0017] Figure 1is a block diagram of an exemplary ultrasound system 100 that is operable to automatically set a pitch tilt angle 304 of a mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 according to various embodiments. Reference is made to Figure 1 , an ultrasound system 100 and a training system 200 are shown. The ultrasound system 100 includes a transmitter 102, a mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104, a transmit beamformer 110, a receiver 118, a receive beamformer 120, an A / D converter 122, an RF processor 124, an RF / IQ buffer 126, a user input device 130, a signal processor 132, an image buffer 136, a display system 134, and an archive 138.

[0018] The transmitter 102 can include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code that can be operable to drive the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104. The mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 can include an array of one-dimensional (ID) piezoelectric elements mounted on a transducer assembly that is movable in a single plane. For example, the transducer assembly can be movable by about 120 degrees to 150 degrees by a motor that drives a gear, a belt, and / or a cable to pivot a shaft or hub of the transducer assembly. The mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 can include a set of transmit transducer elements 106 and a set of receive transducer elements 108 that generally constitute the same elements mounted on the mechanical transducer assembly. The mechanical transducer assembly can be disposed in oil within a probe body having a probe top cover. The set of transmit transducer elements 106 can transmit ultrasound signals through the oil and the probe top cover and into a target. In certain embodiments, the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 can be operable to acquire ultrasound image data covering at least a majority of an anatomical structure, such as an ovary, a fetus, a heart, a blood vessel, or any suitable anatomical structure. The mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 can operate in a 2D ultrasound acquisition mode and / or a volume acquisition mode. In the volume acquisition mode, the transducer assembly of the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 is moved to acquire a plurality of 2D ultrasound images at a plurality of different pitch tilt angles that form an ultrasound volume. In the 2D ultrasound acquisition mode, the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 acquires a 2D ultrasound image at a particular pitch tilt angle.

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 that acquires a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image 302 within an ultrasound volume 300 at an angle tilted along a pitch direction 304 according to various embodiments. Reference is made to Figure 2 , the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 can acquire a 2D ultrasound image 302 at a particular pitch tilt angle 304. Additionally or alternatively, the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 can acquire an ultrasound volume 300 formed from a plurality of 2D ultrasound images 302 acquired at a plurality of different pitch tilt angles 304.

[0020] Referring again to Figure 1 , the transmit beamformer 110 can include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code that can be operable to control the transmitter 102 to drive the set of transmit transducer elements 106 to transmit an ultrasonic transmit signal into a region of interest (e.g., a human, an animal, a subsurface cavity, a physical structure, etc.). The transmitted ultrasonic signal can be backscattered from structures (such as blood cells or tissue) in the object of interest to produce echoes. The echoes are received by the set of receive transducer elements 108.

[0021] The set of receive transducer elements 108 in the mechanically oscillating ultrasonic probe 104 can be operable to convert the received echoes into analog signals, sub-aperture beamform by the receive sub-aperture beamformer 116, and then pass to the receiver 118. The receiver 118 can include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code that can be operable to receive the signals from the receive sub-aperture beamformer 116. The analog signals can be passed to one or more of a plurality of A / D converters 122.

[0022] The plurality of A / D converters 122 can include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code that can be operable to convert the analog signals from the receiver 118 into corresponding digital signals. The plurality of A / D converters 122 are disposed between the receiver 118 and the RF processor 124. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard, however, as the plurality of A / D converters 122 could be integrated within the receiver 118 in some embodiments.

[0023] The RF processor 124 can include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code that can be operable to demodulate the digital signals output by the plurality of A / D converters 122. According to one embodiment, the RF processor 124 can include a complex demodulator (not shown) that can be operable to demodulate the digital signals to form pairs of I / Q data representative of the corresponding echo signals. The RF or I / Q signal data can then be passed to the RF / IQ buffer 126. The RF / IQ buffer 126 can include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code that can be operable to provide temporary storage of the RF or I / Q signal data generated by the RF processor 124.

[0024] Receive beamformer 120 can include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that can be operable to perform digital beamforming processing to, for example, sum the delayed channel signals received from RF processor 124 via RF / IQ buffer 126 and output a beam-summed signal. The resulting processed information can be the beam-summed signal that is output from receive beamformer 120 and communicated to signal processor 132. According to some embodiments, receiver 118, multiple A / D converters 122, RF processor 124, and beamformer 120 can be integrated into a single beamformer, which can be digital. In various embodiments, ultrasound system 100 includes multiple receive beamformers 120.

[0025] User input device 130 can be used to input patient data, scan parameters, settings, select protocols and / or templates, select an ultrasound view, select an anatomical object of interest, select and / or adjust an elevation tilt angle, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, user input device 130 is operable to configure, manage, and / or control the operation of one or more components and / or modules in ultrasound system 100. In this regard, user input device 130 can be operable to configure, manage, and / or control the operation of transmitter 102, mechanical oscillating ultrasound probe 104, transmit beamformer 110, receiver 118, receive beamformer 120, RF processor 124, RF / IQ buffer 126, user input device 130, signal processor 132, image buffer 136, display system 134, and / or archive 138. User input device 130 can include one or more buttons, one or more rotary encoders, a touch screen, motion tracking, voice recognition, a mouse device, a keyboard, a camera, and / or any other device capable of receiving user instructions. In certain embodiments, for example, one or more of user input devices 130 can be integrated into other components, such as display system 134 or mechanical oscillating ultrasound probe 104. For example, user input device 130 can include a touch screen display.

