Method for high pulse sampling frequency automatic workflow of high frequency ultrasound pulse doppler

Abstract

The present application relates to the high pulse sampling frequency automatic work flow method of high frequency ultrasonic pulse Doppler, including the following steps: step 1: when adjusting pulse repetition frequency PRF, the system automatically judges current pulse repetition frequency PRF;Step 2: if it cannot be completed, it is prepared to enter high pulse sampling frequency HPRF state, step 3: pulse repetition frequency PRT is reduced to the time of transmission and reception to calculate the transmission preparation time;Step 4: transmission preparation time;Step 5: enter high pulse sampling frequency HPRF state scanning, interface draws virtual sampling door;Step 6: when adjusting depth, changing sampling door size, position and deflection angle, the time of one ultrasonic pulse Doppler mode PW transmission to sampling door and recovery changes, the system automatically judges whether high pulse sampling frequency HPRF condition can be met within pulse repetition frequency PRT time.The present application can realize automatic work flow and improve work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of high-frequency ultrasonic pulses, and more particularly to a method for an automated workflow with a high pulse sampling frequency for high-frequency ultrasonic pulse Doppler. Background Technology

[0002] Pulse Doppler ultrasound (PW) can detect echo information at the sampling gate to obtain blood flow velocity information, which is very helpful for the examination of the heart and blood vessels. The higher the pulse repetition frequency (PRF, the reciprocal of which is the pulse repetition time, PRT), the faster the speed that can be detected, and vice versa.

[0003] Existing ultrasound pulse wave (PW) modes require transmitting waveforms to a designated sampling gate and then transmitting them back. In conventional PW modes, the maximum pulse flow rate (PRF) is determined by the sampling gate depth, channel delay time, and system setting time, and cannot detect relatively high blood flow velocities.

[0004] High pulse sampling frequency (HPRF) in PW refers to the use of multiple transmissions before a single reception is completed to increase the PRF and thus improve the maximum detection speed.

[0005] The maximum detectable blood flow velocity in PW mode is limited. When the sampling gate is deep, the maximum scale of PW decreases accordingly. This can cause aliasing of high-speed blood flow signals in the PW spectrum, failing to meet the needs of preclinical high-speed blood flow detection. Furthermore, the workflow from ordinary PW scanning to PW HPRF scanning cannot be fully automated. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method for an automated workflow with a high pulse sampling frequency for high-frequency ultrasonic pulse Doppler.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A method for automated workflow of high-frequency ultrasonic pulse Doppler with high pulse sampling frequency includes the following steps: Step 1: When adjusting the pulse repetition frequency (PRF), the system automatically determines the current PRF and whether the pulse repetition time (PRT) (pulse repetition time equals 1 / PRF) is less than the time it takes for the ultrasound pulse Doppler mode PW to transmit once to the sampling gate and then be retrieved. If this can be achieved, the normal PRF scanning is maintained. Step 2: If this step cannot be completed, prepare to enter the High Pulse Frequency (HPRF) state and calculate the number of virtual sampling gates. The number of virtual sampling gates is equal to the round-trip time from the sound to the actual sample divided by the PRT, where the formula is as follows: N=2 D / (c PRT), where N is the number of virtual sampling gates above the real sampling gate, D is the distance from the probe primitive to the bottom of the sampling gate, c is the speed of sound in biological tissue, and the number of virtual sampling gates below the real sampling gate is N_down=2. (BDepth-D) / (c PRT), where BDepth refers to the scanning depth of the current B-mode image; Step 3: Subtract the transmission and reception times from the pulse repetition time (PRT) to calculate the transmission preparation time. Confirm the transmission preparation time. If it exceeds the limit of the transmission chip, automatically reduce the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and return to the normal pulse repetition frequency (PRF) scan. Step 4: Launch preparation time. If the launch chip limit is not exceeded, the position of the virtual sampling gate is calculated based on the depth of the real sampling gate and the number of virtual sampling gates. The position of each virtual sampling gate above the real sampling gate = D - (N - (i-1)). c PRF / 2, where i ranges from [2, N], and the position of each virtual sampling gate below the real sampling gate is D+j. c PRF / 2, where j takes values ​​in the range [1, N_down]; Step 5: Enter the high pulse sampling frequency (HPRF) state scan and draw a virtual sampling gate on the interface; Step 6: When adjusting the depth, changing the size, position and deflection angle of the sampling gate, the time from the transmission of an ultrasonic pulse Doppler mode PW to the sampling gate and back changes. The system automatically determines whether the conditions for high pulse sampling frequency HPRF can be met within the pulse repetition time PRT. Step 61: If the condition is met, continue in the high pulse sampling frequency (HPRF) state and repeat steps 5 and 6. Step 62: If the condition cannot be met, the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) will be automatically reduced, and the scan will revert to the normal pulse repetition frequency (PRF) scan.