[0026] For another example, the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 can include a mouse wheel, trackpad, or the like, to make a manual pitch tilt angle adjustment to the pitch tilt angle that is automatically selected by the signal processor 132. In various embodiments, the manual pitch tilt angle adjustment is a fine angle adjustment (e.g., 0.5 to 1.5 degree adjustment). For example, if the ultrasound system 100 automatically presents a 2D ultrasound image of an anatomical object of interest, the ultrasound operator can manually make a fine angle adjustment via the user input device 130. The user input device 130 can include a button or slider on a touchscreen display, a rotary encoder on a control panel, a trackpad on the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104, a mouse wheel on the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104, and / or any suitable user input device 130. In representative embodiments, the user input device 130 can include a button or the like to instruct the ultrasound system 100 to perform a volume rescan when the acquired 2D ultrasound image does not accurately depict the anatomical object of interest.

[0027] The signal processor 132 can include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that can be operable to process ultrasound scan data (e.g., summed IQ signals) to generate ultrasound images for presentation on the display system 134. The signal processor 132 can be operable to perform one or more processing operations according to a plurality of selectable ultrasound modalities on acquired ultrasound scan data. In example embodiments, the signal processor 132 can be used to perform display processing and / or control processing, among others. Acquired ultrasound scan data can be processed in real-time during a scan session as echo signals are received. Additionally or alternatively, ultrasound scan data can be temporarily stored in the RF / IQ buffer 126 during a scan session and processed in a less real-time manner in online or offline operations. In various embodiments, processed image data can be presented at the display system 134 and / or can be stored in the archive 138. The archive 138 can be a local archive, a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), or any suitable device for storing images and related information.

[0028] The signal processor 132 can be one or more central processing units, microprocessors, microcontrollers, or the like. For example, the signal processor 132 can be an integrated component or can be distributed in various locations. In example embodiments, the signal processor 132 can include a detection processor 140 and a probe movement processor 150. The signal processor 132 can be operable to receive input information from the user input device 130 and / or the archive 138, generate output that can be displayed by the display system 134, and manipulate the output in response to input information from the user input device 130, among others. For example, the signal processor 132, the detection processor 140, and the probe movement processor 150 can be operable to perform any of the methods and / or instruction sets described herein according to various embodiments.

[0029] The ultrasound system 100 can be capable of operating to continuously acquire ultrasound scan data at a frame rate appropriate for the imaging situation under consideration. Typically, the frame rate is in the range of 20 to 120, but can be lower or higher. The acquired ultrasound scan data can be displayed on the display system 134 at the same frame rate, or at a slower or faster display rate. An image buffer 136 is included for storing processed frames of acquired ultrasound scan data that are not scheduled for immediate display. Preferably, the image buffer 136 has sufficient capacity to store at least several minutes of frames of ultrasound scan data. The frames of ultrasound scan data are stored in an order from which they are readily retrievable according to the order or time of their acquisition. The image buffer 136 can be embodied as any known data storage medium.

[0030] The signal processor 132 can include a detection processor 140 comprising suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code that can be operable to analyze the acquired ultrasound volume 300 to identify an ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts an anatomical object of interest (e.g., a desired anatomical structure or a view of a desired anatomical structure). For example, the anatomical object of interest can be a particular anatomical structure, such as an ovarian follicle, a left ovary, a right ovary, a fetus, a heart, and / or any suitable anatomical structure. As another example, the anatomical object of interest can be a particular view of an anatomical structure, such as a four-chamber (4CH) or two-chamber (2CH) view of a heart, or any suitable view of any suitable anatomical structure. The detection processor 140 can be configured to receive a selection of the anatomical object of interest. For example, the detection processor 140 can receive a selection of a 4CH view of a heart from an ultrasound operator via the user input device 130 at the start of an ultrasound examination. Additionally and / or alternatively, the detection processor 140 can be configured to automatically determine the anatomical object of interest. For example, the detection processor 140 can be configured to analyze the acquired ultrasound volume 300 and determine, based on the analysis, that the anatomical object of interest is an ovarian follicle. The ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest and is identified by the detection processor corresponds to a pitch tilt angle 304. For example, the ultrasound slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest is a 2D ultrasound image 302 acquired at a particular pitch tilt angle 304 as part of the acquisition of the ultrasound volume 300. The detection processor 140 can include image analysis algorithms, artificial intelligence algorithms, one or more deep neural networks (e.g., convolutional neural networks), and / or any suitable form of image analysis techniques or machine learning processing functionality configured to identify ultrasound image slices 302 that depict the anatomical object of interest in the ultrasound volume 300. The detection processor 140 can present the identified ultrasound image slice 302 at the display system 134 and / or store the identified ultrasound image slice 302 at the archive 138 and / or any suitable data storage medium.

[0031] The detection processor 140 can include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code that can be operable to automatically identify ultrasound image slices 302 that depict an anatomical object of interest in the acquired ultrasound volume 300. In various embodiments, the detection processor 140 can be provided as a deep neural network that can be composed of, for example, an input layer, an output layer, and one or more hidden layers between the input layer and the output layer. Each layer can be composed of a plurality of processing nodes that can be referred to as neurons. For example, the detection processor 140 can include an input layer having a neuron for each pixel or group of pixels of the ultrasound volume 300 of the region of interest. The output layer can have a neuron that corresponds to an ultrasound slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. Each neuron of each layer can perform a processing function and pass the processed ultrasound image information to one of a plurality of neurons of a downstream layer for further processing. For example, a neuron of a first layer can learn to identify structural edges in the ultrasound image data. A neuron of a second layer can learn to identify shapes based on the detected edges from the first layer. A neuron of a third layer can learn the location of the identified shape relative to landmarks in the ultrasound image data. The processing performed by the detection processor 140 deep neural network (e.g., a convolutional neural network) is capable of high probability identification of ultrasound image slices 302 that depict an anatomical object of interest in the acquired ultrasound volume 300.

[0032] The detection processor 140 can be configured to provide the pitch tilt angle 304 of the identified ultrasound image slice 302 to the probe movement processor 150. As detailed below, the probe movement processor 150 can be configured to automatically set the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 to the pitch tilt angle 304 corresponding to the ultrasound image slice 302 depicting the anatomical object of interest. The mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 is configured to acquire 2D ultrasound images at the pitch tilt angle 304 set by the probe movement processor 150. In various embodiments, the detection processor 140 can include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code that can operate to automatically analyze the acquired 2D ultrasound images to determine whether the acquired 2D ultrasound images continue to accurately depict the anatomical object of interest. For example, if the ultrasound operator inadvertently moves the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 or the anatomical object of interest moves (e.g., a fetus), the pitch tilt angle set for the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 can no longer provide 2D ultrasound images of the anatomical object of interest. The detection processor 140 can be configured to analyze the 2D ultrasound images in view of the ultrasound slices 302 identified in the ultrasound volume 300 to determine whether the 2D ultrasound images provide the desired view of the anatomical object of interest. In an example embodiment, if the 2D ultrasound images no longer accurately depict the anatomical object of interest, the detection processor 140 can be configured to instruct the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 to acquire a new ultrasound volume 300 of the region of interest, which the detection processor 140 analyzes to identify new ultrasound image slices 302 that depict the anatomical object of interest. In a representative embodiment, the detection processor 140 can be configured to instruct the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 to acquire a new ultrasound volume 300 of only a portion of the region of interest for analysis by the detection processor 140. For example, the detection processor 140 can apply image quality thresholds to determine an amount of movement of the desired view of the anatomical object of interest. For example, an amount of movement that does not significantly affect image quality can not result in a rescan of the volume, an amount of movement that moderately affects image quality of the anatomical object of interest can result in a rescan of a portion of the region of interest near the current pitch tilt angle, and an amount of movement that is large enough that the anatomical object of interest is no longer visible in the 2D ultrasound images can result in a full rescan of the region of interest. The detection processor 140 can be configured to apply image quality thresholds to determine whether to perform a full volume rescan, a partial volume rescan, or no volume rescan. In various embodiments, the detection processor 140 can be configured to automatically analyze only every nth acquired 2D ultrasound image. For example, the detection processor 140 can be configured to analyze every 5th, 10th, 20th, or any suitable number of acquired 2D ultrasound images to determine whether the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted.

[0033] The detection processor 140 can include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code that can be operable to automatically analyze the acquired 2D ultrasound images to determine whether the acquired 2D ultrasound images continue to accurately depict the anatomical object of interest. The detection processor 140 can include image analysis algorithms, artificial intelligence algorithms, one or more deep neural networks (e.g., convolutional neural networks) and / or can utilize any suitable form of image analysis techniques or machine learning processing functionality configured to classify the amount of movement between the 2D ultrasound images and the previously identified ultrasound slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. In various embodiments, the detection processor 140 can be provided as a deep neural network that can be comprised of, for example, an input layer, an output layer, and one or more hidden layers between the input layer and the output layer. Each layer can be comprised of a plurality of processing nodes that can be referred to as neurons. For example, the detection processor 140 can include an input layer having a neuron for each pixel or group of pixels of the 2D ultrasound images. The output layer can have a neuron corresponding to the amount of movement between the 2D ultrasound images and the previously identified ultrasound slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. Each neuron of each layer can perform a processing function and pass the processed ultrasound image information to one of a plurality of neurons of a downstream layer for further processing. For example, a neuron of a first layer can learn to identify structural edges in the ultrasound image data. A neuron of a second layer can learn to identify shapes based on the detected edges from the first layer. A neuron of a third layer can learn the location of the identified shapes relative to landmarks in the ultrasound image data. The processing performed by the detection processor 140 deep neural network (e.g., convolutional neural network) is capable of classifying the amount of movement between the 2D ultrasound images and the previously identified ultrasound slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest with a high probability.

[0034] The signal processor 132 can include a probe movement processor 150 that includes suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that can be operable to automatically set the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 to a pitch tilt angle 304 corresponding to the ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. For example, the probe movement processor 150 can be configured to receive the pitch tilt angle 304 from the detection processor 140. The probe movement processor 150 can instruct the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 to move a transducer assembly having a one-dimensional (ID) array of piezoelectric elements to the selected pitch tilt angle 304. The mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 can move the transducer assembly to the set pitch tilt angle 304 and acquire 2D ultrasound images at the pitch tilt angle 304 set by the probe movement processor 150. In various embodiments, the probe movement processor 150 can be configured to receive a manual pitch tilt angle adjustment that belongs to a fine angle adjustment (e.g., 0.5 to 1.5 degree adjustment) via the user input device 130. For example, if the ultrasound system 100 presents a 2D ultrasound image of the anatomical object of interest at the display system 134, the ultrasound operator can manually provide the fine angle adjustment to the probe movement processor 150 via the user input device 130. The probe movement processor 150 can be configured to adjust the pitch tilt angle 304 of the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 based on the fine angle adjustment.

[0035] The display system 134 can be any device capable of communicating visual information to a user. For example, the display system 134 can include a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, and / or any suitable display or displays. The display system 134 can be operable to present the ultrasound image slice 302 that is identified as having the anatomical object of interest, the 2D ultrasound images acquired at the set pitch tilt angle 304, and / or any suitable information.