[0008] Preferably, in the high-frequency ultrasonic pulse Doppler high-pulse sampling frequency automatic workflow method, virtual sampling gates may exist above and below the real sampling gate in step 4.

[0009] Preferably, in the high-frequency ultrasonic pulse Doppler high-pulse sampling frequency automatic workflow method, the virtual sampling gate in step 5 is displayed in a way that is different from the real sampling gate.

[0010] By means of the above-described solution, the present invention has at least the following advantages: This invention supports PW HPRF mode for measuring high-speed blood flow of 5 m / s; it also enables fully automatic entry and exit of PWHPRF workflow when adjusting PRF; and it also enables adjustment of depth and sampling line parameters in PW HPRF mode, and fully automatic updating and exit of HPRF workflow, thus improving work efficiency.

[0011] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the process of adjusting the PRF to automatically enter the HPRF state according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the present invention for adjusting HPRF status depth and sampling gate parameters, automatically refreshing HPRF status, and automatically reverting to normal PW scanning if the conditions are not met. Figure 3 These are the virtual sampling frame and the real sampling frame of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0014] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0015] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0016] Example like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the method for automated workflow of high-frequency ultrasonic pulse Doppler with high pulse sampling frequency includes the following steps: Step 1: When adjusting the pulse repetition frequency (PRF), the system automatically determines the current PRF and whether the pulse repetition time (PRT) (pulse repetition time equals 1 / PRF) is less than the time it takes for the ultrasonic pulse Doppler mode PW to transmit once to the sampling gate and then be retrieved. In other words, whether one transmission and reception can be completed within the PRT time. If it can be completed, the normal pulse repetition frequency (PRF) scan is maintained. Step 2: If this step cannot be completed, prepare to enter the High Pulse Frequency (HPRF) state and calculate the number of virtual sampling gates. The number of virtual sampling gates is equal to the round-trip time from the sound to the actual sample divided by the PRT, where the formula is as follows: N=2 D / (c PRT), where N is the number of virtual sampling gates above the real sampling gate, D is the distance from the probe primitive to the bottom of the sampling gate, c is the speed of sound in biological tissue, and the number of virtual sampling gates below the real sampling gate is N_down=2. (BDepth-D) / (c PRT), where BDepth refers to the scanning depth of the current B-mode image; Step 3: Subtract the transmission and reception times from the pulse repetition time (PRT) to calculate the transmission preparation time. Confirm the transmission preparation time. If it exceeds the limit of the transmission chip, automatically reduce the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and return to the normal pulse repetition frequency (PRF) scan. Step 4: Launch preparation time. If the launch chip limit is not exceeded, the position of the virtual sampling gate is calculated based on the depth of the real sampling gate and the number of virtual sampling gates. The position of each virtual sampling gate above the real sampling gate = D - (N - (i-1)). c PRF / 2, where i ranges from [2, N], and the position of each virtual sampling gate below the real sampling gate is D+j. c PRF / 2, where j takes values ​​in the range [1, N_down]; Step 5: Enter the high pulse sampling frequency (HPRF) state scan and draw a virtual sampling gate on the interface; Step 6: When adjusting the depth, changing the size, position and deflection angle of the sampling gate, the time from the transmission of an ultrasonic pulse Doppler mode PW to the sampling gate and back changes. The system automatically determines whether the conditions for high pulse sampling frequency (HPRF) can be met within the pulse repetition time (PRT). Step 61: If the condition is met, continue in the high pulse sampling frequency (HPRF) state and repeat steps 5 and 6. Step 62: If the condition cannot be met, the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) will be automatically reduced, and the scan will revert to the normal pulse repetition frequency (PRF) scan.

[0017] In step 2, c is the speed of sound propagation in biological tissue, which is usually 1540 m / s. The number of virtual sampling gates N_down below the real sampling gate is only calculated after entering the HPRF state. It does not participate in the judgment and is only used to calculate the position and display the use of virtual sampling gates.