[0036] The archive 138 can be one or more computer-readable memories integrated with and / or communicatively coupled to the ultrasound system 100, such as a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), a server, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a CD, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a compact flash memory, a flash memory, a random access memory, a read only memory, an electrically erasable and programmable read only memory, and / or any suitable memory. The archive 138 can include a database, a library, a set of information, or other memory accessed by and / or in conjunction with the signal processor 132, for example. The archive 138 can be capable of storing data temporarily or permanently, for example. The archive 138 can be capable of storing medical image data, data generated by the signal processor 132, and / or instructions readable by the signal processor 132, among others. In various embodiments, for example, the archive 138 stores the ultrasound volume 300, the ultrasound image slices 302, instructions for identifying ultrasound image slices 302 depicting an anatomical object of interest, instructions for automatically moving the pitch tilt angle of the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104, instructions for analyzing 2D ultrasound images acquired by the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 at selected pitch tilt angles 304, and / or instructions for providing full and / or partial rescan commands.

[0037] The components of the ultrasound system 100 can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, and / or the like. The various components of the ultrasound system 100 can be communicatively connected. The components of the ultrasound system 100 can be implemented separately and / or integrated in various forms. For example, the display system 134 and the user input device 130 can be integrated as a touch screen display.

[0038] Still referring to Figure 1 The training system 200 can include a training engine 210 and a training database 220. The training engine 160 can include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that can be operable to train neurons of a deep neural network (e.g., an artificial intelligence model) that is inferred (i.e., deployed) by the detection processor 140. For example, the artificial intelligence model inferred by the detection processor 140 can be trained to automatically identify ultrasound image slices 302 depicting an anatomical object of interest using a database 220 of classified ultrasound volumes of the anatomical object of interest. For example, the training engine 210 can train the deep neural network deployed by the detection processor 140 to automatically classify an amount of movement between 2D ultrasound images and previously identified ultrasound slices 302 depicting an anatomical object of interest using a database 220 of classified 2D ultrasound images.

[0039] In various embodiments, the database 220 of training images can be a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) or any suitable data storage medium. In particular embodiments, the training engine 210 and / or the training image database 220 can be a remote system communicatively coupled to the ultrasound system 100 via a wired or wireless connection, as shown in FIG. 1. Additionally and / or alternatively, components or all of the training system 200 can be integrated with the ultrasound system 100 in various forms. Figure 1

[0040] Figure 3 is a flowchart 400 illustrating example steps 402-412 that can be used to automatically set a pitch tilt angle 304 of a mechanical oscillation ultrasound probe 104, in accordance with various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, Figure 3 is a flowchart 400 including example steps 402-412. Certain embodiments can omit one or more of the steps described, perform the steps in a different order than listed, and / or combine certain steps discussed below. For example, some steps can not be performed in certain embodiments. As another example, certain steps can be performed at a different time than the time order listed below, including at the same time.

[0041] At step 402, the mechanical oscillation ultrasound probe 104 of the ultrasound system 100 acquires an ultrasound volume 300 of a region of interest. For example, the mechanical oscillation ultrasound probe 104 can include a one-dimensional (ID) array of piezoelectric elements mounted on a transducer assembly that can be moved in a single plane. The mechanical oscillation ultrasound probe 104 can operate in a volume acquisition mode in which the transducer assembly of the mechanical oscillation ultrasound probe 104 is automatically moved to acquire a plurality of ultrasound image slices 302 at a plurality of different pitch tilt angles 304, and in which the plurality of ultrasound image slices 302 form the ultrasound volume 300.

[0042] ​At step 404, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 can analyze the ultrasound volume 300 to identify an ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts an anatomical object of interest, the ultrasound image slice 302 corresponding to a pitch tilt angle 304. For example, the detection processor 140 of the signal processor 132 can be configured to receive a selection of an anatomical object of interest and / or can be configured to automatically determine an anatomical object of interest. The ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest and that is identified by the detection processor corresponds to a pitch tilt angle 304. For example, the ultrasound slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest is a 2D ultrasound image 302 that was acquired at a particular pitch tilt angle 304 as part of the acquisition of the ultrasound volume 300 at step 402. The detection processor 140 can include image analysis algorithms, artificial intelligence algorithms, one or more deep neural networks (e.g., convolutional neural networks), and / or can utilize any suitable form of image analysis techniques or machine learning processing functionality configured to identify ultrasound image slices 302 that depict anatomical objects of interest in the ultrasound volume 300. The detection processor 140 can be configured to provide the pitch tilt angle 304 of the identified ultrasound image slice 302 to the probe movement processor 150.

[0043] At step 406, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 can set the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 to the pitch tilt angle 304 that corresponds to the ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. For example, the probe movement processor 150 of the signal processor 132 can be configured to receive the pitch tilt angle 304 from the detection processor 140. The probe movement processor 150 can instruct the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 to move the transducer assembly having the one-dimensional (ID) array of piezoelectric elements to the selected pitch tilt angle 304. The mechanical wobble ultrasound probe 104 can move the transducer assembly to the set pitch tilt angle 304 as instructed by the probe movement processor 150.

[0044] At step 408, the ultrasound system 100 can acquire and render two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound images at the set tilt angle 304. For example, the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 set to the tilt angle 304 at step 406 acquires 2D ultrasound images for rendering at the display system 134. In various embodiments, the probe movement processor 150 of the signal processor 132 can be configured to receive manual tilt angle adjustments belonging to fine angle adjustments (e.g., 0.5 to 1.5 degree adjustments) via the user input device 130. For example, if the ultrasound system 100 is rendering 2D ultrasound images of the anatomical object of interest at the display system 134, the ultrasound operator can manually provide fine angle adjustments to the probe movement processor 150 via the user input device 130. In this case, the process 400 returns to step 406 to set the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 to the tilt angle 304 based on the fine angle adjustments.

[0045] At step 410, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 can analyze the 2D ultrasound images to determine whether the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted. For example, the detection processor 140 of the signal processor 132 can be configured to automatically analyze the acquired 2D ultrasound images to determine whether the acquired 2D ultrasound images continue to accurately depict the anatomical object of interest. For example, if the ultrasound operator inadvertently moves the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 or the anatomical object of interest moves (e.g., a fetus), the tilt angle set for the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 can no longer provide 2D ultrasound images of the anatomical object of interest. The detection processor 140 can be configured to analyze the 2D ultrasound images in terms of the ultrasound slices 302 identified in the ultrasound volume 300 to determine whether the 2D ultrasound images provide the desired view of the anatomical object of interest. The detection processor 140 can include image analysis algorithms, artificial intelligence algorithms, one or more deep neural networks (e.g., convolutional neural networks), and / or can utilize any suitable form of image analysis techniques or machine learning processing functionality configured to classify the amount of movement between the 2D ultrasound images and the previously identified ultrasound slices 302 depicting the anatomical object of interest. In various embodiments, the detection processor 140 can be configured to automatically analyze only every nth acquired 2D ultrasound image. For example, the detection processor 140 can be configured to analyze every 5th, 10th, 20th, or any suitable number of acquired 2D ultrasound images to determine whether the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted.

[0046] At step 412, if the amount of movement is less than an image quality threshold, the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted and the process 400 returns to step 408 to continue acquiring and displaying 2D ultrasound images at the set pitch tilt angle. If the amount of movement exceeds the image quality threshold, the process returns to step 402 to perform a volumetric rescan. In example embodiments, if the 2D ultrasound images no longer accurately depict the anatomical object of interest, the detection processor 140 can be configured to instruct the mechanical oscillating ultrasound probe 104 to acquire a brand new ultrasound volume 300 of the region of interest or to acquire a partial ultrasound volume around the set pitch tilt angle 304. For example, the detection processor 140 can apply an image quality threshold to the amount of movement of the desired view of the anatomical object of interest determined at step 410. In certain embodiments, a lesser amount of movement that does not significantly affect image quality can not result in rescan of a volume, a moderate amount of movement that affects image quality of the anatomical object of interest can result in rescan of a portion of the region of interest around the current pitch tilt angle, and a greater amount of movement that the anatomical object of interest is no longer visible in the 2D ultrasound images can result in a full rescan of the region of interest. The detection processor 140 can be configured to apply the image quality threshold to determine whether to perform a full volumetric rescan at step 402, to perform a partial volumetric rescan at step 402, or to not perform a volumetric rescan and the process 400 returns to step 408. The process 400 can continue until the ultrasound examination has been completed.

[0047] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a method 400 and system 100 for automatically setting a pitch tilt angle 304 of a mechanical oscillating ultrasound probe 104. According to various embodiments, the method 400 can include acquiring 402, by a mechanical oscillating ultrasound probe 104 of an ultrasound system 100, an ultrasound volume 300 of a region of interest. The method 400 can include analyzing 404, by at least one processor 132, 140 of the ultrasound system 100, the ultrasound volume 300 to identify an ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts an anatomical object of interest. The ultrasound image slice 302 corresponds to a pitch tilt angle 304. The method 400 can include setting 406, by the at least one processor 132, 150, the mechanical oscillating ultrasound probe 104 to the pitch tilt angle 304 that corresponds to the ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. The method 400 can include acquiring 408, by the mechanical oscillating ultrasound probe 104, a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image at the pitch tilt angle 304. The method 400 can include causing 408, by the at least one processor 132, the display system 134 to present the 2D ultrasound image.

[0048] In example implementations, the method 400 can include analyzing 410, by the at least one processor 132, 140, the 2D ultrasound image to determine whether the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted based on an amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice 302 and the 2D ultrasound image. In representative implementations, when the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice 302 and the 2D ultrasound image is below a first image quality threshold, the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image, the method 400 includes acquiring 408, by the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104, an additional 2D ultrasound image at the pitch tilt angle 304. The method 400 includes causing 408, by the at least one processor 132, the display system 134 to present the additional 2D ultrasound image. In various implementations, when the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice 302 and the 2D ultrasound image is above the first image quality threshold and below a second image quality threshold, the anatomical object of interest is not accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image, the method 400 includes acquiring 402, by the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104, an additional ultrasound volume 300 of a portion of the region of interest around the pitch tilt angle 304. The method 400 includes analyzing 404, by the at least one processor 132, 140, the additional ultrasound volume 300 to identify a new ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. The new ultrasound image slice 302 corresponds to a new pitch tilt angle 304. The method 400 includes setting 406, by the at least one processor 132, 150, the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 to the new pitch tilt angle 304 that corresponds to the new ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. The method 400 includes acquiring 408, by the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104, an additional 2D ultrasound image at the new pitch tilt angle 304. The method 400 includes causing 408, by the at least one processor 132, the display system 134 to present the additional 2D ultrasound image. In certain implementations, when the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice 302 and the 2D ultrasound image is above the first image quality threshold and above the second image quality threshold, the anatomical object of interest is not accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image, the method 400 includes acquiring 402, by the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104, an additional ultrasound volume 300 of the region of interest around the pitch tilt angle 304. The method 400 includes analyzing 404, by the at least one processor 132, 140, the additional ultrasound volume 300 to identify a new ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. The new ultrasound image slice corresponds to a new pitch tilt angle 304. The method 400 includes setting 406, by the at least one processor 132, 150, the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 to the new pitch tilt angle 304 that corresponds to the new ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest.The method 400 includes acquiring 408, by the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104, an additional 2D ultrasound image at the new pitch tilt angle 304. The method 400 includes causing 408, by the at least one processor 132, the display system 134 to present the additional 2D ultrasound image. In an example embodiment, the anatomical object of interest is one or both of a particular anatomical structure or a particular ultrasound image view of a particular anatomical structure. In a representative embodiment, the method 400 can include receiving 408, by the at least one processor 132, 150, a user input that makes a fine angular adjustment to the pitch tilt angle 304. The method 400 can include setting 406, by the at least one processor 132, 150, the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 to the adjusted pitch tilt angle 304 based on the fine angular adjustment. The method 400 can include acquiring 408, by the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104, an adjusted two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image at the adjusted pitch tilt angle 304. The method 400 can include causing 408, by the at least one processor 132, the display system 134 to present the adjusted 2D ultrasound image.