[0018] In step 3 of this invention, the transmitting chip needs a certain preparation time during the continuous transmission of pulses = pulse repetition time PRT - transmission time - reception time, and this preparation time cannot be less than 5 nanoseconds.

[0019] In step 6 of this invention, adjusting the depth, changing the sampling gate size, position, and deflection angle are user actions. Users can adjust the depth, change the sampling gate size and deflection angle by using knobs or buttons, and adjust the sampling gate position by using the magic ball. These parameter changes will cause the distance from the primitive to the sampling gate to change. The system will automatically recalculate the HPRF state based on this change and automatically adjust the display. The adjustment method is the automatic workflow described above, which will not be elaborated further.

[0020] In step 4 of this invention, virtual sampling gates may exist both above and below the real sampling gate.

[0021] In step 5 of this invention, the virtual sampling gate is displayed in a way that is different from the real sampling gate. The way that is different means that the size and deflection angle of the virtual sampling gate are consistent with the real sampling gate. However, in order to facilitate users to quickly identify the real sampling gate from multiple sampling gates, the virtual sampling gate may adopt the following display methods, including but not limited to: the width of the virtual sampling gate is significantly smaller or larger than that of the real sampling gate; the virtual sampling gate is displayed as a dashed line; the virtual sampling gate is displayed with flashing; the virtual sampling gate is contained in a certain pattern such as a polygon or a circle, etc.

[0022] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0023] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or vertical, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for automated workflow of high-pulse sampling frequency in high-frequency ultrasonic pulse Doppler. Its features are, Includes the following steps: Step 1: When adjusting the pulse repetition frequency (PRF), the system automatically determines the current PRF, determines the pulse repetition time (PRT), the pulse repetition time is equal to 1 / PRF, and determines whether the pulse repetition time is less than the time it takes for the ultrasonic pulse Doppler mode (PW) to transmit once to the sampling gate and then be retrieved. If it can be completed, the normal PRF scanning is maintained. Step 2: If this step cannot be completed, prepare to enter the High Pulse Frequency (HPRF) state and calculate the number of virtual sampling gates. The number of virtual sampling gates is equal to the round-trip time from the sound to the actual sample divided by the PRT, where the formula is as follows: N=2 D / (c) PRT), where N is the number of virtual sampling gates above the real sampling gate, D is the distance from the probe primitive to the bottom of the sampling gate, c is the speed of sound in biological tissue, and the number of virtual sampling gates below the real sampling gate is N_down=2. (BDepth-D) / (c PRT), where BDepth refers to the scanning depth of the current B-mode image; Step 3: Subtract the transmission and reception times from the pulse repetition time (PRT) to calculate the transmission preparation time. Confirm the transmission preparation time. If it exceeds the limit of the transmission chip, automatically reduce the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and return to the normal pulse repetition frequency (PRF) scan. Step 4: Launch preparation time. If the launch chip limit is not exceeded, the position of the virtual sampling gate is calculated based on the depth of the real sampling gate and the number of virtual sampling gates. The position of each virtual sampling gate above the real sampling gate = D - (N - (i-1)). c PRF / 2, where i ranges from [2, N], and the position of each virtual sampling gate below the real sampling gate is D + j. c PRF / 2, where the value of j ranges from [1, N_down]; Step 5: Enter the high pulse sampling frequency (HPRF) state scan and draw a virtual sampling gate on the interface; Step 6: When adjusting the depth, changing the size, position and deflection angle of the sampling gate, the time for completing one ultrasonic pulse Doppler mode PW transmission to the sampling gate and back changes. The system automatically determines that the pulse repetition time PRT=1 / PRF and whether the condition of high pulse sampling frequency HPRF can be met within the pulse repetition time. Step 61: If the condition is met, continue in the high pulse sampling frequency (HPRF) state and repeat steps 5 and 6. Step 62: If the condition cannot be met, the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) will be automatically reduced, and the scan will revert to the normal pulse repetition frequency (PRF) scan.

2. The method for high-frequency ultrasonic pulse Doppler high-pulse sampling frequency automatic workflow according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step 4, virtual sampling gates may exist both above and below the real sampling gate.

3. The method for high-frequency ultrasonic pulse Doppler high-pulse sampling frequency automatic workflow according to claim 1, characterized in that: The virtual sampling gate in step 5 is displayed in a way that is different from the real sampling gate.

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