[0049] Various embodiments provide a system 100 for automatically setting a pitch tilt angle of a mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe. The system 100 can include a mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104, at least one processor 132, 140, 150, and a display system 134. The mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 can be configured to acquire an ultrasound volume 300 of a region of interest. The mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 can be configured to acquire a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image at a pitch tilt angle 304. The at least one processor 132, 140 can be configured to analyze the ultrasound volume 300 to identify an ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts an anatomical object of interest. The ultrasound image slice 302 corresponds to the pitch tilt angle 304. The at least one processor 132, 150 can be configured to set the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 to the pitch tilt angle 304 that corresponds to the ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. The display system 134 can be configured to present the 2D ultrasound image.

[0050] In representative embodiments, the at least one processor 132, 140 is configured to analyze the 2D ultrasound image to determine whether the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted based on an amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice 302 and the 2D ultrasound image. In various embodiments, when the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice 302 and the 2D ultrasound image is below a first image quality threshold, the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image, the mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 is configured to acquire an additional 2D ultrasound image at the pitch tilt angle 304. The display system 134 can be configured to present the additional 2D ultrasound image. In certain embodiments, when the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice 302 and the 2D ultrasound image is above the first image quality threshold and below a second image quality threshold, the anatomical object of interest is not accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image, the mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 is configured to acquire an additional ultrasound volume 300 of a portion of the region of interest around the pitch tilt angle 304. The at least one processor 132, 140 is configured to analyze the additional ultrasound volume 300 to identify a new ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. The new ultrasound image slice 302 corresponds to a new pitch tilt angle 304. The at least one processor 132, 150 is configured to set the mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 to the new pitch tilt angle 304 corresponding to the new ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. The mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 is configured to acquire an additional 2D ultrasound image at the new pitch tilt angle 304. The display system 134 can be configured to present the additional 2D ultrasound image. In exemplary embodiments, when the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice 302 and the 2D ultrasound image is above the first image quality threshold and above the second image quality threshold, the anatomical object of interest is not accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image, the mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 is configured to acquire an additional ultrasound volume 300 of the region of interest. The at least one processor 132, 140 is configured to analyze the additional ultrasound volume 300 to identify a new ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. The new ultrasound image slice 302 corresponds to a new pitch tilt angle 304. The at least one processor 132, 150 is configured to set the mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 to the new pitch tilt angle 304 corresponding to the new ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. The mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 is configured to acquire an additional 2D ultrasound image at the new pitch tilt angle 304. The display system 134 can be configured to present the additional 2D ultrasound image. In representative embodiments, the at least one processor 132, 150 is configured to receive user input for fine angular adjustments to the pitch tilt angle 304.The at least one processor 132, 150 is configured to set the mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 to the adjusted tilt angle of elevation 304 based on the fine angle adjustment. The mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 is configured to acquire an adjusted two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image at the adjusted tilt angle of elevation 304. The display system 134 is configured to present the adjusted 2D ultrasound image. In various embodiments, the mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 includes a user input device 130 configured to provide the fine angle adjustment of the tilt angle of elevation to the at least one processor 132, 150.

[0051] Certain embodiments provide a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program having at least one code section. The at least one code section is executable by a machine for causing an ultrasound system 100 to perform steps 400. The steps 400 can include receiving 402 an ultrasound volume 300 of a region of interest from a mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 of the ultrasound system 100. The steps 400 can include analyzing 404 the ultrasound volume 300 to identify an ultrasound image slice 302 depicting an anatomical object of interest. The ultrasound image slice 302 corresponds to a tilt angle of elevation 304. The steps 400 can include setting 406 the mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 to the tilt angle of elevation 304 corresponding to the ultrasound image slice 302 depicting the anatomical object of interest. The steps 400 can include receiving 408 a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image from the mechanical sweep ultrasound probe 104 at the tilt angle of elevation 304. The steps 400 can include causing 408 a display system 134 to present the 2D ultrasound image.

[0052] In various embodiments, step 400 can include analyzing 410 the 2D ultrasound image to determine whether the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted based on an amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice 302 and the 2D ultrasound image. In certain embodiments, when the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image based on the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image being below a first image quality threshold, step 400 can include receiving 408 an additional 2D ultrasound image from the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 at the pitch tilt angle 304. Step 400 can include causing 408 the display system 134 to present the additional 2D ultrasound image. In an exemplary embodiment, when the anatomical object of interest is not accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image based on the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice 302 and the 2D ultrasound image being above the first image quality threshold and below a second image quality threshold, step 400 can include receiving 402 an additional ultrasound volume 300 of a portion of the region of interest near the pitch tilt angle 304 from the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104. Step 400 can include analyzing 404 the additional ultrasound volume to identify a new ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. The new ultrasound image slice 302 corresponds to a new pitch tilt angle 304. Step 400 can include setting 406 the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 to the new pitch tilt angle 304 corresponding to the new ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. Step 400 can include receiving 408 an additional 2D ultrasound image from the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 at the new pitch tilt angle 304. Step 400 can include causing 408 the display system 134 to present the additional 2D ultrasound image. In a representative embodiment, when the anatomical object of interest is not accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image based on the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice 302 and the 2D ultrasound image being above the first image quality threshold and above the second image quality threshold, step 400 can include receiving 402 an additional ultrasound volume 300 of the region of interest from the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104. Step 400 can include analyzing 404 the additional ultrasound volume to identify a new ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. The new ultrasound image slice 302 corresponds to a new pitch tilt angle 304. Step 400 can include setting 406 the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 to the new pitch tilt angle 304 corresponding to the new ultrasound image slice 302 that depicts the anatomical object of interest. Step 400 can include receiving 408 an additional 2D ultrasound image from the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe 104 at the new pitch tilt angle 304. Step 400 can include causing 408 the display system 134 to present the additional 2D ultrasound image. In various embodiments, step 400 can include receiving 408 user input that makes a fine angular adjustment to the pitch tilt angle 304.Step 400 can include setting 406 the mechanical swing ultrasonic probe 104 to the adjusted tilt angle of pitch 304 based on the fine angle adjustment. Step 400 can include receiving 408 an adjusted two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image at the adjusted tilt angle of pitch 304 from the mechanical swing ultrasonic probe 104. Step 400 can include causing 408 the display system 134 to present the adjusted 2D ultrasound image.

[0053] As used herein, the term “circuitry” refers to physical electronic components (e.g., hardware) and any software and / or firmware (“code”) which can configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware, and / or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, a particular processor and memory can comprise first “circuitry” when executing one or more first codes, and can comprise second “circuitry” when executing one or more second codes. As used herein, “and / or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and / or”. As an example, “x and / or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. As another example, “x, y, and / or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. As used herein, the term “exemplary” means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the terms “for example” and “e.g.” introduce a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. As used herein, circuitry is “operable to” and / or “configured to” perform a function whenever the circuitry comprises the necessary hardware and code (if applicable) to perform the function, regardless of whether

[0054] Other embodiments can provide a computer- readable device and / or a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and / or a machine-readable device and / or a non-transitory machine-readable medium, having stored thereon, a machine code and / or a computer program having at least one code section executable by a machine and / or a computer, thereby causing the machine and / or computer to perform the steps for automatically setting a tilt angle of pitch of a mechanical swing ultrasonic probe as described herein.

[0055] Accordingly, the present disclosure can be embodied in hardware and / or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). The present disclosure can be a system, a method, or an apparatus that can include any of the features described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in a computer program product, which can include a computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that can be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform processes described herein. The computer-readable medium can include, but is not limited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, erasable programmable

[0056] Various embodiments can also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which - when loaded in a computer system - is able to carry out these methods. Computer program means or computer program in the present context mean any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.

[0057] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain implementations, it is understood that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular implementation disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all implementations falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: acquiring, by a mechanical wobble ultrasound probe of an ultrasound system operating in a volumetric acquisition mode, an ultrasound volume of a region of interest; analyzing, by at least one processor of the ultrasound system, the ultrasound volume to identify an ultrasound image slice depicting an anatomical object of interest, the ultrasound image slice corresponding to a pitch tilt angle; setting, by the at least one processor, the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe to the pitch tilt angle corresponding to the ultrasound image slice depicting the anatomical object of interest; acquiring, by the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe operating in a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound acquisition mode, a 2D ultrasound image at the pitch tilt angle; and presenting, by the at least one processor, the 2D ultrasound image to a display system.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising analyzing, by the at least one processor, the 2D ultrasound image to determine whether the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted based on an amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image. when the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image based on the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image being below a first image quality threshold:

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, acquiring, by the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe, an additional 2D ultrasound image at the pitch tilt angle; and presenting, by the at least one processor, the additional 2D ultrasound image to the display system. when the anatomical object of interest is not accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image based on the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image being above the first image quality threshold and below a second image quality threshold:

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, acquiring, by the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe, an additional ultrasound volume of a portion of the region of interest near the pitch tilt angle; analyzing, by the at least one processor, the additional ultrasound volume to identify a new ultrasound image slice depicting the anatomical object of interest, the new ultrasound image slice corresponding to a new pitch tilt angle; setting, by the at least one processor, the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe to the new pitch tilt angle corresponding to the new ultrasound image slice depicting the anatomical object of interest; acquiring, by the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe, an additional 2D ultrasound image at the new pitch tilt angle; and presenting, by the at least one processor, the additional 2D ultrasound image to the display system. when the anatomical object of interest is not accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image based on the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image being above the first image quality threshold and above the second image quality threshold:

5. The method of claim 2, wherein, acquiring, by the mechanical wobble ultrasound probe, an additional ultrasound volume of the region of interest; analyzing, by the at least one processor, the additional ultrasound volume to identify a new ultrasound image slice depicting the anatomical object of interest, the new ultrasound image slice corresponding to a new pitch tilt angle; ​ The at least one processor sets the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe to a new pitch angle corresponding to the new ultrasound image slice depicting the anatomical object of interest; Additional 2D ultrasound images are acquired by the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe at the new pitch angle; and The at least one processor causes the display system to present the additional 2D ultrasound image.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The anatomical object of interest is one or both of the following: Specific anatomical structures, or A specific ultrasound image view of a specific anatomical structure.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: The at least one processor receives user input for fine-angle adjustment of the pitch tilt angle; The at least one processor sets the mechanically oscillating ultrasonic probe to the adjusted pitch angle based on the fine angle adjustment; The mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe acquires adjusted two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound images at the adjusted pitch and tilt angle; and The at least one processor causes the display system to present the adjusted 2D ultrasound image.

8. An ultrasound system, the ultrasound system comprising: A mechanically oscillating ultrasonic probe, wherein the mechanically oscillating ultrasonic probe is configured as follows: To acquire the ultrasound volume of the region of interest using the volume acquisition mode; and The system operates in a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound acquisition mode to acquire 2D ultrasound images at pitch and tilt angles. At least one processor, said at least one processor being configured to: The ultrasound volume is analyzed to identify ultrasound image slices depicting the anatomical object of interest, the ultrasound image slices corresponding to the pitch angle; and The mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe is set to a pitch angle corresponding to the ultrasound image slice depicting the anatomical object of interest; and A display system configured to present the 2D ultrasound image.

9. The ultrasound system of claim 8, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to analyze the 2D ultrasound image to determine whether the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted based on the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image.

10. The ultrasound system of claim 9, wherein, When the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image is less than a first image quality threshold, and the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image: The mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe is configured to acquire additional 2D ultrasound images at the stated pitch angle; and The display system is configured to present the additional 2D ultrasound images.

11. The ultrasound system of claim 9, wherein, When the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image is higher than a first image quality threshold and lower than a second image quality threshold, and the anatomical object of interest is not accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image: The mechanically oscillating ultrasonic probe is configured to acquire an additional ultrasonic volume of a portion of the region of interest near the pitch tilt angle. The at least one processor is configured to: analyzing the additional ultrasound volume to identify a new ultrasound image slice depicting the anatomical object of interest, the new ultrasound image slice corresponding to a new tilt angle of elevation; and setting the mechanical swing-in ultrasonic probe to the new tilt angle of elevation corresponding to the new ultrasound image slice depicting the anatomical object of interest; the mechanical swing-in ultrasonic probe is configured to acquire an additional 2D ultrasound image at the new tilt angle of elevation; and the display system is configured to present the additional 2D ultrasound image.

12. The ultrasound system of claim 9, wherein, when the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image is above a first image quality threshold and above a second image quality threshold, the anatomical object of interest is not accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image: the mechanical swing-in ultrasonic probe is configured to acquire an additional ultrasound volume of the region of interest; the at least one processor is configured to: analyze the additional ultrasound volume to identify a new ultrasound image slice depicting the anatomical object of interest, the new ultrasound image slice corresponding to a new tilt angle of elevation; and set the mechanical swing-in ultrasonic probe to the new tilt angle of elevation corresponding to the new ultrasound image slice depicting the anatomical object of interest; the mechanical swing-in ultrasonic probe is configured to acquire an additional 2D ultrasound image at the new tilt angle of elevation; and the display system is configured to present the additional 2D ultrasound image.

13. The ultrasound system of claim 8, wherein: the at least one processor is configured to: receive a user input that makes a fine angular adjustment to the tilt angle of elevation; and set the mechanical swing-in ultrasonic probe to an adjusted tilt angle of elevation based on the fine angular adjustment; the mechanical swing-in ultrasonic probe is configured to acquire an adjusted two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image at the adjusted tilt angle of elevation; and the display system is configured to present the adjusted 2D ultrasound image.

14. The ultrasound system of claim 13, wherein, the mechanical swing-in ultrasonic probe comprises a user input device configured to provide the fine angular adjustment to the tilt angle of elevation to the at least one processor.

15. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program having at least one code section, the at least one code section being executable by a machine for causing an ultrasound system to perform steps comprising: receiving an ultrasound volume of a region of interest from a mechanical swing-in ultrasonic probe of the ultrasound system operating in a volume acquisition mode; analyzing the ultrasound volume to identify an ultrasound image slice depicting an anatomical object of interest, the ultrasound image slice corresponding to a tilt angle of elevation; setting the mechanical swing-in ultrasonic probe to the tilt angle of elevation corresponding to the ultrasound image slice depicting the anatomical object of interest; receiving a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image from the mechanical swing-in ultrasonic probe operating in a 2D ultrasound acquisition mode at the tilt angle of elevation; and receiving an ultrasound volume of a region of interest from a mechanical swing-in ultrasonic probe of the ultrasound system operating in a volume acquisition mode; causing a display system to present the 2D ultrasound image.

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, comprising analyzing the 2D ultrasound image to determine whether the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted based on an amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein, when the anatomical object of interest is accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image based on the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image being below a first image quality threshold: receiving an additional 2D ultrasound image from the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe at the pitch tilt angle; and causing the display system to present the additional 2D ultrasound image by the at least one processor.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein, when the anatomical object of interest is not accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image based on the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image being above a first image quality threshold and below a second image quality threshold: receiving an additional ultrasound volume of a portion of the region of interest around the pitch tilt angle from the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe; analyzing the additional ultrasound volume to identify a new ultrasound image slice that depicts the anatomical object of interest, the new ultrasound image slice corresponding to a new pitch tilt angle; setting the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe to the new pitch tilt angle corresponding to the new ultrasound image slice that depicts the anatomical object of interest; receiving an additional 2D ultrasound image from the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe at the new pitch tilt angle; and causing the display system to present the additional 2D ultrasound image.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein, when the anatomical object of interest is not accurately depicted in the 2D ultrasound image based on the amount of movement between the ultrasound image slice and the 2D ultrasound image being above a first image quality threshold and above a second image quality threshold: receiving an additional ultrasound volume of the region of interest from the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe; analyzing the additional ultrasound volume to identify a new ultrasound image slice that depicts the anatomical object of interest, the new ultrasound image slice corresponding to a new pitch tilt angle; setting the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe to the new pitch tilt angle corresponding to the new ultrasound image slice that depicts the anatomical object of interest; receiving an additional 2D ultrasound image from the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe at the new pitch tilt angle; and causing the display system to present the additional 2D ultrasound image.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, comprising: receiving a user input that makes a fine angular adjustment to the pitch tilt angle; setting the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe to the adjusted pitch tilt angle based on the fine angular adjustment; receiving an adjusted two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image from the mechanically oscillating ultrasound probe at the adjusted pitch tilt angle; and causing the display system to present the adjusted 2D ultrasound image.

Images